Archaeology

[RTH10260]

from October of last year

Ancient rock carvings revealed by receding Amazon waters amid drought
Human faces and other figures believed to be up to 2,000 years old exposed as Brazil river level hits record low

Constance Malleret in Manaus
Tue 24 Oct 2023 23.29 CEST

Human faces and other figures etched in stone up to 2,000 years ago have been revealed on Amazon riverbanks as a historic drought in the Brazilian region has brought water levels to unprecedented lows.

The petroglyphs, which include animals and other natural forms, have been revealed on the shores of the Rio Negro, at an archeological site known as the Ponto das Lajes, or Place of Slabs.

Researchers estimate the markings to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.

The carvings had previously been sighted during a severe drought in 2010, when the Rio Negro’s water levels dropped to 13.63 metres, then an all-time low.

They re-emerged this month, with more markings appearing as the waters receded further. Amid an unusually dry season which scientists attribute to the El Niño weather pattern and warming in the North Atlantic linked to the climate crisis, the Rio Negro has dropped below 13 metres for the first time in its recorded history, with a depth of 12.89 metres recorded on Monday.

As well as anthropomorphic faces and depictions of water, some rocks display grooves that suggest the site was also used to produce stone tools.

Carlos Augusto da Silva of the Federal University of Amazonas identified 25 groups of carvings on a single rock which he believes was used as a whetstone to sharpen various instruments. “This was an area for the preparation of tools,” the archaeologist told the local news site Amazônia Real.

[RTH10260]

Banquet hall with frescoes on the Trojan War discovered in Pompeii

By Euronews with AP
Published on 12/04/2024 - 13:19

Mythological figures are depicted in the halls of a Roman banquet hall discovered in Pompeii. The works were unearthed in almost perfect condition.

An imposing banquet hall, with elegant black walls decorated with mythological subjects inspired by the Trojan War, was discovered during ongoing excavation activities in insula 10 of Pompeii 's Regio IX and is now fully visible in all its glory.

The room was used to entertain in convivial moments for those living the "high life", evidenced by the spaciousness of the space, the presence of frescoes and mosaics datable to the 3rd style, the artistic quality of the paintings and the choice of subjects.

Frescoes on the Trojan War in Pompeii

The runnings themes of the artwork found on the walls seems to be that of heroism, with heroes and gods of the Trojan War most prominent on the walls.

Mythological figures in Roman homes had the social function of entertaining guests and diners, providing cues for conversation and reflection on existence.

In addition to Helen and Paris, the figure of Cassandra, daughter of Priam, appears on the walls of the hall, paired with Apollo. In Greek mythology Cassandra was known for her gift of foresight and the terrible fate that prevents her from altering the future.

Mythological figures in Pompeii houses to talk about life and the past

The walls of the banquet hall were painted black, "to prevent the smoke from the lamps on the walls from being seen. Here people gathered to feast after dark, the flickering light of the oil lamps made the images seem to move, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine," explains Pompeii Archaeological Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

"Today, Helen and Paris are all of us: every day we can choose to care only about our intimate lives or to investigate how this life of ours is intertwined with the great story," Zuchtruegel adds.

The hall measures about 15 metres long by six metres wide and opens into a courtyard that appears to be a service hallway, open to the sky, with a long staircase leading to the second floor, devoid of decoration.




https://www.euronews.com/2024/04/12/ban ... in-pompeii

[RTH10260]

Complete Set of Qin Dynasty Bronze Chariots Meet Public

CCTV Video News Agency
20 Apr 2024

The complete set of Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.) bronze chariots and horses were put on display to the public together on Thursday in Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

https://www.cctvplus.com/news/20240419/ ... language=1

[AndyinPA]

Magnificent!