Latest news with #ancientcivilization
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Archaeologists unearth Ancient Roman sarcophagus depicting rowdy drinking contest: 'Unusual perspective'
Israeli archaeologists recently uncovered an ancient sarcophagus depicting a scene familiar to many today: a drinking game. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery in a Facebook post on June 9. The Roman sarcophagus, or coffin, was found at an archaeological site within the ancient capital city of Caesarea. The discovery is the first of its kind in Israel. The marble sarcophagus illustrates a drinking scene between Dionysus, the god of wine, and Hercules. Pictures from the site show archaeologists beaming next to the discovery, which the IAA described as "spectacular." "In the center we see Dionysus, the god of wine, and around him a lively retinue of a host of mythological characters such as Maenads (female followers of Dionysus), satyrs, Hermes, Pan, lions and tigers," the IAA's statement read. Archaeologists were unsure of what the entire scene depicted until the sarcophagus was handed over to the IAA's conservation team — who assembled the fragments. "Thanks to the restoration, the scenes have been fully revealed," the IAA said. IAA archaeologists likened the discovery to "a scene out of a movie." "We began removing the soft, light sand of the dune, when suddenly the tip of a marble object popped up," archaeologists Nohar Shahar and Shani Amit were quoted as saying. "The entire excavation team stood around excitedly, and as we cleared more sand, we couldn't believe what we were seeing – parts of a sarcophagus, upon which figures were carved: gods, animals, and trees." "This sarcophagus offers an unusual perspective of the idea of death – not as an end, but as the beginning of a new path." The pair added, "Each uncovered fragment was more impressive than the one before … [including] an entire intact side of the sarcophagus, which was buried in the sand, was uncovered." So who won the drinking contest? Israeli officials revealed the answer — which is fairly unsurprising. "Hercules' condition, depicted on the sarcophagus as someone who is no longer able to stand, points to the obvious answer: Dionysus," Shahar said. Shahar also noted that this was the first time that a Dionysus-Hercules drinking scene was found on a burial coffin in Israel. It's "part of our commitment to making the country's past heritage accessible." "While processions of the wine god Dionysus are a familiar motif in 2nd and 3rd centuries CE sarcophagi, this particular drinking contest scene … is known to us here primarily in mosaics," the historian said. "In this case, it seems that the figures are not only celebrating – they are in fact accompanying the dead on his last journey, when drinking and dancing are transformed into a symbol of liberation and transition to life in the next world." She added, "This sarcophagus offers an unusual perspective of the idea of death – not as an end, but as the beginning of a new path." IAA director Eli Escusido also said the sarcophagus reflects ancient Roman perceptions of life and faith. It will be available for public viewing in the future. "The sarcophagus is undergoing a meticulous conservation process, which upon completion will enable it to be presented to the general public as part of our commitment to making the country's past heritage accessible," the official said.
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Haunting 1,000-year-old mummy found ‘seated with bent arms' and brown hair still visible just INCHES below ground
GAS workers have discovered a 1,000-year-old mummy just a metre below the surface of the Earth during a routine pipe installation in Peru. The remains, believed to be a boy aged between 10 and 15-years-old, have been uncovered in surprisingly good condition, with some of his brown hair still intact. 6 6 6 The burial was formal, with the trunk of a native huarango tree found next to the bound remains serving "as a tomb marker in the past," according to archaeologist Jesus Bahamonde, a scientific coordinator of Calidda gas company. The ancient boy's remains were discovered "in a sitting position, with the arms and legs bent," according to Bahamonde. "The burial and the objects correspond to a style that developed between 1000 and 1200 [AD]," he added. The body was found just 1.2metres beneath the Earth in Lima, Peru's capital, while the wooden tomb marker was found just a depth of 50cm (20 inches). They were wrapped in a shroud, which contained calabash gourds - a vegetable that was not only eaten but etched with intricate art in ancient Peru. Calabash gourds are used for medicinal purposes in Peru, and throughout Bolivia and Ecuador today. Though it's unclear what the significance of the vegetable was at the time. Ceramic objects, including plates, bottles and jugs decorated with geometric figures and figures of fishermen, were also found next to the mummy. The mummy, found last week, belonged to a society of fishermen of the Chancay culture, which flourished between 1,000 and 1,470 AD, according to Jesús Bahamonde, director of the archaeological monitoring plan of metropolitan Lima at Cálidda. Despite not being covered by much ground, the mummy had gone unnoticed for a millennia - even with all of the urban development in the area. Lima, a city home to 10million people, housed human civilisations for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in Peru in 1535. As a result, there are more than 500 archaeological sites sprawled across the coastal city, including dozens of ancient cemeteries. In Peru, utility companies must hire archaeologists when drilling because of the possibility of stumbling upon ancient treasures and heritage sites. "It is very common to find archaeological remains on the Peruvian coast, including Lima, mainly funerary elements: tombs, burials, and, among these, mummified individuals," Pieter Van Dalen, dean of the College of Archaeologists of Peru, told the Associated Press. The desert heat dehydrates the bodies, naturally mummifying the bodies and leaving them fairly well preserved, according to Van Dalen, who was not involved in the discovery. 6 6 6
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Royal Tomb, Relics Belonging to Relative of King Midas Found in Turkey
Archaeologists have found a 2,800-year-old royal tomb located near King Midas's former home in Turkey, the country's news agency, Anadolu Ajansı, reported. Scientists excavating a site in Gordion discovered a royal tomb dating back to the eighth century B.C., which they believe belonged to one of King Midas's relatives. Within the tomb were dozens of rare relics as well as cremated human bones which belonged to an elite member of the ancient kingdom of Phrygia. "Based on these artifacts, we estimate that the person in the tomb chamber may be a member of the royal family associated with Gordion and Midas," Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish minister of culture and tourism, said at a news conference on June 3. Gordion was the capital of the Phrygian kingdom, which reigned from 1200 to 675 B.C. The kingdom's first ruler, Gordias, was succeeded by his son, Midas, who, in mythology, can make anything he touches turn to archaeologists are somewhat baffled by Gordion's timeline, as it was occupied by so many different rules throughout its history. The largest tomb discovered at the site is known as the 'Midas Mound' and was erected around 740 B.C. to bury a high-status member of the society, potentially Gordias himself. The most recently discovered tomb is the 47th mound excavated at the site (out of 120 total mounds) and features the oldest cremation yet found at the site. "This shows the burial customs of the Phrygians," said archaeologist Yücel Şenyurt, co-director of the Gordion excavation. He added that the find "clearly shows us that the person buried here was not an ordinary person." Further analysis of the remains and the relic discovered within the tomb will hopefully identify the deceased's remains , as well as details of their life before Tomb, Relics Belonging to Relative of King Midas Found in Turkey first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 15, 2025
Sustainability Times
15-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Lost City Rises Again': Submerged Indian Metropolis Stuns Archaeologists and Forces a Rethink of All Human Civilization Timelines
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The discovery of a submerged city in the Gulf of Khambhat challenges established historical timelines. challenges established historical timelines. 🗺️ Researchers found artifacts like skeletons and pottery dating back to about 7000 BC , predating known civilizations in the region. , predating known civilizations in the region. 🧩 The site has sparked intense debate, dividing the scientific community over its origins and significance. 🔍 This finding encourages further exploration and analysis, with the potential to reshape our understanding of ancient civilizations. In the depths off the Indian coast, a fleeting glimmer seems to brush against the silent remnants of a mysterious civilization. The contours of a submerged city emerge in the Gulf of Khambhat, challenging everything we thought we knew about India's origins. As fragments of pottery, forgotten skeletons, and submerged avenues come to light, the puzzle slowly takes shape. This discovery progresses at the pace of passionate debates, cautious researchers, and the call of legends. Here, every find appears capable of reshaping our understanding of the past. A Shocking Underwater Discovery: An Entire Civilization Sleeps in the Gulf of Khambhat Imagine the moment when certainties vanish. Off the coast of India, the silhouette of a forgotten city emerges from the depths, potentially dating back nine thousand years. Such a prospect sends shivers down the spine. For a team of Indian archaeologists, the discovery of a submerged site changes everything. Have we underestimated a complete chapter of the subcontinent's history? The question arises: could a great lost civilization be on the verge of rewriting our vision of India's origins? This revelation has prompted a reevaluation of ancient timelines. As the exploration continues, the implications of such a discovery could be profound. The potential for reshaping our understanding of early human civilizations is immense. With every artifact uncovered, the story of our past becomes richer and more complex. The coming years will undoubtedly be filled with further exploration and analysis, as researchers strive to uncover the full significance of this underwater find. 'Bible Battle Confirmed': Archaeologists Uncover Shocking Evidence of Ancient War at Megiddo, the Real Site of Armageddon When the Sea Reveals Its Secrets: The Emergence of an Ancient City Years of research, often fraught with frustration, teetering on the edge between legend and reality, finally bore fruit in December 2000. The team from the National Institute of Ocean Technology scrutinized the depths of the Gulf of Khambhat on India's northwestern coast, expecting nothing extraordinary. Yet, over a span of nearly five miles, sonar technology revealed the outline of a vast urban complex, almost the size of a metropolis, lying 120 feet below the surface. Not mere stones this time. Skeletons, tooth fragments, pottery—all surfaced, causing a stir. Each analysis yields surprising results: dating suggests origins around 7000 BC, significantly earlier than the first official traces of civilization in the Indus Valley. It's essential to note that in archaeology, using multiple dating methods often helps mitigate certain biases. While these results appear impressive, caution is advised. 'I Held Her Skull in That Ceremony': Oxford's Shocking Use of Enslaved Woman's Remains Sparks Global Outrage In the Shadows: A Mystery Dividing the Scientific Community An echo from the past presents a genuine conundrum for researchers. Each object found raises new questions. Are the artifacts truly from the site? Could sediments have transported pottery and skeletons from the mainland as sea levels rose at the end of the Ice Age? The debates are intense: some envision the thrilling tale of a lost city, while others advocate for caution, considering the fragile analyses and the complexities of radiocarbon dating for objects exposed to saltwater. It is impossible to separate these ruins from myths, like the legend of Kumari Kandam, thought to have once linked India to Madagascar and Australia. Can we already speak of a great lost civilization? The investigation must continue, with more analyses and cross-referencing of evidence. Two decades of research have not unraveled everything, and the mystery remains thick. As one researcher put it, 'Every great discovery begins with an unsettling detail. Only after long confrontations of ideas, methods, and occasional setbacks does the puzzle gradually reveal itself.' 'Archaeologists Couldn't Believe It': 20,000-Year-Old Stone Tools Found on South African Cliff Rewrite Everything About Early Humans A Site That Challenges Everything—Or Not What unfolds in the Gulf of Khambhat offers archaeology a rare opportunity: to explore, probe, and perhaps reshape our understanding of Indian prehistory. The ripple effect is assured: a sonar detection today, and tomorrow? Perhaps entire chapters to add to our history. Navigating this strange submerged laboratory means accepting surprises. Nothing is predetermined. The quest continues for archaeologists and for all those who hold hope for new revelations: sometimes, at the bottom of the sea, the most discreet anomaly can illuminate an entire chapter of history, or simply remind us that science loves to challenge its own limits. Explorer's Tip: In the face of the unexpected, remain open-minded and remember that sometimes, the most astonishing discoveries are as valuable as the questions they raise. As we delve deeper into this underwater world, we are reminded that history is not a static narrative but a dynamic and ever-evolving story. Each new find in the Gulf of Khambhat adds another layer of intrigue and complexity. What other secrets lie hidden beneath the waves, waiting to reshape our understanding of the ancient world? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
Forbes
07-06-2025
- Forbes
Silversea Cruises Comes Ashore To Bring Music To Ancient Aegean Ruins
For cruise ship lines, providing an outstanding passenger experience on-board is job one. Because of this focus, shore excursions are typically handed off to trusted vendors, who pick up the passengers near the dock and transport them to the bus tour, bike ride, restaurant tasting, museum or other activity. But sometimes, cruise companies put together their own special events for guests. We experienced this on in an ancient amphitheater on the west coast of Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. Silversea put on a concert and special event for its passengers at the ancient city of Ephesus that blended the best in ancient and modern culture. At the end of April, my wife and I took a Silversea Aegean cruise from Athens to some storied outposts of Greek civilization, including Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos and Ephesus on the Turkish coast. I had been somewhat concerned about visiting Turkey with the turmoil in the Middle East but felt secure on our one-day visit. Ephesus is on the west coast of the Turkish mainland, about 11 miles from the present-day resort and port town of Kusadasi, the 'place of birds.' Ephesus is considered one of the most significant archeological sites in the world. Once a thriving port city, Ephesus is thought to have been originally settled around 1200 BCE, towards the end of the Bronze age. From its Greek founding to its Roman take-over, its thousands of meters of stone blocks, column and tiles tell a compelling story of families and empires rising and falling. A walk along its long stone road takes you past the Library of Celsus, a well-preserved library with a reconstructed façade (no books, of course), and the Roman Temple of Hadrian from the 2nd century, put back together from fragments. Ephesus is primarily known as a Ionian Greek city, but it was later conquered and rebuilt by the Romans. For many years a major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was an important city for early Christianity, as the apostle Paul's 'Epistle to the Ephesians' I found the Terrace Houses, a complex of six Roman residences, fascinating. The wealthy homes were unrestored, but the unearthed mosaics and frescos were beautiful. Excavations showed that Ephesus boasted two agoras, one as a marketplace, the other for state business. Ephesus also includes the remains of the Temple of Artemis (or Diana) a huntress and goddess of fertility. The temple was built by Croesus, famed for his wealth, about 550 BCE. This Greek and later Roman temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for its enormous size and magnificent artwork. It was destroyed by invading Goths in 262 and never rebuilt. The area also includes the Basilica of St. John, believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle, and the Virgin Mary's House, thought to be the last residence of Mary. The ancient city also had a Great Theater on the slope of Mt. Pion. The theater was 100 feet high and held up to 25,000 people. Much of the theatre survives. If you look at it, then close your eyes, you can imagine actors on the stage, a gladiator battle, or even the Apostle Paul, preaching to the Ephesians condemning pagan worship. We spent four hours on an expertly-guided tour of the area during the day, dodging the occasional stray cats and dogs. The Ephesus Museum just outside the excavated city held many of the artistic and sculptural treasures salvaged from the ruins, kept safe from local tombaroli inside. As part of our tour we walked by the Odeon of Ancient Ephesus, also known as the Small Theater, without paying too much attention. What we did not realize that the Odeon would be the site of a classical concert, staged by Silversea under the stars and amongst the ruins. After the tour, we had a couple of hours on the ship. We were running late for our show, but as in exclusive restaurants, the managers would adjust the dining schedule to accommodate guests. We arrived late for dinner at 6:40PM as we had to run out for the Silversea concert at Ephesus at 7PM. Nonetheless, the crew managed to feed us a mahi-mahi and a healthy stuffed cabbage along with a beautiful Caprese salad. Well-fed, we disembarked to the buses with our fellow 21st century voyagers. We returned to the ancient city as the light started to fail. In the ruins of Ephesus, well-dressed 21st century passengers departed from their advanced cruise ship, equipped with the most modern technology for navigation and passenger comfort. They were guided by Silversea employees to a spot for a photograph that would later be presented to them as a beautiful print. A few steps away Silversea crew had set up a red-carpet reception with wine and snacks. After we drank and walked among the ruins, we were ushered into the Odeon. The intimate crowd of about 100 fit snugly on the lower level of an amphitheater built for 1500. The Odeon was built in the 2nd Century for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council. We sat on the stone benches in the gathering darkness, like audiences had for 19 centuries. In front of the steeply raked seats, a group of smartly-dressed musicians from Turkey played the music of another century, the greatest hits of Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi and other classical composers. Flickering candles revealed the shapes of columns and stone walls as they provided light for the intimate concert in the ancient city. 'At Silversea, we're focused on creating memorable experiences that let our guests explore the world in new and exciting ways,' says Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea. 'Whether it's exploring historic sites or enjoying exclusive events through our unique land programs, our broad land experience offerings bring guests closer to the heart of every destination.' The concert was romantic and special. In the chill of the evening, we held hands and headed back to the ship, lost in our thoughts.
