We're here to bring you something fresh and exciting: a roundup of some lesser-known but still amazing finds. These archaeological gems are like buried treasure just waiting to be uncovered, and we're giving you the inside scoop!
Hercules against the Giant - The Stealing of the Cattle of Geryon
In today’s video we will be talking about the tenth labour of Hercules, the stealing of the Cattle of Geryon. Watch the video below to find out more!
Amazing Ancient Ruins Around The World That You Need To See
The world is littered with ancient ruins of man-made cities and settlements dating back thousands of years. We have compiled for you the ruins that represent the extraordinary achievements of humanity in various cultures and civilizations from South America to Mesopotamia and from Africa to Asia.
Confucius Quotes about life that still ring true today! Life changing quotes
Confucius was a philosopher, poet, and statesman of the Spring and Autumn Period in China, traditionally regarded as a model of Chinese sages. In the following video we will be going through Confucius Quotes about life that still ring true today!
Is Civilization on the Brink of Collapse?
At its height, the Roman Empire was home to about 30 % of the world’s population, and in many ways the pinnacle of human advancement. Rome became the first city in history to reach one million inhabitants and was a center of technological, legal, and economic progress. An empire impossible to topple, stable and rich and powerful.
Until it wasn’t anymore. First slowly then suddenly, the most powerful civilization on earth collapsed. If this is how it has been over the ages, what about us today? Will we lose our industrial technology, and with that our greatest achievements, from one dollar pizza to smartphones or laser eye surgery? Will all this go away too?
Hermeticism: The Ancient Wisdom of Hermes Trismegistus
The legendary figure of Hermes Trismegistus (Hermes Thrice Great) is the inspiration for the spiritual teachings known as Hermeticism. He is a syncretism (joining) of the Greek deity Hermes, the winged messenger of the Gods, and his Egyptian counterpart, the Ibis-headed moon god Thoth.
The Way of Hermes involved altered states of consciousness in which practitioners went through a training regime that involved luminous visions, spiritual rebirth, cosmic consciousness, and union with the divine beauty of universal goodness and truth to attain the salvational knowledge known as gnosis.
Recent Discoveries That Changed History
From egyptian mummies to lost religious manuscripts, in the following video we will be exploring recent discoveries that changed History. Enjoy!
It's Finally Happening! Africa Is Splitting Into Two Continents
New photographs have shown how Africa is physically splitting apart. Scientists say that this will eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean and give rise to a new continent. In today's video, we will explore what will happen to the world we know, after Africa splits.
Madonnelle Shrines of Rome: Timeless Guardians of Roman Streets and their Ancient Roots
The Madonnelle shrines, a ubiquitous presence in the streets of Rome, have captivated locals and tourists alike with their charming, yet profound, symbolism. These diminutive religious icons, often placed at street corners or mounted on walls, have been part of the Eternal City's landscape since the early modern period. However, their roots can be traced back to ancient Rome, where similar shrines were found along the roadsides. In this article, we explore the history and significance of the Madonnelle shrines, as well as their connections to their ancient Roman counterparts.
The Madonnelle Shrines: A Brief History
The Madonnelle shrines are small, often colorful, devotional images of the Madonna and Child that first began appearing in the streets of Rome during the 16th century. These icons served various purposes – from protecting travelers and pedestrians to warding off evil spirits and promoting a sense of community. Historically, local residents would light candles or oil lamps before these shrines as an act of reverence and to seek divine protection.
Over time, the Madonnelle shrines multiplied throughout the city, with some estimates suggesting that at their peak, there were over 3,000 of these sacred images adorning Rome's streets. Today, many of these shrines remain lovingly maintained by local families or neighborhood associations, serving as visual reminders of Rome's rich spiritual and artistic heritage.
Connections to Ancient Roman Road Shrines
Although the Madonnelle shrines are distinctively Christian in nature, their origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman practice of placing sacred images, known as 'lares,' along the roadsides. These lares were guardian deities, often represented as small statues or altars, that protected travelers and households. The tradition of installing lares in public spaces, such as street corners or crossroads, was a means for the ancient Romans to seek divine guidance and protection during their daily journeys.
The practice of venerating lares declined with the rise of Christianity, but the tradition of placing sacred images in public spaces persisted. The Madonnelle shrines are a continuation of this ancient practice, adapted to the Christian context.
Similarities and Differences
There are notable similarities between the Madonnelle shrines and the ancient Roman road shrines. Both traditions involve placing sacred images in public spaces, often at intersections or crossroads, to provide protection and guidance to passersby. Additionally, both the Madonnelle shrines and the lares were often maintained by local residents, who took responsibility for their upkeep.
However, there are also significant differences between the two traditions. The Madonnelle shrines are specifically Christian, featuring the Virgin Mary and Jesus, whereas the ancient Roman road shrines depicted various deities. Moreover, the artistic styles of the Madonnelle shrines and ancient Roman lares differ, with the former often featuring elaborate and colorful depictions, while the latter were typically more subdued in their design.
The Madonnelle shrines of Rome are more than just beautiful works of art – they are also a testament to the city's enduring spiritual traditions, dating back to ancient Rome. By examining the similarities and differences between the Madonnelle shrines and their ancient Roman counterparts, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious significance of these sacred images. As you walk the streets of Rome, take a moment to appreciate the presence of these timeless guardians, who have served the city and its residents for centuries.
Hellas: The Heliopolis Hegemony
The Heliopolis Hegemony, a realm where the ancient and the futuristic converge, stands as a testament to the eternal struggle between tradition and progress. As the descendants of Greece grapple with the weight of their storied past and the lure of an uncertain future, the tale of the Heliopolis Hegemony continues to unfold in the ever-expanding tapestry of the multiverse.
An Iraqi palace discovered by archaeologists could offer insights into an ancient civilization
Have you ever wondered about the ancient civilizations that existed long before our time? The ones that have left their mark on history, but whose stories have been lost to the sands of time? Well, prepare to be amazed, as experts have recently made an incredible discovery in Iraq that could shed light on a long-lost civilization.
They have unearthed a 4,500-year-old palace that has been hidden for centuries, and it could hold the key to unlocking a fascinating chapter of human history. Join us as we delve into the secrets of this incredible archaeological find, and explore the tantalizing possibilities of what we may learn about the past from this amazing discovery.
The director of the British Museum called it one of the most fascinating sites he has ever visited. However, the archaeologist who led the discovery of a lost Sumerian temple in the ancient city of Girsu said he was accused of making it up and wasting funding. This is despite the fact that the director of the British Museum called it one of the most fascinating sites he has ever visited.
Dr. Sebastien Rey was the leader of the team that led to the discovery of the palace in modern-day Iraq that dates back 4,500 years and is considered to hold the key to additional knowledge about one of the earliest known civilizations.
During research that took place in 2017, British and Iraqi archaeologists found what is now known as the Lord House of the Kings of the ancient Sumerian city Girsu, which is today situated near Tello, in the southern region of Iraq. More than two hundred cuneiform tablets were unearthed nearby the old city. These tablets included administrative records of the ancient city and were written in cuneiform.
According to what Rey has claimed, when he first presented the idea of the initiative at international conferences, nobody believed him. He shared his thoughts by stating, Everyone essentially told him that you're making it up and wasting your time as well as spending British Museum UK government cash.
Ancient Sumerians established Girsu, one of the first known cities in the history of humans. Between 3,500 and 2,000 BC, the ancient Sumerians developed writing, built the first towns, and wrote the first codes of law. Girsu is one of the earliest known cities in the history of humankind. The old city was found for the very first time 140 years ago, but ever since then, the location has been subject to plundering as well as illicit excavations.
The Girsu Project is an archaeological partnership that was initiated in 2015 and is being headed by the British Museum. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California, is providing funding for the project.
The major temple that was devoted to the Sumerian deity Ninirsu was also found, and its discovery occurred at the same time as that of the palace and the tablets. Until these ground-breaking fieldwork efforts, the sole evidence of its existence was found on ancient inscriptions that were uncovered concurrently with the first successful excavation of the ancient city.
As a direct reaction to the destruction of significant historic sites in Iraq and Syria at the hands of Islamic State, this effort is modeled after a similar initiative that was first supported by the British government. Throughout the course of its history, Girsu has provided training to more than seventy Iraqis, who have gone on to complete eight field seasons.
Since their discovery the previous year, the initial mud brick walls of the palace have been kept at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad.
The Sumerians were an ancient people who lived in the area of Mesopotamia that is now known as the eastern Mediterranean. They were responsible for several scientific accomplishments, such as the development of writing and the measurement of time.
The location of the ancient city in southern Iraq was described as one of the most intriguing locations he had ever seen by Hartwig Fischer, the director of the British Museum.
He said that the partnership between the British Museum, the state board of antiquities and heritage of Iraq, and the Getty offers an important new manner of constructing worldwide cooperative cultural heritage initiatives.
They are thrilled that the recent discoveries that are the result of this collaboration can be celebrated during today's visit, and they look forward to continuing the long-term commitment of the British Museum to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Iraq, the support of innovative research, and the education of the next generation of Iraqi archaeologists at Girsu.
Into the Abyss: Chemosynthetic Oases (Full Movie)
In this video we will be exploring hydrothermal vents, cold-seep habitats, and food-falls including whale-falls and the communities at shipwrecks. Enjoy!
What A Pistol Duel Really Looked Like
The grim reality of formal dueling as told through the story of England’s last fatal duel (between Englishmen). When Lt. Henry Hawkey discovers his wife has become the obsession of a man named James Seton, he resolves to deal with the matter by means of a gentlemanly duel. The video will also touch on the history of sword duellists, honor culture and more!
Salt, Sewage and Sinkholes: The Death of the Dead Sea
It’s the lowest place on earth. A sea in the middle of a desert. Fed by the waters of the Jordan River, nestled on the borders of Israel, Jordan and the West Bank, the Dead Sea has supported life and provided spiritual healing for millennia.
But today the Dead Sea is disappearing, its waterline receding year by year. And the fight over this diminishing resource is fueling tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.
In a visually stunning story, correspondent Eric Tlozek travels through this ancient land to unravel the mysteries of this vanishing sea.
Upstream in the Jordan Valley, the waters which feed into the Dead Sea have been diverted for agriculture and now there’s not enough to go around.
Zeyad, whose family lives in the Jordan Valley, says Palestinian farmers aren’t getting their fair share of water.
“They have a very big shortage of water. The water allocated for this village actually is less than 50% of the needed water.”
David, an Israeli farmer, says the Jewish settlers have used the water well, making an arid land productive and fertile.
‘When we came to the Jordan Valley, we found a desert’, says David, a spokesperson for settlers in the West Bank. ‘Nothing was growing here. So now the Jordan Valley is green.’
Downstream, as a result of less water, the landscape around the Dead Sea is being dramatically transformed and is collapsing in on itself. It’s creating a strange phenomenon - ‘sinkholes’.
Highways which once teemed with traffic are now buckled and broken. Holiday resorts which once hosted families are abandoned and ruined.
“It’s a spectacular landscape that developed in a few years”, says an Israeli government geologist.
Meanwhile, the faithful still believe in the waters’ healing powers even though much of the water they bless now comes from sewage pipes.
“Once the water of the river is blessed…anyone that has any kind of pain or any kind of bad feelings he can wash himself with this water and he can be healed”, says an Armenian Orthodox priest.
There’s debate about schemes which could halt the sea’s decline but there’s little political will.
“Who will pay the price for this water?”, asks one geologist.
This is an epic journey through a land with a rich history, a troubled present and an uncertain future.
“If our children will say that they wanted to save it, they can't even do it because it's too late. Everything that's happening here, it's because of us,” says Carmit, an Israeli hydrologist.
Inca Drilling Machine?
This is an exclusive video of drilling machines cuts located in Quenqo Grande in Cusco. Did the Incas had a drilling machine? Do copper chisels can do this job? Or it belongs to ancient more technically advance society.
The Bizarre Lifestyle of Assyrian Empire's Male Concubines
Assyria was a major civilization in Mesopotamia from the 21st century BC to the 7th century BC. It started as a city-state and eventually became an empire from the early Bronze Age to the late Iron Age. Watch the video to find out more!
When Polish Workers Were Renovating A Saint’s Tomb, They Made An Astonishing Discovery Inside
Workers are restoring the tomb of St. Jadwiga in Poland when they notice a slab that appears different. Curious, they decide to lift the section and find a cavity underneath filled with charcoal and plaster. And as the conservators begin to hack away at this mix, they discover the answer to a centuries-long mystery.
After Alexander the Great: A Look at the Emperors Who Inherited His Empire
The death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC left a void that echoed through the ages, marking the beginning of a tumultuous era that reshaped the ancient world. His sudden demise at the tender age of 32 thrust his vast empire into a vortex of power struggles, leading to the emergence of new rulers who would carve their own legacies from the remnants of his conquests. This article delves into the chaotic aftermath of Alexander's death, focusing on the key figures who inherited his empire and the dynasties they founded.
The Wars of the Diadochi: A Prelude to Division
Alexander's unexpected death left his empire without a designated heir, propelling it into a series of conflicts known as the Wars of the Diadochi. These wars were fought among his generals, each vying for supremacy and a piece of the vast territories that stretched from the Balkans to the Indus Valley. The initial struggle saw a division of power that favored not unity but fragmentation, leading to the eventual disintegration of the empire into separate Hellenistic kingdoms.
The Division of an Empire
The empire's division culminated in the rise of four powerful successors, or Diadochi, each carving out their own realm from Alexander's conquests. Philip III, though nominally a ruler, was sidelined due to mental illness, and Roxanna, Alexander's widow, faced challenges due to her Persian lineage. This period marked the fracturing of an empire that had been unified under Alexander's rule.
Antigonus: The Last Bid for Unity
Antigonus, one of Alexander's most ambitious generals, made a valiant attempt to preserve the unity of Alexander's empire. Despite his efforts, he was ultimately defeated, allowing the empire to disband into separate kingdoms. His descendants would go on to rule Macedonia until the Roman conquest, marking the end of Hellenistic sovereignty in the region.
Lysimachus of Thrace: Conspiracies and Revolts
Lysimachus, who had served as one of Alexander's bodyguards, proclaimed himself king of Thrace. His reign was marred by continuous conspiracies and revolts, particularly from Macedonian nobles and subjects in Asia Minor. Despite these challenges, Lysimachus's rule exemplified the struggles of Alexander's successors to maintain control over their territories.
Seleucus: Founder of the Seleucid Empire
Seleucus emerged as one of the most successful successors, inheriting a vast empire that stretched from the Mediterranean to India. His military and diplomatic prowess allowed him to consolidate his rule, founding the city of Seleucia as his capital. The Seleucid dynasty, initiated by Seleucus, would remain a significant force for centuries, despite facing internal and external challenges.
Ptolemy Soter: A Cultural Beacon in Egypt
Ptolemy Soter, declaring himself pharaoh of Egypt, founded the Ptolemaic dynasty, which would leave a lasting cultural legacy. Under his rule, Alexandria became a center of Hellenistic culture, housing wonders such as the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The dynasty, though ending with Cleopatra's death in 30 BC, significantly influenced the spread of Hellenistic culture across the Mediterranean.
Legacy of the Successors
The successors of Alexander the Great played pivotal roles in the dissemination of Hellenistic culture throughout the ancient world. Through their conquests and rule, they ensured that Greek culture, language, and traditions permeated the societies they governed. The dynasties they founded, despite the eventual rise of Rome, contributed to a cultural and intellectual renaissance that would influence subsequent generations.
In conclusion, the era following Alexander's death was marked by significant turmoil and transformation. The generals who succeeded him, each with their own vision and ambition, laid the foundations for new kingdoms that would carry forward the legacy of Hellenistic culture. Their reigns, fraught with conflict and conquest, illustrate the complex legacy of Alexander the Great, whose empire, in its division, gave birth to a new era in ancient history.
1177 B.C.: When Civilization Collapsed | Eric Cline
In the 12th century BCE the great Bronze Age civilizations of the Mediterranean—all of them—suddenly fell apart. Their empires evaporated, their cities emptied out, their technologies disappeared, and famine ruled. Mycenae, Minos, Assyria, Hittites, Canaan, Cyprus—all gone. Even Egypt fell into a steep decline. The Bronze Age was over.
The event should live in history as one of the great cautionary tales, but it hasn’t because its causes were considered a mystery. How can we know what to be cautious of? Eric Cline has taken on on the mystery. An archaeologist-historian at George Washington University, he is the author of "1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed." The failure, he suggests, was systemic. The highly complex, richly interconnected system of the world tipped all at once into chaos.
Terrifying Rapture Sign Found At The Euphrates River
Attention all conspiracy theorists, A groundbreaking discovery has been made at the Euphrates River and it's sending shockwaves across the globe. The symbol etched into the riverbed has sparked intense debates and speculation. Is it a sign of the impending Rapture or a symbol of hope for a brighter future? As the world watches in suspense, we set out to uncover the truth behind this mysterious find. Join us on this nail-biting journey as we unravel the secrets of the symbol and reveal what it truly means for the future of humanity.
