The Mayan Civilization has influenced many aspects of culture, with its beliefs and religions that gave an explanation to the universe. According to studies, there are more than 200 gods in the Mayan culture, however, the Mayan gods manage to be unique and fascinating.
In this video we will see some of the most important and powerful Mayan Gods. Enjoy!
The ancient land of Egypt, adorned with colossal pyramids and enigmatic hieroglyphs, is steeped in a history that spans millennia. At the heart of this grand civilization were the pharaohs, the revered rulers who held dominion over the Nile Valley for over three thousand years. Here is a comprehensive list of the known Egyptian pharaohs, organized chronologically by dynasties:
First Dynasty (c. 3100–2890 BC):
Narmer (Menes)
Hor-Aha
Djer
Djet
Den
Anedjib
Semerkhet
Qa'a
Second Dynasty (c. 2890–2686 BC):
Hotepsekhemwy
Raneb (Nynetjer)
Peribsen
Khasekhemwy
Third Dynasty (c. 2686–2613 BC):
Djoser (Netjerikhet)
Sekhemkhet
Sanakht
Khaba
Huni
Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613–2494 BC):
Sneferu
Khufu (Cheops)
Djedefre
Khafre (Chephren)
Menkaure
Shepseskaf
Fifth Dynasty (c. 2494–2345 BC):
Userkaf
Sahure
Neferirkare Kakai
Shepseskare
Neferefre
Nyuserre Ini
Menkauhor Kaiu
Djedkare Isesi
Unas
Sixth Dynasty (c. 2345–2181 BC):
Teti
Userkare
Pepi I
Merenre Nemtyemsaf I
Pepi II
Merenre Nemtyemsaf II
Netjerkare Siptah
Menkare
Neferkare II
Neferkare Neby
First Intermediate Period (c. 2181–2055 BC): A time of fragmented rule and uncertain history.
Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BC):
Mentuhotep II (11th Dynasty)
Mentuhotep III (11th Dynasty)
Amenemhat I (12th Dynasty)
Senusret I (12th Dynasty)
Amenemhat II (12th Dynasty)
Senusret II (12th Dynasty)
Senusret III (12th Dynasty)
Amenemhat III (12th Dynasty)
Amenemhat IV (12th Dynasty)
Sobekneferu (12th Dynasty)
Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BC): Another era of fragmented rule and foreign influence.
New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC):
Ahmose I (18th Dynasty)
Amenhotep I (18th Dynasty)
Thutmose I (18th Dynasty)
Thutmose II (18th Dynasty)
Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty)
Thutmose III (18th Dynasty)
Amenhotep II (18th Dynasty)
Thutmose IV (18th Dynasty)
Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty)
Akhenaten (18th Dynasty)
Smenkhkare (18th Dynasty)
Tutankhamun (18th Dynasty)
Ay (18th Dynasty)
Horemheb (18th Dynasty)
Third Intermediate Period (c. 1070–664 BC): A period marked by regional fragmentation and foreign domination.
Late Period (c. 664–332 BC):
Necho I (26th Dynasty)
Psamtik I (26th Dynasty)
Necho II (26th Dynasty)
Psamtik II (26th Dynasty)
Apries (26th Dynasty)
Amasis II (26th Dynasty)
Psamtik III (26th Dynasty)
Cambyses II (Persian ruler)
Darius I (Persian ruler)
Xerxes I (Persian ruler)
Artaxerxes I (Persian ruler)
Darius II (Persian ruler)
Artaxerxes III (Persian ruler)
Late Period (cont.):
14. Darius III (Persian ruler)
Alexander the Great (Greek ruler)
Ptolemy I (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy II (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy III (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy IV (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy V (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy VI (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy VII (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Ptolemy VIII (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Cleopatra VII (Ptolemaic Dynasty)
Roman Period (30 BC–395 AD): Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire.
The above list provides a general overview of the pharaohs who ruled ancient Egypt across its long and storied history.
Replica of the Tutankhamun's funeral mask | Shutterstock
The annals of ancient Egyptian history are replete with the tales of remarkable rulers who adorned the throne of the Nile Valley. These pharaohs, enshrined in the sands of time, shaped the destiny of a civilization that continues to awe and inspire. Embark on a journey through the corridors of history as we explore the names and legacies of each of these remarkable pharaohs.
1. Narmer (c. 3100 BCE)
Narmer, also known as Menes, stands as a towering figure in the Egyptian chronicles. The founder of the First Dynasty, he unified the two lands of Upper and Lower Egypt, setting the stage for the dynastic rule that would endure for centuries.
2. Djoser (c. 2670 BCE)
Under the reign of Djoser, the Third Dynasty ushered in a new era of architectural innovation. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara, his enduring legacy, stands as a testament to his vision and the skilled craftsmanship of his time.
3. Sneferu (c. 2613–2589 BCE)
The Fourth Dynasty bore witness to the rule of Sneferu, whose insatiable ambition led to the construction of three pyramids. These pyramids, from the Bent Pyramid to the Red Pyramid, marked the evolution of pyramid building techniques.
4. Khufu (c. 2589–2566 BCE)
Known to the world as the architect of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Khufu, or Cheops, of the Fourth Dynasty left an indelible mark on the landscape of Egypt. His pyramid, a marvel of engineering, remains a testament to human ingenuity.
5. Hatshepsut (c. 1473–1458 BCE)
Hatshepsut, a remarkable pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, defied conventions by ruling as a woman. Her reign saw a flourishing of trade and culture, while her architectural marvels continue to inspire awe.
6. Akhenaten (c. 1353–1336 BCE)
A radical departure from tradition, Akhenaten's reign introduced the worship of the sun disk, Aten. His revolutionary religious reform reshaped Egypt's cultural landscape and continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike.
7. Tutankhamun (c. 1332–1323 BCE)
King Tut, the boy pharaoh, captured the world's imagination when his virtually intact tomb was discovered. His rule, albeit brief, provided a window into the opulence and rituals of ancient Egyptian royalty.
8. Ramses II (c. 1279–1213 BCE)
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is a colossus among pharaohs. His 66-year reign saw the construction of monumental temples and statues, with the Abu Simbel temples serving as his enduring legacy.
9. Seti I (c. 1294–1279 BCE)
The father of Ramses II, Seti I's reign marked a period of stability after the tumultuous times of Akhenaten. His contributions to architecture and the restoration of Egypt's grandeur are etched in stone.
10. Cleopatra VII (51–30 BCE)
The last of the pharaohs, Cleopatra VII's name resonates with intrigue and power. Her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony are woven into the fabric of history, forever preserving her as a symbol of ancient Egypt's last days.
Each of these pharaohs, their names echoing across the centuries, represents a chapter in the epic saga of ancient Egypt. Through their reigns, the world gains insights into the culture, art, architecture, and spirituality that defined this awe-inspiring civilization. Their names serve as windows into a world of grandeur and mystery, inviting us to explore the depths of a past that continues to captivate our imagination.
Discover the profound wisdom of one of history's greatest philosophers, Aristotle. In this video, we explore the top 5 teachings that shaped the foundation of Aristotle's philosophical legacy. From ethics and metaphysics to politics and virtue, Aristotle's ideas continue to inspire and influence modern thought.
A huge 4,000-year-old Bronze Age hexagonal pyramidal structure has been discovered in Kazakhstan, which is apparently the first pyramidal structure ever discovered on the Eurasian steppes. Archaeologists have been researching and excavating the site for nearly a decade and now they’ve revealed their findings to the world.
Each face spans a length of 42 feet or 12.8 metres and is made up of eight rows of stacked stone. At each corner of the pyramid is a large upright stone with a flattened face on the outer surface. These larger stones are also made from a different rock type too.
The site also revealed other finds including pottery, gold earrings and other jewellery, which may indicate the site had important significance. Watch the video to learn more!
In the realm of human history, there exist remarkable windows into our distant past– archaeological sites that whisper tales of civilizations long gone. In this enthralling exploration, we journey through time to uncover the three oldest archaeological sites that continue to captivate the world's imagination. Enjoy!
Beneath the imposing temples and pyramids of Mexico’s ancient city of Teotihuacan, an intriguing but toxic mystery lurks — shimmering pools of liquid mercury.
Teotihuacan, a pre-Columbian urban center dating back to 100 BC, was one of the largest cities in the ancient world, boasting a populace of over 100,000 at its peak. The city is noted for its architectural complexity, with structures like the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent all connected amongst numerous residences by the Avenue of the Dead.
It was beneath the Temple of the Feathered Serpent that a sealed-off passage was discovered in 2015, which led to a tunnel deep beneath the ground. When 21st-century archeologists dared to venture down into it, they could not, in their wildest dreams, have imagined what they would find.
Mexican archeologist Sergio Gomez Chavez led the subterranean expedition after chancing upon the tunnel himself. He later recalled the potent stench of the tunnels upon unsealing them. The smell was almost unbearable, but it confirmed that he was entering caverns that had lain undisturbed for millennia.
At first, the archeologists encountered undisturbed treasures exactly where ancient hands had placed them as divine offerings.
Amongst these eerie treasures were crystals that had been shaped into eyes, a collection of crocodile teeth, beetle wings which had been meticulously arranged in a box, hundreds of small metal spheres, and intricate sculptures of jaguars poised to pounce on any who might dare to disturb the ancient tunnel.
They found the most stunning feature fifty-six feet beneath the surface – a model of the region's mountainous landscape. The walls around this section of the tunnel had been painstakingly decorated with fool's gold and reflective stones so that, in the firelight, it would sparkle like a galaxy of stars.
A nearby rubber ball, once used for ancient sports games, represented the sun. However, most fascinatingly, between these miniature mountains were found lakes of liquid mercury -- molten, shimmering pools which had remained in their place since Biblical times.
One theory proposes that the pools were part of an elaborate representation of the underworld -- a realm of dark creation where souls are reborn. In this interpretation, the reflective quality of the mercury would have mimicked the sheen of watery realms associated with the afterlife in Mesoamerican mythology.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element, yet its presence in ancient contexts is unusual due to its rarity and toxicity. Control over mercury — a rare and precious substance — would have reflected and reinforced the status of Teotihuacan's elite.
The name 'Teotihuacan' translates to ‘the place where gods were created.' Standing above the tunnel's miniature underworld, where shimmering lakes of mercury meet a sparkling galaxy of pyrite overhead, one can easily imagine how its creators must have felt like gods themselves...
Egypt, the land of Pyramids and Pharaohs, holds a captivating secret beneath its golden sands. Beyond the iconic Sphinx and pyramids lies Wadi Al Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that conceals an astonishing transformation in the history of life on Earth.
This desert was once a vast ocean where prehistoric whales roamed, and today, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into their evolution. Let us embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Wadi Al Hitan.
In the following video we will analyze what the Mongol warriors ate. Watch the video to find out!
In the video below we will be explaining why Australia is turning ordinary animals into monsters. Watch the video to find out!
Archaeologists in Mörigen, Switzerland, in the late 1800s found an arrowhead at a Bronze Age house. The 3,000-year-old relic has been a part of the Bern Historical Museum's collection ever since.
The arrowhead found in Switzerland was made using meteoritic iron. (Image credit: zvg/Thomas Schüpbach)
The arrowhead was made from a meteorite that came to Earth 3,500 years ago, according to a study that was recently revealed through new analysis, which was published in the September issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science.
According to lead author Beda Hofmann, head and curator of mineralogy and meteorites at the Natural History Museum of Bern, "on the outside it looks like a typical arrowhead coated in rust." "There is still a lot of metal preserved," he stated, citing their findings.
The study found that the palm-sized arrowhead not only contained aluminum-26 isotopes that don't naturally occur on Earth but also traces of iron and nickel alloy consistent with meteorites. This was demonstrated by a number of techniques, including X-ray tomography (computerized imaging) and gamma spectrometry (a process that detects gamma-emitting radioactive materials).
According to a release, the examination also uncovered tar remnants that were probably used to secure the point to the arrow's shaft and grind marks left behind from when the meteorite was fashioned into an arrowhead.
The artifact was initially believed to be connected to the nearby, less than 5 miles (8 kilometers) away, 170,000-year-old Twannberg meteorite site. The concentrations of nickel and germanium (a chemical element) in the arrowhead, however, weren't the same, according to subsequent investigation, the statement said.
"It wasn't from the meteorite that I suspected it was from," Hofmann said of the relic, which has a weight of one-tenth of an ounce (2.9 grams) and a length of slightly over 1 inch (3 centimeters).
Unfazed, Hofmann and associates consulted a geological database, which showed that the arrowhead originated from a 2-ton (1,800 kilograms) meteorite and that the Kaalijarv meteorite site in Estonia, more than 1,400 miles (2,250 km) away, contained similar metals to the artifact.
Scientists came to the conclusion that the arrowhead was probably traded at some point as a result of this.
Trade over great distances was already established during the Bronze Age, according to extensive documentation, Hofmann added. "These early people probably knew that the material was valuable and precious when the impact happened there in 1500 B.C."
According to the statement, meteoritic arrowheads are still extremely uncommon, with only 55 documented items discovered in Eurasia and Africa at 22 sites.
The arrowhead will be on display at the Bern Historical Museum from Feb. 1, 2024, to Apr. 25, 2025.
Having characteristics of both humans and other more distantly related hominids, this 300,000-year-old skull was discovered in China, suggesting that a new branch on the human evolutionary tree may have lived there.
An artistic illustration of a human skull.
Lower jaw bones dating back to 300,000 years ago were found by archaeologists in China and may have belonged to a previously unidentified human progenitor, suggesting a new long-lost distant relative of humans, according to a recent study.
According to reports, the lower jaw parts unearthed belonged to a child between the ages of 12 and 13 and could be from the late Middle Pleistocene.
The Journal of Human Evolution, a peer-reviewed academic journal, published the study's findings.
Oh the mankind ('s ancestors): Discovering Homo sapiens' long-lost relations
The earliest known human remains are from Africa, where humans first appeared hundreds of thousands of years ago. After that, they spread to other parts of the world. But since Homo erectus first stood upright some two million years ago, there have been dozens of additional hominid species, and this comes after hundreds of thousands of years of evolution.
Numerous hominids from the late Middle Pleistocene have been discovered in China. The discoveries discussed in this study stand out among them and could alter how we perceive the evolutionary trend of that time.
The fossil in question is a skull that was discovered in Hualongdong back in 2015 and has since been given the designation HLD 6.
The scientists studied it by contrasting it with contemporary people and other hominids from that era.
The facial structure of the skull, in instance, resembled modern people in certain ways. Other features of the skull, however, appear to greatly diverge. The most obvious of these changes is the absence of a chin, which this hominid may have shared with the Denisovans, a distant relative of humans that split off from the rest of the species hundreds of thousands of years ago in terms of evolution.
As humans were still in Africa at the time, this would imply that human-like traits had to have appeared in China long before any of them arrived in the country.
This type of characteristic is unheard of in late Middle Pleistocene China and shares traits with both contemporary humans and other more ancient hominids like Denisovans.
Then again, it might not be.
One thing the researchers have discovered is that some of these variations have been found in hominid bones from this time period in China before. These have, however, frequently been disregarded as being more likely just isolated anomalies than indications of a larger overall tendency.
These results, however, suggest that there might be more at play.
Illustrative image of skulls.
According to Chris Stringer, director of human evolution research at the London Natural History Museum, "the data presented suggest a distinctive combination of features that supports the idea of a third human lineage in China, not sapiens nor Neanderthal," according to a study he was not a part of.
This demonstrates how gradual and varied our development may have been, which has significant implications for our understanding of how humans have changed over time.
Given how numerous hominids were before to the appearance of Homo sapiens, it is conceivable that the hominid family tree contained more branches that have not yet been discovered.
To determine precisely where on the tree HLD 6 was, more investigation will be required.
An English teen's skeleton that was buried face down at the beginning of the ninth century in an apparent effort to fend off bad spirits has been found by archaeologists.
Archaeologists uncovered skeleton of ninth century teenager who had been buried with her face down
She was about 15 years old, and based on the location of her ankles, it's possible that she was bound.
When an early medieval hamlet was abandoned, she had been interred outside the enclosure; according to archaeological data, there had been no activity beyond the ninth century.
Her body was placed in the hole caused by the massive wooden posts of an imposing entrance gatehouse that was up to five meters tall. The peculiar burial indicates that this person was marginalized and shunned, possibly out of fear.
Specialist teams from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) and Headland Archaeology have participated in excavations as part of the National Highways A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme.
According to Don Walker, senior human osteologist at MOLA, "This burial may be some way of trying to protect the living from the spirits of the dead or to stop the dead from returning into the world of the living."
Face-down burials were occasionally found during this time period, he claimed. Maybe this person was different, whether it was because they passed very suddenly, in an accident, via suicide, or even through murder. Or perhaps they deviated in some way from what was regarded as the standard.
The burial marks her out as different to other members of the community and how outsiders were dealt with in early medieval England
"Even though the kingdoms of England were Christian by the ninth century, burial in cemeteries connected to churches was not the norm," he continued. Although there were no established burial customs in early medieval England, one element of funerals during this time was that the deceased was placed face up.
"This young woman stands out as unique since she was found face down in a pit. It is believed that being buried face-down was a way for people to express their 'otherness' in society.
She was an Anglo Saxon descendant of migrants, most likely from south Scandinavia or the region currently occupied by Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, according to DNA testing. There was a lot of migration from those areas in the early medieval period.
The bones have been preserved incredibly well. Since there is no proof of a significant illness, she might have passed away abruptly or without warning. However, the investigation reveals that she had a difficult life. There is proof of childhood undernutrition as well as spinal joint dysfunction, which was unquestionably made worse by rigorous manual labor at a young age.
"It certainly seems that she didn't have a comfortable life," Mr. Walker said.
It's amazing what you can learn when you combine the data from the field team that discovered the skeleton with osteology, which involves examining the bones themselves, he continued.
The isotope evidence, which examines the strontium and oxygen isotopes in the teeth, informs us that she was raised in the neighborhood in Cambridge while the DNA indicates that her lineage was from southern Scandinavia or the Baltic. She wasn't a migrant herself, but she was the progenitor of migrants, so that tells us that. Therefore, that is truly impressive proof that we weren't aware of before.
A mock up depicting the settlement near Conington, in Cambridgeshire
Conington, which means "King's Town" in English, is one of numerous administrative hubs for the Kingdom of Mercia, one of England's early medieval kingdoms. It might have been abandoned as the kingdom started to wane in influence around the beginning of the ninth century.
If her burial coincided with the end of the colony, according to Mr. Walker, it might have served as the site's symbolic closing.
He thinks it was particularly significant because of its remote location beneath the old gatehouse: "There was some link there because it seems to have been the final action on the site. They buried him after demolishing the gatehouse.
The settlement from the Middle Ages appears to have had a sizable enclosure. He continued, "That would imply that it was relatively large for a rural area." Its gatehouse alone was significant.
Researchers have discovered the earliest example of Neanderthal art as the stripes, dots, and parallel lines carved into a cave in Central France more than 57,000 years ago. However, their meaning will probably continue to be a fascinating enigma.
Trine Freiesleben and Jean-Claude discussing the fingerprints and where to take OSL samples. Photo: courtesy Kristina Thomsen.
A recent study that tries to characterize the traces and establish that they were created by Neanderthal hands is focused on the engravings, or finger flutings, that cover the soft walls of the La Roche-Cotard in the Loire Valley. The study was recently published in the journal Plos One. They did this by creating a 3D model of the carvings (across eight different panels) and analyzing the sediment layers.
The cave, which consists of four interconnected chambers, was found in 1846 when quarrying nearby accidentally came over one of the openings. Although excavations started in the early 20th century, it wasn't until the 1970s that a full research into the chambers that extend more than 100 feet under the riverbank started. The most recent research project was started in 2008 and is being directed by Jean-Claude Marquet of the University of Tours.
Examples of engravings discovered in the Roche-Cotard cave. Photo: courtesy Jean-Claude Marquet.
The first chamber's tools and bones provided proof that it was a dwelling area, and the third chamber included engravings created by pressing and dragging fingers against the chalk wall covered in clay. The engravings have a wide range of styles; some have a grid of dots, another has wavy lines that meet at a point, and another has what looks like a fan-like pattern.
Researchers examined the dirt that had blocked the entryway to prove the engravings were done by Neanderthals. It revealed that the cave had been sealed sometime between 57,000 and 40,000 years ago, and homo sapiens are not thought to have arrived in this region of contemporary Europe until then. The engravings could be up to 75,000 years old.
The “Triangular Panel” on the wall of the cave. Image: Jean-Claude Marquet.
Lead scientist Jean-Claude Marquet stated in the report, "The artificial origin of the spatially-structured, non-figurative traces identified within the cave is established. "We come to the conclusion that the engravings from La Roche-Cotard are unmistakable examples of Neanderthal abstract design."
Recent years have seen a significant rise in scientific knowledge on Neanderthals, debunking long-held beliefs that our distant relatives were savage. Research on Neanderthal social structures and tool use has been a part of this. However, there is just a small amount of prior documentation of their carvings, mostly limited to bone markings from 40,000–50,000 years ago.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan claims the discovery of a huge Bronze Age pyramid.
Archaeologists and students at the Eurasian National University have been excavating the Bronze Age pyramid since 2014.
The building, which is unique to the Eurasian steppes and dates to the second millennium BC, may have been connected to an ancient horse religion.
Ulan Umitkaliyev, head of the archaeology and ethnology department of the Eurasian National University, stated in a press release that "this is a very complex construction." "The steppe pyramid was incredibly precisely constructed; it is hexagonal.
"There are eight rows of stones and thirteen meters between each face. There are multiple circles in the midst of this extremely intricate structure.
Since 2014, archaeologists from the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University have been researching the site in Kazakhstan's Abai area. The Bronze Age, which spanned from 3300 BC to 1200 BC and was marked by the use of bronze for tools and weapons, was largely centered on the Eurasian steppe. The steppe region, which runs from Eastern Europe to Asia, served as a route for trade, migration, and cultural interchange during this time.
According to the National Science Foundation, people began domesticating horses in Kazakhstan at this time. And the walls of the pyramid can be seen reflecting this.
The walls outside the building in the same complex are dominated by pictures of animals, particularly horses, according to Umitkaliyev. "A camel is also depicted there."
Each face of the hexagonal pyramid spans roughly 42 feet.
Indeed, these horses made it possible for people to travel farther and helped spread languages, foods, ideas, and cultural expression along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that ran through Eurasia from the second century BC until the middle of the fifteenth century.
The additional gems that the archaeological team has uncovered at the site show evidence of this rich cultural interchange.
"Findings in excavations, ceramics, female gold earrings, and other jewelry indicate that this Bronze Age was the center of culture in ancient times," stated Umitkaliyev. The discovery of horse bones near the stone building indicates that the religion of the horse was particularly strong even at the time.
Students from the university and researchers from other countries will assist in the site's continued excavation.
83 years have passed since the Crypt of Civilization was shut. Not until the year 8113 CE will it be reopened.
The vault will not be seen again for millennia.
Dr. Thornwell Jacobs saw how little reliable information about past civilizations had persisted while he studied past Egypt. He understood that the pyramids and a few inscribed tablets discovered in ancient Assyria were the primary sources for almost all of our knowledge about ancient Egyptian culture.
He had the thought that leaving behind documentation of our way of life would be beneficial—indeed, it was our "archaeological duty"—for later civilizations to study. He had imagined the first time capsule of the modern era, a word he would later coin.
While serving as president of Oglethorpe University in Georgia, Jacobs began work on the time capsule at Phoebe Hearst Hall. It was a sizable room that was hidden in a disused swimming pool and would be filled with relics from 1930s society as well as information from the previous 6,000 years.
The vault, which was built to resemble a pharaoh's tomb, had 100 volumes on microfilm as well as recordings of clarinetist Artie Shaw, who was well-known in the 1930s, movies of events that were captured on camera starting in 1898, and movies of other historical events. A small Donald Duck model was among the common objects. However, there was no gold, jewelry, or other valuables present.
For future humans, a new species of hyper-intelligent dogs, or whoever is in power at the time, a "book of records" identifying and describing all the goods and their uses was also left.
It's important to remember that Jacobs' selection of items is very much a reflection of the time and of his prejudiced opinions, and is not necessarily an accurate image of America in the 1930s.
The International Time Capsule Society co-founder Paul Hudson described the vault as "pulsating with life." It has life and breath in it. It is bigger and older than we are all combined. Can you see a sociologist opening the crypt in the year 8113? It resembled a hidden treasure trove. It would be fascinating to learn about even dental floss.
He understood that there might be a language barrier between us (dead) and whoever discovered it (alive), rendering the books within the capsule nothing more than worthless paperweights. He referred to his solution as a "language integrator" The hand-cranked device showed photos of various objects together with the English name of the object. The name would also be spoken aloud simultaneously by a voice on the phonograph.
The time capsule was scheduled to be opened in 8113 CE. Jacobs stated that 6,177 years had passed since the invention of the Egyptian calendar in 1936, the year in which he received the notion. He desired for whoever (or whatever) unlocked the safe to have a glimpse of the juncture between their time and the time of the ancient Egyptians.
You can't enter right now. However, if you can't wait 6,000 years to see the crypt, you can go to the locked door.
The vault was sealed four years after Jacobs had the idea, in hopes that it would be discovered again thousands of years from today as the globe entered globe War II. The hopeful assessment of human longevity stood in sharp contrast to the message Jacobs had left in the tomb.
We leave it to you here in this crypt as the rest of the world works to bury our civilization forever.
In Mexico City, archaeologists have discovered the long-lost ruins of a Teotihuacan town.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,500-year-old Teotihuacan village in Mexico City, complete with large concentrations of ceramics and three human burials.
Experts estimate the hamlet to be 1,500 years old and date it to between 450 and 650 A.D. based on the ceramics discovered nearby.
The National Institute of History and Anthropology of Mexico reports that the settlement contained a number of architectural fragments.
Additionally, two adult and one child's bodies were found.
In addition to artists, archaeologists think the village may have been home to a group of fishermen and gatherers.
In the realm of chivalry and honor, knights have always held a special place. Their noble deeds and unwavering dedication to uphold justice and protect the innocent have been celebrated for centuries. Beyond their gallant actions, the names they bear often carry profound meanings that reflect their virtues, strengths, and destinies. Join us on a journey as we unveil the stories behind 100 names of knights and their deep-rooted significance.
Arthur - "Bear king," embodying strength and leadership.
Roland - Signifying courage and bravery.
Lancelot - "Land" and "lot," symbolizing connection to homeland.
Guinevere - "Fair one," reflecting purity and beauty.
Galahad - "Pure of heart," epitome of virtue.
Richard - "Brave ruler," representing leadership and valor.
Eleanor - "Bright, shining one," for honorable character.
Percival - "Pierce the vale," suggesting a knight's journey through challenges.
Tristan - "Sorrowful" or "tumult," portraying the complexities of a knight's life.
Isolde - "Beautiful" or "fair," embodying enchantment.
Baldwin - "Bold friend," emphasizing companionship.
Alys - "Noble" or "of noble kind," reflecting a knight's aristocratic lineage.
Bertrand - "Bright raven," capturing the intelligence and wit often associated with knights.
Emeline - "Industrious" or "eager," reflecting a knight's diligence and commitment to his duties.
Geoffrey - "Peaceful gift," showcasing a knight's capacity for diplomacy.
Elowen - "Elm tree," symbolizing a knight's strength and resilience.
Giselle - "Pledge" or "hostage," mirroring a knight's loyalty to their cause.
Isembard - "Iron" and "strong," underscoring a knight's unyielding resolve.
Rowena - "Fame" and "joy," embodying the recognition and happiness earned by valiant knights.
Ysolde - An enchanting name, similar in connotation to Isolde.
Godfrey - "Peace of God," showcasing a knight's inner serenity amidst conflict.
Alaric - "Ruler of all," exemplifying the grandeur and authority of knights.
Rosamund - "Horse protector," symbolizing a knight's duty to safeguard their steed.
Benedict - "Blessed," symbolizing divine favor.
Isabella - "Devoted to God," exemplifying faith.
Gawain - Possibly "hawk of battle," signifying prowess.
Morgana - Likely "sea circle," mysterious and enchanting.
Cedric - "Bounty" or "generous," reflecting noble nature.
Isolde - "Fair lady" or "ruler," dual symbolism.
Gervaise - "Spear servant," echoing dedication.
Elaine - "Bright, shining light," representing hope.
Emeric - Possibly "work-power," signifying industriousness.
Aveline - "Hazel," symbolizing intuition and wisdom.
Gareth - "Gentle" or "kind," embodying compassion.
Maelis - "Prince" or "chief," denoting leadership.
Margery - "Pearl," reflecting preciousness.
Tristram - "Sadness," encompassing depth of emotion.
Elysande - "Noble and gracious," combining virtues.
Thibault - "Brave people," representing valor.
Eleanor - Representing "light" and "torch," illuminating strength.
Olivier - "Olive tree," symbolizing peace.
Cassandra - "Prophetess," echoing foresight.
Hector - "Steadfast," showcasing loyalty.
Sybilla - "Prophetess" or "oracle," wisdom and insight.
Auberon - "Noble" or "bear-like," strength and honor.
Blanchefleur - "White flower," purity and elegance.
Gawain - "White hawk" or "falcon," representing keen perception.
Genevieve - "Woman of the race," embodying heritage.
Caelia - Likely "heavenly," reflecting divine qualities.
Baldwin - Enduring significance in knightly lore.
Yvonne - Possibly "yew tree," symbolizing resilience.
Thibault - "Brave people," representing valor.
Benedict - "Blessed," symbolizing divine favor.
Seraphina - Derived from "seraphim," denoting ardor and nobility.
Galahad - Once again, "pure of heart," epitome of virtue.
Igraine - Likely from "Igraine," embodying strength.
Hermione - "Messenger," reflecting communication skills.
Lionel - "Young lion," signifying courage and power.
Eleanor - "Bright, shining one," for honorable character.
Alaric - "All ruler," grandeur and authority.
Elysande - "Noble and gracious," combining virtues.
Baldwin - "Brave friend," highlighting camaraderie.
Margery - "Pearl," reflecting preciousness.
Tristan - "Tumult" or "sorrowful," portraying complexity.
Isolde - "Fair lady" or "ruler," dual symbolism.
Geoffrey - "Peaceful gift," showcasing diplomacy.
Rowena - "Fame" and "joy," earned by valor.
Lancelot - "Land" and "lot," symbolizing connection to homeland.
Percival - "Pierce the vale," journey through challenges.
Gawain - "White hawk" or "falcon," keen perception.
Emeline - "Industrious" or "eager," reflecting diligence.
Elowen - "Elm tree," symbolizing strength and resilience.
Baldwin - "Bold friend," emphasizing companionship.
Isabella - "Devoted to God," exemplifying faith.
Seraphina - Derived from "seraphim," denoting ardor and nobility.
Galahad - "Pure of heart," epitome of virtue.
Igraine - Likely from "Igraine," embodying strength.
Hermione - "Messenger," reflecting communication skills.
Lionel - "Young lion," signifying courage and power.
Eleanor - "Bright, shining one," for honorable character.
Alaric - "All ruler," grandeur and authority.
Elysande - "Noble and gracious," combining virtues.
Baldwin - "Brave friend," highlighting camaraderie.
Margery - "Pearl," reflecting preciousness.
Tristan - "Tumult" or "sorrowful," portraying complexity.
Isolde - "Fair lady" or "ruler," dual symbolism.
Geoffrey - "Peaceful gift," showcasing diplomacy.
Rowena - "Fame" and "joy," earned by valor.
Lancelot - "Land" and "lot," symbolizing connection to homeland.
Percival - "Pierce the vale," journey through challenges.
Gawain - "White hawk" or "falcon," keen perception.
Emeline - "Industrious" or "eager," reflecting diligence.
Elowen - "Elm tree," symbolizing strength and resilience.
Giselle - "Pledge" or "hostage," mirroring loyalty.
Isembard - "Iron" and "strong," underscoring resolve.
Rowena - "Fame" and "joy," earned by valor.
Baldwin - "Brave friend," highlighting camaraderie.
Ysolde - An enchanting name, similar in connotation to Isolde.
Godfrey - "Peace of God," showcasing a knight's inner serenity amidst conflict.
Alaric - "Ruler of all," exemplifying the grandeur and authority of knights.
From the valorous Arthur to the enigmatic Tristan, each of these names carries a unique story, woven into the tapestry of chivalry and knighthood. As we delve into their meanings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage these names represent. They stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of knights, whose virtues continue to inspire us to this day. Whether it's bravery, loyalty, or honor, these names remind us that the spirit of chivalry lives on in the hearts of those who uphold noble values and fight for a just and brighter world.
A new species of extinct whale that lived in the sea surrounding modern-day Egypt some 41 million years ago was discovered by paleontologists in Egypt.
The new species, known as Tutcetus rayanensis, is one of the earliest records of its family in Africa and is the smallest basilosaurid whale to date, measuring an estimated 2.5 meters in length and weighing roughly 187 kilos.
The new whale's name is derived from Egyptian history and the region of the discovery. The name Tutcetus emphasizes the specimen's diminutive size and young age by combining "Tut" (a reference to the well-known teenage Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun) with "cetus," which is Greek for whale. The whale was discovered in Fayoum's Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area, hence the name Rayanensis.
The name was also chosen to honor the 100th anniversary of King Tut's tomb discovery and the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.
Tutcetus, despite its small size, has given researchers enlightening insights into the phylogeny, paleobiogeography, and life history of early whales.
Hesham Sallam at Wadi al-Hitan. Photo by Rawan Ezzat
It was a "remarkable discovery that documents one of the first phases of the transition to a fully aquatic lifestyle," according to team leader Hesham Sallam of the American University in Cairo (AUC).
Ocean to Land
An important stage in whale evolution is represented by the extinct family of totally aquatic whales known as the Basilosauridae. The basilosauridae acquired fish-like traits when they made the move from land to sea, including a streamlined body, a powerful tail, flippers, and a tail fin. Previously needed for walking on land, their hind legs were now possibly only employed for mating.
Sallam stated that the transformation of whales from land animals to lovely aquatic creatures "embodies the marvelous, adventurous journey of life." "Tutcetus is a remarkable discovery that documents one of the first phases of the transition to a fully aquatic lifestyle that took place in that journey."
Communications Biology, an open-access publication from Nature Portfolio that publishes top-notch research, reviews, and commentary in many fields of the biological sciences, has published the team's findings. The scientists used CT scanning to conduct in-depth investigations of Tutcetus' teeth and bones, which allowed them to rebuild the species' growth and development cycle. The whale may have been precocial, or able to move and feed itself from birth, based on its rapid dental development and small bone size.
The discovery advances our knowledge of basilosaurids' ability to successfully migrate from land to sea while remaining competitive, versatile, and successful. According to the research team's results, this transition most likely took place in the (sub)tropics.
"Modern whales migrate to warmer, shallow waters for breeding and reproduction, mirroring the conditions found in Egypt 41 million years ago," said Abdullah Gohar, a PhD student at Mansoura University, a member of Sallam Lab, and a co-author of the paper. This bolsters the notion that the location that is currently known as Fayoum was important for prehistoric whales' reproduction.
Tutcetus dramatically widens the size range of basilosaurid whales and demonstrates significant variance among whales during the middle Eocene, according to the study's principal author, Mohammed Antar, of the MUVP and the National Focal Point for Natural Heritage. Our present understanding of the evolution of whales may be influenced by the discovery of an older assemblage of early whale fossils in the early levels of Fayoum.
This handout picture provided by the American University in Cairo (AUC) on August 10, 2023 shows Egyptian paleontologist Hesham Sallam (R), professor of vertebrate paleontology at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and founder of Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center (MUVP), along with Egyptian paleontologists Abdullah Gohar (L) and Mohamed Sameh (C) standing before holotype fossils of their discovery of a new species of extinct basilosaurid whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, that inhabited the ancient sea covering present-day Egypt around 41 million years ago, at Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Centre. Photo by American University in Cairo (AUC)
This important discovery is probably just the first of many to come, that much is clear. The bones of a 34-million-year-old rodent, a 37-million-year-old giant catfish, fossilized snakes, legless lizards, and the first proof of a 100-million-year-old Abelisauroid, a meat-eating dinosaur, are just a few of the recent finds made by Sallam and his team.
According to Erik Seiffert, chair and professor of integrative anatomical sciences at the University of Southern California and a co-author of the study, "the Eocene fossil sites of Egypt's Western Desert have long been the world's most important for understanding the early evolution of whales and their transition to a fully aquatic existence." "The finding of Tutcetus shows that there is still so much that this area can teach us about the fascinating evolution of whales."
Wadi al-Hitan, the Valley of the Whales, is located in the Fayoum Oasis, 150 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Cairo. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has uncovered thousands of fossils from some of the oldest whale species.
Fayoum, now an oasis in the Western Desert, was once submerged beneath a tropical sea between 56 and 34 million years ago.
Italy has hailed the repatriation of 266 artifacts from the US that police had determined were stolen and were worth tens of millions of dollars.
The antiquities are worth tens of millions of euros.
Ancient Roman coins, mosaics, and Etruscan vases were among the looted items that were sold to US museums and private collectors.
According to officials, among the returned goods are relics that were just recently taken into custody in New York from a storage facility owned by British antiquities merchant Robin Symes.
The shipment that made it to Rome also contained 65 items that a collector had offered to donate to the Menil Collection in Houston but had been rejected.
According to a carabinieri statement, the owner of the collection "spontaneously" returned the artefacts after it was discovered they came from illegal excavations of ancient sites. The art unit of Italy's Carabinieri paramilitary police made the claim.
Italy has been conducting an extensive search for artifacts that were stolen from tombs by "tombaroli," or tomb raiders, and then sold to private buyers and museums in the US and other countries.
Art dealers participated in the theft operations and either sold the stolen goods outright or at auction.
At the offices of Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday, some of the objects were turned over to Italian authorities.
The Apulian krater, or vase, which dates to 335 BC and was taken in July from a private collection in New York, according to Mr. Bragg's office, was among them.
According to Bragg's office, the vase had been photographed and was part of the well-known Polaroid "archive" of dealer Giacomo Medici, who sent it to Mr. Symes, who allegedly "laundered the piece through Sotheby's London."
Two 440 BC Etruscan tile murals from Cerveteri, a frequently vandalized necropolis site northwest of Rome, were among the other pieces.
The tiles, according to Mr. Bragg's office, were stolen in the 1980s and found their way to Mr. Symes, who in 1992 sold them for $1.6 million (£1.26 million) to renowned New York collectors Shelby White and Leon Levy.
A vase, dating from 335 BC, was seized in July from a private collection in New York.
Before 1999, the couple gave Mr. Symes back the tiles "after questions about their illicit origins were raised by multiple scholars," according to the statement.
Until they were taken in March, the items were still in Mr. Symes' New York storage container.
The 266 pieces would be worth tens of millions of euros on the open market, according to the Italian police art squad.
The Symes treasures are in addition to 750 objects that were owned by Mr. Symes' London-based Symes Ltd., which is in the process of being liquidated, and were displayed in Italy on May 31, 2023.
