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New York Post
8 hours ago
- General
- New York Post
How Greece and Germany helped make archeology modern
Watching an American icon like Indiana Jones battle Nazis in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' it's hard to believe that it was actually a German cultural institute which played a pivotal role in transforming reckless Jones-style treasure hunting into the modern science of archaeology we know today. That institute, the German Archaeological Institute at Athens (DAI Athens), has just completed the year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary — just as Greece welcomes record numbers of summer tourists to marvel at the archaeological wonders the institute helped unearth. Widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of modern archaeological science, the DAI pioneered the transition from indiscriminate digging at archaeological sites to the systematic excavation and meticulous study that continues to inspire researchers and amateur archaeology buffs across the globe. Advertisement 11 Archaeological Site of Olympia in Greece, excavated by the Germans in 1875 in what is regarded as the first 'dig' to employ the rigorous academic and scientific practices now used in archeology across the globe. dudlajzov – 11 The ruins of Ancient Olympia. elgreko – 11 The headquarters of the DAI Athens, the German-run archeological institute which helped establish modern archeology. DAI Athens, Photographer H. Birk Until the mid-19th century, archeology was often more about treasure hunting and indiscriminate looting than detailed research and science. Advertisement Take Lord Elgin's controversial removal of sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, between 1801 and 1812. Although Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from Ottoman authorities — a claim recently refuted by the Turkish government — his sale of the sculptures to the British Museum remains a major cultural and diplomatic dispute between Greece and Britain. Many view Elgin's deeds as one of the most notorious colonial-era lootings, alongside famous antiquities brought to museums around the world like the Rosetta Stone. 11 'Greece's allure was such that many countries fought to establish archaeological institutes at the time. Today, there are 20 foreign institutes based in Athens,' says DAI Director Katja Sporn. DAI Athens, Photographer N. Chrisikakis Advertisement Even Luigi Palma di Cesnola, the first director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, was accused of looting classical treasures from Cyprus, where he served as US Consul General in the mid-1860s. Many of the artifacts di Cesnola was said to have plundered were sold, ironically, to the Met itself. During this period, Greece, newly independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1830, was rich in history but in economic decline owing to decades of war. But it was finally possible for the philhellenists (lovers of Greek culture) to travel to Greece and study its ancient remains. In the later part of the 19th century, Greece's ancient ruins also became magnets for the era's great expansionist powers like the United Kingdom and France. Their ultimate goal? Securing rights to excavate Greece's most coveted archaeological sites while bolstering diplomatic ties through what we now call 'cultural diplomacy.' 11 Luigi Palma Di Cesnola, the first director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, who was accused of looting ancient relics from Cyprus. Getty Images Advertisement Germany was just one of the many countries aspiring to gain excavation rights in Greece. 'The oldest foreign archaeological institute in Athens is the French School of Athens, founded in 1846,' explains Katja Sporn, director of the DAI Athens. 'But Greece's allure was such that many countries fought to establish archaeological institutes at the time. Today, there are 20 foreign institutes based in Athens.' The DAI Athens was founded in 1874, just three years after German unification, during a period of growing German nationalism. Part of the German Archaeological Institute based in Berlin, the DAI Athens' creation reflected the importance of Greek history to Kaiser Wilhelm I and the close political ties between Germany and Greece, whose first king, Otto, hailed from a Bavarian royal family. Many Germans at the time saw parallels between Greece's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire and their own aspirations for national unification. In the same year the DAI Athens was founded, Sporn explains, the 'DAI became subordinate to Germany's Foreign Office 'as a permanent base for internationally active research.' 11 While the Germans were successful in securing and excavating Olympia, their French institutional counterparts were able to excavate Delphi (above). Getty Images Today, the DAI Athens is housed in a neoclassical building in downtown Athens where an exhibition for its 150th anniversary showcases its storied history. Among the figures featured is Heinrich Schliemann, an 'amateur' archaeologist and businessman who promoted archaeology to a wider public by his emblematic excavations in Troy and Mycenae. The figure who truly transformed archaeology was the institute's fourth director, Wilhelm Dörpfeld, who arrived at the DAI Athens in 1887. An architect trained at the excavations in Olympia, Dörpfeld pioneered stratigraphic excavation and both archaeological and architectural documentation methods. These revolutionized the field by allowing archaeologists to piece together detailed site histories while preserving them for future study. 'Dörpfeld's work was a turning point,' says Sporn. 'Archaeologists then worked methodically rather than destructively.' Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan, the Doreen C. Spritzer Director of Archives at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA), agrees. 'Dörpfeld's techniques were taught to archaeologists from Germany, Britain, France and the United States, who then applied and passed them on worldwide,' she says. Advertisement 11 A map of where the discoveries were made. Toni Misthos/NY Post Design This shift — from looting the ancient world to rigorous excavation and research — became the gold standard, paving the way for discoveries such as the tomb of King Tutankhamen by Howard Carter in 1922 and inspiring the swashbuckling tales of Indiana Jones. Some 150 years ago, in 1875, the German Kaiserreich began excavating the ancient sanctuary of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games — and the place from which the Olympic torch is now lit 100 days before the start of the modern Olympics every four years. Olympia wasn't just another dig; it was governed by a bilateral treaty between Greece and Germany, setting unprecedented levels of oversight for excavation and preservation. Funded by the German government and backed by King George I of Greece, the dig benefited from both financial investment and diplomatic backing. Advertisement 11 Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan, the Doreen C. Spritzer Director of Archives at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. American School of Classical Studies at Athens/Facebook 'Olympia remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece,' says Sporn. The excavation uncovered iconic treasures like sculptures from the Temple of Zeus and the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, but mainly the actual buildings and places where the famous Olympic games were held in antiquity. Yet the dig — partially overseen by Dörpfeld before he led the DAI — is not only important for what it found, but how it was conducted. An interdisciplinary team, including archaeologists, architects, historians and conservators, ensured a holistic approach to the study of the site and created a global model for archaeological collaborations that remains the gold standard to this day. Starting from the old excavations in Olympia, the DAI Athens sought to preserve the fragile remnants of Olympia's past by systematically recording findings and by publishing results in a series of reports. The approach facilitated scholarly research across Europe, shaped future standards for transparency and data-sharing and established archaeology as a rigorous academic discipline. Advertisement 11 Wilhelm Dörpfeld, the fourth DAI Athens director, who pioneered stratigraphic excavation and both archaeological and architectural documentation methods. Archive of the City of Wuppertal, photographer anonymous Crucially, the collaboration with the Greek state ensured that artifacts remained in Greece rather than being shipped off to a museum or private collection abroad, as was common practice at the time. This led to the creation of a dedicated museum at Olympia financed by a Greek patron as early as 1886 — the first on-site museum in the Mediterranean — where the site's most important finds could be studied and displayed in their original cultural context. Today, museums aligned with excavation sites have become common across the globe. Ultimately, the dig established 'responsible excavation' standards and early conservation techniques that remain in practice to this day. Back then, Olympia's success sparked fierce competition among nations vying for other important Greek sites. 'A rivalry developed between Germany, France and the United States over the most significant excavations,' says Vogeikoff-Brogan. Advertisement They became a battle for prestige among great powers, fueling political alliances between Greece and other countries. For the first time, economic considerations, like trade, would be factored in by Greece to determine who would get the rights to dig the most coveted archaeological sites. Archaeology became an expression not just of Greek national culture — but its newly emerging political might. 11 German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaking at the 150th Anniversary celebrations of the DAI Athens. Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung/ Guido Bergmann The French secured Delphi, aided by trade negotiations involving, of all things, Zante currants, while the Americans started excavations in Corinth and eventually the Agora in Athens, leveraging political alliances and personal relationships. 'Social capital and political connections were just as important as archaeological merit in these decisions,' Vogeikoff-Brogan adds. The positive relationship between the Greek state, its people and the DAI Athens faced a severe setback during WWII. The institute's ties to Nazi Germany through its director being leader of the German Nazi party in Greece deeply damaged its standing in the country — underscoring the entanglement between DAI Athens and Germany's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 'After WWII, it took time for the DAI Athens to regain the trust of the Greek community and reopen,' Sporn explains. The war left lasting scars, and Greeks remained wary of German institutions due to the atrocities committed during the occupation. Meanwhile, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) gained prominence in Greece by deliberately distancing itself from politics, establishing itself as another of Greece's most prominent foreign archaeological and historical education and research institutes. 11 Otto, the first King of Greece, who ruled the nation after its independence from the Ottoman Empire and helped establish Greece as an archeological the DAI Athens has long embraced modernity, digitizing its vast archives for global access and integrating new technologies into its research, particularly in the context of past human-nature relations, ancient land use and climate change. Like all Greek foreign archeological institutions, the DAI works in close collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. And by studying how ancient communities adapted to environmental shifts, the institute aims to offer insights into resilience strategies relevant today. 'By examining the past, the DAI Athens continues to research important topics of the present, which may offer perspectives for the future,' Sporn says. Cheryl Ann Novak is deputy chief editor at BHMA International Edition — Wall Street Journal Publishing Partnership
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Newest 'Star' in Sky Ecosystem Launches With $1B Tokenized Credit Strategy
Grove, a new decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol focused on institutional-grade credit infrastructure, emerged from stealth on Wednesday with a $1 billion commitment to a tokenized asset strategy. The protocol aims to bridge DeFi with traditional financial assets by routing on-chain capital into regulated credit investments, focusing on collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Through its infrastructure, Grove gives crypto-native protocols and asset managers access to real-world asset (RWA) investments, helping them put idle reserves to work and a yield that's independent from crypto markets. The launch also marks Grove's debut as the latest "Star" within the Sky Ecosystem, one of the largest and longest running DeFi lender formerly known as MakerDAO. Sky is undergoing an overhaul called Endgame that breaks the protocol into autonomous units called "stars," each responsible for its own governance and innovation at the edge of the ecosystem. The first such entity was Spark, a yield-earning and borrowing protocol. Sky also issues the $3.7 billion DAI and $3.4 billion USDS stablecoins, and has been increasingly shifting reserves to real-world assets such as tokenized Treasuries. Grove starts out with a $1 billion allocation from Sky that will put into the Janus Henderson Anemoy AAA CLO Strategy (JAAA), a tokenized fund of managed by Janus Henderson and built on Centrifuge, a blockchain platform that specializes in real-world asset tokenization. The core contributor team behind Grove — Mark Phillips, Kevin Chan and Sam Paderewski — had previous experiences at Deloitte, Hildene Capital Management, BlockTower Capital and Citibank before transitioning to DeFi. The protocol was incubated by DeFi specialist Steakhouse Financial, a firm that played a key role in bringing real-world assets into the Sky system. "While tokenized treasuries have paved the way, there's a growing demand for more diversified, high-quality assets on-chain," said Anil Sood, chief strategy and growth officer of Centrifuge. 'With the launch of Grove, for the first time, protocols can access liquid, institutional-grade CLOs while maintaining the flexibility to pivot between DeFi and TradFi yield environments," said Sam Paderewski.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more: The top 15 cryptocurrencies everyone should know
Cryptocurrency is a growing sector in finance, influencing how we approach financial systems and investment opportunities. Each digital asset in the market has its own features and potential. But with thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence, knowing which ones might be right for you can be a challenge. Whether you are new to digital assets or just looking to stay informed in the global financial conversation, understanding the more prominent cryptocurrencies can provide perspective on how the space is developing. Here are the top 15 digital assets that stand out for their market value, innovation, and adoption potential. Classified as a stablecoin — a type of cryptocurrency intended to maintain a consistent value — DAI is designed to minimize volatility through smart contracts (digital contracts stored on a blockchain) that adjust for supply and demand. It's governed by the MakerGAO protocol and backed by overcollateralized cryptocurrency assets, meaning the value of the collateral backing the crypto is always higher than the total value of the issued DAI. The goal of DAI is to maintain a ratio of 1 DAI to $1 USD. DAI is generally more stable than other cryptocurrencies, but it may fluctuate during times of market stress. DAI is widely used in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem — a system of financial applications built on blockchain technology that allows users to borrow, lend, trade, and earn interest without relying on traditional banks. It appeals to those who value decentralization and transparency. Tronix is the native cryptocurrency of the TRON blockchain platform. It gives users more control over their data and enables developers to create decentralized applications (DApps) — programs that run on a distributed network of computers rather than a central server. This decentralized approach often increases security and user control. After purchasing TRX through a cryptocurrency exchange, you can use it to tip content creators and purchase games and apps on platforms built on the TRON network. The SHIB cryptocurrency started as a meme-based joke, but it quickly became popular among crypto investors because of its community-driven nature and viral appeal. It was created by an anonymous figure known only as 'Ryoshi' to compete with Dogecoin, Elon Musk's favorite memecoin. It enticed buyers and captured attention with its playful mascot. SHIB also immediately stood out because it was one of the first to be controlled by community members who could actively participate. Like DAI, USDC is a stablecoin designed to keep the value of one unit as close to $1 USD as possible. The biggest difference between the two is that USDC is backed by fiat currency, government-issued money not backed by a physical commodity like gold and silver, which includes U.S. government securities and cash. USDC originally launched on the Ethereum blockchain but is now available on multiple platforms, including Polygon, Base, and Avalanche, increasing its accessibility across crypto ecosystems. Tether Limited introduced its cryptocurrency several years before USDC, DAI, and other stablecoins entered the market. Like USDC, Tether is pegged to the U.S. dollar, so its value remains stable over time. USDT is available on more than a dozen platforms, so it has a relatively high trading volume compared to other stablecoins. Instead of facilitating individual transactions, Ripple's XRP gives banks and other financial institutions a faster, more secure way to transfer money across borders. Another difference between XRP and other digital currencies is that it provides liquidity and converts one fiat currency to another. For example, XRP can be used to convert U.S. dollars to Chinese yuan in Ripple's cross-border payment system. Polygon isn't a separate network — it's a sidechain or scaling solution designed to work alongside Ethereum. Because of its popularity, Ethereum can be slow and costly. High transaction fees make it difficult for users to earn a return on small investments. Polygon helps by processing transactions off the Ethereum chain, reducing costs and preventing delays. MATIC, Polygon's native token, can be used for purchases, staking rewards on your crypto balance, and voting on proposed network upgrades. Developed by Ava Labs, the Avalanche network offers a faster and more scalable alternative to Ethereum and other high-traffic blockchain platforms. AVAX, its native token, is used for staking (earning rewards), transactions, and trading. What makes the Avalanche network stand out is its eco-friendly design. AVAX uses less energy than proof-of-work cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, appealing to investors who want to trade crypto while minimizing their carbon footprint. Telegram, a cloud-based messaging service, originally developed the Telegram Open Network (TON) with the intention of launching a cryptocurrency known as Gram. The company raised more than $1 billion in a private token sale, but had to abandon its plans when the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit alleging that Telegram raised the funds by selling unregistered securities. After Telegram withdrew from the development and launch of the TON blockchain and Gram token, the project continued to develop under the name 'The Open Network' and became community-led. Telegram continues to allow its users to send TON cryptocurrency directly within the messaging app, despite no longer controlling the project. Jackson Palmer and Billy Markus created Dogecoin as a satire to highlight the volatility of the early cryptocurrency market. While it started off as just a memecoin, DOGE gained traction, becoming a viable alternative to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Elon Musk further boosted DOGE by frequently referencing it on social media, and eventually using its ticker symbol as the shorthand for his Department of Government Efficiency. Like other cryptocurrencies, DOGE can be used for online tipping, charitable donations, investing, and quick, low-cost payments. Named after Ada Lovelace, a mathematician whose work helped make modern computer programming possible, ADA is the native coin for the Cardano platform. While Cardano supports smart contracts, it doesn't consume as much energy as other blockchain platforms, giving users a more sustainable option. Cardano also uses a unique proof-of-stake system to validate transactions, making the platform more secure and scalable. The Solana platform offers the same basic functions as other blockchain platforms, but with faster transaction speeds. You can send money to someone thousands of miles away in seconds. Solana's founders also wanted to keep fees low, making the platform highly attractive to users who want to make small payments rather than deposit hundreds of thousands of dollars. Developed by Binance, one of the biggest players in the crypto industry, BNB enables users to earn rewards, send payments, play games, and cover transaction fees. One reason for BNB's popularity is that Binance regularly burns a portion of its digital tokens, reducing supply and potentially increasing the value of the remaining cryptocurrency. Less than a year after Ethereum launched, hackers stole $50 million from the DAO, one of the network's largest decentralized apps. The theft led to a split in the Ethereum community and resulted in the creation of Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC). Despite this, the platform's momentum stayed strong, and developers continued to use Ethereum to build decentralized applications and make payments, which resulted in unprecedented growth. Ethereum has even been able to reduce its energy consumption by switching from a proof-of-work system to a proof-of-stake system — a move that began with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade. As the original digital payment token introduced to the public in 2008, Bitcoin is used by investors and consumers for value exchange — trading digital assets for other assets — and purchases. Developed by an anonymous group or individual using the pseudonym 'Satoshi Nakamoto,' BTC is one of the largest and most well-known cryptocurrencies. This worldwide cryptocurrency is open source, meaning it isn't owned by any one person and everyone can use it. It was also one of the first cryptocurrencies to receive support from major companies, including Tesla, PayPal, and Microsoft. Since its launch, Bitcoin has undergone several updates, making it faster, more efficient, and more scalable. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Museum to offer free general admission on selected Sundays
The video above is about graffiti art in Dayton. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – To make art accessible to everyone regardless of financial background, the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will offer free admission days. The first 'Art For All' Day will be on Sunday, June 1, when the DAI will offer free general admission to all visitors. This special initiative will give guests free access to the collection galleries and the Special and Focus Exhibitions. The museum's patron sponsors, Ramona and Todd Vikan; and supporting sponsors, Eric and Karen Spina, have made this initiative possible. Free summer admission for military families at Dayton Art Institute There will be two more 'Art for All' days on Sunday, August 17 and Sunday, December 7. These days were selected to coincide with major events in DAI's exhibition schedule, which are as follows: June 1 – Jamie Wyeth: Unsettled August 17 – Curtis Barnes, Sr., Dayton Icon December 7 – The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art To learn more about the DAI, including current museum hours and updates, click here or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free summer admission for military families at Dayton Art Institute
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Military families will be able to view art for free this summer through an annual initiative. The Dayton Art Institute has announced it will again join the Blue Star Museums initiative to give military families free admission all summer. The program will start on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, and end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. This program is open to active-duty personnel and their families. This national initiative is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense. For a full list of participating museums, click here. 'At the DAI, we are incredibly proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program each year as a way to honor and thank the brave military families who sacrifice so much for our country,' said Michael Roediger, DAI director and president. Roediger says its more than just free admission. 'It's our invitation for military families to find moments of joy, connection and inspiration at the museum, time and time again. We hope they'll visit often, not just in the summer, but throughout the year,' said Rodiger. Multiple local schools receive Purple Star Award for supporting military families This program is open to all active-duty members of the United States Military and up to five of their family members. Those included are the following: Air Force Army Coast Guard Marine Corps Members of the Reserves National Guard Navy NOAA Commissioned Corps Space Force U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps People who qualify must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance. Ex-AMVETS Post commander accused of defrauding group around $622K The DAI also offers active-duty military personnel, and their families, a $10 discount on the purchase or renewal of an individual, duo or family membership. The DAI is located at 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. The hours are as follows: Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday Extended Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about the museum, click here or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
