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Showing posts with label ancient history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ancient history. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Ancient History : People and Places : Seven Wonders Plus One (or Two)

My late sister was an avid reader. She read anything and everything – books, newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries. My appreciation for the joys of reading did not come until my university years. My sister's brain was a repository of all kinds of information. Why read? Just ask her your questions. :) She was the one who taught me about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To this day, every time there is a mention of these “Wonders”, it opens up a floodgate of memories.
Found an article at Info Barrel and would you believe it? Nothing has changed. Yep. The pyramids, the Hanging Gardens, a statue of Zeus, etc.All seven of them are still holding their historical ground as the "Seven Wonders", marvels and monuments to man's ingenuity, intelligence, and skill.  Structures actually built without a CAD program.  (CAD = Computer Aided Design)
● REFERENCE:
OnlineInspiration. "The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World." InfoBarrel.com. Hinzie Media Inc., 18 May 2014. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.

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Here's something my sister did not teach me but it has always been a wonder to me; two wonders if you count each person separately.

Two of the most influential people in the history of mankind. One of them, you can't find their grave or burial place. The other, there's a tomb but no body. Moses and Jesus.

You would think, what with them being prophets and notable leaders on a Divine mission, that they would have left some sort of indisputable undeniable physical trace of their existence on earth. Like maybe ... a bone fragment for DNA testing.
Not trying to be blasphemous, irreverent, or disrespectful. Don't want to offend any true believers out there. Let the record show I'm a true believer. OK? But it does make me wonder.  (O.o)
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“The tomb is now open and the Nazarene is gone.”

Pure Flix. “AD: The Bible Continues.” YouTube, 2 Feb. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ANOKSB060

That was the only impressive line in that TV series.  It was a very disappointing television show.  "... this production has got to be the most historically inaccurate, unbiblical presentation of a Bible story ever made!!"  (I'm quoting myself.)

Joie de Vivre's Ancient History Blog Posts Roundup!

Do you appreciate the value of history? Especially ancient history? There is a wonderful website called Ancient History Encyclopedia. The vision statement at their website clearly outlines their intent and purpose:
At Ancient History Encyclopedia we believe that ancient history is too important to be found in expensive books, on private homepages with a nationalist agenda, or less reliable Wikis. The internet is available in every country on earth, and it deserves reliable high-quality educational history information.”

They really do accomplish what they set out to do. They may not have set out to inspire me to do additional research and write blog posts about my findings, but they did! Below is a roundup of blog posts published at Joie de Vivre Magazine.

Do you like history?

Is there a favorite history blog or website you enjoy?

Hope you enjoy these posts.



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Nimrod and the ‘Gate of God’

Ancient Kingdoms of Lydia and Persia

Who Were the Philistines?

Mark Antony and Antonia Fortress

Seven Wonders Plus One (or Two)

Did Alexander the Great Think He Was Great?

Alternate Names for the Dead Sea



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● Ancient History: African Kingdoms: Nubian Princesses


Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Bible Women: Women Named in the Lineage of Jesus

There are 4 books referred to as Gospels in the New Testament.  Only two of those gospels include the genealogy of Jesus.  Of course, whether a believer or a non-believer, the story of Jesus is known around the world and almost everyone knows that the name of His mother was Mary. A careful examination of the scriptures reveals the names of several women in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  One woman was a harlot (prostitute) and another was an evil wicked queen.

These are 5 names that can be extracted from the gospel accounts:  Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (“the wife of Uriah”), and Mary.

These are 12 names extracted from books in the Old Testament:  Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Naamah, Maacah, Azubah, Athaliah, Jerusha, Abijah, Hephzibah, Jedidah, and Zebidah.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons – “Ethiopia-Axum Cathedral-fresco-Black Madonna”

Content previously published at Virily.com


Interesting Facts About These Bible Women:

  • Sarah was the wife of the Hebrew patriarch, Abraham; and her name means “Princess”.
  • Ruth was the great grandmother of King David, a notable king of Israel.
  • Bathsheba was the mother of King Solomon, a notable Jewish monarch.
  • Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah, a Jewish patriarch.
  • Rahab was a harlot who believed the reports about how God had delivered the Jews had been delivered from bondage in Egypt and was proselytized into the Jewish faith.
  • Rebecca was the daughter-in-law of the Hebrew patriarch, Abraham; and the mother of Jacob, the man whose name was changed to Israel.


Related Links:


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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Ancient History : People and Places : Who Were the Philistines?


"Most Bible students know the menacing Philistines were the enemies of the Israelites. There were constant struggles for control of the land of Canaan (an older name for Palestine). A study, just a quick study, of the people of Philistia might lead one to conclude that … if they had not always been battling with the nation of Israel, they would have been at war with another group. They liked to fight!!

WHY? Because they could!!

The Philistines were skilled warriors; on land and at sea. In fact, they were once called Sea Peoples. Their navy consisted of fleets of the finest warships during that time, expertly manned by experienced soldier/seamen. As for their army? The infantry, i.e. trained foot soldiers, possessed superior weapons of iron and wielded them masterfully and mercilessly."

Good thing David was good with a slingshot!

Source: Ethiopian or Philistine? Am I a Dog?



Image credit: Gebhard Fugel [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons







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Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Ancient History : People and Places : Mark Antony and Antonia Fortress

When you hear the name Mark Antony, do your Cleopatra antennas go up? Mine do. It's because of that old classic movie which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

It was quite spectacular!


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So! Do you wonder? If Mark Antony slept with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, then … he hung out in the right circles. Yes? No?

Eh! Let's just say his circle of friends were "interesting".

  • Did you know the Antonia Fortress was named for Mark Antony?


Historical records indicate that it was Mark Antony who persuaded the Roman Senate to make Herod the King of Judea (king of the Jews). To show his appreciation and return the favor, Herod the Great, aka Herod the Builder, built a fortress where Roman soldiers lived and could keep an eye on the Jewish people and sort of “keep the peace”. He named this military stronghold “Antonia Fortress” after his friend, Mark Antony.
Can't show you a picture of the real structure because the fortress was destroyed along with everything else in Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  (Image credit: Jerusalem Model, Antonia Fortress – Wikimedia Commons)
As for Marcus Antonius, he was long gone before that event. He committed suicide, circa 30 B.C.

Some speculate that the Antonia Fortress might have been the place where Pontius Pilate tried Jesus.

Archaeologists Believe They've Found Site of Jesus' Trial 

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Related Links of Interest:
Learn more about: Marcus Antonius
Liz Taylor & Richard Burton on the Set of ‘Cleopatra': Rare Classic Photos- TIME Magazine

 

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Sunday, March 12, 2023

Ancient History: Ancient Cities: Zeugma, Turkey

Zeugma is an ancient city, with a rich cultural heritage. Archaeologists have discovered 2000 incredibly well-preserved mosaics. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum opened in 2011 and is the biggest mosaic museum in the world.





Additional References:









Source: Virily.com

Monday, October 10, 2022

Fascinating Facts About Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is a civilization that seems to fascinate everyone.  From the pyramids and the Sphinx, to tombs of the pharaohs, to the fact that the Egyptians are credited with inventing cosmetic make-up and jewelry.  Ancient Origins is a wonderful online information resource that everyone should subscribe to, if interested in studying the history of mankind; especially when it comes to learning about ancient civilizations; or ... to put it i their words: "Reconstructing the history of humanity's past".  

Interesting article. My thoughts? The mummification process sounds like a desecration of the human body and a waste of money. “From dust thou wast and to dust thou shalt return.” (Gen 3:19) Thus, the decay of the body after death is a natural process and it will happen with or without mummification; brain, internal organs and all.

PRESENT DAY APPLICATION: Not much has changed in modern times. Before my husband passed away he did the research and instructed us to have him cremated. I see why. If you decide to go the other route of a casket, burial place, etc., the funeral homes will nickle and dime you to death! We did a comparison because one of my sons did not like the idea of cremation. However, when we started exploring the cost, my son remarked: "𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘮! 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘰𝘯 $300 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘭. "

I know I was supposed to be sad and there was no disrespect to the dead intended, but I could not help laughing because that's what it looked like. Also, I admired my husband for thinking in advance and giving us his blessing to choose the "cheapest method" to dispose of his remains. My husband was always frugal about spending. I realized that he was even frugal when it came to dying.

❤️️ #JustMeThinking



If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:

● Ancient History: African Kingdoms: Nubian Princesses

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Travel and History: Ten Facts About the Republic of Turkey

When you travel it is good to know historical facts.  Modern-day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage. The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire. Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its historically religious, political, and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized. The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.


♦ Here are TEN FACTS About the Republic of Turkey:
  1. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is revered as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and is also called the “Father of the Turks”.
  2. The founder of the Republic of Turkey was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934.
  3. The current capital city of Turkey is Ankara.
  4. Istanbul was once the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
  5. Istanbul was once historically known by the name Constantinople.
  6. “Turkey entered World War II in 1945 on the side of the Allies, who secured an agreement that Turkey would become a democracy.”
  7. Even though Britain or the UK has voted to exit the EU (“Brexit”), Turkey wishes to be accepted as a member state of the European Union (EU).
  8. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance between European and North American countries and Turkey is a member state.
  9. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are all famous buildings in Turkey; must-see places for any traveler or visitor. Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  10. GoTurkeyTourism published a list of Turkey’s 10 most popular cities that attract tourists; 5 inland cities and 5 coastal cities. Even though Cappadocia is located in Central Turkey and is mentioned in the Bible, this city was NOT on their list.
Content previously published at Virily.com


Related Links:
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Monday, August 2, 2021

The Origin of Brutal Regimes is Ancient History

‘Violence is the common origin of all regimes. Life, discussion, and political choice occur only against a background of violence.’ ~ Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961), “Humanism and Terror

Image: "The Legend of Sargon (The Goddess Ishtar Appears to Sargon, the Gardener's Lad)" By the contemporary artist, Edwin J. Prittie"

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I AGREE with Mr. Merleau-Ponty. Ever notice when most people speak of a regime they usually describe it as brutal? The use of violence is unrestrained and motivated by either the lust for power (control over a landmass and the people who live on it) and/or a desire for revenge (action required against some wrong done to them). The blood of innocents (and of some who are guilty) must be shed for the rise of the empire and must continue to be shed in defense of the realm.


People have free will and know the difference between good and evil. They choose evil. I blame Sargon. He started it. Many historians give him credit for being the first empire-builder.  I trace the origin of brutal regimes back to him.  He may be written in the historical records as The Great or The Magnificent but I say the man was nothing but a troublemaker and a hell-raiser.  (NOTE: Sharp contrast. Abraham never lifted a finger to build an empire or become ruler, yet he is the father of many nations. God called him out of the land that Sargon bathed in blood building his empire.)

The origin of brutal regimes may be ancient history, but sadly, brutal regimes still exist today all over the world.
  • Do you have an opinion, one way or the other about, the Merleau-Ponty quote? (Or about my insightful and simplistic philosophical points of view?)
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Links of Interest:







Wednesday, February 24, 2021

SEX and POWER and Kamala Harris

I am very active in various social networks and online forums and communities where members often exchange opinions, thoughts and perspectives with each other on a wide range of topics.  Like most people we say we like to avoid discussion about politics; but when somebody starts a thread, we can't resist adding in our "two cents".


Let me think.  On January 20th, 2021, Kamala Harris was worn in as the Vice-President of the United States.  I'm guessing it's because POTUS Biden's immediate "get down to business" work had something to do with the COVID-19 pandemic while other political leaders were working on trying to impeach POTUS/Former POTUS Trump, Veep Kamala Harris just didn't get any of the spotlight!


It's been a little over 30+ days since the Biden Administration became "official".  That's enough time.  A member in one of the communities where I am actively engaged mentioned something about Kamala Harris having sex to gain power.


I could not resist.  I had to dive in!




Now isn't that something?  Seems typical though in the world of politics.  If you have a hard time digging up "dirt" about a person, you will just have make something up to get the ball rolling!!  WHAT??  Hey!  We need controversy and distraction.  You simply can't have politics without these two elements.


Anyway!  I have some thoughts regarding on this "speculative" topic.

Ms. Harris has had an entire career to be accused of this.  Why bring it up now?


Even so ....

Many women in high positions often get accused of sleeping their way to the top. That's because many women have used sex for power. Just like men!


I'm not sure if this is an aspect of “western culture”. SEX and POWER? It's kind of universal. Read historical accounts of men and women from everywhere in the world. I read an account of a woman who opened her legs to get what she wanted and when her little sister saw that “trick” worked, she did the same thing! It's ancient history. 


Using sex for power is a very common practice. I'm not saying it's right. I'm also not saying it should be ASSUMED that every woman who has a position of power had sex in order to get there. Statements resulting from ASSUMING and also ACCUSING are often just jealous and envious people pointing fingers at somebody because … Well! Just because! I suspect if it were them in that position, they'd sing a different song altogether. Don't you think so?


"Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4)

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)


Content first appeared on Medium.com



Friday, December 18, 2020

Bible Study: The Book of Exodus

The Book of EXODUS focuses on Israelites multiplying and spreading in the land of Egypt resulting in the Egyptians oppressing them with harsh labor due to Pharaoh’s fears of the tribes attempting to oppose him because of their increasing number of people. Pharaoh was so scared that he made an order to throw every Hebrew baby boy in the Nile River,but he allowed girls to live.

Moses was born a Hebrew and because of Pharaoh's order, his mother, Jochebed hid Moses for three months. When she could no longer do this, she then placed him in a papyrus basket and set it in the Nile River. Moses' sister, Miriam, carefully watched to see what would happen to him when Pharaoh's daughter saw him. Although he was identified as a Hebrew baby, Pharaoh's daughter took him to be her own son. Miriam suggested that she could find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child and she went and got Moses' mother.

Moses was raised as a part of Pharoah's family and lived in Egypt for 40 years. One day, he murdered an Egyptian who was mistreating one of the Hebrew slaves. The next day he discovered that his act was not a secret, so he ran away to Midian. There he lived as a shepherd, married, and had children. A life changing pivotal point in Moses' life occurs on Mount Horeb where Moses encounters a flaming bush that was not being burned by the fire. God spoke to Moses from the bush. God said He has heard their cries of agony from His people and Moses would be sent to deliver them. Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey called Canaan.

Listen to the Book of Exodus online free.


* Important Events in the Book of Exodus

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Ancient History: Ancient Cities: Aram (Modern Day Aleppo in Syria)

Aram, a city in ancient Syria. 
(Today it’s called Aleppo.)

Aramaic is a group of northwest Semitic languages of Palestine spoken during biblical times.  It includes the language spoken by Jesus. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, in the second chapter of the first book of Chronicles.




♦ Image credit: The Southern Levant c. 830 BC, with the Aramean state of Aram-Damascus in the northwest

The Arameans were a desert people who lived along with the Israelites. Sometimes they lived together peacefully.  Sometimes NOT.  The name for this place is translated by some as Syria and by others as Mesopotamia.  In the Bible book of Judges, the third chapter, an Aramaean ruler named Cushan-Rishathaim oppressed the Israelites for 8years.  In the first book of Kings, another ruler named Rezon, founded an Aramaen city-state and they bitterly opposed Israel for generations.  HOWEVER … when the kingdom of Israel became a divided kingdom, if another enemy was even more hostile, they would join forces and unite against a common foe.  The relationship was complicated.

A good analogy is that it’s sort of reminds me of family.  It’s OK if two brothers fight each other.  But if somebody who is not considered a brother tries to attack either one of them, then both brothers join together to fight the attacker.


Reliable References for Further Study:














***  Content first appeared at Virily.com.

Want to read more like this?

Joie de Vivre's Ancient History Blog Posts Roundup!

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Historical Places : Alternate Names for the Dead Sea

Almost everybody has heard of the Dead Sea. It is the lowest point on earth: 1,294 feet below sea level. Two things come to my mind when this body of water is mentioned: scrolls and salts.


Dead Sea
Dead Sea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• In 1947, scrolls which were writings of ancient biblical texts were found in a cave around this area.

• These days all the beauty and health experts rave about the wonderful things Dead Sea bath salts can do to your skin.

Have you ever heard this place called by any other name?

It has several alternate names:
Salt Sea
Eastern Sea
Asphalt Sea
Sodomitish Sea
Sea of Lot
Sea of Zoar
Sea of Arabah
Sea of Overwhelming


Last but not least, known simply as the SeaWho knew?
People bathing in the Dead Sea

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Content also appears at Persona Paper.


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  • Visit the CB Blog for more information on spa products.


Monday, February 3, 2020

Sharing My Fascination With Lost Cities

The lost city of Atlantis has never been found. El Dorado, the legendary city of gold, has also never been found. Lyonesse is the home country of Tristan, in Arthurian legend. Supposedly it's at the bottom of the sea. Some lost cities have actually been found. It's just that they were forgotten. I have a fascination with lost cities and ancient civilizations. 

Do you find stories or legends about lost cities and ancient civilizations fascinating?


Fun Tweets About Lost Cities:










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