ANCIENT GREEK INNOVATIONS

The Ancient Greek civilization flourished 2500 years ago on the shores of the Ionian and Aegean Sea. Although its population never exceeded 2 million, ancient Greece made great innovations in philosophy, politics, science, architecture, and the arts, and Greek culture forms the basis of western civilization to this day. Small samples of those are presented in this slide show.

Discovery Channel - Seven Wonders of Ancient Greece 1/5

Travel to a land of breathtaking beauty and ancient intellect, where science, art and inspiration from the gods combined to produce some of the world's greatest marvels of architecture and design. From prehistoric palaces to bold symbols of victory, explore the seven wonders of ancient Greece: the Theatre of Epidaurus, the statue of Zeus at Olympia, Apollo's Temple at Delphi, the Colossus of Rhodes, the settlement at Santorini, the Palace of Knossos, and surely the greatest masterpiece of them all, the Parthenon!

Ancient Rome - Part 3

The objective is to present the Hystory through Art, passing by Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, The Middle Age, The Renaissance, The Baroque, The Romantism, The Enlightenment, The Pre-Modern Era, ... The art of Ancient Greece is one of her greatest gifts to posterity.But when one thinks of Ancient Rome ...... her gladiators, her government, or perhaps her armies are the conspicuous mementos. True, the vividly colored murals at Pompeii are spectacular. So are the murals in neighboring towns, also preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD But Pompeii and its neighbors were gay seaside resorts, only provincial cousins of Rome. According to descriptions by Roman historians, the wall paintings in Rome itself far surpassed these from Pompeii. Indeed, it is probably because there is little else that survives to compare with it, that we prize the art of Pompeii and its neighbors so highly. Is this to say, then, that Roman art has little merit, that it is a second-rate rerun of the glorious Greek art which preceded it? The relative merits of Greek and Roman art have been debated by scholars for centuries. Let's leave the debate to the scholars and turn instead to a more meaningful way in which all art may be judged: that is, as a reflection of the culture that produced it. Just as pop art, like it or not, will give future ages a meaningful image of our society and its values ... ... so Roman art is an excellent indicator of what mattered to people in Roman times. And just as ...

Ancient Rome - Part 4

The objective is to present the Hystory through Art, passing by Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, The Middle Age, The Renaissance, The Baroque, The Romantism, The Enlightenment, The Pre-Modern Era, ... The art of Ancient Greece is one of her greatest gifts to posterity.But when one thinks of Ancient Rome ...... her gladiators, her government, or perhaps her armies are the conspicuous mementos. True, the vividly colored murals at Pompeii are spectacular. So are the murals in neighboring towns, also preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD But Pompeii and its neighbors were gay seaside resorts, only provincial cousins of Rome. According to descriptions by Roman historians, the wall paintings in Rome itself far surpassed these from Pompeii. Indeed, it is probably because there is little else that survives to compare with it, that we prize the art of Pompeii and its neighbors so highly. Is this to say, then, that Roman art has little merit, that it is a second-rate rerun of the glorious Greek art which preceded it? The relative merits of Greek and Roman art have been debated by scholars for centuries. Let's leave the debate to the scholars and turn instead to a more meaningful way in which all art may be judged: that is, as a reflection of the culture that produced it. Just as pop art, like it or not, will give future ages a meaningful image of our society and its values ... ... so Roman art is an excellent indicator of what mattered to people in Roman times. And just as ...

A Corinthian Pyxis, Part 2 (Ancient Art Podcast 5)

(Episode split into 2 parts for YouTube.) In episode 5 of the Ancient Art Podcast, we take a look at some Archaic Greek vase painting in a pyxis from the Orientalizing Period at the Art Institute of Chicago. We explore the Ancient Near Eastern influence on developing Greek civilization along with Greece's own interest in their own mythic, heroic past. We also discuss the strategic importance of Corinth in the cultural and commercial climate of the Orientalizing Period, while comparing the newly emerging, but short-lived Corinthian ware of this day and age to the traditional Geometric Period ware of earlier centuries and contemporary neighbors. We check out the emergence of Classical Doric Greek temple architecture in the Temple of Artemis at Corfu and see how its sculptural decor relates to the cultural milieu of Archaic Greece and the arts of the Orientalizing Period. The Art Institute Orientalizing Period pyxis further demonstrates a quintessential synthesis of imported Near Eastern mythology, symbolism, and iconography with the Greece's newfound passion for the iconography and symbolism of their own native, ancient, Bronze Age Mycenaean heroic and mythic ancestry. And on top of all of that, we even manage to tie in the famed Lion's Gate of Ancient Mycenae.

Athens, Greece: Ancient Acropolis and Agora

Crowned by the mighty Parthenon temple, the Acropolis rises above modern Athens; a lasting testament to Greece's glorious golden age. The Acropolis was the center of ritual and ceremony, and the religious heart of the city. The marketplace at its base is Agora, and was the hub of commercial, political and social life. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

Ancient | Greek Sculpture | Tutt'Art@

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Ancient Art Podcast 11b, Parthenon Frieze Part 2

(Episode split into 2 parts for YouTube: 11a and 11b.) In this part of multiple episodes focusing on the Parthenon Frieze and its relationship with the Persian Apadana reliefs at Persepolis, we investigate the evidence for the transmission of ideas from Persia to Greece by way of the Ionian Greek artists, who plied their trade throughout the Mediterranean. Well look closely at an important transitional piece, the so-called Harpy Tomb at Xanthos in Lycia, as well as a couple Persian imperial sites, Susa and Persepolis, before turning westward to Athens. Well also examine the role of Persian monumental art and architecture and reveal the Greek stylistic influence passed on to Persia by the Ionian artists.

Ancient Rome - Part 1

The objective is to present the Hystory through Art, passing by Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, The Middle Age, The Renaissance, The Baroque, The Romantism, The Enlightenment, The Pre-Modern Era, ... The art of Ancient Greece is one of her greatest gifts to posterity.But when one thinks of Ancient Rome ...... her gladiators, her government, or perhaps her armies are the conspicuous mementos. True, the vividly colored murals at Pompeii are spectacular. So are the murals in neighboring towns, also preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD But Pompeii and its neighbors were gay seaside resorts, only provincial cousins of Rome. According to descriptions by Roman historians, the wall paintings in Rome itself far surpassed these from Pompeii. Indeed, it is probably because there is little else that survives to compare with it, that we prize the art of Pompeii and its neighbors so highly. Is this to say, then, that Roman art has little merit, that it is a second-rate rerun of the glorious Greek art which preceded it? The relative merits of Greek and Roman art have been debated by scholars for centuries. Let's leave the debate to the scholars and turn instead to a more meaningful way in which all art may be judged: that is, as a reflection of the culture that produced it. Just as pop art, like it or not, will give future ages a meaningful image of our society and its values ... ... so Roman art is an excellent indicator of what mattered to people in Roman times. And just as ...

Ancient Greece - The Wasps by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Images of ancient Greek art, history and architecture set to excerpts from the incidental music by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams for the classic play by Aristophanes.

There Are Lots of Ancient Landmarks to See While on a Greek Holiday

Greece has several ancient landmarks that are breathtakingly beautiful to visit. These landmarks combine history, beauty and amazing architecture that have stood the test of time. Furthermore, many holidaymakers also enjoy the accompanying scenery that makes Greece one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. As a result, many holidaymakers from round the world make the trek to Greece every year to enjoy marvelling at these beautiful places. Here are a few landmarks that would make any Greek holiday memorable.

The Dionysos Theatre is located in Athens. It is close to the base of Acropolis Hill. Visitors will enjoy walking through the ruins that once housed a beautiful stage area made out of marble. This stage area was made famous when such famous ancient Greek plays as Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes, and Ajax were performed. If you come here, do not forget to also have look round the beautiful landscape that surrounds this historical landmark. Its pristine beauty will amaze you.

Greece holidays are even more special if you get to visit the Parthenon. The Parthenon was an ancient Greek temple that paid homage to the goddess Athena. It was built during the time when Pericles was in charge of Athens. It is located in Athens high atop the Acropolis. Visitors will especially enjoy marvelling at the Parthenon's 46 Doric-style columns that grace the structure. Visitors might also enjoy exploring how this ancient treasure was constructed because there are several remnants of the original foundation and pillars still in place. Finally, do not forget to also have a look at some of the friezes that still exist near the structure. They were decorative bands that featured miniature sculptures that depicted everyday events in ancient Athens.

Finally, another ancient Greek landmark that is fun to visit is the Circus Maximus. It is located in Rome in between the Aventine and Palatine Hills. It was one of the largest stadiums ever built. In ancient times, the Circus Maximus hosted major chariot races and important social gatherings. It could easily hold over 500,000 people for special occasions. Nowadays, it serves as one of Rome's major gathering places for concerts, festivals and other outdoor events.

Cornelius Marsh is an independent travel writer who loves exploring the world. At the moment he can't get enough of the Mediterranean. Based in London he is never happier than on Greek Islands holidays. He is attempting to visit every one of the Greek Islands.

Fashion in Ancient Times

In the ancient days royal, expensive, stylistic and highly attractive clothes are generally worn by the courtiers. At the same time the Pharaohs in the Egyptian soil, were not ready to leave behind. If you make a detailed study in this realm, the terracotta figurines that belong to the oldest Harappa Age expose the hair styles with the interesting head gears which can also be compared with the modern hair styles that have a heavy look. The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro wearing bangles in her arms are not at all behind any fashion concepts of any ages. It cannot be denied that the whole world had been attracted by the glamour and allure of Cleopatra as she was a woman with unique political skills. Moreover she had crafted many fashion styles starting from jewellery items to stunning outfits for the great Egyptian emperors.

In the west, the Greeks and Italians gained reputation not only due to the high standards in art, architecture and warfare, but also they supported the appealing and elegant army uniforms and court-attires with their unique and intricate concepts in designs. Lot of extra ordinary range and variety of apparels have been supplied to the world through their illustrious Greek and Egyptian and Indian mythologies and these have been preserved and also they stand out in the form of various paintings and sculptures. The modern day fashion designers had taken some of these ancient models as the greatest source of inspiration for their creation of unique trends in designs and styles.

In the modelling and fashion industry, cultural influences will have a great impact on the various aspects of modelling world. In the western or secular countries and cultures a colourful two piece bikini may be great fashion item but at the same time it is restricted in some rigid and fundamental fields and areas. On the other hand, there is no demand in the secular and modern world for the veil but it is popular in the continents such as Australia, North America, Asia, and Africa.

All these fashion clothing items and articles could bring together all these factors and will get the status of cross-cultural designer dresses. Earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings are always there in fashion since ages with the trivial exception of very little diversity in shape, materials and style. These items are all having big scope in all kinds of societies and cultures. If we think at the individual level fashion may not just a simple word or even an uncomplicated attitude. It may not even be an overwhelming desire. Thus fashion is actually a diverse system of belief that can influence individuals in so many ways.

The author is a copy writer and is working for a model agency. To know more about Replay models and Replay model Management visit: www.replaymodels.com

Babylon - The Wonder of the Ancient World

Babylon is one of the most famous cities in history and the story of its rise and fall has been very interesting for historians. At one time in history Babylon was a very important manufacturing center. Also, it was the epicenter of trade between the west and the east.

Traders were involved in transporting goods through land and sea. In the third millennium Babylon was founded by a man called Nimrod. It was also called Babel. As per historic records, in 1790 BC, Hammurabi was ruling over Babylon. He was the one responsible to expand the city and also made it the capital of his empire. The society was based on law and rules. The laws and rules were inscribed on the pillars of the city.

The city was conquered by many rulers like Assyrians, Hittites, and then Nabopolassar found the Babylon. His son was actually mainly responsible for bringing fame to the city. He built huge palaces and temples and also secured the city by building high walls. The architecture of Babylon was complicated according to Greek historians. They had beautiful gardens on the terrace and also knew how to grow plants without soil. That is why the hanging gardens of Babylon are popular even today. The gardens were so beautiful that they became popular as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. There were several other projects of Babylon that were popular throughout history. The advanced architecture of Babylon still never stops to amaze several archeologists and historians.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in history and education industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
World History, Important Greek Gods

Unusual Furniture in Bronze and Wood After Ancient Greek Examples

In 1997 the complex and difficult task of reconstructing six large bronze and wooden Roman banqueting beds, (Klinaii), copied and cast from the salvaged remains of beds recovered from the ancient Roman shipwreck at Mahdia in Tunisia, was undertaken, and completed by the workshops at the Bavarian State Collection of Prehistoric Artefacts, under the direction of Mr. Blumenau, the head of the workshop department. At his invitation, I had the privileged opportunity to privately view the completed project before the beds were dispersed to various museums and institutions.

For someone, like myself, fascinated by the neo-classical adaptations and dilutions of classical styles in furniture and architecture, especially during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and despite the limited budget and the failure to finish the bronze components in the traditional black patina with silver and copper inlay, as was evident in the original pieces, the assembly of the six Klinaii presented a breathtaking visual feast of the most elegant, and yet powerfully imposing furniture I had ever seen. Inspired by the impact of seeing these reconstructions, I proceeded to investigate the possibilities of creating a small, and novel collection of furniture after ancient Greek examples, primarily remaining faithful to the original form, and using as far as is practicable authentic materials in its manufacture.

Having the good fortune of knowing Professor Dr. Wünschel, the curator and keeper of the Antikensammlung and Glyptotek in Munich, Germany, where I lived from 1987-2000, I obtained privileged access to one of the finest collections of ancient Greek ceramics, and Greek and Roman artefacts in the world, not to mention the use of these institutes libraries, and from these I drew most of my source material. One of my main literary sources, as has been for others in the past who have indulged in similar projects, was the extensive study of ancient furniture by G.M.A. Richter in her book The Furniture of the Greeks Etruscans and Romans published in 1966 (Phaidon Press). This work, a rewritten and revised version of an earlier book by the same author, Ancient Furniture (Clarendon Press 1926), provided an intricate and academic view of ancient furniture types and their uses. My intention has been, contrary to previous similar reconstructions by others, to produce uncompromising pieces that have not necessarily been adapted for modern use, but offer the owner of these pieces an opportunity to indulge in the theatre and novelty of their archaic use and appearance.

As is the case with most museum reconstructions that, due to the necessity of archaeological accuracy in the execution of the hitherto ancient and subsequently obscure and long lost methods of construction, have a tendency toward instability, it has been my aim to produce, with the benefit of modern skills and techniques, and the use of the best materials, solid and sturdy pieces of quality furniture, without compromising the form or proportion of those ancient objects that first offered inspiration. Most wooden and bronze components have been either finished in black or have received a darker patina in order to accentuate the siluette, but where a contrast of colour and material was warranted or deemed most attractive, the natural hue was enhanced and the surface finely polished.

As yet, the completed pieces include a Greek bronze and wooden Banqueting Table (Trapeza),a large wooden and leather Banqueting Couch (Kline), and a small selection of bronze and wooden Greek Stools (Diphroi).

Mark Harman Furniture.

Images and detailed descriptions of the pieces finished to date and the research material used, including my contact details are available on my website, http://www.markharmanfurniture.co.uk/

History of Fashion - Ancient Rome

The legend tells that Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC, by the twin sons of Mars, Romulus and Remus. Romulus killed his brother over the throne and became the sole ruler of Rome. He reigned until 715 BC, when he was succeeded by Numa Pompilius, the founder of Roman law and its religious practices.

With time, Roman power, influence and territory grew to unprecedented proportions in the ancient world. By the end of the Republic (31 BC), Rome controlled the entire Mediterranean. They defeated their most powerful rivals, the Carthaginians, and took over many of the lands ruled by the Greeks, including Egypt. Although, eventually ancient Rome was sacrificed at the altar of its own internal struggles for power, it was not before it had written its name under one of the most important periods in humankind's history. Two thousand years later, ancient Rome remains an endless inspiration of art, culture, architecture, and even fashion.

Costume
Roman costume was influenced by the styles of previous civilizations, such as the Etruscans and the Greeks, and also reflected the dress of conquered peoples, although in a lesser degree. It comprised two main categories: indutus, items that were put on, and amictus, clothing wrapped or draped around the body.

The wide range of climates that existed within the vast Roman Empire led to the creation of the seasonal dressing concept. Dress was adapted to the specific seasons and weather conditions.

Women's clothing
Women's clothes were made of light materials and in a variety of colors, which set them apart from men's clothes. Also, unlike men's dress, women's clothes changed little. The primary garment was the stola, a long tunic with full sleeves. It was made from wool, cotton or linen, with the more expensive designs made from silk. The stola was worn with a girdle known as cingulum and a wide belt, known as a succinda. With the help of these, women achieved to create a double-bloused effect. Under the stola women wore a bust bodice - the strophium, and a sleeveless shift dress - the subucula.

Roman matrons wore wide tunics, pleated into tiny folds, which were held together at the shoulder by a series of buttons along the sleeve.

The palla was a warm piece of cloth with a hood, fastened with a clasp. Another outer garment was the sapparum, worn by women of the upper class, which had short sleeves, and the olicula, which basically was a short cape.

Men's clothing
In the early days of the Republic, Roman men wore a simple linen loincloth known as the subligaculom or licinium. By the time of the empire, only athletes and workmen were permitted to wear loincloths. Romans, unlike the Greeks, were not tolerant of nudity. They did, however, inherit from them their two main garments: the tunic and the cloak. The basic short-sleeved tunic consisted of two pieces of wool cloth joined at the shoulders and down the sides, with slits for the head and arms. It was gathered at the waist with a belt, but could also be worn with a girdle.

There were different tunic styles for different occasions and social ranks. Magistrates wore the Tunica angusti clavi, which had two narrow purple stripes on each shoulder. The Tunica laticlavia, worn by senators, featured wider purple stripes. Made from purple silk and embroidered with gold thread, the Tunica palmata was worn by victorious generals. It consisted of two pieces and was worn together with the Toga picta. There were also other tunics, such as the Tunica recta, the Subucula and Tunica exteriodum, and the Caracaila.

The most important mantle was the toga, which was descended from the Greek himation and the Etruscan tebenna. The draped, elliptically shaped woolen piece of fabric was reserved for Roman citizens; slaves, foreigners, and lower classes were forbidden from wearing it. The toga's decoration, color and shape denoted the wearer's social rank. As did the manner in which the toga was draped.

The different forms of togas included the Toga picta, which signified victory and was worn by Roman generals on specific occasions. This toga was property of the state and only loaned to generals for ceremonial wear. Another toga was the Toga candida, which was worn by candidates for public office. Mourners wore the Toga pulla, which was either black, dark brown or gray, and had a head cover. The solid purple Toga trabea was worn by spiritual men. The same toga with purple and crimson stripes was reserved for the augurs or omens interpreters, while the purple and white one revealed the rulers of the Republic.

With the expansion of the Empire, Rome came to include in its territories much of northern Europe, which translated into harsher climatic conditions. Warm outer garments became a necessity. The Roman wardrobe included the sagum - a blanket-like wrap, taken from the Gauls; the lacerna, a rectangular piece of wool, draped over the shoulders, which had to be fastened with a clasp; the pallum - or women's palla - was a short rectangular cloak, influenced by the Greek himation; the paludanentum, was an enlarged version of the Greek chlamys, worn by Roman generals.

The author is the founder and owner of Adriana Allen LLC - a European fashion brand offering handmade and one-of-a-kind handbags and fashion accessories. You can learn more about world fashion, fashion's history, and how to buy fashion accessories at our official blog

Ancient Greek Temple of Zeus

The ancient Greek temple dedicated to Zeus was constructed at Olympia in the sacred sanctuary of Altis. Zeus was the king of all gods in ancient Greece. He lived on Mt. Olympus and was also the god of thunder and sky.

In ancient Greece, Olympics were held every 4 years for athletes. The athletes used to travel Mount Olympus to take part in the games. During this period, the wars would stop and the kings of different territories would call a truce to allow safe passage to the athletes. The Olympics were dedicated to Zeus, and were held at the temple in a stadium under a statue of Zeus.

In the initial stages of the stadium was simple and makeshift. However, soon the ancient Greeks wanted something grander and more majestic. This was to show their reverence to the king of all gods. So, the started building a bigger and more magnificent temple in 470 AD. The architect of the temple was Libon, who was Elis.

It is believed that many ideas for the temple were taken from the Parthenon and the temple of Artemis, which was located at Ephesus. The temple was built on a raised platform that was rectangular in shape. It had a huge roof that was supported with the help of 13 carved pillars on the long sides of the rectangle and 6 pillars on the shorter sides. The roof had an incline, and the pillars were carved to show the 12 tasks performed by Hercules.

The ancient Greek temple of Zeus was constructed in the Doric style architecture which was prevalent during those times. Limestones from the local quarry were used for the construction, but the appearance was dull and not very attractive. So, the outer part of the temple was covered with Scutto. The sculptures housed in the temple were made using Parian marble and the inner sanctum housed a 40-foot statue of Zeus. The statue was shown sitting on a golden throne.

Although in the subsequent years, the temple was ruined due to floods and wars, the temple and its magnificent beauty remained etched in people's mind and the description was passed down from one generation to another. The magnificent statue of Zeus was destroyed in 462 AD due to a fire.

The ruins of the temple were discovered in 1829 AD by French archaeologists and it took 5 whole years to excavate. The task was further taken up a team of German archaeologists in 1875 AD.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in history and education industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
American History, Greek Goddesses List

The palace of Philip II, king of ancient Macedonia (360-336 BC) (Greece / History)

Όσο τρεις Παρθενώνες το ανάκτορο του Έλληνα βασιλιά της Μακεδονίας Φιλίππου Β' στις Αιγές (Ελλάδα/Greece, Μακεδονία/Macedonia, Ιστορία/History). The palace of Philip II, king of ancient Macedonia (360-336 BC.) was a huge two-storey mansion, three times the size of the Parthenon. The archaeologist Angeliki Kottaridi, who works at the archaeological site of Aigai - capital of the ancient Macedonian kingdom (today known as Vergina) - "rebuilt" the palace on paper, based on the results of excavations and new data. With a facade measuring 13.60 metres in length and 78 metres in height, many columns and arches, the building was probably the most prestigious of its time. According to Kottaridi, it took 10 to 12 years for the ambitious construction to be completed. The archaeologist calls the palace "Macedonias Parthenon" and "the second most important construction of ancient Greece". With the palace of Philip II, a new style of architecture was introduced to the Hellenistic world, and became a new architectural motif.

A Journey To Ancient Arabia P2

hadramout kingdom: location: Yemen Hadhramout in Heritage Books is Aad, ad Ahqaf in the Holy Koran, the place which god bestowed with prophets of whom are Hood and Saleh peace upon them. In ancient history, Wadi Hadramout, was known as wadi Al-Ahgaf as the north eastern part of it is covered with sand dunes known as Ahgaf (plural of Hagf ;which means dune) .Al-Hgaf was mentioned in the holy Quran and Prophet Hood (peace be upon him) was the messenger of God to the people of Ahgaf .Most historians agree that the grave (Tomb) of the prophet Hood is situated 140 km east of the town of Seiyun . The name Hadramout is an ancient name referring to the region and the tribe . It had received mention in the Holy Bible . According to Genealogists it was named Hadhramout after it was a home for Amir"prince" Bin Qahtan, who was told that once he attended a war he multiplied slaughtering and thus used to say that if he attends then Death attends with him. Many ancient cities had flourished in Hdramout , and the goddess temples The Moon spread out and witnessed development in arts, architecture, and development in irrigation systems, dams, political systems, legislation, laws and reached a high level of progress in such aspects. Hadramout is rich with deep rooted historic antiquities, architecture in particular, represented in embracing the oldest highest buildings which are still standing in the capital of the ancient Hadramout kingdom "Shibam" , the remains indicate the monumental ...

Turks Pray In Ancient Armenian Cathedral

Hundreds of Turkish nationalists have performed Muslim prayers in one of the most important historical Armenian churches in a high-profile ceremony authorized by Turkey's government, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports. The political action, organized by the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), followed the reported restoration of a cross atop another medieval Armenian church located in eastern Turkey. The 10th-century church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van saw its first religious service in nearly a century less than two weeks ago. On October 1, Turkish television images showed MHP leader Devlet Bahceli leading several hundred supporters to the 11th-century Holy Virgin Cathedral at the ruins of Ani, the capital of a medieval Armenian kingdom. It is located in Turkey's northeastern Kars region, less than one kilometer away from modern-day Armenia. The crowd entered the once-thriving city through its well-preserved main gate and marched to the cathedral as an Ottoman-style Janissary brass band accompanied it. Participants carried Turkish flags and chanted "God is great" during the procession. Bahceli and senior MHP figures from across Turkey knelt and pressed their foreheads to the ground in the ensuing Friday prayer led by a Sunni Muslim cleric. The latter could be seen addressing the MHP flock from a makeshift podium erected inside the structure. Built by an Armenian royal dynasty in 1001, the cathedral has for centuries been regarded as a ...

Ancient Greek Temples (part 3)

The 3rd video in the trilogy, presents the Ancient Greek Temples of Greek colonies in southern Italy and Sicily. The region is known as the "Magna Grecia"