Archaeologists believe
What people looked like a century ago: Modern technology has allowed scientists to get to the bottom of the truth
What did people from the past look like? Most often, the guideline for answering this question are pictures or verbal descriptions in documentary or fiction. But are they objective? Often not, because the artist always conveys his personal perception, and seeks to show the most attractive image. Modern technologies allow to recreate a real image and show what people from the past would look like if they happened to be our contemporaries.
1. King Henry IV of France
Henry IV was the king of France from 1589 to 1610 and was tragically killed during the attack of a Catholic fan on him, died from his knife wounds. Heinrich went down in history as a kind and wise ruler who cared about the welfare of his subjects. The reconstruction of the face of Heinrich was conducted by the historian Philip Frosch, he created a 3D model, based on the preserved skull of the monarch. Continue reading
How in ancient times did the bodies of the dead
As soon as a person dies, his body is usually buried or cremated. But in some ancient societies, the corpses after death in various ways used, or preserved their parts according to certain rituals. In some cultures, it was believed that the body of a deceased person, if used in various rituals, was able to help the living. And these practices led to rather terrible archaeological finds.
1. Bowls of skulls
Skull cups have been made in many different cultures for different periods of time. Mostly they were made by separating the skull from the corpse and cutting cups from it. Usually carvings on the skull were made on the subject of Christ’s sufferings, but sometimes it was possible to come across decorative prints. Continue reading
Mayan Crystal Skull Riddle: Ritual Props of the Priests or Fake Archaeologists
It was an early summer morning on the Yucatan Peninsula. Archaeologists who excavated the ancient Mayan temple recently woke up and were just about to start work. But the youngest participant of this expedition, a girl named Anna, was already near the destroyed altar found on the eve and with might and main worked with a brush. On this day, she turned 17 years old, and she dreamed of finding something unusual in the excavation – for her it would be the best gift.
And Anna’s dream came true.
Another movement of the brush – and out of the ground came through something smooth and shiny in the sun. A few more minutes of excavation – and the girl was already holding a truly amazing find. A human skull made of the purest rock crystal! Continue reading
