Latest news with #PhilipII
The Guardian
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sofonisba's Chess Game review – pioneering female Renaissance artist gets her due
Like its predecessors from the Ideas Roadshow series, this essay film looks like a high-grade PowerPoint presentation but shines because of its exceptional subject: the pioneering female Renaissance artist Sofonisba Anguissola and her psychologically luminous portraiture. The film is centred on this queen's gambit: her c 1555 portrait of her three sisters and housemaid playing chess, which clocked up numerous firsts. Apart from being the first Renaissance all-female group painting and the first to juxtapose women of different classes, its most groundbreaking accomplishment was depicting real-life – rather than symbolic or idealised – women. Narrated by Elizabeth van Sebelle, the film sticks to basic summaries to relay the context. Born around 1532 into a lapsed aristocratic family from Cremona, as the eldest child Anguissola got a fancy Carthaginian first name (her father was Amilcare) and artistic training a cut above the average woman of the time. Initially schooled by distinguished local painters, she impressed Michelangelo in her early 20s when he challenged her to draw a weeping boy. Her artistic apprenticeship was meant in part to bolster her marriage chances rather than to give her a career in her own right – a career she had, nevertheless, becoming court painter to Philip II of Spain, and subtly influencing her peers. The showpiece analysis is brisk and compelling, from a history of chess as an emerging cultural status symbol to rival literature and music, to the painting's Leonardo-inspired composition. While the image undoubtedly displays Anguissola's empathic talents, there's something particular going on in its matrix of sisterly gazes, as delineated here: moving from seven-year-old Europa's amused reaction to adolescent Minerva's stupefied gawp on losing her queen, to the self-possessed 18-year-old Lucia staring outwards (presumably at the artist). Anguissola is selling the family's credo of education and the transmission of good character. One drawback is that confining the film to a single painting means the analysis of Anguissola's influence feels limited; charting the specific imitators of The Game of Chess is interesting, but less so than understanding the broader impact of ordinary women's representation. And the titbits in her biography hint at greater dramatic possibilities than this purely academic treatment gets across; after leaving the Spanish court, she fell in love with a sea captain, lived childless in Genoa and Palermo, before dying aged 93. This is an intriguing primer, but there's ample biopic potential for this lady on fire. Sofonisba's Chess Game is on Prime Video from 24 July.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
An Ancient Tomb Held Anonymous Bodies for 2,300 Years. Turns Out They're Famous Royals.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Alexander the Great was one of history's greatest generals, but his father—Philip II—was no slouch either. His rule gave rise to Macedonia and its impressive army. While archaeologists have known that Philip II's final resting place was in a tomb located at Aigai (now Vergina, Greece), they couldn't determine which tomb contained his remains. Now, a study from an international team of archaeologists confirms the location of Philip's final resting place using both scientific data and anthropological sources. This story is a collaboration with Although he only lived to the age of 32, Alexander the Great consistently tops 'best of' lists when it comes to military greatness (though, if you were on the receiving end of his 'greatness,' you might disagree with the title). With his defeat of the Persian army at the Battle of Gaugamela, he became 'King of Babylon, King of Asia, King of the Four Quarters of the World' and his battle tactics are still studied to this day. Of course, Alexander the Great—also known as Alexander III of Macedon—was set up for success. For one, his tutor was none other than Aristotle (yes, that Aristotle), but his biggest military boost came from the fact that his father was King Philip II, who facilitated the rise of Macedonia and created its incredible army that Alexander eventually marched around the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Asia. Get the Issue Get the Issue Get the Issue Get the Issue Get the Issue Get the Issue Get the IssueGet the Issue Get the Issue Although Philip II isn't quite a household name like his famous offspring, the king is now getting some much-deserved time in the limelight some 2,350 years after his assassination in 336 BCE in Aigai (present day Vergina, Greece). In a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, archaeologists have finally confirmed that the remains of Alexander the Great's half-brother, son, and father Philip II indeed rest in the family tomb located in Vergina, Greece. For two millennia, the town of Aigai was lost to history. But in 1977, Greek archeologist Manolis Andronikos discovered the final resting place of Philip II, and the archaeology site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. However, while archaeologists were pretty sure that the remains of Alexander's father lie in this newly discovered tomb, controversies and disagreements ensued as to who was in which of the three tombs located in the archeological complex. To solve this mystery, an international team of archaeologists from the U.S., Madrid, and Greece drew data from multiple methods of scientific investigation—osteological analyses, dissections, X-rays, and more—and consulted historical sources. This finally determined that Tomb I contained the remains of Philip II, along with his wife Cleopatra (not that Cleopatra) and their infant son, who were both killed after Philip II's assassination. Additionally, Tomb II—which scholars debated might've actually contained Philip's remains—instead belongs to King Arrhidaeus (Alexander's half-brother) and his wife, a warrior named Adea Eurydice. Finally, Tomb III belongs to Alexander IV, the great Macedonian general's teenage son. 'We evaluated the hypothesis of Philip II in Tomb II and demonstrated why it cannot be supported, based on a full review of the available evidence,' the paper reads. 'Unfortunately, all of the evidence is not yet available. We await the publication of the excavation diaries of Tomb I.' Few father-son military duos have been so historically transformative as Philip II and Alexander the Great. And now, 2,360 years later, anthropologists and archeologists are finally piecing together the closing chapter of the duo's first act. Get the Guide Get the Guide Get the Guide Get the Guide Get the Guide Get the Guide Get the Guide You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Europe's hidden country next to Greece with nowhere near as many tourists
Bordered by Greece and Albania, this small country is rich in natural beauty and its long and layered history is reflected in its most prominent landmarks and its traditional cuisine Don't expect Greece, Portugal or Spain to get any less crowded this summer, even with the implementation of new tourist regulations and fees. If you really want to escape the tourist hordes without travelling too far afield, there's one destination that should be on your radar. North Macedonia is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to expand their European holiday horizons. Bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Albania, the country is landlocked but still offers plenty to explore. Because it doesn't get the same kind of travel coverage as its neighbours, North Macedonia is ideal for travellers looking for a peaceful escape. The country also boasts a rich history, with a blend of influences from the Mediterranean, Balkans, Greece, Italy, and Ottoman Empire. Though a small country, North Macedonia is abundant in beautiful natural scenery. About 80 percent of its land consists of mountains and lakes, making it ideal for active holidaymakers intent on hiking, cycling and kayaking. The country is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wild boars, wolves, foxes, deer, and over 200 species of butterfly. Combining your trip to North Macedonia with a visit to Lake Kerkini - one of the most important wetlands in Europe - promises a unique natural adventure, particularly for avid birdwatchers. History buffs will also have plenty to keep them occupied in North Macedonia. The country's distinctly diverse history means it is packed with amphitheatres, statues, monasteries and statues from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. One must-visit landmark is Heraklea Linkestis - the site of a once-thriving settlement which is argued to have been founded by King Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC. Travellers can see remains of a theatre, baths and Jewish temple at this grand archeological site in Bitola. Other impressive and historically significant destinations include: the archaeological site of Stobi, the Neolithic settlement of Sumba Madzari in Skopje, and the Monastery of Saint Naum which overlooks Lake Ohrid near the Albanian border. Lake Ohrid and the surrounding areas can get busy during peak summer times though, so keep that in mind if you are prioritising a quiet getaway. That said, much of the country still manages to feel untouched by tourists. One of the most exciting traits of the country is its rich and multi-layered culinary legacy. The rich blend of histories in North Macedonia is reflected in its local dishes, which balance seasonal ingredients with tradition. The country's national dish is tavce gravce - a savoury baked bean dish. A local favourite travellers may be more familiar with is burek - a meat, cheese and spinach pastry common to the Middle East and Balkan countries. Tulumbi - a syrup-soaked fried dough - and pastrmalija (aka Macedonian pizza) are other local eats travellers should keep an eye out for. North Macedonia has many similarities to Greece and Turkey and is an incredible place for those who crave adventure that is off the beaten path and less visited by tourists.
UPI
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Famous birthdays for May 21: Ronald Isley, Cody Johnson
May 21 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: -- Artist Albrecht Durer in 1471 -- King Philip II of Spain in 1527 -- Writer Alexander Pope in 1688 -- Paleontologist Mary Anning in 1799 -- Musician Fats Waller in 1904 -- Actor Raymond Burr in 1917 -- Football Hall of Fame member Ara Parseghian in 1923 -- Actor Peggy Cass in 1924 -- Baseball Hall of Fame member Bobby Cox in 1941 (age 84) File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI -- Musician Ronald Isley in 1941 (age 84) -- Musician Bill Champlin (Chicago) in 1947 (age 78) -- Former U.S. Sen./comedian Al Franken in 1951 (age 74) -- Actor Mr. T in 1952 (age 73) -- Musician Stan Lynch (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) in 1955 (age 70) -- Actor Judge Reinhold in 1957 (age 68) File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI -- Actor/filmmaker Nick Cassavetes in 1959 (age 66) -- Convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1960 -- Actor Lisa Edelstein in 1966 (age 59) -- Musician the Notorious B.I.G. in 1972 -- TV personality/actor Noel Fielding in 1973 (age 52) -- Actor Fairuza Balk in 1974 (age 51) -- Musician Gotye in 1980 (age 45) -- Actor David Ajala in 1986 (age 39) -- Musician Cody Johnson in 1987 (age 38) File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI -- Actor Sarah Ramos in 1991 (age 34) -- Olympic diver Tom Daley in 1994 (age 31) -- NFL quarterback Josh Allen in 1996 (age 29) -- Actor Sang Heon Lee in 1996 (age 29) -- Actor Keith L. Williams in 2007 (age 18)
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Surprising discovery at ancient Grecian burial ground
A tomb in Greece 's Vergina, previously thought to be the resting place of Alexander the Great 's father, Philip II, likely contains the remains of a different man and a young woman. Radiocarbon dating suggests the man and woman in the tomb lived between 388 and 356 BC, whereas Philip II died in 336 BC. The man's age at death (25-35) also contradicts Philip II's age at death (around 46). Six infants buried in the tomb between 150 BC and 130 AD are likely unrelated to the original occupants, suggesting it was reused during the Roman period, scientists say. Analysis suggests the man spent his childhood away from the Macedonian capital, while the woman likely lived in the Vergina/Pella area her entire life. Tomb thought to hold Alexander the Great's father actually found to contain remains of young woman and six infants
