A 1,500-Year-Old Map Helped Researchers Find a Lost Byzantine City
Researchers recently found one of the many lost Holy Land cities in Jordan.
The team used maps and field surveys to identify the site.
Experts believe the lost city Tharais wasn't just an agricultural village—it may have also been a spiritual hub.
The Madaba Mosaic Map is perhaps the most famous geographical masterpiece of the ancient Near East. Believed to have been built during Emperor Justinian's reign (527-565 A.D.), the tile art piece is the oldest surviving map of Jordan's Holy Lands. The map is located in Madaba, Jordan, and depicts a total of 157 sites—many of which have yet to be found. One of the many lost cities is a place called Tharais, which dates all the way back to the Byzantine Empire. And researchers might have just found it.
Starting in 2021, a research team led by Musallam R. al-Rawahneh—an associate professor of archeology and ancient Near East studies at Mutah University—began looking for Tharais. The field project lasted until 2024, and the team recently published their findings in the journal Gephyra.
Finding a lost city is no easy task, and researchers had to use several different methods to track down Tharais. Maps, including both the Madaba Mosaic and more contemporary maps, gave researchers a starting baseline. They then conducted a field survey near a modern city near the southeastern edge of the Dead Sea called El-'Iraq. There, researchers found remnants of mosaic floors, glassware, and various tools—all compelling evidence that that was where Tharais once thrived.
Most notably, the team uncovered features resembling a Byzantine basilica—an oblong building with an open-air central room. Collaborative efforts with other institutions from Spain and France added further evidence to the scene when researchers discovered Greek and Latin funerary inscriptions. These inscriptions suggest the existence of a Christian community in the area, supporting the theologic identity of the site. A doorway consistent with architecture in Byzantine churches was also found, further affirming the site's supposed history. In short: all signs point toward religion.
'The prominence of Tharais on the Madaba Map and the discovery of a basilica church structure suggest that it served not only as an agricultural village but also as a sacred site and commercial rest stop,' al-Rawahneh said in a Türkiye Today report.
And according to the team, the presence of religion didn't weaken the city's economy. The presence of olive oil presses, windmills, and grape crushing equipment suggests that Tharais was economically self-sustaining.
Perhaps the most convincing indications of the site's true identity are the parallels between the structures found by the researchers and the Madaba Mosaic Map. The arrangement of gates, ruins, and even towers closely match the map's depiction of the lost city. As for the future of Tharais, the team says that they wish to preserve the area from El-'Iraq's rapid urbanization.
'Our aim is not just to uncover Tharais,' Al-Rawahneh explained in the report, 'but also to advocate for the protection of Jordan's rich cultural heritage.'
You Might Also Like
The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape
The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere
Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to Be More Charismatic, but Not Too Much More
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. A special quality sets some people apart from the crowd. They are magnetic to be around, attractive to watch, hypnotic to listen to. They have, in a word, charisma. It seems like a divine grace—indeed, the word derives from the ancient Greek χάρισμα, meaning 'God's gift.' The word appeared in third-century B.C.E. Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, and early Christians referred to charismata as blessings bestowed on believers such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Our modern usage of charisma comes from the early-20th-century sociologist Max Weber, who called it a 'certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' And today, the concept of charisma is having a moment in the abbreviated slang term rizz, which, in Generation Z vernacular, describes one's ability to charismatically court a romantic partner. It involves a notable power to impress others with smooth talk, confidence, or style—a skill we'd probably all like to have, beyond the domain of romance. Do you have charisma? Would your life be better if you had more? Or is it, like fame, a blessing that hides a curse? The idea of being more charismatic certainly seems appealing, but here's what science can tell you about whether this elusive rizz is a divine gift or a false friend. [From the September 2016 issue: The charisma effect] A number of psychologists have looked for charisma's seemingly magic ingredients. One of the most cited studies on the topic, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2018, argues that charisma is actually a combination of two traits: influence (the ability to guide others with confidence and competence) and affability (the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease). Influence is judged based on qualities such as one's presence in a room, magnetism, and leadership ability. People see affability in, among other traits, frequency of smiling, approachability, and projection of positive energy. Leaders use their charisma to influence others in very specific ways. By analyzing speeches given by charismatic individuals, one helpful model shows a distinct, three-stage use of emotion. First, the speakers model and amplify the mood prevailing among their audience ('We are angry because those people over there are bad!'). Then they introduce a dissonant emotion that actually confuses people ('But you know what? I don't really care about that.'). Finally, they use that confusion to reframe the emotional environment and win over the audience to their view ('Because we should be happy that we are better people than they are!'). You will not be surprised to learn that charisma and professional success are strongly associated. Researchers following people's careers find that charisma early in life predicts a higher income 15 years later, as well as the managerial level a person achieves and the number of subordinates they have. However, this relationship appears to be curvilinear. Scholars in 2018 showed that people with a more charismatic personality are judged to be a more effective leader, but only up to about the 60th percentile. Beyond that point, perceived leadership effectiveness associated with charisma starts to decline. The authors of that study believed this was because extremely charismatic leaders tend to be strong on imparting a vision but weak on implementing it. Another possible reason why a very high level of charisma may lower the perceived effectiveness of a leader is the possible connection with narcissism. High charisma is specifically associated with people whom psychologists label 'agentic narcissists'; these people are extremely self-assured (whereas 'antagonistic narcissists' are mean and aggressive, and not perceived as charismatic at all). You can probably think of individuals whose charismatic qualities make them an effective leader up to a point, but tip over into being off-putting and arousing suspicion. [Tom F. Wright: The origin of vibes] In short, charisma might be a trait you'd want to increase—within reasonable limits. Of course, if charismatic individuals are simply born with the gift, this is a moot point. Some charisma, no doubt, is innate. We know, say, that attractive people are perceived as more charismatic than unattractive people; the same is true of more intelligent people. Charisma is also strongly correlated with personality traits, which are 40 to 60 percent heritable. Here, extroverts have the advantage because they tend to be high in influence and affability, while introverts score low on both. Yet ample evidence exists that charisma can be cultivated. Last year, three Israeli researchers created a virtual-reality device called the 'Charismulator' to help people develop a more appealing communication style, both verbal and nonverbal. Subjects who trained for only a few minutes with the device were judged by others to have 17 percent more 'general charisma' than they'd had before the intervention. The nonverbal-communication training exposed the participants to emphatic body gestures that conveyed a message, warm facial expressions, and powerful voice inflections—all demonstrated by charismatic speakers. You can re-create this input easily by reading the words of famous orators (think Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.), and studying videos of great speakers on YouTube. I stumbled on my own version of this method of the Charismulator intervention early in my public-speaking career, by listening to audio recordings of great communicators. I took copious notes on the speakers I admired, and accepted every invitation to talk in order to practice what I was learning. (Your nephew's bar mitzvah in February in Fairbanks, Alaska? I'll be there!) Anyone can improve their charismatic presence by being conscious of using these physical gestures, but it takes practice to make learned charisma stick. The early feedback I got on my public speaking did not include the phrase incredible charisma. The first notes were more like 'paces like a caged animal' and 'terrifying amount of eye contact.' With time, I did get better at it—fortunately. [Read: The perils of charisma] One question I haven't answered yet—and given this column's remit, you might be thinking that was a strange oversight: Does possessing charisma make you happier? I have found no evidence that addresses this topic head-on. Although you might assume that charisma would deliver happiness, one line of research gives me pause. One human capacity that strongly predicts charisma but is most definitely not correlated with higher happiness is self-consciousness—that is, thinking frequently about yourself. Charismatic people do think about themselves a lot—and that characteristic, as I have previously discussed, usually brings unhappiness. When it comes to happiness, much can be said for accepting who you are, rather than constantly worrying about what impression you're making on others. So yes: You probably can get more rizz, but you might want to skip it and have more peace of mind instead. Article originally published at The Atlantic Solve the daily Crossword
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Where Do Almonds Come From? Guide
Almonds are more than just a healthy snack. They're one of the most popular tree nuts in the world, prized for their flavor, versatility, and health benefits. But have you ever stopped to wonder where do almonds come from? Knowing the origin of almonds helps us appreciate the incredible journey this tiny nut has made—from ancient groves in the Middle East to supermarket shelves around the globe. Botanically speaking, almonds aren't actually nuts—they're seeds. They come from the fruit of the almond tree ( Prunus dulcis ), which is closely related to peaches and cherries. If you've ever cracked open a peach pit, you've seen something that looks a lot like an almond inside. Unlike peanuts (which are legumes) or walnuts (which are true nuts), almonds are classified as 'drupes'—fruits with a hard shell and a seed inside. It's this seed that we eat. Almonds have a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first domesticated in the Middle East, particularly in areas that are now modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Almonds appear in the Bible and are one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees. They were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, proving their value and status in ancient Egypt. Almond trees are deciduous and require a cold winter to properly bloom. They typically flower in early spring, and the nuts are harvested in late summer. These trees thrive in Mediterranean climates—mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Well-drained sandy or loamy soils are ideal for optimal growth. The earliest wild almonds likely grew in the Fertile Crescent, an area known for the birth of agriculture. Over time, farmers selectively bred almonds to remove toxic bitterness from wild varieties. This region played a key role in the spread of almonds, especially along trade routes like the Silk Road and later, via Roman and Greek expansion. Thanks to ancient civilizations and traders, almonds made their way to Greece, Italy, and Spain, where they became deeply ingrained in culinary traditions. Spanish missionaries brought almonds to the New World in the 1700s. While initially unsuccessful in some parts, they found a perfect home in California's Central Valley. The global almond industry is now dominated by: United States (especially California) Spain Iran Australia California produces over 80% of the world's almonds. Its ideal climate, advanced agricultural technology, and vast farmland make it the top choice for large-scale almond farming. Almond harvesting usually takes place from August to October. Farmers use mechanical shakers to shake the trees, causing the nuts to fall to the ground where they dry before being collected. Once harvested, almonds are hulled, shelled, sorted, and sometimes roasted or blanched, depending on their end use. Growing almonds is water-intensive. A single almond takes about 1.1 gallons of water to produce. This has sparked debate, especially in drought-prone California. Environmentalists argue that large-scale almond farming strains ecosystems, but many farmers are adopting water-saving technologies and sustainable practices to counter these issues. Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. They're rich in: Protein Healthy fats Vitamin E Magnesium Fiber They help lower cholesterol, support heart health, aid in weight loss, and even benefit brain function. Sweet almonds are edible and widely cultivated. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and are toxic if eaten raw. Almonds can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, slivered, or turned into products like almond milk, butter, or flour. From Indian sweets like badam halwa to Italian biscotti and French macarons, almonds are a global culinary star. Almond oil is used in skincare, while almond shells are even used for eco-friendly fuel and mulch. Almonds are technically seeds. They are related to peaches and plums. Bees are essential for pollinating almond trees. California almond blooms are the first major crop bloom of spring. Almond trees can live for 20–25 years. Almonds face challenges from climate instability, bee population decline, and shifting consumer demand. Farmers must adapt to survive. Drip irrigation, AI monitoring, and regenerative practices are shaping the future of sustainable almond farming. Eco-conscious consumers are pushing for lower water usage, better pollination practices, and organic farming standards. Almonds have traveled a long and fascinating journey—from ancient groves in the Middle East to high-tech farms in California. Whether you enjoy them in your breakfast smoothie or as a crunchy snack, almonds are a testament to nature's resilience and human innovation. No, almonds originated in the Middle East, but California is now the world's largest producer. Wild almonds are often bitter and toxic, while cultivated almonds are sweet and safe to eat. No, they need a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It takes about 3 to 4 years for an almond tree to start producing nuts. Not raw. Bitter almonds contain cyanide and must be processed to be safe for consumption. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Atlantic
4 days ago
- Atlantic
How to Be More Charismatic, but Not Too Much More
Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. A special quality sets some people apart from the crowd. They are magnetic to be around, attractive to watch, hypnotic to listen to. They have, in a word, charisma. It seems like a divine grace—indeed, the word derives from the ancient Greek χάρισμα, meaning 'God's gift.' The word appeared in third-century B.C.E. Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, and early Christians referred to charismata as blessings bestowed on believers such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. Our modern usage of charisma comes from the early-20th-century sociologist Max Weber, who called it a 'certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' And today, the concept of charisma is having a moment in the abbreviated slang term rizz, which, in Generation Z vernacular, describes one's ability to charismatically court a romantic partner. It involves a notable power to impress others with smooth talk, confidence, or style—a skill we'd probably all like to have, beyond the domain of romance. Do you have charisma? Would your life be better if you had more? Or is it, like fame, a blessing that hides a curse? The idea of being more charismatic certainly seems appealing, but here's what science can tell you about whether this elusive rizz is a divine gift or a false friend. From the September 2016 issue: The charisma effect A number of psychologists have looked for charisma's seemingly magic ingredients. One of the most cited studies on the topic, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2018, argues that charisma is actually a combination of two traits: influence (the ability to guide others with confidence and competence) and affability (the ability to make other people feel comfortable and at ease). Influence is judged based on qualities such as one's presence in a room, magnetism, and leadership ability. People see affability in, among other traits, frequency of smiling, approachability, and projection of positive energy. Leaders use their charisma to influence others in very specific ways. By analyzing speeches given by charismatic individuals, one helpful model shows a distinct, three-stage use of emotion. First, the speakers model and amplify the mood prevailing among their audience ('We are angry because those people over there are bad!'). Then they introduce a dissonant emotion that actually confuses people ('But you know what? I don't really care about that.'). Finally, they use that confusion to reframe the emotional environment and win over the audience to their view ('Because we should be happy that we are better people than they are!'). You will not be surprised to learn that charisma and professional success are strongly associated. Researchers following people's careers find that charisma early in life predicts a higher income 15 years later, as well as the managerial level a person achieves and the number of subordinates they have. However, this relationship appears to be curvilinear. Scholars in 2018 showed that people with a more charismatic personality are judged to be a more effective leader, but only up to about the 60th percentile. Beyond that point, perceived leadership effectiveness associated with charisma starts to decline. The authors of that study believed this was because extremely charismatic leaders tend to be strong on imparting a vision but weak on implementing it. Another possible reason why a very high level of charisma may lower the perceived effectiveness of a leader is the possible connection with narcissism. High charisma is specifically associated with people whom psychologists label 'agentic narcissists'; these people are extremely self-assured (whereas 'antagonistic narcissists' are mean and aggressive, and not perceived as charismatic at all). You can probably think of individuals whose charismatic qualities make them an effective leader up to a point, but tips over into being off-putting and arousing suspicion. Tom F. Wright: The origin of vibes In short, charisma might be a trait you'd want to increase—within reasonable limits. Of course, if charismatic individuals are simply born with the gift, this is a moot point. Some charisma, no doubt, is innate. We know, say, that attractive people are perceived as more charismatic than unattractive people; the same is true of more intelligent people. Charisma is also strongly correlated with personality traits, which are 40 to 60 percent heritable. Here, extroverts have the advantage because they tend to be high in influence and affability, while introverts score low on both. Yet ample evidence exists that charisma can be cultivated. Last year, three Israeli researchers created a virtual-reality device called the 'Charismulator' to help people develop a more appealing communication style, both verbal and nonverbal. Subjects who trained for only a few minutes with the device were judged by others to have 17 percent more 'general charisma' than they'd had before the intervention. The nonverbal-communication training exposed the participants to emphatic body gestures that conveyed a message, warm facial expressions, and powerful voice inflections—all demonstrated by charismatic speakers. You can re-create this input easily by reading the words of famous orators (think Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.), and studying videos of great speakers on YouTube. I stumbled on my own version of this method of the Charismulator intervention early in my public-speaking career, by listening to audio recordings of great communicators. I took copious notes on the speakers I admired, and accepted every invitation to talk in order to practice what I was learning. (Your nephew's bar mitzvah in February in Fairbanks, Alaska? I'll be there!) Anyone can improve their charismatic presence by being conscious of using these physical gestures, but it takes practice to make learned charisma stick. The early feedback I got on my public speaking did not include the phrase incredible charisma. The first notes were more like 'paces like a caged animal' and 'terrifying amount of eye contact.' With time, I did get better at it—fortunately. One question I haven't answered yet—and given this column's remit, you might be thinking that was a strange oversight: Does possessing charisma make you happier? I have found no evidence that addresses this topic head-on. Although you might assume that charisma would deliver happiness, one line of research gives me pause. One human capacity that strongly predicts charisma but is most definitely not correlated with higher happiness is self-consciousness —that is, thinking frequently about yourself. Charismatic people do think about themselves a lot—and that characteristic, as I have previously discussed, usually brings unhappiness. When it comes to happiness, much can be said for accepting who you are, rather than constantly worrying about what impression you're making on others. So yes: You probably can get more rizz, but you might want to skip it and have more peace of mind instead.
