Latest news with #ArchaeologicalMuseum
CBS News
16-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Complete skeleton of medieval knight found under former ice cream parlor in Poland
The centuries-old complete skeleton of a medieval knight was found under the former site of a famous ice cream shop in Poland, researchers said. The discovery was made on a small plot in Gdańsk, a city on the country's coast. The site was once home to an ice cream parlor called Miś, which operated there since 1962 but has since moved to a new location. Researchers say several other archaeological discoveries have been made at the site in recent years, including the remains of cottages dating back to the 12th and 13th century and an ancient city street. Archaeologists from the ArcheoScan Archaeological and Conservation Workshop were working on the site in July when they found the knight's tombstone. The stone, made of limestone, was engraved with the image of a knight, the organization said on social media. On July 8, the headstone was moved to Gdańsk's Archaeological Museum. Early analysis determined the stone likely dates back to the 13th or 14th century. Two days later, the team found the complete skeleton of the medieval knight. He was buried about five inches under the tombstone, researchers said on social media. He appears to have been about 40 years old when he died, anthropologist Dr. Aleksandra Pudło said in an article published on Gdańsk's official website. The knight appears to have been between about 5'6" and 5'10" tall, researchers said. Pudło said the skull and bones of the skeleton were very well-preserved. Gdańsk's website noted that the skull is in worse shape than the other bones. It's not clear who the knight may have served, according to Gdańsk's official website. The city was captured by a German Catholic military order called the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century. It's also unclear if the burial predates or postdates the event, researchers said. The knight may have also served the Sobiesław dynasty, which ruled Gdańsk during the 11th and 12th century. More research will be conducted on the skeleton and the tombstone, as well as other relics found during the dig. Researchers have found several other notable tombstones, though the knight's appears to be the most impressive. The tombstone will be examined with 3D software, and archaeologists will likely attempt a detailed reconstruction of the artifact. Pudło said that the skeleton of the knight will undergo a "thorough examination," and the results of that may be available as early as next year.
India.com
07-07-2025
- India.com
Ready To Feel Alive? 5 Epic Varanasi Bike Trips You Can't Miss This Weekend!
People visit Varanasi specifically because this ancient city stands as both an essential pilgrimage site and a place of historical interest. The sacred location of Varanasi at the Ganges River presents itself as an outstanding base to begin exciting motorcycle travel routes. Open adventures can be found throughout Varanasi thanks to its diverse selection of tranquil landscapes along with its historic sights and challenging natural areas. Multiple selections exist among top motorcycle road trips starting from Varanasi which deliver an extraordinary weekend experience. 1. Sarnath – A Journey Through Time Sarnath rests at a distance of 13 kilometers from Varanasi as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts devotees of Buddhism. The brief excursion follows roads that lead through fertile fields before reaching peaceful village areas. Sarnath maintains its significance because Lord Buddha chose this location to deliver his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Visitors must experience the Dhamek Stupa together with the Ashoka Pillar and the Archaeological Museum at this site. Seminoors interested in brief religious relief can easily explore this destination thanks to its easy-to-travel roads along with its proximity to Varanasi. 2. Chunar Fort – A Ride into History The Ganges river shores house the memorable Chunar Fort which exists at a distance of 40 kilometers from Varanasi. Due to its strategic location during the medieval period the fort provides majestic views across the river and the surrounding mountains. You will encounter scenic surroundings of rural Indian landscapes while driving through the hilly roads leading to Chunar. After arriving you can observe the old remains and hidden passageways and stone stepwells as you immerse yourself in the fascinating heritage of this ancestral fortification. (Prayagraj) – Confluence of Rivers The Triveni Sangam which unites the confluence of Ganges Yamuna and mythological Saraswati rivers exists in Prayagraj prior to its official renaming from Allahabad. The journey uses smooth highway infrastructure which occasionally shifts to country roads passing through fields of mango orchards and sugarcane agriculture. The popular attractions of Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhawan Museum highlight the schedule while riders should complete the experience with a Sangam boat tour. The destination presents a combination of sacred aspects with its historical heritage along with stunning natural landscapes. 4. Mirzapur – The Carpet Weaving Hub From Varanasi you can reach Mirzapur through a 65-kilometer journey to see its well-known hand-knotted carpet production and silk weaving sector. Your journey goes through wet forests along with local residential areas as well as the magnificent Vindhya mountain range. The large number of visitors from various parts of the nation makes the Dadri Dham temple and the Bhairav Baba Mandir two must-see destinations. Those who want to observe traditional local craft artisans should visit Mirzapur to see skilled artisans at work. 5. Sonbhadra District – Nature's Paradise Riders seeking adventures through uncharted territory should head to Sonbhadra district because this part of India is situated 200 kilometers from Varanasi with its assortment of terrain and raw natural landscapes. This region features the known waterfalls Ketakeshwar along with Rihand Dam while offering visitors rocky terrain combined with dense wilderness and tribal communities that populate the area. The area's tough roadways give enthusiastic off-road drivers many chances to improve their abilities on rough terrain. One must stock up on necessities because limited facilities exist in certain sections. Tips for a Safe and Memorable Ride: A thorough preparation of weather reports alongside road navigation should take place before starting your journey. Your journey requires packing essential tools along with spare components in addition to water reserves and food supplies together with medical supplies which also include a first aid kit. The intense heat of the Indian sun requires constant hydration whenever you ride because it will drain your energy. Show Respect to local customs since many places hold sacred value by dressing modestly while treating everything respectfully. Drivers must abide by traffic regulations with proper speeds then should avoid night-time operations. iPhone users should save emergency numbers and offline maps to their device for complete connectivity. Shared group trips create enhanced safety measures between friends and provide opportunities to share new experiences. Conclusion Beyond being a traditional city Varanasi provides all travelers with numerous untapped opportunities to discover. These motorcycle road trips guide travelers through both the peaceful Sarnath region and through challenging Sonbhadra terrain. Your adventure awaits so hop on your gears and step into an unforgettable experience which will create endearing memories. The experience we will get from life depends entirely on the journeys we choose to embark upon because Varanasi reveals its fullest potential through its road exploration.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Off the Beaten Track: Rock Climbing in Croatia's Paklenica National Park
The most famous climbing site in Croatia, the gorges and cliffs of Paklenica National Park offer great climbing variety. It lies outside Starigrad near Zadar, and has routes for everyone from absolute beginners to experts. The tombs (tumuli) of Gomila and Paklaric testify that the town dates back to prehistoric times. There was once a Roman settlement here called Argyruntum, and archaeologists found a necropolis from the 1st or 2nd century that contained bronze tools, jewelry, glassware, and ceramics. You can view their finds in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar. The pre-Romanesque church of St. Peter dates back to the 10th century. Paklenica became a National Park in 1949. In 1978, UNESCO proclaimed the entire Velebit region a biogenetic reserve. Inside the park, each of the two main gorges has a name that underlines the difference between them: Velika (Great) Paklenica and Mala (Small) Paklenica. Velika Paklenica consists of two valleys. The longitudinal valley runs parallel to the Southern Velebit range, while the other is carved between the peaks of Debeli Kuk and Anica Kuk. Anica Kuk is the only place in the park where climbing is allowed. Because of its relative inaccessibility, the upper part of Velika Paklenica has developed a lush forest. In the transverse valleys, influenced by the Adriatic Sea, shrubs and Mediterranean maquis cover the slopes. The climatic and topographical differences that characterize this region, which extends from the peaks of Velebit (1,700m) to the sea, are the reason the flora and fauna are so interesting. Botanists have recorded over 500 plant species. The fauna is also rich: over 500 species of insects, several reptile species, and as many as 200 different types of birds. In Paklenica, the rock is mostly karst limestone. It is very compact, although sharp in places. There are numerous routes of all difficulty levels and lengths, from single pitches on cliffs to multi-pitch routes to a height of 350m. The style also varies, from technical slabs to large overhangs. The large walls host numerous well-bolted routes that climb on ridges or easy slabs. But there is no shortage of long sport routes that tackle much more sustained terrain with difficulties up to 8a. In addition, there are a handful of beautiful trad routes, protected only with nuts and Friends. For those who want to try something different, there are some interesting artificial routes. The first climbers visited Paklenica in the late 1930s, but the first route was Brahm in 1940. Between 1957 and 1969, Croatian climbers largely had the gorge to themselves and opened many new routes. Today, many of these are considered true classics, such as Mosoraški (1957), Velebitaški (1961), and Klin (1966). Later, it was mainly Slovenian climbers who opened further new routes. Among them was the legendary Franc Knez, who opened around 40 routes. Many of Knez's routes remain among the most difficult in Paklenica today. During the 1980s, Italian Mauro Corona established the first short sport routes in Klanci, the narrowest part of the canyon. His first route was Stimula, 7a. Soon after, Maurizio Zanolla made the first free ascent of what is still the hardest route in Paklenica: Il Marattoneta (8b+). Adam Ondra onsighted it in 2020 and also made a new variant, named Genius Loci (9a). During the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the park was closed for a few years. When it reopened in 1995, Austrians Ingo Schalk and Gerhard Grabner immediately opened a great new route, Waterworld (7b+). Currently, the most active climbers are Croatians Boris Cujic and Ivica Matkovic, who are responsible for a whole series of new routes. They have also fixed and rebolted numerous old routes, replacing countless rusty bolts. While there is little chance of discovering something new on the big walls of the gorge, there is still potential for hard sport routes in sectors like Rupe, or even in more distant crags, just outside the Paklenica canyon. Paklenica is a national park, so there are strict regulations for environmental protection. There are also areas where authorities prohibit climbing, such as Mala Paklenica, and on Debeli Kuk in the Velika Paklenica gorge from the lower to the upper parking lot. Climbing is also prohibited from Manita Pec to the upper part of Velika Parklenica. These prohibitions protect bird habitat and help to avoid accidents from rockfall. There is a fee to enter the park, but there are three and five-day ticket options for climbers that are valid for 30 days. Climbing officials supervise the climbing in Paklenica. They ensure the safety of the routes and are in charge of maintenance. Equipping new routes and installing new equipment on old routes requires permission from the Paklenica National Park management. The best time of year is from April to the end of October. In winter, strong winds are a problem. However, the Crljenica section has recently been developed, and with its sunny position, it is suitable for climbing even in winter. During the spring, expect frequent showers, though the karst dries quickly. In summer, it can be hot, but you can always find a place in the shade, such as on Anica Kuk, throughout the morning. In Stari Grad, there are several shops, open even on holidays, a gas station, and everything you need for a pleasant stay. If you want to camp, many campsites offer budget accommodation, such as NP Paklenica, Marko, Vesna, Peko, and Popo. Affordable rooms are available at Ana Marasovic, Pansion Andelko, Hotel Rajna, and Restaurant Paklenica. Although climbing is prohibited, we highly recommend a trip to the nearby Mala Paklenica gorge. This valley is smaller and rarely visited, so the nature tends to be more primeval and wild. In Velika Paklenica, visiting the Manita Pec cave is another must.
Kuwait Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Ancient bread rises again as Turkey recreates 5,000-year-old loaf
In the early Bronze Age, a piece of bread was buried beneath the threshold of a newly built house in what is today central Turkey. Now, more than 5,000 years later, archaeologists have unearthed it, and helped a local bakery to recreate the recipe -- with customers lining up to buy it. Round and flat like a pancake, 12 centimeters (five inches) in diameter, the bread was discovered during excavations at Kulluoba, a site near the central Anatolian city of Eskisehir. "This is the oldest baked bread to have come to light during an excavation, and it has largely been able to preserve its shape," said Murat Turkteki, archaeologist and director of the excavation. "Bread is a rare find during an excavation. Usually, you only find crumbs," he told AFP. "But here, it was preserved because it had been burnt and buried," he said. The bread was charred and buried under the entrance of a dwelling built around 3,300 BC. A piece had been torn off, before the bread was burnt, then buried when the house was built. "It makes us think of a ritual of abundance," Turkteki said. Archeologists Murat Turkteki (R) and Deniz Sari look at an ancient house at the Kulluoba excavation site, in Eskisehir province, in central Turkey, on May 23, 2025. Employees of Halk Ekmek (Public bread, in Turkish) mix and cut dough in order to make Kulluoba breads. This photograph shows emmer, einkorn and lentil flour, as well as cooked lentil and bulgur grains, the ingredients of Kulluoba bread. Employees of Halk Ekmek (Public bread, in Turkish) mix and cut dough in order to make Kulluoba breads. This photograph shows cooked Kulluoba breads, a reproduction of a 5,000 years old bread unearthed in an archeological excavation in Eskisehir province, in central Turkey. 'Moved by this discovery' Unearthed in September 2024, the charred bread has been on display at the Eskisehir Archaeological Museum since Wednesday. "We were very moved by this discovery. Talking to our excavation director, I wondered if we could reproduce this bread," said the city's mayor, Ayse Unluce. Analyses showed that the bread was made with coarsely ground emmer flour, an ancient variety of wheat, and lentil seeds, with the leaf of an as yet undetermined plant used as yeast. Ancient emmer seeds no longer exist in Turkey. To get as close as possible to the original recipe, the municipality, after analyzing the ancient bread, decided to use Kavilca wheat, a variety that is close to ancient emmer, as well as bulgur and lentils. At the Halk Ekmek bakery (meaning "People's Bread" in Turkish), promoted by the municipality to offer low-cost bread, employees have been shaping 300 loaves of Kulluoba by hand every day. "The combination of ancestral wheat flour, lentils and bulgur results in a rich, satiating, low-gluten, preservative-free bread," said Serap Guler, the bakery's manager. The first Kulluoba loaves, marketed as 300-gramme (11-ounce) cakes that cost 50 Turkish lira (around $1.28), sold out within hours. "I rushed because I was afraid there wouldn't be any left. I'm curious about the taste of this ancient bread," said customer Suzan Kuru. Serap Guler, manager of Halk Ekmek (Public bread, in Turkish) poses next to cooked Kulluoba breads, This photograph shows Kulluoba bread, a 5,000 years old bread unearthed in an archeological excavation. Archeologists Murat Turkteki (left) and Deniz Sari look at Kulluoba bread. An employee of Halk Ekmek (Public bread, in Turkish) puts in a package Kulluoba bread. This aerial photograph shows a general view at the Kulluoba excavation site, in Eskisehir province, in central Turkey. Drought resistant In the absence of written traces, the civilization of Kulluoba remains largely mysterious. In the Bronze Age, the Hattians, an Anatolian people who preceded the Hittites, lived in the Eskisehir region. "Kulluoba was a medium-sized urban agglomeration engaged in commercial activities, crafts, agriculture and mining. There was clearly a certain family and social order," said archaeologist Deniz Sari. The rediscovery of the bread has sparked interest in the cultivation of ancient wheats better adapted to drought. Once rich in water sources, the province of Eskisehir is today suffering from drought. "We're facing a climate crisis, but we're still growing corn and sunflowers, which require a lot of water," said Unluce, the local mayor. "Our ancestors are teaching us a lesson. Like them, we should be moving towards less thirsty crops," she added. The mayor wants to revive the cultivation of Kavilca wheat in the region, which is resistant to drought and disease. "We need strong policies on this subject. Cultivating ancient wheat will be a symbolic step in this direction," she said. "These lands have preserved this bread for 5,000 years and given us this gift. We have a duty to protect this heritage and pass it on." — AFP
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Business Times
Ancient bread rises again as Turkey recreates 5,000-year-old loaf
[ESKISEHIR, Turkey] In the early Bronze Age, a piece of bread was buried beneath the threshold of a newly built house in what is today central Turkey. Now, more than 5,000 years later, archaeologists have unearthed it, and helped a local bakery to recreate the recipe – with customers lining up to buy it. Round and flat like a pancake, 12 centimetres in diameter, the bread was discovered during excavations at Kulluoba, a site near the central Anatolian city of Eskisehir. 'This is the oldest baked bread to have come to light during an excavation, and it has largely been able to preserve its shape,' said Murat Turkteki, archaeologist and director of the excavation. 'Bread is a rare find during an excavation. Usually, you only find crumbs,' he said. 'But here, it was preserved because it had been burnt and buried,' he said. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up The bread was charred and buried under the entrance of a dwelling built around 3,300 BC. A piece had been torn off, before the bread was burnt, then buried when the house was built. 'It makes us think of a ritual of abundance,' Turkteki said. 'Moved by this discovery' Unearthed in September 2024, the charred bread has been on display at the Eskisehir Archaeological Museum since Wednesday (May 28). 'We were very moved by this discovery. Talking to our excavation director, I wondered if we could reproduce this bread,' said the city's mayor, Ayse Unluce. Analyses showed that the bread was made with coarsely ground emmer flour, an ancient variety of wheat, and lentil seeds, with the leaf of an as yet undetermined plant used as yeast. Ancient emmer seeds no longer exist in Turkey. To get as close as possible to the original recipe, the municipality, after analysing the ancient bread, decided to use Kavilca wheat, a variety that is close to ancient emmer, as well as bulgur and lentils. At the Halk Ekmek bakery (meaning 'People's Bread' in Turkish), promoted by the municipality to offer low-cost bread, employees have been shaping 300 loaves of Kulluoba by hand every day. 'The combination of ancestral wheat flour, lentils and bulgur results in a rich, satiating, low-gluten, preservative-free bread,' said Serap Guler, the bakery's manager. The first Kulluoba loaves, marketed as 300-gramme cakes that cost 50 Turkish lira (around S$1.65), sold out within hours. 'I rushed because I was afraid there wouldn't be any left. I'm curious about the taste of this ancient bread,' said customer Suzan Kuru. Drought resistant In the absence of written traces, the civilisation of Kulluoba remains largely mysterious. In the Bronze Age, the Hattians, an Anatolian people who preceded the Hittites, lived in the Eskisehir region. 'Kulluoba was a medium-sized urban agglomeration engaged in commercial activities, crafts, agriculture and mining. There was clearly a certain family and social order,' said archaeologist Deniz Sari. The rediscovery of the bread has sparked interest in the cultivation of ancient wheats better adapted to drought. Once rich in water sources, the province of Eskisehir is today suffering from drought. 'We are facing a climate crisis, but we are still growing corn and sunflowers, which require a lot of water,' said Unluce, the local mayor. 'Our ancestors are teaching us a lesson. Like them, we should be moving towards less thirsty crops,' she added. The mayor wants to revive the cultivation of Kavilca wheat in the region, which is resistant to drought and disease. 'We need strong policies on this subject. Cultivating ancient wheat will be a symbolic step in this direction,' she said. 'These lands have preserved this bread for 5,000 years and given us this gift. We have a duty to protect this heritage and pass it on.' AFP
