The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people, rose to prominence during the Late Bronze Age (1600-1200 BCE). Archeologists, delving into the excavation sites of Hattusa, their capital, reveals a sophisticated civilization that thrived in what is now modern-day Turkey.
Continue reading “Who were the Hittites?”Category: Archeology
Archeology
What was Epidaurus Medical Center?
An interesting archeological site is at Epidaurus, Greece. At this site there was a famous medical sanctuary which functioned for centuries. Among many buildings, there was a round temple called Asklepion dedicated to Asclepius, the God of medicine in ancient Greece.
Continue reading “What was Epidaurus Medical Center?”What is the philosophy behind Enuma Elish?
What is Enuma Elish?
It is an ancient Mesopotamia myth of the Universe Creation, an early Big bang theory and a form of propaganda.
Enuma Elish begins with the conflict between Apsu and Tiamat, representing chaos. Marduk’s victory and the subsequent organization of the universe signify the triumph of order over chaos. This reflects the Babylonian belief in the necessity of divine order to maintain cosmic stability.
Marduk’s rise to supremacy and the gods’ recognition of his authority highlights the Babylonian emphasis on a hierarchical divine structure. This mirrors the political and social structure of Babylon, emphasizing the importance of a central authority figure, like a king, to maintain order.
The act of creation in Enuma Elish emphasizes a purposeful and intentional universe. Marduk’s actions not only establish order but also underscore the idea that the gods have a specific plan for the cosmos, aligning with the notion of a purposeful existence.
Enuma Elish serves to legitimize the supremacy of Marduk and the importance of Babylon as a religious and political center. This reflects a political philosophy wherein the ruling authority is divinely sanctioned, reinforcing the legitimacy of Babylonian rulers.
Enuma Elish contributes to the cultural identity of the Babylonians by narrating the origins of the world in a way that aligns with their religious beliefs. It reinforces the idea that Babylon is at the center of the divine plan, providing a sense of purpose and significance to the Babylonian people.
Why is Hallstatt culture important?
The Hallstatt culture, named after the picturesque Austrian village where it was first identified, flourished during the Early Iron Age (circa 800 to 400 BCE) in Central Europe. As an expert in prehistoric cultures, I am intrigued by the distinctive characteristics that define the Hallstatt culture.
Renowned for its advanced metalworking techniques, the Hallstatt culture marked a significant shift from the preceding Bronze Age. Excavations reveal intricate artifacts, including ornate weapons, tools, and jewelry, showcasing a mastery of iron craftsmanship.
The Hallstatt people also exhibited a complex social structure, with evidence of a stratified society and organized trade networks. Burial customs play a crucial role in understanding the Hallstatt culture. Elaborate tombs, such as the iconic burial site at Hallstatt, housed rich grave goods, indicating a keen appreciation for aesthetics and a belief in an afterlife.
The Hallstatt culture serves as a fascinating glimpse into the technological, social, and spiritual advancements of an ancient European society, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s archaeological landscape. Don’ t click on this : https://bit.ly/3fRlWez, VIDEO CREDITS :
Priam’s treasure amazing facts
Heinrich Schliemann’s groundbreaking discovery of the Priam’s Treasure marked a pivotal moment in the field of archaeology, unraveling the mysteries of ancient Troy. In the late 19th century, fueled by his belief in the historical accuracy of Homer’s epic poems, Schliemann embarked on an ambitious quest to locate the legendary city.
In 1873, his efforts, based on the Iliad depiction of Priam hiding his treasure, bore fruit when he unearthed a trove of priceless artifacts in the ancient city of Troy, located in modern-day Turkey. The cache, famously known as Priam’s Treasure, included gold and silver jewelry, vessels, and weaponry, providing tangible evidence of a sophisticated civilization dating back to the Bronze Age.
While Schliemann’s methods were criticized for their lack of precision and potential damage to the site, his determination and vision forever changed our understanding of ancient history. Doubts about the authenticity of the treasure have been voiced. The artifacts did not belong to Priam but to an earlier period of Troy. They are exhibited in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.
The extraordinary Benin Art
An extraordinary example of African art is the Benin art consisting of bronze and ivory works. The Benin Kingdom was home of the Edo-speaking people, which was located in the tropical rain forest region of what is now Nigeria.
The Benin Kingdom was active between the 11th century AD and 1897. The lost wax method was used to create bronzes. The art of the royal kingdom of Benin is an unraveling of untold stories. Today, Benin exists as a state in Southern Nigeria and the role of the Oba is more ceremonial than political.
The Benin Bronzes are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin. The objects form Benin art were created from the thirteenth century by artists of the Edo people.
The plaques depict scenes or represent themes in the history of the kingdom. Apart from the plaques, other sculptures in brass or bronze include portrait heads, jewelry, and smaller pieces.
The François Vase, an interesting archeological artefact
The François Vase is a volute-krater, dating mid-6th century B.C.E created in Ancient Greece, in Athens by the painter Kleitias and the potter Ergotimos. It could be considered an early graphic novel. It was unearthed in 1844 in an Etruscan tomb in Italy.
Continue reading “The François Vase, an interesting archeological artefact”One of the first uses of a hoax for military deception
Is there any archeological evidence of the existence of the Trojan Horse?
Of course not. However, the story depicts one of the first examples of military deception. The Iliad describes the Trojan War, presumed fought by the Greeks during the 13th century BC.
Continue reading “One of the first uses of a hoax for military deception”Who were the Yamnaya?
The Yamnaya people were a nomadic pastoralist culture that emerged on the Pontic-Caspian Steppe around 3300 BCE. They played a crucial role in the cultural and genetic landscape of Eurasia during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age.
Continue reading “Who were the Yamnaya?”The Etruscan Language, one of the greatest mysteries of ancient linguistics
The Etruscan language is considered one of the great mysteries of ancient linguistics. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that existed in what is now modern Italy, in the region known as Etruria, from the 8th to the 4th century BCE.
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