MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 111
March 25, 2016
History Trivia - Ptolemy XII drowns in the Nile
March 25
47 BC Ptolemy XII, King of Egypt and brother of Cleopatra, drowned in the Nile, probably with an assist by Julius Caesar, who thereby made Cleopatra queen
47 BC Ptolemy XII, King of Egypt and brother of Cleopatra, drowned in the Nile, probably with an assist by Julius Caesar, who thereby made Cleopatra queen
March 24, 2016
Eight More Statues of the Ancient Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet Found in Luxor
Ancient Origins
Eight statues of the goddess Sekhmet have been discovered in the temple of Amenhotep III at Kôm El-Hettan on the west bank of the Nile. The black granite statues were found during excavations which are a part of the Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project led by Armenian Egyptologist Hourig Sourouzian.
Sponsored by Revenue.com According to Ahram Online, the statues show Sekhmet with a with a tripartite wig and a long, tight-fitting dress. The tallest of the newly-discovered statues is 1.9 meters (6.2 ft.) tall. They are 0.5 meters (1.6 ft.) wide and about 1 meter (3.3 ft.) deep.
A statue of Sekhmet in situ. (
Egypt Antiquities Ministry
)In ancient Egypt, Sekhmet was a solar deity and a warrior goddess who was very popular, especially during the New Kingdom Period. She was also a goddess of healing for Upper Egypt.
Egypt's Antiquities Ministry says that the statues are grouped in two main categories. The first group contains six statues which show the lion-headed goddess seated on a throne and holding a symbol of life in her right hand. Three of them are almost complete, one is just the upper part, and two others are lower parts.
Amenhotep III and Royal Priest Limestone Heads Discovered in Ruins in EgyptThe Veneration and Worship of Felines in Ancient EgyptThe second group contains two middle parts of statues which present the goddess standing – these are headless and without the lower parts. Nonetheless, it is still possible to recognize that the goddess is depicted holding a papyrus scepter in her left hand and a life symbol in her right.
A head and torso of one of the statues. (
Egypt Antiquities Ministry
)Near the statues of Sekhmet, the team discovered the middle part of a statue of Amenhotep III wearing a jubilee cloak. It was carved of the same black granite.
The discovered statues are not that unique. During the previous seasons of works by the Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project and other groups, many similar statues were discovered. Due to the orders by Amenhotep III, seven hundred statues of Sekhmet were placed on the west bank of the Nile.
Provocative Yet Sacred: The Ancient Egyptian Festival of DrunkennessThe Tattooed Priestesses of HathorAll the statues were surrounding the large peristyle court and the hypostyle hall of the vast temple, and each statue is a typical example of art from the times of the New Kingdom Period. The ones discovered recently will be cleaned, desalinated and documented, then put on display in the temple.
The Temple on Luxor’s west bank was the largest of the mortuary temples in the Theban area at the time of its construction. It covered the area of around 350,000 square meters (376,7369 sq. ft.) and could be the most expensive palace in the history of Egypt.
Amenhotep III is known as sort of the Louis XIV of Ancient Egypt. He was an important builder and founder of many impressive palaces and temples. He ruled in the 13th century BC and was one of the most important kings of the 18th dynasty. He was also the father of Akhenaten and grandfather of Tutankhamun. His reign was a time of prosperity for all the Kingdom.
Colossal granite head of Amenhotep III at the British Museum. (
Public Domain
)The German-Armenian team led by Hourig Sourouzian made several important discoveries during the last few excavation seasons. In 2014, archaeologists unearthed two colossal statues of Amenhotep III - another two examples of the so-called Colossi of Memnon. The statues are similar to two other 3,400-year-old colossi twin statues of Amenhotep III, both of which present the pharaoh seated.
“The world until now knew two Memnon colossi, but from today it will know four colossi of Amenhotep III,” Hourig Sourouzian commented on her success to AFP.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III's Sitting Colossi of Memnon statues at Luxor, Egypt. (
Than217/ CC BY 3.0
)The restored statues are 11.5 meters tall (37.7 ft.), 3.6 meters (11.8 ft.) wide, and weigh 250 tons. The archeologists told AFP that the original statues would have reached a height of 13.5 meters (44.3 ft.), but they are missing a double crown, which would have decorated the top of the pharaoh’s head in the past. The statues depict Amenhotep III wearing a royal pleated kilt that is held at the waist by a large belt.
Excavations in the Temple will continue.
Featured Image: Two of the statues of the goddess Sekhmet. Source: Egypt Antiquities Ministry
By Natalia Klimczak
Eight statues of the goddess Sekhmet have been discovered in the temple of Amenhotep III at Kôm El-Hettan on the west bank of the Nile. The black granite statues were found during excavations which are a part of the Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project led by Armenian Egyptologist Hourig Sourouzian.Sponsored by Revenue.com According to Ahram Online, the statues show Sekhmet with a with a tripartite wig and a long, tight-fitting dress. The tallest of the newly-discovered statues is 1.9 meters (6.2 ft.) tall. They are 0.5 meters (1.6 ft.) wide and about 1 meter (3.3 ft.) deep.
A statue of Sekhmet in situ. (
Egypt Antiquities Ministry
)In ancient Egypt, Sekhmet was a solar deity and a warrior goddess who was very popular, especially during the New Kingdom Period. She was also a goddess of healing for Upper Egypt.Egypt's Antiquities Ministry says that the statues are grouped in two main categories. The first group contains six statues which show the lion-headed goddess seated on a throne and holding a symbol of life in her right hand. Three of them are almost complete, one is just the upper part, and two others are lower parts.
Amenhotep III and Royal Priest Limestone Heads Discovered in Ruins in EgyptThe Veneration and Worship of Felines in Ancient EgyptThe second group contains two middle parts of statues which present the goddess standing – these are headless and without the lower parts. Nonetheless, it is still possible to recognize that the goddess is depicted holding a papyrus scepter in her left hand and a life symbol in her right.
A head and torso of one of the statues. (
Egypt Antiquities Ministry
)Near the statues of Sekhmet, the team discovered the middle part of a statue of Amenhotep III wearing a jubilee cloak. It was carved of the same black granite.The discovered statues are not that unique. During the previous seasons of works by the Colossi of Memnon and Amenhotep III Temple Conservation Project and other groups, many similar statues were discovered. Due to the orders by Amenhotep III, seven hundred statues of Sekhmet were placed on the west bank of the Nile.
Provocative Yet Sacred: The Ancient Egyptian Festival of DrunkennessThe Tattooed Priestesses of HathorAll the statues were surrounding the large peristyle court and the hypostyle hall of the vast temple, and each statue is a typical example of art from the times of the New Kingdom Period. The ones discovered recently will be cleaned, desalinated and documented, then put on display in the temple.
The Temple on Luxor’s west bank was the largest of the mortuary temples in the Theban area at the time of its construction. It covered the area of around 350,000 square meters (376,7369 sq. ft.) and could be the most expensive palace in the history of Egypt.
Amenhotep III is known as sort of the Louis XIV of Ancient Egypt. He was an important builder and founder of many impressive palaces and temples. He ruled in the 13th century BC and was one of the most important kings of the 18th dynasty. He was also the father of Akhenaten and grandfather of Tutankhamun. His reign was a time of prosperity for all the Kingdom.
Colossal granite head of Amenhotep III at the British Museum. (
Public Domain
)The German-Armenian team led by Hourig Sourouzian made several important discoveries during the last few excavation seasons. In 2014, archaeologists unearthed two colossal statues of Amenhotep III - another two examples of the so-called Colossi of Memnon. The statues are similar to two other 3,400-year-old colossi twin statues of Amenhotep III, both of which present the pharaoh seated.“The world until now knew two Memnon colossi, but from today it will know four colossi of Amenhotep III,” Hourig Sourouzian commented on her success to AFP.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III's Sitting Colossi of Memnon statues at Luxor, Egypt. (
Than217/ CC BY 3.0
)The restored statues are 11.5 meters tall (37.7 ft.), 3.6 meters (11.8 ft.) wide, and weigh 250 tons. The archeologists told AFP that the original statues would have reached a height of 13.5 meters (44.3 ft.), but they are missing a double crown, which would have decorated the top of the pharaoh’s head in the past. The statues depict Amenhotep III wearing a royal pleated kilt that is held at the waist by a large belt.Excavations in the Temple will continue.
Featured Image: Two of the statues of the goddess Sekhmet. Source: Egypt Antiquities Ministry
By Natalia Klimczak
History Trivia - Peace of Boulogne
March 24
1550 France, England and Scotland signed the Peace of Boulogne, ending the War of the Rough Wooing (conflict between England and Scotland with the Scots receiving French military aid).
1550 France, England and Scotland signed the Peace of Boulogne, ending the War of the Rough Wooing (conflict between England and Scotland with the Scots receiving French military aid).
March 23, 2016
A brief history of Hadrian's Wall
History Extra
Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. (Loop Images/UIG via Getty Images)
The wall that runs across northern England in many ways represented Roman emperor Hadrian’s new ideology. Reigning from AD 117 to 138, Hadrian abandoned continual conquest and expansion in favour of enclosing the Roman empire within clearly marked frontiers. In some provinces the frontier consisted of a road or a river guarded by forts and towers, while in others (including Germany, Africa and Britain) the frontier lines consisted of running barriers. The British frontier was more elaborate than the others. In its final version it was strongly held by auxiliary soldiers in 17 forts along the line of the wall, with outposts to the north, and forts in the hinterland as well. Whilst this has been justly labelled overkill, it does seem that the northern British tribes were troublesome. Wars in Britain are mentioned so frequently in literary sources that some archaeologists accuse the ancient authors of exaggeration. In truth, the British tribes did not readily accept Romanisation. They continued to farm the land in their old ways, and probably fought each other. We do not know enough about the tribes and their organisation to be certain that they were not perpetually aggressive, which in turn means that the function of Hadrian’s Wall can be interpreted only from the archaeological remains, with no clues as to Roman policy in dealing with natives.
Marble statue of Roman emperor Hadrian. (DeAgostini/Getty Images) The frontier system was complex. Starting from the north and working south, there were outposts beyond the wall, three Hadrianic forts in the west, and later forts in the east along what is now the A68 (a major road running from Darlington to Edinburgh). The original version of the wall in the west, from the river Irthing to the Solway Firth, was built of turf. It could be that the tribes in this area were hostile, and the frontier had to be built rapidly. On the other hand, there could have been a shortage of suitable stone, since the locally available red sandstone is too friable, or easily crumbled. This western section of the wall was replaced in better stone in the second century. The soldiers in the outposts may have undertaken regular patrols to observe the natives, as suggested by the names of some of the third-century units called ‘exploratores’, or scouts. Further south there was the wall itself. It was protected by a ditch on its northern side, designed to prevent close approach, and reinforced in some places by three rows of pits, probably containing stacked thorn branches, which made penetration difficult. These features may have been established in the flatter areas, perhaps not all along the wall. Then came the wall itself, originally around ten Roman feet [shorter than standard English feet] thick, later reduced to eight feet, resulting in a frontier of different dimensions. We do not know how high it was, and most controversially there may or may not have been a wall-walk along the top. No one can say if the Romans patrolled along the wall or confined their lookout posts to the forts, fortlets called ‘milecastles’, and turrets placed every third of a mile between them. Whether or not there was a wall-walk, there is still a lot of dead ground where observation would be impeded. However, this probably did not matter, as it is unlikely that the wall would be defended like a castle under siege. Instead, the most probable function of the wall was to prevent anyone from getting too close or massing together in the distance. However, it has been suggested that manning the wall top would serve to delay hostile natives, while troops were assembled. South of the wall there was another, larger ditch, labelled the ‘vallum’ by the venerable Bede (although, to the Romans, that term referred to the whole frontier system). On either side of this ditch there was a mound of earth. The vallum is a puzzle, variously interpreted by archaeologists. It was clearly important to the Romans because – unlike the northern ditch – it was continuous, and cut through rock where necessary. It is possible that the tribes south of the wall were prone to raiding. This may be the reason why the Roman dug the vallum – in order to guard vehicles and animals belonging to the forts.
A depiction of how one of the watchtowers along Hadrian’s Wall may have looked. (DeAgostini/Getty Images) No Roman frontier would have been capable of stopping masses of tribesmen who were determined to cross it. However, the presence of a solid barrier backed up with military force provided a strong psychological deterrent. It is significant that the emperors who followed Hadrian did not abandon the concept of running barriers. Instead they repaired and rebuilt frontiers. For reasons that archaeologists do not fully understand, Hadrian’s successor, Antoninus Pius, took over Lowland Scotland and built a similar frontier of turf between the Forth and the Clyde. However, it was held for only about two decades before Hadrian’s Wall was recommissioned and remained the northern frontier of the province of Britannia (even though military campaigns were undertaken to the north of it). In the early third century the emperor Severus fought a war in Scotland, but did not hold the territory. He repaired Hadrian’s Wall so extensively that 19th-century archaeologists believed that he had built it. A century later, when Constantius Chlorus also campaigned in the north, Hadrian’s Wall remained the frontier line. No one can say why these emperors did not annexe the lands that they fought over. What happened to the wall at the end of the Roman period is not entirely clear. Its function as a frontier may have been lost, with people instead trying to make a living inside the forts, looking to their own protection for as long as they could. Parts of the wall were repaired in timber or occasionally crude stonework, but the infrastructure of the empire had lost cohesion. By the late sixth century, much of the frontier had probably been abandoned. The fact that we do not know everything there is to know about the wall is part of its fascination. Furthermore, on top of its historical interest, the wall also runs through some of the most stunning scenery in northern England. Patricia Southern is the author of Hadrian’s Wall: Everyday Life on a Roman Frontier (Amberley, 2016).
Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. (Loop Images/UIG via Getty Images) The wall that runs across northern England in many ways represented Roman emperor Hadrian’s new ideology. Reigning from AD 117 to 138, Hadrian abandoned continual conquest and expansion in favour of enclosing the Roman empire within clearly marked frontiers. In some provinces the frontier consisted of a road or a river guarded by forts and towers, while in others (including Germany, Africa and Britain) the frontier lines consisted of running barriers. The British frontier was more elaborate than the others. In its final version it was strongly held by auxiliary soldiers in 17 forts along the line of the wall, with outposts to the north, and forts in the hinterland as well. Whilst this has been justly labelled overkill, it does seem that the northern British tribes were troublesome. Wars in Britain are mentioned so frequently in literary sources that some archaeologists accuse the ancient authors of exaggeration. In truth, the British tribes did not readily accept Romanisation. They continued to farm the land in their old ways, and probably fought each other. We do not know enough about the tribes and their organisation to be certain that they were not perpetually aggressive, which in turn means that the function of Hadrian’s Wall can be interpreted only from the archaeological remains, with no clues as to Roman policy in dealing with natives.
Marble statue of Roman emperor Hadrian. (DeAgostini/Getty Images) The frontier system was complex. Starting from the north and working south, there were outposts beyond the wall, three Hadrianic forts in the west, and later forts in the east along what is now the A68 (a major road running from Darlington to Edinburgh). The original version of the wall in the west, from the river Irthing to the Solway Firth, was built of turf. It could be that the tribes in this area were hostile, and the frontier had to be built rapidly. On the other hand, there could have been a shortage of suitable stone, since the locally available red sandstone is too friable, or easily crumbled. This western section of the wall was replaced in better stone in the second century. The soldiers in the outposts may have undertaken regular patrols to observe the natives, as suggested by the names of some of the third-century units called ‘exploratores’, or scouts. Further south there was the wall itself. It was protected by a ditch on its northern side, designed to prevent close approach, and reinforced in some places by three rows of pits, probably containing stacked thorn branches, which made penetration difficult. These features may have been established in the flatter areas, perhaps not all along the wall. Then came the wall itself, originally around ten Roman feet [shorter than standard English feet] thick, later reduced to eight feet, resulting in a frontier of different dimensions. We do not know how high it was, and most controversially there may or may not have been a wall-walk along the top. No one can say if the Romans patrolled along the wall or confined their lookout posts to the forts, fortlets called ‘milecastles’, and turrets placed every third of a mile between them. Whether or not there was a wall-walk, there is still a lot of dead ground where observation would be impeded. However, this probably did not matter, as it is unlikely that the wall would be defended like a castle under siege. Instead, the most probable function of the wall was to prevent anyone from getting too close or massing together in the distance. However, it has been suggested that manning the wall top would serve to delay hostile natives, while troops were assembled. South of the wall there was another, larger ditch, labelled the ‘vallum’ by the venerable Bede (although, to the Romans, that term referred to the whole frontier system). On either side of this ditch there was a mound of earth. The vallum is a puzzle, variously interpreted by archaeologists. It was clearly important to the Romans because – unlike the northern ditch – it was continuous, and cut through rock where necessary. It is possible that the tribes south of the wall were prone to raiding. This may be the reason why the Roman dug the vallum – in order to guard vehicles and animals belonging to the forts.
A depiction of how one of the watchtowers along Hadrian’s Wall may have looked. (DeAgostini/Getty Images) No Roman frontier would have been capable of stopping masses of tribesmen who were determined to cross it. However, the presence of a solid barrier backed up with military force provided a strong psychological deterrent. It is significant that the emperors who followed Hadrian did not abandon the concept of running barriers. Instead they repaired and rebuilt frontiers. For reasons that archaeologists do not fully understand, Hadrian’s successor, Antoninus Pius, took over Lowland Scotland and built a similar frontier of turf between the Forth and the Clyde. However, it was held for only about two decades before Hadrian’s Wall was recommissioned and remained the northern frontier of the province of Britannia (even though military campaigns were undertaken to the north of it). In the early third century the emperor Severus fought a war in Scotland, but did not hold the territory. He repaired Hadrian’s Wall so extensively that 19th-century archaeologists believed that he had built it. A century later, when Constantius Chlorus also campaigned in the north, Hadrian’s Wall remained the frontier line. No one can say why these emperors did not annexe the lands that they fought over. What happened to the wall at the end of the Roman period is not entirely clear. Its function as a frontier may have been lost, with people instead trying to make a living inside the forts, looking to their own protection for as long as they could. Parts of the wall were repaired in timber or occasionally crude stonework, but the infrastructure of the empire had lost cohesion. By the late sixth century, much of the frontier had probably been abandoned. The fact that we do not know everything there is to know about the wall is part of its fascination. Furthermore, on top of its historical interest, the wall also runs through some of the most stunning scenery in northern England. Patricia Southern is the author of Hadrian’s Wall: Everyday Life on a Roman Frontier (Amberley, 2016).
History Trivia - Pope Stephen II dies
March 23
752 Stephen's two-day pontificate began. Elected to succeed Zachary, Stephen II died before his consecration; earlier writers do not appear to have included him in the list of the popes; but, in accordance with the long standing practice of the Roman Church, he is now generally counted among them. This divergent practice has introduced confusion into the way of counting the Popes Stephen
752 Stephen's two-day pontificate began. Elected to succeed Zachary, Stephen II died before his consecration; earlier writers do not appear to have included him in the list of the popes; but, in accordance with the long standing practice of the Roman Church, he is now generally counted among them. This divergent practice has introduced confusion into the way of counting the Popes Stephen
March 22, 2016
Impressive Collection of Statuettes Depicting Ancient Gods Discovered in Egypt
Ancient Origins
A collection of ancient figurines and statuettes has been discovered in the Tel Al-Tabla archaeological site in the Dakahliya governorate of Egypt. The artifacts are related to the deities of ancient Egypt.
According to Ahram Online, during the excavations archaeologists followed previous works at the Greco-Roman cemetery. Among the typical artifacts found in such a place, such as alabaster amulets and clay pots, they unearthed an unusual collection of figurines.
The statuettes are carved in mud-brick and, although not all of them were identified, it is sure that among them is the statue of Sobek - the crocodile god and one of the most important deities in ancient history near the Nile River.
Moreover, a collection of bronze, faience, and ivory jewels were also found at the site. All of the artifacts were dated to the Greco-Roman period.
Statuette of what archaeologists say was an ancient Egyptian fish god. (
Xinhua/Egyptian Ministry of Antiquity
)The discovered objects have been stored in Dakahliya's archaeological galleries for restoration. The site is located close to the ancient cities Avaris and Tanis, in the Delta of Nile.
Sobek, the Powerful God of the NileSobek was a deity strongly connected with the Nile river. He was associated with the power of the Nile crocodile, and thus represented as a crocodile or a human with the head of a crocodile. Sobek, like the animal which portrayed him, was a frightening god for the ancient Egyptians, and he was believed to be very strong and mysterious.
The Lost Labyrinth of Ancient Egypt – Part 1Ancient tomb containing mummy and 180 figurines found in EgyptNew details emerge on latest discovery of Egyptian tomb and treasure troveSobek’s existence was an allegory to the pharaoh’s power and military power in general, but also to fertility and protection against the dangers around the borders of Egypt as well as inside the country.
Mummified crocodiles that were offered to Sobek by worshippers. (
Fanny Schertzer/ CC BY SA 4.0
)Sobek was a very important deity all over Egypt, but especially in the Faiyum region (central Egypt) and Kom Ombo, in southern Egypt. The capital of his cult – Crocodilopolis (Greek), known also as Shedet (in the ancient Egyptian language), was found in the Faiyum region. Nowadays, the city El-Faiyum is found in its place (which is still the capital of the region.)
A relief of Sobek from a temple at Kom Ombo. (
Hedwig Storch/ CC BY SA 3.0
)Sobek was believed to be a son of Seth and Neith. His father, Seth was a god of violence, foreigners, storms, deserts, and disorders. Sobek's mother, Neith was one of the oldest deities of Ancient Egypt, and related to many different attributes including war, hunting, and the underworld.
The temples of Sobek were very popular, especially during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The Book of the Faiyum compiled multiple stories dated to the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods (332 BC- 359 AD), in which Sobek was also identified with the sun-god Ra, and appears as Sobek-Ra. It connects him also with the traditional myth of creation linked to Hermopolis, and makes him a late manifestation of Ra.
Examining Cryptic Grave Goods: What Are the Ancient Egyptian Funerary Cones? Archaeologists uncover 4,200-year-old Tombs of ancient Egyptian priestsUnearthing the Ancient Port of Naukratis, a Bridge between Egyptian and Greek Civilization A collection of impressive ancient mummified Nile crocodiles was found located 48 km (30miles) to the north from Aswan temple in Kom Ombo (built 332 BC). Unfortunately, the temple was damaged in September 2015 by strong winds.
The Treasure of DakahliyaDuring the last excavation seasons, Dakahliya has been noted as a very interesting place which still hides many secrets. In 2014, the Egyptian mission discovered another mud-brick treasure. That time it was a mastaba, which contained a limestone anthropoid sarcophagus of a lady called Werty (the daughter of Rtrs), along with a large collection of 180 ushabti figurines carved in wood and limestone.
Archaeologists also discovered three skeletons, a collection of more than700 ushabti figurines and two tombs. The skeletons were dated to the Late Period. Several amulets connected with the gods Amun, Horus, and Neftis were also found. Another group of amulets contained a scarab and the Udjat eye of Horus.
Ushabti figurines found in Dakahliya in 2014. (Nevine El-Aref)A mummy discovered inside one of the three coffins created a sensation. It was covered with gilded cartonnage and decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions containing the cartouche of the pharaoh Psamtiak from the 26th Dynasty. The mummy discovered inside the coffin was in very bad condition because of high levels of humidity.
Tel El-Tabila is a necropolis of the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period in the history of ancient Egypt. Most of the graves are dated between the 22nd and 26th dynasties. It was a period of rule by the Black Pharaohs, a time of big change in Egypt. The dynasties of this period tried to bring back the greatness of the New Kingdom and the authority of the Ramesside dynasty.
Featured Image: The crocodile god Sobek. Source: Ministry of Antiquities
By Natalia Klimczak
A collection of ancient figurines and statuettes has been discovered in the Tel Al-Tabla archaeological site in the Dakahliya governorate of Egypt. The artifacts are related to the deities of ancient Egypt.According to Ahram Online, during the excavations archaeologists followed previous works at the Greco-Roman cemetery. Among the typical artifacts found in such a place, such as alabaster amulets and clay pots, they unearthed an unusual collection of figurines.
The statuettes are carved in mud-brick and, although not all of them were identified, it is sure that among them is the statue of Sobek - the crocodile god and one of the most important deities in ancient history near the Nile River.
Moreover, a collection of bronze, faience, and ivory jewels were also found at the site. All of the artifacts were dated to the Greco-Roman period.
Statuette of what archaeologists say was an ancient Egyptian fish god. (
Xinhua/Egyptian Ministry of Antiquity
)The discovered objects have been stored in Dakahliya's archaeological galleries for restoration. The site is located close to the ancient cities Avaris and Tanis, in the Delta of Nile.Sobek, the Powerful God of the NileSobek was a deity strongly connected with the Nile river. He was associated with the power of the Nile crocodile, and thus represented as a crocodile or a human with the head of a crocodile. Sobek, like the animal which portrayed him, was a frightening god for the ancient Egyptians, and he was believed to be very strong and mysterious.
The Lost Labyrinth of Ancient Egypt – Part 1Ancient tomb containing mummy and 180 figurines found in EgyptNew details emerge on latest discovery of Egyptian tomb and treasure troveSobek’s existence was an allegory to the pharaoh’s power and military power in general, but also to fertility and protection against the dangers around the borders of Egypt as well as inside the country.
Mummified crocodiles that were offered to Sobek by worshippers. (
Fanny Schertzer/ CC BY SA 4.0
)Sobek was a very important deity all over Egypt, but especially in the Faiyum region (central Egypt) and Kom Ombo, in southern Egypt. The capital of his cult – Crocodilopolis (Greek), known also as Shedet (in the ancient Egyptian language), was found in the Faiyum region. Nowadays, the city El-Faiyum is found in its place (which is still the capital of the region.)A relief of Sobek from a temple at Kom Ombo. (
Hedwig Storch/ CC BY SA 3.0
)Sobek was believed to be a son of Seth and Neith. His father, Seth was a god of violence, foreigners, storms, deserts, and disorders. Sobek's mother, Neith was one of the oldest deities of Ancient Egypt, and related to many different attributes including war, hunting, and the underworld.The temples of Sobek were very popular, especially during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The Book of the Faiyum compiled multiple stories dated to the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods (332 BC- 359 AD), in which Sobek was also identified with the sun-god Ra, and appears as Sobek-Ra. It connects him also with the traditional myth of creation linked to Hermopolis, and makes him a late manifestation of Ra.
Examining Cryptic Grave Goods: What Are the Ancient Egyptian Funerary Cones? Archaeologists uncover 4,200-year-old Tombs of ancient Egyptian priestsUnearthing the Ancient Port of Naukratis, a Bridge between Egyptian and Greek Civilization A collection of impressive ancient mummified Nile crocodiles was found located 48 km (30miles) to the north from Aswan temple in Kom Ombo (built 332 BC). Unfortunately, the temple was damaged in September 2015 by strong winds.
The Treasure of DakahliyaDuring the last excavation seasons, Dakahliya has been noted as a very interesting place which still hides many secrets. In 2014, the Egyptian mission discovered another mud-brick treasure. That time it was a mastaba, which contained a limestone anthropoid sarcophagus of a lady called Werty (the daughter of Rtrs), along with a large collection of 180 ushabti figurines carved in wood and limestone.
Archaeologists also discovered three skeletons, a collection of more than700 ushabti figurines and two tombs. The skeletons were dated to the Late Period. Several amulets connected with the gods Amun, Horus, and Neftis were also found. Another group of amulets contained a scarab and the Udjat eye of Horus.
Ushabti figurines found in Dakahliya in 2014. (Nevine El-Aref)A mummy discovered inside one of the three coffins created a sensation. It was covered with gilded cartonnage and decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions containing the cartouche of the pharaoh Psamtiak from the 26th Dynasty. The mummy discovered inside the coffin was in very bad condition because of high levels of humidity.Tel El-Tabila is a necropolis of the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period in the history of ancient Egypt. Most of the graves are dated between the 22nd and 26th dynasties. It was a period of rule by the Black Pharaohs, a time of big change in Egypt. The dynasties of this period tried to bring back the greatness of the New Kingdom and the authority of the Ramesside dynasty.
Featured Image: The crocodile god Sobek. Source: Ministry of Antiquities
By Natalia Klimczak
History Trivia - Gutenberg Bible printed
March 22
1457 Gutenberg Bible became the first printed book.
1457 Gutenberg Bible became the first printed book.
March 21, 2016
Hiker Finds Extremely Rare Gold Coin in Israel
Ancient Origins
A woman in the Galilee region of Israel stumbled across a rare gold coin while hiking with friends. The coin dates back to the year 107 AD and depicts the Roman Emperor Augustus. Only one other coin bears the likeness to it, and that one is a part of the collection of the British Museum. The Israel State Treasures have just two other gold coins that were also minted by the emperor Trajan.
Arutz Sheva reports that the coin was found by Laurie Rimon, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Blum in northern Israel while she was resting during a hike near an archaeological site. Rimon showed the artifact to the group’s guide who quickly contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Soon after an IAA representative joined the group of hikers and Rimon turned the rare find over to him admitting, “It was not easy parting with the coin. After all, it is not every day one discovers such an amazing object, but I hope I will see it displayed in a museum in the near future."
Rimon will be awarded with a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship for her honesty. Nir Distelfeld, an inspector with the IAA Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, also thanked Rimon for her act. “This is an extraordinarily remarkable and surprising discovery. I believe that soon, thanks to Laurie, the public will be able to enjoy this rare find.”
Laurie Rimon with the coin. (
Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
)Just a couple of weeks ago, a young boy also made lucky discovery while hiking in northern Israel, at the Beit She’an Valley site. Like Rimon, he too was praised for his honesty and awarded with a certificate by the IAA. The fortunate boy had unearthed a 3,400-year-old Canaanite Figurine.
Returning to the gold coin, the Jerusalem Post says that it “was minted by Emperor Trajan as part of a series of nostalgic coins that Trajan minted and dedicated to the Roman emperors that ruled before him.”
Explorers find Hidden Treasure in Cave – Coins and Jewelry Dating to Alexander the GreatDivers find largest golden coin hoard ever discovered in IsraelThe Controversial Origins of the Maine Penny, A Norse Coin found in a Native American SettlementArchaeologists Discover Rare Bronze ‘Lovers’ Coin’ Depicting Mark Antony and Cleopatra Trajan was a Roman emperor from 98 AD until his death in 117 AD. During his lifetime he reshaped the city of Rome and left numerous enduring landmarks such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and Trajan's Column. As a person and ruler he was often regarded in a positive light. Pliny the Younger, for example, celebrated Trajan as a wise and just emperor and a moral man. Cassius Dio also said that Trajan always remained dignified and fair.
Bust of Trajan with the Civic Crown, a sword belt and the aegis (attribute of Jupiter and symbol of divine power). (
Public Domain
)Speaking on the rarity of the coin, Donald T. Ariel, head curator of the coin department at the IAA said that,
Symbols of the Roman legions next to the name of the ruler Trajan on a 2,000-year-old gold coin found in northern Israel. (
Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
)Ariel has proposed that the importance of the coin goes further as it “may reflect the presence of the Roman army in the region some 2,000 years ago – possibly in the context of activity against Bar Kochba supporters in the Galilee – but it is very difficult to determine that on the basis of a single coin.”
The Bar Kochba (Bar Kokhba) revolt was a Jewish rebellion against the Romans in Israel during 132-136 AD because of harsh treatment. At least some members of the legions were apparently well-compensated at the time. Ariel told the Times of Israel:
Featured Image: The extremely rare gold coin. Source: Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
By Alicia McDermott
A woman in the Galilee region of Israel stumbled across a rare gold coin while hiking with friends. The coin dates back to the year 107 AD and depicts the Roman Emperor Augustus. Only one other coin bears the likeness to it, and that one is a part of the collection of the British Museum. The Israel State Treasures have just two other gold coins that were also minted by the emperor Trajan.Arutz Sheva reports that the coin was found by Laurie Rimon, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Blum in northern Israel while she was resting during a hike near an archaeological site. Rimon showed the artifact to the group’s guide who quickly contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Soon after an IAA representative joined the group of hikers and Rimon turned the rare find over to him admitting, “It was not easy parting with the coin. After all, it is not every day one discovers such an amazing object, but I hope I will see it displayed in a museum in the near future."
Rimon will be awarded with a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship for her honesty. Nir Distelfeld, an inspector with the IAA Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, also thanked Rimon for her act. “This is an extraordinarily remarkable and surprising discovery. I believe that soon, thanks to Laurie, the public will be able to enjoy this rare find.”
Laurie Rimon with the coin. (
Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
)Just a couple of weeks ago, a young boy also made lucky discovery while hiking in northern Israel, at the Beit She’an Valley site. Like Rimon, he too was praised for his honesty and awarded with a certificate by the IAA. The fortunate boy had unearthed a 3,400-year-old Canaanite Figurine.Returning to the gold coin, the Jerusalem Post says that it “was minted by Emperor Trajan as part of a series of nostalgic coins that Trajan minted and dedicated to the Roman emperors that ruled before him.”
Explorers find Hidden Treasure in Cave – Coins and Jewelry Dating to Alexander the GreatDivers find largest golden coin hoard ever discovered in IsraelThe Controversial Origins of the Maine Penny, A Norse Coin found in a Native American SettlementArchaeologists Discover Rare Bronze ‘Lovers’ Coin’ Depicting Mark Antony and Cleopatra Trajan was a Roman emperor from 98 AD until his death in 117 AD. During his lifetime he reshaped the city of Rome and left numerous enduring landmarks such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and Trajan's Column. As a person and ruler he was often regarded in a positive light. Pliny the Younger, for example, celebrated Trajan as a wise and just emperor and a moral man. Cassius Dio also said that Trajan always remained dignified and fair.
Bust of Trajan with the Civic Crown, a sword belt and the aegis (attribute of Jupiter and symbol of divine power). (
Public Domain
)Speaking on the rarity of the coin, Donald T. Ariel, head curator of the coin department at the IAA said that,“While the bronze and silver coins of Emperor Trajan are common in the country, his gold coins are extremely rare. So far, only two other gold coins of this emperor have been registered in the State Treasures, one from Givat Shaul near Jerusalem, and the other from the Kiryat Gat region and the details on both of them are different to those that appear on the rare coin that Laurie found.”Furthermore, Dr. Danny Syon, a senior numismatist of the IAA told the Jerusalem Post, “This coin, minted in Rome in 107 CE, is rare on a global level. On the reverse, we have the symbols of the Roman legions next to the name of the ruler Trajan, and on the obverse – instead of an image of the emperor Trajan, as was usually the case, there is the portrait of the emperor ‘Augustus Deified.’”
Symbols of the Roman legions next to the name of the ruler Trajan on a 2,000-year-old gold coin found in northern Israel. (
Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
)Ariel has proposed that the importance of the coin goes further as it “may reflect the presence of the Roman army in the region some 2,000 years ago – possibly in the context of activity against Bar Kochba supporters in the Galilee – but it is very difficult to determine that on the basis of a single coin.”The Bar Kochba (Bar Kokhba) revolt was a Jewish rebellion against the Romans in Israel during 132-136 AD because of harsh treatment. At least some members of the legions were apparently well-compensated at the time. Ariel told the Times of Israel:
“Historical sources describing the period note that some Roman soldiers were paid a high salary of three gold coins, the equivalent of 75 silver coins, each payday. Because of their high monetary value soldiers were unable to purchase goods in the market with gold coins, as the merchants could not provide change for them.”Although the coin is probably not be related, the Roman Tenth Legion was one of the groups of soldiers that were in Israel during the revolt. They were also one of the four legions that took part in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Recent discoveries in Jerusalem showed that the legion were moderately cared for, if the remains of a winery and Roman bathhouse from about 1,600 years ago are any indication.
Featured Image: The extremely rare gold coin. Source: Samuel Magal, Israel Antiquities Authority
By Alicia McDermott
History Trivia - Battle of Vincy
March 21
717 Battle of Vincy between Charles Martel and Ragenfrid who returned defeated to Neustria. Instead of following the army immediately, Charles again used tactics he would use all his remaining life, in a career of absolute success. He took time to rally more men and prepare, before descending in full force. He chose where to provoke them to battle, and, at a place and time of his choosing, in Spring 717, Charles eventually followed them and dealt them a serious blow at Vincy on 21 March. He chased the fleeing king and mayor to Paris.
717 Battle of Vincy between Charles Martel and Ragenfrid who returned defeated to Neustria. Instead of following the army immediately, Charles again used tactics he would use all his remaining life, in a career of absolute success. He took time to rally more men and prepare, before descending in full force. He chose where to provoke them to battle, and, at a place and time of his choosing, in Spring 717, Charles eventually followed them and dealt them a serious blow at Vincy on 21 March. He chased the fleeing king and mayor to Paris.
March 20, 2016
Newly Discovered 250-Million-Year-Old Fierce Lizard Fossil is Named After Mythical Monster
Who knows if the people who lived in the Paraná Basin of southern Brazil years ago saw fossils of dinosaurs and came up with strange mythical beings because of them. Whatever connection there may be, scientists have identified a new fossil near where the Guarani people live—a beautiful fossil of a creature that fills an evolutionary gap.The previously unknown lizard lived about 250 million years ago.
The scientists have named the genus of the creature after one of the Guarani people’s mythical monsters. An article in the journal Nature states:
“Genus named after Teyú Yaguá, one of the seven legendary beasts in the mythology of the Guarani ethnic group, who occupied a large territory of central east South America, including the type locality of the new species. Teyú Yaguá, literally meaning ‘fierce lizard,’ is commonly represented as a dog-headed lizard. Species name derived from paradoxa, Greek meaning ‘paradoxical’, ‘unexpected’, owing to its unusual combination of plesiomorphic and derived characters.”
Teyujagua paradoxa holotype. (
Pinheiro et al.
)The team who found it, three Brazilian university researchers, call it a beautiful fossil. It was a small animal, similar to a crocodile. It likely lived near lakeshores and fed on fish.An article on Guarani mythology describes the monster called Teyú Yaguá and says it is a giant lizard with a dog’s head and skin covered in gold and precious stones that it gained from rolling in the treasures of Itayu.
His eyes are believed to shoot fire, but despite this and his menacing appearance, he is said to be benign. He doesn’t move well, but that may be due to his large size.
Depiction of Teyú Yaguá from the Mythical Museum Ramón Elías. (tripfreakz)According to legends, Teyú Yaguá’s diet consists of fruit, and he is considered the protector of fruits. But his favorite food is honey, which his brother Yasy Yatere, another monster, gave him.Sierra de la Plata: The Inca Legend of the Silver MountainThe Gods of Creation and Legendary Beasts of the Guarani The Legendary Powers of a Seventh Son of a Seventh SonNot knowing about evolution led many people around the world to tell stories about how the world and its various creatures and features came into being. The Guarani believed that Teyú Yaguá was the son of Tau, the spirit of evil, and Kerana, a Guarani princess.
The couple’s story is highly important in the Guarani creation myth and belief system. Tau took form as a human and courted Kerana for seven days.
Depiction of Tau and Kerana. (
Public Domain
)But the spirit of good, Angatupyry, tried to save Kerana. Angatypyry fought Tau for seven days until he defeated him. Tau went into exile. But he returned, kidnapped Kerana, and they became a couple. The goddess Arasy cursed the couple. With this curse and Tau’s malevolent nature, the pair had seven monstrous sons with different attributes and domains. Teyú Yaguá is one of these seven sons.The fossil identified by the scientists from Brazilian universities was related to the dinosaurs’ ancestors the archosauriforms—a class of reptiles that were at the apex of the food chain before a series of volcanic eruptions nearly wiped them out about 252 million years ago. About 90 percent of Earth’s life forms that lived then were killed by the catastrophe.
Fossilized skull of the Teyujagua. (
University of Birmingham
)Felipe Pinheiro of the Universidade Federal do Pampa was one of the scientists who discovered the fossil skull near the city of São Francisco de Assis.The Last of the Charrua: The Honored Warrior Tribe of UruguayCandomble: The African-Brazilian Dance in Honor of the GodsDiscovery of ancient stone tools in Brazil challenges belief about human arrival in the AmericasHe said the creature differs from other fossils of the Lower Jurassic. It is similar in anatomy to the archosauriforms and primitive reptiles, including the dinosaurs and pterosaurs, modern birds and crocodiles.
"The discovery of Teyujagua was really exciting,” Pinheiro told the BBC. “Ever since we saw that beautiful skull for the first time in the field, still mostly covered by rock, we knew we had something extraordinary in our hands. Back in the lab, after slowly exposing the bones, the fossil exceeded our expectations. It had a combination of features never seen before, indicating the unique position of Teyujagua in the evolutionary tree of an important group of vertebrates.”
Archosauromorph phylogeny showing the recovered position of Teyujagua. (Pinheiro et al.)The ancient culture of the Guarani people, who are spread across Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia, is as strong today as it was many centuries ago, sustained through an oral tradition of passing down myths and legends from one generation to the next.Featured Image: Artistic representation of Teyujagua paradoxa. Source: Voltaire Neto
By Mark Miller
