Locals Were Warned Against Entering A 400 Foot Well, But Explorers Pushed Ahead

The Well of Barhout, also known as the "Well of Hell," is a 400-foot well located in the Yeni Desert on the border of Yemen and Oman. The well has been shrouded in mystery for generations, with locals avoiding it due to dark rumors and a terrifying past. According to legend, the well is the home of evil spirits and a source of limitless bad luck. The water in the well is believed to be poisonous, and those who venture inside risk being decapitated by vengeful jin. Despite the warnings, a team of seven from the Omani Caves Exploration Team recently descended into the well to see what was lurking at the bottom.

The Well of Barhout has been stigmatized for centuries and is mentioned in the writings of the Islamic scribe Iban Abbas from the 7th century. The well is believed to be a place where the souls of wicked people go to progress into the afterlife. The well has long been associated with jin, a type of spirit from Islamic mythology. According to legend, some long-dead king ordered the jin to construct the well to hide his treasure.

The team from the Omani Caves Exploration Team faced numerous challenges in planning their expedition. On the surface, the opening to the well appeared as a 100-foot gash across the desert floor. Locals warned them about the strange voices, screaming, and wild animals that could be heard from within the well. Despite the challenges, the team was eventually successful in exploring the well and discovering a vast, unexplored cavern.

Amazing Historical Artifacts That Will Allow You To Travel In Time

The article highlights 29 interesting and bizarre historical artifacts from around the world that provide a glimpse into the past. These artifacts range from a 2,000-year-old Roman silver dagger discovered in Germany to a 600-year-old medieval hat from Sweden, and from a cranioplasty surgery relic from Peru dating back to 400 AD to the head of Dionisis, the Greek god of wine, unearthed in Turkey.

Other artifacts include a pirate flag from the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum in the US, a 9,000-year-old stone mask found in Israel, and a pair of socks made of cotton and silk from 1830. These artifacts are not only fascinating but also offer insights into the cultures, customs, and traditions of civilizations that existed thousands of years ago.

25,000-Year-Old Advanced Ice Age Site of Mal'ta

Siberia is a region that is often overlooked when discussing human history, but it is estimated that the earliest human occupation dates back to around 40,000 years ago. By around 20,000 years ago, two principal cultural traditions had emerged in the region: the Avantovagora and the Moltar Buret. The Moltar Burek culture is named after two principal archaeological sites and has brought forth some of the most incredible finds ever recovered from the Ice Age world. Moltar, a multi-layered archaeological site, was excavated from 1928 to 1958 and contains a graffiti-like lithic industry with stone and ivory objects and 15 dwelling structures dated between 21,000 and 25,000 years ago.

Thirteen thousand artifacts have been discovered, and more than 850 items are considered totally unique to this culture. Personal ornamentation and mobile arts were clearly important to these people, who hunted reindeer and mammoths. The houses were semi-subterranean, made from reindeer antler and large animal bones, and likely covered with animal skins and sod to protect the people from the severe northerly winds. The ivory anthropomorphic sculptures at Moltar show several stages of human childhood, from infancy to teenagerhood, implying they did have some function and meaning. There are also adult figurines, generally female, sometimes with and sometimes without clothing and accessories.

The 5 Most Incredible Archaeological Discoveries of Recent Times

Archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved Bronze Age sword in the German town of Nordlingen, alongside the remains of a man, woman and child, and a deposit of grave goods and weaponry. The discovery is rare for the area, as most burial mounds have been looted. The sword's hilt is decorated, suggesting it had a ceremonial function or was a symbol of high status, but it would also have served as an effective weapon. Researchers are yet to classify the find, which may have been locally crafted or imported. The sword is similar to d-type Ricksheim swords, which use a solid hilt made by overlay casting of the handle over the blade. The find is rare in a region where most Bronze Age remains belong to the Earnfield culture, which developed advanced metal working skills in bronze weaponry and armor. 

Peruvian archaeologists have discovered a 3,000-year-old mummy in Lima dating to pre-Hispanic times. The mummy is thought to have belonged to the Manche culture, which developed in the valleys of Lima between 1500 and 1000 BC. The person was either left or offered as a sacrifice during the last phase of the construction of a temple. The mummy was buried with other items including corn, coca leaves and seeds.

Seven Craziest Permafrost Discoveries From Russia & Alaska

Permafrost, soil or underwater sediment that has remained below freezing for over two years, covers 15% of the Northern Hemisphere and 11% of the global surface. The permafrost has preserved many secrets and acted as a natural time capsule. As permafrost melts, remarkable finds have been unearthed, including extinct horses, nematodes, and a step bison. One of the most exciting discoveries was an almost-pristine extinct horse that was only two weeks old when it died.

The specimen still had its skin, tail, hooves, and hair, and researchers found liquid blood, which is very rare in permafrost animals. The baby horse was dated to about 42,000 years ago, making it the oldest specimen with liquid blood, sparking excitement that the blood could be used to clone the animal. Similarly, a nematode, a microscopic worm, was found in permafrost and was dated back to the Pine, around 42,000 years ago.

The nematode was able to come back to life through cryptobiosis, a physiological state in which metabolic activity is reduced to an undetectable level without stopping altogether. The specimen surprised researchers as it not only came back to life but also started reproducing.

The Amazing True Colors of Ancient Greece

Contrary to popular belief, the sculptures and buildings of ancient Greece were often painted with bright colours. The pigment remains found on buildings and statues in the Acropolis of Athens, as well as microscopic research, have proved that capitals, columns, and friezes were richly painted with complementary colours that allowed for the appreciation of the details of the statues, even from a distance.

The sculptures were often completely or partially painted, with colours delimiting the elements of the statues, such as hair, clothes, lips, or nipples. The colours were used as a way to enhance the artistry of the classical forms and achieve a lifelike polychrome statuary. Unfortunately, most surviving classical sculptures are marble copies of original Greek statues, as the Greeks tended to work with materials that do not survive time, such as wood or bronze.

Marble was used to create statues that would match the building housing them, but the perception of white marble as the standard for classical Greek art began during the Renaissance, as Europeans rediscovered Greek and Roman art. The idealised white form became synonymous with classical purity and was admired and emulated in neoclassical art and architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in recent years, research projects and reconstructions have aimed to show the public just how colourful these pieces would have looked in their prime.

When Did We Stop Being Naked?

The oldest clothing ever recovered has been dated to nearly 5,500 years old, found within a pile of dirty linen at the cemetery of Tarkin in Egypt in 1913. The Tarkin dress was discovered by museum conservators in 1977, and is considered to be some of the best evidence for clothing in the past, although ancient clothing is generally too fragile to survive in the archaeological record. In 1964 and 2008, fragmented pieces of woven textiles were discovered at the 9,000-year-old site of Chatal Huk in Turkey, and were later determined to be made from plant fibers, providing evidence for clothing approximately 8,500 years ago.

However, the oldest evidence for clothing is believed to be a fragmented needle with a point so thin that archaeologists interpret it as being used to delicately pierce through animal hide, found in the Sabodo cave in South Africa, and dated to approximately 61,000 years old. Despite the difficulties in finding evidence for clothing, archaeologists have discovered a series of processes involved in creating clothing, including turning fibers into fabric and cutting and sewing that fabric together, and have also found tools that suggest their use in clothing production.

30,000 BC, Pre-Columbian America - Summary on a Map

Around 30,000 BC, during the last Ice Age and with sea levels 120 meters lower than current levels, the first signs of human occupation appear on the American continent. The origins of these early settlements remain a mystery, but theories suggest that people may have followed the 5,000 km icefield that crossed the Atlantic Ocean or sailed along the “Kelp Highway” that ran along the Pacific rim from north Asia to America.

As the Ice Age draws to a close, Beringia forms a land corridor that connects America with Asia, and animals and humans gradually pour in. The climate continues to warm up, facilitating the domestication of plants endemic to the continent, and ceramics appear. Populations begin to settle, and the first cultures emerge, such as the Chinchorros, the Valdivia, and the Mound Builders.

The Caral civilization is the first to emerge in the South, followed by the Olmecs in the center of the continent and the Chavin civilization in the Andes. The Zapotecs become the new dominant civilization, with Monte Alban as the capital, and the neighboring city of Teotihuacan sees dazzling prosperity and development. The article ends by noting that there is still much that remains unknown about the early settlements and civilizations of the American continent.

11,000-Year-Old Modified Human Skulls at Göbekli Tepe

The ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, is known for its impressive stone structures and carvings. However, the remains of the people who lived there have also been discovered, revealing unique characteristics of a long-forgotten culture. Dozens of fragments of human skulls have been recovered, with intentional deep incisions along their sagittal axes, indicating that the people of Göbekli Tepe modified the skulls after a person's death. The modifications were done shortly after the people died, and the sharp edges of the cuts show that they were done when the bone was still elastic, meaning it was a very early stage of decay.

The modifications were done with lithic tools and the depth of carvings and multiple cutting actions differentiate the markings from those associated with defleshing and cleaning. The drill hole is funnel-shaped, showing it was done from the outside in, and it is thought the work was done shortly after the people died. The findings provide evidence of the practices, customs, and belief systems of the pre-pottery Neolithic people of Göbekli Tepe.

Oldest And Biggest Trees on Earth are Bigger Than Your Imagination

Trees, essential for various reasons, often go unnoticed despite some being revered for their towering heights. They exhibit diverse growth patterns, with some reaching astonishing heights of over 400 feet. Below are details about the 20 largest trees on Earth.

1. Centurion:

Centurion, situated in southern Tasmania, Australia, claims the title of the world's second-tallest tree species. Standing at 327 feet (99.6 meters) with a trunk diameter of 13.3 feet (4.05 meters), Centurion survived wildfires in 1934 and narrowly escaped logging in 1950.

2. The Monkey Pod Tree:

The Samanea saman, or monkeypod tree, native to tropical America, is renowned for its massive shade. With a crown diameter of around 200 feet, this tree's wood is often used for carvings, bowls, or platters. Its pods, with a sticky brown pulp, serve as cattle feed in Central America.

3. The Doerner Fir:

Named after a specific Douglas fir in Coos County, this tree is the tallest non-redwood globally, measuring 327 feet (99.7 meters) and being approximately 500 years old. Although not the tallest, it stands out for its age and size.

4. Kauri Tree:

New Zealand's Kauri tree, exemplified by Tane Mahuta, the "Lord of the Forest," stands at 51 meters with a circumference of 13.8 meters. Aged around 2,500 years, these ancient trees faced depletion during the European settlers' arrival.

5. Giant Sequoia Tree:

Also known as the Sierra Redwood, these colossal trees, native to the U.S. west coast, can grow up to 85 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter. The General Sherman tree, over 2,000 years old, is a renowned example in California’s Sequoia National Park.

6. Baobab Tree:

Found in African savannahs, the baobab tree, nicknamed the bottle tree or Tree of Life, has a wide, fire-resistant trunk, sometimes hollow, providing habitat for animals and even humans. Sunland baobab trees, up to 2,000 years old, are believed to possess mythical protective powers.

7. White Knight:

Standing just under 90 meters, White Knight is an exceptional white peppermint tree located in northeastern Tasmanian forests. One of the few remaining ultra-sized white peppermints, it, along with other massive trees, forms a grove in Mathinna near Avoca.

The significance of tall trees lies in their diverse ecological roles. Feel free to share information about tall trees in your area that you'd like to include.

The Most Dangerous & Feared Knights of the Middle Ages

This text discusses two medieval knights who left their mark in history: William Marshall, the first Earl of Pembrook, and Vladis III, who became king of Poland at age 10 and was later offered the crown of Hungary.

William Marshall was born into a noble family and became a skilled knight, winning more than 500 belts in tournaments and serving as a peacekeeper and stand-in king for five monarchs. Vladis III faced a conspiracy to depose him as king of Poland, and later had to navigate the precarious position of being offered the crown of Hungary, which was under threat from the Ottoman Empire.

Both knights faced challenges and made tough decisions in their roles as protectors and rulers. The text also includes a mention of Aura, an all-in-one service that helps keep users safe online, and a call to action to try out the service for two weeks using a provided link.

Naupa Huaca: The Mysterious Cave in Peru

The Naupa Huaca cave in Peru has a mysterious alter or false door made of andesite rock, with modern Inca work off to the side. Though it is not clear how the creators of the structure cut such precise ninety-degree angles into the rock, it is possible that softer stones like flint or fulgurite were used instead of machines.

While closer examination with a microscope shows some chiseling was used to cut out the structure, obsidian was also melted onto the andesite rock, though it is unclear how the ancient people managed to do this. Historically, false doors were used as alters for mourning the dead, with the ancient Incas placing their dead in an upright position and having them sit in the alter for ritual purposes. Some suggest that these structures were actually portals to bring the deceased into the afterlife, but the exact purpose remains unclear.

Göbekli Tepe EXPLAINED: 4 Common Misconceptions

In this video, the Ancient Architects debunk four common misconceptions about the ancient site of Gobekli Tepe, a settlement in Southeastern Anatolia.

The first misconception is that Gobekli Tepe was not a settlement, but there is evidence that suggests it was a permanent settlement or at least a seasonal camp. The circular enclosures were always the nucleus of the site, and they were long-lived, likely over several centuries, and used during the pre-pottery Neolithic A and B periods. The second misconception is that Gobekli Tepe was a temple, but there is no evidence to suggest that it was a temple.

The third misconception is that all the T-shaped pillars at the site are decorated with reliefs, but only a small percentage of the pillars have relief carvings. The fourth misconception is that the site was abandoned due to climate change, but there is no evidence to suggest that climate change was the reason for the site's abandonment. Instead, it is likely that social and cultural changes led to the site's abandonment.

Signs of Israelite Slavery in Egypt - The Exodus

A new pharaoh arises in Egypt who does not remember Joseph and enslaves the Israelites because they are becoming too numerous. He forces them to work on building store cities of Pithom and Ramses, making bricks out of mud and straw.

Professor James Hoffmeyer focuses on the first half of the New Kingdom and finds evidence supporting the idea of Israelite slavery. In the tomb of Reshmirei, he finds a depiction of semitic prisoners of war from Canaan and Syria making bricks in southern Egypt overseen by Egyptian taskmasters.

He also finds evidence of agricultural work being done by prisoners of war. While this evidence supports the presence of semitic slaves doing the right types of work, it does not match the Bible's account of the early Israelites.

David Roll points to a different set of evidence that fits the pattern found in Egypt's Middle Kingdom. He finds graves with deterioration in the quality of life, indicating famine and a shortage of food and nutrients. He also finds larger houses designed in an Egyptian style with smaller houses attached to them, indicating the presence of servant houses. Papyri with lists of slaves with semitic names on them are also found at this time.

Workers Split Open This Huge Stone From Salt Lake City – And Spotted A Treasure Trove Hidden Inside

The Salt Lake Temple, the largest house of worship ever constructed by the Mormon church, is a globally recognized landmark and symbol of faith and perseverance for the Mormon community.

During a recent restoration and repair project, the Capstone and golden statue of the angel Moroni were carefully removed from the temple, revealing a surprising discovery hidden within the stone sphere: a collection of historic artifacts effectively transforming the Capstone into a time capsule.

These untouched and unseen artifacts held the potential to offer insights into the daily life, beliefs, and practices of the people who lived and worked in Salt Lake City during a pivotal period in its history. The discovery was not just a treasure trove of physical items but a rich repository of historical and cultural significance. The artifacts were a testament to the enduring legacy and resilience of a community that sought to carve out a place of their own.

Today, Salt Lake City is home to a significant population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. The establishment of Salt Lake City as a major center for the Mormon church was a culmination of a long and often challenging journey marked by a quest for religious freedom and a desire to build a community based on shared beliefs and values.

12 Most Mysterious Ancient Technologies That Really Exist

This video discusses the innovative ideas and inventions of our ancient ancestors, including a 1,000-year-old copper arrowhead found in Canada, the potential use of machines to build Stonehenge, the history of laundry machines, and the evolution of sundials.

The arrowhead is one of the oldest examples of copper metallurgy found in the region and would have been used by hunters to take down Caribou. The theory of an enormous machine being used to move the massive stones of Stonehenge was proposed by inventor and part-time historian Stephen Tasker, who believes that such machines were referred to in the Bible.

The history of laundry machines dates back to ancient Babylon, where a fully functional washing machine made of a wheel with multiple blades was invented. The article also discusses the evolution of sundials, with the ancient Romans using pocket sundials and Tomas Tukar of Nuremberg being credited with making the world's most beautiful diptych sundials in the 17th century.

5 Ancient Artifacts of Unexplained Magic

Enoan, also known as the language of angels, is a mysterious language that was first recorded in the journals of John Dee, a mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, and occultist who claimed to have communicated with angels in 1581.

Dee and his assistant Edward Kelly developed the unique language, complete with its own alphabet and syntax, which they called Enochian after the biblical patriarch Enoch. Dee's collection of artifacts, including a claw glass and a crystal allegedly given to him by the Archangel Uriel, are on display at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

The crystal was instrumental in Dee and Kelly's alchemical endeavors, particularly in their quest to create the philosopher's stone. The language has been widely adopted by occultists, including Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, and modern-day occultists are still trying to reconstruct the fragmented Enochian language.

Dice divination, also known as astragalomancy, is a method of divination using dice marked with letters or numbers, which was widely practiced in ancient Greece.

The numbers derived from the dice rolls were linked to letters forming words that provided answers to the diviner's questions, often believed to be messages from the gods. Ancient dice dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD are on display at prominent museums such as the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Met.

The Age-Old Tradition of Parental Discipline: A Lesson from the Greek Goddess Aphrodite

---

By The Archaeologist Editor Group

---

Parenting has always been a challenging endeavor, and through history, mothers and fathers have employed various methods to discipline their mischievous offspring. In a curious twist of mythology, the Greek goddess Aphrodite, known for her beauty and allure, is revealed as the first mother to employ a rather unusual form of discipline—spanking her child Eros with a sandal. This ancient depiction has left a lasting legacy, with similar disciplinary practices seen in various cultures around the world today. Let's explore this intriguing story and its enduring impact on parenting traditions.

Aphrodite and Eros: An Unconventional Mother-Son Bond

In Greek and Roman mythology, Eros, the Greek god of love and desire, plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of love and attraction. In the earliest accounts, Eros is described as one of the primordial gods involved in the creation of the cosmos. However, as mythology evolved, Eros took on the role of Aphrodite's son, and his interventions in the affairs of gods and mortals often led to the formation of illicit bonds of love.

The Ancient Depiction

The intriguing depiction of Aphrodite disciplining her son Eros with a sandal can be found in ancient Greek vases and statues. One such example is a vase dated back to 360 BC, currently displayed at the Taranto Archaeological Museum in Italy. This artwork vividly portrays Aphrodite threatening to strike her son, who appears to have misbehaved. This image serves as a glimpse into the everyday lives and familial dynamics of the ancient Greeks.

Sandal as a Symbol of Discipline

The sandal's use as a disciplinary tool was not exclusive to Aphrodite and Eros. In other ancient Greek artworks, we find instances where the sandal was employed to deter unwanted advances. For instance, Aphrodite also used her sandal to fend off Pan, the god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks. In these depictions, the sandal served as a symbolic means of asserting boundaries and maintaining decorum.

The Evolution of Ancient Greek Sandals

Apart from their role in mythology and discipline, ancient Greek sandals have had a lasting impact on contemporary fashion. These sandals, originally designed for practicality and foot protection, have evolved into a worldwide summer fashion trend.

A 1914 illustration taken from an ancient Greek carving showing an ancient Greek mother punishing her child using a slipper. Contributor: Colin Waters /Alamy Stock Photo

The tradition of parental discipline has taken on various forms throughout history. The depiction of Aphrodite disciplining her son Eros with a sandal offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Greek understanding of parenting. While this unique method of discipline may not be directly applicable in modern times, it underscores the timeless nature of parenting challenges and the creative ways parents have approached them. Additionally, the enduring popularity of ancient Greek sandals as a fashion statement serves as a testament to the lasting influence of ancient Greek culture on our world today.

How Did the Ancient Egyptians Cut Granite? Insights from the Unfinished Sarcophagus in the Cairo Museum

---

By The Archaeologist Editor Group

---

The ancient Egyptians are renowned for their monumental architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, especially when working with hard stones like granite. A notable example that sheds light on their techniques is the unfinished sarcophagus housed in the Cairo Museum. This artifact offers vital clues to the methods used by these ancient artisans to cut and shape one of the hardest materials of their time.

Understanding Granite

Granite, an igneous rock, was highly favored by the Egyptians for its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, its hardness posed significant challenges in terms of quarrying, cutting, and shaping. This was especially remarkable given the relatively simple tools available to the ancient craftsmen.

Techniques in Quarrying and Cutting

1. Dolerite Pounders: The primary tools used in quarrying granite were dolerite pounders. These hard, ball-shaped stones were ideal for pounding the granite, creating a series of indentations. By repeatedly striking along these lines, the Egyptians were able to effectively fracture and extract large blocks of stone.

2. Copper Saws and Drills: Copper, though softer than granite, was used in saws and drills. The Egyptians likely employed a technique known as sand abrasion. By adding sand, which contains quartz, a harder material than copper, they could enhance the cutting capacity of their tools. The sawing action, combined with the abrasive sand, gradually wore through the stone.

3. Water and Wooden Wedges: Another ingenious method involved the use of water-soaked wooden wedges. These wedges, when driven into cracks or holes in the granite and soaked with water, would expand. This expansion exerted a significant force, helping to split the granite along predetermined lines.

Insights from the Unfinished Sarcophagus

The unfinished sarcophagus in the Cairo Museum is a compelling piece of evidence. Its incomplete state provides a snapshot of the ancient Egyptian stone-working process.

1. Tool Marks: The visible tool marks on the sarcophagus align with the known use of copper saws and drills. These marks indicate a gradual, methodical cutting process, supplemented by the use of abrasive sands.

2. Technique of Hollowing: The technique used to hollow out the sarcophagus involved drilling a series of closely spaced holes along the desired cut line. These holes would then be connected by sawing, eventually removing the interior block of stone.

3. Precision and Skill: Despite the rudimentary nature of their tools, the precision and skill evident in the sarcophagus are remarkable. The straight lines and smooth surfaces demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and understanding of the material.

Conclusion

The unfinished sarcophagus in the Cairo Museum is more than just an artifact; it is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Egyptian artisans. Their ability to work with such a challenging material as granite using relatively simple tools is a testament to their engineering prowess. This piece not only provides insight into ancient stone-working techniques but also continues to inspire and intrigue historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts of ancient Egyptian culture.

Guardian: The way is open for the return of the Parthenon Marbles - The unfairness of Sunak gave boost to the Greek positions

The political and diplomatic "blunder" of the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to cancel his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis strengthens the Greek position for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, according to a report by the Guardian.

As the British media reports, an air of optimism permeates the Acropolis Museum, and this air comes from Britain.

In a week in which the controversy over the fifth-century BC antiquities broke out with new vigour, the facts of a conflict that has been going on for years changed significantly. That's why Nikos Stampolidis, a classical archaeologist by profession and for the last two years the director of the Acropolis museum, said: "It's been a great week," he told the Observer. I think it's fair to say that things are looking up and in our favor. I am optimistic, very optimistic.”

Returns that point the way

In the past 24 months, Greece's effort to reunite the treasures, which were bought from the British Museum in 1816 by the bankrupt Lord Elgin, who himself acquired them under circumstances considered controversial at best, had already developed in ways that neither Mr. Stambolidis would dare to imagine, the Guardian points out.

How the Parthenon Marbles came to be in the British Museum

First came the return from Palermo, Italy, of Fagan's fragment, a repatriation from one state to another of the monumental frieze that once adorned the Parthenon, the iconic temple on the Acropolis, built to honor the goddess Athena.

Then came the "donation" of three more pieces from the Vatican: pioneering moves in the campaign to restore the treasures to the place of their birth. "But there was something else," said the director. "That great change in public feeling in Britain could not pass unnoticed."

A gift for the Greek side, Sunak's "blunder"

In Athens, the outcry that followed the sudden cancellation of talks between the British prime minister and his Greek counterpart is considered manna from heaven. For Greek officials, it is pointed out that Sunak's diplomatic "blunder" not only backfired on him but was an unprecedented boon for a campaign that, overnight, received more global publicity than at any other time.

In fact, the publication makes special mention of the famous presenter, Piers Morgan, who, despite long supporting the marbles' stay in London, came to the conclusion last week that it was time "for this great art to be reunited with its natural environment."

Mitsotakis' argument, made in a BBC interview two days before his meeting with Sounac, that keeping the antiquities separate was tantamount to cutting "the Mona Lisa in half" was very "persuasive"” Morgan admitted.

The tie of King Charles

But King Charles' decision to wear a Greek flag tie as he delivered his opening speech at the COP28 climate summit on Friday had a more resonant impact, sealing any doubt that the controversy had benefited Athens. The monarch's choice of clothing sent a "clear message."” On his last official trip to the country where his father was born, Charles confessed to having a "deep connection" to all things Greek and spoke of his "Greek blood."”

"No amount of money that the Greek government could throw at the campaign would help that much," Irini Stamatoudi, a professor of cultural heritage law at the University of Nicosia, told the Guardian.

"At first, it was difficult to understand why the leader of a country with such a tradition of dialogue avoided discussion with Mitsotakis," he said, adding that in the 30 years he has been advising governments in Athens, he had never seen such interest in an issue so integral to the Greek identity. “But then it became very clear that what had happened had put the debate back on the table.

The marble claim is the oldest return claim in the world. At a time when so many in the UK are now supporting it, people are starting to ask, 'why?'

The British Museum's role

Greece was very clear, said Ms. Stamatoudi. He wanted nothing more than the pieces that once adorned the masterpiece that is the Parthenon.

The Anglo-Greek tensions will subside over time. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says he wants to leave Sunak's snobbery behind him, and in the person of George Osborne, president of the British Museum, it seems he has found an ally, as the report underlines. "Obviously, we know we're not going to get a lot of support from the Conservative government," Osborne said, referring to Sunak.

Few in Athens would have predicted that the British Museum itself would become a cause for optimism in the past. But at the Acropolis Museum last week, it was Osborne and the British Museum who revived hopes for a resolution to the cultural dispute on a horizon that has only just become visible, concludes the British media.