Culture and Nature Blogs

Culture and Nature Blogs: study of ancient cultures; learn how people of the past lived, believed, traded, worked with nature, and moved across the landscape.

Aachen Cathedral Facts and History

Aachen Cathedral Image
Aachen Cathedral, or Aachener Dom, stands as a historic Roman Catholic church with a storied past in Aachen, Germany. Its roots trace back to the era of Charlemagne, who commissioned the cathedral’s construction and was later interred there in 814. As one of Europe’s oldest churches, Aachen Cathedral played a pivotal role in the annals of the Holy Roman Empire. Over the course of history, the cathedral served as the hallowed ground for the coronations of thirty-one German kings and twelve queens. This tradition spanned from 936 to 1531, predominantly occurring in the Palatine Chapel. Notably, in 1978, Aachen Cathedral received the distinction of being among the inaugural twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This esteemed recognition was conferred for its exceptional contribution to the history of the Holy Roman Empire and its architectural and artistic significance.

The Lion Facts

The Lion Panthera leo image
The lion, whose scientific name is Panthera leo, is a big cat that lives in Africa and India. Adult male lions are bigger than females and have a mane.

Good Friday Facts and History

Jesus Crucifixion Art for Good Friday Facts and History image
Good Friday, a Christian religious holiday, falls within Holy Week, the period leading up to Easter Sunday. Its primary purpose is to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, a pivotal event in Christian theology. This observance is an integral part of the Paschal Triduum, a three-day period preceding Easter. It is known by various names, including Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday. Many Christians, encompassing denominations like Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Oriental Orthodox, United Protestants, and some Reformed Christians, engage in fasting and attend church services on this solemn day. It’s worth noting that customs and practices on Good Friday can vary among different Christian groups and cultures. While it is a time for sober reflection on Jesus’ crucifixion, it holds profound theological significance within the Christian faith, highlighting the belief in redemption and the promise of new life through Christ’s sacrificial act. Here is a brief history of Good Friday:

Abu Mena

Abu Mena Egypt, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
Abu Mena is an Egyptian UNESCO site with the remains of a church, monasteries, houses, and workshops built on the tomb of Saint Menas of Alexandria.

Wadi Al-Hitan Whale Valley

Ancient whale fossils at Whale Valley, Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt
Whale Valley, also known as Wadi Al-Hitan, stands as a remarkable paleontological site in the Faiyum Governorate of Egypt. Not only is it recognized for its breathtaking desert landscapes, but, more importantly, it holds a treasure trove of fossils, particularly those of ancient whales. The fossils found here are of paramount significance, offering insights into the evolutionary journey of whales from land-dwelling mammals to marine creatures. The region’s geological formations, rich in sandstone and limestone, showcase the remnants of an ancient sea. The valley itself is named after the Basilosaurus, an 18-meter-long whale, with the fossils revealing spines on its tail and the remains of sea creatures in its stomach. Whale Valley provides a unique window into the past, where ancient whales like the Basilosaurus traversed the waters. Over 390 whale fossils from various species, dating back around 40 million years, have been unearthed at the site. Here’s a detailed overview:

Philae Temple

Philae Temple Aswan is dedicated to Isis, Osiris, and Horus
Philae Temple is one of the most interesting old places to visit in Egypt, on Philae Island, which was a holy place for the Isis cult for thousands of years.

Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel temple's inside Image, Aswan, Egypt
Ramesses II built Abu Simbel temple complex around 1264–1244 BC. Great Temple for himself, while the Small Temple honors his most important wife, Queen Nefertari