Home Life Ancient Civilizations
Category:

Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Civilizations

The Eid Mar Coin: A Symbol of Ancient History and the Fight Against Antiquities Trafficking

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Rare Gold Coin Commemorating Julius Caesar’s Death Returned to Greece

The Eid Mar Coin: A Symbol of Ancient History

In 42 B.C.E., amidst the tumultuous events of the Roman Empire, a gold coin was minted to commemorate the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March. This rare artifact, known as the Eid Mar coin, bears the inscription “EID MAR” and depicts twin daggers flanking a cap. The other side features the profile of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of Caesar’s assassins, along with the letters “BRVT IMP” (Brutus, Imperator) and “L PLAET CEST” (Lucius Plaetorius Cestianus), who served as Brutus’ treasurer.

A Record-Breaking Sale and a Dark History

Fast forward to 2020, the Eid Mar coin resurfaced on the international art market, where it sold for a staggering $4.2 million at auction. However, this seemingly triumphant sale concealed a sinister backstory. The coin had been looted from Greece and fraudulently sold, highlighting the rampant problem of antiquities trafficking.

A Triumphant Return

Over two years after its record-breaking sale, the Eid Mar coin has finally been returned to its rightful home in Greece. In a ceremony held at the Greek Consulate in New York City, officials handed over the repatriated coin along with 28 other looted artifacts, some dating back to 5000 B.C.E.

The Scourge of Antiquities Trafficking

Antiquities trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar business that threatens cultural heritage worldwide. Greece, with its rich history and abundance of archaeological sites, has been a particular target for this illicit trade. As Ivan J. Arvelo, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, notes, looters and smugglers profit at the expense of cultural heritage, depriving nations of their invaluable artifacts.

The Importance of Repatriation

The repatriation of looted artifacts is essential for preserving cultural heritage and restoring historical connections. These artifacts provide tangible links to the past, offering insights into ancient civilizations and their contributions to human history.

The Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the smuggling and fraudulent sale of the Eid Mar coin is still ongoing. Richard Beale, owner and managing director of Roma Numismatics, a London-based auction house, has been arrested in connection with the case. His admission to smuggling as part of a plea deal suggests that the investigation is far from over.

A Success Story in Cultural Heritage Protection

The return of the Eid Mar coin to Greece is a significant victory in the fight against antiquities trafficking. It demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies and cultural institutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage.

As Greece’s consul general in New York, Konstantinos Konstantinou, stated at the repatriation ceremony, “We applaud the investigators for striking down the illegal international criminal networks whose activity distorts the identity of peoples… and transforms them from evidence of people’s history into mere works of art.”

Greece’s Ongoing Efforts

Greece remains vigilant in its efforts to recover looted antiquities and protect its cultural heritage. The country actively seeks the return of these artifacts through diplomatic channels, legal proceedings, and international cooperation.

The repatriation of the Eid Mar coin and other looted artifacts serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. These artifacts are not merely objects of monetary value but invaluable pieces of human history that connect us to our past and shape our understanding of the world.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ancient Civilizations

Pompeii’s Hidden Treasures: A Virtual Tour of Daily Life in the Ancient Roman City

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Pompeii’s Hidden Treasures: A Virtual Tour of Newly Excavated Homes

Ancient Daily Life Revealed in Stunning Drone Footage

Step back in time and witness the preserved daily life of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii through breathtaking drone footage. The Pompeii Archaeological Park Director, Massimo Osanna, narrates this exclusive virtual tour of two recently excavated homes that were entombed in ash alongside the rest of the city when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.

The House With the Garden: A Millennia-Old Oasis

One of the excavated homes, known as the House With the Garden, offers a glimpse into the domestic life of a middle-class family. Archaeologists have made remarkable discoveries, including casts of the roots of plants that grew in the family’s garden. This discovery provides invaluable insights into the horticulture and饮食habits of the Pompeiians.

The House of Orion: A Mythical Mosaic Masterpiece

Just across the street is the House of Orion, named after its stunning floor mosaics depicting the hunter Orion turning into a constellation. Osanna speculates that the snake coiled around Orion may reference a Greek myth with ancient Egyptian influences. The presence of this mosaic suggests that the owner of the house was likely fascinated by this particular myth.

Exploring Regio V: A Treasure Trove of Archaeological Marvels

The two excavated homes are located in Regio V, a 54-acre area north of the archaeological park. Regio V is currently being excavated as part of the Great Pompeii Project, a $140 million conservation project funded in large part by the European Union. This project has yielded a wealth of exciting finds, including a richly painted thermopolium, where Pompeiians would have enjoyed spiced wine, cheeses, and garum, a potent sauce made from fish insides.

Other fascinating discoveries in Regio V include a sorceress’ kit, a bloody gladiator fresco, and a still-saddled horse. These artifacts provide a vivid cross-section of daily life in this ancient city.

Graffiti Reveals the Date of Vesuvius’ Eruption

A crucial piece of the Pompeii puzzle was uncovered in Regio V in the form of graffiti. The graffiti bears a date corresponding to October 17 on the modern calendar. This discovery has led archaeologists to revise their previous belief that Vesuvius erupted in August, now suggesting that it occurred in the fall.

A Lost Piece of the Puzzle

The discovery of this graffiti has been hailed as a “lost piece of a jigsaw puzzle” by Osanna. It allows researchers to reconstruct the daily life of the vanished community with greater accuracy, providing valuable insights into the final moments before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Conclusion

This virtual tour of the newly excavated homes in Pompeii offers a captivating glimpse into the daily life of this ancient Roman city. From the garden traces in the House With the Garden to the mythical mosaics in the House of Orion, each discovery sheds light on the vibrant and complex society that thrived before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The ongoing excavations in Regio V continue to uncover new treasures, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the past and enriching our understanding of this remarkable ancient civilization.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Pyramids: Architectural Wonders Spanning Civilizations

by Kim
written by Kim

Ancient Pyramids: Architectural Marvels Spanning Civilizations

Historical Significance and Architectural Ingenuity

Throughout history, ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Egypt and Mesoamerica have left behind towering pyramids as testaments to their architectural prowess and cultural beliefs. These monumental structures, built as tombs, temples, and ceremonial centers, showcase the remarkable ingenuity and engineering skills of our ancestors.

Egypt: The Land of Pyramids

Egypt is renowned for its iconic pyramids, with over 100 structures scattered across the country. The Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2630 B.C., stands as the earliest known pyramid, featuring a step design that evolved into the classic geometric pyramids we know today.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Giza, is the largest and most famous of all ancient pyramids. Constructed around 2551 B.C., it boasts over 2 million stone blocks and stands 450 feet high. This architectural wonder was once the world’s tallest manmade structure for over three millennia and remains the only surviving structure from the ancient Greek list of Seven Wonders of the World.

Peru: The Chavin Temple Complex

In the highlands of Peru, the pre-Columbian Chavin people erected the Chavin Temple Complex between 900 and 200 B.C. This massive complex includes both an “old temple” and “new temple,” built with rectangular stone blocks in the shape of flat-topped pyramids. Intricate carvings, passageways, and water channels suggest its use for religious rituals.

Mexico: The Pyramids of Teotihuacan

The ancient city of Teotihuacan in central Mexico is home to several impressive pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun. This colossal structure, with a square base of over 730 feet wide, features five stepped layers and once reached a height of over 200 feet. It stands alongside the Avenue of the Dead, a central road connecting the city’s religious and ceremonial centers.

Sudan: The Nubian Pyramids

In the region of central Sudan, known as Nubia, hundreds of pyramidal tombs were built between 300 B.C. and 300 A.D. These Nubian pyramids, constructed from reddish sandstone, are smaller and more narrowly shaped than their Egyptian counterparts. Despite suffering damage over the centuries, they remain a captivating sight.

Mexico: The Great Pyramid of Cholula

Located in the modern Mexican state of Puebla, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is one of the world’s largest ancient monuments. This colossal pyramidal complex, known by its formal name Tlachihualtepetl, covers nearly 45 acres and rises 177 feet high. Built in stages by pre-Columbian people, it was later used by the Aztecs as a temple to their god Quetzalcoatl. After the Spanish conquest, a Catholic church was erected on top of the grass-covered pyramid.

Iraq: The Ziggurat of Ur

In ancient Mesopotamia, the ziggurat was a type of tiered temple. The Ziggurat of Ur, built in the mid-21st century B.C., is a towering example of this architectural form. Originally, it had three stories of terraced brick connected by staircases and a shrine to a moon god at its summit. Over time, it eroded but was restored by Babylonian and modern archaeologists.

Guatemala: The Mayan Pyramids of Tikal

Tikal was a major urban and ceremonial center of the Maya civilization from 300 to 900 A.D. Among its many monuments are five pyramidal temples, including Pyramid IV. This tallest temple, topped by the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent, stands 213 feet high. After the Maya abandoned Tikal, these pyramids were lost to the rainforest for centuries until their rediscovery by European explorers in the 19th century. Today, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Italy: The Pyramid of Cestius

In Rome, Italy, the Pyramid of Cestius stands as an unusual but fascinating example of ancient architecture. Built around 12 B.C. as a tomb for a Roman magistrate, this pointed pyramid is made of concrete covered with white marble and features paintings on its interior walls. It is less renowned than the nearby graves of the poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Enduring Legacy and Cultural Significance

Ancient pyramids remain symbols of human ingenuity and the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors. Their architectural grandeur and historical significance continue to captivate and inspire people around the world. These colossal structures serve as reminders of the civilizations that built them and the enduring legacy they have left behind.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ancient Civilizations

Donkey Polo in Tang Dynasty China: A Noblewoman’s Uncommon Passion

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Donkey Polo: A Noblewoman’s Uncommon Passion in Tang Dynasty China

Ancient Chinese Nobility’s Love for Donkeys

In ancient China, donkeys were often seen as humble pack animals, lacking the prestige of their equine counterparts. However, a recent archaeological discovery sheds light on a Tang Dynasty noblewoman named Cui Shi who defied societal expectations with her profound love for donkeys.

Cui Shi’s Passion for Polo

Cui Shi, a high-born lady from Xi’an, held a deep passion for polo, a popular but dangerous sport. Understanding the risks associated with horse polo, Cui Shi sought an alternative that would allow her to continue her beloved pastime safely.

The Introduction of Donkey Polo

Chinese nobles devised a variant of polo called Lvju, where donkeys replaced horses. Donkeys were slower, steadier, and closer to the ground, reducing the likelihood of serious injuries. While horse polo was more common, donkey polo also gained some popularity, though it was not as well-documented.

Cui Shi’s Request to Be Buried with Her Polo Donkeys

Before her untimely demise at the age of 59, Cui Shi expressed her desire to be buried with several of her beloved polo donkeys. This unusual request suggests that she wished to continue her equestrian passion in the afterlife.

Archaeological Evidence of Donkey Polo

Cui Shi’s tomb was eventually looted, but archaeologists were able to uncover animal bones that provided valuable insights. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the bones belonged to donkeys that lived around the time of her death.

Physical Evidence of Polo Activity

The donkeys’ bones exhibited stress marks indicative of extensive sprinting and turning, a characteristic of polo-playing equids. This suggests that the donkeys in Cui Shi’s tomb were used for polo, not for transportation or other labor-intensive activities.

Challenging Societal Norms

Cui Shi’s love for donkeys and her decision to be buried with them challenged the prevailing societal views of the time. Donkeys were typically associated with ordinary folk, not with high-ranking nobles.

Recognition for Donkeys’ Contributions

The discovery of Cui Shi’s tomb and the evidence of donkey polo highlight the often-overlooked contributions of donkeys in ancient Chinese society. These animals were not merely beasts of burden but also played a significant role in the lives of the elite.

Unveiling the Past

The archaeological findings provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient Chinese nobles and their unique sporting practices. By shedding light on Cui Shi’s passion for donkey polo, researchers gain a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of ancient Chinese society.

Continuing Research

While the evidence strongly suggests that the donkeys in Cui Shi’s tomb were used for polo, further research is needed to fully understand the prevalence and popularity of this sport in ancient China. Future studies may reveal additional insights into the role of donkeys in the lives of the Chinese people.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail