bernievm

[bernievm]

Missing Head of Ancient Greek Statue Unearthed After 2,100 Years!

Unveiling the mysteries of the ancient world often yields remarkable discoveries, yet few are as captivating as the recent unearthing of the head of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health and hygiene, in Laodicea, Turkey. This 2,100-year-old artifact not only exemplifies the sophisticated artistry of ancient Greece but also deepens our understanding of their cultural and religious practices.

Find out more as the archaeologists explore the significance of this extraordinary find and its implications for the study of classical antiquity.

Read more at My Modern Met.

https://mymodernmet.com/hygieia-greek-statue/

[bernievm]

If you are still heart broken about the destruction of the Alexandria library, you will be happy to hear in a far away world, there’s a vast library hidden from the world for centuries, contains 84,000 books, which are planned to be digitised, translated and share with the world.

The Sakya Monastery in Tibet, founded in 1073 by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, is renowned for its vast library of ancient manuscripts, many of which remain untouched for centuries.

Most of these texts are Buddhist scriptures, meticulously handwritten in various languages like Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Sanskrit. But the depth of this collection is vast. It isn’t limited to religious teachings; it expands into the realms of literature, history, philosophy, the stars above with astronomy, the logic of mathematics, the beauty of art, and even the practical wisdom of agriculture.

The scale of this library is staggering. Picture traditional bookshelves stretching 200 feet and soaring to 33 feet, all packed with a whopping 84,000 books! Among these, there’s a standout: a single scripture that tips the scales at a massive 1,100 pounds, claiming the title of the heaviest in the world. Thanks to the region’s dry climate, the library also boasts a collection of delicate palm-leaf manuscripts, preserved in near-perfect condition.

The library is not open to the general public but is accessible to members and visiting scholars with permission. Efforts are underway to digitize these manuscripts, making them more widely available for research and study. This initiative highlights the library's role as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern scholarship, offering invaluable insights into Tibetan culture and knowledge.

Now, these precious papers give us a peek into Tibet’s history. They show us how people lived, what they believed, and how they dreamed. Thanks to the Sakya Monastery, a whole world has been brought back to life from long ago. Everyone can learn and be amazed by the wonders of the past.

[Sources]:

*Earthly Mission: Tibet's Great Sakya Library (https://earthlymission.com/tibet-great-sakya-library-84000-scrolls-heaviest-scripture-world/)

*History Enhanced: Unveiling the Unseen (https://historyenhanced.com/unveiling-the-unseen-84000-unread-manuscripts-from-sakya-librarys-timeless-tales-discovered/)

*The Historians: The Secrets of Sakya Monastery Library (https://thehistorians.org/2023/12/24/the_secrets_of_sakya_monastery_library_in_tibet/)

[bernievm]

Imagine discovering an #ancient #alphabet by sheer chance—a script that belonged to a long-lost civilization.

This is precisely what happened recently, shedding light on a forgotten culture that once thrived in what is now modern-day #Turkey.

The 20-centimeter (7.8-inch) #tablet was recently unearthed during an archaeological dig near the #Spanish town of #Guareña. Known as Casas del Turuñuelo, the site belongs to the late #Tartessian civilization that developed in the southwestern #Iberian Peninsula around 2,500 years ago.

When the Spanish National Research Council revealed the discovery on June 6, they simply explained that it depicted battling individuals who were identified as warriors.

The news caught the attention of Joan Ferrer i Jané, a computer scientist and expert in #Paleohispanic #languages at the University of Barcelona, who quickly realized the artifact was even more significant than the initial reports had suggested.

The newly found inscriptions promise to unlock secrets of the past, offering insights into the language, culture, and daily life of a people lost to history.

This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of ancient civilizations but also sparks curiosity and excitement about the mysteries that still lie beneath the earth.

Read more at IFLScience.

https://www.iflscience.com/ancient-alphabet-of-a-long-lost-civilization-stumbled-upon-by-chance-74835

[bernievm]

Imagine discovering that a vase you bought for a few dollars at a thrift store in US and is actually a priceless artifact from ancient Maya civilisation!

This is the incredible story of a woman from Maryland who stumbled upon an ancient treasure, hidden in plain sight among second-hand items.

The ancient Maya vase thrifted by chance is now returned to the Museum in Mexico City, shedding light on its significant historical context and value. Originating from the Maya Classic period (circa 250-900 CE), the vase exemplifies the intricate artistry and cultural richness of the Maya civilization. Such artifacts are invaluable for understanding Maya society, religious practices, and daily life. The repatriation of this vase helps preserve cultural heritage and allows scholars to study and display a genuine piece of history in its rightful home.

Read more at Smithsonian Magazine.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/woman-thrifted-this-ancient-maya-vase-180984618/

[bernievm]

In the heart of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, a masterpiece of Persian artistry emerges—a rhyton (drinking horn or in the shape of a horn) carved from the deep blue lapis lazuli and adorned with gold, taking the form of a majestic ibex (mountain goat).

Dating back to the 6th to 5th century BCE, this exquisite ceremonial vessel not only exemplifies the sophisticated craftsmanship and rich symbolism of the time but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and economic prowess of ancient Persia.

[Description and Material]:

*Material:

Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone prized for its deep blue color, was highly valued in ancient Persia and sourced primarily from what is now Afghanistan.

*Form:

The rhyton is shaped like an ibex, a type of wild goat with prominent, curved horns, reflecting the importance of nature and animal motifs in Persian art.

[Use]:

*Function:

A rhyton is a type of vessel typically used for drinking or pouring liquids, especially in ceremonial contexts. The liquid would be poured from the top and flow out through the spout, which could be the mouth of the animal in this case.

*Ceremonial Role:

Rhytons were often used in religious and royal ceremonies. The choice of lapis lazuli and the intricate craftsmanship suggest that this particular rhyton was likely used by the elite, possibly in rituals associated with the Zoroastrian religion or royal banquets.

[Cultural and Historical Significance]:

*Art and Symbolism: The ibex design reflects the importance of wildlife in Persian culture and the symbolic use of animals in conveying power and divinity. The ibex, with its strong and agile form, could symbolize qualities such as strength and resilience.

*Trade and Wealth: The use of lapis lazuli indicates extensive trade networks and the wealth of the Achaemenid Empire, as this material was not locally sourced and had to be imported.

*Royal Patronage: The Achaemenid rulers were great patrons of the arts, and such luxurious items underscore their desire to display their wealth, power, and cultural sophistication.

[Academic Perspective on Material Culture]:

*Cultural Synthesis:

Scholars often view Achaemenid art, including rhytons, as a synthesis of various cultural influences, including Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greek, reflecting the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of the empire.

*Representation of Power:

Academics see these artifacts as representations of royal propaganda, showcasing the divine right and grandeur of the Persian kings.

*Symbol of Status:

In material culture studies, such high-quality items are considered symbols of social status and wealth. They provide insights into the social hierarchy and economic conditions of the time.

*Artistic Techniques:

The craftsmanship of the rhyton is analyzed for its artistic techniques, such as carving and polishing lapis lazuli, which indicate advanced skills and aesthetic values.

[Notable Examples]:

Museums and Collections: Notable examples of such rhytons can be found in major museum collections, such as the British Museum and the Louvre, where they are studied and displayed as prime examples of Achaemenid artistry and craftsmanship.

In conclusion, the lapis lazuli rhyton in the shape of an ibex from the Achaemenid period is a significant artifact that illustrates the artistic, cultural, and economic aspects of ancient Persia. It serves as a key piece of material culture, providing valuable insights into the ceremonial practices, trade networks, and socio-political dynamics of the Achaemenid Empire.