The Great Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Karnak. Luxor, Egypt

 

The Great Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Karnak. Luxor, Egypt.

The Great Hypostyle Hall covers an area of 5,000 m2 (54,000 sq ft). The roof, now fallen, was supported by 134 columns arranged in 16 rows; the two central rows are taller than the others (being 10 meters (33 ft) in circumference and 24 meters (79 ft) high). The 134 papyrus columns represent the primordial papyrus swamp from which Atum, a self-created deity, emerged from the waters of Nun at the beginning of creation. The hall was not built by Horemheb, or Amenhotep III as previous scholars had thought, but was built entirely by Seti I who inscribed the northern wing of the hall with inscriptions. The decoration of the southern wing was completed by the 19th Dynasty pharaoh Ramesses II.

Mythistoria

The bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius

 

This bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius was originally on the Capitoline Hill, before being moved into the Capitoline Museum in 1990. In 1997, a replica was placed on the square.

The original statue is 4 meters high, almost 4 meters wide and weighs over 2500 kg. It depicts the emperor with an outstretched army talking to his citizens (allocutio). The statue was originally gilded, some trace of this can be seen on the statue.

It was either created in 176 AD to celebrate the emperor's victory over the German tribes or in 180 AD, shortly after his death. The reason why the statue is so well preserved, is because for a long time it was thought to be a depiction of the emperor Constantine.

Therefore, the bronze was not melted over and could be preserved. This deduction was made based on facial similarities between the statue and figures depicted on the triumphal arch of Constantine. This was later proved wrong as fragments of older arches were used in the building of Constantine's arch, including that of Marcus Aurelius.

Mythistoria

Mesopotamia

 Around 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians, who lived in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), revolutionized how we perceive and measure time. They developed a sophisticated numerical system based on the number 60, known as the sexagesimal system. This unique system led to the division of an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds, concepts that are still in use today.

The Sumerians' need for precise timekeeping was driven by their agricultural society. Accurate calendars were essential for planting and harvesting crops. They also needed to coordinate their complex religious ceremonies and administrative activities.

To aid their timekeeping, the Sumerians made significant advancements in astronomy. They observed the movements of celestial bodies and used this knowledge to create a lunar calendar with 12 months, which closely aligned with the agricultural seasons.

The division of the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds was a monumental achievement. These divisions were not arbitrary but were designed to be practical and easily divisible, reflecting the Sumerians' advanced understanding of mathematics.

This innovative approach to time had a profound impact on later civilizations, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, who adopted and further developed the Sumerian system. The legacy of the Sumerians' timekeeping system is evident in our modern clocks and calendars, demonstrating the enduring influence of their ingenuity on our daily lives.

Mythistoria

The Sumerians

 

Around 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians, who lived in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), revolutionized how we perceive and measure time. They developed a sophisticated numerical system based on the number 60, known as the sexagesimal system. This unique system led to the division of an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds, concepts that are still in use today.

The Sumerians' need for precise timekeeping was driven by their agricultural society. Accurate calendars were essential for planting and harvesting crops. They also needed to coordinate their complex religious ceremonies and administrative activities.

To aid their timekeeping, the Sumerians made significant advancements in astronomy. They observed the movements of celestial bodies and used this knowledge to create a lunar calendar with 12 months, which closely aligned with the agricultural seasons.

The division of the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds was a monumental achievement. These divisions were not arbitrary but were designed to be practical and easily divisible, reflecting the Sumerians' advanced understanding of mathematics.

This innovative approach to time had a profound impact on later civilizations, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, who adopted and further developed the Sumerian system. The legacy of the Sumerians' timekeeping system is evident in our modern clocks and calendars, demonstrating the enduring influence of their ingenuity on our daily lives.

Mythistoria

The Anunnaki Enigma

 The Anunnaki Enigma" delves into the mysterious realm of ancient Mesopotamian mythology, focusing on the enigmatic beings known as the Anunnaki. Revered as gods by the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians, the Anunnaki were believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth, shaping the course of human history in profound ways.

According to ancient texts such as the "Enuma Elish" and the "Atrahasis Epic," the Anunnaki played pivotal roles in the creation of humanity, the establishment of civilization, and the development of early cultures. Their origins, however, remain shrouded in mystery, with some interpretations suggesting extraterrestrial or otherworldly origins.

One of the central enigmas surrounding the Anunnaki revolves around their purported advanced knowledge and technology. From the construction of monumental structures like the ziggurats to their alleged genetic manipulation of humans, the Anunnaki are often depicted as possessing capabilities far beyond those of ancient civilizations.

In modern times, the concept of the Anunnaki has become intertwined with fringe theories such as ancient astronaut theory and conspiracy narratives. Some proponents argue that the Anunnaki continue to influence human affairs, shaping our societal structures, religious beliefs, and technological advancements.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence for the existence of the Anunnaki as physical beings, their legacy endures as a captivating enigma that continues to inspire speculation, debate, and exploration into the depths of ancient mythology and the origins of human civilization.

Mythistoria