Uh oh. It’s already Sunday evening and I still haven’t gotten this weekly post up. Life keeps me busy! Here are some posts I enjoyed this past week:
Interesting finds regarding Roman burial practices and the use of frankincense. Given that it came from Arabia or Africa, using it to help the dead along their way seems like a deep sign of devotion–at least a great financial expenditure. Not surprisingly, only found in burials with clothing etc indicating high status. Click here
The Etruscan Tomb of the Silver Hands: this is an update in Archaeology Magazine of the conservation of some of these amazing finds, but what I found incredible is the photograph of the tiny pieces of a bronze chariot that is being pieced together. It must take a very particular kind of person to work on something like this. I think jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts may have found a way to turn hobby into productive job. I would go crazy quickly. Click here
Even the ancient world was “small”: Cobalt glass beads in Danish Bronze Age tomb shown to come fr Egypt & amber in Egyptian tombs comes fr northern Europe: evidence of Nordic & Egyptian sun cults trading goods and styles of worship. Not only does this reveal amazing trade distance but more significantly to me, the exchange of religious ideas over vast distance. Can anyone think of some similar examples? Click here
The Book Drunkard lists Nancy Bilyeau’s The Tapestry as one of the Most Anticipated historical novels of 2015. I’ve had a sneak peak and I totally agree! Don’t miss this one. Click here
Anna Belfrage on the attitude of the Swedish communists in the 1930’s toward Stalin’s Russia and the tragedy that happened to those who tried out the “Russian Paradise.” This is a piece of European history I’d never learned. An evocative post. Click here