History and Geography Posts

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Happy birthday Rome. Rome was founded on 21 April 753BC.

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The world's first Cruise Liner 🛳 constructed by the ancient Greek Archimedes.
Archimedes (287-212 BCE) was a Greek mathematician and mechanical engineer, a pioneer in both fields, many centuries ahead of his contemporaries.
In Sicily, under the ruling of the king Hiero II of Syracuse (270 – 215 BCE), a ship with stunning dimensions was built. The material used for the construction of that giant boat equated to the material for 60 regular ships. What was more, that vessel was meant to leave the secure coastal lanes and to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was given a name – Syracusia – and represented what could be called “the first liner of antiquity.”

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Here for the first time is an actual picture of Scotlands’ most closely guarded secret bunker! 

At this top secret location, guarded by state of the art technology is The National Vault of Scotland. 

It reputedly contains 
irreplaceable and priceless national Scottish treasures. 

Deep in its rocky underground vault are, amongst other things, Bonnie Prince Charlie's favourite haggis recipe which was, so the story goes, stuffed into Flora MacDonald’s old nighty. 

There’s a frozen dish of haggis neeps and tatties, and for dessert there’s even a cryogenically preserved fried Mars bar. Stores in the vault include the first ever known can of Baxter's Cock-A-Leekie soup plus an early bottle of intact and undrunk Irn Brew.

I’m told by sources that Rabbie Burns old quill and ink are in there, with John Logie Baird's wide screen telly along with a street Map of the legendary, but ever so real, village of Brigadoon. Just ask Gene Kelly. 

Another source said that contrary to popular opinion the Stone of Destiny (the real one) may also be housed there. 

Due to the fact it MIGHT contain Robert the Bruce’s still living wee spider and a little hatchery for midges (in case of the imminent extinction that the Scottish tourist board so hopes for) the government has continually refused pressure to grant access to the public. 

PS dinnae even think of trying to find it because naturally, being located in a mountain fastness, it’s guarded by the dragon Nessie who is VERY occasionally allowed to play out at Loch Ness. 

Thanks to Innes Lynn for inspiring me!

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Mycenaean daggers made of silver and gold were found in shaft graves 4-7 in Grave Circle A, dating back to 1550-1500 B.C. These daggers give us valuable insights into the craftsmanship and artistic skills of the Mycenaean civilization. 
Their use of precious metals in creating these weapons highlights the significance of daggers in their society. The discovery of these daggers also contributes to our understanding of burial practices and the status of the individuals buried in these graves.

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Roman arena still being used for entertainment 2000 years after it was built.  Pula, Croatia.

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1923. A woman uses banknotes to light her stove during hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic (Germany).

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Imhotep was a ancient Egyptian polymath who lived during the 27th century BC, during the 3rd dynasty of Ancient Egypt. 

He is considered one of the most important figures in ancient Egyptian history. 

Imhotep was born in Memphis, Egypt around 2600 BC. 

His father was an architect named Kanofer, and his mother was a priestess of the goddess Nuit. 

Imhotep's early life is not well documented, but it is believed that he received a comprehensive education in various fields, including architecture, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

Imhotep served as the chief architect, physician, and advisor to Pharaoh Djoser (reigned 2650-2575 BC). 

He is credited with designing and building the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, one of the earliest stone structures in the world and a precursor to the pyramids at Giza. 

Imhotep's innovative design and engineering skills enabled him to create a monumental structure that surpassed anything built before.

Imhotep designed and built the Step Pyramid, which was a revolutionary structure that transformed the concept of pyramids from simple mastabas to grand, towering monuments.

Imhotep was a skilled physician who wrote several medical texts, including the "Edwin Smith Papyrus," which contains the oldest known surgical treatise.

Imhotep was a mathematician who developed a system of geometry and arithmetic that enabled him to calculate the areas and volumes of complex shapes.

Imhotep's expertise in engineering allowed him to design and build elaborate irrigation systems, temples, and other structures.

Imhotep was a poet and writer who composed hymns, poems, and other literary works.

Imhotep's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime.

He was deified by the ancient Egyptians, who worshipped him as a god of wisdom, architecture, and medicine. 

His innovative designs and engineering skills influenced the development of ancient Egyptian architecture, and his medical texts remained influential for centuries. 

Today, Imhotep is celebrated as one of the greatest minds in human history, and his contributions continue to inspire wonder and awe.

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Picture was taken by Major Clarence L. Benjamin at the instant a few of the train people saw the tanks and first realized they had been liberated.

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Contrary to popular belief, Bram Stoker did not base his most famous character, Count Dracula, on Prince Vlad II of Romania (at the time called Wallachia). Most of his novel was completed and his vampire protagonist was to be named Count Wampyr. Then, during his research, he came across William Wilkinson's book "An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia". In this book were brief passages about "Voivode Dracula" (never referred to as Vlad), who crossed the Danube to fight the Turks and helped to drive them out of Wallachia, but was betrayed to them by his brother. What intrigued Stoker was a footnote that in Romanian, Dracula meant Devil (although it actually means "of the dragon," in reference to Vlad's father's membership in the Order of the Dragon). Liking the name for that reason, Stoker changed the name of his vampire from Wampyr to Dracula.

Another story is that the Dracula character is actually based on actor Henry Irving, for whom Stoker served as personal manager and with whom he did not get along. This story is given some credence by the fact that the Dracula character in the play, which Stoker did not write, is quite different from the Dracula character in the book, which Stoker did write, and most film versions of the story are based on the play, not the book.

In the course of Irving's tours, Stoker travelled the world, although he never visited Eastern Europe, a setting for his most famous novel. Stoker was a member of The London Library and it is here that he conducted much of the research for Dracula.

About the year 1971, there were plans to make a film on the tumultuous working relationship of Stoker and Irving. Peter Cushing was set to play Stoker and Christopher Lee as Irving. The project was eventually canceled.

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In the summer of 1948, a woman walked into a drug store in Tupelo, Mississippi, to drop off film to be developed when she realized she had one exposure left. 

She noticed a young boy outside the drugstore and asked him to pose with his bicycle so she could finish the roll and turn it in.

Only years later did she realize that it was a young Elvis Presley.

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Newly commissioned Captain Samuel Walker of the U.S. Mounted Rifles arrived in New York in late November. He toured the town looking for cutting-edge weapons with which to arm the company he was recruiting. But he found nothing of interest, including no Colt revolvers. Frustrated, he sat down and penned a reply to Sam Colts earlier letter to him. The correspondence is of tremendous interest. It not only indicates the importance of “The Battle of Walker’s Creek” in which Walker had participated, but the amazing foresight Walker had regarding the use of the repeating handguns for Army weapons on the American frontier. A vision that would manifest in less than 10 years.
New York City Nov 30th 1846
Mr. Saml Colt
Sir –
In compliance with your request I take great pleasure in giving you my opinion of your revolving patent arms.
The pistols which you made for the Texas Navy have been in use by the Rangers for three years, and I can say with confidence that it is the only good improvement that I have seen. The Texans who have learned their value by practical experience, their confidence in them is unbounded, so much so that they are willing to engage four times their number. In the summer of 1844 Col J. C. Hays with 15 men fought about 80 Comanche Indians, boldly attacking them upon their own ground, killing and wounding about half their number. Up to this time these daring Indians had always supposed themselves superior to us, man to man on horse. At that time, they were threatening a decent upon our Frontier Settlements. The result of this engagement was such as to intimidate them and enable us to treat with them. Several other Skirmishes have been equally satisfactory, and I can safely say that you deserve a large share of the credit for our success. Without your Pistols we would not have had the confidence to have undertaken such daring adventures. Was it necessary I could give you many instances of the most satisfactory result. I think they can be rendered the most perfect weapon in the World for light mounted troops which is the only efficient troops that can be placed upon our extensive Frontier to keep the various warlike tribes of Indians and marauding Mexicans in subjection. The people throughout Texas are anxious to procure your pistols & I doubt not you would find sale for a large number at this time.
Yours very respy
S. H. Walker Capt Mounted Riflemen U.S.A.
With such a glorious testimony delivered to Sam Colt, a meeting between Colt and Walker was not long in being arranged.

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The oldest surviving aerial photo is of Boston in circa 1860. It was taken by photographer James Wallace Black from a hot air balloon 2,000ft in the air. It is believed there was one photo of Paris taken from the air in 1858, but this image no longer exists, making this the oldest aerial photo in history.

See 50 iconic and rare black and white photographs: https://bit.ly/3kkKLF3

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This photo was taken in 1934 and shows the remain of two victims who tragically perished when Pompeii was devastated by a volcanic eruption nearly 2,000 years ago.

Scientists have now managed to sequence the genome of one of them, a man, aged between 35 and 40 years, revealing his genetic profile.

 #historyfacts #history #romanempire #roman #RomanBritain #romanbritain #community #heritage #archaeoloynews #archaeologist #archaeology #archaeological #archaeologylife #historylovers #historyinthemaking #historymatters #history #historyfacts

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Roman concrete, also known as opus caementicium, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of ancient Rome. This remarkable building material played a crucial role in the construction of some of the most enduring structures of the Roman Empire, many of which still stand today. The secret to the longevity and strength of Roman concrete lies in its unique composition and innovative construction techniques.

One of the key ingredients in Roman concrete was a volcanic ash called pozzolana, sourced primarily from the region around Mount Vesuvius. When mixed with lime and water, pozzolana created a chemical reaction that produced a durable and water-resistant binder. This binder, combined with aggregates such as rubble, stones, and bricks, formed a strong composite material that could withstand the test of time.

The Romans also incorporated other additives into their concrete mixtures to enhance its properties. One such additive was seawater, which reacted with the lime to form additional minerals that reinforced the concrete and made it more resistant to erosion. This innovation allowed the Romans to build structures such as harbors, bridges, and aqueducts that could withstand the corrosive effects of seawater.

The use of Roman concrete revolutionized construction techniques in the ancient world. Its exceptional durability and strength enabled the Romans to build massive structures that have endured for centuries. The Pantheon in Rome, with its iconic dome made of Roman concrete, is a prime example of the lasting legacy of this remarkable building material.

In addition to its structural properties, Roman concrete also had aesthetic appeal. The Romans were able to mold and shape the concrete into intricate designs and patterns, allowing for the creation of visually stunning architectural masterpieces. The use of concrete in Roman architecture paved the way for the development of new building styles and techniques that would influence construction practices for centuries to come.

Despite the advances made in modern concrete technology, Roman concrete continues to fascinate engineers and historians alike. Its longevity and resilience serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Romans. By studying the composition and construction techniques of Roman concrete, we can gain valuable insights into sustainable building practices and materials that may inform future innovations in the field of construction.

Roman concrete stands as a remarkable achievement of ancient engineering and architecture. Its durability, strength, and versatility have left an indelible mark on the built environment of the Roman Empire and continue to inspire admiration and study to this day.

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The Shortest,tallest,and fattest men in Europe playing cards together in 1913.

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In 1900, an American hotelier named George Boldt was determined to build a fairytale castle for his beloved wife Louise. But in 1904, he suddenly ordered his workers to drop their tools — because Louise had unexpectedly died at age 31.

Heartbroken, Boldt never returned to the palace to complete the construction and it was left to rot for nearly seven decades. While the castle was eventually renovated for visitors, no one has ever lived in it and it remains unoccupied to this day.

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"Roman Empire. In Arena", 1932, Oil Painting by Tony Haller (1907-1944)

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