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Uncovering The Lost City of Helike


The story of the destruction of Atlantis is one of the most famous stories from ancient Greece. Yet, there is a similar story of destruction told about the city of Helike. Unlike Atlantis, however, there are more written accounts about this site. Moreover, these writings contain clues that helped archaeologists search for the true location of the city. Using these clues, archaeologists have finally been able to track down the lost city.

Helike was situated in Achaea, on the northwestern part of the Peloponnesian peninsula. During its heyday, Helike was the leader of the first Achaean League, a confederation that consisted of 12 cities in the surrounding area. Due to this position, Helike was an important economic, cultural and religious centre. The might of Helike can also be seen in the colonies it founded, such as Sybaris in southern Italy and Priene in Asia Minor.

A coin from Helike. Obverse: Head of Poseidon; Reverse: A trident.

A coin from Helike. Obverse: Head of Poseidon; Reverse: A trident. Photo source: ww2.smb.museum.

The patron god of Helike was Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea and earthquakes. This is unsurprising, given Helike's position in one of the most active earthquake zones in Europe. The cult of Poseidon can be seen in the temple and sanctuary of the Helikonian Poseidon, a bronze statue of Poseidon, and coins that bear the head of the god of the obverse and a trident on the reverse.

The Marriage of Poseidon and Amphitrite

The patron god of Helike was Poseidon (right). ' The Marriage of Poseidon and Amphitrite ' by Felice Giani (Wikimedia Commons)

One night during the winter of 373 B.C., the city of Helike was obliterated. Some signs of the citys impending doom were recorded, including the appearance of ' immense columns of flames ' and the mass migration of small animals from the coast to the mountains several days prior to the disaster. A major earthquake, followed by a large tsunami from the Gulf of Corinth, wiped the city of Helike from the face of the earth. The rescue party that came in the following morning found no survivors.

The destruction of Helike was attributed to Poseidon. According to the stories, the god of the sea was enraged with the inhabitants of Helike due to their refusal to give their statue of Poseidon, or even a model of it, to the Ionian colonists from Asia. Some accounts even stated that the Ionian representatives were murdered. As a result, Poseidon punished the inhabitants of Helike by causing the sea to swallow to city, very much like that which happened to Atlantis.

According to legend, Poseidon created a huge wave to swallow the city of Helike

According to legend, Poseidon created a huge wave to swallow the city of Helike (Wikimedia Commons)

Unlike Atlantis, however, Helike was not completely lost, as it was visited by travellers in the following centuries. The philosopher Eratosthenes, who visited the site 150 years after its destruction, wrote that there was a standing bronze statue of Poseidon submerged in a ' poros ', and was a hazard to fishermen's nets. The Greek traveler Pausanias also visited the site, and wrote that the walls of the ancient city were still visible under water, though they were by then much corroded by the salt water. The ancient Romans were also fond of sailing over the site, as they could admire the citys statuary. The location of Helike, however, was lost over time.

Bronze statue of Poseidon, which may be similar to the one reportedly seen at Helike

Bronze statue of Poseidon, which may be similar to the one reportedly seen at Helike. (Wikimedia Commons)

Although speculations about the actual site of Helike already began in the early 19th century, it was only in the late 20th century that Helike was re-discovered. As Helike was a submerged city, its location was one of the big mysteries of underwater archaeology. Yet, it was this conviction that the city was hidden somewhere in the Gulf of Corinth that made its discovery impossible. In 1988, a Greek archaeologist, Dora Katsonopoulou, raised the possibility that the ' poros ' mentioned in the ancient texts might not refer to the sea, but an inland lagoon. If so, it would be plausible that Helike is not located in the Gulf of Corinth, but inland, as the lagoon would have been silted up over the millennia by river sediment. Although the team found a Roman city, as well as an Early Bronze Age settlement, it was in 2001 that the team found Helike in Achaea, Greece. In 2012, the destruction layer was uncovered, which confirmed that the site is indeed Helike.

Whilst the city of Helike has been re-discovered, excavations are still being carried out in the area. This is significant, as the area has been settled by different groups of people, and it is through the uncovering of settlements from various periods of history that a more complete picture of the region, from the prehistoric era to the modern period, can be produced. After all, although the story of Helike may be fantastic, it is but one point in a long series of events that span over the millennia.

Featured image: Excavations at the site of Helike. In this case, a Hellenistic-era building; possibly used as a dye-works (Wikimedia Commons)

References

Clark, J., 2014. Was There a Real Atlantis?. [Online] Available at: http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/real-atlantis1.htm

Gidwitz, T., 2004. City of Poseidon. [Online] Available at: http://archive.archaeology.org/0401/abstracts/helike.html

Wikipedia, 2014. Helike. [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helike

www.bbc.co.uk, 2002. Helike – The Real Atlantis. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2001/helike.shtml

www.helikeproject.gr, 2014. The Helike Project. [Online] Available at: http://www.helikeproject.gr/

By Ḏḥwty

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Amphipolis: The path to the big secret

Reportage: Kazantzidis Alexander
"Archaeology is always magic and it's always the unknown. We don't know what we hide and what will get us out tomorrow's day. Never be discouraged, always have to be optimistic that we will find nice things ".

Such and EFI, a few months ago, Katerina Peristeri, the EC Kavalas archaeologist who was associated with the greatest, Maybe, excavation from the era of andronikos, This of Amphipolis.

The Real.gr, continuing the magical journey in-latest, This time- findings on the Hill Kasta.

Early 2004. The Peristeri assumes the position of head of the newly formed KI΄ Ephorate of prehistoric and classical Antiquities at Serres.

2009-2010. Begin excavation work in Archaic Cemetery Hill region Kasta.


.
"There is a rationale to the Tumulus oriothetisw, to see what is happening and not just with a few tombs that give elements for short time, We want overview», says the same in the Athenian press agency.

2012. For the first time starting archaeologists to enters vertically of the Hill, at a depth of fifteen meters from the rural road located in the foothills.

The first (new) great revelation is fact: it comes to light the magnificent grounds of the mound, exceed three meters in height, is of thassian marble and impresses the team of Peristeri, as preserved in excellent condition.

"Definitely important funerary monuments Encompasses, in which we intend to get», indicates to Et3 archaeologist.

March 2014. Shortly after the archaeological excavation activity Conference in Macedonia, the head of the excavation reveals:

"The sign was affixed to the enclosure and overlooking, as the lion, the Amphipolis».

8 August 2014. Things have gotten their way. Identified two akefales and apteres marble marble Sphinxes on lintel. In front of them there was a limestone wall sfragistikos, from which lacked some gemstones.

"When the sight, It was a magical moment, felt emotion. Our eyes was tears of joy, It was something I didn't expect», confesses the Peristeri.

20 August. With the removal of eleven stones from the wall sealing, the Sphinxes are entirely made of marble of Thassos.

The height of the statues are 1.45 m. Also sections identified by their wings and part of the dorsum of the statue of the lion.

21 August. He came to the light down from the base of the upper part of the Sphinxes, marble thyrwmatos.

Bear decorating with red, Blue and black color. Immediately below this, uncovered two Ionic capitals of the Antis of port, also overlapped with fresco and epizwgrafismena with the same colors.

25 August. By removing lithoplinthwn from the wall is almost the entire sealing facade funerary monument.

26 August. In the Center and in front of the entrance to reveal Pebble flooring, with rectangular and square shapes, surrounded by black-and-white lozenges.

6 September The day is a separate. The area in front of the second septal wall, uncovered beneath the marble architrave, two magnificent art Caryatids, by thassian marble.

The face of Western Karyatidas survives almost intact, While the Eastern is missing.

The Caryatids have rich bostrychoys, They cover their shoulders, and wear tunic.

Forms, on which traces of red and blue color, refer to the type of Daughter.

12 September In the upper section of the third septal wall indicated the existence of elaborate marble perithyrwmatos, Ionic style, like the rest of the architectural elements of space.

21 September. By removing three rows of sealing wall revealed the whole Caryatids, EUR 2,27 m. Wear robe tunic and long ciliated himation with rich folds.

Flying kothornoys decorated with red and yellow, While the fingertip of their feet have been attributed with fine detail. Stand on marble pedestals.

On the surface of the podium of the Eastern Karyatidos distinguished red color.

12 October. The greatness of the archaeological treasure hunt around and confirmed. When removing the backfill revealed the biggest part of a mosaic pavement, covering the entire surface of space i.e., 4,5 m. width on 3 m. length.

The central image depicts chariot in motion, drawn by two white horses, which leads bearded man, with laurel wreath on the head.

In front of the chariot represent the god Hermes as psychopompos, who modified petaso, mantle, winged sandals and holds the Caduceus. The mosaic has been damaged in the Center, in circle shape, diameter 0,80 m.

16 October. Removed the last layers of soil from the eastern side of the mosaic and revealed the third form of the expression.

This is for female juvenile form, with red anemizontes bostrychoys, wearing white robe that propped up with red thin film at breast height.

Is a mythological depiction of the abduction of Persephone by Pluto, with the presence of the God Mercury as psychopompoy, as is customary in similar representations.

21 October. In front of the entrance of the third enclosure were revealed two parts, from the Western leaf, and synanikoyn.

In depth 0,15 m. from the threshold surface was detected and it was revealed the head of Eastern marble Sphinx, integer with minimal breakage in the nose. It has height 0,60 m.

Found, also, fragments from the wings of Sphinxes.

28 October The working hypothesis that there was a fourth port is not confirmed. It is marble pole that was removed.

Down from the third floor's marble Chamber found parts of feathers of Sphinxes.

In addition there was a part of the neck of the second Sphinx and parts by part of the mosaic that was missing.

12 November. The time of historical revelation: Tomb and skeleton found in Tomb Kasta.

At a depth of 1, 60 m. from the saved stones of the floor, large CIST grave was found with scattered, iron and bronze nails and bone and glass ornaments coffin, in and out of whom there were bones.

29 November. The photo shows bone Peristeri stressing that the goal is to better protect the skeleton.

"Please be patient will tell us anthropologists, We are not talking about names», He said the during of papers for the excavation work.

"The monument is a masterpiece of amazing artists ' resumes.

"This is a luxurious Tomb one very expensive construction», Commenting on the g. c. the Ministry of culture, Lina Mendoni.

4 December. In seven marble sections of epistiliwn belonging to the third Chamber and more elaborate funerary monument area found impressive performances.

Archaeologists distinguish an animal in the Center bearing horns and likely to be a Taurus between two human figures in motion, one female and one male.

The right of female and male ydries distinguished left and rotors forms, While the right winged form directed to a three-legged boiler.

22 December The Ministry of culture shall make public the results of geophysical prospecting and mapping of geological mound Kasta.

"The investigation has confirmed that the Hill has mixed structure with the bulk of it being natural, While the anthropogenic Earth constitutes a relatively small portion ', highlighted inter alia.

However, has not made it clear if the new findings will shed light on the identity of the ' resident ' funerary monument.

By the time this, much remains to be answered... The results are expected in January-as sex, age, stature – the study of osteologikoy hardware makroskopikis, by the fourth space.

As if he has, the ruins of Amphipolis-unique historical and scientific value- triggered a crescendo of interest.

Brought to the fore the beauty, culture and hope to get in a world that can tie ancient and modern for common benefit…

.real.gr

Macedonia, Amphipolis, Μεταλλεία Κασσάνδρας

Macedonia, Amphipolis, Μεταλλεία Κασσάνδρας

Σαν συνεχιστές της μεταλλευτικής ιστορίας της Χαλκιδικής, We also feel obliged to stand close to the followers of the historical memory of Amphipolis

Disclosure of the monument of Hill Kasta in Amphipolis turns again look at the grandeur of ancient Greece that was based largely on the exploitation of mineral wealth. Today this story continues, hooking up with many ways of Amphipolis and Halkidiki: from their history, until their current dominant position in historical and economic evolution of modern Greece.

[ Reportage ]

In this sense, wanting to see how reflected this historical development today, We were in Mesolakkia, having our next Costas Melito, new engineer and Mayor of Amphipolis. Making reports under, We recorded:

  • the passion of its inhabitants, I expect this development new principle of modern Greece
  • the modest and humble effort of the Mayor to do what,What can help in terms of infrastructure and work conditions, supporting practical, direct labour operations, the team of archaeologists and relevant services that carry the load of the excavation activity
  • dozens of people with historical memory and conscience that we saw in a few hours to visit the site.

"This picture, changing all our data. Is the positive Visual that we all need in such a situation ", said Smaragda Achtaridoy from Thessaloniki.

Leaving, at a stop in the Lion of Amphipolis, among a group of Spaniards motorists who decided to visit the Amphipolis and get to know the history of Macedonia, We saw a new student, the Georgia Theofanidoy, I just returned with her father from the Tei of Serres where starts her studies: "We feel proud again", told us. "We are now starting our lives we need something important, something in which we can believe, for our region and for our country ".

This is the most important point about the new historical evolution that we experience all of us. The Visual that helps us to understand how the gold, that a very large percentage of secured the power of Greece in ancient times, can unlock the value of modern Greece, to give vision and resources to do so, to carry out.

[ Resources from the subsoil ]

In antiquity, the exploitation of the mineral wealth was an integral part of economic life and power of Greece. From the Laurion silver who played an important role in the development of the Athens of Pericles, until the gold of Macedon that ensure the validity of the Macedonian Kingdom.

The mining activity, played an important role in the emergence of ancient Greece, a reference point of world history. It is indicative that the power and the wealth of Athens which is reflected in the Parthenon, the ' symbol ' of Greece, broadly and relied on the exploitation of the mineral wealth of Athenian Alliance. While the campaign of Alexander the great, sponsored by the gold of Paggaio and Chalkidiki.

According to historical sources, the biggest mining centers holding gold and silver, and even on a global scale, worked in antiquity in Halkidiki, in the area of Northeastern Kavalas, in Thassos and near the river Echedwro, in the area of Filippiada, While one of the largest silver mining centers in the history of mankind was the Lavrio.

[ The "gold" of Macedonia: Pangeo – Halkidiki ]

In Macedonia, Pageos and Halkidiki mines operated by the 1300 e.g.. as key pillars of gold production on a global scale, While there are excavation reports and findings showing that gold is produced on the eastern side of Thassos as early 2300 e.g..

In the time of Herodotus, alongside the mines gold mining of Thassos, developing and mining of "Skaptis Material" in the region while others pangeo, When others of Northeastern Kavalas. Total, both mining centers produced gold worth 300-400 ταλάντων (equates to approximately 26 pounds in matching silver) annually.

Then, developed primarily gold holdings in Pangeo and in Halkidiki with the value of the annual production to exceed 500 talanta.

Regarding the validity of the Macedonian Kingdom, largely based on mineral wealth and the standard organisation of mines in the region. The size of the wealth of the Macedonian "chryseiwn" imprinted in gold quintals, the currency is issued by the 352 until the 336 e.g.. and circulated to the 2nd b.c.. century, not just in Macedonia, but in Rome. With this currency Macedonia managed to compete the dareikoys quintals "», While the monetary war prevailed with their silver drachmas.

[ The mining history of CHALKIDIKI ]

In the North-East Halkidiki region saved more than 300 Wells and about 200.000 cubic meters of ancient metallurgical scrap, common "slags", from the "ekkamineysi" of minerals. The mining history of the Stratwnikoy terms that passes from antiquity to Byzantium and then in Ottoman period, to reach the Bodossaki era and in modern development of Kassandra Mines, fills a path 25 centuries. Until the modern harnessing of gold that can make Greece the most important producer and exporter in Europe.

[ The modern «gold» of Amphipolis and Chalkidiki ]

Today, After the discovery of the burial mound of the Hill Kasta, the excavation activity in Amphipolis attracts again the interest of humanity to the grandeur of ancient Greece and the role played by the exploitation of the mineral wealth. And turning back to look at the challenge of modern Greece: the transition to new era, based on the exploitation of mineral wealth, then the mining history and create a new chapter: "The exploitation of gold of CHALKIDIKI».

And as excavation activity in Amphipolis is bringing back to mind the greatness of Greek history, as the project progresses and the exploitation of the mineral wealth of Halkidiki for highlighting of the mining capital of modern Greece. The evolution of these two stories, beyond the historical connection and passes in practice with the technical support of the municipality of Amphipolis, from people of Greek Gold, in an effort to support the project anaskafikoy:

"As followers of the mining history of CHALKIDIKI, We also feel obliged to stand close to the followers of the historical memory of Amphipolis. Whichever way. Without ever asking any return. We did and will do ",
Michael Theodorakopoulos, Deputy CEO of Greek Gold.

Republished by Mining News

The magical journey of excavation of Amphipolis

Real.gr
Why Dimitris Lazaridis had years understand that stunner is hiding in the vicinity. What report minutes of the archaeological society. (PHOTOS)
The magical journey of excavation of Amphipolis
26.04.1956: "They started systematic excavations in Amphipolis in’ a large cemetery to protect the area from illegal excavations. I took the decision to begin, Despite the weaknesses, to save the amazing number of kterismatwn».
CONTINUE THE READING

Coolest Archaeological Discoveries of 2014

Coolest Archaeological Discoveries of 2014
This colorful mosaic, showing Persephone's abduction by Hades, was uncovered at the Amphipolis tomb in Greek Macedonia.

Thanks to the careful work of archaeologists, we learned more in the past year about Stonehenge's hidden monuments, Richard I's gruesome death and King Tut's mummified erection. From the discovery of an ancient tomb in Greece to the first evidence of Neanderthal art, here are 10 of Live Science's favorite archaeology stories of 2014.

1. An Alexander the Great-era tomb at Amphipolis

Rarely do archaeological digs attract so much attention in real time. But at Amphipolis, an ancient coastal city in northern Greece, the discovery of a lavish 2, 300-year-old tomb has created a national frenzy. In August, state archaeologists broke through the entrance of a huge burial mound thats been billed as the largest of its kind in the Greek world. (Its perimeter measures about 1,600 feet, or 490 meters.) [See Photos of the Ancient Tomb at Amphipolis]

Excavators found broken sphinxes, two female statues called caryatids, a remarkably intact mosaic floor and some skeletal material, which is awaiting analysis. It's still unclear who was buried inside the tomb, but some have speculated that it could be someone from Alexander the Great's inner circle.

2. Stonehenge's secret monuments

Capping a four-year survey of the landscape around England Stonehenge, researchers reported that they found signs of at least 17 previously unknown Neolithic shrines. The big announcement — which was accompanied by TV specials on the BBC and Smithsonian Channel — could change the way historians have thought of Stonehenge.

“Stonehenge is undoubtedly a major ritual monument, which people may have traveled considerable distances to come to, but it isn't just standing there by itself,” project leader Vincent Gaffney, an archaeologist at the University of Birmingham, told Live Science in September. “It's part of a much more complex landscape with processional and ritual activities that go around it.” [See Images of Hidden Stonehenge Monuments]

3. A shipwreck under the World Trade Center

In the summer of 2010, archaeologists in New York discovered a school-bus-size shipwreck in an unlikely place: the site of the World Trade Center, still under construction after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year, tree-ring researchers who were studying the ship's fragile timbers announced that they had uncovered new details about the vessel.

The ship was likely built in 1773, or soon after, in a small shipyard near Philadelphia, according to the study, which was published in the journal Tree-Ring Research. What is more, the ship's timbers may have originated from the same white oak forest where wood was harvested to build Philadelphia's Independence Hall, the researchers said.

4. Richard I's twisted spine, kingly diet and family tree

Once lost to history, the skeleton of Britain King Richard III was found under a parking lot in 2012, and since then, the monarch's remains have been a boon for scientists who study centuries-old DNA, diet and disease. Among this years findings, scientists reported that they found a mitochondrial DNA match between Richard and two of his living relatives, offering further confirmation that the bones really belong to the king. A model of Richard misshapen spine showed that he suffered from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Isotopes locked in Richard teeth and bones revealed that the king ate (and drank) quite well during his two years at the throne. And, after a much-delayed autopsy, researchers also determined this year that Richard likely died a quick death on the battlefield; they found two wounds on the back of Richard skull that were likely candidates for the fatal blow.

5. A teenager in a “black hole”

At the bottom of an underwater cave called Hoyo Negro (Spanish for “Black Hole”) in Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, divers discovered a near-complete skeleton of a teenage girl. Dubbed “Naia,” the girl was found alongside unlikely gravemates: saber-toothed cats, pumas, sloths and bears. Researchers think Naia and the animals likely fell to their deaths 12,000 to 13,000 years ago, before the pit filled with water when the worlds glaciers started melting.

Scientists also found that DNA from Naia's remains resembled modern Native American DNA. The discovery, which was reported in May in the journal Science, could help solve the long-standing debate over the identity of the first Americans. [In Photos: Human Skeleton Sheds Light on First Americans]

6. Syria by satellite

The paralyzing political situation in Syria has become somewhat of a test for satellite archaeology. Shut out of the war-torn country, archaeologists have turned to aerial images to learn about the state of Syrian ancient ruins. So far, their findings have been grim.

Five of Syrian six UNESCO World Heritage sites show “significant damage,” and some buildings are now “reduced to rubble,” according to an analysis of satellite images by the nonprofit and nonpartisan American Association for the Advancement of Science (AS). Meanwhile, the American Schools for Oriental Research was given a $600,000 grant from the U.S. State Department to fund a Syrian Heritage Initiative for a year. At the organization's annual meeting last month in San Diego, researchers with the initiative reported that 63 of the 400 archaeological sites they analyzed exhibited war-related looting.

7. Jesus’ wife?

This story might be more of an “undiscovery.” In September 2012, Harvard University divinity professor Karen King announced the sensational finding of a small papyrus fragment written in Coptic. The text contained references to a “Mary” and the translated line, “Jesus said to them, ' My wife, she will be able to be my disciple. '” The suggestion was that Mary Magdalene may have been Jesus’ wife — or that some people in ancient times at least believed she was his wife.

Biblical scholars had aired their suspicions about the authenticity of the so-called “Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” because of problematic features, such as bad handwriting and grammatical errors. And earlier this year, a Live Science investigation revealed that the papyrus has a flimsy provenance. The anonymous owner of the papyrus claims to have purchased the document from a now-deceased man whose family said he never collected antiquities. The text is looking more and more like a forgery.

8. Mummy cheese

The worlds oldest known cheese was found this year, tucked away on the bodies of 3, 800-year-old mummies in northwest Chinese Taklamakan Desert. Scholars had previously uncovered archaeological clues suggesting that cheese making began as early as the sixth millennium B.C., but actual samples of ancient cheese are hard to come by.

Archaeologists found clumps of a yellowish substance on the chests and necks of mummies during recent excavations in Chinese Xiaohe Cemetery. A chemical analysis showed that these blobs were really cheese. These dairy treats would have been nutritious, easily digestible and quite similar to yogurtlike kefir, according to the study in the Journal of Archaeological Science. The cheese was presumably left in the graves as a snack to be enjoyed in the afterlife.

9. King Tut's 3, 300-year erection

Researchers have long noted several anomalies of King Tutankhamun's embalming. The young pharaoh was buried in a lavish tomb in Egyptian Valley of the Kings without a heart, an excessive amount of black oils and goolike resins were applied to his body, and his penis was mummified erect at a 90-degree angle. A recent study in the journal Études et Travaux suggests that King Tut's unusual burial was part of a deliberate effort to fight a religious revolution unleashed by his father.

King Tut's father, Akhenaten, is famous for trying to introduce monotheism to Egypt. He wanted religion to center on the worship of the Aten, the sun disc, and destroyed images of other gods. King Tut, meanwhile, was trying to bring back polytheism during his reign. To emphasize that return to tradition, Tut's embalmers may have tried to make the king look like Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld, who is often depicted with an erect penis to evoke his regenerative powers.

10. Artists like us?

Sometimes, big discoveries come in small packages. This year, two separate studies of tiny, simple etchings cast doubt on whether modern humans are really the only Homosexual species to have created art. A geometric carving on a rock in the back of a cave in Gibraltar may have been created by Neanderthals, the closest known relatives of modern humans, some 40,000 years ago, according to one study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers who tried to recreate the gridlike etching said this carving wasn't the accidental byproduct of butchery, but rather an intentional design.

Earlier this month, another group of scientists in Java, Indonesia, reported in the journal Nature that they found a series of slashes and an “M”-shaped zigzag” on a shell thats between 540,000 and 430,000 years old. They attributed the scribbles to Homosexual erectus, an ancestor of modern humans. In both cases, it's unclear what meaning (if any) the “artwork” held, but the studies suggest our human ancestors and extinct relatives were capable of abstract thinking.

Copyright 2014 Livescience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Alexander…the Oracle of Ammona

Alexander-The-Great-Die
The Oracle of Ammona, through the Greeks of Cyrenaica was long known to the Greeks of mainland, He believed that there had reached the relevant art in their oldest Oracle, one of Dodona. Enjoyed great respect (Aristophanes regarded the Oracle of Amun as the second most important after that of Delphi, Pindar had founded Thebes Temple of Amun and the Athenians had sent an official delegation during the Peloponnesian War, to get Oracle).

He had his reputation's surefire and occasionally have consulted many Greek heroes, among them Perseus, When the Polydektis sent him to kill the Mermaid, and Hercules, When he went to Libya to face the Antaio. Philip also after a enypnio (dream) the Chairwna the Megalopoliti sent to the Oracle of Delphi, to ask Oracle and Apollo replied that ought to honor and sacrificing in the Temple more than to other gods and that they would lose the eye that, with which he had seen from the Temple in the form of chink reptile to sleeping with the Olympiad. Alexander supposedly wanted to emulate Perseus and Hercules (grandson of Perseus), because he came and both of them and additionally placed part of the origin of the Amun (in accordance with his father's enypnio) Although the latter is probably a later invention.
From the mouth of the Nile, where was situate in the city of, Alexander started with a light and escort for the clip tachykinito Oracle of Amun Ra in the OASIS Sioya, a difficult journey around 530 km or 2.867 stages, i.e. about 15 stations. None of the ancient historians did not indicate how the army took with him the Alexander, but should we presume that was lightweight pedestrians and horsemen, Maybe ypaspistes and precursors, while transporting supplies the Kurtius says that used camels. Go Beach, so has the support of the fleet, crossed not completely arid desert and after 1.600 stages (about 295 km) arrived at Paraitonio(Marcia Matroych). There they met ambassadors of the Greek cities of Cyrenaica. Of delivered a wreath, 300 Ippoys polemistas, 5 extremely tethrippa (Maybe one of each Member of the Pentapolis) many other splendid gifts and concluded with him friendship and Alliance Pact.
Great course. Alexander in Aigypto_pigi alexanderofmakedon
In Paraitonio refueled for the last time from the fleet, I turned South and went into the desert, that was sandy and arid and where Cambyses lost 50.000 men in a sandstorm. In 1.388 stages or 7 about stations, remaining as the Oracle, you will not need to anefodiasthoyn in food, but the water reached them just for four days. Went mainly in the evening, shortly before sunset until shortly after sunrise, in order to avoid exhausting desert sun. Alexander applied this tactic and other deserts, that had to be crossed. On the fourth day of the last abstraction a strong South wind lifted sandstorm, They destroyed all the paths, the traces and signs on the route resulting in drivers to lose their orientation. The water ran out of stock, but with intervention of Amun, which according to the ancient writers wanted Alexander to reach the Oracle of, It rained suddenly and could quote ydrodotithei for four other days.
Apart from the rain the Sands sent them upon other help. During the Kallistheni in front of the extract were flying crows, their krazontas showed that the course and helped to find the main body, those who lose their way in the night. When Aristoboylo the crows were two and perhaps not without significance this narrative, Once in the tradition of the region till today flying two crows (neither a nor more than two) considered a happy omen for indigenous, that start journey to OASIS Sioya. When Ptolemy was not crows, but two dragons with human voice.
Oracle of Ammon
The Oracle of Amun at the oasis in the sandy and arid desert of Libya. The maximum width of the OASIS was 40 stages (about 7,5 km) and today was full of trees, olives and palm trees. There was the sole source of the region, whose water temperature change during the day. Noon was to be almost frozen, then the temperature rise, midnight reached a peak, and then begin again to Europe turns colder. Nearby there were salt mines, which give excellent quality salt, NET like Crystal. Some pieces were larger than 3 daktyloys (about 5,5 EC.) and was coveted at sacrifices.
If the fix the boundaries of Alexandria became the 20th January 331 e.g., Alexander must be entered in the Oracle space surrounded the last week of January, or the first of February, Depending on the speed that covered the 15 stations from the Nile as the Oracle. If the design of Alexandria was on his return from the Oracle of Ammona, then visit the Oracle must became the first fortnight of January. What exactly happened at Oracle we have many variations and in antiquity may there were still more, After the matter and metaphysical was and deification of Alexander was. It is reasonable to assume that the "communication" of Alexander consultants developed one particular story, which parallachthike then from various historians and novelists depending on style and perceptions of each.
The variation of the Prophet's Oracle, Plutarch for reasons of courtesy reportedly he addressed Alexander in Greek, but because he spoke well rather than say "w, child"she said"w, paidios». Immediately spread (i.e., someone took care to spread) the rumor that the Prophet he addressed Alexander "w, pai Zeus». I.e. Alexander allegedly took the bad Greek of Egyptian priest, to proclaim that a worldwide recognition of the Oracle acknowledged as a son of the Supreme God of Egypt. The variation of Diodorus and Koyrtioy of the Prophet is quoted as saying "hail, my child and this address is from God "and Alexander to replied ' I accept, father, and will your son apokaloymai ". Here the evil priest reportedly rushed to offer to Alexander this, He wanted. In both variations, Alexander, always generous to his associates, He dedicated the Church important votive offerings. The Justin says that earlier had sent people to bribe the priests and tell them that he wanted to hear. So, When he entered the temple priests the cheered joyfully "spontaneously" as a son of Amun. Arrian, who does not approve of the choice of Alexander to declare God, says succinctly that Alexander "hearing these, who wished».
Embossed depiction of Alexander as pharaoh in Luxor to the temple of Amenhotep III
Until his visit to the Oracle of Ammona, Alexander had not indicated any intention to deified, though described as incidents during his visit there, show that his decision was already renewed. In Egypt, where the chief Archon was the son of God, was certainly useful to recognize him as the son of the Supreme God of the country. There he heard of the philosopher Psammwna that all people run from God, so will the commanding easier, If you were God himself. These very useful contacts and discussions should be made in Memphis, the capital of the United Kingdom of Egypt.
We saw that the revolt in Egypt often against the Persians and the last of the rebellion gave the opportunity to Philip to declare war in Persia, to terminate as soon as the Egypt epanypotachthike. The fact that they rebelled again after the conquest by Alexander is without a doubt a result of Alexander's agreement with the powerful Egyptian priesthood. Alexander respected Egyptian religion (on ' and the Temple of ISIS in Alexandria) the local governance, the privileges of the priesthood and in return that recognized him as a Pharaoh by removing the old dynasties. As Pharaoh had to be and son of Amun, best suited for identified were the priests of the Oracle, who will certainly received instructions, to which complied, the agreement highlights.
The same policy (i.e. the same agreement) applied later Ptolemy and the dynasty, who founded. It is impossible to see through the veil of propaganda when he decided to make Alexander the son of God, However from the OASIS Sioya and then began to formats and implements the process of theopoiisis. The barbarians, the aylokolakes and aspondyloi always unscrupulous communicators, that crowd willing 'son of Zeus», they began to become more and more useful and to acquire more and more power.
Delivered that, Alexander's question whether he'd punish all the murderers of his father, the Prophet commanded them to non-urgent, because his father was the Sands (whom the Greeks antistoichizan to Jupiter) whom no one could kill and that the murderers of Philip mortal were all punished anyway. Alexander thriskoliptos and of course it was not the conspiracy to assassinate his father had exichniastei, so it may have been his own doubt, in calling for response.
The favor of Philip, in which the oldest himself had fallen and the Olympiad, fuelled the speculations (from then until today) that Alexander and his mother were involved in a conspiracy. The God's assurance that there were no unpunished conspirators must be planned in their final discharge of these suspicions. Then Alexander asked, If God would make him sovereign of all people and of course the Prophet replied that this was the will of God. Moreover, it would be unreasonable to deny God in the son of its sovereignty on all his creatures.
After he got out of the Temple an excellent management tool of Asians, He returned to Memphis from either the same road (in the Aristoboylo) either directly (when Ptolemy). The view of historians enhance Aristovoulos, bedding design of Alexandria upon return. Ptolemy's view seems to reinforce two major archaeological discoveries in one of the two routes, using the caravans up before 200 years, to reach the oasis of Sioya on the Nile. Specifically in the OASIS Mpacharigia, the most important in the way of caravans, and at the end of the same road, just outside the Fayoum, discovered respectively two small Egyptian temples dedicated to the worship of God-Pharaoh Alexandrou. Because Arrian is much more accurate than the other preserved historical, We accept that Alexander designed the Alexandria during the transition, so it was not obliged to return by the same route. Since Alexander's key feature was the speed, We accept the view of Ptolemy, We confirm that the two Egyptian naiskoi.
Ptolemy
Alexander returning in late January or early February 331 e.g. in Memphis, found to await him many embassies from Greece and their he satisfied all requests. Received and payments from the Antipatro, 400 Greek mercenaries under the Igisandroy and Menoito 500 THRACIANS horsemen under Asklipiodwro of Eynikoy. Did it again sacrifice, Parade, athletic and musical competitions and arranged the administrative matters of satrapeias. As agreed in the tradition of Egypt, He chose two Egyptians prefects, the Doloaspi and the Petisi, and commissioned in half the country's administration. But because he refused the Petisis, took all the Doloaspis.
In Memphis garrison Headquarters mounted Pantaleonta partner of pydna and STOU Polemwna partner Piloysioy of Megakli from Pella. The body of Mercenaries set leader Lykida the Aitolo, Eygnwsto partner appointed Secretary of Xenofanti and moderators Aeschylus and the Equestrian. He gave the administration of Libya in Apollonius of Charinoy. The Arabic Department of Egypt, to the side of the Irwoypolis commissioned in a Greek Egypt, the Iromeni from the Naykrati, who had to leave the prefects to administer during the old habits, While he had personal responsibility for the collection of taxes. Admiral of the fleet in Egypt appointed Polemwna of Theramenes. He divided the Supreme military command of Egypt to the great Balakro of the Makartati and Amynta, because the country was vast and rich and didn't like the idea to let the leadership of a single man after some nasty stuff, He had informed the Filota, the cavalry Commander of the trusted enterprise.
When the skeyofora of Parmenion seized the Persians in Damascus, among the spoils were also some Antigone, a nice woman from Pydna of Macedonia, He took her as his mistress Filotas. The boasted about the successes, his own and his father's, of Parmeniwna, told that Alexander is meirakion (paidareli) and that he possessed the power thanks to him and the Parmeniwna. Antigone said to someone, He to someone else, and as usually happens, Word of mouth reached the ears of Krateroy, who rode before Alexander. The Filotas hadn't committed any wrongdoing, but it was not trivial to undisputed king and Commander-in-Chief of the expedition from the Commander of the cavalry company and son of Deputy Commandant of the army. So Alexander ordered to maintain relations with Filota, and keeps you informed.
The information, that gave the Antigoni was no doubt sufficient, to remove the Filotas from his Office, which above all require individual trust. Though his father Filota, the Fairytales, He had proven his loyalty to Alexander after which was the second strongest army officer. His brother Filota, Nicanor, He held another neuralgic and honorary position, He was the Commander of the ypaspistwn partners and had served as Chief of fleet businesses in Miletus. His behavior was so annoying and Filota reprehensible, but as the limit on close personal circle, Alexander does not take measures against. Limited to record this information and reserves for the future.
Sources – Bibliography
alexanderofmacedon.info
Arrian c. 3, C.4., C. 26
Diodorus XVII. 49.2-6, 51.1-4
Plutarch Alexander 3.1-2, 26.12, 27. 48.-49.2
Kurtius 4.7.12-28
Justin 11.11.6-9
Herodotus c. 25
chilonas.wordpress.com
theancientweb.wordpress.com

The funeral of Ifaistiwna

?????In Babylon was the funeral of Ifaistiwna, the bunch which had brought before the Perdiccas. For the construction of the burial pyre Alexander tore down the walls City area 10 stages (about 1,8 km), He chose the baked brick, iron out the ground and created a square surface of a foursquare plethroy Wharf (about 874 M2). On manufactured 30 Chambers and paved the roof with Palm tree trunks, so all the construction is square. The exterior decoration consisted of seven superimposed tiers. The frieze of the base were 240 Golden plwres pentirwn, that at epwtides (the two beams on either side of the bow, where hung the anchors) had a statue of Archer heights 4 ELLs (about 1,80 m), with one leg gonatismeno (in firing position), while aboard, there were statues armed EUR 5 ELLs (about 2,20 m). The gaps between the plwres supplement foinikides woolen (Red flags, that marked the start of the battle). On the second level were placed torches EUR 15 ELLs (about 6,60 m). The handle had gold hoops, at the point of combustion were Eagles, I looked down to open their wings, and at their bases were Dragons, that kept the Eagles. At the third level there were all kinds of hunting animals performances, in the fourth level was no golden show Centaurs and the fifth frieze had gold performances lions and bulls alternately. The sixth frieze had performances of Macedonian and Persian weapons, that symbolized the Macedonian victory over the barbarians. In the upper frieze Siren statues were hollow, whence moirologitres epselnan the unseen epitaph lamentation on the dead. The total height of the funerary pyre exceeded 130 cubits (about 57,66 m).

Officials, soldiers, Ambassadors and locals were competing in promotions and all were grandiose ceremonies epikideies. It is said that the total (public and private) costs for the funeral of Ifaistiwna were colossal. During the funeral ceremonies Arriano in honor of Ifaistiwna had cost 10.000 talanta. According to Plutarch, Alexander was not intended to surpass the amount of 10.000 ταλάντων, but like the elegance and beauty of the monument to make shows more expensive. When Justin cost 12.000 talanta, While in Diodorus the exceeded. The ceremonies were closed with gymnikoys and musicians matches, the brightest who had organised as then Alexander. They took part 3.000 contestants, "they shortly afterwards was destined to profit and his own funeral».

The General mourning for the Ifaistiwna continued, but not inhibited iota Alexander's activities. None of the ancient authors not giving in detail the sequence of events in Babylon, so I don't know what preceded and what followed his funeral Ifaistiwna. But judge Alexander the Advanced, as is humanly expected and note that no ancient historian doesn't connects with Oracle, that had been requested by the Oracle of Ammona. After the funeral he met ambassadors from all over Greece. It is said that Alexander garnered from Susa, the Pasargadae and all other parts of Asia the spoils, that had gotten Xerxes from Greece, and delivered to the Ambassadors of the respective States. Older He had delivered to the Athenians ambassadors the busts of two tyrannoktonwn, of the responsible and of the Military, This time handed over the statue of Artemis Kelkeas.

We do not know for what reason went each Embassy, but due to the massive influx of, both the Greek and other embassies, I had met from Ekbatana directed towards Babylon, We must assume that went with the etiquette. It was preceded by the subjection of the Persian Empire, the whole of India, mainly in the West of the Indus and the proclamation of the end of the war at wpi. A large number of people and resources, to a much greater extent of territorial achaimenidikoy now began to run State with single administrative, tax, currency and metric system. An Asian Empire, India and known territories Europe and Africa, was nascent and all adjacent folks, allies and non-, rushed up to him kosmokratora filofronisoyn, to prevent month break up any misunderstandings and to ensure benefits.

Alexander was the first who had come for religious themes, second who brought gifts, 3rd those were border disputes and called for arbitration, tetartoys who had gone to private subjects and pemptoys those who disagreed with the return of exiles, which had decided earlier. Prioritizing the prestige of their sacred accepted first ilian, After the Ammwnioys, Delphi, the Corinthians, the Epidayrioys and after all other. It is characteristic that, While Alexander until Kleito had killed with his hands, in his fight to be the son of Amun, ranked second in ammonium value after the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. I.e. once again, and even in a period that had eliminated any opposing voice, He made it clear that the world was conquered by a King while kosmopoliti, Greek origin and consciousness does not. In addition a lot had changed since then, the Sands ' adopted ' Alexander. The new situations forced to depart from the Egyptian God and invent a new global God. And did the Sarapis.

That time arrived in Babylon the Kassandros, his son Antipater, whose other son, the Iolas, He was already in the backyard of Alexander as archioinochoos. In addition the Kassandros showed no flexibility and behaved like a Greek among Greeks, causing the violent outburst of King of Asia. This traumatic for cassander contact with Alexander made him the mortal enemy of the Argead House, they finally managed to eliminate. In accordance with the Plutarch, When he arrived in Babylon, because he had not seen the Asian standard of prostration, the Greek upbringing made him laugh carelessly, as it turned out. Maybe because his behavior hurt the way administration, you have chosen Alexander, Maybe because Alexander was angry with his father, grabbed him loudly from the hair with both of his hands and hit his head on the wall. Another time, kassandros tried to refute them, that nonplussed by his father, But Alexander of argues the question "Did so the way people without disadvantage and say that they came to deplored;». "This is slander, that is far from evidence "said Kassandros and Alexander laughing loudly threatened him" these are up sophisms of Aristotle and klapsete very, If you look that the adikeite even a little». Alexander's behavior say that instilled such terror in Kassandros for Alexander, so much later, When he was no longer King of Macedonia, in a visit to Delphi, watching in front of a statue of Alexander "missed the logically of, rose hairs, began to tremble and barely met».

(Arrian VII. 14-15, Diodorus XVII. 113.3-4, 115, Plutarch Alexander 72.3-5, 74.2-CC, Justin 12.12.12

theancientweb.wordpress.com

National Geographic: Amphipolis is the Greek ... more Game of Thrones!

Intrigue, conspiracies and passions that mentioning a Hellinikon "Game of Thrones" hides the riddle of Amphipolis, According to National Geographic, which devotes extensive reportage in the excavation of Amphipolis.

As pointed out in a report on the website of National Geographic, Although it is almost certain that Alexander the great was buried in Egypt, It is not known where the other members of his family. Consequently, the excavation in the tumulus Kasta opens a new chapter in the history of Alexander the great and his family.

"A dynasty», as National Geographic, "that was dipped in intrigue, the conspiracy, the bloodshed, as the Lanister in the popular television series "Game of Thrones"».
Indeed, for the reader to understand better the intrigue, the magazine makes history in the distant past, speaking of his life King of Macedon, but his father Philip II.
For the last, de, talks and the writer Ian Worthington, who has studied the history of Alexander the great and has written the book ' By the Spear: Philip II, Alexander the Great, and the Rise and Fall of the Macedonian Empire».
As stated by the Worthington, "Philip II was a traditional warlord. Always stood in the heart of the battle».
A similar battle showed love and m. Alexander, who, as stated in the publication, even before his death was East, designing to conquer Arabia.
With his death, as they died under odd circumstances, his relatives began the fight for succession, However eventually the Empire split and finally disappeared.
As stated by Philip Freeman, Professor of classical history at the College of Ntekora in Aioba Luther: "It's very rare for a King or ruler must lead to die alone".
At the same time, Many archaeologists are convinced, According to historical references, that Alexander is buried somewhere in Egypt, probably "in the city which bears his name, Alexandria», reads National Geographic. Nevertheless, There are few scientists looking for the graves of the Olympiad, Roxanne, of Ifaistiwna and relatives of m. Alexandrou.
Therefore, the excavations of the tomb of Amphipolis may give the solution to the mystery behind the questions that dominate the minds of researchers, as is likely in the tumulus is Kasta buried someone from relatives of the King of Macedon

polemiko-imerologio.gr

Amphipolis: Noto of 10 bright discoveries of 2014

25 December, 2014 – 12:12 aprilholloway

Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 2014

This year has been a year of spectacular discoveries in archaeology, from 4, 000-year-old sunken ships, to enormous megalithic stones, mysterious man-made ditches, the oldest known examples of cave art in the world, a monumental tomb in Greece, and even a newly revealed pharaoh of Egypt. Advances in technology also enabled the discovery of hidden Maya temples in the jungles of Mexico, hundreds more structures in the Stonehenge landscape, and new understandings of the human genome. It is almost impossible to narrow down one year of magnificent findings to ten, so we have chosen to feature ten discoveries of 2014 that revealed striking new information about our ancient past.

10. 4,000-year-old sunken ship found in Turkey is among oldest in the world

4,000-year-old sunken ship found in Turkey is among oldest in the world

An excavation at the port of Urla underwater archaeological site in Turkey revealed a sunken ship that is believed to date back 4,000 years. The surprising discovery is the oldest known shipwreck ever found in the Mediterranean, and is also among the oldest known shipwrecks worldwide.

The port of Earle, which served the ancient Greek settlement of Klazomenai, sunk following a natural disaster, probably an earthquake, in the 8th century BC, making the area popular for underwater research. Numerous sunken ships have already been found in Earle, ranging from the 2nd century BC to the Ottoman period. Uncovering a ship that is believed to date back to around 2,000 BC, is incredibly rare and significant and an important milestone for archaeology.

9. Newly dated Asian cave drawings rewrite history of human art

Newly dated Asian cave drawings rewrite history of human art

A study published in October 2014, in the journal Nature, revealed that more than 100 ancient paintings of hands and animals found within seven limestone caves on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, are as old as famous prehistoric art in Europe. The research showed that humans were producing rock art by 40,000 years ago at opposite ends of the Pleistocene Eurasian world.

Maxime Aubert, study lead and archaeologist and geochemist of Australia Griffith University, explained that before this discovery, experts had a Europe-centric view of how, when, and where humans started making cave paintings and other forms of figurative art. However, the fact that people in Sulawesi were also producing art at the same time suggests that either human creativity emerged independently at about the same time around the world, or when humans left Africa they already had the capacity and inclination for art.

8. Mysterious Man-Made Ditches Predate Amazon Rainforest

Mysterious Man-Made Ditches Predate Amazon Rainforest

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences earlier this year revealed that a series of mysterious lines and geometric shapes carved into the Amazonian landscape were created thousands of years ago before the rainforest even existed. The purpose of the massive earthworks and who created them remains unknown, and scientists are beginning to realise just how much there still is to learn about the prehistoric cultures of the Amazon and life before the arrival of Europeans. The unusual earthworks, which include square, straight, and ring-like ditches, were first uncovered in 1999, after large areas of pristine forest was cleared for cattle grazing. Since then, hundreds of the earthen foundations have been found in a region more than 150 miles across, covering northern Bolivia and Brazilian Amazonas state.

Until recently, it was believed that the earthworks dated back to around 200 AD. However, the latest study has revealed that they are, in fact, much older. Study author John Francis Carson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, explained that sediment cores had been taken from two lakes near the major earthwork sites. These sediment cores hold ancient pollen grains and charcoal from long-ago fires, and can reveal information about the climate and ecosystem that existed when the sediment was laid down as far back as 6,000 years ago. The results revealed that the oldest sediments did not come from a rainforest ecosystem at all. Rather, they showed that the landscape, before about 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, looked more like the savannahs of Africa than todays lush rainforest. The earthworks predate the shift from savannah to rainforest, which reveals that the creators of these ditches carved them before the forest moved in around them.

7. Largest known megalithic block from antiquity revealed at Baalbek

Largest known megalithic block from antiquity revealed at Baalbek

A new analysis conducted by the German Archaeological Institute at the ancient stone quarry of Baalbek/Ancient Heliopolis, in Lebanon, calculated the size and weight of an enormous monolith, and concluded that it is the largest known stone block ever carved by human hands.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,170 meters in the Beqaa valley, Baalbek is known to have been settled from at least 7,000 BC, with almost continual settlement of the Tell under the Temple of Jupiter, which was a temple since the pre-Hellenistic era. During the period of Roman rule, Baalbek was known as Heliopolis ("City of the Sun"), and housed one of the largest and grandest sanctuaries in the empire. One of the most awe-inspiring features of Baalbek are the incredible megalithic foundations of the Temple of Jupiter. The temple was built on platform of stones that are among the largest building blocks seen in the whole world. How they were cut so finely and moved into place has defied explanation, particularly considering the blocks are known to have weighed over 1000 tons.

The gigantic blocks used in the foundations of the Temple of Jupiter came from a nearby quarry located around 800 meters (2,600 ft) from the temple. The limestone quarry houses two massive building blocks that never made it to the temple – one weighing about 1,240 tons, and the other, known as the "Hajar al-Hibla,"or The Stone of the Pregnant Woman, weighs about 1000 tons. But the German archaeological team found a third building block next to the Hajar al-Hibla stone and underneath it. Still partially buried, the monolith measures measures 19.6 meters (64 feet) in length, 6 meters (19.6 feet) in width, and at least 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height. Its weight has been estimated at 1,650 tons, making it the largest known stone block from antiquity.

6. 500,000-year-old shell engraved by Homosexual erectus challenges previous beliefs about human ancestors

500,000-year-old shell engraved by Homo erectus

Research conducted on a mollusk shell, dated to between 430,000 and 540,000 years, found over a century ago on the Indonesian island of Java, revealed that it contains the oldest engraving ever found and that it was almost certainly etched by a Homosexual erectus, an early human ancestor that emerged around 1.9 million years ago and became extinct around 150,000 years ago. The discovery challenged preconceived notions about human ancestors, showing that, like Homosexual sapiens, they produced abstract design or perhaps even an early form of written communication.

Josephine Joordens, a post-doctoral researcher at Leiden University in the Netherlands, and colleagues, published a paper in December 2014 in the journal Nature, revealing that the discovery provides evidence for symbolic activity and shows that "engraving abstract patterns was in the realm of Asian Homosexual erectus cognition and neuromotor control." While to many this may seem unsurprising, the finding challenges conventional perspectives about the evolution of human behaviour.

5. Oldest-known Human genome sequence sheds light on interbreeding with Neanderthals

Oldest-known Human genome sequence sheds

A study published in the journal Nature in October 2014 revealed the DNA results from a 45, 000-year-old leg bone from Siberia, producing the oldest genome sequence ever carried out for Homosexual sapiens – nearly twice the age of the next-oldest known complete modern human genome. The results have helped pinpoint when Homosexual sapiens first interbred with Neanderthals, and adds more pieces to the puzzle of ancient human migration across the world.

The ancient leg bone was found in 2008 on the left bank of the river Irtysh near the settlement of Ust '-Ishim in western Siberia. The human femur was sent to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, where testing was conducted. The results revealed that the DNA of the "Ust '-Ishim Man" contained 2% DNA from Neanderthals, roughly the same proportion that can be found in modern Europeans today. This reveals that interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans must have occurred prior to the age of the Ust '-Ishim Man. While previous estimates suggested the interbreeding may have occurred as early as 36,000 years ago, scientists have now revised their estimates to between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.

The research team also compared the genetic sequence of Ust '-Ishim man with the genomes of 50 different groups of modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans. The results indicated that this man was equally closely related to present-day Asians and to early Europeans. This suggests that the population to which Ust '-Ishim man belonged diverged from the ancestors of present-day Europeans and Asians before, or around the same time, that these two groups separated from each other.

4. New Pharaoh Discovered In Egypt – Introducing King Seneb Kay

New Pharaoh Discovered In Egypt – Introducing King Seneb Kay

In January, 2014, archaeologists in Egypt discovered the burial place and the remains of a previously unknown pharaoh who reigned more than 3600 years ago. The skeleton of King Seneb kay (also written Senebkey) were uncovered at South Abydos in Sohag province, about 500 kilometres south of Cairo, by a University of Pennsylvania expedition working with the government.

Never before heard of in ancient Egyptian history, King Seneb kay's name was found inscribed in hieroglyphics written inside a royal cartouche – an oval with a horizontal line at one end signalling a royal name. King Saneb kay was found in a wooden sarcophagus inside a badly damaged stone tomb with no roof. He was originally mummified but his body was destroyed by ancient tomb robbers and only his skeleton remained. No funerary goods were found in the tomb, which confirms it had been looted in ancient times.

“This was the first time in history to discover the king,” said Ali Asfar, Head of Antiquities for the Egyptian government.

3. Archaeologists Discover Two Long Lost Ancient Maya Cities in Jungle of Mexico

Two Long Lost Ancient Maya Cities in Jungle of Mexico

In an amazing discovery in the jungles of Mexico, archaeologists uncovered two ancient Mayan cities, including ruined pyramid temples, palace remains, a monster mouth gateway, a ball court, altars, and other stone monuments. One of the cities had been found decades ago but all attempts to relocate it had failed. The other city was previously unknown and is a brand new discovery, shedding new light on the ancient Mayan civilization. Expedition leader Ivan Sprajc, of the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU), explained that the finding was aided by aerial photographs of the tropical forest of central Yucatan in the state of Campeche, Mexico. Some anomalies were noticed among the thick vegetation of the forest and so a team was sent in to investigate further. Archaeologists were stunned to discover an entire city in an area between the Rio Bec and Chenes regions, extending some 1,800 miles, which are characterised by their Classic architecture dating to around 600 to 1,000 AD.

Sprajc explained that both cities "open new questions about the diversity of Maya culture, the role of that largely unexplored area in the lowland Maya history, and its relations with other polities.”

2. Spectacular Macedonian tomb and human remains unearthed in Amphipolis, Greece

Spectacular Macedonian tomb and human remains unearthed in Amphipolis

Archaeologists excavated a spectacular Macedonian tomb in Kasta Hill, Amphipolis, dating to the period of Alexander the Great (4th century BC), resulting in the discovery of human remains which are currently undergoing testing.

Kasta Hill lies in what was once the ancient city of Amphipolis, conquered by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in 357 BC. Experts have known about the existence of the burial mound in Amphipolis, located about 100km northeast of Thessaloniki, since the 1960s, but work only began in earnest there in 2012, when archaeologists discovered that Kasta Hill had been surrounded by a nearly 500-meter wall made from marble.

Several months ago, archaeologists discovered a path and 13 steps leading down from the surrounding wall. It was then that they uncovered a limestone wall protecting and concealing the entrance of the tomb of Amphipolis. Behind the wall, archaeologists revealed two marble sphinxes, both headless and missing their wings, but these were recovered during excavations. Bit by bit, the grand tomb began revealing the secrets that had lain hidden for 2,300 years, including two magnificent caryatid statues, a detailed mosaic depicting the Abduction of Persephone, and a secret vault containing a limestone sarcophagus with human remains. Archaeologists are due to announce the discovery of the tomb's occupant in one months time.

1. Radar finds HUNDREDS more megalithic monuments, chapels, and shrines around Stonehenge

Radar finds HUNDREDS more megalithic monuments, chapels, and shrines around Stonehenge

In a groundbreaking news release in September 2014, archaeologists revealed the results of a four-year-long project to map the hidden landscape beneath the surface of the Stonehenge environs, and what they found was nothing short of amazing. Through their high-tech devices they could see a landscape teeming with burial mounds, chapels, shrines, pitts, and other structures, which had never been seen before. The biggest surprise was a 330 metre long line of up to 60 buried stone pillars, inside the bank of a large, bowl-shaped feature called Durrington Walls, Britain largest henge, which sits beside the River Avon.

The discovery dramatically alters the prevailing view of Stonehenge as the primary site in the landscape. Instead it presents the Salisbury Plain as a an active religious centre with more than 60 key locations where ancient people could carry out sacred rituals and fulfil their religious obligations. "This is not just another find,"said Professor Vince Gaffney of the University of Birmingham. "It's going to change how we understand Stonehenge."

http://www.ancient-origins.net/