In today’s video we will be explaining why the 99.7% of Mongolia is completely empty. Watch the video to find out more!
The Isle of Man: a Celtic Island Nation | Manx Language & Culture
The Isle of Man (IOM) is a Celtic nation in the British Isles. It isn’t part of the UK, and is legally a “crown dependency”. We caught a ferry to Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man and spoke to local Manx people, to learn about the Manx language, Manx culture, and Manx history. We even met fluent Manx speakers who are trying to save the Manx language from extinction.
Background about the Isle of Man:
The Manx flag is called the Triskelion, or Three legs of Man. It makes more sense with the Manx motto, "Quocunque Jeceris Stabit", literally translating as 'whithersoever you throw it, it will stand'. This Manx symbol has Scandinavian origins, since there is viking history on the Isle of Man. Vikings set up the Tynwald (parliament) in the 900s. The Tynwald is the longest continuously operating parliament in the world. Eventually, the Isle of Man was transferred to Scottish rulers and, after a series of battles, was eventually captured by the English.
The Isle of Man draws it's name from the Celtic sea god, Manannán mac Lir, and the Manx language is a Goidelic language, on the same Celtic languages branch as Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. It went extinct when the last native Manx speaker, Ned Maddrell, died. But since then it has been revived, and there are 1,800 Manx language speakers today.
Beyond a unique Manx language & the Manx culture, the Isle of Man even has some unique animals. Manx cats are born without tails, and Manx loaghtan sheep can have up to six horns each. The landscape they live in is also different. The protected Manx National Glens are sheltered folds in the hillsides, where lush forests flourish. All this combines to make the Isle of Man feel distinct from its neighbours, the UK and Ireland.
The Isle of Man seems to be battling change and time, with new “come-overs”, “stop-overs”, and “stay-overs” arriving all the time. The way of life on the island is changing and Local Manx people are fiercely protective of the Isle of Man, hoping to preserve what is left of Manx culture.
Creepy Things that were Normal with the Vikings
In the video below we will analyze some creepy things that were considered normal with the Vikings. Watch the video to find out more!
Investigate mysterious features with a geologist
In the following video we will investigate mysterious features with a geologist. Watch the video to find out more!
The Secrets of Liquid Tin in Ancient Rome
On this video we'll discuss tinning, metallurgy, commerce and trade in the ancient Mediterranean.
Tin is a chemical element with the symbol Sn (from Latin stannum) and atomic number 50. A silvery-coloured metal, tin is soft enough to be cut with little force, and a bar of tin can be bent by hand with little effort. When bent, the so-called "tin cry" can be heard as a result of twinning in tin crystals;this trait is shared by indium, cadmium, zinc, and mercury in its solid state.
Pure tin after solidifying presents a mirror-like appearance similar to most metals. In most tin alloys (e.g. pewter) the metal solidifies with a dull grey colour.
Mermaid Biology Explained | The Science of Merfolk
Mermaids have fascinated humanity for millennia. Is there any truth to these legends, once considered factual? In this presentation, an enigmatic author appears to provide the answer.
Saudi Arabia Just Shocked American Scientists With This
As you may already know, Saudi Arabia is famous for being the largest sand desert, with harsh climate change and little to no rainfall. How has Saudi Arabia been coping with these excessive limitations? Today we will be revealing a miraculous phenomenon that will keep you amazed because it's nothing as you've seen before. Saudi Arabia's agricultural development has left the world astonished and unbelievably shocked scientists all over the globe. Stay glued to this video to discover all the facts.
Look deep into the history of Saudi Arabia. You will see that Saudi Arabia is a nation in Western Asia formerly known as the State of Saudi Arabia. It is the second-largest Arab nation in Western Asia and the Middle East and encompasses most of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of about 2,150,000 km2, it is also the fifth-largest country in Asia. But did you know despite being a very popular country, Saudi Arabia has long been faced with the problem of desertification? There are forests, grasslands, mountain regions, and deserts in Saudi Arabia, which have diverse topography.
Regional temperature variations exist. In the summer, the Desert can hit over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the north and center of the nation, it can get below freezing in the winter. But recently, a miraculous turnaround has happened, and Saudi Arabia has used numerous modern technologies to solve its problem and turned many of its desert areas into green farmland.
Strange New Species Scientists Recently Discovered
Tune in for some new species scientists recently discovered. Watch the video below and enjoy!
The Greatest Scientist in History Was Hiding a Deadly Secret
What’s the deadly secret that has been kept hidden by the greatest scientists? Watch the video below to find out!
These Fossils Came From Space (But Aren’t Aliens)
Fossils are the remains of living things like dinosaurs, right? Not necessarily. Fossil meteorites are totally a thing! They're rare, but when scientists find them, they help fill in the picture of Earth's ancient past.
The Most Popular Hairstyles Throughout History
Much like the tide, historical trends and taboos ebb and flow. Some of them, like fashion throughout the centuries and the most common ways to die, are solid and almost definitive indicators of the cultural zeitgeist. Others, like hair trends throughout history, may seem inconsequential in comparison. However, like the tide itself, these hairstyles have affected humanity on a global scale.
What is Hidden under the sands of the Sahara? Why are Historians Silent?
In this captivating video, we embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the enigmatic mysteries that lie hidden beneath the vast sands of the Sahara Desert. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the secrets that historians have remained silent about for centuries.
Join us as we explore the uncharted territories of the Sahara, where ancient civilizations once thrived, leaving behind traces of their existence. Why have historians been silent about these remarkable findings? What is it that they don't want us to know? We'll dive deep into the intriguing reasons behind their silence and uncover the truth that has been concealed for far too long.
15 Abnormally Large Animals That Really Exist
In the video below we will analyze 15 abnormally large animals that really exist. Watch the video to find out more!
Scary Things That Were “Normal” for the Most Feared Viking
The Vikings were one of the most feared and respected cultures in medieval Europe. They were a society of warriors, skilled shipbuilders and maritime masters who seemed to materialize out of thin air and lay waste to entire cities. Their warrior kings ravaged Great Britain and beyond, imposing their will and leaving a trail of destruction leaving anyone who survived traumatized and mumbling to themselves about apocalypse and the wrath of god. But one warrior king rose above them all to become the first and only king of England, Norway, and Denmark. And no it’s not Ragnar Lothbrok.
Today, we’ll explore the life and conquests of Canute the Great, the most powerful Viking who ever lived. Enjoy!
What Was The First Virus?
In the following video we will be talking about the first virus ever existed. Watch the video to find out more!
The Most Mysterious Ancient Technologies Lost to Time
Discover the mysteries behind two of history's lost technologies: Greek Fire and Flexible Glass. These ancient inventions were so advanced that we still can't figure out exactly how they were made.
Is Gunung Padang the Oldest Pyramid in the World?
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
The world of archaeology is no stranger to controversy. New findings often disrupt accepted historical narratives, inviting both excitement and skepticism. The ongoing research and exploration at Gunung Padang, a megalithic site located in West Java, Indonesia, has been no exception. There have been bold assertions that this site is not just another megalithic structure, but in fact, the world's oldest pyramid.
For the uninitiated, Gunung Padang, which translates to "Mountain Field" in the local Sundanese language, isn't a conventional pyramid like those seen in Egypt or Mexico. From a distance, it appears to be a hill topped with a variety of large stone columns and terraces. The surface layer dates back to around 2500 BCE, making it at least as old as the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, recent research proposes that this is merely the youngest layer, with the full structure dating back much, much further.
The controversial theory regarding Gunung Padang's age emerged when Dr. Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, a geologist from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, began extensive geological surveys at the site. Employing sophisticated ground-penetrating radar, seismic tomography, and other remote sensing techniques, he and his team identified several layers of structures buried beneath the surface. In their view, the oldest of these layers could be up to 20,000 to 25,000 years old. If this dating is accurate, Gunung Padang would be far older than any known pyramid, by a considerable margin.
However, it's crucial to note that the pyramid theory isn't universally accepted. The main contention lies in the dating methodology and interpretation of the results. Critics argue that the geological techniques used can establish that there is indeed a man-made structure below the surface, but they can't accurately determine its age. The carbon dating done so far has also been of organic material found within the structure, which some argue does not definitively establish the age of the structure itself.
The age of Gunung Padang remains an open question. Despite the excitement around the pyramid theory, more scientific research is needed to prove or disprove it. Critics call for careful excavation, arguing that only through stratigraphy (the analysis of the layers of rock and soil) and extensive carbon dating can we arrive at a reliable conclusion about the age of the structures beneath Gunung Padang.
Furthermore, acknowledging Gunung Padang as a pyramid also requires broadening our understanding of what a pyramid is. The structures unearthed so far do not conform to the popular conception of pyramids, being terraced and built into a hill rather than rising as a freestanding structure with a pointed apex. But if the definition of a pyramid is to evolve, Gunung Padang could indeed claim the title of the oldest pyramid.
The Gunung Padang site is more than a potential scientific breakthrough. It is a testament to Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and prehistoric human civilization. As the research continues, it has the potential to reshape our understanding of human history, regardless of whether it ultimately claims the title of the oldest pyramid in the world.
The story of Gunung Padang serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of knowledge, where today's accepted facts can be tomorrow's disproven theories. It underscores the importance of scientific inquiry and the pursuit of truth, however complex or challenging the journey may be.
The Symbolism and Metaphors of the Vedas: Hidden Meanings and Profound Significance
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
Some of the oldest and holiest texts in Hinduism can be found in a collection of Sanskrit texts known as the Vedas. Scholars and spiritual seekers have studied these texts for centuries, but we still don't know everything there is to know about them.
Hymns, prayers, and rituals made up the Vedas, and they were passed down orally for centuries before being written down in Sanskrit. The Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda are the four primary Vedas. Even though each Veda is organized and contains different information, they are all revered as holy scripture by Hindus.
The Vedas' origins are a mystery. Scholars generally agree that the Vedas were written between 1500 BCE and 500 CE, but the exact date is unclear. Sages and seers in Hinduism were said to have received the Vedas as a divine revelation, and this has led to the belief that the Vedas are eternal. The Vedas have another name, ruti, which means "that which is heard," because they were originally transmitted through a system of recitation and memorization.
Yet another enigma is the Vedic language. Sanskrit, the language in which the Vedas were originally composed, is no longer spoken. Sanskrit is revered for its lyrical beauty and linguistic precision, but its complexity and high structure make it difficult to learn. The Vedas were composed in a form of Sanskrit called Vedic Sanskrit, which is distinct from the classical Sanskrit used in later Hindu texts. Scholars have been fascinated by the Vedas and their study of their language and structure for centuries.
Yet another unsolved puzzle is what exactly is in the Vedas. The Vedas are a treasure trove of knowledge about ancient Hinduism's cosmology, metaphysics, and even the mythology of the Hindu pantheon and the rituals and ceremonies performed in their honor. Hymns and prayers found in the Vedas are still regularly recited in Hindu homes and worship centers today. Scholars often disagree on how to make sense of certain Vedic passages and the extent to which they should be taken literally.
The Vedas' mysterious allure stems in no small part from the allegory and metaphor that permeate their texts. The Vedas are full of allegory and metaphor, which are used to explain abstract ideas in philosophy and religion. The Rigveda, for instance, has hymns that portray the cosmos as a sacrifice, with the gods and goddesses performing the ritual and the elements of space and time serving as the offering. The Samaveda details how to play the music used in Vedic rituals, while the Yajurveda details how to conduct sacrifices.
Due to their esoteric nature, the Vedas are also shrouded in mystery. It was the Brahmin caste's responsibility to perform the Vedic rituals and ceremonies, so only members of the Brahmin caste were allowed to read and understand the Vedas. It was only through a system of oral transmission from teacher to student that the Vedas could be preserved and spread from generation to generation, as they were regarded as sacred texts containing sacred knowledge.
The Vedas, for all their obscurity and difficulty, remain a cornerstone of Hinduism. When it comes to Indian religion and culture, the Vedas serve as the cornerstone. Buddhism and Jainism are just two examples of religions and philosophies that owe something to the Vedas. In conclusion, the Vedas' enigmas never cease to enthral and perplex academics and spiritual explorers. Many mysteries surround the Vedas, including their origin and language, as well as their symbolism and esoteric nature. The Vedas have been an integral part of human spirituality and culture for thousands of years, but their depth and mystery may be their most enduring qualities. And what other mysteries and insights might the Vedas still hold? Time, along with continued research and thought, may be the only thing that can shed light on the situation.
The Tomb of Pakal the Great: A Window into Mayan Culture and Beliefs
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
Finding the tomb of Mayan king Pakal the Great in Palenque in 1952 was a major find for Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier. The elaborately decorated funerary artifacts discovered in the tomb shed light on the Mayans' worldview.
From about 2000 B.C.E. to 900 CE, the Mayan civilization thrived in what is now southern Mexico and Central America. The Mayans left behind many works of art and architecture, including pyramids, temples, and hieroglyphs, which account for a large portion of our understanding of their culture.
One of the most important finds in Mayan archaeology is Pakal the Great's tomb, also called the Temple of the Inscriptions. The pyramid-like Temple of the Inscriptions was constructed during Pakal's reign in the seventh century CE; the tomb was found underneath it. A carved stone sarcophagus, a stone mask, and various jade and shell objects were among the many burial artifacts discovered in the tomb.
What stands out most is the sarcophagus, which was hewn from a single block of stone. Intricate carvings adorn the structure and depict Pakal's descent into the underworld. The sculptures depict Pakal being whisked away on a divine chariot to the underworld through a series of gates and portals. A hieroglyphic inscription detailing Pakal's life and achievements is also found on the sarcophagus.
Stone mask placed over sarcophagus depicts Pakal's face and is also intricately carved. The jade and shell objects found near the sarcophagus may have played a role in rituals and ceremonies.
Important insights into Mayan religion and culture were uncovered upon the discovery of Pakal the Great's tomb. The Maya had a sophisticated belief system regarding the afterlife, as evidenced by the sarcophagus's carvings. Furthermore, the sarcophagus's hieroglyphic inscription is a rich source of data pertaining to Pakal and his reign.
Finding Pakal the Great's tomb was a major breakthrough for Mayan archaeology and for the study of ancient cultures more generally. It gives us a look into the worldview of a civilization that flourished more than a thousand years ago but still fascinates and inspires us today.
In recent years, the tomb's been restored and expanded to become a popular tourist destination in Palenque. World Heritage status was awarded to the Temple of the Inscriptions and the tomb of Pakal the Great by UNESCO in 1987. Since the Mayan civilization as a whole remains obscure to many, the finding of Pakal the Great's tomb is an important step forward in deciphering its history.
In conclusion, Alberto Ruz Lhuillier's 1952 discovery of the tomb of Mayan emperor Pakal the Great is an important find in archaeology. It is still read and studied today because of the insights it provides into Mayan religion and culture. The discovery of Pakal the Great's tomb is a reminder of the Mayans' lasting legacy and a testament to the wealth of cultural artifacts they left behind.
The Unwavering Legacy of the Iron Pillar: India's Timeless Monument
BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
The Iron Pillar of Delhi is among India's most famous historical relics, and for good reason. This massive iron column has stood tall in the city center for over 1,600 years, and it still looks as good as new. The Iron Pillar has been the subject of countless investigations, but its true nature and purpose remain a mystery, casting doubt on our knowledge of ancient metalworking and engineering and giving rise to much speculation.
The Iron Pillar's materials and methods of construction remain a mystery. The wrought iron used to construct the pillar is of the highest quality, making it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. There is a great deal of mystery surrounding the pillar's construction due to the fact that it has withstood the test of time in essentially pristine condition despite the severe climate and air pollution of Delhi.
The Iron Pillar's history and age remain mysteries. The pillar was probably built sometime around the fourth century A.D., but the specific date and the reasons for its construction are unknown. It has been speculated that the Gupta Empire commissioned the pillar, while others argue that it was built by the Tomara dynasty. This mystery is made more complicated by the fact that the pillar is covered in illegible Sanskrit inscriptions.
Beyond these unexplained scientific conundrums, the Iron Pillar is also linked to a deep cultural history and religious practice. Both the Hindu and Muslim communities have held the pillar in high regard over the years, and it has become the focus of many myths and legends. It is believed that the Hindu gods invested the pillar with their magical powers, giving it the ability to grant wishes and ward off evil spirits. The presence of these myths and legends has prompted conjecture regarding the religious practices and beliefs of ancient India.
The Iron Pillar is surrounded by a plethora of myths and legends, but one thing is certain: this ancient artifact never ceases to amaze us with its mystery and beauty. The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a symbol of India's cultural and spiritual heritage as well as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit, whether viewed through the lens of engineering and metallurgy or as a symbol of India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
