guy

Another interesting fragment discovered: An ostracon with child’s drawing. Image credit: Athribis-Project Tübingen. http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/athribis-ostraca-10520.html

Theft of antiquities is a lucrative and all-too-frequent occurrence. Here is the latest example: “An individual is suspected of stealing and selling thousands of rare antiquities, worth hundreds of thousands of shekels. Among the findings confiscated were archaeological items from the Persian period, the Hellenistic period, and coins from the period of the Great Jewish Revolt, along with equipment which the suspect used to steal the antiquities.” https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/321947

The Getty Villa museum has faced mounting criticism for its theft of antiquities, including this beautiful bronze statue known as the “Victorious Youth” (see below). It already has returned numerous items to Italy. That said, the Getty Villa really is a beautiful place (although the traffic to the museum can be horrible). The design was inspired by the Villa of Papyri in Herculaneum https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/07/19/italy-passes-restitution-resolution-amid-renewed-calls-for-return-of-the-victorious-youth-bronze-from-getty-museum https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-getty-victorious-youth-20181205-story.html%3F_amp%3Dtrue

Since papyrus was too valuable and scarce, pieces of pottery were used as writing material for mundane daily tasks, instead. This was an interesting find of thousands of pottery fragments shedding light on everyday life in Ancient Egypt. “Egyptologists have recovered more than 18,000 inscribed sherds in ancient Athribis - the remains of vessels and jars that served as writing material some 2,000 years ago. The sherds, known as ostraca, document lists of names, purchases of food and everyday objects, and even writing from a school, including lines written by pupils as a punishment. It is very rare to find such a large volume of ostraca.” Among these sherds were pieces thought to be from an Ancient Egyptian classroom. These were thought to be student lessons because they appear to be repetitive writing exercises. Some of the later texts refer to the Emperors Nero, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, and Hadrian. This large discovery of pottery sherds gives an interesting glimpse of life in Ancient Egypt. Among the fragments examined include examples of student lessons, shopping lists, and trade receipts. https://www.sciencealert.com/the-discovery-of-18-000-pottery-shards-document-daily-life-in-ancient-egypt https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/university/news-and-publications/press-releases/press-releases/article/more-than-18000-pot-sherds-document-life-in-ancient-egypt/

One thing that may help to get any academic book a wider audience and exposure is to also create a parallel non-fictional graphic novel version of the academic one. The movie “300” about the Greek and Persian battle at Thermopylae was based on a graphic novel. This movie, as much as anything else, helped to inspire the latest generation of high school kids to take an interest in ancient history. I have been surprised at the number of younger people whose first introduction to great works have been thru the graphic novel.

Here is a video on the find: https://www.heritagedaily.com/2022/02/ancient-helmets-found-alongside-archaic-ruins-in-the-acropolis-of-elea-velia/142660?amp

Roman dice were found at the site Here are some of the latest finds as the H2S high-speed freeway work continues. This excavation has revealed several settlements along the Roman Akeman Street that connects Verulamium (modern St Albans) and Corinium Dobunnorum (modern Cirencester). A stone-built corn dryer or malting oven provided evidence of brewing and was located near early Iron Age enclosures This discovery and others (see thread below) are improving our knowledge and understanding of the extensive and under-appreciated Roman presence in Buckinghamshire. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60254154

The relationship between the Romans and the tribes of Germania was always a complicated one. This is an interesting article that confirms the trade (at least of brass) between the Roman Empire and the kingdom of King Marobudos of Bohemia around the time of the Roman defeat in the Teutoburg Forest (9 AD). (Roman brass objects studied were from the region of the kingdom of Marobudos in modern day Bohemia sometimes called the Marobudoses Empire.) (The source of the brass was from Massif Central of Southern France of what was then Gaul.) Important background information: These studies confirm the trade that existed between Rome and potential German allies, especially after the calamitous defeat at the hands of Arminius in the Teutoburg Forest. It would have been important for Rome to solidify its alliances with friendly Germanic tribes at that time. https://english.radio.cz/brass-study-helps-uncover-close-ties-between-rome-and-germanic-bohemia-8741098

A young boy who was the victim of the plague was found in Cambridgeshire. He was buried between 540-550 AD. “Genetic analysis of a tooth sample revealed he had been infected with the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which causes plague, and Haemophilus influenza serotype b.“ It is notable that the plague of Justinian (541-549 AD) was raging throughout Europe at Europe at this time. The bacterium (Yersinia pestis) that caused this boy’s death and the plague of Justinian, later caused the Black Death that ravaged Europe (1347-1351). http://anglo-saxon-archaeology-blog.blogspot.com/2022/02/six-year-old-anglo-saxon-boy-who-lived.html?m=1 This study confirms earlier studies in the area that the plague of Justinian (and not just the later Black Death) caused many deaths in the area. https://inews.co.uk/news/bubonic-plague-first-arrived-in-britain-1500-years-ago-and-ravaged-the-country-299029/amp

Here’s a great video from the FreshCap Mushroom folks about Cordyceps mushroom and it’s potential benefits:

No one knows for sure what pressures led the Huns to migrate West. These Hunnic migrations forced the Goths to plead entry to the Roman Empire in order to escape the advancing Huns. This, of course, exacerbated the increasing instability of the Empire. It may have been a drought in the Asian Steppe that forced the Hunnic migration. Valerie Trouet, a paleoclimatologist, suggests in her research that the evidence might be in the rings of trees. Dan Jones, in his book “Plagues, Princes and Pardons” explores the impact of climate, pathogens and technology on the development of societies. He explains what made the Huns “climate migrants”: https://lithub.com/how-to-sack-an-empire-on-goths-huns-and-the-fall-of-rome/ https://www.newsweek.com/fall-roman-empire-tree-rings-1504740?amp=1

This year will commemorate the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall: ”A festival will run from 24 January 2022, Emperor Hadrian's birthday, until 23 December, which was the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia. Walks, exhibitions, re-enactments and talks will be part of the celebrations.” https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-59712769.amp A great video showing the full route of Hadrian’s Wall (84 miles) in 30 minutes:

The Battle of Alalia was a Pyrrhic victory for the Greeks in 540 BCE. In a naval battle off the coast of Corsica, the Greeks defeated a combined Etruscan and Carthaginian force. Despite their victory, the weakened Greek forces were soon compelled to withdraw from the area. The Greeks later escaped to southern Italy, where they brought some of their spoils of victory. A recent excavation at Velia, near Paestum in southern Italy, south of Naples, uncovered weapons and other fascinating artifacts, including an Etruscan helmet. These discoveries are believed to date back to the Battle of Alalia. https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2022/02/01/helmets-arms-from-battle-of-alalia-found-at-velia_e9385207-5c62-4383-9222-127ca87c0222.html https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Alalia Here is a similar Etruscan helmet found at the Etruscan necropolis of Vulci, which is 75 miles from Rome. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.laprensalatina.com/unusual-inscription-found-inside-2400-year-old-etruscan-helmet/amp/

I know nothing about military technology. I was, however, curious about the relative strength of the Mongol (and the similar composite Hunnic) bow compared to the English longbow: https://archeryhistorian.com/mongolian-bow-vs-english-longbow-advantages-and-drawbacks/ I liked this quote comparing the Hunnic composite bow with the longbow: “The composite [Hunnic] bow was mostly used to shoot lightweight arrows over large distances, on dry flat plains with high visibility. The longbow was designed to shoot extremely heavy arrows over short range with limited visibility at heavily armoured targets. The composite bow was designed for hit and run skirmishing, the longbow to stand up to and devastate a heavy cavalry charge.” https://historum.com/threads/mongol-composite-bow-vs-english-longbow.55139/ This is a nice video understanding the power of bows (limited by the user).

Here’s a wonderful older article describing the beauty products in Ancient Greece that are still available today: Cosmetics were an important part of the life and culture in Ancient Greece. The word “cosmetic” comes from the Greek word “kosmetikos,” meaning a sense of harmony, order and tranquility. Most beauty products in ancient Greece were made from ingredients found in their natural environment such as olive oil and honey. https://www.yasouskincare.com/ancient-greek-skin-care-secrets-still-used-today/ I can’t vouch for any of these treatments. Topical honey is still used to treat wounds, even in a hospital setting. Here are some older related posts:

This was certainly a fantastic find. There are now eight such amphitheaters found in Switzerland. I have some problem, however, calling this a “gladiator” arena. By the mid 4th century when this amphitheater was build, gladiator fights had become increasingly uncommon: By this late in the Empire’s history, there was no longer a seemingly endless supply of potential fighters for every arena in the region. At this time, there was also a declining appetite for gladiatorial fights. In fact, in 404 AD gladiatorial fights were officially banned in the Empire by Honorius after the monk Telemachus was stoned to death when he protested a gladiatorial fight. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Telemachus Modern sensationalist journalists feel the need to attach “gladiatorial fights” to every amphitheater found in the Empire. I believe that this venue was more likely used for plays, choral events, circuses, exhibitions, sports competitions, etc. Here’s a nice video on the find:

Thanks for reading my thread. I didn’t find the reason for the burial of the bowl, either. I found no mention of its being either a burial item or part of a hoard left by fleeing Romans. The bowl was found in Nijmegen which was a large Roman military camp in modern Netherlands. There was a large civilian settlement associated with this camp and the bowl was found in that context. I can’t, however, imagine just misplacing or forgetting about such a priceless item.

Comparing the two-humped camels (a–b) with dromedaries (c) on the same lintel (photographs courtesy of the Aliph-ISMEO project at Hatra). Restoration and reevaluation of archaeological evidence of a temple in Hatra, Iraq (after recent vandalism by ISIS) has led to new discoveries. Closer examination of the ancient temple led to some interesting observations. A sculpted frieze on the temple wall showed hybrid camels, previously thought to be Bactrian camels, instead. The hybrid is hardier for the long-distant caravans on the Silk Road than the pure-breed Bactrian. The hybrids, therefore, would have been more useful than the pure breed camel and played an important role in the economy of Hatra. First, some background: Hatra was a Parthian city that was a flourishing trade and religious center during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Hatra was also a fortified city that withstood Roman sieges from both Trajan (116/117 AD) and Septimius Severus (198/199). A hybrid camel is a hybrid between the Bactrian camel and the Dromedary camel. Although local breeders could raise Dromedary camels, they had to import the Bactrian female camels from distant Central Asia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_camel https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/iconographic-evidence-of-hybridisation-between-camelus-bactrianus-and-camelus-dromedarius-at-secondcentury-ad-hatra-iraq/A4DECADBFE3919190B9E14E78CA290F7 I never thought about camels before reviewing this article, but it does show that the ancient Parthians developed camel breeding to improve their trade. Bactrian camel Dromedary camel An interesting article on Hatra: https://www.ancientpages.com/2020/12/12/hatra-ancient-powerful-caravan-city-that-could-withstand-invading-roman-armies/

Here is a picture of this fabulous bowl being excavated. It is incredible that it remained intact: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/2000-year-old-ancient-roman-glass-bowl-found-in-netherlands-180979461/

Or, at least that was the plan. This quote about the Goths (from Ammianus Marcellinus) shows how things can go wrong … quickly. The Goths, fleeing other migrating tribes including the Huns, entered the Empire in hope of peace and protection. They were initially welcomed as allies. The Goths, however, were brutally treated by corrupt and inept Roman commanders. They would later turn on the Emperor Valens, killing him and destroying his Roman army at The Battle of Hadrianopolis (378 AD). https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/ammianus_31_book31.htm#C4

Recent excavations in Bedfordshire have uncovered a Roman farm: The ancient farm was discovered during excavations near Tempsford in Bedfordshire The dig revealed two large round houses and a Roman pottery kiln, with a large number pots which failed during firing. Archaeologists also excavated a Roman oven used to dry grains and make malt for brewing and a number of higher status items beyond what they would have expected to discover at a farmstead in that part of Roman Britain. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60158579

7 Decorated inlays or veneers evidence for bone working found at Roman site near Alconbury. Image Credit : MOLA Evidence of a Roman workshop were found near Alconbury in Cambridgeshire, England (see map below): “Over 300 fragments of bone and antler working waste were recovered from a small settlement near Alconbury, interpreted to be from a carpenter’s workshop, where decorated inlay or veneer were produced to adorn wooden boxes and furniture. The Alconbury material can be dated to the late Roman period, most likely between the 4th and early 5th century AD (ca. AD 301-425). The most curious thing about these inlays and veneers is that they were discovered in a relatively simple rural settlement. Usually, evidence for this kind of bone and antler working comes from towns or Roman villas. Yet, there is no other evidence suggesting the presence of a high-status domestic structure at Alconbury. Whilst the finds are not sufficient to prove the presence of a permanent specialist furniture workshop, they indicate there were skilled craftspeople at Alconbury in the Roman period.“ https://www.heritagedaily.com/2022/01/evidence-of-skilled-craft-working-during-roman-period-in-cambridgeshire/142575?amp

Nijmegen, Netherlands have been the site of recent Roman excavations. This breathtaking bowl was the most recent find. (See below thread for previous discoveries in the area.) https://www.openculture.com/2022/01/archaeologists-discover-a-2000-year-old-roman-glass-bowl-in-pristine-condition.html https://hyperallergic.com/707260/2000-year-old-roman-glass-bowl-unearthed-like-new/

Here is an interesting article of the wooden or cloth portraits found on Ancient Egyptian mummies: https://www.archaeology.org/issues/451-2201/features/10182-egypt-mummy-portraits?utm_source=Archaeological+Institute+of+America&utm_campaign=c8c3091934-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_01_24_03_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_640baf0738-c8c3091934-216793544&mc_cid=c8c3091934&mc_eid=e9533ea02e Here is a previous thread about the portraits found in Ancient Egypt:

Here is the scientific article concerning the discovery: “Materials Fifteen sediment samples were collected from the cesspit below a stone toilet seat found at the site of Armon Hanatziv, southern Jerusalem. The toilet installation was located in a garden adjacent to a monumental structure with extraordinary architectural elements. Methods A light microscope was used to identify and measure the eggs. Results The presence of four intestinal parasite egg taxa was detected: Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Taenia sp. (beef/pork tapeworm), Ascaris lumbricoides(roundworm), and Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm). This is the earliest appearance of roundworm and pinworm in the ancient Israel parasitological record. Conclusions Findings reveal that intestinal parasitic diseases most likely caused by poor sanitary conditions were a human problem in the Late Iron Age of Israel, affecting even high-status groups.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981721000838#bib35 “It is possible that as early as the 7th century BC, human feces were collected systematically from the city of Jerusalem in order to fertilize crops grown in the nearby fields. During the 7th century BC, when Judea was under Assyrian rule, the hinterlands of Jerusalem, especially to the west, shifted to specialized agriculture (versus mixed Mediterranean agriculture. Modern research has demonstrated that human fecal fertilizer increases crop yields However, unless the feces are composted for many months before being added to the fields, viable parasite eggs can spread to the plants grown. Hence, the use of human feces as crop fertilizer under the specialized Assyrian economy may have led to a growth in whipworm and roundworm. The almost total lack of sanitation technologies may also have been the primary trigger for parasite distribution in ancient Israel. The presence of tapeworm eggs attests to the consumption of poorly cooked, perhaps raw, beef or pork, the only meats that carry this parasite.” Although the finding of pinworms and roundworms are not unique to Armon Hanatziv, they are the earliest dated findings: A limited number of studies to detect the presence of abdominal parasites in an archaeological context have been executed in Israel. These studies identified whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) in most of the investigated sites: Jerusalem (7–6th century BC; Qumran (1st century BC – 1st century AD; Nahal Mishmar (2nd century AD; and Acre (13th century AD. Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) was identified in Acre as well as at Qumran. The beef/pork tapeworm Taenia sp. was found in the aforementioned assemblages from Jerusalem, Qumran, and Acre. Pinworm eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were also revealed at Qumran.”