Pyrrhus life was remarkable as he fought almost everyone in Central Mediterranean - from Romans to Carthaginians to Greeks. This documentary covers all the major battles of the Pyrrhic Wars, among them Heraclea, Asculum, Sparta, Argos. Watch the video for more!
A Scholar Studying This Ancient Crypt Has Reason To Believe It’s The Long Lost Home Of Jesus Christ
Have archaeologists found Jesus's childhood home in Nazareth?
It's a warm afternoon in Nazareth in 2006, and British archeologist Ken Dark is working in the depths of a crypt. A thought then strikes him as he rummages through the remains of what appears to be a dwelling. And if he’s correct, it will revolutionize biblical archeology and answer a question that has been asked for 2,000 years.
10 Egyptian Discoveries that have Archaeologists in Disbelief
In today's video we are exploring the 10 Egyptian Discoveries that have Archaeologists in Disbelief. Enjoy!
The Lost City of Machu Picchu: The Mysterious Legacy of the Inca Civilization
Situated 2,430 m above sea level in Peru, Machu Picchu is the greatest legacy of the Inca civilization with its sophisticated walls, terraces, and ramps. Although the exact role of the complex is still a mystery, it was probably a religious, astronomical, and agricultural center.
The Inca Empire had to abandon this fifteenth-century complex following the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. Machu Pichu remained hidden until 1911 when Hiram Bingham from Yale University discovered the site.
Swazi Royal Family Tree
In the video below we will analyze the Swazi royal family tree. Watch the video to find out more!
All 15 Species of Wild Dog (Wolves, Jackals & Dogs)
There are 3 categories of wild dogs; wolf-like canines, South American canines and fox-like canines. In this guide, we'll explore all 15 species of wild dogs including wolves, jackals, wild dogs and a few odd stragglers such as the bush dog and the racoon dog. These animals are the closest relatives to the domesticated dog and are found in every ecozone on earth.
Visit here the site of the archaeological place: www.aigai.gr
The "Parthenon of Macedonia" is finally being restored
By the Archaeologist editor group
The Palace of Aigai, in western Macedonia region of Greece, known today as Vergina, is considered not only the largest but, together with the Parthenon, the most important building of classical Greece.
The "Parthenon of Macedonia," as Professor Wolfram Hoepfner (architect and archaeologist) and one of the greatest scholars of ancient architecture have characterized it, is being resurrected. We are talking about the palace of Aigai, the largest building in ancient Greece and the place where the Ruler of the Greeks, Philip II, was assassinated and his son Alexander the Great was crowned king.
The cradle of ancient Macedonia, the city of Aigai (modern Vergina) is tucked away in northern Greece. As the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, this ancient metropolis has a rich and compelling history. One of its most awe-inspiring and historically significant structures is the royal palace, a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the Hellenistic period.
Read here about THE "POLYCENTRIC MUSEUM OF AIGAI"THE "POLYCENTRIC MUSEUM OF AIGAI", THE BIRTHPLACE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
Aigai: The Ancient Macedonian Metropolis
The ancient city of Aigai, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is the epitome of Macedonian culture and power. The name "Aigai" translates to "city of goats," according to ancient sources, symbolizing the pastoral origins of the Macedonians. From these humble beginnings, Aigai flourished, becoming the nucleus of the Macedonian kingdom in the early 7th century BCE.
Situated near the modern town of Vergina, Aigai was a city of immense political and cultural significance. It was the site where the Macedonian kings were traditionally crowned and where the legendary figure of Alexander the Great was born.
The archaeological remains found in Aigai consist of an extensive complex of royal tombs, sanctuaries, and other public buildings, interspersed with a dense network of private houses. These artifacts offer an intimate glimpse into the city's urban fabric and the daily lives of its inhabitants, both highborn and commoner. The royal tombs, in particular, are a treasure trove of artifacts that shed light on the wealth, power, and artistic achievements of the Macedonian kingdom.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
The Palace of Aigai (Vergina)
One of the crown jewels of Aigai is the royal palace, an architectural masterpiece that embodies the spirit of the Hellenistic age. Constructed during the reign of King Philip II, Alexander the Great's father, in the 4th century BCE, the palace is located on the city's hill, offering a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.
The palace complex is known for its innovative design and luxurious décor. It has a monumental faceted facade, an imposing peristyle courtyard, banquet halls, and a vast throne room – all signs of a prosperous and powerful kingdom. In fact, the palace's design inspired many Hellenistic palaces that followed, a testament to its architectural significance.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
The artistic depictions within the palace are also noteworthy. Frescoes and mosaics adorned the walls and floors, presenting intricate depictions of mythological scenes and offering a fascinating insight into the cultural and spiritual life of the Macedonians.
Archaeological evidence proves that the area was continuously inhabited from the Early Bronze Age (3rd Millennium BC), while in the Early Iron Age (11th–8th century BC), it became an important center, rich and densely populated.
The city reached its peak in the Archaic (7th–6th centuries BC) and Classical periods (5th–4th centuries), when it was the most important urban center in the region, the seat of the Macedonian kings, and the place where all the traditional sanctuaries were established.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
The palace of Aigai was designed for Philip by a clever architect—probably Pytheus, known for his contributions to the construction of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the development of urban planning and the theory of proportion.
The eastern wing of the palace of Aigai included a monumental entrance, the "Tholo" (probably a place of worship), and other rooms of unknown use. The south wing contained residential rooms as well as banquet halls decorated with mosaic floors. The reception rooms were located in the west wing. On the lower northern slope, a long, narrow terrace extended in front of the chambers. The masonry and architectural members were covered with a glossy, high-quality marble-like stucco.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
Thousands of roof tiles and bas-reliefs of exceptional quality, hundreds of square meters of floors covered with marble inlays and mosaics, some of which are exquisite works of art, extravagant pigments, bronzes, and all manner of luxurious materials were used to create a complex that would fulfill his ambitions as king.
The main elements of the structure include: the large square peristyle (row of columns surrounding a space within a building), which forms the heart of the building; the surrounding areas with their impressive propylon (the structure that forms the entrance to a building); and the stones (porticos, roofed colonnades) that form the facade and with which the propyla is enclosed. These are the fundamental elements of this innovative modern architectural project.
In the palace's surroundings, archaeologists have uncovered remains of other significant structures, such as the royal theater. It was here that Philip II was assassinated, setting the stage for his son, Alexander, to ascend the throne and embark on his world-conquering expeditions.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports
Archaeological Discoveries and Significance
The discovery of the palace and the royal tombs of Aigai has reshaped our understanding of ancient Macedonia. The grandeur of the palace and the wealth of artifacts found in the tombs - including the golden larnax and the golden wreath, widely attributed to Philip II - attest to a highly sophisticated culture and a formidable kingdom.
The Palace of Aigai and the city itself provide essential evidence of the cultural and political power of ancient Macedonia. They not only served as a backdrop for historical events but also played a crucial role in shaping them.
The ongoing archaeological work in Aigai continues to unravel the city's complex history, contributing to a broader and deeper understanding of the Hellenistic period. Even today, the Palace of Aigai, resting silently amid the rolling hills of northern Greece, remains a powerful symbol of the grandeur and complexity of ancient Macedonia, a testament to a civilization that shaped the course of Western history.
Illustration by Dimosthenis Vasiloudis
A Mycenaean Type Sword in Hattusha?: Evidence of Technological Exchange or Military Conflicts in the Late Bronze Age?
Bronze Age Crossroads: Blades of the Aegean in Hittite Halls and the Intersection of Anatolian and Mycenaean Cultures
The Late Bronze Age witnessed a flourishing of cultural exchange and technological advancements across the ancient world. One of the most intriguing findings during this period was the discovery of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia. These exceptional weapons not only reveal the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient societies but also shed light on the extent of trade and cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. Among the remarkable discoveries of Aegean-type swords is the one at Hattuša, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. This article explores the significance of these swords and examines the written sources that attest to the exchange of technology during this era.
A map illustrating the aftermath of the 15th century BCE ruinous campaigns by the Old Hittite Empire that led to the emergence of new powerful entities in the ancient Near East - the Middle Babylonian Kingdom of the Kassites, the Mitanni kingdom of the Hurrians, the Middle Hittite Kingdom and the Kingdom of Elam. Meanwhile, the Egyptian New Kingdom succeeded in extending its dominance as far as the southern Levant.
Aegean-Type Swords: Characteristics and Significance
Aegean-type swords are a distinct category of weapons that originated in the Aegean region, particularly during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600–1200 BCE). These swords are characterized by their distinctive hilt and blade designs, making them easily recognizable. They typically have a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a point, making them efficient for thrusting and slashing motions in combat. The hilt often featured a prominent pommel and a guard, and was designed for a secure grip and comfort during use. The distinctive pommel at the end of the hilt, adding balance to the weapon and facilitating precise handling. Additionally, some swords had a guard, a crossbar between the hilt and the blade, which protected the wielder's hand during combat, while the blade was typically crafted with a midrib, providing structural reinforcement and enhancing the weapon's efficiency.
Aegean-type swords were primarily made of bronze, a durable and valuable metal during the Bronze Age. Bronze was a significant technological advancement of the time, and its widespread use in weaponry marked a transition from the earlier Copper Age.
The production of Aegean-type swords demonstrated a high level of metalworking skill and craftsmanship. The ability to cast, forge, and shape bronze into finely crafted weapons was a testament to the technological expertise of ancient societies. This knowledge was likely passed down through generations and shared through trade and cultural interactions.
The distribution of Aegean-type swords throughout the Aegean region and beyond indicates extensive trade and cultural contacts during the Late Bronze Age. The exchange of goods and ideas between different civilizations fostered a vibrant cultural milieu and likely played a crucial role in the advancement of various societies.
These swords were not merely weapons of war but also objects of prestige and diplomacy. The possession and display of finely crafted swords could serve as symbols of power, authority, and wealth for rulers and elite individuals. Additionally, Aegean-type swords might have been exchanged as diplomatic gifts between rulers of different regions, strengthening political alliances and diplomatic ties.
A very useful summary table of the Achaean B Type swords has been made by Professor Kirk Spencer from the Sword Forum International
The design and features of Aegean-type swords had a lasting impact on the development of later sword types. As trade and cultural exchanges continued over time, elements of these swords likely influenced the designs of other weapons in different regions, showcasing the far-reaching consequences of technological exchange.
The appearance of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia, a region that encompasses modern-day Turkey, has piqued the interest of archaeologists and historians alike. The presence of these swords points to intricate networks of trade, cultural exchange or military conflicts that connected the Aegean world with the civilizations of Anatolia.
The Aegean-Type Sword Found at Hattuša
Among the significant discoveries of Aegean-type swords, the find at Hattuša stands out as a remarkable example. Hattuša, located in central Anatolia, was the political and cultural center of the Hittite Empire during the Late Bronze Age. Two grader digger operators in Hattuša, the capital of the Hittites, one of the biggest empires of the period, by chance discovered the sword in 1991, which has no other example in the world.
The sword likely dates to the LHII period and is of Mycenaean provenance, type B. The sword, which caused great excitement when it was found, was presented to the god as an offering by the Hittite king at that time.
This bronze sword had an Akkadian inscription. It read:
"When the great king Tudhaliya destroyed the land of Assuwa, he offered this sword as an offering to his lord the storm god.”"
After defeating the Assuwa Confederation, which encompassed the Lands of [L]ugga, Karakisa, Wilusiya, and Taruisa, Tudhaliya II probably devoted it to Hattuša.
The discovery of this Aegean-type sword in the heart of the Hittite Empire raised intriguing questions about the nature of interactions between the Hittites and other contemporary civilizations. It suggested that trade and cultural exchange were far more extensive and sophisticated than previously thought. The presence of the sword also hinted at possible diplomatic relations, alliances, or even military conflicts between the Hittites and the Aegean societies.
Further Mycenaean Finds in Anatolia: A Deeper Connection
Beyond the fascinating discovery of this Aegean-type sword in Hattuša, other Mycenaean artifacts found in Anatolia further illuminate the robust connection between these two ancient civilizations. A significant number of Mycenaean pottery shards have been discovered in various parts of western Anatolia. These ceramic pieces, often decorated with distinctive patterns and motifs, have been vital in corroborating the presence of Mycenaean influence in the region.
Two more swords of Mycenaean type were discovered in Izmir and Kastamonu/Kashtama, but were most likely made in Anatolia. The percentage of tin in the bronze alloys of the two swords has not yet been determined by analysis.
A ceramic bowl made by the Hittites was also discovered at Hattuša, dating to the late 15th/early 14th century, with a drawing of a warrior wearing a boar's tusk helmet with a horn, crest, and flowing ribbons. Since Hittite helmets are different from Aegean representations, what we have here may be the Hittite representation of a Mycenaean warrior. There have also been a number of Mycenaean discoveries at Masat Höyük. In Büyükkale at Hattuša, wall painting pieces in the Mycenaean style have also been found, according to researchers.
Mycenaean warrior depicted on a Hittite bowl, ca. 1300 BC
The bowl was found at Boğazköy and is now in the Çorum Archaeological Museum.
The figure has been identified as a Mycenaean warrior based on his armor and sword. There are no known combat scenes in Hittite art, and the style is unusually dynamic, so the bowl may have been incised by a foreign artist.
Who was Tudhaliya II?
Tudhaliya II was a Hittite king who ruled in the middle of the fourteenth century BC. He was the son of King Arnuwanda I and the father of Suppiluliuma I. Documents state that this happened after the passing of his father, I. Arnuwanda II. The Hittites had numerous revolts and assaults under Tuthaliya's reign. Tudhaliya therefore devoted practically all of his time to waging war against the enemy in various locations and re-establishing Hittite state power.
The Hittite state reached the point of disintegration, the Kashkas in the north pillaged Hattusha and descended to the south of the Kizilirmak, Arzawa attacked from the west, Azzi and Isuwa attacked from the east, and the enemy advanced to Kizzuwatna in the south, as stated in a written source from the Hattusili period.
Map of the Hittite Empire at its greatest extent, with Hittite rule c. 1350–1300 BC represented by the green line
The account of his son Suppiluliuma I's travels is one of the most significant documents containing information about Tudhaliya. When Hattusha was out of Hittite control, the record that has been partially preserved suggests that Tudhaliya directed his expeditions from the city of Samuha. According to reports, he waged multiple successful expeditions against the Kashkas, routing a confederation of nine tribes at one point and a confederation of twelve tribes at another.
Written Sources on Technological Exchange in the Late Bronze Age
While archaeological finds provide tangible evidence of cultural exchange, written sources from the period offer invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of technological diffusion. Among the most notable written records are the diplomatic archives discovered in Hattuša, which contain correspondence between Hittite kings and rulers of neighboring regions.
These clay tablets and cuneiform inscriptions reveal a wealth of information about diplomatic relations, alliances, and trade agreements between the Hittites and their neighbors, including the Aegean civilizations. References to the exchange of valuable goods, including weaponry, adorn these tablets, emphasizing the importance of technology as a tool of diplomacy and international relations.
Furthermore, the "Ahhiyawa texts" found at Hattuša mention the Ahhiyawans, a term believed to refer to the Mycenaean Greeks, who played a significant role in the Late Bronze Age Mediterranean. These texts indicate possible interactions between the Hittites and the Mycenaeans, further strengthening the idea of extensive cross-cultural contact during the era.
The discovery of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia, particularly the find at Hattuša, offers compelling evidence of the widespread trade and cultural exchange during the Late Bronze Age. These remarkable weapons not only exemplify the artistic achievements of ancient societies but also highlight the importance of technology as a means of diplomatic and economic engagement.
The written sources, including diplomatic archives and cuneiform tablets, further substantiate the existence of complex networks that facilitated the exchange of technology and ideas between the Hittites and their contemporaries in the Aegean region.
As archaeologists continue to uncover more evidence and scholars decipher additional written records, our understanding of this fascinating period in history will undoubtedly deepen, revealing the interconnectedness and interdependence of ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean world.
Weird Insane Sex Lives Of Inuit Eskimos
We know that they live in igloos and exchange caresses with their noses, but what else does the sex life of the Eskimos entail? The term Eskimo is sometimes considered offensive or an excessive generalization and concerns the people living in the Arctic, Siberia, North America, and Greenland. People from certain tribes residing in the mentioned regions are often called Eskimos. In their culture, there is very open sexuality, which is not so unusual for people who are organized in a tribal way. Like the Mongols or the Romans, there is also a woman exchange among them, which is a reflection of hospitality, although it often included certain shamanistic rituals. The lewd side of Eskimo life developed as a result of their contacts with the white man.
Kinky "Intimate" Lives of the Cheyenne Tribes
The Cheyenne are an Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Their Cheyenne language belongs to the Algonquian language family. Today, the Cheyenne people are split into two federally recognized nations: the Southern Cheyenne, who are enrolled in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma, and the Northern Cheyenne, who are enrolled in the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana.
The "Pyramid" of Antarctica: Fact or Fiction?
As we know, man-made pyramids are found all over the world – we know that – in Egypt, South America, Central America, Cambodia, China, Indonesia and so on. But to claim there is a pyramid in Antarctica is really a huge claim that would need some truly incredible, hard evidence.
In this video we'll take a look at the so-called Great "Pyramid" of Antarctica and decide if it is fact or just mere fiction. Enjoy!
Tribal People React to Māori Haka Dance
In this video tribal people reacting to Māori Haka dance and New Zealand All blacks performing Haka. Enjoy!
Stunning legendary relic discovered in the lagoon's depths by the Romans
An expansive beachfront estate with lavish pools can be found in Italy's Venetian Lagoon region. Its wealthy residents utilize the villa for oyster preservation and farm fishing.
This is the third excavation at “The Roman Villa of Lio Piccolo,” according to archaeologists with the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
At the very least, that is what you might have observed 1,900 years ago, before the lagoon engulfed the Roman Villa of Lio Piccolo and its buildings.
Archaeologists from the Ca' Foscari institution of Venice are currently investigating the house's underwater remains and its buildings. During their third campaign of digs, they recently unearthed a beautiful relic, the institution announced in a news release on July 24, 2023.
A photograph of the discovery reveals that the ancient oval-shaped agate gem is inscribed with a legendary figure that looks to be standing and holding something over its shoulder. The discovery, according to experts, supports their theory that the location was originally used by affluent Romans.
The agate gem indicates that the site was used by wealthy Romans thousands of years ago, experts from the university said. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Carlo Beltrame, a professor at the institution who is directing the study, said in the announcement that the discovery is very unique for a lagoon habitat.
Oyster Preservation in the Past
The university stated in a news release from March 2022 that previous excavations at the location uncovered ponds for aquaculture, including the preservation of oysters.
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Experts reported finding rectangular brick basins from the first and second centuries at the location. Oysters were a delicacy in the Roman culture, and it's possible that these were employed to preserve them before consumption.
Additionally, according to archaeologists, brick walkways, countless priceless fresco fragments, and sections of a black-and-white mosaic were discovered.
Less than ten kilometers separate Lio Piccolo from Venice.
Ancient human remains discovered in Batken were sent to European laboratories for in-depth analysis
Abdinabi Kadyrov, an associate professor with a PhD in history, estimates that there are 200 graves in the Kyzyl-Koshuun valley, which is located in the Ak-Tatyr municipality in the Batken district.
Early in July 2023, Turmush reported finding human remains and possibly important artifacts during archeological digs in the Batken region.
The excavations, which took place in the Kyzyl-Koshun location of Ak-Tatyr, Batken district, lasted ten days. There are between 150 and 200 historical and cultural monuments in the area overall, and five sites are now being explored.
During the dig, a jug, three iron knives, a dagger, an arrowhead, and the remnants of a belt were discovered. The museum at Batken State University has received these relics.
Six sets of human remains totaling three full skeletons and three incomplete ones were also found.
The recently discovered archaeological artifacts have been transferred to labs in Europe for in-depth analysis, which should take about five years. A more precise knowledge of the historical era to which these objects belong will be given by this thorough examination.
What Drugs Were Used In Ancient China
When you think of China and recreational drugs, the first thing that comes to mind is usually opium - from Khun Sa's modern empire all the way back to 19th century Opium Wars. However, it might surprise you to learn that throughout ancient history Chinese citizens were getting their kicks from a totally different sorta stash! To find out what these substances are tune in as we take an adventure through time discovering which drugs ruled centuries past for this far flung culture.
The strangest secrets of the ancient Sphinx have finally been revealed
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a colossal limestone statue of a recumbent sphinx in Giza, Egypt, that is arguably the best-known example of sphinx art and one of Egypt's most famous landmarks.
Standing 240 feet tall and 66 feet long, the largest statue has a lion's body and a human head with a royal headdress. It is estimated that it would have taken 100 workers three years to complete it using stone hammers and copper chisels.
Most scholars attribute ownership of the Great Sphinx to Khafre and date it to the 4th dynasty. However, some believe it was built by Khafre's older brother Redjedef (Djedefre), to honor their father, Khufu, whose pyramid is known as the Great Pyramid at Giza. According to these theorists, the Great Sphinx's face resembles Khufu more than Khafre, and this observation has led to speculation that the statue was built by Khufu himself.
Even to this day, the Great Sphinx of Giza remains one of the biggest mysteries in the history of the world. It was originally built several thousand years ago by an ambitious Pharoah as a comeback to his rival, who was none other than his own father, to show off his greatness. Yet, so many still don't know much about it.
Hippocrates deep quotes Life Lessons you should know before you get old
In today’s video we will be going through Hippocrates deep quotes Life Lessons you should know before you get old. Enjoy!
Germany discovers an Ice Age Cave Entrance that has been unoccupied for 16,000 years
A 16,000-year-old formal entry to an Ice Age cave near Engen, Germany, has been found, according to researchers.
Archaeologists have known about the cave since the 1970s, but the original entrance was not found until recently. When a sewage line was being built at the time, a hole was unintentionally blown into the cave ceiling, but the cave was not further investigated.
During the first six weeks of the new digs, which started in 2021, archaeologists obtained more information, but the original cave entrance remained a mystery.
The researchers, in partnership with the University of Heidelberg, measured the underground in April 2023 and found that the cave is significantly larger than previously assumed. It is said to be twenty meters deep and several meters high. The cave's previously underground entrance was discovered by the study team.
The discovery, according to Dr. Yvonne Tafelmaier of the University of Tübingen, is sensational. Tafelmaier claims that it is an unusual circumstance. It's unusual to discover a location that hasn't been well investigated by researchers.
The newly discovered cave is a part of a large group of caves in the so-called Ice Age Park close to Engen. Along with being a late Ice Age site and well-known hiking destination, the Gnirs Cave and Petersfels are also noteworthy. The age of the Petersfels is between 13,000 to 15,000 years. Amazing discoveries from the last Ice Age were already being made at the time. According to Tagesschau, "The archaeologists are now looking for the same from the next huge cave.
Photo: State Office for the Preservation of Monuments in the Regional Council of Stuttgart/Photo: Simon Werner
"We already know that there are settlement remnants from the late Ice Age there, and we hope to find even more, such as stone tools, perhaps jewelry, and art remains," Tafelmaier says.
The cave's entrance is still blocked by a substantial amount of earth. The soil covering the cave entrance is being inspected right now. The researchers hope to enter the cave's interior in the upcoming year.
The decision has been reached to keep the entrance closed until the next year, when specialists will examine the cave's interior, in order to prevent any form of destruction by unauthorized individuals.
Hittite Bowl featuring Mycenaean Warrior?: Tracing the Mycenaean Footprints in Anatolia
Warriors of the Mycenaean Age: Unearthing connections between Hittite artifacts and texts and their echoes in ancient Greek literature. An interplay of archaeology, mythology, and real history.
One of the most intriguing aspects of ancient history is the confluence of archeology, literature, and mythology. The culture and military strength of the Mycenaean civilization, evident around 1300 BC, have been famously encapsulated in a Hittite bowl depicting a Mycenaean warrior. Beyond the aesthetic beauty of the artifact, it offers a unique insight into the cross-cultural interactions in the ancient world and could potentially shed light on legendary Mycenaean raids in Anatolia, as well as the enduring impact of the Achaean presence in the region, as recorded in epic works like Cypria and the Iliad.
Mycenaean warrior depicted on a Hittite bowl, ca. 1300 BC
The bowl was found at Boğazköy and is now in the Çorum Archaeological Museum.
The figure has been identified as a Mycenaean warrior based on his armor and sword. There are no known combat scenes in Hittite art, and the style is unusually dynamic, so the bowl may have been incised by a foreign artist.
Mycenaean Warrior on a Hittite Bowl: Historical Significance
The Hittite bowl, dating from approximately 1300 BC, portrays a Mycenaean warrior in full battle gear, a testimony to the cultural intermixing that occurred during this era. It appears to be a Mycenaean warrior in battle gear, complete with a plumed and horned helmet, similar to the 'zoned' helmets worn by Aegean warriors around the Late Bronze Age. This depiction affirms the wide reach of Mycenaean influence and indicates a level of respect for Mycenaean martial prowess. Not only does the artifact imply Mycenaean-Hittite interaction, but it may also suggest a record of the legendary Mycenaean military incursions into the region of Assuwa, a confederation of states in western Anatolia.
Dendra panoply
Archaeological Museum of Nafplio: Front view of Mycenaen armour and boar's tusk helmet from chamber tomb 12 of Dendra cementery (end of 15th century BC).
By C messier
Assuwa and the Mycenaean Raids
The precise nature of the Mycenaean interactions with Assuwa remains largely speculative due to limited historical sources. Still, the Hittite bowl with the Mycenaean warrior may serve as indirect evidence of these hypothetical raids. The Mycenaean military expeditions could have been driven by the desire for control over strategic areas, resources, or to curb the power of potential rival kingdoms. The existence of such military campaigns, as suggested by the artistic representation, opens up possibilities of a deeper Mycenaean imprint in Anatolia, which may be echoed in ancient Greek literature.
The Achaean Presence in Northwest Anatolia: Cypria and Iliad
The Achaean presence in Anatolia, the setting for many legendary episodes in Greek mythology, is evident in ancient epic narratives. Cypria, an epic poem that predates Homer, recounts an Achaean expedition sent to rescue Helen from Troy. In an ill-fated episode, Achilles and other Achaean warriors are said to have fought in Teuthrania, an area in northwest Anatolia south of Troy. This account could reflect historical memories of Mycenaean activities in the region, which were passed down in the form of epic stories.
Further affirmation of Achaean involvement in Anatolia can be found in Homer's Iliad. Here, we learn about Herakles sacking Troy during the reign of Priam's father, Laomedon. Herakles, with only six ships, is said to have successfully breached the city. The narrative seems to be a distant echo of an age when the Mycenaeans projected their power across the Aegean into Anatolia.
Hittite Records of Ahhiyawa Military Involvement
Ahhiyawa, widely believed by historians to refer to the Mycenaean Greeks, frequently appears in Hittite records, underscoring the intricate military alliances and conflicts of the time. The Hittite annals often describe Ahhiyawa leaders and mercenaries as formidable military forces, serving as allies to the western Anatolian confederations in their resistance against Hittite dominance. These texts provide an additional layer of evidence for the Mycenaean-Anatolian interactions, suggesting that the Ahhiyawa were not only involved in the region but had strategic alliances, often siding with local powers against the Hittite empire. The mercenary nature of these warriors offers insights into the complex geopolitical landscape of the era, characterized by fluid alliances, military campaigns, and power dynamics. The Hittite records, thus, further corroborate the profound impact of Mycenaean or Achaean forces in Anatolia, marking their place in the wider canvas of ancient Near Eastern history.
Drawing by Jill Curry Robbins.
The artistic depiction of a Mycenaean warrior on a Hittite bowl, while intriguing in its own right, also provides a fascinating link to the purported Mycenaean activities in Anatolia. As we navigate through the interconnected realms of archeology, literature, and mythology, we find a resonance of Mycenaean or Achaean presence in the region, immortalized in epics such as Cypria and the Iliad. These stories, possibly based on historical events, reflect an era of cultural exchange, conflict, and heroism, and serve as enduring reminders of the intricate tapestry that is our collective past.
First such discovery of a 12,000-year-old fossilized flamingo egg occurs in the Americas
When you start to go beneath the surface of the Earth, you never know what you could uncover. The second-ever report of a fossilized flamingo egg in the world has been made, next to a construction site for a new airport in Mexico. Recently, digging near a railway construction unearthed an antique charioteer. Additionally, this is the first time an egg from a flamingo has ever been discovered petrified in the Americas.
Fossilized flamingo egg discovered in Mexico.
It is highly unusual to discover petrified bird eggs from any species during the Pleistocene era in both North and South America. Eggs from extinct puffins, pelicans, and cranes have been discovered in the past throughout the Americas, but the only places to often find flamingo fossils are paleolakes in Central Mexico. The Yucatan peninsula and the southeast of the United States are far from these paleolakes in North America, where flamingos now are found.
Flamingos are members of the Phoenicopteridae family of birds, and up until this point, only five of these eggs had ever been discovered in the world. Because of other remnants discovered in the same area, it is believed that the recently reported egg dates to the late Pleistocene or Early Holocene. It was found while the new Felipe N. Gómez International Airport in Santa Luca, State of Mexico, was being built.
Newly discovered egg at top left compared to other known species.
The scientists compared the egg's size, width, eggshell pattern, and overall shape to those of other species to identify which group was most likely the egg's producer. This allowed them to conclude that the egg belonged to the flamingo family. The egg itself is incredibly well preserved and resembles a tundra swan egg in design, albeit swan eggs are much larger. It measures 93.491 millimeters (3.68 inches) in length and 55.791 millimeters (2.20 inches) at its widest point. The team came to the conclusion that it was a flamingo egg rather than one from a crane or another species by comparing these characteristics to the eggs of several species.
The team believes that the discovery of the flamingo egg provides evidence for the existence of a highly salinized paleolake in the same location during the Late Pleistocene. The neighboring Chalco Lake, a site that is identical to it and dates to between 12,000 and 8,000 years ago, suggests that the flamingo egg is likewise from that time period.
