Latest news with #pre-Roman
New European
20-05-2025
- General
- New European
Who makes the Vatican's bells?
Since the middle ages, this village has been making church bells for the Vatican and other Catholic parishes around the world. 'It's a place few Italians have ever heard of,' said Maria, an old lady I met while strolling along the winding alleys. 'Most people don't know we have played a key role in the history of the Holy See. Our village is special,' she said. 'I remember when Pope John Paul II came to visit Agnone one day back in 1995. It was party time and we were honoured to have him,' Maria recalled. Her eyes were shining as she spoke. There's a tiny village in southern Italy that harbours a secret. Welcome to Agnone, deep in the region of Molise, surrounded by lush fields full of grazing sheep and archaeological ruins dating back to the pre-Roman era of an Italic tribe, the Samnites. But this wasn't the secret. Located in the old district of picturesque homes with red tile roofs, I found the official pontifical bell foundry. It is run by the Marinelli family, who have the privilege of creating these unique pieces of bronze with the papal emblem on each bell. The foundry has been owned by the Marinellis for over 700 years, which makes it the most ancient artisan workshop in Italy. The old craftsmanship and art of creating church bells for the Vatican has been handed down across 27 generations. It struck me how one single family, in such a remote spot in wild Italy, could still have the exclusive job of making these holy bells. According to Maria, who is 97, the Marinellis are the only 'survivors' among various families of bell-makers who used to live in Agnone. 'The Marinellis are like a dynasty – a bell dynasty,' she said. Special bells were made for this year's Jubilee celebrations in the Catholic church. The foundry also makes bespoke, gigantic bells for commemorative events, and repairs old bells and church towers. I tried finding a Marinelli family member to talk to that day but failed, so instead I wandered into the bell museum, which is part of the foundry. The museum is huge. There were bells of all sizes, shapes and designs, but the one that caught my attention most was a rare model of a Gothic bell manufactured more than 1,000 years ago in Agnone. This would be a mecca for bell collectors! After the museum tour I stopped at a little pastry shop near the main piazza to grab something sweet – and there I made another surprising discovery. Agnone pastry chefs and housewives make a unique, weird kind of cake that in many ways sounds and looks ungodly. It is called ostia ripiena (meaning 'stuffed host' in Italian) and it is made with what look like two round, Catholic sacramental pieces of bread sandwiched together with a dense sticky mixture of honey, nuts and almonds. Even though the hosts aren't consecrated like those offered during Sunday mass, it is still a rather peculiar sweet treat for any pious Catholic. It made a crunchy sound as I took a bite. The delicate taste of the pearl-white communion wafer was a sharp contrast to the rich, dark sugary filling. I felt a bit embarrassed as I ate – as if I were committing a sin. 'Oh, but there's nothing immoral about ostia ripiena. It's been our religious culinary trademark for centuries, just like the bell tradition,' said Maria, who makes them at home every weekend. As I bought two more ostie ripiene to take home, I couldn't help but ponder on how faith can have so many sides to it – even a gourmet one. Silvia Marchetti is a freelance reporter living in Rome
BBC News
05-04-2025
- BBC News
New Clophill Lakes nature reserve opens to public in Bedfordshire
A new lakeside nature reserve that includes the remains of a Norman castle is opening to the Lakes in Bedfordshire is managed by environmental charity The Greensand Trust, which said it would provide "a mosaic of habitats supporting a wide range of species".Lakes and wetlands surround the "nationally important" Cainhoe Castle scheduled monument, which is a motte and bailey castle whose mounds and ditches still Trust chief executive Gill Welham said: "We hope everyone who visits will value its natural tranquillity, rich heritage and wildlife and help us safeguard this sensitive site into the future." The Greensand Ridge forms a backdrop to the reserve, which lies in the heart of the Flit Valley. Much of the reserve is recognised as a county wildlife site where visitors can see otters, wetland birds, dragonflies and are asked to keep dogs on a lead at all times and stick to paths in order to protect wildlife and the archaeological earthworks which are "extremely fragile and vulnerable to erosion" if walked Castle was built on a natural hill, mostly likely by Nigel d'Aubigny shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The trust said there was evidence of pre-Roman, Roman and Anglo-Saxon activity on the trust pointed out that metal detecting was also prohibited and it would be managing daily public access from Saturday 09:00-17:00 with a cafe open 10:00-15:00. Ms Welham said: "We are delighted to have reached a point where we are now able to welcome people to enjoy this stunning site."A stroll around the lakes is a wonderful way to appreciate this fantastic natural environment, its lakes, river and wetlands, as well as the scale of its heritage. "I hope people will see what we are trying to achieve and support us." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Huge Iron Age hoard could alter understanding of ancient elites
A huge Iron Age hoard discovered in a Yorkshire field by a metal detectorist could lead to a revaluation of the wealth and status of the elite living in northern Britain 2,000 years ago, an archaeologist has said. The Melsonby Hoard, which lay untouched in two ditches near the North Yorkshire village of that name since the middle of the 1st century, comprises more than 800 items including partial remains of wagons, ceremonial spears and pony harnesses. Experts say the discovery, made in 2021 by detectorist Peter Heads who reported the location to the proper authorities, could be one of the most important ever found in the UK, and will need careful study for years. Previously, some have thought power and wealth in pre-Roman times were limited to the south of present-day England, but the extent of the hoard which was deliberately thrown away in muck shows that was not true. Professor Tom Moore, head of archaeology at Durham University, was called to the site and it quickly became clear to him that this was a 'once-in-a-lifetime discovery'. Vehicle components, for which it is hard to find parallels in Britain, include the partial remains of more than seven four-wheeled wagons or two-wheeled chariots. There were elaborate harnesses for at least 14 ponies, three ceremonial spears and two ornate cauldrons or vessels – one lidded and likely used as a wine mixing bowl. Some harness pieces were adorned with Mediterranean coral and coloured glass, and are larger than ones typically found here. While some items look like those previously found in Britain, others better match those already discovered on the continent, which suggests whoever left them had long-distance connections. Iron tyres, which were fitted to the outside of wooden wheels, had been intentionally bent out of shape and a large amount of the material had been ritualistically burnt or broken – rather than just smashed. Prof Moore, who said research was at a very early stage, believed this might have been a symbolic process of people showing how wealthy and powerful they were. Although no human remains have been found, it was possible they could have been buried after being burnt on a funerary pyre. Melsonby is around a mile from Stanwick, the powerbase of the Brigantes tribe who in pre-Roman times controlled a large part of what is now Yorkshire. Prof Moore said: 'The Melsonby Hoard is of a scale and size that is exceptional for Britain and probably even Europe. 'Unusually it includes lots of pieces of vehicles and items such as the wine mixing bowl which is decorated in both Mediterranean and Iron Age styles. 'Whoever originally owned the material in this hoard was probably a part of a network of elites across Britain, into Europe and even the Roman world. 'The destruction of so many high-status objects, evident in this hoard, is also of a scale rarely seen in Iron Age Britain and demonstrates that the elites of northern Britain were just as powerful as their southern counterparts.' He added: 'Whoever is doing this is incredibly wealthy and it challenges the idea that northern Britain was a backwater, when it clearly was not. 'It has connections to continental Europe and the Roman Empire. 'It shows they are of the same status, if not more powerful than the elites in southern Britain.' Prof Moore praised Mr Heads, who has declined publicity, for his responsible actions in contacting the authorities after his discovery. Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: 'Quite simply, this is one of the most important and exciting Iron Age period discoveries made in the UK. 'It sheds new light on Iron Age life in the north and Britain, but it also demonstrates connections with Europe.' Dr Sophia Adams, an expert on the era at the British Museum, said: 'This is the largest single deposit of horse harness and vehicle parts excavated in Britain. 'It is significant not just for the quantity of objects buried together 2,000 years ago but also the quality and range of items.' Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: 'The Melsonby Hoard is an extraordinary find, made up of a variety of unique and fascinating objects dating back to Iron Age Britain, which will help us to better understand the fabric of our nation's history.' One ditch was carefully examined on site while another was extracted as a whole and that has been X-rayed using a large scanner at Southampton University. It will be kept intact, as a block, to preserve what is inside. The dig was backed by a £120,000 grant from Historic England. The Yorkshire Museum is launching a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for the nation. The value of the hoard has been calculated to be £254,000. A selection of the items is going on show at the museum in York.
The Independent
25-03-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Secrets of Britain's ancient elites revealed by remarkable find in Yorkshire field
A remarkable Iron Age hoard, unearthed in a Yorkshire field, is prompting archaeologists to reassess the wealth and power dynamics of northern Britain two millennia ago. The discovery, dubbed the Melsonby Hoard, contains more than 800 items, including remnants of wagons, ceremonial spears, and pony harnesses, offering a glimpse into the lives of the elite in the 1st century AD. Unearthed in 2021 near the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, by metal detectorist Peter Heads, the hoard lay undisturbed in two ditches. Its sheer scale and the nature of the artefacts suggest a deliberate disposal, a practice laden with symbolic meaning for the people of that era. Experts believe the Melsonby Hoard could be one of the UK's most significant archaeological finds, requiring years of meticulous study. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of wealth and power in pre-Roman Britain. While some believed such opulence was confined to the south, the Melsonby Hoard's richness indicates a more complex reality. Professor Tom Moore, head of archaeology at Durham University, described the find as a "once-in-a-lifetime discovery". Among the hoard's treasures are the partial remains of more than seven four-wheeled wagons or two-wheeled chariots, artifacts rarely found in Britain. Elaborate harnesses for at least 14 ponies, three ceremonial spears, and two ornate cauldrons or vessels, including one likely used for mixing wine, further underscore the hoard's significance. These items paint a vivid picture of a sophisticated society with access to resources and craftsmanship. Some harness pieces were adorned with Mediterranean coral and coloured glass. While some items look like those previously found in Britain, others better match those already discovered on the continent, which suggests whoever left them had long-distance connections. Iron tyres, which were fitted to the outside of wooden wheels, had been intentionally bent out of shape and a large amount of the material had been ritualistically burnt or broken – rather than just smashed. Professor Moore, who said research was at a very early stage, believed this might have been a symbolic process of people showing how wealthy and powerful they were. Although no human remains have been found, it was possible they could have been buried after being burnt on a funerary pyre. Melsonby is around a mile from Stanwick, the powerbase of the Brigantes tribe who in pre-Roman times controlled a large part of what is now Yorkshire. 'The Melsonby Hoard is of a scale and size that is exceptional for Britain and probably even Europe,' Professor Moore said. 'Unusually it includes lots of pieces of vehicles and items such as the wine mixing bowl which is decorated in both Mediterranean and Iron Age styles. 'Whoever originally owned the material in this hoard was probably a part of a network of elites across Britain, into Europe and even the Roman world. 'The destruction of so many high-status objects, evident in this hoard, is also of a scale rarely seen in Iron Age Britain and demonstrates that the elites of northern Britain were just as powerful as their southern counterparts.' He added: 'Whoever is doing this is incredibly wealthy and it challenges the idea that northern Britain was a backwater, when it clearly was not. 'It has connections to continental Europe and the Roman Empire. 'It shows they are of the same status, if not more powerful than the elites in southern Britain.' Professor Moore praised Mr Heads, who has declined publicity, for his responsible actions in contacting the authorities after his discovery. Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: 'Quite simply, this is one of the most important and exciting Iron Age period discoveries made in the UK. 'It sheds new light on Iron Age life in the north and Britain, but it also demonstrates connections with Europe.' Dr Sophia Adams, an expert on the era at the British Museum, said: 'This is the largest single deposit of horse harness and vehicle parts excavated in Britain. 'It is significant not just for the quantity of objects buried together 2,000 years ago but also the quality and range of items.' One ditch was carefully examined on site while another was extracted as a whole and that has been X-rayed using a large scanner at Southampton University. It will be kept intact, as a block, to preserve what is inside. The dig was backed by a £120,000 grant from Historic England. The Yorkshire Museum is launching a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for the nation. The value of the hoard has been calculated to be £254,000. A selection of the items is going on show at the museum in York.
African Manager
19-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Olive Oil export revenues decline by 26.8% at end of February 2025
Olive oil export revenues, from the beginning of the season until the end of February 2025, reached 1691.4 million dinars (MD), posting a 26.8% decrease compared to the same period in the previous season, according to data published on Monday by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). However, the quantities of olive oil exported increased by 40.8%, reaching 132.2 thousand tons. Packaged olive oil accounted for only 10.2% of exports, while the majority was exported in bulk (89.8%). The decline in export revenues is primarily attributed to the drop in the average price of olive oil. Notably, prices fell by 54.9% in February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, ranging between TND 8.5/kg and TND 18.7/kg depending on the category. ONAGRI also highlighted that the largest share of Tunisian exports is directed to the European market (59.4% of export volumes), followed by North America (24%) and Africa (9.5%). Italy, the top importer of Tunisian olive oil Italy remains the leading importer of Tunisian olive oil, accounting for 31.4% of the quantities exported during the first four months of the 2024/2025 season. It is followed by Spain (24%) and the United States (19.4%). Regarding organic olive oil, export volumes reached 24.8 thousand tons, valued at approximately 343.5 MD by the end of February 2025. However, packaged organic olive oil represented only 4.2% of the total exported organic olive oil volume. The average price of organic olive oil stood at TND 13.85/kg, ranging between TND 13.66/kg for bulk and TND 18.25/kg for packaged oil. Italy is also the top importer of Tunisian organic olive oil, accounting for 65% of exported quantities, followed by Spain (16%) and the United States (10%). Series of measures for the olive oil sector For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program aimed at enhancing the value of its high-quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as agri-food investments and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to transition from mass production to packaged oils. Training initiatives have been deployed to promote environmentally friendly production practices, thereby enhancing biosafety, sustainability, and conservation. The goal is clear: to position Tunisian olive oil on the global map, help local producers access high-value export markets, and improve product quality. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the sector's resilience to climate change. The Tunisian olive oil sector, with roots dating back to pre-Roman times, is at a turning point in its history. Through strategic investments, well-thought-out export strategies, food safety measures, and a strong brand image, it is poised for a renaissance. Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation, and strengthen its position as the world's leading supplier of high-quality olive oil products. The future of Tunisian olive oil looks brighter than ever. It is worth recalling that Tunisia recently secured first place globally at the International Afro-Asian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, organized by the Swedish group 'International Olive Oil Competitions' in Abu Dhabi.
