Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd’s Post

Have you ever wondered how big the ancient world was? I think many people labor under the misapprehension that ancient people didn’t travel far or know much about the world outside their borders. Certainly, they didn’t have the maps we do, let alone Google Earth. Check out this find in 2018. Archaeologists discovered a bronze Corinthian helmet in the burial of several fifth-century BCE Greek warriors in southwestern Russia. The remains were uncovered at a necropolis on the Taman Peninsula, which, together with parts of Crimea, formed the territory of the Bosporan Kingdom, a Greek state that was founded around 480 BCE. In addition to the helmet, the burial included the men’s weapons, an amphora and other ceramics, and a harp. If you think that’s interesting or wonder how far ancient people traveled, consider reading the Anabasis or the fictional account The Falcon of Sparta. Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum #bitesizedhistory, #history, #militaryhistory, #war #military

Axes and Battle Axes: Icons of Historic Warfare Axes and battle axes are more than tools of war—they’re a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations. From the elegantly balanced bearded axe of the Vikings to the brutal efficiency of medieval poleaxes, these weapons symbolize the duality of functionality and craftsmanship. Each axe tells a story of its era, reflecting the techniques and materials available to the warriors who wielded them. In battle, axes were both feared and revered for their devastating power. Unlike swords, axes required less material to forge, making them more accessible to foot soldiers while still being formidable against armored opponents. Many battle axes featured intricate carvings and embellishments, showing that even objects of war could be imbued with cultural significance and artistic value. For collectors, historic axes and battle axes hold immense allure. They are not only relics of past conflicts but also works of art that represent the evolution of warfare and human creativity. Whether you're drawn to their raw power or the stories they carry, these weapons remain a cornerstone of historical collections. #BattleAxes #HistoricWeapons #MedievalWarfare #VikingAxe #AncientTools #WeaponCollectors #AxesOfHistory #WarriorCulture #HistoricArmory #AntiqueWeapons #BattleReady #MuseumPieces #HistoryLovers #CollectorCommunity #AxesAndWar #WeaponCraftsmanship #TimelessWeapons #MedievalHistory #RareWeapons #AxesAndLegends

When Did That Happen?" #17 The Latebra Foundation, a research group in Poland, is dedicated to uncovering relics and artifacts from the country's rich history. Their recent excavation at Wolfsschanze, a Nazi secret military headquarters, revealed human remains under the floorboards dating back to the period between 1918 and 1939. These remains, mostly missing their hands and feet, have sparked speculation about potential human sacrifices linked to German pagan religious practices. For more details on this intriguing discovery, check out the link below. #Learning #KnowledgeSharing #Blogseries #History #Research

I'm looking forward to receiving Ancient Warfare XVII-5. As well as my usual news pages, it contains 2 articles I wrote ('Guardians of the Strait: A history of Legio X Fretensis' and 'Tours of Duty: Careers of Legio X Fretensis soldiers') and my review of Philip Freeman's 'Julian'. Published by Karwansaray Publishers. #history #ancienthistory #ancientwarfare #romanhistory

NABATAEA. Syllaeus and Aretas IV. 9-6 BC. Æ Quadrans (16mm, 3.29g, 1h). Petra mint. Struck circa 9-8 BC. Diademed head of Obodas III right; Aremaic shin to left / Crossed cornucopias; Aremaic shin (Syllaeus) and ?eth (Aretas) across field. Meshorer, Nabataea 43 var. (position of rev. letters); cf. Schmitt-Korte II 26/27 (obv./rev.). EF, dark green patina, light earthen deposits. Rare. The joint rule of the ambitious Nabataean minister Syllaeus and his youthful and eventual successor Aretas IV produced a power struggle which lasted into their fourth year, corresponding to 6 BC. Coinage is thought to have been produced more neutrally at first, with the portrait of Obodas III, their predecessor, placed on many of the issues. Towards the end of the joint rule, this iconography was abandoned in favor of the portrait of Aretas himself, foreshadowing his eventual rise as the sole ruler and king of Nabataea. As this coin features the head of Obodas, it can most likely be dated to the earlier part of the joint rule.. https://lnkd.in/enmiS4bc After the first expedition, Augustus Caesar encouraged Aelius Gallus to employ the Nabataeans as guides and escorts on an expedition down the Arabian side of the Red Sea to locate the source of frankincense. You can imagine the predicament this was for the Nabataeans. The Nabataeans were deemed allies of Rome, but if the Romans discovered their source of frankincense, then the Romans would simply sail down the Red Sea and buy directly from the South Arabian kingdoms, thus excluding the Nabataeans from their lucrative trade. It appears that Syllaeus, the chief minister of Obodas II had a clever solution to the problem. He agreed to lead the expedition, and together with a contingent of Nabataean camel cavalry, took his place at the head of the Roman Army with the Roman General Aelius Gallus. First, however, the Roman Army needed to get from Egypt to Arabia. #OLDCOINS #RARECOINS #CLEOPATRANUMISMATICS #PETRAJORDAN #PETRA #NABATEAN #MOUFEEDFREIHAR

As morning fog rises over historic landscapes, ancient battlefields whisper the tales of humanity’s greatest struggles. From the plains of Gaugamela, where Alexander the Great reshaped empires, to the storied hills of Hastings, each site serves as a time capsule of strategy, bravery, and sacrifice. These battlefields are not merely remnants of conflict; they encapsulate profound human questions about duty, ambition, and legacy. The echoes of Kurukshetra remind us of the moral complexities of warfare, while the Colosseum reflects the intricate relationship between power and public spectacle in ancient Rome. Exploring these sites deepens our understanding of history and invites reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. In a world often distant from large-scale warfare, we must remember these lessons to navigate our future with wisdom. Discover more about the significance of ancient battlefields and their role in shaping history: [Read the full article](https://lnkd.in/ekf7QNnM) #AncientHistory #Battlefields #HistoryLessons #CulturalHeritage #Leadership #HistoricalInsights

I’m pleased to share the publication of 'Battles and Battlefields of the Peninsular War' by Charles J. Esdaile, a recent title from Helion & Company. This book offers a detailed exploration of the battlefields and key engagements of the Peninsular War (1808–1814), combining historical analysis with insights into the terrain over which these battles were fought. The structure of the book is clear and comprehensive, with chapters dedicated to specific battles, beginning with the Dos de Mayo uprising in 1808 and concluding with Bayonne in 1814. Each chapter provides an account of the events, the strategic and tactical context, and the outcomes of the battles. Alongside this, Esdaile includes detailed maps and contemporary photographs, offering readers a strong visual sense of these historic locations. What sets this book apart is its focus on inclusivity. While much of the literature on the Peninsular War highlights Anglo-Portuguese operations, Esdaile ensures that the contributions and experiences of Spanish and French forces are also given due attention. This broader approach adds valuable depth and challenges some long-held assumptions about the nature and dynamics of the conflict. The book also raises important points about battlefield preservation. Esdaile’s discussions of sites like Albuera, where modern developments threaten historic landscapes, highlight the need for ongoing efforts to protect these locations and preserve their significance for future generations. For anyone with an interest in military history, particularly the Napoleonic era, 'Battles and Battlefields of the Peninsular War' is an excellent resource. It combines academic rigour with practical insights for those wishing to explore these historic sites, either through research or in person. More about the book here: https://lnkd.in/exbx4KxG

Satellite technology alerts world to the desecration of WW2 Royal Navy shipwrecks The world watched on as Second Word War #RoyalNavy ships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse wrecked 60 miles east off the Malaysian coast were plundered by a Chinese purpose-built salvage barge, the Chuan Hong 68 last year.   Watch this two-minute video, launched this week detailing the vital surveillance by Maritime Observatory through satellite technology that alerted the world to the desecration of these WW2 Royal Navy shipwrecks. https://lnkd.in/eqwmte5h   Commonly cited as one of the worst disasters in British naval history, the attack and sinking of both ships on 10th December 1941 by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese navy sent shockwaves through the country. The desecration of both wrecks, was tracked and recorded early in 2023 by the Maritime Observatory,  a non-profit partnership between the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust (MAST) and OceanMind (OM) which harnesses the growing capabilities of the commercial satellite sector to protect shipwrecks and other underwater heritage at sea.

What is your (earthly/divine) Purpose, Duty & Mission on Planet Earth ?

From mysterious ruins to submerged cities, the underwater world holds secrets of our past waiting to be discovered. In this feature, we plunge into the depths to uncover the fascinating history of ancient underwater civilizations 🤿 👉 https://buff.ly/4bkHevm