History of Ancient Roman Imperial Coins
It seems impossible to condense the history of Ancient Roman Imperial Coins into just a few passages. However important events should be highlighted to get a glimpse into the marvelous history of these precious coins. The Major Denominations - Coins such as aureus, denarius, sestertius, and dupondius were utilized during the middle of the third century BC until the middle of the third century A.D. These coins are still used in territories influenced by Greek, though they already had their respective base coinage. Antoninianus or radiate is the replacement of the double denarius during the third century though it was then replaced by monetary reform of Diocletian which made denominations such as the...
A Brief History of Ancient Egyptian Art
Egyptians loved life on earth so much that they desired to take its pleasures into the after-world. They believed that the rich and powerful (at least) were able to take life's pleasures with them via placement in royal tombs, the Pyramids. Throughout the dynasties of Ancient Egypt, the role of the tomb and accompanying architecture, sculpture, and painting all worked to ensure that Egyptians would enter the afterlife prepared with all the worldly goods they needed. Role of Art Most Egyptian art and painting was done for the sake of the dead. At first items like jewelry, animals (cats, for example), food, and other essential tools and treasures were stockpiled within the tombs. The discovery of King...
The Ancient History of Jewelry
Like many customs in our civilization, jewelry has a long and varied history that in some ways has changed little, and in other ways, changed significantly. The notion of jewelry has existed for thousands of years, dating back to humanity's ancestors, the Cro-Magnons. The Cro-Magnons, over 40,000 years ago, used to make crude necklaces out of bone, teeth or stone. One archaeological dig in Russia found some necklaces made from the tusks of Woolly Mammoths. Often, jewelry was made to show a sense of power, usually by a tribal chief or shaman. This concept of jewelry related to power would be a constant throughout human history and the defining characteristic of the ornaments. With the dawn of...
The Ancient History of Chairs
Chairs are the most common form of furniture that can be found anywhere as long as there are people. A chair has four legs for it to support the person sitting on it and most are intended for one person. Classic or modern types of chairs will forever be useful as they in one's home, establishment, or any place. As far as history is concerned, Egyptian chairs are the most ancient chairs in the third dynasty of ancient Egypt. The legs are shaped like those of animals. The seats were corded in the wood and topped with a cushion. One of the most elegant chair designs is the Empire chair in the form of a Greek klismos. The seat was supported by sharply curved legs pointing to the feet. The 14th and 15th...
The Ancient History of Flowers
Flowers as we know them today didn't always exist. Plants existed only in shades of green. About 300 million years ago something remarkable happened - evolution. Some plants began changing the way they reproduce. The result was the ancestor of flowering plants. These plants did not yet have pollen, nectar, fragrance, brilliant colors, or even large blooms. But they had seeds. Older plants, called gymnosperms, reproduce using spores rather than seeds. The newer plants, ancient flowers called angiosperms, produced seeds. This was a remarkable development. Scientists speculate that the early flowering plants were mostly aquatic. Some believe early water lilies were a key player in the evolution of...
The Ancient History of Clocks
Clocks can be found almost everywhere. We notice them at train stations, in hallways, in hospitals, in living rooms and in offices. Clocks are part of our everyday lives. We use them to regulate our activities in various ways such as when to board the bus or return home from work. But have you ever wondered how clocks came into existence at all? What we know of today as clocks has a long history. This time telling device is one of the most astonishing inventions ever created by man because throughout the ages he had wondered how he will know when to do what. You will appreciate this concern if you look at the origin of the word clock. The word clock comes from the Latin word Clocca which means a...
Start Your Italian Vacation With Roman Art History
You have chosen to go to Italy for your vacation this year, to find that ancient Rome which is said to assert, even these days, its influence in all areas of our cultural, intellectual, and technical life. In a sense, you are delving into your individual roots, even in the event you also plan to check out the contemporary scene, the shops, the restaurants, the bustling cities. You are individual experiences at home have prepared you for an appreciation of the modern, but are you prepared to appreciate the historic civilization of Rome, the artifacts which are left of the empire and that stand out as visible reminders of bygone times? In the event you wish to fully appreciate that past, prior to you...
History of the Ancient City of Megara Hyblaea, Sicily
The ancient city of Megara Hyblaea is situated in south-east Sicily near Syracuse. It is popular with visitors hoping to learn a little of the ancient Greeks and their customs, and a history of the city is useful to help you make the most of your visit. Megara Hyblaea was founded in the second half of the eighth century BC (according to tradition in 728 BC) by Dorian settlers, in an area where some existing Sicilian populations had already built their settlement called Hybla. Note: historically there were several places in Sicily that were called Hybla (eg Hybla Gereatide, Hybla Erea and Hybla Mègara) and it is not always clear which 'Hybla' the records are referring to. According to...
The History of Thai Currency - from Ancient Beads to Modern Baht
The history of Thailand currency traces the evolution of themedium of exchange used in Thailand prior to the 1st century. This dates from the days of barter trade, ancient beads andmoney in various shapes and sizes till the currency in moderntimes. Ancient beads, seeds, bracelets and pebbles used as amedium of exchange in the early days around 200 - 300 BC, have been discovered in Thailand, including old Roman copper coins dating back to 270 BC! During the 1st - 7th centuries, metallic coins of the Funan Kingdom in Indochina made their appearancein Thailand, followed by Dvaravati coins in the 7th - 11th centuries. This was followed by a period in the history of Thai currency when money in different...