May 24, 2013

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The Destruction of History

The taller Buddha of Bamiyan before (left picture) and after destruction (right).

There have been times when events and circumstances of the past have been altered or revised to meet the needs of particularly politicians to create illusions that will meet their needs for a variety of reasons.

Mysterious ‘Winged’ Structure from Ancient Rome Discovered

The archaeological team inside the postholes from the later Roman building. Decorated wall plaster was excavated from them. CREDIT: William Bowden

Archaeologists have uncovered a mysterious winged structure that dates to ancient Rome and has no parallel. They suggest the structure was a shrine or temple, or it may have been a temporary structure for a celebration, archaeologists say.

Drought Led to Demise of Ancient City of Angkor

Bayon temple, constructed by Angkorian King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. The faces may be representations of Buddha, the bodhisattva Lokesvara, Jayavarman VII, or a combination. CREDIT: Mary Beth Day, University of Cambridge

A study of past climate in the ancient city of Angkor, known for its ruined temple of Angkor Wat, reveals drought may have led to the civilization’s demise, scientists say.

Mystery of Dead Sea Scroll Authors Possibly Solved

First excavated by Roland de Vaux in the 1950s, the site of Qumran in Israel is mired in controversy. De Vaux believed that it was a monastic settlement used by the Essenes and that the Dead Sea Scrolls were composed here. More recent archaeological work has cast doubt on this idea. The new textile research may help resolve the debate. CREDIT: Joseph Calev

Nearly 200 textiles left behind in caves in Qumran, Israel, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden suggest that at least some of the authors were from a Jewish religious sect called the Essenes, argue archaeologists.

Arabian Artifacts May Rewrite ‘Out of Africa’ Theory

he stone artifacts found in Oman were likely made by striking flakes off flint. This is the first time this particular stone tool technology has been found outside of Africa. CREDIT: Yamandu Hilbert

Humans may have first left Africa through the interior of the Arabian Peninsula rather than tracing its coasts, as had been thought. A new "Out of Africa" theory is suggested by newly discovered stone artifacts.

History of Vampires

Munch_vampire

Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person.