Latest news with #Etruscan
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- NZ Herald
Where to experience cowboy culture around the world
Australia Stockmen, also known as ringers, are part of Australia's cultural fabric. For generations, they've worked the country's craggy landscapes and vast outback. Stockmen first arrived on the scene in the early 19th century, when European settlers established cattle and sheep ranches. Their adept rustling skills were passed down through the generations and are still in use today. To see modern Australian cowboys put their roping techniques to the test, head to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in northwest Queensland. The Birdsville Races , held each September, also have a distinct stockman flair. Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland Italy Italy's cowboys, the butteri, have worked the land between southwestern Tuscany and northern Lazio since Etruscan times, tending long-horned Maremmana cattle. The butteri employ an elegant, quick riding style and carry the traditional mazzarella, a hand-carved wooden staff used to open gates, herd cattle and train horses. While the butteri still ride the open land across central Italy, their numbers are dwindling, leading lawmakers to kick off training programmes to bring new wranglers into the fold. The six-room Tenuta Di Alberese , located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, offers visitors horseback tours with the butteri who live and work nearby. Italian butteri have been riding since Etruscan times, making them Europe's oldest cowboys. Photo / Unsplash Mexico When the Spanish first came to Mexico in 1519, they knew they'd need vaqueros, or cowboys, to wrangle the cattle they brought with them. They quickly trained indigenous men to ride horseback on the range. Those Mexican vaqueros eventually took their skills with them throughout North America, developing the art of lasso (from the Spanish lazo, or rope) and later inspiring their American counterparts. Visitors to the popular tourist town of San Miguel de Allende can get an authentic vaquero experience with a full-day ride at Rancho Xotolar , a working ranch. Bonus: During the tour, you'll also spy ancient Toltec pyramids. Spain Without Spanish vaqueros, there wouldn't be 'cowboy culture'. These original ranch hands worked the Iberian Peninsula's haciendas during medieval times and were responsible for rounding up livestock and branding the animals to aid in identification. Their horseback skills proved so useful that conquistadors often brought them along as they expanded the Spanish empire around the world. Today, you can get a modern-day vaquero fix during the annual El Rocío Saca de las Yeguas. During the event, held every June 26, hundreds of mares are brought to the shrine of the Virgin del Rocío for a special blessing. The animals are then driven to nearby Alamonte for a livestock fair and sale. Saddle up for global adventures as cowboy culture takes centre stage in travel. Photo / Getty Images The Philippines You might not consider Southeast Asia a hotspot for cowboy culture, but in the Philippines, rodeo reigns supreme. Each spring, hundreds of contestants flock to the Mastabe City Rodeo Festival to show off their lasso skills, ride bulls, and take part in the carambola, an attempt to restrain rowdy cows by hand. Many more come out to watch the spectacle, all dressed in their western best. As with many other cowboy hotspots, the Filipino tradition took shape when Spanish colonisers arrived on the scene and brought cattle and horses with them. Locals learned to manage and herd cows and steer by horseback, and that tradition still remains strong. United States
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
2,600-year-old tomb — untouched by looters — found at park in Italy. Peek inside
Not too far from Rome sits the rock necropolis of San Giuliano, a site promising a unique glimpse into the ancient culture that dominated Italy before the Romans. But accessing the site hasn't always been easy. Visitors had to trek into a ravine, navigate the overgrown forest and locate the ruins. Recently, while working to improve the site, archaeologists unearthed a 2,600-year-old tomb that sat unopened — until now. Heritage officials began a yearslong project to clean up the archaeological park in Barbarano Romano and restore some of its more than 500 tombs. The effort started in 2023 and is continuing this summer, the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria said in a July 4 news release. As archaeologists were excavating a section of the park, they unearthed a stone entranceway built into a massive mound. The underground pit-like entryway had a door sealed with a rock slab, photos show. The team carefully removed the slab, lowering it to the ground to reveal a rectangular opening. Photos show this arduous yet delicate process. Peering inside, archaeologists realized they were looking into an Etruscan stone tomb dating back about 2,600 years, officials said. Unlike many of the park's other tombs, the newfound grave was untouched by looters. Officials also shared photos of the find in a June 27 Facebook post. Archaeologists did not enter the tomb but, from the doorway, could see a burial chamber, the department said. On the threshold sat several delicately painted pots and jars. A large pile of pottery was visible on the ground further inside, photos show. On either side of the doorway were funeral beds, one of which had several bronze ornaments sitting on it, officials said. Archaeologist Barbara Barbaro described the find as extremely rare and exceptional, offering deeper insights into Etruscan culture. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization located in modern-day Italy and reached their peak in the sixth century B.C. 'Many features of Etruscan culture were adopted by the Romans, their successors to power in the peninsula,' according to Britannica. The team is currently documenting the 2,600-year-old tomb and will eventually excavate it, the department said. Work is ongoing at the rock necropolis of San Giuliano. The site is in Barbarano Romano and about 30 miles northwest of Rome. Google Translate was used to translate the news release and Facebook post from the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria.
Business Insider
07-07-2025
- Business Insider
I'm from Italy and love visiting this small, breathtaking village that's less than 2 hours from Rome
I was born and raised in Italy and love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a village north of Rome. The small village has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure. However, from the delicious food to the stunning views, I think it's livelier than ever. As someone who was born and raised in Rome, I know firsthand that there's nothing more enjoyable than the city's vibrant atmosphere and friendly community. However, if you're looking for a hidden gem where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy a more peaceful environment, you'll need to look beyond the typical tourist areas. That's why I love visiting Civita di Bagnoregio, a charming village just an hour and a half north of Rome that overlooks the badlands. To get there, visitors have to cross a 984-foot bridge Strongly affected by earthquakes and erosion, the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio has been nicknamed "The Dying City" due to its fragile infrastructure. Today, it's home to only a handful of residents, but in my opinion, it feels more alive than ever. Part of its charm is that the only way to get there is via a 984-foot pedestrian bridge from Bagnoregio, a neighboring city that residents rely on for resources. Fortunately, crossing this peaceful bridge and looking out at the gorgeous views is one of the best parts of the journey. With so few people around, I like to truly romanticise my stroll, looking out at the historic houses and the stunning landscapes of northern Lazio. And once I arrive in the village, there's so much to explore. I love stopping at the town's small restaurants In my opinion, Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect village to experience a traditional Italian meal. Once in town, I always have lunch at Osteria al Forno di Agnese. This charming restaurant with a welcoming staff serves up everything from homemade pasta to fresh salads. I especially enjoy the pincinelle with pistachio pesto and the mixed salad with strawberries and mozzarella. In the afternoon, I stop for an aperitivo at Wine Bar d'Andrea, where I enjoy a charcuterie board, taralli, and a wine tasting. There are lots of wonderful places to stop in Civita di Bagnoregio I'm never bored when I visit Civita di Bagnoregio. In my opinion, the best place to start is at the Church of San Donato, which is home to gorgeous religious artifacts like a wooden crucifix, Etruscan sarcophagi, and relics of saints. However, one of my favorite places to visit is Giardino del Poeta, a garden filled with roses, tulips, and ornamental plants. The panoramic view of the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking. Within the garden, there's also a cute little spot to buy organic foods like jams, which I always pick up before heading home. I always make time to browse the local shops Before leaving Civita di Bagnoregio, I always like grabbing a few souvenirs as a reminder of my time in the village. I enjoy stopping by Acqua di Civita, a small store set in the main square that sells cosmetics, fragrances, soaps, and candles. I particularly like the donkey milk soap and snail mucin lip balm. There's also a little shop that sells lovely ceramic plates and vases, each adorned with painted religious scenes or Etruscan symbols. Overall, visiting Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect way to escape the crowds in Rome Although I enjoy walking through Rome's busiest areas, I feel most rejuvenated when hiking through Civita di Bagnoregio. Even though the village welcomes many visitors during the high season, there's always a profound silence that inevitably comforts me. From the delicious restaurants and local shops to the stunning views from above, I'd definitely recommend a trip to Civita di Bagnoregio to anyone that's in the area.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Three mascots for Plastic Free July in Chennai
In a world where every personal plan and public policy clicked neatly into its intended place, Plastic Free July would be a superfluity. But with laws to eliminate single-use plastics having the biting force of the Etruscan pygmy shrew with its almost-invisible teeth, this awareness month is a necessity in our world. It challenges people to avoid banned plastics and minimise the use of legal and unavoidable plastics, to start with, for a month. These three individuals did not need the prodding of a Plastic Free July to free themselves from the entanglements of single-use plastics. They simply emerged as tiny pockets of resistance in a vast landscape of capitulation. Here are their stories. Flowers wrapped in a cause In Adambakkam, Jagadeesh plies his trade near Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple on Brindavan Nagar Main Road. From a shop that can be slipped into a vest-pocket, he sells flowers, making a quiet but firm statement — no plastic covers, only paper wrapping and paper bags. For the past 2.5 years, the 56-year-old has wrapped every garland and bunch of flowers in newspapers, refusing to use plastic covers. He stands his ground when a customer would wince at the sight of flowers being wrapped in paper. 'I will give only paper. If you do not like it, no problem, you can leave' — that is Jagadeesh's response to any complaint from a customer. He developed a distaste for plastic covers during the monsoon three years ago. Following a cloudburst, plastic covers had clogged the drains, resulting in a flooded street. Jagadeesh stepped out and cleared the plastic waste himself. 'People laughed at me, but I knew I had to do something,' he says. Since then, plastic covers have been an anathema: he made them unwelcome where he could without anybody's permission — that is, in his shop. Unlike many others who choose to use old newspapers, Jagadeesh buys 40–50 fresh papers every week from a nearby shop to make clean paper bags. 'Flowers are meant for puja. They should be clean. How can I give something sacred in a dirty paper?' he asks. For customers buying a bunch of garlands, he neatly packs them in white gunny bags. Jagadeesh's daily sales is in the range of ₹900–1000, with flowers priced modestly between ₹20–30. He does not seem to attach an undue value to profits. Other things matter just as much, if not more. 'One out of every 100 customers would get irritated, but most people appreciate it. Some bring their own jute bags now, and I am happy about that,' he says. Jagadeesh also gently explains to customers the harm plastic causes. He notes: 'It is not just about business. We all have to take responsibility at some point in our lives.' 'No plastic zone' in a residential pocket Radhika Premkumar from Khivraj Mansarovar Second Street in Chromepet lets her life be steered by a sustainability philosophy. Trained in commerce through collegiate education, Radhika once had a corporate career. And the nine-to-five rigour allowed little time for mindfulness to the minutiae of everyday living. In December 2015, during the Chennai floods, she found herself facing a fork in the road, pointing her in a new direction. Struck by illness and unable to reach a doctor as the floods had disrupted life, she realised that healing should be built into daily living, various aspects of it being defined by health-promoting choices. Besides turning to natural remedies, including acupressure, Radhika rung in changes that turned her hearth upside down, in a positive way. Her family being on the same page, she could implement these changes without any resistance. In 2016, she switched to biogas cooking. 'By 2018, I began making bio enzymes,' she says. Passion led her to wear a new professional identity as seller of bio-enzymes. Post-pandemic, she co-founded Arani Biotech with Kannabiran and Kumaran; the company manufactures bio enzymes. Of course, the plastic presence in her home did not escape Radhika's introspective look. Wherever possible, she has replaced plastic items with eco-friendly alternatives and single-use plastics do not have a toehold in her household. Here are some of the replacements. Bamboo brushes instead of plastic brushes. Steel straws instead of plastic straws. Vetti ver body brush instead of plastic loofah. Steel water bottles instead of plastic water bottles. Provisions are carried in cloth bags or steel vessels, and she never leaves home without her trusty water bottle. 'Plastic sneaks in sometimes, such as through online food deliveries, but we can always make sure it does not pile up on the planet,' she says. She ensures plastic items that come home uninvited, but unavoidably (examples being plastic juice bottles and milk covers) are dispatched to the recycler or the local scrap dealer. She avoids polyester and steers clear of products with harmful chemicals. Medical waste such as band-aids, adult diapers and needles is packed carefully before disposal. Nothing is tossed out mindlessly. Through awareness sessions in schools via the Rotary Club, Radhika plants ideas of change in young minds. 'My neighbours tell me they think of me when they carry water bottles or switch to cloth pads. That feels like a small win,' she smiles. Her advice is simple: conscious buying, gradual change, and less waste. She says: 'We have to read labels, know the ingredients to know what we re buying. Every habit takes time, but the key is to start.' Catering for the planet's needs In a world hooked on fast food and faster packaging, Sasikala from Velachery 'slows' things down on both fronts. Her homegrown venture, Safe Food Focus offers traditional dishes, neatly packed in butter sheets, cotton boxes or even banana leaves — never plastic. For courier orders, she uses ziplock paper covers. When she cooks for orphanages or parties, she delivers the food in steel vessels. Transportation of steel containers demands the hire of a bigger vehicle adding to the logistics, but Sasikala has learnt to take this challenge in her stride. In her cooking classes and through awareness drives, Sasikala urges people to carry their own plates, spoons, and bottles while travelling. Sasikala prides herself on ensuring personal and planet health. Her first big order in 2023, feeding 100 children, sowed the seeds of Nallaram, an initiative to provide nutritious kanji mixes to children with anaemia. Two years later, the impact is visible by the smiles on those children's faces, notes Sasikala. Like a dress with two colour combinations that can be worn inside out, her kanji mixes — blends of two or three traditional rice varieties — can be turned into kichadi, upma, or even payasam.
Boston Globe
01-07-2025
- Boston Globe
In defense of tourism
In Europe, a whole movement against 'overtourism' has taken shape, symbolized by water guns some To which I'd say: Let those who are without stamps in their passport squirt the first water gun. Advertisement Now, that's not to say there aren't serious problems caused by tourism, starting with the Tourists have also been blamed for degrading cultural institutions, such as by thronging the Louvre to photograph the Mona Lisa. Last week, a painting at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence was Tourists stand accused of wearing Advertisement At an extreme, tourism has also been accused of Against the backdrop of so many complaints, some localities have started to impose charges in an effort to reduce the number of visitors. Locally, Now, I'm certainly not going to defend the small minority of loutish tourists. And when there are actual safety reasons to limit the number of people in a museum gallery or in the canals of Venice, that's obviously reasonable. But those are specific problems in specific places, not an indictment of tourism overall. Indeed, it's hard not to see some of these high-minded critiques of overtourism as disguised snobbery, prejudice, or horror at the kids these days. The critiques tend to either implicitly or explicitly suggest there's a right and wrong way to visit other countries — that it's fine when enlightened Boomers go to the Louvre to admire its Etruscan antiquities, but horrifyingly gauche when someone else takes a selfie with the Mona Lisa. Tourists take a picture of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. AMAURY CORNU/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images Moralizing about the environmental impact of other people's travel — also known as Advertisement The objections also tend to ignore the benefits. Travel does create cultural exchange — and economic activity. In Europe, there's been a bit of backlash to the backlash, with defenders of tourism Tourism is an easy bogeyman. But we all benefit from being able to see the world in ways previous generations could only dream of. Unless you're willing to give up travel yourself, trying to limit tourism or judge other tourists isn't the right approach to solving the problems that tourism can create. This is an excerpt from , a Globe Opinion newsletter about the future of transportation in the region. Sign up to . Alan Wirzbicki is Globe deputy editor for editorials. He can be reached at
