Archaeo - Histories
@archeohistories • 671,978 subscribers
History is an unending dialogue between present and the past, that's why few pages of history give more insight than all the metaphysical volumes. (9)
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![The Egyptian Blue - more than just a colour... Around 200 years ago, chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy went to the ruins of Titus’ baths in Rome. There, ‘amongst some rubbish, [he] found several large lumps of a deep blue frit’. Soon after, Davy found the same material on a pot in Pompeii. He realised that he had rediscovered the material ‘of which the manufacture is said to have been anciently established at Alexandria’, the first synthetic pigment, Egyptian blue. The tale of Egyptian blue’s discovery, ‘disappearance’ and rediscovery is a fascinating one, and illustrates beautifully how art can act as a facilitator for the advancement of chemistry. For the ancient Egyptians, blue was a very important colour. It was associated with the sky and the river Nile, and thus came to represent the universe, creation and fertility. However, in ancient times, only the earth colours (colours provided by the surface soil) were used as pigments – blue could not be easily obtained by Egyptian artists. Indeed, the only natural source of blue was the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli, which was mined in what is now Afghanistan. However, at around 2600 BC, Egyptian blue enters the historical record, and use of the pigment gradually spread across the ancient world as far as Mesopotamia and the Roman empire before being apparently lost in the dark ages. Sadly no Egyptian recipe for the pigment remains, but Vitruvius, a Roman writer in the 1st century BC, stated that sand, copper (from a mineral such as azurite or malachite) and natron (a naturally occurring mixture of sodium compounds, including sodium carbonate) were the ingredients. Modern experiments show that Egyptian blue (chemical formula: CaCuSi4O10) can be obtained by heating these chemicals to 800–900°C with the addition of lime, a calcium-containing material, which must have been present in the ancient method, probably as an impurity in the sand. Whether its discovery came about by design or chance, the synthesis of Egyptian blue was a seriously impressive accomplishment. Achieving necessary temperature control for successful reaction would have been a major challenge, as indeed would the correct addition of oxygen. Another testament to the skill of Egyptian chemists is consistency of the pigment throughout history. Composition in artworks such as the mastaba (tombs) of Mereruka, from the Old Kingdom (2600–2100 BC), is almost exactly the same as that found in a mummy coffin dating from the Greco-Roman period (330 BC–AD 400), and there are other examples dated between these two that show similar compositions. In an exciting development for chemists and artists, it was reported in 2009 that Egyptian blue shows exceptional luminescence in the near-infrared region.3 This means that the pigment can be easily detected in a completely non-destructive fashion simply by illuminating ancient works of art with near-infrared radiation. The luminescence is so strong that the presence of minute amounts of Egyptian blue can be detected even when no blue colour is visible to the naked eye. The British Museum was able to use this technique to provide the first proof that the Elgin Marbles had once been painted, finding the pigment on several sculptures from the Parthenon. 🎥© Hidden Epochs #archaeohistories](https://image.24vids.com/tw-2097332029331558484/amplify_video_thumb/2097331982091104257/img/Vp15QxdC7ilG8z-N.jpg)
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The last Japanese soldier to formally surrender after the country's defeat in WWII was Hiroo Onoda... Lieutenant Onoda finally handed over his sword on March 9th 1974. He had held out in the Philippine jungle for 29 years. In interviews and writings after his return to Japan, Lt Onoda said he had been unable to accept that Japan had capitulated. To many outsiders, Onoda looked like a fanatic. But in imperial Japan his actions were perfectly logical. Onoda had sworn never to surrender, to die for the emperor. He believed the rest of his countrymen, and women, would do the same. Of course they hadn't. On 15 August 1945, Japan's supreme divine being, Emperor Hirohito, did something no emperor had done before: he went on the radio. Atom bombs had destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On the day the second bomb was dropped, Joseph Stalin declared war on Japan. Soviet forces were already sweeping across Manchuria. Within weeks they would be landing on the northern island of Hokkaido. Hirohito accepted that surrender to the Americans was his best choice. Even so, the emperor's surrender speech nearly didn't happen. On the morning of 15 August, a group of young officers led their troops in to the imperial palace grounds. They were trying to seize the recording of that speech. They believed the war was far from lost. Japan's home islands had yet to be invaded. Its vast army in China was still largely undefeated. The officers were little concerned by mass civilian casualties inflicted by the US bombing of Japan's cities. Instead they were focused on one thing: the survival of the imperial system. Japan must not sue for peace until the emperor was secured. The young officers failed to stop the broadcast. But they got their wish - after the surrender the US decided Hirohito would not be tried as a war criminal after all. Instead he would stay on the throne, effectively an American puppet. It was perhaps a shrewd move by Douglas MacArthur, the US general who ruled over Japan until 1949. MacArthur used the emperor to push his own agenda - to transform conservative Japan in to a modern democracy with an American-style constitution. The victorious allies put 28 members of Japan's wartime leadership on trial. Seven, including Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, were hanged. But others were never charged. Among them Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, the emperor's uncle, and the man who led Japanese troops in the infamous rape of the Chinese capital, Nanjing. Sparing them was seen by MacArthur as a necessary evil. But his decision has allowed, even encouraged, Japan to avoid a deep reckoning with its past. Another man who escaped trial was Nobusuke Kishi. Kishi had played a leading role in the occupation of Manchuria and was a close ally of war leader Hideki Tojo. Americans decided not to charge him. Instead in 1948 Kishi was released. He was banned from politics while the American occupation lasted. But in 1955, Kishi engineered the formation of a new political force - the Liberal Democratic Party. Soon he would be its leader and Japan's prime minister. His rehabilitation was complete, and the party he helped create has ruled over Japan for most of the proceeding 65 years. Nobusuke Kishi's daughter married the son of another powerful political dynasty - a man named Shintaro Abe. He would go on to become Japan's foreign minister, and to father a son of his own, named Shinzo. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is far from unique in his family history. Japan's political dynasties have proved remarkably resilient. Shinzo Abe was reputedly close to his grandfather. The old man had a profound influence on young Shinzo's political views. Like many of his allies on the right, Nobusuke Kishi thought the war-crimes trials he narrowly escaped were victor's justice. His life-long goal remained the scrapping of the post war pacifist constitution. © BBC #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories396,036 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
When the Germans advanced towards Moscow in 1941, Soviet troops were in a nearly hopeless situation because they lacked effective anti-tank weapons. Out of desperation, highly trained military dogs were used to destroy the enemy.... In the early years of World War II, Soviet anti-tank dogs posed a major threat to the German advance. Strapped with explosives, these animals were sent on missions to destroy enemy equipment. While today this fact might seem disturbing to animal rights activists, it's important to remember how desperate those times were, when a formidable and evil enemy was almost at the Kremlin gates. Machine guns on German tanks were too high to reach the low-running 'suicide' dogs, and thanks to cover from Soviet infantry the Germans couldn't easily emerge from their tanks and shoot the dogs with rifles. German tank units often stopped their attack if they saw tank destroyer battalions with dogs on the battlefield. The only effective method to prevent such an attack was to use flamethrowers. Often, when German forces went on the offensive, they shot all dogs along the way. Even Luftwaffe planes opened fire on them. The Soviet Union didn’t start using anti-tank dogs in response to the Nazi invasion of 1941. In fact, they began training such dogs in the 1930s, well before the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War. The anti-tank dogs were trained to crawl under enemy tanks while carrying explosives on their bodies (12 kg of TNT). A long lever set off an explosion upon contact with the target. The dogs were instructed how to climb under tanks. They were starved for several days, and pieces of meat were placed under practice tanks to fool the dogs into thinking that food could be found under all tanks. They were also taught not to fear heavy artillery, and were trained to crawl under the back of a tank to avoid fire from enemy machine guns. The first anti-tank dogs were introduced into the Red Army in 1939, and two years later the dogs were put to the test in battle. Anti-tank dogs from the 1st special battalion (212 dogs and 199 trainers) were first deployed in battle near Moscow. The dogs' first major attack was a complete disaster because there was no cover from Soviet infantry. As a result, the Germans easily shot the dogs. In addition, the trainers had made a serious tactical error by training the dogs with Soviet tanks, which ran on diesel. The animals were accustomed to the smell of diesel, but German tanks used gasoline. Thus, the dogs were completely confused on the battlefield. Those soldiers who weren't killed, surrendered with their dogs. During interrogations, the captive trainers revealed Soviet methods used to train anti-tank dogs. Even though the 1st special battalion was wiped out, the Soviet Union continued to use dogs against the Germans. Tactics were changed and dog training resumed. By the end of 1941, over 1,000 dogs were fighting on the front and the next year the number exceeded 2,000. On July 21, 1942, suicide dogs helped determine the outcome of a major battle near Taganrog on the Sea of Azov. When 40 enemy tanks smashed through a battery of anti-tank guns and compromised the position of the naval infantry brigade, the 4th company of anti-tank dogs was the only thing that stood between the command post and the Nazis. Simultaneously, 56 dogs launched an attack and destroyed many enemy tanks. Not only did those dogs stop the offensive, but they also forced the Germans to flee the battlefield. During the Siege of Leningrad, a group of dogs blew up enemy tanks and fortifications. They had slyly made their way around barbed wire, identified the enemy’s location and ran towards the entrance of the bunkers where they had detected human presence. They managed to blow up several bunkers, as well as an ammunition depot. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories284,135 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
Roman road Stepping Stones, prominent in cities like Pompeii, were ingenious solutions for urban life, allowing pedestrians to cross streets without stepping in rainwater, mud, and waste, acting as rudimentary crosswalks that also controlled cart traffic by forcing them to slow down, showcasing early Roman urban planning for cleanliness and safety. These large, raised stones, dating back to 2nd-1st Century BC, demonstrate how Romans managed frequent street flooding and refuse in cities lacking modern sewers, creating a functional system for both foot and wheeled traffic. With no advanced sewer systems, Roman streets were often filled with rainwater and waste; the stones kept feet clean and dry. Spaced to allow cart wheels to pass, they channeled vehicles and created designated pedestrian crossing zones, much like modern zebra crossings. Their widespread use reflects a practical approach to urban life, ensuring easier movement and managing environmental challenges. The stones in Pompeii provide tangible evidence of these daily life solutions, showcasing a clever adaptation to the environment.... Prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and consequently being buried under volcanic ash, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii was a thriving place. The vibrant settlement played a critical role in trade; thus, its 15,000 inhabitants lived in impressively modern conditions for the era. When tourists visit the site today, they are able to see the preserved ruins of a well-planned city that accounted for its citizens' needs. This ancient innovation is particularly evident when looking at how roads were built in Pompeii. One of most noticeable features on the streets is the series of large raised stones placed in strategic locations. These prominent stepping stones acted as ancient crosswalks. Not only did they allow people to cross the street without touching the water and mud sitting on ground level, but they were also spaced wide enough so that carriage wheels could pass through without issue. Natural reflectors were also incorporated into some of the roads in the form of small white stones. These paler rocks were set among the larger slabs to help people find their way at night. The moon would reflect on the stones, creating enough light for people to be able to see. Drainage was also particularly important since most homes in Pompeii had no direct sewer connection. Refuse was washed into the street, making these stepping stones critical. Raised sidewalks with drainage also allowed people to move freely without putting their feet in sewage. The gaps between the stones were carefully designed to fit the width of chariot and cart wheels, forcing them to slow down and navigate carefully. These features highlight Roman ingenuity in balancing pedestrian needs, vehicle movement, and sanitation in their bustling cities. Innovations like these make Pompeii a fascinating place to visit and a wonderful example of ancient Roman urban planning. 🎥© sagalensfilms (IG) #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories864,248 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
The Gebelein Man (also known informally as “Ginger” due to his red hair); is the mummy of a young Egyptian man found in Gebelein (modern Naga el-Gherira, 25 miles south of Thebes), dating from the Late Pre-Dynastic Period, 3400 BC. During the period of Gebelein Man’s life and death, Egyptians were buried in oval pit graves in a foetal position. Unlike their later descendants from the Dynastic age, they did not go through a ‘man-made’ mummification process; within these oval pit graves, bodies would become naturally mummified by the desert sands and climate. It is thought these early burials were studied by later Egyptians to perfect the art (and science) of mummification, a technique the Dynastic Egyptians would of course become famous for. The British Museum sent the body of the Gebelein Man to the Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London for C.T. scans in order to discover more about who he was and what may have actually happened to him. The discoveries were fascinating. The results concluded that the Gebelein Man was between 18 and 21 years old at the time of his death. And unfortunately, he was murdered. X-Rays revealed that the young man had been stabbed in the back, just slightly above his left shoulder blade, and sadly such brutality was his cause of death. His shoulder blade was in fact shattered during the attack, as were his 3rd and 4th ribs on the left side of his chest. Despite the tragedy of the Gebelein Man, the C.T. scans of his remains provided historians with a surprising and valuable piece of information about the culture of this very early period of Egyptian history, and human history in general: Using infrared technology, it was discovered that the Gebelein Man has tattoos, which now makes him (and the Gebelein woman; British Museum. EA32752) the oldest humans as yet to be discovered with tattoos of distinguishable figures, with only Ötzi the Iceman from the European Chalcolithic period (with his mysterious 61 line tattoos across his body) predating them. The tattoos on the Gebelein Man are upon his upper right arm and are of two horned animals; seemingly a bull and a Barbary sheep. In Dynastic Egyptian art, it was the Libyans (Egypt’s neighbours to the west) who were depicted with tattooed limbs (arms and legs), however, due to modern technology, recent findings have taught us that tattoos were in fact evident in Ancient Egypt during the Dynastic age too; most notably a female mummy from Deir el-Medina, whose mummy has a tattooed chest and neck. Before the scans of Gebelein mummies, scholars were aware that tattoos were around in the Pre-Dynastic age, yet the Gebelein Man is the first male to have been found with such. Before this, due to the lack of evidence, Egyptologists presumed the tattoos were a feminine cultural practice. Modern technology, such as non-intrusive scans and infrared technology, as well as DNA is helping us get closer to the ancient world in ways that were seemingly unfathomable just decades ago. The tattoo on the arm of Gebelein man, to naked eye was seemingly just a smudge, yet the technology of today made it clear it was a distinguishable figure, making the Gebelein Man of Pre Dynastic Egypt, the earliest known man thus far to have a recognizable figure tattooed upon him. British Museum (EA32751) #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories143,405 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
The poignant moment from April 1945 during the final months of WWII, American troops capturing young German soldiers—often identified from Hitler Youth or late-war conscription—who has surrendered... In WWII, children frequently fought in both the Allied and Axis forces in formal and informal military roles. Children were readily indoctrinated into the prevailing ideology of the warring parties, quickly trained, and often sent to the front line; many were wounded or killed. The lack of a legal definition of a child, combined with the absence of a system for verifying the ages of prospective child recruits, contributed to the extensive use of children in the war. Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) was established as an organization in Nazi Germany that physically trained youth and indoctrinated them with Nazi ideology to point of fanaticism. Even at the onset of war, Hitler Youth totalled 8.8 million members. Numbers decreased significantly (to just over one million) once the war began, as many local and district leaders were conscripted for the national army. The previous average age for local and district leaders was 24, but following the onset of war, this had to change to those who were 16 and 17 years of age. These youths were in command of up to 500 boys. Near the end of the war, one Hitler Youth soldier, Heinz Shuetze aged 15 from Leipzig, was only given a half-day of training with a Panzerfaust. He was immediately given an SS uniform and directed to the front lines to fight. Huge numbers of underage males were removed from school in early 1945, and sent on what were essentially suicide missions. Hitler Youth activities often included learning to throw grenades and dig trenches, bayonet drills and escaping under barbed wire under pistol fire; boys were encouraged to find these activities exhilarating and exciting. The Hitler Youth was essentially an army of fit, young Germans that Hitler had created, trained to fight for their country. They had the "choice" either to follow Nazi party orders or to face trial with the possibility of execution. The boys of Hitler Youth first saw action following the British air raids in Berlin in 1940. Later, in 1942, the Wehrertüchtigungslager or WEL (Defense Strengthening Camps) were created in Germany; they were designed to train Hitler Youth boys aged 16–18. They learned how to handle German infantry weaponry, including hand grenades, machine guns and hand pistols. By 1943, Hitler Youth boys were facing the forces of Britain, the United States and USSR. Even younger boys from the ages of 10–14 years could be involved in the Hitler Youth movement, under the Deutsches Jungvolk. Girls were also involved in Hitler Youth Operations, although in a limited capacity, through the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM, the League of German Girls). Avoiding direct armed conflict, their primary role was to produce healthy, racially pure baby boys. They were also required to run 60m in 14 seconds, throw a ball at least 12m, march for 2 hours and swim 100m. Towards the end of the war, the Germans established an entire SS Panzer Division with the majority of its recruits being 16-17-year-old boys from Hitler Youth brigades. In the 1st Battalion over 65% were under 18 years old, and only 3% were over 25. There were more than 10,000 boys in this division. The 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend was established later in WWII as Germany suffered more casualties, and more young people "volunteered", initially as reserves, but soon joined front line troops. These children saw extensive action and were among fiercest and most effective German defenders in the Battle of Berlin. In the battle of the Normandy beaches, division suffered 60% casualties, most of whom were teenagers. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories137,206 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
![Tibetan Butter Churning Dance, a traditional folk performance that honors the daily, labor-intensive process of making yak butter, a crucial element of Tibetan life. Originating from daily household chores, the dance mimics rhythmic churning motions, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and communal joy, often performed during festivities like Losar... The dance stems from the traditional method of making yak butter using a long wooden churn, a task requiring thousands of strokes. Yak butter is not only food but also used for fuel and in butter lamps at monasteries to symbolize wisdom. Dancers in colorful attire, often in a circle, use choreographed, energetic movements to simulate the pushing and pulling of the plunger in a butter churn. It is widely performed during the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and other celebrations, representing gratitude and the preservation of culture. It represents the blending of daily survival with art, focusing on community spirit and harmony. Yak butter is essential for making traditional Tibetan Butter Tea, made from tea leaves, yak butter, water, tsampa (roasted barley flour) and salt. The history of tea in Tibet dates back to 7th Century CE, during Tang dynasty. However, butter tea did not become popular in Tibet until about 13th Century, time of the Phagmodrupa dynasty. According to legend, a Chinese princess married a king of Tibet which later helped establish trade routes between China and Tibet. These trade routes brought tea into Tibet from China. Later, butter was added to the tea that was brought from China as butter is and was a staple in Tibetan cuisine. By the 8th Century, it was common to drink tea in Tibet. In 13th Century, tea was then used in Tibetan religious ceremonies. Today, butter tea is still prevalent in Tibet, and Tibetans can drink up to 60 small cups of the tea every day. Today, this ceremonial dance based off of Tibetan tea culture. It also may speak to the lesser known Butter Tea Ceremony. While the ceremony is rarely practiced anymore it still takes place in a handful of monasteries, including one in Gomar Gompa in eastern Amdo (“Butter Tea Ceremony”). While the ceremony is not widely spread, it is still an important ritual for some Tibetans. During the ceremony, Tibetans gather in the courtyard while the tea is being prepared. Local boys often stand on the edge of roofs surrounding the courtyard and throw down bags of candy and treats, although this is not necessarily part of the ritual. Once the tea is ready, wooden buckets of butter tea are carried into the courtyard by back, each bucket holding nearly 30 liters of tea. Once the buckets are placed on the ground, individuals use ladles to distribute the butter tea to members of the community. This particular dance is so interesting because it seamlessly integrates these three practices in a modern context. The act of dancing is in itself a ritualized and sacred practice. Thus, creating a dance based on the preparation and uses of Butter Tea—a quintessential element of Tibetan culture—only further heightens the significance of tea customs by ritualizing the practice by means of dance. Drinking butter tea is a regular part of Tibetan life. Before work, a Tibetan will typically enjoy several bowlfuls of this beverage, and it is always served to guests.[citation needed] Since butter is the main ingredient, butter tea provides plenty of caloric energy and is particularly suited to high altitudes. The butter may also help prevent chapped lips. According to the Tibetan custom, butter tea is drunk in separate sips, and after each sip, the host refills the bowl to the brim. Thus, the guest never drains his bowl; it is constantly topped up. If the visitor does not wish to drink, the best thing to do is leave the tea untouched until the time comes to leave and then drain the bowl. In this way, etiquette is observed and the host will not be offended. © Discover Tibet #archaeohistories](https://image.24vids.com/tw-2045753431650951413/ext_tw_video_thumb/2045753341066788864/pu/img/aVetvB_YQthpRAH0.jpg)
Tibetan Butter Churning Dance, a traditional folk performance that honors the daily, labor-intensive process of making yak butter, a crucial element of Tibetan life. Originating from daily household chores, the dance mimics rhythmic churning motions, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and communal joy, often performed during festivities like Losar... The dance stems from the traditional method of making yak butter using a long wooden churn, a task requiring thousands of strokes. Yak butter is not only food but also used for fuel and in butter lamps at monasteries to symbolize wisdom. Dancers in colorful attire, often in a circle, use choreographed, energetic movements to simulate the pushing and pulling of the plunger in a butter churn. It is widely performed during the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and other celebrations, representing gratitude and the preservation of culture. It represents the blending of daily survival with art, focusing on community spirit and harmony. Yak butter is essential for making traditional Tibetan Butter Tea, made from tea leaves, yak butter, water, tsampa (roasted barley flour) and salt. The history of tea in Tibet dates back to 7th Century CE, during Tang dynasty. However, butter tea did not become popular in Tibet until about 13th Century, time of the Phagmodrupa dynasty. According to legend, a Chinese princess married a king of Tibet which later helped establish trade routes between China and Tibet. These trade routes brought tea into Tibet from China. Later, butter was added to the tea that was brought from China as butter is and was a staple in Tibetan cuisine. By the 8th Century, it was common to drink tea in Tibet. In 13th Century, tea was then used in Tibetan religious ceremonies. Today, butter tea is still prevalent in Tibet, and Tibetans can drink up to 60 small cups of the tea every day. Today, this ceremonial dance based off of Tibetan tea culture. It also may speak to the lesser known Butter Tea Ceremony. While the ceremony is rarely practiced anymore it still takes place in a handful of monasteries, including one in Gomar Gompa in eastern Amdo (“Butter Tea Ceremony”). While the ceremony is not widely spread, it is still an important ritual for some Tibetans. During the ceremony, Tibetans gather in the courtyard while the tea is being prepared. Local boys often stand on the edge of roofs surrounding the courtyard and throw down bags of candy and treats, although this is not necessarily part of the ritual. Once the tea is ready, wooden buckets of butter tea are carried into the courtyard by back, each bucket holding nearly 30 liters of tea. Once the buckets are placed on the ground, individuals use ladles to distribute the butter tea to members of the community. This particular dance is so interesting because it seamlessly integrates these three practices in a modern context. The act of dancing is in itself a ritualized and sacred practice. Thus, creating a dance based on the preparation and uses of Butter Tea—a quintessential element of Tibetan culture—only further heightens the significance of tea customs by ritualizing the practice by means of dance. Drinking butter tea is a regular part of Tibetan life. Before work, a Tibetan will typically enjoy several bowlfuls of this beverage, and it is always served to guests.[citation needed] Since butter is the main ingredient, butter tea provides plenty of caloric energy and is particularly suited to high altitudes. The butter may also help prevent chapped lips. According to the Tibetan custom, butter tea is drunk in separate sips, and after each sip, the host refills the bowl to the brim. Thus, the guest never drains his bowl; it is constantly topped up. If the visitor does not wish to drink, the best thing to do is leave the tea untouched until the time comes to leave and then drain the bowl. In this way, etiquette is observed and the host will not be offended. © Discover Tibet #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories330,674 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад
Infanticide was a disturbingly common act in the ancient world, but in Sparta this practice was organized and managed by the state. All Spartan infants were brought before a council of inspectors and examined for physical defects, and those who weren’t up to standards were left to die. The ancient historian Plutarch claimed these “ill-born” Spartan babies were tossed into a chasm at the foot of Mount Taygetus, but most historians now dismiss this as a myth. If a Spartan baby was judged to be unfit for its future duty as a soldier, it was most likely abandoned on a nearby hillside. Left alone, the child would either die of exposure or be rescued and adopted by strangers. Babies who passed inspection still didn’t have it easy. To test their constitutions, Spartan infants were often bathed in wine instead of water. They were also frequently ignored when they cried and commanded never to fear darkness or solitude. According to Plutarch, these “tough love” parenting techniques were so admired by foreigners that Spartan women were widely sought after for their skill as nurses and nannies. At the age of 7, Spartan boys were removed from their parents’ homes and began the “agoge,” a state-sponsored training regimen designed to mold them into skilled warriors and moral citizens. Separated from their families and housed in communal barracks, the young soldiers-in-waiting were instructed in scholastics, warfare, stealth, hunting and athletics. At age 12, initiates were deprived of all clothing save for a red cloak and forced to sleep outside and make their own beds from reeds. To ready them for a life in the field, the boy soldiers were also encouraged to scavenge and even steal their food, though if detected they were punished with floggings. Just as all Spartan men were expected to be fighters, all women were expected to bear children. Spartan girls were allowed to remain with their parents, but they were also subjected to a rigorous education and training program. While boys were readied for a life on campaign, girls practiced dance, gymnastics and javelin and discus throwing, which were thought to make them physically strong for motherhood. Much of the Spartan agoge involved typical school subjects like reading, writing, rhetoric and poetry, but the training regimen also had a vicious side. To toughen the young warriors and encourage their development as soldiers, instructors and older men would often instigate fights and arguments between trainees. The agoge was partially designed to help make the youths resistant to hardships like cold, hunger and pain, and boys who showed signs of cowardice or timidity were subject to teasing and violence by peers and superiors alike. Even Spartan girls were known to participate in this ritualized hazing. During certain religious and state ceremonies, girls would stand before Spartan dignitaries and sing choral songs about the young men of the agoge, often singling out specific trainees for ridicule in order to shame them into stepping up their performance. 🎥© historyinminutesstudios #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories151,309 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
Masada; an ancient stone fortress located high above Dead Sea on a tall, rocky mesa in Israel. It is now an Israeli national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning across 840 acres of land. Originally built as a castle complex by Herod the Great, King of Judea (r. 37-4 BC), Masada became a fortress for Jewish people when ancient Romans overtook Judea in 1st Century AD. It is a symbol of ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and last stand of Jewish patriots in face of Roman army in 73 AD. Now, the complex holds well-preserved ruins that attest to history of ancient kingdom of Israel and courage of its people in face of a Roman siege. Camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle monument constitute most complete Roman siege works surviving to present day. 📽️© @israelshots #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories1,058,027 просмотров • 3 лет назад
On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda—founded by Osama bin Laden—hijacked four commercial passenger airplanes and carried out coordinated suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Within two hours, both towers had collapsed into rubble, demolishing a large section of lower Manhattan. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. The passengers and crew of the fourth plane fought back, and the hijackers crashed the plane in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the 19 al Qaeda terrorists. The shocking events of September 11 were televised globally and left much of the world reeling in horror. The administration of President George W. Bush responded by declaring a “war on terror” and launching the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. The attacks also led to a sweeping reorganization of the federal government, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. ...... On September 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning, American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 carrying thousands of gallons of jet fuel, crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact left a gaping, burning hole between the 93rd and 99th floors of the 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more on higher floors. As the evacuation of the tower and its twin got underway, television cameras broadcast live images of what initially appeared to be a freak accident. Then, 17 minutes after the first plane hit, a second Boeing 767—United Airlines Flight 175—appeared in the sky, turned sharply toward the World Trade Center, and sliced into the South Tower between the 77th and 85th floors. The collision caused a massive explosion that showered burning debris onto surrounding buildings and onto the streets below. It immediately became clear that the United States was under attack. The hijackers were members of al Qaeda. Fifteen were from Saudi Arabia, two were from the United Arab Emirates, one was from Egypt and one was from Lebanon. The attacks were orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who cited America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War and its continued military presence in the Middle East as grievances. Some of the hijackers had lived in the United States for more than a year and had taken flight training at American flight schools. Others had slipped into the country in the months before September 11 and acted as the “muscle” in the operation. The 19 terrorists smuggled box-cutters and knives through security at three East Coast airports—Logan International Airport in Boston, Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Newark International Airport in New Jersey—and boarded four early-morning flights bound for California, chosen because the planes were loaded with fuel for long transcontinental journey. Soon after takeoff, the terrorists commandeered the four planes and took the controls, transforming ordinary passenger jets into weapons. As millions watched the events unfolding in New York, American Airlines Flight 77 circled over Washington, D.C., before crashing into the west side of the Pentagon military headquarters at 9:37 a.m. Jet fuel from the Boeing 757 ignited a devastating inferno that led to the structural collapse of a portion of the Pentagon's giant concrete building, which is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. All told, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed at the Pentagon, along with all 64 people aboard the airliner. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories56,810 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
Thousands of years of historical and cultural heritage destroyed by ISIS in the Mosul Museum and Syria : In 2014, Mosul (encompasses what was once Nineveh, largest city in 7th Century BC and capital of Assyria) fell under the control of ISIS (also called Daesh). During its three-year reign, the Islamist militants destroyed artifacts and buildings, mostly shrines that were sacred to other Muslim sects — saying they were forms of idolatry. But they also targeted sites for looting and to get attention, filming the destruction and sharing it in propaganda videos online. But ISIS's actions inadvertently created opportunities. Sifting through the wreckage after ISIS's occupation, archaeologists have gained new insights into this great ancient city. "The Assyrians built the first huge empire in the history of humankind," German professor Stefan Maul said in the documentary. "They excelled at science and engineering, revolutionized warfare, and created one of the world's first great libraries." "This is the civilization that produced modern knowledge, philosophy, culture and science," Zaid Ghazi Saadallah, director of the Mosul Cultural Museum, said in Arabic. The Assyrians, and their ancient capital, are shrouded in mystery. How did the empire become so powerful? What engineering marvels transformed Nineveh from a provincial town? ISIS insurgents systematically attacked the Mosul Cultural Museum, proudly showcasing their destruction in online propaganda videos. They destroyed artifacts, which were thousands of years old, with sledgehammers, drills and explosives. "The hardest day for me was when Daesh showed their video," Saadallah said. "The destruction of civilization." Today, under his watchful eye, the museum has become an emblem of Mosul fighting back. International teams of restorers are painstakingly repairing and reconstructing the artifacts ISIS sought to destroy — and ensuring the insurgents don't have the last word. At Nebi Yunus, a site outside Nineveh, Maul ventures into a labyrinth of tunnels created by ISIS. They built 650 metres of pathways by hand so they could loot an Assyrian palace, which was under a mosque that was believed to house the tomb of the prophet Jonah. "In 2014, when Daesh conquered Mosul, in their fundamental view of Islamic theology, it is forbidden to pray in front of a grave of a human being," Maul said. "So they simply blew up the mosque." He believes ISIS found important objects in the palace and sold them on the black market to finance their war. Still, archaeologists have made other discoveries. They've learned more about King Sennacherib, who built the palace, and unearthed clues that are changing our understanding of Assyrian arts and culture. Beyond Mosul, Kurdish archaeologist Bekas Hasan reveals some of the discoveries that illustrate the ingenuity of the Assyrians. They constructed an immense water supply (its network of canals measured about 350km) and built the oldest known aqueduct — a feat of engineering. Made of about two million stone blocks, it predates the earliest Roman example by roughly 400 years and provided Nineveh with a constant supply of water. This allowed the Assyrians to indulge in what might seem like an unlikely passion: gardening. The discovery of this system has led to a revolutionary theory. British scholar Stephanie Dalley believes Nineveh is true location of Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Sifting through ancient written records and intricate carved reliefs, she found evidence that Sennacherib used water to nurture a lush, tiered garden in Nineveh. King's writings, recorded on a clay prism, match ancient descriptions of Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Archaeologists have never found remains of gardens, but perhaps they've been looking in wrong place. Unfortunately, between 2014-2017, ISIS destroyed and looted Assyrian artifacts, but it inadvertently led to discoveries that are shining new light on the empire. 🎥© bilimtuel (IG) #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories672,940 просмотров • 2 лет назад
Parade of 57,000 German prisoners of war in the streets of Moscow under escort 1944... In summer of 1944 Soviet Union launched Operation Bagration, a large-scale, complex offensive against the Nazi invaders in Belarus, Poland and the Baltic republics. This vital Soviet offensive was launched just after Allied troops had landed in Normandy, and it is symptomatic of the lack of public knowledge about the war in the East that whilst almost everyone has heard of D-Day, few people other than specialist historians know much about Operation Bagration. Operation Bagration (named after a Georgian prince in war against Napoleon 130 years earlier) was not just one of largest military offensives of the war, it was one of most sophisticated. On 19 June 1944, Red Army partisan units, operating behind German lines, attacked transport and other Wehrmacht supply lines; two days later Soviets launched massive air attacks; and then on the 23rd (one day after the third anniversary of German invasion) Red Army moved forward under cover of darkness. Soviet advance caught the Germans by surprise. Once again, Soviet technique of ‘maskirovka’ (deception) had worked. Soviets pushed forward in powerful spearheads leaving enemy units isolated behind them – a tactic that was made all the more effective because of a tactically disastrous decision Hitler had made. The German leader had ordered the soldiers of Army Group Center to stand firm and inflexible in the face of any Soviet advance. Hitler’s directive of 8 March 1944 had announced that ‘feste Plaetze’ (fortified places) should be the core of the German defense. The idea was that the Soviets would advance past these fortifications, which would, Hitler said, “fulfill the function of fortresses in former historical times”. The commander of the German Ninth Army, General Jordan could scarcely believe the nature of the order he had been given. “Ninth Army stands on the eve of another great battle”, he wrote, “unpredictable in extent and duration… the Army believes that, even under the present conditions, it would be possible to stop the enemy offensive, but not under the present directives which require an absolutely rigid defense”. “Hitler’s orders to hold firm were totally disastrous”, confirms military historian Antony Beevor. “He refused to allow his generals any flexibility or leeway which was totally contrary to all the precepts and the teaching of the German general staff… But because Hitler so distrusted his generals he wanted to control everything and that was basically the undoing of the German army”. The operation resulted in the almost complete destruction of Army Group Centre, which lost all of the Fourth Army and most of the Third Panzer and Ninth Armies. The defeat was as calamitous as any suffered by the German armed forces during the Second World War. By the end of the operation most of the western Soviet Union had been liberated and the Red Army had achieved footholds in Romania and Poland. German losses eventually numbered well over half a million men killed or wounded, even higher than the toll at Verdun in 1916. The Germans lost 350,000 men, 160,000 prisoners died on the way to prison camps, 57,000 prisoners were paraded in Moscow. Operation Bagration was Hitler’s worst military defeat in WWII. It broke the Wehrmacht’s backbone and helped to overthrow Hitler’s “Reich”, which lasted barely more than a decade instead of the promised 1,000 years. For their offensive operation the Red Army used 118 rifle divisions, 13 artillery divisions, 6 cavalry divisions, as well as 8 tank and mechanized corps. More than two million Soviet frontline and support troops took part. Over one million tons of ammunition and supplies were needed. The Soviet troops were assisted by nearly 11,000 artillery pieces, 2,300 Katyusha multiple rocket launchers, 2,300 fighter planes, 1,800 Ilyushin Il-2 ground attack planes, 650 medium bombers and 430 night bombers. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories69,581 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
"This is the largest fossilized human turd ever found. It belonged to a sick Viking in the 9th Century AD, and has been valued at $39,000".... The large, “precious” Poop, officially known as the Lloyds Bank Coprolite, the word “Coprolite” simply meaning fossilized dung. This 1200 year old log that is thought to be the largest recorded in human history. At 8 inches long and 2 inches wide, specimen was discovered, in York northwest England in 1972 by construction workers during the building of a Lloyds TSB branch, in an area once ruled by Norse warriors. It takes its name from institution Lloyds Bank. The huge poo had another red-letter moment in 1991 when dung scientist Dr. Andrew Jones appraised the piece in the name of insurance. “This is the most exciting piece of excrement I’ve ever seen,” he told the Wall Street Journal at the time. “In its own way, it’s as irreplaceable as the Crown Jewels.” Paleoscatologists have been able to discern much from the girthy deposit, including that its producer ate mostly meat and bread was likely a Viking, lived in approximately the 9th Century AD, and had a gut full of parasites. Indeed, the manure was found to be infested with Whipworm and Maw-worm eggs, suggesting the Viking often had an upset stomach and other gastrointestinal problems. Today, the log resides in a glass box at the Jorvik Viking Centre, York, England; where, in 2003, visitors dropped it, breaking it into three pieces. It has since been repaired. The Centre is proud to call itself the turd’s final resting place, even hosting a virtual workshop in February called “Poo Day!” in which fans learned about the dung’s significance. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories48,388 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
The Lancia Stratos Zero, an iconic concept car, made a stunning appearance on the streets of Milan in 1970, captivating onlookers with its futuristic design. Unveiled at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, this striking vehicle was unlike anything the world had seen before, featuring sharp angles and an ultra-low profile that looked more like a spacecraft than a traditional car. Its wedge-shaped body and bold lines set it apart from the conventional designs of the time, signaling a new era in automotive innovation. When the Stratos Zero was driven through Milan, it became an instant symbol of cutting-edge technology and automotive artistry. The car's innovative design was not just about aesthetics; it also showcased the capabilities of automotive engineering at the time. The Stratos Zero was powered by a V4 engine and built with lightweight materials, contributing to its impressive performance. Its low, flat stance and aggressive angles were a testament to the visionary design of Marcello Gandini, the legendary Italian designer behind the car. With its unique door design that opened upwards, the Stratos Zero demonstrated the fusion of style, performance, and futuristic thinking, all of which made it a standout in the automotive world. As it cruised through the busy streets of Milan, the Lancia Stratos Zero was more than just a car—it was a symbol of ambition and progress. The attention it drew from passersby reflected the excitement and awe that accompanied the unveiling of such a revolutionary concept. Although the Stratos Zero remained a concept car, its influence on automotive design was far-reaching, and it paved the way for the eventual creation of the production Lancia Stratos, which became a racing legend. The 1970 Milan sighting of the Stratos Zero remains one of the most memorable moments in automotive history, showcasing the limitless possibilities of design and technology. 🎥© Sarahh #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories53,108 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
An Abandoned Etruscan Town : Civita di Bagnoregio, a town in Province of Viterbo, Italy. It's only access is a footbridge from nearby town. Due to its unstable foundation that often erodes, Civita is famously known as ‘Dying City’. Town was founded by Etruscans more than 2500 years ago. Formerly there were five city gates to access ancient town of Civita, nowadays instead, Porta Santa Maria (known as Porta Cava, as well) is main gateway of city. It is also possible to enter the town of Civita from badlands valley through a tunnel carved into rock. Layout of whole town is of Etruscan origin, based on a cardo and decumanus orthogonal street system according to Etruscan and Roman use, while entire architectural cladding is of medieval and Renaissance origin. Numerous traces of Etruscan civilisation in Civita, especially in San Francesco Vecchio area: a little Etruscan necropolis was found in cliff located in area below Belvedere di San Francesco Vecchio. Cave of St Bonaventure is also an Etruscan chamber tomb. Etruscans made Civita, a flourishing city, thanks to its strategic position favourable for trade and thanks to its proximity to most important communication routes of times. Many traces of Etruscan period are still suggestive spots: so-called Bucaione, a deep tunnel which goes through lowest part of city and gives access to badlands valley directly from town. In past, many chamber tombs were visible. They were dug at base of Civita’s cliff and nearby tuff walls and, over centuries, they were destroyed by several rockfalls. Indeed, Etruscans themselves had to face problems of seismic activity and instability, like earthquake of 280 BC. When Romans arrived in 265 BC, they took up and carried on rainwater drainage and stream containment works that were first started by Etruscans. Civita (City) was birthplace of Saint Bonaventure, who died in 1274 AD. Location of his boyhood house has long since fallen off edge of cliff. By 16th Century AD, town was beginning to decline, becoming eclipsed by its former suburb Bagnoregio. 📽️© manutoni24 - Subscribe for Weekly Newsletter - #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories658,331 просмотров • 3 лет назад
The World’s Oldest Banking System - The Morocco’s Ancient Granaries (Igudar) .... According to historians, the Igudar granaries in Morocco are the world’s oldest bank, going back as far as the 13th Century CE. Some historians believe they may even go farther than that since the granaries are as old as the mountains they are built in. These granaries belonged to the Amazigh people who settled in Morocco more than 4000 years ago. The Amazigh tribes mainly lived in the South of Morocco which is a mountainous area. They started to build granaries in the caves and cliffs of the mountains. Each Amazigh family owned a granary and stored their valuables inside it. These valuables ranged from documents and weapons to food and jewelry. An interesting finding is that some granaries were big enough to act as shelters during war times. Some had enough room for cats to protect the valuables from mice. Amazigh had various ways of managing the granaries. Firstly, they had tablets (boards) to keep track of the valuables and who they belonged to. The management was the responsibility of a secretary called the Lamine. Secondly, each tribed selected representatives which formed another management body: the Inflas. The Inflas comprised 10 people and each granary had a key holder called the Amir. The tribes only paid the Amir for their efforts to keep the valuables safe. Additionally, tribe members could safeguard their own granaries as well. One of the oldest and biggest of the Igudar is Agadir Imchguiguiln which is more than 700 years old. Recent renovations reveal that it has 130 granaries, a central square, a mosque, and even a prison cell. Aside from their physical value, the world’s oldest bank, Igudar granaries represent the collective trust inside the community and between different groups of people. In recent years, the Moroccan government has been working to have Unesco recognize the granaries as an international heritage of great importance as well. 🎥© laadiyoune #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories33,044 просмотров • 1 месяц назад
This video shows an extraordinary coincidence in aviation history..... One of the Concorde's final flights was captured unintentionally, without planning or ceremony - just a camera in the right place at the right time. As the supersonic jet passes through the frame, it represents the closing chapter of an era when commercial air travel briefly defied the limits of speed. Today, Concorde exists only in museums and memories, making moments like this even more powerful. When Concorde made its first commercial departure from Heathrow on January 21, 1976, it was a moment that captured global imagination. Born of Anglo-French collaboration, the sleek white jet embodied not only technical genius but also a shared vision of progress in an era still buzzing with the optimism of the Space Age. Its distinctive droop-nose design, developed to aid visibility during takeoff and landing, became an icon in itself, while its ability to soar at 60,000 feet allowed passengers to glimpse the curvature of the Earth. This blend of aesthetics and performance made Concorde unlike any other aircraft of its time. The Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet that was a joint Anglo-French project. It was renowned for being the first passenger plane to fly faster than the speed of sound, reaching speeds of Mach 2.04 (over twice the speed of sound). Concorde significantly reduced transatlantic flight times, making the journey between London/Paris and New York possible in about three hours. It was in service from 1976 to 2003, primarily flying routes between London, Paris, New York, and Barbados. Developed through a collaboration between British Aerospace and Aérospatiale for the airframe, and Rolls-Royce and SNECMA for engines, Concorde was considered a technological masterpiece. After a fatal crash in 2000 and declining passenger numbers, the remaining planes ceased flights in 2003. The drama of takeoff was unforgettable. Heathrow’s runways would tremble under the roar of its Olympus 593 turbojet engines, a sound so powerful it echoed across West London. Residents and aviation enthusiasts alike would pause to watch the jet thunder down the runway, trailing a streak of heat and sound before lifting sharply into the sky. For the privileged few onboard, the experience was no less thrilling—menus boasted fine wines and gourmet cuisine, while the cabin hummed with the quiet exclusivity of royalty, business magnates, and celebrities en route to New York or Paris in less than half the usual time. Though Concorde’s era ended in October 2003, its legacy remains deeply tied to Heathrow. For nearly three decades, it was both a marvel and a symbol of human ingenuity, demonstrating what was possible when engineering ambition met cultural aspiration. Today, preserved Concorde aircraft at museums around the world remind visitors of an age when the boundaries of speed and style were pushed to new horizons, and every takeoff from Heathrow carried with it the promise of the extraordinary. © Reddit #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories166,709 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад
Presidential Guard (Evzones) performing the ceremonial changing of the guard. They are located at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece 🇬🇷 Protected by Evzones, the presidential guard, the Tomb of the Unknown Solider commemorates Greek soldiers who were casualties of wars. Every hour, you can see the changing of the guard, especially at 11am on Sundays which includes an elaborate procession and marching band. The decision to construct a monument dedicated to the ‘Unknown Soldier’ was made by Theodoras Pangalos, Greece‘s army general and ‘constitutional dictator’. In his role as Army Minister, Pangalos placed an advertisement in the newspaper, Espera, requesting a submission for the construction of a tomb. The intention was for the cenotaph to be placed of the Old Royal Palace, the first modern royal palace of Greece situated in the heart of modern Athens. However, the monument was instead built at Syntagma Square, in the city centre, much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The request was approved in 1926 and a major study was done by architect Emmanuel Lazaridis. The tomb was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok, who chose the design of a gunner lying on the ground, considered both calm and simple, therefore appropriate for the monument. The Tomb of the Unknown Solider was unveiled in March 1932, with a ceremony attended by foreign delegations followed by a parade of the monument guard. A torch was brought from the monastery of Agia Lavra, the symbolic birthplace of modern Greece, to light the eternal flame in the centre of the cenotaph. Today, you can view the tomb designed in the French urban and classical tradition, that combining the modern Art Deco style with symbolic references to Greece’s ancient history. Set within Syntagma Square and framed by the neoclassical Palace, the tomb is fully integrated into its surroundings. The dramatic sculpture, set within the cenotaph wall, depicts the naked male figure of a warrior lying on the ground, holding a circular shield and wearing an Ancient Greek-style helmet. Visitors can read the names of battles where Greek lives were lost, inscribed around the sculpture, including the First and Second World Wars, the Russian Civil War and Greco-Turkish War. 🎥© baghishyan_anush #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories56,579 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
Orteke - traditional performing art in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿; dance, puppet and music... Orteke is an indigenous Kazakh performing art that combines theatre, music and puppetry. This folk art entails a music performance with a dombyra, a traditional two-stringed instrument and a dance performed by a wooden puppet. Attached to the surface of a traditional drum with a metal rod, a wooden puppet in the shape of a mountain goat is connected to the fingers of a musician by one or several strings. As the musician strikes their fingers to play the dombyra, the puppet comes to life, hopping in sync with the music while tapping a rhythmic beat on the drum. Some experts can play with three or more puppets at a time. This performance, fascinating for its simplicity, is enjoyed by children and adults alike. It is primarily transmitted within communities and through apprenticeships, although the Kokil Musical College in Almaty has also established a team of researchers dedicated to the art. The biennial Orteke international festivals and regional puppet art competitions are other platforms for the learning and sharing of skills and experience between puppet artists from Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. An important part of the region’s folk heritage and identity, Orteke also serves as a communication tool between adults and children. The tradition of the orteke may go back several thousands of years. The word “orteke” derives from “or”, ditch, hole or trap, and “teke”, goat. Orteke are carved figures of a horned mountain goat mounted on stands, manipulated by a puppeteer using slender sticks and strings attached to the puppets’ wooden parts. The orteke are attached by threads to the fingers of the puppeteer-musician playing the dombra (a wooden plucked instrument with two strings) and usually performed on a Kazakh perussion instrument, the daulpaz (dauyilpaz, bass drum), “which has a builtin metal core for the fastening of the body of the goat. From below, the core is connected to a foot of the performer and thus is manipulated by him. Simultaneously, dombra performer can operate three animals (with his two hands and a foot), separately or at the same time.” The goat dances on its drum plinth, creating a percussive rhythm to accompany the string music of the dombra. The goat puppet is also found in neighbouring countries. Older Kazakhs today have childhood memories of relatively simple performances with puppets and musical instruments, such as these 1927 reminiscences of a young girl during the pre-Soviet period: “There were people playing the instrument, dombra, and at the end of the dombra they placed the puppet made of straw. And when they played, the puppet began to jump and dance. It was fun for the children. These people were invited to the houses to entertain children, and more often they entertained people in the bazaars. It was very popular, especially among the children …Then the shadow theatre was very popular because there was no electricity and the only entertainment was showing different animals on the wall.” The Kazakh puppetry and musical tradition called the Orteke is today experiencing a “comeback”, thanks to artists, academics, the Kazakh government, and the public as part of Kazakhs search for a national identity. Originally made by tribal artist from south-west Kazakhstan, Orteke was all but forgotten; it only survived because a few master craftsmen and puppeteers preserved the tradition and passed it on. Today, traditional Orteke has found new audiences. The government-funded Orteke 2010 puppet festival, held in the country’s capital, Almaty, was devoted to the Orteke. Performers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended the 2010 festival. Some of the Orteke performers were very young, as young as five years old. 🎥© dala_sound #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories102,390 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад
On May 8, 1945, Herman Goering, commander in chief of the Luftwaffe, president of the Reichstag, head of the Gestapo, prime minister of Prussia and Hitler’s designated successor is taken prisoner by the U.S. Seventh Army in Bavaria. Goering was an early member of the Nazi Party and was wounded in the failed Munich Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. That wound would have long-term effects; Goering became increasingly addicted to painkillers. Not long after Hitler’s accession to power, Goering was instrumental in creating concentration camps for political enemies. Ostentatious and self-indulgent, he changed his uniform five times a day and was notorious for flaunting his decorations, jewelry, and stolen artwork. It was Goering who ordered the purging of German Jews from the economy following the Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938, initiating an “Aryanization” policy that confiscated Jewish property and businesses. Goering’s failure to win the Battle of Britain and prevent the Allied bombing of Germany led to his loss of stature within the Party, aggravated by the low esteem with which he was always held by fellow officers because of his egocentrism and position as Hitler’s right-hand man. As the war progressed, he dropped into depressions and battled drug addiction. When Goering fell into U.S. hands after Germany’s surrender, he had in his possession a rich stash of pills. He was tried at Nuremberg and charged with various crimes against humanity. Despite a vigorous attempt at self acquittal, he was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged, but before he could be executed, he died by suicide by swallowing a cyanide tablet he had hidden from his guards. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories42,867 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад
The 'Sea Peoples' were a group of seafaring raiders that existed during the Late Bronze Age collapse. They gained notoriety for their attacks on several regions in and around the Mediterranean Sea, specifically ancient Egypt. Very little is known about the Sea Peoples due to a lack of documentation from the group itself, but historians have done what they can to estimate their origins, structure, and culture. There is evidence that sometime around 1150 BC, three powerful civilizations in the eastern Mediterranean region collapsed: the Mycenaean Civilization in Greece, the Hittites in Asia Minor and New Kingdom in Egypt. This event became known as Bronze Age collapse. Historians don't know for sure what caused this great event, but it is theorized that it was due to invasions by the aggressive Sea Peoples. However, this is just a theory and the collapse could have just as easily been due to famine, earthquakes, or tsunamis. The term "Sea Peoples" didn't exist until the 1800s. It was originally used as a way of describing the people depicted in ancient Egyptian inscriptions from the 12th century. These inscriptions showed these people invading a number of regions in the eastern Mediterranean during this time. This is essentially the only information historians have to go off of. The identity of the Sea Peoples remains hypothetical because there exists little to no evidence that specifically links the group to a specific Mediterranean people. Archaeologists are unable to determine where they came from, what language they spoke, or even whether they were a single group of people. Despite this, it is believed that the Sea Peoples were comprised of Mediterranean, European, and Asian members, and they likely originated from areas on the northern and eastern Mediterranean coast. Historians and archaeologists know for sure that Bronze Age collapse occurred around 12th Century BC. Many already settled civilizations collapsed for seemingly no reason, leading to completely destroyed cities and enormous shifts in the population at some locations. Sites were abandoned and then resettled by inhabitants who were ethnically different than the previous groups. Shortly after this collapse, Greece entered "Dark Ages," and remained in that period for the next three hundred years. Though all this information can be proven, there is one thing that cannot: why it happened. It could have easily been caused by famine, earthquakes or tsunamis. However, with the help of ancient inscriptions created by the Egyptian people depicting unknown peoples attacking civilizations, historians can credit most of these collapses to the attacks of the Sea Peoples. Many cultures, such as the Greeks, Romans, French, and Egyptians have, over the years, left behind documents that historians were able to discover and analyze to see what life was like during that era. The reason it is so difficult to determine exactly where the Sea People came from is that the Sea Peoples left no documentation of themselves. This means the only evidence historians have to go off of is second-hand information from cultures that encountered the Sea Peoples. The term "Sea Peoples" doesn't exist in any known ancient source. French Egyptologist Emmanuel de Rouge coined the term when describing a peculiar foe that was fought by Ramses II, the Egyptian pharaoh. #archaeohistories
Archaeo - Histories32,081 просмотров • 1 месяц назад