K.V. Martins

The Ziggurat one of last standing monuments of Sumarians. Built sometime in the 21st Century BC by King Ur-Nammu and his son Shulgi. It stood in the center of the city and was center of all administration. It is located near the modern-day city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, along the banks of the Euphrates River. It lies within the ancient city of Ur, which was one of the most important urban centers of ancient Mesopotamia. The Ziggurat were massive stepped structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily in Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian civilizations. These monumental temples served as sacred precincts dedicated to various deities, acting as focal points for religious and civic activities. It was built around 2100 BC, during reign of King Ur-Nammu of 3rd Dynasty of Ur. It was part of a larger complex that included administrative buildings, courtyards and residential areas, reflecting the city's status as a regional powerhouse. The Ziggurat was built by stacking a total of 64 stone and mud platforms that progressively shrunk until ziggurat was shape of a tower like pyramid, though with a flat top for a temple. It was built so that each corner faced a cardinal point and showed solidity by building the walls facing slightly inward so that it would appear eternal. The monument was then covered in a thick layer of burnt brick in order to protect it from the elements. The interior of the Ziggurat of Ur consisted of several chambers and corridors, serving various administrative and religious functions. These included storage rooms for offerings and temple treasures. The inside of the ziggurat has no chambers, just a thick core of mud and brick to form a ‘spine’ for the monument. The bricks were made of dried reed and mud and each weight about four and half kilograms. The Ziggurat of Ur is characterized by its massive stepped platform, constructed using mud bricks and baked bricks. It consists of three main levels, each diminishing in size as it ascends, with a temple dedicated to the patron deity located at the summit. The outer facade was adorned with glazed bricks, depicting intricate designs and motifs. The Ziggurat held immense religious and cultural significance for the people of ancient Mesopotamia. It served as a symbol of the city's prosperity and power. It represents the pinnacle of architectural achievement in ancient Mesopotamia. It reflects the ingenuity and technological prowess of Sumerian civilization, showcasing their ability to undertake massive construction projects using rudimentary tools and materials. Ziggurats were primarily built in the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, including Ur, Uruk, Babylon, and Eridu. These cities were centers of political, economic, and religious activity, with ziggurats serving as focal points of worship and civic life. Ziggurats were probably very common in ancient Sumaria, but the ziggurat at Ur is the last one standing and so gives us the most information about Sumaria. 🎥 : Credit to the Owner #archaeohistories

Whistling jars are pottery vessels from the Chimu culture of North Coast, Peru, that date back to 1000–1476 CE. They are one or two-chambered vessels that produce a bird-like chirping sound when you blow into the spout or pour liquid from one chamber to another. The jars are often decorated with bird's heads that conceal the whistle, and smaller whistles may have fingerholes to adjust the pitch. The sounds the jars make depend on their size, shape, and fluid levels. These unique instruments or shamanic tools as we will later discuss, are called whistling vessels or otherwise known in Spanish as huaco silbadors. Most of the original vessels are estimated to have been made around 500 BC – 1200 AD, and a majority of them have been found in Peru. Although numerous pottery instruments survive from pre-Conquest South and Central America, little is known of how they were used before Spanish invaders ravaged the native cultures. Whistles, trumpets and rattles in animal or human form probably had ceremonial functions or served as playthings. The "whistling jar" is 1 or 2 chambered vessel in which a whistle, often concealed by a bird's head, is sounded by blowing into the spout, or by pouring liquid from one chamber to the other to create a bird-like twittering sound. Smaller whistles in animal shapes, perhaps worn suspended from the neck, sometimes have fingerholes that allow variation of pitch. Whistling jars may have originated in present-day Ecuador and were later adopted by Peruvian artisans at the end of 1st Millennium BC. They may have been used for ceremonial purposes or as playthings, and may have been important during celebrations for the living. They may have also been placed in tombs at the end of rituals. When these vessels were first found, anthropologists initially thought they were nothing more than ornate liquid containers. For many hundreds of years that is exactly what they were displayed as in many museums and private collections. Most of these vessels were found within burial grounds or sacred places, probably as offerings to those who passed or the many gods those cultures venerated, finding them in these locations confirms the sacred reverence for these objects. Many of these vessels have been dated from 500 BC to around the time of Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica in 1532. These vessels were not specific to one culture, but have been connected to a few different cultures such as Inca and Moche. Based on findings, it seems that the clay instrument niche was extremely expansive in the pre-columbian cultures that these vessels have be found in. The process of producing this technology started with simple whistles around 2000 BC, then proceeds to advanced flutes around 1000 AD, finally the breath blown whistling vessels come right before the vessels that utilize water movement to produce sound around 500 BC. Most of these technologies and techniques were either lost or dramatically hidden after the Spanish conquest, since the sacredness of these objects and their uses was considered devil worship to the Catholic perspectives of Spanish invaders. From what we know, or have concluded based on analysis, these objects were used as shamanic tools used in ceremony by the ancient cultures who made and utilized them. 🎥 : Credit to the Owner © William Rodriguez / archaicroots #archaeohistories

A Medieval Gold Ring; found in the Sherwood Forest - England : In the storied woods of  Sherwood Forest, famously associated with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, an extraordinary historical find has recently come to light. An amateur treasure hunter, equipped with a metal detector, uncovered a stunning gold ring adorned with a sapphire stone. This discovery not only adds to the rich tapestry of the forest's history but also provides a tangible link to the Medieval period. The ring was found in Sherwood Forest, an area steeped in legend and history. The forest, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is best known as the legendary home of Robin Hood, the folk hero who, according to myth, stole from the rich to give to the poor. The finder, whose identity has not been disclosed, stumbled upon the ring during a casual metal detecting session. Such finds are not uncommon in the UK, where metal detecting has become a popular hobby, often leading to significant historical discoveries. The ring is crafted from high-quality gold and features a sapphire stone, indicating it was likely a valuable and cherished possession. The sapphire, a gem often associated with nobility and wealth during the Medieval period, adds to the ring's allure and suggests it may have belonged to a person of considerable status. Experts who have examined the ring believe it dates back to the 14th century, a period known for its complex political and social transformations in England. This was a time of significant events such as the Hundred Years' War and Black Death, which drastically reshaped English society. The craftsmanship of the ring, along with the choice of materials, reflects the intricate artistry and high-quality metalwork of the time. The 14th Century AD, was a pivotal era in English history. It saw the reigns of several monarchs, including Edward III and Richard II, and was marked by economic challenges, peasant revolts, and the ongoing conflict with France. Jewelry from this period often served as more than mere adornment; it was a symbol of status, wealth, and identity. Sapphires, in particular, were prized for their beauty and believed to have protective and healing properties. Sherwood Forest itself, beyond its mythical association with Robin Hood, was historically significant as a royal hunting ground. It was a dense forest, rich in resources, and a strategic location during the Medieval period. Discoveries like this ring help to illuminate the everyday lives of the people who once lived in and around the forest, providing a glimpse into their wealth, culture and craftsmanship. Upon discovery, ring was promptly reported to local authorities, as per the UK's Treasure Act 1996. This law requires that all archaeological finds of gold and silver objects, as well as groups of coins over 300 years old, be reported to the local coroner. The ring underwent a thorough examination by experts, who used a combination of historical research and advanced technology to date and authenticate the piece. The examination confirmed the ring's Medieval origins, pinpointing its creation to 14th Century. The design and craftsmanship were analyzed, and comparisons were made with other known artifacts from the period. This process not only authenticated the ring but also provided valuable insights into the techniques and materials used by Medieval goldsmiths. © The Archaeologist #archaeohistories