Joe Rogan and Graham Hancock discuss geological findings that indicate various megalithic structures in Ancient Egypt are far more Ancient than the 'experts' say they are. This includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, The Great Sphinx, among other smaller pyramids in the area.
The First Monotheistic Religion? - Akhenaten's Religion of Light
Akhenaten's reign as pharaoh of ancient Egypt marked a revolutionary period in the history of religion, as it saw the introduction of what is often considered the world's first monotheistic faith. This radical shift occurred in the 14th century BCE, during the New Kingdom period of Egyptian history.
Akhenaten, initially known as Amenhotep IV, ascended to the throne in a time when the traditional Egyptian religion, with its pantheon of gods and goddesses, was deeply entrenched in the culture. However, early in his reign, Akhenaten initiated religious reforms that dramatically changed the religious landscape of Egypt. He elevated the worship of the sun disk, Aten, above all other gods, effectively diminishing the traditional polytheistic worship.
This new religion, sometimes referred to as Atenism, centered on the worship of Aten as the sole divine power. Unlike the anthropomorphic gods of traditional Egyptian religion, Aten was depicted as a disk emitting rays ending in hands, symbolizing the life-giving and sustaining power of the sun. Akhenaten portrayed himself as the sole intermediary between Aten and the people, a role that previously involved a multitude of priests dedicated to different deities.
Akhenaten's religious reforms went beyond theology; they had profound socio-political implications. He moved the capital from Thebes, a center of worship for the god Amun, to a new city, Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), dedicated to Aten. This move weakened the powerful priesthood of Amun and centralized religious and political power in the hands of the pharaoh.
Art and literature from this period also underwent significant changes, reflecting the new religious ideology. The artistic style became more realistic and less rigid, breaking away from the traditional stylized form of Egyptian art. Texts and hymns dedicated to Aten, including the Great Hymn to the Aten, reveal a focus on the universal and benevolent aspects of the deity, emphasizing the sun's life-giving force.
However, Akhenaten's monotheistic experiment was short-lived. After his death, his successors, including Tutankhamun, quickly returned to traditional Egyptian polytheism and dismantled much of what Akhenaten had established. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned, and efforts were made to erase the memory of Akhenaten and his monotheistic religion from history, a practice known as damnatio memoriae.
Akhenaten's religious revolution is significant not only for its departure from the established religious order but also for its influence on later monotheistic religions. Some scholars have speculated about possible connections between Atenism and the development of monotheistic traditions in the Near East, including Judaism. Nonetheless, Akhenaten's monotheism stands as a unique and bold foray into monotheistic belief in the ancient world, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of religious expression in human history.
10 Messed Up Things In The Life Of A Roman Gladiator
Even though Ancient Rome was great in theory, it was kind of a mess. Their politics were complicated and often led to fierce rivalries. They were almost always at war with someone, and they had a lot of enemies. But even that isn't as bad as slavery, which happened during this time. Some bad things happened in the lives of Roman gladiators. Roman slaves came from all walks of life, and depending on your skills and who your master was, things could be either bearable or really bad. I'm here to tell you about Roman slaves and what they had to go through, so let's count down the Top 10 Facts Things That Happened In The Life Of A Roman Gladiator.
Experts Discovered An Ancient Bracelet In A Cave – And It Could Change Our Understanding Of History
A chunk of shiny green rock would catch anyone’s eye, especially one sitting in a dark Siberian cave. And, as excavators inch closer, they realize that this rock has been chiseled and shaped into something – a bracelet. But they also know that this 70000 year old accessory could not have been made by human beings.
Ancient Lycian sepulcher discovered in Turkey's Antalya
A 2,400-year-old Lycian sepulcher was discovered during excavations in Turkey's southern Antalya province, near the home of Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Santa Claus.
Workers carrying out excavations at private land near Köşkerler neighborhood found the ancient sepulcher and immediately informed authorities upon the discovery.
Nuri Bilgiç, who was operating the construction equipment at the site called gendarmerie forces, who then sought assistance from Demre Lycian Civilizations Museum, Doğan News Agency (DHA) reported.
Museum director Nilüfer Sezgin arrived at the site with a team of three archaeologists and eight workers, who launched excavations to unearth the sepulcher.
The sepulcher measuring five meters in length and four meters in width, is very similar to the sepulchers discovered near the ancient city of Myra, Sezgin said.
She noted that the sepulcher had a single chamber with three lids and was most likely swallowed by alluvium after the Myros streamlet overflew in the sixth century A.D.
Museum officials said that excavations will continue around the site to see if there are any other sepulchers or artifacts.
Skeleton Found in Italy Cave Yields Oldest Neanderthal DNA
These molecules, which could be up to 170,000 years old, could one day help yield the most complete picture yet of Neanderthal life.
The calcite-encrusted skeleton of an ancient human, still embedded in rock deep inside a cave in Italy, has yielded the oldest Neanderthal DNA ever found.
These molecules, which could be up to 170,000 years old, could one day help yield the most complete picture yet of Neanderthal life, researchers say.
Although modern humans are the only remaining human lineage, many others once lived on Earth. The closest extinct relatives of modern humans were the Neanderthals, who lived in Europe and Asia until they went extinct about 40,000 years ago.
In 1993, scientists found an extraordinarily intact skeleton of an ancient human amidst the stalactites and stalagmites of the limestone cave of Lamalunga, near Altamura in southern Italy — a discovery they said had the potential to reveal new clues about Neanderthals.
"The Altamura man represents the most complete skeleton of a single nonmodern human ever found," study co-author Fabio Di Vincenzo, a paleoanthropologist at Sapienza University of Rome, told Live Science. "Almost all the bony elements are preserved and undamaged."
The Altamura skeleton bears a number of Neanderthal traits, particularly in the face and the back of the skull. However, it also possesses features that usually aren't seen in Neanderthals — for instance, its brow ridges were even more massive than those of Neanderthals. These differences made it difficult to tell which human lineage the Altamura man might have belonged to. Moreover, the Altamura skeleton remains partially embedded in rock, making it difficult to analyze.
Now, new research shows that DNA from a piece of the skeleton's right shoulder blade suggests the Altamura fossil was a Neanderthal. The shape of this piece of bone also looks Neanderthal, the researchers said.
In addition, the scientists dated the skeleton to about 130,000 to 170,000 years old. This makes it the oldest Neanderthal from which DNA has ever been extracted. (These bones are not the oldest known Neanderthal fossils — the oldest ones ever found are about 200,000 years old. This isn't the oldest DNA ever extracted from a human, either; that accolade goes to 400,000-year-old DNA collected from relatives of Neanderthals.)
The scientists detailed their findings online March 21, 2015 in the Journal of Human Evolution.
Archaeologists unearth 800-year-old mummy in Peru
Archaeologists have found a mummy estimated to be at least 800 years old on Peru’s central coast. Watch this video to know other details related to the mummy.
The Euphrates River Finally dried up but something Terrible was found!
Since the Euphrates River is on its brink to becoming completely dry, many Christians are keeping a close check on its development.
This is because the Euphrates River is mentioned in the Bible in connection with the fall of four angels after the river has completely dried up. However, very recently, a disturbing footage shows a location that made unusual sounds. It was reported that the location was on the Euphrates River, and the sound came from under the ground that came out through a breach.
The people who lived in the area believed that the voice was the voice of fallen angels that were imprisoned so that they could make a sound like they were asking for help.
What does this mean for people all around the world, and is the prophecy that was written in the Bible coming true? Is it possible that these noises are being made by angels who have been cast down? In today's video, we investigate the mysterious sounds that were captured in a clip that has believers all around the world in a state of shock.
EXCLUSIVE: A Closer Look Inside Christ's Unsealed Tomb
Scientists expose Jesus Christ's resting place for the first time in the modern era, and make an unexpected discovery. Enjoy!
Elon Musk Reveals Terrifying Truth About The ancient Pyramids
Most of the time, Elon’s candid and unfiltered tweets create controversies, and this time is no different. Elon Musk has tweeted and shared his support for certain conspiracy theories that reveal something very shocking about the Ancient Pyramids. He has suggested that one of the oldest mysteries of Egypt, and the world in general, was created by Aliens.
But Egypt's international cooperation minister does not agree with this suggestion. The minister says that there is solid proof that it was created by the workers in the country and not by aliens. The pyramids were built by gangs of workers under a national service or corvée system, with evidence of their campsites and cemeteries and the nearby limestone quarry used for construction. Moreover, the tombs of the builders are still present in Egypt, and Elon Musk is welcome to see them any time for himself instead of supporting such suggestions.
Uncovering the mysteries of the past, Elon Musk stuns the world with a shocking revelation about the ancient pyramids. Get ready to have your beliefs challenged as the truth behind these historic structures is finally revealed.
Today we will discover the terrifying truth about ancient Egypt from Elon Musk and reality!
The philosophy of cynicism
Explore the ancient Greek philosophy of cynicism, which calls for the rejection of materialism and conformity in favor of a simple life.
In the 4th century BCE, a young Diogenes of Sinope was found to be counterfeiting coins. He was stripped of his citizenship, his money, all his possessions and sent into exile. He decided he would live self-sufficiently, close to nature, without materialism, vanity, or conformity and only then could he be truly free. William D. Desmond details how Diogenes gave rise to the philosophy of cynicism.
Discoveries Made In The Jungle
In the following video we will be exploring various discoveries made in the Jungle. Enjoy!
Archaeologists discover dinosaur tail in Mexico's desert
Archaeologists in Mexico have unearthed the fossilized remains of a 72 million-year-old dinosaur tail, the country's National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) said.
The five-metre tail was the first ever found in Mexico and was unusually well-preserved, said the INAH's director Francisco Aguilar.
The team of experts, made up of archaeologists and students from INAH and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), said the tail belonged to a hadrosaur, or duck-billed dinosaur.
The tail, found in the desert near the small town of General Cepeda in the border state of Coahuila, probably made up half of the dinosaur's length, Aguilar said.
Archaeologists found the 50 vertebrae of the tail completely intact after spending 20 days slowly lifting a sedimentary rock covering the creature's bones.
Strewn around the tail were other fossilised bones, including one of the dinosaur's hips, INAH said.
Dinosaur tail finds are relatively rare, according to INAH. The new discovery could give further insights into the hadrosaur family and aid research on diseases that afflicted dinosaur bones, which resembled those of humans, Aguilar said.
Scientists have already determined that dinosaurs suffered from tumours and arthritis, for example.
Dinosaur remains have been found in many parts of the state of Coahuila, in addition to Mexico's other northern desert states.
"We have a very rich history of paleontology," Aguilar said.
He noted that during the Cretaceous period, which ended about 65 million years ago, much of what is now central northern Mexico was on the coast. This has enabled researchers to unearth remains of both marine and land-based dinosaurs.
The remains of the tail will be transferred to General Cepeda for cleaning and further investigation.
Parthenon Sculptures: "Liberation" - Status quo in Great Britain 'no longer tolerable’
While the debate over the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece is still open, "Liberation" comments in an extensive article on the British public opinion which is in favor of such a possibility.
In the French "Liberation", journalist Juliette Démas refers to the debate opened in Great Britain on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Athens and highlights the fact that the majority of public opinion is in favor of the return of the Greek marbles to their country of origin.
Juliette Démas recalls British Museum President George Osborne's remarks last December about "constructive" talks on a future agreement between the United Kingdom and Greece, and points out "that these hopes have been denied by both the Greek prime minister and the British government itself."
The article highlights British Culture Minister Michelle Donnellan's statement to the BBC that " effectively brought all discussions to a halt" and warned that any return of the statues would mean "opening Pandora's box", leaving the field open for other nations to also request the return of their exhibits from other country's museums as well.
"The British Museum and the Ministry of Culture have been throwing the ball to each other"
The article in Liberation refers to the long-running dispute between the Department of Culture and the British Museum, which, according to the report, have been "throwing the ball to each other" under a 1963 law that prevents the museum from selling or returning its collections.
A law that the government refuses to amend to ensure that "the Parthenon Sculptures [...] rightfully belong to the trustees of the British Museum" acting "within the legal framework" has led to the situation being blocked for a long time.
"Politicians and heads of these institutions thought they could avoid the issue, but this attitude is no longer possible because public opinion has changed," says Dan Hicks, professor of modern archeology at Oxford University and author of the book "The British Museums". The journalist refers to the latest YouGov poll, according to which the British are in favor of returning the marbles to Greece, with 53% in favor of their return and 20% against.
"Attitudinal change in the return of objects in Nigeria"
The journalist refers to the return of objects to Nigeria in 2022 from other British museums looted in the late 19th century, such as that of the University of Cambridge, the University of Aberdeen and the Horniman Museum in South London.
She believes that this is "a sign of a change in mentality that can already be seen in France, which returned the treasure of the Kings of Abomey to Benin in 2021, or in Germany, which has pledged to return several thousand objects to Nigeria, including bronzes from the ancient kingdom of Benin.
Referring to the Vatican's announcement last month that it would return three fragments of the Parthenon to Greece, she points to the campaign for the return of the marbles by British figures such as writer and actor Stephen Fry, who compares the "removal of the Parthenon sculptures to that of the Eiffel Tower from Paris or Stonehenge from Salisbury", but also to the opinion of Dan Hicks, who states, "No one is calling for the return of all museum objects. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis"
He recalls the controversies surrounding the restoration of works looted by the Nazi regime, noting, "This kind of debate is over and we have learned a lot from these restoration methods. What we are witnessing now is not a culture war, but simply an evolution of morality that goes hand in hand with a shift in public opinion. In fashion, the consumer is no longer just interested in a T-shirt, but asks where it came from and under what conditions it was made. The art consumer asks himself the same questions and wants clear answers: Is there someone, somewhere, who wants this object back?"
Regarding the conditions in the British Museum where the friezes and statues are kept, the journalist notes that "despite the large openings in the high ceilings, the room is dark and cold, and the beige marble is even grayer.".
A student's opinion is quoted, saying, "I have just returned from Athens, where I visited the Acropolis Museum. Its gallery is magnificent, bathed in sunlight. So I understand that the Greeks want to recover these statues, but does not the scandal surrounding them make them a little more interesting? If we start returning all the recovered items - because they were not stolen! - we will be left with empty museums. Not to mention that we have been taking care of them for two centuries."
For Evelien Kampfens, a lawyer specializing in international cultural heritage law and issues related to art theft and researcher at Leiden University in the Netherlands, "these issues should not be looked at from the perspective of ownership, but rather from the perspective of access and control."
"Who has the right to access and control these objects, and where is their location? With some monuments and objects, it's possible that multiple groups will have legitimate claims, and then creative solutions need to be found," she says, adding, "The ideal is not to return all cultural property to its country of origin, but if it's a heritage that is significant to a community, it makes sense for them to have a say in its management. Museums could then continue to display objects from around the world, but on one condition: The story told there is the right one, and interested communities can participate in the exhibition."
According to Juliette Démas, the British Museum is far from doing this. Its explanatory notes say that Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, "acquired" the sculptures and that the sultan "gave his consent.".
"In a brief chronology, it says that in 1816 Parliament considered and approved Elgin's action. The ambassador's biography particularly emphasizes the condition of the Parthenon, which was then under Ottoman occupation, and portrays Elgin as the savior of a common heritage between Greece and the United Kingdom," says Juliette Démas, underscoring the incredulity of some visitors to the British Museum, such as 74-year-old Helen, who says: "To be honest, I wonder why they are here," and Lindsey, 26, adds, "I do not think many people would miss them if they went to Greece. With documentaries and new technologies, there are other ways to see them. Sure, it's a part of history, but not necessarily a history to be proud of.
Lord Elgin: "foolish plunderer' or 'restorer of good taste"?
In another article by the same journalist entitled: "Parthenon Marbles: Lord Elgin, ‘foolish looter’ or ‘restorer of good taste?’”, reference is made to the story of Lord Elgin. Juliette Démas notes that by bringing the marbles of the Parthenon to London, the British diplomat alienated many of his contemporaries and eventually went bankrupt.
Will the Greeks see the Parthenon sculptures again?
The return of the Parthenon sculptures is also mentioned by Fabien Perrier, Liberation's correspondent in Athens, who reports that a brief offer by Britain has suddenly dashed Greece's hopes for an early return of the Parthenon Marbles, which were looted in the 19th century and are now on display in the British Museum in London. He cites a January 11 statement to the BBC by British Culture Minister Michelle Donnellan.
Referring to reports in the Greek press, such as the newspaper "TA NEA", which indicated that "a long-term cooperation" between the United Kingdom and Greece "should allow the reunification of the frieze in the Acropolis Museum", he wonders if this was a “method of self-subjugation? An attempt to pressure the British government? An attempt to pressure the British government? Or a miscalculation on the part of the Greeks?", noting that "either way, Mitsotakis had to make statements the same day Donelan said these".
"In front of the cameras, during his monthly meeting with the President of the Republic, the Greek Prime Minister admits: "I do not expect immediate results," adding: "If the world trusts us again, I believe that we can achieve the goal of returning the marbles, with absolute respect for the red lines that all governments have established.". According to the journalist, the prime minister "just before the parliamentary elections in the spring, is turning these marbles, an object of national pride and a source of diplomatic tension for decades regardless of the ruling party, into an electoral tool.".
This pride dates back to the time when ancient Athens shone over Europe in the 5th century BC, he notes, and then refers to the great works of the era of Pericles, as described by historian Francois Queirel.
For Professor Louis Godrard, honorary president of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, "it is not a monument like the others, but a symbol. It honors the values that constructed the spirit of Greece: democracy, which emerged in 508 BC, and the essential role of man in history. After all, Plutarch in the 1st century AD described the city as " clothed in the splendor of the ages, made by a living breath, inaccessible to aging". Subsequently, reference is made to the history of the Parthenon up to the sacking by Lord Elgin.
We are reminded of the struggle of Melina Merkouri that began in 1982 and what she said at the Unesco General Conference in Mexico, the constant denial of the British and their argument that the sculptures were acquired legitimately, that their exchange between museums is prohibited by one of their laws, or that they are better preserved in the British Museum than in Athens, but it says that this argument was "weakened in 2009 with the opening of the magnificent Acropolis Museum" and "collapsed in September 2019 with the images of water leaks in the gallery of the London Museum.".
The complaint of the Minister of Culture, Linas Mendoni, is highlighted "the state of neglect of the British Museum strengthens the just demand of Greece for the permanent return of the sculptures to Athens and their reunification with the Parthenon", which, as Fabien Perrier points out, the Greeks repeat it since "Melina", arguing that "these pieces of marble form a unity and tell an essential story about Greece and Europe".
"In the second half of the 20th century, at the instigation of Greece and Italy, people began to believe that it was indecent to demolish monuments in that way. From now on, the opinion is repeated to return these items in order not to mutilate the history of a country", reports Professor Gonar, stressing that in this context, although discussions between the two countries have been at a standstill for years, diplomacy allows progress, referring to Unesco's 2018 proposal to the Greek and British governments to negotiate and its 2021 decision that Greece and the United Kingdom should intensify their efforts to reach a satisfactory agreement under its auspices.
"There is hope for Athens, which wants to obtain recognition of ownership of the Parthenon Marbles," claims a source with knowledge of the matter, according to the journalist, adding that "since the end of 2021, numerous political meetings have taken place with the president of the British Museum, George Osborne, Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2016, who now works at an investment bank.".
"The Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, they all traveled to London to bring back the Sculptures," the journalist reports, and the Greek side's interlocutor clarifies to Liberation that "these negotiations are actually conducted by our Prime Minister personally." The Greeks wanted to believe it: "He wanted to reach a mutually beneficial solution. Proof that Athens is pursuing a policy of high diplomacy: the restoration of the marbles in exchange for works from the Acropolis Museum to fill the gaps created in the British Museum", reports Louis Godard, with the journalist saying that in the minds of the Greeks this was the deal. According to him, a source confides to the newspaper that "Greece bet that the marbles would stay here if they were returned.". At this point, a reference is made to a NYT research into the intentions of the British.
"On January 11, however, everything went wrong. Is it because diplomacy and intergovernmental negotiations took place in direct exchanges between the Greek prime minister and the president of the museum (who does not have the power to change the law on exchanges between museums)? Or because in Greece the leftist opposition raised the question of ownership of the marbles? Or because the British were afraid of being deceived?" asks the journalist, while the president of the Association of Greek Archeologists states that "in any case, the statement of the British minister proves that the exercise of an international cultural policy, such as the claim of the sculptures of the Parthenon, requires patience, continuity and sensitivity, and must be based on scientific arguments such as the ones of museums or Unesco.". For her, there were actions in the run-up to the elections that were useless or even threatened to lead to a step backwards. The statement of the British minister, which shows that the case is closed, is also the worst thing that has been expected for a long time.
"Certainly, the government has tried to give the public the impression that it is fighting to bring the marbles back to the country. For the Nea Dimokratia party, announcing their return would be a success, which would undoubtedly allow it to garner votes in the spring parliamentary elections," Perrier said.
Parthenon sculptures: this is what the British museum is demanding in order to return them to Greece
The Parthenon sculptures "belong to the United Kingdom" and there is no intention to return them to Greece, said British Culture Minister Michelle Donelan.
Speaking to BBC Radio, she pointed out that returning them to Greece was not in the UK's intentions. "They will not be returned. That is not its intention. It has no intention of doing that," Donnellan said of the British Museum, among other things.
However, British Museum representative Connor Watson said that "we are considering long-term partnerships" and noted that the Parthenon sculptures "belong here in the UK" and should not be returned to Greece.
Mr. Watson was asked to comment on the statement, saying, "As the chairman of the commissioners recently said, we are acting within the law and will not disband the museum's collection as it tells the story of humanity. However, we are looking for long-term partnerships that would allow some of our most important exhibits to be shared around the world. Discussions with Greece about a partnership for the Parthenon are ongoing.".
This is why archeologists are not able to uncover the first kilometer of the Via Appia
Italian archeologists trying to uncover the first kilometer of the famous Via Appia, the longest road of ancient Rome, are showing pessimism because groundwater makes it impossible to dig deep.
Appius Claudius Caecus began construction of the "queen of all roads" (regina viarum) in the 4th century BC, connecting Rome to Brindisi on the southeastern tip of Italy, a port of strategic importance for the entire Mediterranean region.
The "first kilometer" of the Via Appia is believed to be near the ancient Baths of Caracalla, about eight meters below the surface. However, months of efforts by archeologists to bring it to light are expected to be abandoned in the coming days.
Excavations reached a depth of six meters, but "groundwater is preventing us from continuing," archeology professor Riccardo Santangeli Valenciani told reporters.
However, the excavation is not considered a failure, as it revealed important finds: among them an ancient Roman statue and one of the oldest coins minted in the Papal mint (690-730 AD).
Ten impressive museums to open in 2023
2023 is a year of highly anticipated museum openings and reopenings
1. The New Cold War Museum in Denmark
Starting February 13, visitors to Denmark can experience the Cold War from a new perspective at Regan Vest - a former nuclear bunker that was one of the country's best-kept secrets for decades.
Deep in the Rold Skov forest, 200 feet below the earth's surface, Regan Vest was built in the 1960s to protect the Danish government and its queen in the event of a nuclear emergency. It was never used for the purposes for which it was built, and today's reconstruction of the entire 60,000-square-foot space gives us a glimpse into life during those decades that shaped life in Europe.
Visitors can take a guided tour of this self-contained, underground retreat, where many of the original furnishings from the time of its construction can be seen. The site also includes a new above-ground museum consisting of four black-box-like structures.
Exhibits highlight the lives of Danish citizens during the Cold War, the political fronts leading up to the war, and even the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima on the other side of the world.
2. Grand Egyptian Museum
Perhaps this will be the year that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens, which is on the list of most anticipated cultural events from 2020. While the exact date of the opening is still uncertain, GEM has officially announced that it will be sometime in 2023.
Objects from all over Egypt have been transferred to the 870,000-square-foot museum, which will be the largest archeological museum in the world, forming a large collection of ancient treasures. For the first time, the entire collection of King Tutankhamen's treasures will be on display, along with objects from Egyptian pharaonic culture to the more modern ancient Greek and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Twenty-three years ago, the Egyptian government launched a worldwide competition to design a new museum complex, and a site just two kilometers from Egypt's greatest monuments was chosen as the museum's headquarters.
Heneghan Peng Architects won the competition, and the ambitious project got underway, but had to be interrupted several times due to economic and political problems that determined the fate of the country. The museum was in danger several times due to financial problems and the consequences of the tourism recession, which emptied the country's coffers.
3. Nevada Museum of Punk and Rock Music
Loyal fans of rock and punk music will get their own Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, which will showcase the influence of punk rock on art, fashion and pop culture. The museum, which opens its doors on March 10, spans 12,000 square feet and was created by the "Punk Collective" a group of musicians and industry experts that includes Vinnie Fiorello, former drummer for U.S. ska punk band Less Than Jake, and Fletcher Dragge, guitarist for Pennywise.
Their goal is to preserve the punk rock movement for future generations and to bring the culture of the "illegitimate stepchild of rock 'n' roll" to new generations, following the motto "Nevermind the Bollocks, Here's THE PUNK ROCK MUSEUM ", which paraphrases the title of the Sex Pistols' historic record.
The Punk Rock Museum houses the world's most extensive and comprehensive display of artifacts, pamphlets, photographs, clothing, instruments, handwritten lyrics, artwork and pretty much everything donated by the people and bands involved in the creation of a musical movement and culture of an entire era.
Of course, a store where you can buy T-shirts, sweatshirts and other punk products is not to be missed, and the museum will have its own tattoo studio.
4. International African American Museum in South Carolina
The International African American Museum (IAAM) will open in the first half of 2023. It is a 1,000-square-foot facility on Gadsden's Wharf, which was the first destination for about 100,000 enslaved Africans during the heyday of the international slave trade.
Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of slavery in America and how South Carolina became a reference point for the international slave trade. They will also find exhibits about the spread of African American culture and the ways African Americans have shaped American politics and the struggle for racial justice.
The museum's permanent collection includes nine different rooms and nearly 300 works of art and historical artifacts that document the untold stories of African Americans, including the Gullah Geechee Room, which highlights the cultural practices of people from West Africa who were brought to the American Southeast.
5. Amelia Earhart Museum in Kansas
At the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atkinson, Kansas, the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, a museum honoring her enduring legacy will open this spring with a series of exhibits that capture her adventurous spirit.
Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Central Pacific near Howland Island in 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe. Her life, career and disappearance continue to capture the public's interest today. The American aviation pioneer, author and women's rights activist was the first woman to cross the Atlantic alone and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland.
In the hangars that house the museum, visitors can admire Art Deco designs reminiscent of the 1920s and '30s that shaped the history of aviation. Through 14 interactive and immersive exhibits, they learn about Earhart's life, from her childhood in Kansas to her work as an engineer and nurse to her involvement in aviation. With virtual reality goggles, they can experience a transatlantic flight and face the same weather challenges Earhart did in the Lockheed Vega 5B.
6. Museum of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Seoul
The country's first museum dedicated to artificial intelligence and robotics will open in Seoul's Chang Dong district in July 2023. Four floors will be dedicated to robotics and computer-related exhibits, with drones and other systems on display.
The innovative museum, which is scheduled to open in July, covers an area of about 7,400 square meters, and the idea was to create a space that looks futuristic. In fact, robots were used in the construction of the museum, so it's already proving what technology can do before it even opens.
The idea behind the museum is to support public education in robotics technologies, an area in which the South Korean economy has invested heavily.
The museum will not only promote the public's knowledge and interest in the technology, but also give the next generation of developers and technology enthusiasts access to some of the most cutting-edge developments. The "Robot Wonder Museum," which is affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Museum, was designed by Melike Altinisik Architects of Constantinople.
7. National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh
The National Gallery of Scotland, opened in 1859, is not a new museum. It is designed in the neoclassical style, which was popular in Britain in the 19th century. In January 2019, work began to expand the exhibition space. Despite the planning restrictions that apply to this part of the Scottish capital, visitors to the new museum will have a completely different feel and experience.
The new part of the museum, which will open in the summer, faces the famous Princes Street Gardens and creates a new access to the rooms. The first phase of the National Gallery of Scotland project was completed in 2019. It included a new entrance to the gardens on East Princes Street, a new café, a renovated restaurant, and new landscaping and walkways to improve access to the gardens and galleries.
Delays to the project were due to underground extension work beneath an iconic 19th-century building with modern 1970s additions, located above one of Edinburgh's busiest railroad tunnels.
8. The Manchester Museum
In addition to the opening of the Co-op Live Arena and Factory International, Manchester will celebrate its museum in 2023, opening to the public on Feb. 18 after a £15 million renovation that will showcase the museum's historic collections and new exhibitions.
The Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, opened in 1890 and is considered one of the largest university museums in the United Kingdom. The original neo-Gothic building, designed by famed architect Alfred Waterhouse, houses some 4.5 million objects designed to give the public a glimpse into archaeology, anthropology and natural history.
Among the new rooms is the South Asia Room, created in collaboration with the British Museum. It is the first permanent room in the United Kingdom dedicated to the experiences of South Asian diaspora communities. There will also be the new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Hall, the Belonging Hall, a brand new dinosaur exhibition and the Golden Mummies of Egypt.
Although the old facade was preserved and could not be replaced, the Purcell architectural firm involved in the renovation project decided that a two-story addition in a much more modern style would help refresh the building.
9. Factory International in Manchester
A new contemporary art museum and cultural center inspired by the 1990s Madchester music scene is set to open in Manchester in June 2023.
Called Factory International, the museum is described as a "global destination for art, culture and music". It is named after Factory Records, an independent record label that was crucial to both the Madchester movement and the careers of many bands associated with the scene, including New Order, Happy Mondays and Joy Division. The company was founded in the late 1970s by Tony Wilson and also operated the infamous Haçienda nightclub.
Designed by Rem Koolhaas' OMA, the museum is located on the site of the former Granada Studios in central Manchester. It will consist of three main spaces: the first floor, a warehouse with a capacity of 5,000 people and a hall with 1,600 seats. It will host art exhibitions, concerts, theater and opera performances, and will also be the permanent venue for the biannual Manchester International Festival.
10. Bengaluru Museum of Art and Photography
We rarely mention museums in India. The Bengaluru Museum of Art and Photography, scheduled to open in February, is expected to become one of the most important museums in the state of Karnataka. The southern city of Bengaluru has been chosen as the ideal location for a new visual arts museum that will cover all types of visual media from the last thousand years or so.
The diverse styles of South Asian art will be on display at the Museum of Art and Photography, which has a significant collection of works by Indian artists. In total, some 60,000 works of art have already been added to the collection, and the museum hopes visitors will be able to participate in a "comprehensive journey" through Indian visual culture.
In addition to the many paintings and reproductions in the museum's collection, there are also some 21st century artworks that can already be viewed digitally, such as "Painted Stitches, Woven Stories - II", a digital exhibition that focuses on Indian textile designs over the years.
What did ancient Greeks think about snow? - Scientific and philosophical views
In many parts of the world, winter is the season when it snows. Although this is less common in Greece than in northern Europe, it has become more common in recent years - especially in February.
Homer used it as the basis for several metaphors and similes in his epic poems. But what did the Greeks really think about snow? There are several myths about snow, such as its origin and causes. There are also comments of the Greek philosophers on this subject.
Did the Greeks like the snow?
Homer's mentions of snow in his epic poems show how the Greeks generally viewed it. The Odyssey describes the Elysian Fields, which in Greek mythology are equated with the afterlife, reserved for those who have the approval of the gods. It was supposed to be a kind of paradise. Homer describes it as a place "where life is easier for people. There is no snow, no heavy storm, and no rain there."
(Elysian Fields is a conception of life after death that developed over time and was maintained by certain Greek religious and philosophical sects and cults. It was originally separate from the Greek underworld - the realm of Hades. Only mortals associated with the gods and other heroes could cross the River Styx. Later, the concept of who could enter the river was expanded to include the chosen of the gods, the righteous and the heroes. They would remain on the Elysian Fields after death to live a blessed and happy afterlife, indulging in all the pleasures they had in life.)
Accordingly, snow was apparently considered a burden in life and not something to be enjoyed. It was viewed as an annoying evil in everyday life, like storms or rain. Whether Homer's comments reflect the views of most Greeks living at the time, we cannot say.
What is clear, however, is that everyone involved in a campaign thought poorly of snow. Various ancient accounts of troops marching through snowy terrain illustrate the dangers involved. Their troops and animals often got stuck in the snow and died from the cold.
Snow in Greek mythology
«Chione killed with an arrow supported by her two sons » tapestry executed after the cartoons of Toussaint Dubreuil (Paris 1561 - Paris the 22/11/1602) around 1633 by Raphaël de la Planche, adorning the desk of Nicolas Fouquet in the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte - Maincy.
In Greek mythology, there are several stories that deal with how snow came to be or what role it plays in the world. One simple belief was that it was caused by Zeus. In the Iliad, Homer mentions that Zeus brings the snow to the people with his arrows. So it seems that his arrows were blamed for certain weather phenomena, including snowfall.
Another myth attributes snow to a nymph (a type of minor deity) named Chione. This name derives directly from the ancient Greek word for snow. She was the daughter of Boreus, the god of the north winds. There seem to be few, if any, surviving myths about this snow-bringing nymph, but her name strongly suggests that the Greeks believed so.
However, she was not the only figure in Greek mythology with this name. Another Chione was the wife of Boreus. Given the name and the association with the god of the north wind, the Greeks probably thought she had something to do with snow.
Of course, the Greeks had also associated Boreus himself with snow. As the god of the north winds, he was supposed to bring the cold air from the north - especially from Thrace - to Greece.
The early poet Pindar describes Boreus as "of gloomy and icy breath" It is therefore quite possible that some Greeks held Boreus directly responsible for snow.
A third woman named Chione was the daughter of Callirrhoe, one of the Oceanids - a group of nymphs - and Nile, the god of the Nile in Egypt. It is said that Zeus carried her in the clouds and snow fell from her into the desert.
Scientific and philosophical views
The Greeks did not only write about snow in their mythology. Ancient Greek scientists and philosophers also discussed it from time to time.
One of the philosophers who had an interesting view of snow was Anaxagoras. He lived in the fifth century before Christ. Anaxagoras held that snow, although it appears white to us, is actually dark. He reasoned that snow is just frozen water, and water, according to Anaxagoras, is dark.
The word he used to describe the actual color of the snow, "melaina," is usually translated as "black". In reality, however, it usually means "dark". It was sometimes used to describe the color of wine and/or the dark color of the ocean. Perhaps Anaxagoras had in mind the dark color of the seabed.
Despite his unusual idea of the color of snow, this statement tells us something important. At least since the fifth century B.C., the Greeks have known that snow is formed from water.
Another interesting perspective comes from Seneca the Younger, a Roman philosopher of the first century AD, whose views are interesting because he was a Stoic philosopher.
This is a form of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the third century BC. He stated that snow contains more air than water. Modern science has proven this to be absolutely true. In fact, snow is about ninety percent air.
Firstly built by the Hittites, now earthquake tore it down: the castle of Gaziantep, a UNESCO monument, collapsed after 2,200 years
Gaziantep Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Anatolia built about 2,200 years ago, did not withstand the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook eastern Turkey and Syria.
The earthquake destroyed over 2,000 buildings and left over 5,000 dead and thousands injured.
Gaziantep Castle in the city of the same name, famous for its numerous castles, monuments and mosaics, was built in the 2nd century and is one of the most magnificent castles in Anatolia. The area on the "Silk Road" still has monuments that reflect its multicultural civilization over the centuries.
The bastions in the eastern, southern and southeastern parts of the historic Gaziantep Castle were destroyed by the earthquake, and the rubble was scattered along the road. The retaining wall next to the castle also collapsed.
Gaziantep Castle is a castle originally built by the Hittite Empire as a lookout point on a hill in the center of Gaziantep, Turkey.
It was later rebuilt into a main castle by the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
It was further expanded and renovated under Emperor Justinian I between 527 and 565 AD.
The circular castle has a perimeter of 1,200 meters. Its walls are built of stone and the castle has 12 towers.
The Hittites were an ancient people who played an important role in Anatolia and the rest of the Middle East. They spoke a language called Hittite, which is classified as Indo-European. Their culture is among the greatest ancient cultures. Their peak was reached in the 2nd millennium BC.
The full extent of the destruction of the castle is not yet clear.
Walking in the ancient neighbourhood under the Acropolis Museum
Walking in the ancient neighbourhood under the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, we can see House Θ, one of the oldest residences unearthed in the excavation.
Photograph: Giorgos Vitsaropoulos © Acropolis Museum
It was built in the end of the 5th cent. BC and survived until the end of the 6th century AD with many repairs and reconstructions over its millennium-long history.
Reconstruction drawing: Alexandros Nikas © Acropolis Museum
The rooms of the house are arranged around a small inner courtyard. Particularly prominent is the andron, or men’s banquet room, where the homeowner hosted his friends with an eating and drinking party – the well-known symposium.
Reconstruction drawing: Alexandros Nikas © Acropolis Museum
It has a mosaic floor that provides a sense of luxury and allows the room to be easily cleaned with plenty of water following the banquet. In the first half of the 3rd cent. BC, the courtyard was converted into a workshop area.
Reconstruction drawing: Alexandros Nikas © Acropolis Museum
Perhaps it was a fullonica, a laundry facility, where people’s clothes are washed or new fabrics are processed and whitened before being sent for dying.
The remains chiefly preserved today are from the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, as well as some from the 6th century AD.
