Here are some posts I enjoyed this week:
In Chinese mythology there are, apparently, two generals, Clairvoyance, who can see thousands of miles in the distance, and Clairaudience, who can hear equally far. They serve the Jade Emperor, who is the ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below. Pretty impressive crew and leader. Now a researcher in China says you can see what these legendary characters looked like in large, muscular statues with mysterious items in the two generals’ hands. They just might be an early telescope and a “telephone receiver”—or maybe a scroll and a snake. I’m going with the logical identification. I’m pretty sure the telephone is remarkably modern…. Click here for Archaeology News Network “Mythical Chinese psychic beings identified in Dazu Rock Carvings”
Researchers are trying to get a clear sense of how much hidden damage armed conflict does to archaeological treasures and how we can mitigate some of that damage. In the face of flattened temples, this may seem hopeless, but I’m hoping these efforts succeed over time. Click here for Archaeology News Network “Scientists study ways to preserve world heritage sites damaged in armed conflicts”
Beer, wine, weed and opium? The history and earliest evidence for mind altering plants and fermentation, and the ways these are integrated into communal, religious and medicinal practices. Interesting post on the ASOR blog. Click here for the American School of Oriental Research Blog ‘Joy plants’ and the earliest toasts in the Ancient Near East
Well, this one is fun, but turns out not to be Templars. Still, probably great fun to explore. And still good to feed the imagination, just not the historical one.