Veronese's Wedding at Cana--a Cinematographer's Dream

In an interesting twist to the history of some of the world's most treasured art, The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese has been turned into a cinematographer's dream.

Peter Greenaway, the already fabled British film maker has applied his skilled eye to bringing the painting to life. The colors are vivid and enchanting, the brilliance of the light and shadow invites each viewer to partake in the wedding as if it were happening in real time on all sides of the viewer.

From 1552 until his death in 1588, Paolo Veronese (né Paolo Caliari) worked in Venice and provided numerous works of art to the leading persons. The Wedding at Cana, appropriately, was painted for the refectory of Benedictine monastery of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.

New York Times article, "In Venice, Peter Greenaway Takes Veronese's Figures Out to Play."

Tom
Sign up for our Newsletter

Ancient Roman Shipwrecks

Fascinating! Five, intact, Roman shipwrecks have been found of the coast of Italy. Remarkably, these ships sank without capsizing, leaving much of their cargo intact. The information that can be garnered from amphorae filled with wine, garum (a fish sauce that the Romans loved).


The ships were found off the coast of Italy, from Naples near a small island, Ventotene.


View Larger Map

Tom
Sign up for our Newsletter

Travel Tip: Cuba a Destination?

There has been quite a lot of talk lately that President-elect Barack Obama will make significant changes in the United States' policy regarding travel to Cuba.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has approached the incoming administration with a request that it "support Americans' Freedom to Travel" (Dec. 9, 2008 press release). “ASTA has long supported the principle that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction,” said Chris Russo, ASTA’s president and chair.

Russo continued: “Beyond the obvious economic opportunities awaiting both countries if current travel restrictions were to be lifted, these changes would also benefit Cuba’s neighbors and the travel industry that services them.

The press release concludes: "ASTA [looks forward to working with the] 111th Congress to ensure that Americans are free to travel the world without restriction from their own government."

Just how far the Obama administration will go is not quite clear. Some analysts suggest that the restrictions on travel will only be eased for those with connections to Cuba (for example, family living in the United States).

The restrictions on travel have been significantly tightened in the past few years, particularly for alleged tourists. The rules allowed for visits to Cuba by those involved in humanitarian work, educational programs and more. But because of alleged abuses, namely that those going for educational or humanitarian reasons were really traveling as tourists, the State Department tightened its grip.

The extensive restrictions, outlined on the Department of State site (Cuba: Country Specific Information), note specifically that "transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities have increased enforcement of these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States. "

Those who are opposed to a change in the current relationship with Cuba, or at least a more cautious approach to change, cite, among other things, human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of political dissenters. Yet, as the ASTA press release points out, tourists "are allowed to travel to Pyongyang, Tehran, Khartoum, and other cities whose nations’ leaders are publicly opposed to American interests."

I personally look forward to the opening of Cuba, a country that has been closed to my visit for almost as long as I have been alive.

Tom
Sign up for our newsletter

Travel Tip: Staying dry in Venice.

The worst flooding in 20 years has turned the canal-lined city of Venice into a veritable floating city. Storms have stirred up the Adriatic and brought torrents of rain. Flooding has reached the level of 5ft plus. Storms continued on Tuesday (December 2) though the flooding subsided slightly.

Though gondolas have always been a part of Venice's charm, they and water taxis are not in operation. Citizens are doing all they can to protect famed architecture and art.

Read more on SFGate.com.

Travel Tip: For the traveler, being in a storm and getting caught dripping wet can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. When you are going places where it is likely to rain--and a lot--bring plenty of light, quick drying items like socks and undershirts. Getting wet makes it all the more likely that you will be cold. But layering and changing into dry things can take the chill away in no time. Light clothing is easy to rinse/wash and hang in your room without having to brave the storm again just to have your clothes cleaned!

Tom

Thracian Chariot Unearthed

Bronze covered wood, leather and more. Just a few of the grave goods found when archaeologists opened a Thracian tomb in Bulgaria.

Read on...

Tom

Body of Copernicus Identified

The body of the famous priest and astronomer, Copernicus, has been officially identified. Interestingly, the DNA used to help confirm the identification was taken from strands of hair left in a book owned by Copernicus.

Copernicus' now-famous book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres) set the world in motion with concept that the earth rotated on its own axis and circled the sun.

Tom

Divers find Caesar of 46 B.C.

An incredible find of statuary has been unburied near Arles, previously hidden by the muddy bottom of the Rhone river. If the date of 46BC for the bust of Caesar is correct, then this is the oldest image of Julius Caesar we have.

From SFGate.com: Divers find Caesar bust that may date to 46 B.C.

For an image of the bust, showing an aging Caesar, visit Physorg.com

Tom

Does a cave prove Romulus and Remus are no myth? - USATODAY.com

Does a cave prove Romulus and Remus are no myth? - USATODAY.com

Abelard and Heloise: The Love Affair

Abelard and Heloise: The Love Affair (About.com)

Zeugma: City and Figure of Speech

Mention the names of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates and many people today will immediately think of Iraq and the strategic location of Baghdad.

Of course, the importance of these rivers, if we remember well into our past, is biblical, mythological and legendary.

Along the two rivers, many important cities have risen, thrived and been destroyed. Ancient Babylon is not so very far away from modern Baghdad.

But a city that shares its name with a figure of speech has lost its match with human destiny.

Ancient Zeugma (or more properly, the twin cities of Seleucia and Apamea) was the literal link between cultures. The Romans built a bridge between the two cities--the only bridge over the Euphrates built in ancient times--and called the union Zeugma; Greek for a band, yoke or bridge, or a yoking or a joining. The new city became the garrison town of legio IV Scythica of the Roman army.

The ancient city eventually faded into memory, buried by Turkish sand; now it has been drowned. The need for water is a never ending need for humans, and one of our favorite structures is a dam. A dam can supply badly needed water for irrigation and for domestic use. The enormous lakes that result behind the dam can become popular recreation sites.

And it can (and often does) mean the drowning of past towns, cities and villages. Such was the fate of Zeugma when Turkey undertook to build a dam at Birecik. The flooding caused by the dam is significant, but archaeologists were able to persuade authorities to let them excavate as much as possible up to the flooding moment. Fortunately, there are some areas of Zeugma that now have a lakeside view and are giving up some fantastic ancient artifacts.

Finds at Zeugma before the flooding and currently have included Roman bronze armor, enormous mosaics, figures of Aphrodite and Mars.

While the ancient city lives no more, the figure of speech continues to survive, though we'd be hard pressed to find many who could call it by its name of the top of their heads.

A zeugma is when one word, such as a preposition or a verb, is used with two other words in different senses. For example, (slight variation on Shakespeare), "Lend me your ears and some money."

For an overview of the mosaics and archaeology at Zeugma, visit Nova and PBS.

Tom

Sign up for my newsletter.

Paris Sewers Redux

Sometime ago, I wrote about the sewers of Paris and the fascinating tour you can take through them (Exploring the Sewers of Paris). Once again I have thrilled at taking uncertain travelers through les égouts.

At first, everyone seems a bit put off. "You want me to do what?" I try to enchant them with the idea. First, I tell them that all the water that comes into Paris has to get out somehow, and ask them to imagine how many miles of underground streams there must be. I then tell them that the now-famous district, the Marais, is so named because it was a swamp. That swamp, thanks in part to the sewers, is now livable.

But the final clincher that really gets travelers in the mood is when I tell them that the Jean Valjean of Les Misérables used the sewers to move about Paris.

Then they go in.

Once in, and once over the sometimes obvious stench, they become as fascinated as I am. The smell isn't bothersome for too long and before we reach the exit, the conversation is filled with amazement and wonder.

So, have some fun next time you are in Paris and visit the sewers!

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Seven Wonders of the Modern World

Most of us have heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And perhaps we have even been to visit them.

Now you can add your vote for the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. There are some pretty incredible new wonders that are worth listing.

Click on the image below to become a part of this historic event.

You will need to register an email before you can vote, but it is worth it. Also, you only get to vote once, so make your choices wisely and then make a final submission.

Tom

PS. What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

They are the Pyramids of Giza, The Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria, The Colossal Statue of Zeus in Olympia, the Colossal Statue of Helios guarding the harbor of Rhodes, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Italian Renaissance Painter, Luini, on Stamp

The United States Postal Service has announced that among its commemorative stamps, the Italian Renaissance painter, Bernadino Luini's Madonna of the Carnation will appear.

The oil painting, showing the Madonna with a Christ Child on her lap, holding a small carnation, was painted in about 1515.

Luini (b. c.1470, d. c.1530) from Luino, a small village on Lago Maggiore, near Torino, was a member of the Lombard school. The Lombard school emulated Leonardo da Vinci. Since many of Luini's paintings are so daVinciesque, many have been falsely attributed to da Vinci.

The Madonna of the Carnation was painted when Luini was already well on his way to becoming a master. The painting is now in the Samuel H. Kress collection at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

More of Luini's work can be seen on Art.com.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter

Pompeii Brothel reopened to the Public

In a previous post on Pompeii (House of the Flying Cupids open in Pompeii), I talked about the reopening of house with the amazing garden named after the so-called flying cupids. Now, visitors to Pompeii are treated to another reopening.

The famed brothel called the Lupanare has finally reopened a year of restoration work. The frescoes are lit up with special lighting and, among other things, the roof is free of leaks.

Read the Times article: Erotic frescoes put Pompeii brothel on the tourist map.

The Lupanare is not the only brothel in Pompeii, but it is one of the largest, the most interesting and one that has given a significant number of artifacts to research.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter

Radicals among Us: Girolamo Savonarola

These days, it seems easy to throw around the word 'radical', accusing just about anyone of being radical in some way or another.

Of course, being radical means being annoying to some group of people, challenging to another and inspirational to still others. But no matter what it is, being radical can also bring more attention than one might hope.

Of the many radical characters in history, one is particularly fascinating. Not, perhaps, so much for his message but how powerful he was with his message.

In the days of Lorenzo de' Medici (the Magnificent), Michelangelo and Botticelli, there came a 'voice' of sorts 'out of the wilderness' (of sorts).

Girolamo Savonarola joined the Dominican order at Bologna. Sometime around 1490 Lorenzo himself insisted that Girolamo come to Florence. This may have been the beginning of the end.

Savonarola was fiery. He insisted on the strictest of cleanliness and purity. He preached against abuses in the church, gaining excommunication under Pope Alexander VI. And he preached against the vanities seemingly bred in this world of hypocrisy, domination and greed.

Perhaps the most disastrous moment from our historical hindsight was not that Savonarola was ultimately burned at the stake but that he called for the burning of works of art, books and whatever else might turn the faithful away from a pure and holy life. Sandro Botticelli, whose wonderful "Portrait of a Lady", "La Primavera", "Birth of Venus" and other works survive, succumbed to Savonarola's passionate preaching.

During Carnevale 1497, Savonarola's disgust at all those things that, for him, proclaimed vanity--masks, gowns, gluttonous consumption, art that portrayed nudity--were brought to a conflagration so great that it took up a large part of the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. There, even Botticelli threw what might have been some of his greatest works onto the "Bonfire of the Vanities". Michelangelo, though seemingly an interested follower did not succumb to this purging extravagance.

Ultimately, Savonarola accused, belittle, condemned and berated too many people and the wrong ones. While evidence of heresy was lacking in Savonarola's preaching and prophecies, nevertheless he and two fellow monks met there own bonfire in the same square on May 23, 1498. Perhaps this was his own "Bonfire of Vanity"--for presuming that he might change the world.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter

Mona Lisa and Her Hidden Garment

It seems that the Mona Lisa has another secret, though perhaps keeping it that way was not intentional.

Scans made using infrared reflectography revealed that
Lisa Gherardini wore a gauzy veil commonly worn by pregnant or post-partem women when she was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.

The veil, called a guarnello, can be seen in Antonio Botticelli's "Portrait of a Lady".

The scans also revealed that Mona Lisa's hair is not completely down but pinned up.

For more on the news, read the Forbes article, "Scan Hints Mona Lisa Pregnant for Pose".

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Chinese Moon Festival and Mooncakes

October marks the Chinese Moon Festival (or Mid-Autumn Festival). On the 15th day of the 8th month (that is, Osmanthumens--named for the osmanthus--or October 6, 2006) the moon is full and round. What better reason to have a celebration?

But more than just an excuse for a party, the round moon has traditionally meant family reunion for the Chinese. The tradition has been so strong in the past that often people have made great journeys to reunite with their families.

A special pastry of sugar, oil, sesame, walnuts, eggs and ham (with some variation throughout communities) is made and eaten on this day.

The moon cakes and their shape seem to have originated to commemorate a Chinese fairy tale. In the story, three characters are important: a fairy called Chang E, a woodcutter called Wu Gana and a jade rabbit, pet of Chang E. The celebrations and the cake were made to pay respectoot Chang E and her dear rabbit.

In 1368, during a period of Mongolian domination, the Chinese decided to rebel. Secreting messages of slaughter into the mooncakes the command made it to all the households. The Chinese were instructed to rise up against their occupiers on the 15th of Osmanthumens.

The production of mooncakes has become big business and some Chinese are complaining. Just like everyone else in the world, though, many Chinese are finding it more convenient to buy a mooncake than to make one.

But many people are trying to return to the tradition and make their own. Consider this recipe from Yan Can Cook, Inc.

Makes 2 dozen
1 can (17-1/2 ounces) lotus seed paste
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2-cup non-fat dried milk powder
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup solid shortening, melted and cooled
1 egg yolk , lightly beaten

1. Mix lotus seed paste and walnuts together in a bowl; set aside.

2. Sift flour, milk powder, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl. In large bowl of electric mixer, beat eggs on medium speed until light and lemon colored. Add sugar; beat for 10 minutes or until mixture falls in a thick ribbon. Add melted shortening; mix lightly. With a spatula, fold in flour mixture. Turn dough out on a lightly floured board; knead for 1 minute or until smooth and satiny. Divide dough in half; roll each half into a log. Cut each log into 12 equal pieces.

3. To shape each moon cake, roll a piece of dough into a ball. Roll out on a lightly floured board to make a 4-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Place 1 tablespoon of lotus seed paste mixture in center of dough circle. Fold in sides of dough to completely enclose filling; press edges to seal. Lightly flour inside of moon cake press with 2-1/2 inch diameter cups. Place moon cake, seam side up, in mold; flatten dough to conform to shape of mold. Bang one end of mold lightly on work surface to dislodge moon cake. Place cake on ungreased baking sheet. Repeat to shape remaining cakes. Brush tops with egg yolk.

4. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F. oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a rack and let cool.

Try it and see if you like it!

To read even more recipes (including different shapes for the cakes, read Yochana's Cake Delight.

Several cities throughout the US are having festival:

San Francisco, September 23-24
Queensland, Australia, October 6
Los Angeles, September 30-October 6
New York (Staten Island Botantical Garden), September 6
For more around the world see: Chiff.com (Moon Festivals)

Tom
Sign up for my newlsetter

Madeleines: Those Tasty French Tarts

It is early morning and you are in a hurry. Quickly downing your first espresso of the morning, you noticed a jar of small, yellow cakes. You peer at the collection and recall (or perhaps you asked out of curiosity), “What are those?"

“Madeleines,” you are told.

“That’s nice,” you think and then on a whim decide to try one. It has a light texture and a hint of lemon. In less than a minute you have consumed it all and wonder about a second one.

These delightful French cakes are called Madeleines. Madeleine being the French form of Magdalene. Did Mary Magdalene make these?

Probably not, but it would make a good story to think that the repentant Magdalene decided to bake a sweet cake for the Lord’s company. Perhaps a reminder of honey cakes made for sacrifices to gods of the ancient world. Perhaps Caravaggio even had her holding one in his Penitent Magdalene before it reached its known form.

Nice story it would be. However, the real story, just as interesting and far more believable begins not so very long ago in France. Madeleines hit literary fame because Marcel Proust mentions them in his À la recherche du temps perdu (Remembrance of Things Past) published in 1923.

In a short passage he describes the cake, how he ate it and, very telling for Proust, how it produced a sensual response. You probably didn’t do it, but Proust dipped his Madeleine in his coffee (you might want to try it—but not too long lest the cake fall to the bottom). He calls the cakes petites madeleines which suggests that perhaps there was a larger version already in existence. Read an excerpt.

But whether there was or whether the appellation was just a sweet comment on their size, we still have to discover their origin.

Two theories hold competing prominence, though I would prefer the second.

One says that a young girl, Madeleine (of course!) who lived in the small village of Commercy, in the Lorraine region of France, had an occasion to meet the lately toppled king of Poland, Stanislas Leszczynski who had been exiled to Lorraine (and who was otherwise famous as the father of Marie Leszczynska, the wife of Louis XV). For some unknown reason (who needs a reason to bake a sweet cake for a friend or acquaintance?), she baked him this sweet treat. Perhaps she only had a small tart pan at hand or she wanted to tease him with just a small taste at a time. In any case, the king, enamored of the cake and the baker, called them affectionately, ‘madeleines’

The other explanation and the one that seems to have some stronger claim to the truth is that the cakes were baked and sold by nuns who might have lived in a long abandoned convent dedicated to Mary Magdalene, having adopted the recipe from an early tradition among the boulangeries of Commercy.

This story would fit with other names of monasteries being associated with their respective products, most notably perhaps Benedictine as a type of brandy produced by Benedictine monks of Fécamp. In other words, as the monks’ brandy might have been first called in French la liqueur bénédictine then shortened to (la) bénédictine, so too the cakes may have started as something like gâteux de Madeleine, then shorted to Madeleine.

Less certain (if we can be any less certain) is why they have a compressed scallop shape. There seems to be no other explanation but that the nuns or dear little Madeleine used a sort of tart pan to make the cakes quickly and easily. Or perhaps the nuns of Commercy were simply good marketers. Make a few small cakes to sell quickly and avoid waste. The little cake caught on as a quick treat, easily cupped in the hand and popped into the mouth.

Madeleines are delightful and whether tasted in a local coffee shop (dipped or not) or on a French avenue are sure to invite discussion of nuns, Polish kings and repentant prostitutes. Or maybe not.

For a recipe, check out: Recipe Zaar. For some other interesting unusual histories of food, read Patricia Stevens', Rare Bits: Unusual Origins of Popular Recipes.



Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

No Bones About It: Aztecs Ate Spanish Captives

Research confirms that Aztecs sacrificed their Spanish enemies, including children, and ate them.

The remains of some 550 people were found at the site of Zultapec. The victims were imprisoned in small cages. The sacrifices took place over days and, no doubt, those alive heard the noises of sacrifice.

The Conquistador Cortéz renamed the place Tecuaque when he heard of the sacrifices. He then sent troops to destroy it.

Anticipating the attack, the Aztecs attempted to remove evidence of the victims by throwing their belongings down wells. Unknown to them, they saved important artifacts for future study.

For a complete story, read Reuters UK: "Boiled bones show Aztecs butchered, ate invaders".

Tom

A Paris Gem: Saint-Pierre de Montmartre

Every once in a while you find some really great gem in a city that is one of the most visited places on earth.

While I was wandering Paris, taking pictures, I decided I would go up to Montmartre and Sacré Coeur. That church is interesting in its own right, but it is very crowded and to be quite honest, not half as interesting as another church that it dwarfs.

Just to the left of Sacré Coeur (as you see look at it from the front) is the little church of Saint-Pierre de Montmartre. This gem of a find is the third oldest church in Paris behind Notre Dame and Saint-Germain de Prés. But, while the megathrongs of tourists were wondering (a bit blindly) through Sacré Coeur, barely a sole bothered to stop by this intriguing though worn down church teeming with history.

Built over the top of a Roman temple to Mars, the church was constructed by Benedictine nuns who received the appointment from King Louis VI (le Gros) and Queen Alix of Savoy. In 1147, it was consecrated by Pope Eugenius III who was in town to celebrate Easter mass with the likes of Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter the Venerable of Cluny.

The church has several claims to fame. Queen Alix was buried there, though her tomb was destroyed during the French Revolution. St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and Peter Fabre, pronounced their vows here, creating the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). And the location is near where St. Denis (Dionysius) was said to have lost his head at the command of a Roman governor (and from whence he carried his head down the hill to the site of the present-day Church of St. Denis).

The church is beautiful. Do yourself a favor and avoid the crowds at Sacré Coeur. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a small gem in Paris!

Saint-Pierre de Montmartre
2, Rue du Mont-Cenis (Place du Tertre)
75018 Paris
Métro: Anvers, Abbesses
Funiculaire: Place Suzanne Valadon
No website


Tom

Victor Hugo's House in Paris

In my earlier post (Paris and Sewers), I said that I was going to visit the Musée du Quai Branly. The line was once again exceedingly long, so I continued on my way. In that same post I mentioned Victor Hugo so I decided to visit the museum in one of his houses.

La Maison de Victor Hugo, L'Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, located in the Place des Vosges (formerly Place Royal). The house is a charming 3-4 story. The ground floor has a small shop and a video presentation. The first floor shows drawings by Victor Hugo and illustrations by various artists inspired by his works.

The second floor shows the arrangement of the house proper, including a living room in Chinese style, a dining room in medievalstyle and the room in which he died.

Admission is free. It is well-worth a visit and can be a quick stop on your itinerary.

A couple of his works you might consider:




Les Misérables
Notre-Dame de Paris




Maison de Victor Hugo
6, Place des Vosges
75004 Paris
1 42 10 16
Website
Closed Mondays
Free Admission

The other house maintained as a museum is on Guernsey:

38 Hauteville
Saint-Peter-Port
Guernsey
Channel Islands
1 481 721 911

Closed Sundays
Guided tours only

Exploring the Sewers of Paris

I am always on the look out for the unusual or out-of-the-way things to do in a city like Paris. I love the Louvre, the d'Orsay and many of the typical places, but it is always fun and exciting to find something very different.

Yesterday, I was going to visit the new Musée du Quai Branly with its African, American, Asian(and more) collections. The line was too long so I will do that today. (Watch for the post.)

But walking along the river toward Notre Dame, I noticed an exit seemingly coming out of no where. At first, I thought it must be an emergency exit from the RER station but as I walked on I noticed a small kiosk and a group of people in line. "What could that be," I thought to myself.

As I ogled the crowd and the kiosk, I saw the word 'égouts'. Scanning my mental French dictionary, I could not recall this word. So I dug into my sachel and fished out my paper dictionary: sewers.

Sewers? This is a tour of the sewers? Intriguing. Perhaps disgusting, but intriguing, nonetheless. After all, how many ruined Roman sewers, aqueducts, baths and more had I explored. What made a modern sewer so much different. Well, there is the potential presence of actual waste!

In any case, I was intrigued and bought the ticket (only €4) and descended the first set of stairs.
Now, I have always been fascinated by what lies below. Just think of the miles of tunnels underlying a major metropolitan city. There are sewers, subways, parking areas, and more. Just by going to the metro, one descends any number of years into the past.

The Musée des Égouts has got to be one of the least visited but most fascinating museums in Paris. Situated on the left bank side of the Pont de l'Alma (Place de la Résistance), the museum is easily missed. There is a sign indicating its presence, but it is a bit overwhelmed by the roadway directional signs pointing to Invalides, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and a plethora more.

That the museum is not busy gives you ample time to wonder about how fresh water gets to the city and how waste water gets out. And you can take your time reading the informational panels and looking at the equipment used to keep the sewers clean.

There is a lot here, but perhaps the two most interesting things to me were: 1) that there is a communicating tunnel under the Seine that takes waste water from the Left Bank to the Right Bank; and, 2) that until the Middle Ages drinking water was taken from the Seine.

Ok, there is one more interesting point: Victor Hugo has Jean Valjean carry the body of Marius through the sewers. Makes me want to read Les Misérables again.

Paris page
History of Sewers (more interesting page, with pictures)

Tom

On Archimedes and Palimpsests

Take a piece of paper and a pencil with medium-hard and dark lead. Now write something on the paper with that pencil. Anything will do--just write.

Now, erase. Yes, I said, erase. But don't obliterate. Just make the appearance of writing go away.

Now turn the paper sideways and write something else.

You have just created a palimpsest. "A what?" You say.

A palimpsest: writing material with something erased and used again. That simple.

That is just what happened to a text written by Archimedes. Or better, several texts by Archimedes, one by Hyperides and some other parchment texts.

This is not anything new: there are plenty of palimpsests out there.

But the science, mathematics, history and classics fields are all abuzz with the revelation of the text of the Syracusan, Archimedes.

The texts, found beneath the text of a 13th century Byzantine set of Greek prayers provides these fields with the only Greek texts of Archimedes' The Method of Mechanical Theorems and Stomachion (a game played with polygons arranged to form a square (see Stomachion: Introduction) from which the player would attempt to create interesting shapes), and the only Greek text of one: On Floating Bodies.

The other parchment used also contains a text from 4th century BC orator, Hyperides. This is the most complete text of his; the rest survive only in small fragments.

And there is much more to the palimpsest: there are Neoplatonic texts, more liturgical works and some, as of yet, undeciphered texts.

Simply put the Archimedes Palimpsest is an incredible find. The prayer book was identified as a palimpsest containing Archimedes as early as 1899 but it was not until 1998 that the book made it into the public sphere where it could be properly examined and deciphered. See more at NPR: A Prayer Book's Secret: Archimedes Lies Beneath.

Now imagine that you are baking some tasting cookies or other item requiring butter. For some reason you cannot measure the amount of butter you need (let's say, 1 cup). But you then remember something your mother told you. Take a large measuring cup (say, 4 cups), fill it with cold water to 3 cups and then slowly drop in chunks of butter. When the water level reaches the 4 cup mark you know you have 1 cup of butter. You might say "Eureka!"

This is just what Archimedes is reported to have said when he discovered the principle of buoyancy. As the story goes, King Hiero of Syracuse was suspicious of a metalworker charged with designing a pure gold crown, thinking that he might have taken some of the gold provided him and replaced it with silver. Hiero asked Archimedes to investigate but he was not allowed to damage the crown in anyway.

Supposedly, as one does, Archimedes took a bath when faced with a seemingly unsolvable problem. But this solved it for him. As he gingerly sat himself in the water (or maybe he just jumped in), he noticed the overflow. He didn't freak as some of us might as seeing so much water spill everywhere.

Instead, he realized that his body--of a certain density--displaced a measurable amount of water. Knowing that gold is denser than silver, he realized that he could give the crown a bath and solve the problem. Running naked through the streets, he shouted, "Eureka!" (Greek for "I found (the solution)".)

Perhaps the poor scribe (whose name we know (an interesting fact in itself): Johannes Myronas) was only trying to clothe the crazy Greek before setting down his sacred tracts!

In any case, we now have a tremendous cultural artifact.

Tom

Finding Caravaggio

It has recently been a thrill for me to discover three Caravaggio paintings in Rome. I have been to Rome many, many times, and I have a person goal to see all the Caravaggios that exist. But for all these years, I had not yet seen three paintings on the life of St. Matthew.

Checking my list I noticed that The Calling of St. Matthew, The Angel and St. Matthew and The Martyrdom of St. Matthew were all located in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi (St. Louis of the French). I made a mental note to look for that church sometime this summer.

After my tours ended, I thought I would wander a little to see what I could see. A friend was visiting and we went to the L'Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. An interesting place all its own (especially the 'mother house' in Florence).

As we were walking away from the Piazza Navona I saw a sign for the Piazza de San Luigi dei Francesi. My brain skipped a few beats as I tried to discern why this seemed significant. I then pulled out my (yes, old-fashioned) note paper and scanned my list of Caravaggios--there it was a listing of three in the church that was located on this piazza.

I walked into the church and as I slowly made my way toward the small side chapel where the painting were located, my excitement grew, anticipating this viewing. Several other great paintings passed, but as soon as I saw the play of light and dark, and the dark punctuated with color, I knew I had reached the spot. I felt myself on the verge of weeping with joy at seeing such beauty. My companion listened patiently as I described each painting and the history behind the paintings.

In a previous post (Caravaggio in a new light), I mentioned the digital Caravaggio exhibit at the Loyola University Museum of Art in Chicago. This is a great way to see the paintings if you cannot get to see the real thing!

Celebrating Picasso's 125th Birthday

In honor of Picasso's 125th birthday this year, Museo del Prado in Madrid is showing of the master's work. It is an appropriate place for this exhibit: it not only honors Picasso's work but also his museum directorship, 1936-1939.

The Museo de la Reina Sofía is also the place to see Picasso in Spain.

For general information on Picasso and the exhibits the joint museum site.

Tom

Nero's Golden House & Grotesque Art Style

Greetings from Rome!

You may have found this blog quiet for a while but that doesn't mean there has been a lack of interesting things. I have just finished a tour of Spain with 13 people. It was a great tour and now I am getting ready to start the first Rome tour of the summer.

In the past few years, one of the exciting sites to open was the Domus Aurea or the Golden House of Nero. The house smacked of opulence and gave rise to the artistic style we have come to call grotesque.

Unfortunately, fall flooding caused the closing of the Domus until further notice. Those who were looking forward to seeing the magnificient construction, partially covered over by later emperors, will be a little disappointed. But the way things have been going in Rome, the Domus will re-open and we will once again be able to see the house that Nero built. Information on the site can be found on the Superintendent of Archaeology of Rome site (English is available, but was not working as of this posting).

The grotesque style of art, characterized by human and animal forms, often with seemingly unrealistic attitudes, along with free use of surrealistic foliage, arose from the first discovery of the Domus Aurea. In the 16th century, the likes of Michelangelo skinnied through a hole dug into what everyone thought was a cave or underground grotto. What they discovered were the magnificiently painted ceilings of the Domus Aurea.

Slowly artists began to incorporate this type of artistic decoration into their own work giving rise to the grotesque or grotto-like art. Only later, due to the over use and sometimes seemingly extravagant styling does the word come to mean our sense of disgusting.

Read about the grotesque style on the Giornale Nuovo blog.

Una vita non basta!

Tom

Jason and the Argonauts

One of my favorite trivia questions to ask students used to be 'Tell me the name of the ship on which the Argonauts sailed.' I rarely received the correct answer, "The Argo."

Now, Jason and his companions, if they were alive, might get a chance to sail once again on the Argo.

A project is underway by the Naudomos Institute in the Greek port of Volos to reconstruct the famed Argo using hand tools. Volos is the site of ancient Iolcos, the starting point from where the Argonauts journeyed to retrieve the Golden Fleece.

We do not actually know what the ship looked like, but we can begin to get some understanding by examining ancient shipping accounts, vase paintings and the like to come to some reasonable conclusion.

Of course, once the ship is constructed, the next step is to actually sail and row it. The big question is whether there are rowers capable of rowing for 10-15 hours per day. You can volunteer if you like (yes, really).

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Ara Pacis in Rome re-opens

After several years of being closed to the public, the great altar of peace (ara pacis) built by Emperor Augustus in 9AD has be reopened.

American architect, Richard Meier was commissioned to design a new building to protect the important artifact. His design replaces the 1938 Fascist building.

As with many new things built to protect old things, there are fans and there are critics. Read a little about the new building on CBC: "Controversial Redesign Shows off Ancient Ara Pacis".

The altar was erected in 9 AD to celebrate Augustus' successes and to mark a period of peace (the pax romana). The reopening occurred on Saturday, April 21, the traditional founding date of Rome in 753BC.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Shakespeare year-long festival and Happy Birthday

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a grand festival of the master playwrights works: one year full of great entertainment and delight. All this will take place in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare and theater companies from around the world will be taking their turn on the boards.

Moreover, some plays will be performed in other languages than English (or at least parts of them will be in other languages). Several venues have been booked for the performances.

BBC News has a full article on the plan. The Royal Shakespeare Company homepage has complete information including accommodations and timetables. The festival begins this April and runs through April 2007, in commemoration of Shakespeare's traditional birth date, April 23 1564. So, to end this--Happy Birthday, William!

Tom

6500 Year Old Gold Pendant in Thessaloniki

What an experience this must have been. A hiker from Greece was traipsing through a field near Ptolemaida, Greece and came across a shiny gold object.

It turns out that the object is a 6500 year old pendant. Not only that, it is one of only three such artifacts ever found! Read the article here.

Ptolemaida is about 90 miles from Thessaloniki in the ancient homeland of Alexander the Great.

Tom

Pyramid in Bosnia?

There is quite a stir among popular and scholarly circles with the news that a step pyramid has been discovered in Bosnia.

MSNBC.com reports that Semir Osmanagić, a Bosnian archaeologist, has confirmed the presence of walls of the pyramids. A second MSNBC.com article also discusses the find.

For a discussion of the find and a great picture that clearly shows a pyramid shaped hill, see the blog Unjournaled: Pyramid found - in the heart of Bosnia.

This is an exciting find and worth the continued work on discovering the nature of the pyramid and perhaps finding clues about the people who constructed. Some think that it may have been built by 'pre-Illyrians' or Illyrians who existed before 600AD. Illyria was also under Roman control, but no mention of pyramid building in Europe is made by them.

For a video clip, see Politiken in Dutch).

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Antiquities Smugglers

In days gone by, you could easily pick up an antiquity and take it to your mansion. The Schliemanns and the Hearsts of the world enjoyed them in a way most of us will not ever be able to do.

And while I admit that I'd really like an ancient bust of Sophocles or Antinous or a bronze statute of a charioteer, I am glad that there are people out there making sure that these treasured items are not stolen, selfishly kept or destroyed.

One place I have not visited, but long to do so is the Getty museum in Malibu, California. It is well-known for its collection of antiquities and its replica Roman villa.

However, it has just been confirmed that the former curator, Marion True, may be connected to ring of antiquities smugglers.

The Times of London reports that hundreds of antiquities were found sequestered in a private estate on the small Cycladean island of Schinoussa.

True is already on trial in Rome for conspiracy to traffic in antiquities and it turns out that one of the villas on the island is also owned by her. True resigned in 2005 after the Getty cited possible conflict of interest when she obtained the loan to purchase her villa on Schinoussa.

One wonders how long she has been at this and how much she has gained from it.

Rogue Classicism has an entry on the discovery; Art.Blogging.LA has more on True's indictment; and Cronaca has some general comment on True's trial

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

PS See my previous posts on the Getty:
Getty Tickets
Getty Villa re-opening

Roman Empire City Building

You may have heard of SimCity and various titles with the 'Sims'.

Now another company, CDV Entertainment and Enlight Software have teamed up to bring a city building game set in the Roman Empire called The Glory of The Roman Empire.

News is just coming out and the game has not been release.

Have a look at the game's website to see more about this game.

I will certainly be watching for it to play and see what its like.

Tom

Happy Birthday, Leonardo da Vinci!

April 15, 1452.

554 years ago, a genius was born. Leonardo, Il Fiorentino or da Vinci, was born to his father, Ser Piero and his mistress Caterina.

Much has been said about Leonardo, his genius, his secrets and more. An interesting angle is from the University of Padua.

In this blog, I just want to mention a new book on his genius and suggest it.

Bülent Atalay's, Math and the Mona Lisa: The Art and Science of Leonardo da Vinci, is a great look at the intertwining of science and art, as exemplified by Leonardo. Atalay not only looks at this man's genius but also highlights the historical milieu of scientific and mathematic learning, ranging from the Greeks to the Muslims and to the Chinese and Egyptians. He explains clearly the 'golden proportion', the introduction of Arabic 'numerals' into Western mathematics and the theory of relativity.

There are a couple of caveats. The author is sometimes a bit longwinded and takes time to get to his point. There are some technical errors (for example, he calls 'alimony' an exception to the prefix al- of Arabic origin; but the al- in alimony is not a prefix, but rather a part of the compound word originating from Latin meaning to nourish or sustain), and some endnotes are missing. But overall the book is fascinating and easy to read.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

Machu and Huayna Picchu

Just what are these names? Machu Picchu means 'old mountain' and Huayna Picchu means 'new mountain' in Quechua.

Hiram Bingham, the 'discoverer' was led to Machu Picchu by a local, Melchor Arteaga, when he was camped nearby at Mandor Pampa.

Read more about the mountains on The Advertiser: A peak at Inca past.

As seems to be a regular event these days, Perú is considering suing Yale University for return of artifacts from Machu Picchu. USA Today gives some overview of the controversy. And Yale Daily News gives their view of the issue.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter.

The many faces of Perú

Perú is a fascinating country. From the lowland, coastal regions of Lima to the high Andes, you can experience a full variety of cultural flavor.

Speaking of flavor, do you know one of the traditional dishes of Perú?

Cuy (pronounced koo-ee) is a particular specialty in Cuzco. Whereas most food prices are very inexpensive, Cuy is nearly 10 times as expensive. If you want to try it, you need to order it the day before (I don't know why!). And unless you are pretty willing to try something very different and new, at that price, I wouldn't bother.

What exactly is this delicacy?

Ready?

It is guinea pig. Nicely roasted and served warm--yummy! Personally, I prefer cuy picante (roasted guinea pig in a spicy, red sauce).

Would you like to make your own? Here is a recipe from Fundación Intervida.

Why would you want to eat cuy? Well, for one, it is quite rich in protein. For another, it is actually quite good. (Don't be put off by how it is served: head on and split down the middle.)

More than just eating guinea pig, it seems that the guinea pig has been used for healing and for diagnosing diseases. See the interesting article on these properties.

Tom

John Paul II and Travels with Saints

Today (April 2, 2006) is the one-year anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. As most of us know, immediately after his death, shouts of "Santo Subito" were heard throughout St. Peter's square. The cry of the gathered crowd indicated the belief among them that John Paul was a holy man and worth of immediate sainthood.

For those of you who might particularly interested in the lives of the saints throughout Italy, I would recommend Lucinda Vardey's Traveling with the Saints in Italy: Contemporary Pilgrimages on Ancient Paths.

The book proves valuable for providing itineraries that take in the places where saints tread. For those who might be interested in the spiritual side, Vardey also gives some direction connected to each saint's way of life. The book, though at times lacking good editing, is useful for tracing the lives and trails of these unique individuals.

Tom

Palace of the Greek Hero, Ajax

Do you believe in anything from the Iliad? Heinrich Schliemann, of course, believed that he could find Troy. He did. But what else can we believe from the epic tale woven by Homer?

Archaeologists have now unearthed the remains of a fantastic 3200 year old palace on the island of Salamis, off the coast of Greece, not far from Athens.

Ajax was the second greatest hero of the Trojan war behind Achilles. He brought his men from the kingdom of Salamis to fight in the contest to return the legendary beauty, Helen.

But most of what we know of Ajax has been the subject of epic, tragedy and legend.

Now we have some physical evidence to which we can attach a reality to this tremendous hero.

But more than helping us to place this hero in a historical context, the find adds to our understanding of the ancient world in the period after the Trojan war and before historical times.

And beyond the Greek world, the site has yielded a copper mail shirt referencing Ramses II. This find contributes to our understanding of the extent of trade and interaction among the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean.

Regardless of the debate that will ensue, I will visit this site next time I am in Greece and thrill at the thought that we have found the palace of a great hero.

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter

Sarcophagus with scenes of Iliad and Odyssey

Ancient Sarcophagus Unearthed in Cyprus - Yahoo! News

Another article with better pictures:
USATODAY.com - Ancient sarcophagus unearthed in Cyprus


An exciting find worth visiting Cyprus for!

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter

House of the Flying Cupids open in Pompeii

After 10 years of work, the Archaeological Superintendent of Pompeii has reopened one of the best examples of art and architecture styles from the era of Nero.

The beautiful house that was belonged to Gnaeus (Cnaeus) Poppaeus featured gilded, flying cupids, hence its name.

The house demonstrates the changing styles of Pompeiian art and architecture and will delight visitors. In particular, the public spaces are fine examples of the so-called 'third-style'. Elsewhere, scenes of Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology adorn walls, gardens and peristyles.

The statuary and other salvageable remains are viewable in the Naples Archaeological Museum.

The Italian news agency, ANSA, has a brief story. For details of the house itself, visit the Archaeological Superintendent of Pompeii page.

But be sure to make reservations for viewings. Visit the Arethusa page. The page is only available in Italian.

• Click on Scavi di Pompei
• Click on Prenotazioni
• Click the last entry for Casa degli Amorini dorati
• Indicate your desired visit date (at the bottom of the page)

You can also use the Arethusa for making reservations to other sites.

Tom

Sign up now for the Ubiquity International newsletter.

St. Patrick's Feast Day

As you celebrate St. Patrick's Day and lift the Irish Gold (or green) in toast, here are some words of encouragement to bestow upon your comrades:

• May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.
• May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends gathered below never fall out.
• A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.
• As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.
• May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

For more Irish toasts and blessings, even a few curses, check out this Salute to Ireland!

Or you can learn a few Gaelic phrases, like saol fada chugat - a long life to you!

-Tom

Caesar's death--oh, the air we breathe!

Rome. March 15, 44BC.

2050 years ago today, Gaius Julius Caesar was stabbed to death. Thus came an end to suspected tyranny and attempts at total rule. Or so the Roman people thought.

This is not an entry about the death of Caesar and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Rather it is an entry about how the death of this one man still affects so much of what we do.

Even still, this is not about the institutions of Senators or checks and balances or any other host of inherited political devices from the Romans. Nor is it an entry to comment on the disturbing parallelism between the fall of the Roman Empire and our country's downturn.

No, this is a different sort of entry.

First, let's get one thing straight. Caesar was not killed in the forum. I know, some of you will rush of to cite any number of sources, probably including the much, much later version by Shakespeare.

But the fact is that the Senate house (curia) in the forum was being refurbished, having been almost completely destroyed by fire.

Instead, on that morning of March 15 (the ides), Caesar set off across the forum, up over the Capitoline hill and to the Senate's temporary meeting place at the Portico of Pompey. The portico was the 'porch' or colonnaded area of the theater that Pompey (yes, the very same Pompey who was against Caesar) had built.

None of the theater or the portico is visible today except a small part of the undercroft in the small restaurant, Ristorante Pancrazio on Piazza del Biscione. In the same area, we can see the curvature of buildings based on the underlying destroyed foundations.

Now there is one more little twist to this story. No, there is no more evidence of the perpetrators or any secret document discovered.

Instead, Robert Krulwich discusses in NPR's Morning Edition for March 15, that given so many molecules are exhaled by humans, we are still breathing some of Caesar's dying breath. The number exhaled is not exactly known, though some scientists claim it to be about 10 to the 23rd. Even with that number, no one really knows how many we inhale after someone else exhales. Do we have one molecule or Caesar's breath or three? Who knows?

But one thing is clear: Caesar is still relevant and still affects us today!

Oh, and one more thing. Those ides. They sound ominous even now, "Beware the ides of March." But what are they? Very briefly, it is simply the Roman designation for the 15th of March (or May, July and October; the ides was the 13th day of other months.) At the time, it was no more ominous than saying 'Hey, it's March 15.' (And no, it was not at all like saying, "Hey, it's Friday the 13th!")

Tom

Rinnce Fada and The Hey--Irish dancing

Rinnce Fada a form of Irish dancing that has a rich history.

Rinnce Fada or 'long dance' is perhaps the most familiar form of Irish dancing, at least recently.

Dancers stand in long lines, sometimes facing each other. With their arms still at their sides, the dancers tap out various sounds with their feet. The dance can be quite strenuous.

The dance is sometimes called just fada or fading.

With the advent of Michael Flatley's Riverdance and Lord of the Dance we are becoming acquainted again with this traditional dance form. Flatley has been instrumental in reviving interest in Irish dancing and just this last weekend opened a festival in Manchester, England to carry that enthusiasm to thousands. Read the article in the Irish Post.

Another intriguing Irish dance is the Hey. Whereas the fada is danced in straight lines, the hey is dance in a circle or other figure. The same energetic foot movements are used, as well as the colorful outfits.

Tom

Hiding from the Romans in Israel

March 13, 2006. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced that a series of tunnels have been uncovered in the Kfar Kana area north of Nazareth.

The tunnels were apparently used to avoid the Roman armies in 66AD. Read the press release here: Tunnel Discovery.

By 66AD, the Roman occupancy of the territory was a tremendous strain on the people. Much resistance ensued. Gessius Florus, the Procurator of Judea, attempted to squash the revolt but was defeated while attempting to destroy Jerusalem.

The emperor Nero ordered the general, Vespasian (later to become emperor) to put down the revolt. Vespasian was fairly successful but left the final destruction of Jerusalem to his son Titus.

Titus (also later emperor) destroyed the temple in 70AD and carried a great wealth back in triumph. A remembrance of his victory triumph can bee seen in the arch of Titus that marks the entrance to the Roman forum, approaching from the Colosseum.

Tom

Rembrandt turns 400!

Bloomberg.com. Amsterdam Celebrates Rembrandt Birthday, Aims to Lure Tourists

In honor of Rembrandt's 400th birthday there is a lot going on in Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum site for the celebrations: Rembrandt 400.

Those traveling through Amsterdam's airport, Schiphol, can get in on the celebration too. The museum is having a special exhibit at the airport covering the work of Rembrandt's students, including Gerard Dou, Carel Fabritius and Govert Flinck. The airport exhibit is from 2 March through 30 May.

What a great way to pass the layover time!

At the Rijksmuseum, an interesting exhibit on works that were once believed to be by Rembrandt is going on from 9 March through 24 May. The same exhibit will then be on display at Schiphol from 1 June through 5 September. The exhibit explains how art professionals determine the authenticity of paintings. This is well worth a visit.

And an interesting combined exhibit is also underway at the Van Gogh museum. Rembrandt and Caravaggio are displayed together in this exciting display of the masters. This exhibit runs from 24 Februrary through 18 June. Visit the exhibit's website here: Rembrandt-Caravaggio.

Tom

"Gospel of Judas"

Christian Science Monitor: A gospel's rocky path from Egypt's desert to print

This by itself was an interesting find: a manuscript that seems to be another telling of the gospel stories, this time from the point of view of Judas Iscariot.

But there is far more intrigue surrounding this gospel than perhaps even Steven Spielberg could create.

The document was revealed in 1983 in Geneva. But the 'owner' wanted $3,000,000 for it. After 23 years it seemed that National Geographic was ready to publish a translation.

But not so fast.

There is now an international legal debate over ownership and rights of sale.

We are back to square one. Without the proper publication of the document and access by scholars, we cannot even begin to address its authorship.

Tom

Pushing the date of sea travel

Archaeology Team Discovers Oldest Remains of Seafaring Ships in the World

The discovery of 4000 year old ships capable of sailing the high seas with cargo and people opens up a world of possibilities for civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians.

We already knew that the Egyptians were capable of building some great ships, but this discovery confirms that they were even better than we might have believed (or imagined).

The ships found on the coast of the Red Sea were bound for Punt, an ancient city that is the subject of controversy and scholarly debate.

That Queen Hatshepsut sent a fleet to Punt is documented, but the location of the city is uncertain. Some believe it to be at the horn of Africa.

This opens up considerable possibilities for the sea-faring activities of ancient Egypt and other ancient peoples.

Tom.

Lost Civilization of Sumbawa

Scientists Claim to Find Lost Civilization

Scholars have learned quite a bit about cities such as Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy by digging deep into the aftermath of Vesuvius. They have learned some things about the people of Troy and Alexandria.

But a discovery of a different civilization is exciting everyone around the world.

April 10, 1815 is a relatively recent event, making this find particularly interesting because we have recent accounts of the people and civilization before Sumbawa Island was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Tambora.

We can also begin to understand how the people in the path of Mt. Vesuvius must have suffered even though they were not as close as Pompeii.

The results of the eruption of Mt. Tambora were felt around the world, causing significant atmospheric changes.

Tom.

Cádiz, Spain

In a previous post (Atlantis off the coast of Spain?) I discussed possible locations for ancient Atlantis. My favorite choice is off the coast of Cádiz, a seaport on the Atlantic coast of Spain, near the Straits of Gibraltar.

There is a lot to learn about this fascinating city. The earliest history we know is that the city began as a Phoenician trading port. The Phoenicians called it Gadir. (Phoenician, Gdr, means a wall or enclosed/fortified space.) It was a wealthy city trading in amber, tin and silver. The city continued to be important under the Carthagians (Carthage was another city founded by the Phoenicians), the Greeks (who called the city Gadeira) and the Romans who called it Gades.

The city fell into squalor after it was sacked by Alfonso X, wresting it from the control of the Moors in 1262.

The city saw a revival though when Christopher Columbus sailed from its ports and naturally returned there with new wealth.

For more on this incredible city, visit the City of Cádiz homepage.

Consider visiting Cádiz on the Ubiquity International tour "Moors, Romans and Conquistadores" of Spain led by Alexa Flores-Hull.

Joan of Arc's trial begins...

February 21 marked the 575th anniversary of the beginning of the trial for heresy against Jeanne d'Arc.

A selection of the transcript from her trial can be found here. Also here, including the accusations.

There are a lot of books and materials on Jeanne d'Arc, but here are a few selections to get started.

Régine Pernoud's Joan of Arc (By Herself and Her Witnesses).



For a dramatic interpretation with heavy emphasis on gender (from a lesbian perspective) read Carolyn Gage's The Second Coming of Joan of Arc.



And or a curious and completely different interpretation of the whole story, read Mark Twain's, Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc.




Tom

Death of Martin Luther

On February 18, the 460th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther passed rather quietly. Luther was 62 years old a that time of his death.

We have all heard of Luther's '95 theses' that challenged the papal abuses and the sale of indulgences. But can any of us recite the 95 points he asked to be discussed at his church in Wittenberg?

Give it a try and then confirm the points on the Project Wittenberg site.

For Luther's writing in German, click here.

And to read more about Wittenberg, Germany, visit its site.

Tom

National Museum in Sana'a, Yemen, reopens

A little visited museum that houses a wealth of archaeological history from ancient times to the near modern.

The museum was originally opened in 1971 but lacked a sufficient number of experts to maintain the collection. In 1977, the Netherlands decided to give assistance in developing the museum and its collections.

By1997 the collections had grown quite large and major renovation was required. Now the museum has finally re-opened.

Read the article in Yemen Observer.

A brief summary of the exhibits can be found on the Yemen Museum site. The collections include Yemeni historical artifacts, pre-Christian artifacts and pre- and post-Mohammedan artifacts. The artifacts include statues, papyrus fragments, coins, weapons and other human remains.

Tom

Massive Greek tomb near Pella in Northern Greece

International News Article Reuters.com

Now there is another great reason to go to northern Greece.

Some of you may recall the tomb at Vergina, believed by many to be the tomb of Phillip, the father of Alexander the Great. (Click to go to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture site about Vergina.)

Well, now another massive underground tomb has been unearthed near Pella, the birthplace of Alexander.

The tomb seems to have been raided a few times, but happy for us and archaeologists great amounts of artifacts were found and the stele still contained the names of those buried there.

Very intriguing are the vibrant colors found painted on the chamber walls, a testament to the bright colors favored by the peoples of this area and period.

Tom

New revelations at Emperor Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli

ANSA.it - News in English - Hadrian's Villa hides more secrets

If you have been to the emperor's villa you know how peaceful it is. As you walk around and find a bit of shade you can also imagine how relaxing it must have been for the emperor. This is true though the villa is really a small city and served as the emperor's place of business away from Rome.

Now there is another reason to go back. Archaeologists have uncovered a staircase under what has usually been called the palestra (or exercise area). It seems that perhaps the area actually marked the original entrance to the villa.

I can't wait to see the new find--open to the public next year sometime.

A time-honored read about Hadrian is Marguerite Yourcenar's Memoirs of Hadrian. For a more academic read try Stewart Perowne's Hadrian. For a discussion of the relationship of the emperor to his favorite, Antinous, read Beloved and God by Royston Lambert. Lambert gives a good analysis of the relationship but also the downturn of Hadrian's character after Antinous' death.



Tom

Project to reveal more about the Medicis

ANSA.it - News in English - Medici tombs to unearth secrets

While researches long to find some answers to the Medici intrigue, some of what has been found has resulted in one short conclusion: despite their ruthlessness and extravagance, in the end they were still like the rest of us. Gout, heart disease and bone decay were among the causes of their deaths.

Tom

Plague in Athens--Typhoid or not (take 2)

In a post on 1/29/06 I referenced a report that an article in the International Journal of Infectious Disease concluded typhoid was responsible for the death thousands in Athens in around 430BC bringing about the eventual downfall of Athens. See the online abstract of the article here: M. J. Papagrigorakis, et al., DNA examination of ancient dental pulp incriminates typhoid fever as a probable cause of the Plague of Athens. International Journal of Infectious Disease. (When the article is available with a citation I will make a new post.)

Now, however, before this article is in print, a challenge has been made to its conclusion. B. Shapiro, et al., reply in an article that has been accepted for by the same journal question some of the methodology of the Papagrigorakis, et al., and conclude that "What is certain is that the sequences obtained do not implicate typhoid as the cause of the plague." When that become available online, I will post a link to the abstract.

Tom

Two Caravaggio paintings discovered

BBC NEWS Europe: Delight at Caravaggio discovery

It is not completely settled, but the news that two paintings by Caravaggio hung unnoticed in a small church in Loches (in the Loire region of France) for two centuries, is enough to excite Caravaggio enthusiasts.

Some experts argue the paintings, 'Saint Thomas Putting his Finger on Christ's Wound' and 'Pilgrimage of Our Lord to Emmaus' may be copies of Caravaggio's work.

But the majority thinks they are genuine; if so, it is a delight to have these paintings added to the known works of Caravaggio.

Very telling in determining the authenticity and date of the painting is the presence of the coat of arms of Philippe de Bethune a French ambassador and well known art collector and acquaintance of Caravaggio's.

I have linked here M by Peter Robb, an interesting (though sometimes criticized for its straightforwardness and daring) account of Caravaggio's life. It is also helpful in understanding dating and authentication problems. It also explains why a person such as de Bethune would be so willing to intervene on Caravaggio's behalf.


Personally, I can't wait to see the paintings!



Tom

PS. I listed two other blogs that have information on Caravaggio. They don't seem to have published on this new find yet. They are:

Caravaggio Gallery
Art Muses

The fall of Athens

News in Science - Typhoid brought down Ancient Greeks - 24/01/2006

We know that the Athenians suffered greatly and from all sorts of disease especially during the war with Sparta.

Now DNA studies have helped to add more information to the fall of Athens. From research it seems that typhoid fever was the cause of the plague that brought about such incredible death and suffering.

Tom

Visiting Italy? Here Is A List of Exciting New Exhibits

Are you planning a trip to Italy?

If so, here is a list of exciting new exhibits in Italy: Arts guide: exhibitions in Italy (Ansa.it).

This article lists a number of exhibits that will be open around Italy - some run as late as June.

The list includes World War II era anti-war art by Picasso, Warhol, Dix and others in Bergamo: Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Bergamo (ends February 15).

In Codroipo-Udine, photography as a field of Italian art (ends March 5): Villa Manin Centre for Contemporary Art.

In Florence at the Archivio di Stato di Firenze: documents on the life of Leonardo da Vinci, including the only record of his birth (ends March 5).

In Milan, Keith Haring (ends January 29) at the Triennale and Caravaggio (ends February 6) at the Palazzo Reale.

In Turin there is an exhibit of the Papyrus of Artemidorus, the world's oldest map (opens February 8 and ends May 7) at the Palazzo Bricherasio.

There are many more from the article. If you would like to have weblinks to others, let me know.

Tom

More to be found in the Roman Forum

USATODAY.com - Archaeologists find tomb under Roman Forum

You've probably wandered around the Forum Romanum and saw a few archaeologists here and there. You probably also thought to yourself 'hmm...are they going to find anything else?'

Well, they did. And it is significant.

A tomb from about 1000BC has been uncovered and the archaeologists are now speculating that it is part of a larger necropolis.

This pushes the date of settlement in the area back before the Romans.

Previously the earliest finds were on the Palatine hill (just above the forum) dating from the 8th century BC.

Now that is a good reason to go back to Rome! How about going in June? How about in July?

Tom

Atlantis off the coast of Spain?

BBC NEWS Science/Nature Satellite images 'show Atlantis': "Antiquity"

This article appeared in 2004 but the research is still being carried on.

I personally think there is some credence to it and it is well worth consideration.

One of the biggest problems with placing Atlantis in the Mediterranean is that no one who does so can convincingly answer where 'beyond the pillars of Heracles' is. However, the most famous and longest known pillars are what we call the strait of Gibraltar.

Finding evidence of a significant civilization beyond them helps to make sense of the Atlantis story.

Moreover, the evidence of what destruction can come from an earthquake such as might destroy part of the Canary Islands makes perfect sense of the destruction that befell Atlantis.

More on this in future posts.

Tom

PS There is no end of debate. Another scientist suggests Ireland...

National Geographic News: Atlantis "Evidence" Found in Spain and Ireland

Chinese archaeologist - 10,000 year old relics

Xinhua - English: 10,000-year-old reilcs site found in wesern Beijing

Discovery helps to shed light on the 'Upper Cave Man' who is believed to have lived some 20,000 years ago in China.

Some other questions remained unanswered such as the use of a particular pigment made from hematite.

But the tomb site is very well-preserved and adds important information to Chinese archaeology.

Tom.

Italy and China meet again

Xinhua - English: "Year of Italy in China" launched in Beijing

For many people the most connection they know of between China and Italy is the visit there by Marco Polo beginning in 1266, and the allegedly resultant feud about the inventors of pasta.

But now there is a different opportunity to see the mixing of these diverse cultures.

A year long 'cultural gala' has opened in China and will be shown in several major cities including Shanghai and Hong Kong.

And until the 23rd of January in Beijing an exhibit of Italian Renaissance paintings is on display at the Millennium World Art Museum of the Centennial Altar.

Tom

Caravaggio in a new light

An exciting new exhibit of Caravaggio open in Chicago through Februrary 11, 2006.

Tutta l'opera del Caravaggio: una mostra impossibile (The Official Site)

Loyola University Museum of Art (The First American Viewing)

A couple of news articles about the exhibit:

Digital magic conjures the impossible (The Australian)

Is It Still Art If It's a Reproduction? (Voice of America)

There are only about two dozen Caravaggio paintings in existence today (not counting paintings attributed to him or of uncertain origin). To see them all, one would need to travel from Texas to St. Petersburg to Rome to Paris...to only name a few stops. Or one would have to convince a number of smaller churches to loan these works.

This is not an impossible task.

Nor is it impossible to have those paintings that are hung in museums borrowed by other museums.

But to have all the known paintings available for viewing in one location is practically impossible.

That is, until now.

A new electronic exhibit of the paintings has been made available by Rai-Radiotelevisione Italiana, Italy's government broadcaster.

It may not be as good as seeing the real thing, but take a look a that the first link above. This is the project's official page. If you are beginning your research on Caravaggio or you want your children to have a taste of his great work, this site really helps.

There are some drawbacks. For example, the zoom function quickly pixelates the image and you are better off looking at it in normal view. An annoyance is that once you enter it, the normal browser window closes and you are left with navigation only within the site itself (for example, you will not see the browser address bar again, so if you want to bookmark it, do so before entering the site.)

But despite that, I really like the site. It makes a great teaching tool and a great opportunity to see the works in the farthest reaches of the world (presuming even there you have internet access!).

But the website is only the first step. After a successful runs in Rome, Naples and Malta, the exhibit makes its American debut in Chicago at the Loyola Museum of Art (second link above).

The nagging question, and I think the one downfall of the exhibit, is just how much 'light is shed on these paintings'? What I mean, of course, is the never ending concern that Caravaggio painted many of his paintings for spaces that had far less light than even, perhaps, the weakest computer screen provides. But since this is an electronic exhibition, it would seem that light is necessarily more abundant and particularly variable.

I am not suggesting that the light shouldn't be altered. After all, looking at Boy Bitten by a Lizard in its original setting, one would find it difficult to find the lizard. On the other hand, to experience the painting the way the master (perhaps) intended would be a thrill all its own.

So I herald this exhibit; but I would also say we should use it as a stepping stone. Perhaps the analogy is too mean but instead of being satisfied with the faux Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas, visit the real one when you get the chance.

Instead of being satisfied with the elections display of a master's work, use it as an inspiration to see the real thing.

Tom

PS. There are some other blogs around that have information on Caravaggio and a discussion of this exhibit. Here is just a sampling:

Caravaggio Gallery

Vietnam silk weaving kept alive

Nhan Dan --- Culture

Keeping the silk weaving tradition alive, this man has undertaken to restore royal garb.

Tom

Archaeologists and Dinosaurs in Mongolia

Mongolia sees scientists as job creators

Many treasures assumed to have been taken to Europe are being found from as early as 10AD.

France is also helping with restoration work.

Tom

Ancient Greek temple found in Albania

Newly Located Greek Temple to Be Discussed at AIA Annual Meeting

This temple is only one of five stone temples known in Albania. Finding it adds to the understanding of the 5th and 6th century Greek presence. It's size (14m by 40m) and age (late 6th century) are signficant.

Tom

Polish help Iraqi Archaeologists

New Equipment for Iraqi Archeologists

Now this is some good news out of the war-ravaged region. It is good to know that historical monuments are being protected.

Tom

Napoleon and the beginnings of Egyptology

Macon Telegraph 01/13/2006 Napoleon's exploits in Egypt subject of new exhibition

This exhibits looks quite exciting. It includes letters from Napoleon in Cairo as well as they usual treasure trove of goodies.

Tom

Donner Cannibalism Questioned

ABC News: Scientists: Donner Family Not Cannibals

Well, maybe.

No cooked human remains have been found, but the archaeology does not necessarily counter the anecdotes. Instead, it simply provides no physical evidence of the cannibalism.

Tom

Atlantis the legendary city

Atlantis - The Lost Continent Finally Found

The news of the earthquake in Greece got me to thinking about Atlantis again.

There is no end of speculation as to whether Atlantis ever exisited and where it might have been located.

I personally think that it is off the coast of Spain, as the story in Plato goes, "beyond the pillars of Heracles." I will have to expound on my theory in greater detail later.

But here is another new theory (though probably rehashed). I have not read this book to see just what he has to say. But rest assured that I will read it and let you know very soon!

Tom

Medieval Surgery - trepanning in England

BBC NEWS Health Medieval surgeons were advanced

Evidence of complicated skull surgery found from a 40 year old man believed to have lived between 960 and 1100AD.

Successful and skilled surgery credited for saving man from a potentially fatal blow.

The surgery, called trepanning, was used by the Roman and Greeks, but thought lost after the 7th century AD.

Tom

When did the Mayans start writing?

Earliest Mayan writing found in pyramid - Science - MSNBC.com

This story was brought to my attention by a reader. Thanks!

The ancient writing pushes the date of the earliest known Mayan writing by 150 years to about 250BC.

No one is quite sure of the meaning but there are plenty of linguists and archaeologists working to decipher the writing.

Part of the dating process depends on understanding the building of Mayan pyramids. Layers put down at different times helps to create a time line of construction. That time line can be used to help date the time of the writing.

Tom.

What's the earliest Christian link to China?

China Daily: Stones indicate earlier Christian link?

Some possible evidence suggesting the first Christian presence in China may be as early as 100AD. If the evidence plays out this could push the earliest known traces of Christianity in China back from 700AD, the commonly accepted earliest date.

The matter is not settled, but stone relief discussed in this article provides some possible evidence.

Tom

Ancient canals in Peru

CANOE -- CNEWS - Science: S. America's oldest-known irrigation canals found

Archaeologists think the canals are at least 5300 years old and the oldest in South America. This helps to solidify evidence of ancient Peruvian culture contemporaneous with Egyptian pyramid building.

Tom

Chinese civilization - when did it begin?

Shanghai Daily: Scientists seek origins of Chinese civilization


The fantastic achievements of Chinese civilization are well-known. But separating the legend from the reality is a difficult task.

Tom

History of the Winter Olympics

Now that we are fast approaching Februrary and the winter Olympics in Torino (Turin) I thought it would be good to have a comment about the winter games.

We know that the modern Olympics were begun in 1896 in imitation of the ancient games held in Greece. The ancient games only occurred in the summer. In fact, ancient writers complained about the excessive insect population at these games! They were held in ancient Elis on the Peloponnesus. The ancient games had only running races (the 'stade', 'diaulos' and 'dolichos'), jumping, discus throwing, boxing, 'martial arts' (the 'pancration'), wrestling and horseriding. Rules were a bit lax in some cases: boxers could gouge out eyes. But the rules could also be harsh: anyone who missed an event were flogged!

The idea of a winter set of games did not begin until 1908. The first set of games were not held until 1921 (and not even called Winter Olympics until they were a success) in Chamonix, France.
See the International Olympic Committee's page for more on the history of the Olympic games. Click here for an image of some boxers in the ancient games.

Is life in Britain older than we thought?

British civilization older than previous thought, say newly discovered fossils

Forever we have believed that life in Britain begin about 800,000 years ago. But some significant discoveries have been made that are leading scholars to adjust that date by about 200,000 years, making life in Britain around 1,000,000 years old.

Tom

Battle over artifacts from Machu Picchu

ABC News: 90 years later, Peru battles Yale over Incan artifacts

In recent years we have heard a lot about the demand by Greece for the return of the 'Elgin marbles'. Such demands are not limited to the western classical world.

Perú says that artifacts taken from Machu Picchu by the discoverer of the famed ruins, Hiram Bingham, were only 'on loan'.

Tom

Food and Cooking in the Ancient World

Scotland on Sunday - The Review - Food In The Ancient World

This article discusses a new release, Food in the Ancient World, by John Wilkins and and Shaun Hill. I have a link for it below. The review is mixed: it seems that it may be a bit redundant and in some places to dry to be interesting. The coverage is quite extensive: Persian, Egyptian, Celtic, Greek and Roman plus a few other cultures are included.

Two older books with recipes from Greece and Rome that I usually use are The Classical Cookbook by Andrew Dalby and A Taste of Ancient Rome by Ilaria Gozzini Giacosa and Anna Herklotz. They mix the history with the recipes in an easy to use manner.

My favorite from Rome are 'stuffed dormouse' and garum. The former is really a rodent that the Romans would raise on farms in small cylindrical cages. You can see an ancient dormouse (glis glis) cage At the Archaelogical Museum in Naples. It even seems to have running tracks much like our hamster cage wheels!


Garum is a sauce that was made from salted fish left to ferment. The closest we can imagine is fish sauce from say, China, or Worcestershire sauce. I imagine a little went a long way.

There are, of course, books about other ancient cultures and their food. I will make suggestions in future posts.

Tom

Painter Fra Angelico and Venice

Guardian Unlimited Arts features Almost a saint

Interesting article about Fra Angelico's art in Venice. The man has been dead for over 500 years. His art endures. His tomb is in Rome at Santa Maria sopra Minvera (near the Pantheon). The small church where he took his vows is San Domenico outside Florence on the road to Fiesole.


The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special exhbition running until January 29, 2006. To see a great representation of the exhibition click Metropolitan Museum of Art's special exhibition book.

For the museum's page about the exhibit, click Metropolitan Museum of Art Fra Angelico Special Exhibition.

Tom

'Elgin marbles' controversy continues

Winds change in the battle over ancient artefacts

The arguments continue on where the 'Elgin Marbles' should be. This article discusses some of them and the balance of arguments. The marbles, showing a peaceful procession in celebration of the Panatheneia, a religious festival held in Greece in midsummer, have been little focus of peace since about 1801. At that time, Lord Elgin (Bruce Thomas, 7th Earl of Elgin) removed a portion of the frieze from the Parthenon to Britain. This was done under authority of the ruling Ottoman Empire. Lord Elgin then tried to sell the Pentelic marble pieces (the 'marbles') to the British government, but the government was unwilling to accept terms. Finally in 1816 the British government agreed to purchase them. This was only after one Sir Joseph Duveen built a special gallery at his own expense in the British Museum to house the marbles. Greece began regularly to demand the return the marbles.




There are about 200 pieces of the frieze in the
British Museum. The other pieces are housed in
the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

For an interesting look at the story behind the marbles, check out the book Mistress of the Elgin Marbles by Susan Nagel.



Tom

Taj Mahal now among 7 wonders (updated link)

Taj among the seven wonders of modern world - Newindpress.com (This link is for archives only and requires a registration.)

Taj Mahal in the list of wonders

An updated list of the 'seven wonders'. Can you recall the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Look for the list in a later post.

Tom

Skara Brae - The Discovery and Excavation of Orkney's finest Neolithic Settlement

Skara Brae - The Discovery and Excavation of Orkney's finest Neolithic Settlement

An ancient dwelling that adds to the history of the Orkney Islands north of Scotland.

Tom

Rare bronze horse, chariot unearthed in SW China

People's Daily Online -- Rare bronze horse, chariot unearthed in SW China

An exciting find that adds to the famous 'buried army' of 7500 terracotta figures carved to lifesize. More on those in a later post.

Tom

On the outskirts of Rome, an ancient city rivals Pompeii

RealCities.com 12/13/2005 On the outskirts of Rome, an ancient city rivals Pompeii

One of my favorite cities to explore. You can wander for hours and find something new at every turn. It is a great place to hunt for things like temples/shrines to the god Mithras.

It is so easy to get to from Rome and it is easy then to go on to the modern city for a swim.

Tom

Remains of Second Temple era Jewish village discovered

Haaretz - Israel News - Remains of Second Temple era Jewish village discovered

The Second Temple era is about 423BC to 68BC (the dates vary slightly).

Titus, the son of the emperor Vespasian, destroyed the temple in 70BC and carried the treasures, including a golden menorrah back to Rome. The Arch of Titus was erected in his honor is at the entrance to the Forum Romanum and contains an image of the triumphant return.

Tom

Buying antiquities- exercise caution

Grave tale of pensioner 'tomb-raider' - 29 Dec 2005 - World News

Trade in antiquities continues every day. Make sure what you are buying is legitimate, but also make sure that you are not violating any laws by making the purchase.

Gone are the days when the likes of Getty, Rockefeller and others could simply outfit their largest room with their favorite antiquities.

Tom