Latest news with #Hellenistic
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Collapsed road in Cyprus reveals long-forgotten ancient tomb. See its treasures
When a section of road in eastern Cyprus collapsed, officials looked into the gaping hole and were surprised to find a long-forgotten ancient tomb. Excavations revealed the roughly 2,000-year-old structure and its treasures. Officials received a report of a collapsed road near the port of Famagusta on the evening of June 20 and immediately investigated, the Department of Antiquities and Museums of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said in a June 24 news release. Officials did not say how the road damage occurred, but photos show a mid-sized hole in the pavement. Very quickly, officials realized the collapse had exposed something historic: an ancient Greek tomb, the department said. Follow-up excavations revealed more of the rock-cut tomb, which had a central room with three couch-like funeral beds, known as klinai. The grave's original entrance was covered with stone blocks, the department said. Officials did not provide an exact age for the tomb but dated it to the Hellenistic period, which began in Cyprus around 300 B.C. and ended in 58 B.C. when the ancient Roman empire took control of the island, according to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Archaeologists also found several artifacts inside the 2,000-year-old tomb. Photos show some of the pottery finds, which included bowls, jars for oil, lamps, cosmetic bottles and other pots. Another photo shows the small gold leaf artifacts found in the tomb. Other finds included bones, glass jars, coins and needle fragments, officials said. Excavations of the tomb in northeastern Cyprus were ongoing as of June 24. Turkish officials said they plan to clean, inventory, analyze and conserve the finds before putting them on display. Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The island is divided between the independent Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a disputed territory controlled and solely recognized by Turkey. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from the Department of Antiquities and Museums of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!
AN EXCEPTIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MISSION LIFTS 22 MASSIVE BLOCKS OF THE ALEXANDRIA LIGHTHOUSE IN EGYPT OUT OF THE WATER, TO STUDY AND SCAN THEM AS PART OF THE "PHAROS" PROGRAM TO DIGITALLY RECONSTRUCT THE LIGHTHOUSE. PARIS, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: An extraordinary lifting operation Thirty years after archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur of the Centre d'Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) discovered the underwater remains of the Alexandria Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—in 1995, a new remarkable mission is underway. Under the scientific supervision of archaeologist and architect Isabelle Hairy from the CNRS, the team has successfully lifted 22 of the lighthouse's largest stone blocks out of the water. These include monumental door lintels and jambs weighing 70 to 80 tons, the threshold, large base slabs, and parts of a previously unknown monument: a pylon with an Egyptian-style door crafted from the Hellenistic period. The goal of this exceptional and spectacular operation is to study and scan these architectural elements, adding them to a collection of over 100 blocks already digitized underwater over the past decade. After photogrammetric processing, the scanned blocks will be handed over to volunteer engineers with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Like pieces of a giant archaeological puzzle, each block will be analyzed and repositioned virtually. Using scientific simulations and virtual worlds, the team of engineers will test hypotheses about the lighthouse's construction and collapse, creating a digital twin of this lost wonder. The virtual model will revive the lighthouse's original grandeur, allowing visitors to explore it as if they were on site. A French-Led Excavation The CNRS - specifically its permanent unit in Egypt, the Centre d'études Alexandrines - is conducting the lighthouse excavation under the authority of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has supported the project for the last three years. The "PHAROS" Project Funded by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes and led by Isabelle Hairy (CNRS - UMR 8167, Orient & Méditerranée), the PHAROS project brings together historians, numismatists, archaeologists, and architects to collect ancient depictions and descriptions of the lighthouse from the late fourth century BCE until its destruction in the early 15th century CE. This research helps to fill gaps left by the highly fragmented archaeological remains, as the lighthouse was quarried for building materials after it ceased operation in 1303 until the construction of the Qaitbay Fortress in 1477. These findings complement the parameters already available for the ongoing digital reconstruction, shedding light on the lighthouse's unique architecture—crucial since no major ancient lighthouse survives today. The Alexandria Lighthouse was the first of its kind and understanding its history offers insightful clues about how and why it collapsed. About the Alexandria Lighthouse Built at the beginning of the third century BCE by Ptolemy I, this incredible towering structure guided sailors approaching a treacherous coastline. Standing 100 meters tall, its beacon made the Egyptian city a shining hub at the heart of Mediterranean trade. Symbolizing the city's power and the prestige of its builders, Pharos can be regarded as humanity's first skyscraper. Its technical brilliance and architectural genius – emblems of the era's scientific and artistic peak – allowed it to withstand time and history for over 1,600 years. A major documentary project GEDEON Programmes, a renowned French producer of history and science documentaries, helped cofinance the 1995 Alexandria Lighthouse rescue mission and produced the acclaimed film "The Seventh Wonder of the World" which was broadcasted on France 2 and major international channels such as the BBC, PBS, ZDF, RAI, NHK, and others. In 2025, GEDEON Programmes is again supporting the CEAlex's mission by funding the barge and crane used to lift the lighthouse blocks. This spectacular operation was filmed by GEDEON Programmes' teams, led by director Laurence Thiriat, for a 90-minute documentary set to premiere in prime time on France Télévisions. About the Partners: The Centre for Alexandrian Studies (CNRS/Ifao): Established in Alexandria since 1990, this CNRS research and support unit, under the direction of Thomas Faucher, focuses on the historical and archaeological study of the city of Alexandria and its surrounding countryside. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: The foundation places 3D virtual world technology at the service of education and scientific exploration. It supports the academic world, research centers, and public-interest organizations in their efforts to promote education, research, and heritage preservation. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is also committed to inspiring careers in science and engineering, particularly among students. Going beyond mere financial support, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, through its volunteers, provides cutting-edge technological expertise—a true driving force that helps its partners bring their projects to life and open up new horizons. GEDEON Programmes: Specializing in historical, scientific, nature, and cultural documentaries, GEDEON Programmes has been a key player in French audiovisual production for over 30 years, with more than 50 films produced annually and distributed worldwide. Through its GEDEON Experiences division, the company also produces immersive exhibitions and virtual reality experiences on historical and cultural themes. France Télévisions: France Télévisions is proud to support the documentary The Lighthouse of Alexandria, winner of the Global Doc call for projects—an alliance of 10 international public broadcasters dedicated to producing ambitious and innovative projects. As a major player in the documentary field, France Télévisions highlights the great scientific adventures of our time. In Science Grand Format, a weekly program hosted by Mathieu Vidard, passionate scientists share their latest discoveries about the mysteries of science and great civilizations. CNRS : A major player in fundamental research worldwide, the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) is the only French organization active in all fields of science. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together the various scientific disciplines to shed light on and understand the challenges of today's world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic players. Together, the sciences are at the service of sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole. View source version on Contacts Media contacts : La Fondation Dassault Systèmes Arnaud +33 01 61 62 87 73GEDEON Programmes Stéphane Millièresmilliere@ +33 6 20 60 66 02Centre d'Études Alexandrines Thomas +201014829601UMR 8167, Orient et MéditerranéesIsabelle +33 6 85 65 21 54France Televisions Frédérique +33 6 32 69 63 12CNRS Priscilla +33 1 44 96 46 06 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Science
- Business Wire
The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: An extraordinary lifting operation Thirty years after archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur of the Centre d'Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) discovered the underwater remains of the Alexandria Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—in 1995, a new remarkable mission is underway. Under the scientific supervision of archaeologist and architect Isabelle Hairy from the CNRS, the team has successfully lifted 22 of the lighthouse's largest stone blocks out of the water. These include monumental door lintels and jambs weighing 70 to 80 tons, the threshold, large base slabs, and parts of a previously unknown monument: a pylon with an Egyptian-style door crafted from the Hellenistic period. The goal of this exceptional and spectacular operation is to study and scan these architectural elements, adding them to a collection of over 100 blocks already digitized underwater over the past decade. After photogrammetric processing, the scanned blocks will be handed over to volunteer engineers with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Like pieces of a giant archaeological puzzle, each block will be analyzed and repositioned virtually. Using scientific simulations and virtual worlds, the team of engineers will test hypotheses about the lighthouse's construction and collapse, creating a digital twin of this lost wonder. The virtual model will revive the lighthouse's original grandeur, allowing visitors to explore it as if they were on site. A French-Led Excavation The CNRS - specifically its permanent unit in Egypt, the Centre d'études Alexandrines - is conducting the lighthouse excavation under the authority of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has supported the project for the last three years. The 'PHAROS' Project Funded by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes and led by Isabelle Hairy (CNRS - UMR 8167, Orient & Méditerranée), the PHAROS project brings together historians, numismatists, archaeologists, and architects to collect ancient depictions and descriptions of the lighthouse from the late fourth century BCE until its destruction in the early 15 th century CE. This research helps to fill gaps left by the highly fragmented archaeological remains, as the lighthouse was quarried for building materials after it ceased operation in 1303 until the construction of the Qaitbay Fortress in 1477. These findings complement the parameters already available for the ongoing digital reconstruction, shedding light on the lighthouse's unique architecture—crucial since no major ancient lighthouse survives today. The Alexandria Lighthouse was the first of its kind and understanding its history offers insightful clues about how and why it collapsed. About the Alexandria Lighthouse Built at the beginning of the third century BCE by Ptolemy I, this incredible towering structure guided sailors approaching a treacherous coastline. Standing 100 meters tall, its beacon made the Egyptian city a shining hub at the heart of Mediterranean trade. Symbolizing the city's power and the prestige of its builders, Pharos can be regarded as humanity's first skyscraper. Its technical brilliance and architectural genius – emblems of the era's scientific and artistic peak – allowed it to withstand time and history for over 1,600 years. A major documentary project GEDEON Programmes, a renowned French producer of history and science documentaries, helped cofinance the 1995 Alexandria Lighthouse rescue mission and produced the acclaimed film 'The Seventh Wonder of the World' which was broadcasted on France 2 and major international channels such as the BBC, PBS, ZDF, RAI, NHK, and others. In 2025, GEDEON Programmes is again supporting the CEAlex's mission by funding the barge and crane used to lift the lighthouse blocks. This spectacular operation was filmed by GEDEON Programmes' teams, led by director Laurence Thiriat, for a 90-minute documentary set to premiere in prime time on France Télévisions. About the Partners: The Centre for Alexandrian Studies (CNRS/Ifao): Established in Alexandria since 1990, this CNRS research and support unit, under the direction of Thomas Faucher, focuses on the historical and archaeological study of the city of Alexandria and its surrounding countryside. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: The foundation places 3D virtual world technology at the service of education and scientific exploration. It supports the academic world, research centers, and public-interest organizations in their efforts to promote education, research, and heritage preservation. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is also committed to inspiring careers in science and engineering, particularly among students. Going beyond mere financial support, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, through its volunteers, provides cutting-edge technological expertise—a true driving force that helps its partners bring their projects to life and open up new horizons. GEDEON Programmes: Specializing in historical, scientific, nature, and cultural documentaries, GEDEON Programmes has been a key player in French audiovisual production for over 30 years, with more than 50 films produced annually and distributed worldwide. Through its GEDEON Experiences division, the company also produces immersive exhibitions and virtual reality experiences on historical and cultural themes. France Télévisions: France Télévisions is proud to support the documentary The Lighthouse of Alexandria, winner of the Global Doc call for projects—an alliance of 10 international public broadcasters dedicated to producing ambitious and innovative projects. As a major player in the documentary field, France Télévisions highlights the great scientific adventures of our time. In Science Grand Format, a weekly program hosted by Mathieu Vidard, passionate scientists share their latest discoveries about the mysteries of science and great civilizations. CNRS : A major player in fundamental research worldwide, the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) is the only French organization active in all fields of science. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together the various scientific disciplines to shed light on and understand the challenges of today's world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic players. Together, the sciences are at the service of sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Mosaic floors found in ancient Olympos church
Excavations at the Olympos Ancient City in Türkiye's southern Antalya province have uncovered new mosaic floors and a notable inscription at the entrance of a church, archaeologists announced. Located in the Kumluca district, Olympos has been under continuous excavation since 2006, with year-round efforts underway for the past four years. The site contains remains from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Significant discoveries at the site include multiple churches, an entrance complex, the Bishop's Palace, a bridge, the Lycian Marcus Aurelius Arkhepolis Monumental Tomb, mosaic structures, the Antimakhos Sarcophagus, and monumental tombs near the harbour. Gokcen Kurtulus Oztaskin, an associate professor at Pamukkale University and head of the excavation team, told Anadolu that the increased funding and ongoing support from Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has enabled uninterrupted archaeological work. "Olympos continues to surprise us with its mosaics. In 2017, 2022, and 2023, we discovered richly decorated mosaic floors at the sites we worked on. This year, we uncovered and restored the floor mosaics of Church No 1," he said. He added that mosaics with geometric and vegetal motifs, along with inscriptions, were found in both the main and annex sections of the church. One inscription was located at the church entrance door. Highlighting the inscription's message, Oztaskin said it reads: "Only those on the righteous path may enter here." According to Oztaskin, the presence of mosaic inscriptions and benefactors' names indicates that Olympos was one of the most affluent cities in the Lycian region in terms of mosaic art. Excavations in the northern section of the ancient city are expected to be completed within two years, after which focus will shift to the southern areas. Andalou
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ithaca: New research reveals cultural and historical evolution at Homer's school
New important data on the historical and cultural evolution of Ithaca has emerged from the University of Ioannina research at the archaeological site known as Homer's School since the start of the 19th century. Located in the northern part of the island, Agios Athanasios, has as its core a large rock formation at the foot of the village of Exogi, in a green area full of water springs. The excavated antiquities are located on two mounds, which are connected by two carved staircases. The remnant of a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) dominates Ano Andiros, while most of Kato Andiros is occupied by a large rectangular building. The earliest evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic phase (late 5th/4th millennium BC). They include, among other things, several dozens of flint artefacts and a few hundred fragments of pottery. As far as the Bronze Age evidence is concerned, a few dozen fragments from around 30 different vases from the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified so far. Of great interest is the intact underground fountain/tank on the site, with eccentric boulder walls, one of the few known of its kind. Based on its shape, its structural features and the discovery of Late Mycenaean cylinder fragments inside it, its dating to the Mycenaean paleolithic phase seems highly probable, as previous researchers have argued. The Mycenaean settlement at Homer's School probably functioned to supervise the ports and lands and to protect and manage the rich water resources of the area. As far as the historical periods are concerned, the maximum volume of ceramic material dates back to the Hellenistic and early Roman period (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the total number of sherds of large vessels, 8 fragments of perianths common in sanctuaries have been identified so far. Related Christopher Nolan's next movie is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey' In addition to a number of small objects, the groups of finds include: a total of 34, so far, fragments of clay votive offerings, a few dozen clay agnitha, a small hoard of gold jewellery and other, mainly bronze, jewellery and objects. More than 100 coins of various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD) reveal a flow of visitors to the site. From the ongoing work of sorting and cleaning (where appropriate) thousands of fragments of Hellenistic/Early Roman roof tiles, 14 examples of sealed tiles with Greek and Latin inscriptions have been identified. Recent processing of the material has yielded a sample which preserves a seal of major importance, with the name [OD]YCCEOC (in the general) to the left. Another fragment shows an incised dedicatory inscription, with the name probably in the dative, perhaps of a pilgrim: ODYC[CEI Regarding interpretation of the complex, the findings of W. Vollgraff's excavation (of 1904) at Upper Andros were taken into account. Of these, some are from the late Roman period, among them a miniature bronze bust with the features of Odysseus, according to the attribution of his figure in Greco-Roman art, but also in the bronze coins of Ithaca of the 4th-3rd century BC. The flourishing function of the building complex is placed in the Hellenistic to early/medium Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). The ensemble is characterised by robust structures on dandera, incorporating impressive elements of carved architecture, as well as niches for votive offerings or inscriptions, which testify to the intensive cult use of Kato Andiros. The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be linked with certainty with the Odyssey of Ithaca, and with the existence of a sanctuary/hero of Odysseus, which is mentioned, together with related games, in a resolution of about 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor. The character of Odysseus and his exact position in relation to the games have been the subject of fruitful scholarly debate since the 1930s. Now, about a century after the discovery of the engraved dedicatory inscription EYCHIN ODYCCEI on a fragment of a Late Hellenistic clay mask from the Cave of the Bay of Polis, two new inscriptional testimonies have been found from of the same period (ODYCCEOC and ODYCCEI). The evidence, along with other available data, suggests the development of a prominent public complex at the site that played a major role in the religious, social and possibly political life of the Ithacans of Hellenistic-early Roman times, but also with a wider pilgrimage character. "The Municipal Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia-Ithaca and the University of Ioannina will make every possible effort to protect and promote the findings, with respect to our cultural heritage", says the announcement of the municipality. "At the same time, the organization of scientific and informative events is planned, in order to give citizens and visitors the opportunity to be informed about the importance of these discoveries. Ithaca continues to inspire and surprise us. Its land speaks and reminds us of the priceless value of our history and tradition", the statement concludes.
