Bruce martin’s Post

Encounter Emily trudged home through the deserted streets. The rain pelted her umbrella, and the wind howled through the empty alleyways. She quickened her pace, eager to escape the cold and damp. As she passed the old, abandoned mansion at the end of the street, a flicker of light caught her eye. Curious, she paused and peered through the decaying iron gate. The light made her fell dreamy and seemed to beckon her in, and despite her miss givings, she pushed open the damp socked gate and made her way towards the mansion. The mansion was dark and lifeless. Emily’s pulse quickened as she approached the front door, which stood open for some reason. She hesitated, then stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of decay and mildew. Suddenly, a cold breeze swept through the hallway, she stopped suddenly. In the darkness, she felt a presence. A soft, ethereal glow appeared before her, revealing the figure of a woman in a flowing white gown. “Who are you?” Emily whispered, her voice trembling. “I am Eleanor,” the ghostly figure replied. “I have been waiting for someone to help me find peace.” Emily’s fear melted into compassion. “How can I help you?” Eleanor’s eyes glistened with hope. “Find my locket. It holds the key to my freedom.” Determined, Emily nodded. “I will find it.” So Emily embarked on this very important quest . (C)Bruce Martin 2024 #brucemartin#quest#ghoststory#darknights#ghosts#shortstory #shortstoryaboutghost#

Down by the tracks Down by the tracks ; That's where my world is at. My life wrapped up in a plastic bag. Don't worry mama, I'm writing my Most famous song. Overgrown with moss and tangled, vegetation, the tracks can still be seen. Staring back to a golden era. Still waiting for the train to arrive. There's something in the trees, it has been watching over me. Ever since I've been born. It's an old friend of mine, The Darkness And it's never a never-ending spell. How do you know if you are good or Evil A bad apple is rotten to its very core. Late at night, I come here to watch the endless changing sky and stars. In my dreams I'm standing at the bar, sipping daiquiris, talking to hemingways dead lovers, and there not a pretty sight. My dreams were do they take me, well its always home, That's where I go home. Down by the tracks, that's where the world is at. (c)Bruce Martin 2024 #brucemartin #poem #poetry#downbythetracks#

The Ishtar Gate The Ishtar Gate, constructed around 575 BCE by order of King Nebuchadnezzar II, stands as one of the most magnificent examples of Babylonian art and architecture. This grand entrance to the inner city of Babylon was dedicated to the goddess Ishtar, symbolizing love, beauty, and war1. The gate was part of a larger processional way that led into the city, adorned with vibrant blue-glazed bricks that mimicked the precious stone lapis lazuli. These bricks were decorated with alternating rows of dragons, bulls, and lions, each representing different deities: Marduk, Adad, and Ishtar respectively12. The intricate designs and the use of colour highlight the Babylonians’ advanced techniques in both construction and artistic expression. Standing approximately 15 meters high, the Ishtar Gate was not only a functional structure but also a symbol of the city’s grandeur and the king’s power. The gate’s roof and doors were made of cedar, adding to its majestic appearance. During the New Year celebrations, statues of deities would be paraded through the gate, emphasizing their religious significance2. Today, parts of the Ishtar Gate are reconstructed and displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, allowing visitors to appreciate the splendor of ancient Babylonian civilization1. Resources: 1: Wikipedia 2: World History Encyclopedia #theishtargate#brucemartin#ancientbabylonianart#babyloniancivilization#

Babylonian art Babylonian art, originating from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), is renowned for its intricate designs, vibrant colours, and elaborate carvings. Flourishing from the third millennium BCE until the sixth century BCE, Babylonian art reflects the society’s advanced culture and religious devotion. One of the most iconic examples is the Ishtar Gate, constructed around 575 BCE. This grand entrance to the city of Babylon was adorned with glazed bricks depicting lions, dragons, and bulls, symbolizing various deities1. The gate’s vibrant blue tiles and detailed reliefs showcase the Babylonians’ mastery of both architecture and decorative arts. Another significant artefact is the Stele of Hammurabi, a stone slab inscribed with one of the earliest known legal codes. The stele features a relief of King Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash, emphasizing the divine authority of the king2. Babylonian art also includes numerous clay tablets used for recording religious and governmental information. These tablets often feature geometric designs and stylized figures, highlighting the Babylonians’ skill in both practical and artistic endeavors3. Overall, Babylonian art is a testament to the civilization’s sophistication and its lasting influence on subsequent cultures in the region. 1: Art in Context 2: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 3: Learning History #brucemartin#Babylonianart#babyloniancivilzation#ishtargate#ancientart#sungodshamash#royalfamilyofbabylonia#

The ancient druids The ancient Druids were a prominent and influential class in Celtic societies, particularly in regions that are now Ireland, Britain, and France. They served multiple roles, including priests, teachers, judges, and advisors. Druids were deeply connected to nature, often conducting their rituals in sacred groves, with oak trees being especially significant12. Their knowledge and practices were passed down orally, as they did not leave written records. Much of what we know about Druids comes from Roman and Greek sources, such as Julius Caesar, who described them as wise and learned individuals who studied natural philosophy, astronomy, and the lore of the gods2. Druids were believed to possess the ability to communicate with the spirit world and were often consulted for their wisdom and guidance3. One of the most notable aspects of Druidic belief was the concept of the immortality of the soul, which they believed passed from one body to another after death2. This belief in reincarnation was central to their spiritual practices. Despite their significant influence, the Druidic order began to decline following the Roman conquest of Celtic lands, and by the 2nd century CE, they had largely disappeared from historical records1. Today, the legacy of the Druids continues to inspire modern spiritual and cultural movements, reflecting their enduring impact on history and mythology. Resources 1: Wikipedia 2: Britannica 3: Historic UK #thedruids#romanhistory#thecelts#romanbritain#ancientmythology#classichistory#ancientgreece#celticsocieties#

Celtic mythology Celtic mythology is a rich tapestry of stories and legends from the ancient Celtic peoples, primarily the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, and the Britons of Wales and Brittany. These myths were initially passed down orally and later transcribed by Christian scribes during the Middle Ages1. Central to Celtic mythology are the deities and supernatural beings. The Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods and goddesses, are prominent in Irish myths. They include figures like Dagda, the father god, and Morrigan, the goddess of war and fate2. In Welsh mythology, the Children of Dôn and the Children of Llŷr are significant, with characters like Gwydion and Bran the Blessed1. Celtic myths often feature themes of heroism, magic, and the Otherworld—a parallel realm inhabited by supernatural beings. Heroes like Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill embark on epic quests, encountering gods, monsters, and magical challenges2. These myths also reflect the Celts’ reverence for nature, with many deities associated with natural elements like rivers, forests, and animals. The sovereignty goddess, who bestows kingship through marriage, symbolizes the connection between the ruler and the land1. Celtic mythology has influenced later literature and folklore, including the Arthurian legends, showcasing its enduring legacy and cultural significance12. 1: Wikipedia.org 2: Mythopedia.com #Celticmythology#kingarthur#folklore#thegaels#scottishfolklore#welshfolklore#themiddleages#ancientbritons#

Celtic art Celtic art, associated with the ancient peoples known as Celts, spans a vast timeline from the European Iron Age to the modern era. This art form is renowned for its intricate designs, including spirals, knotwork, and zoomorphic motifs, which often depict animals like stags, boars, and horses12. The earliest Celtic art, from the Hallstatt culture (circa 800-450 BCE), features geometric patterns and stylized figures. This evolved into the more elaborate La Tène style (circa 450 BCE-1st century CE), characterized by flowing, vegetal designs and complex interlacing patterns1. These designs were not only decorative but also held symbolic meanings, often related to nature and spirituality. Celtic art is most famously represented in metalwork, such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice, which showcase the Celts’ exceptional craftsmanship in gold, silver, and bronze2. Additionally, the illuminated manuscripts of the Early Medieval period, like the Book of Kells, highlight the intricate interlace patterns and vibrant colors that define Insular art1. Despite the Roman conquest and subsequent cultural shifts, Celtic art experienced a revival in the 19th century, influencing the Art Nouveau movement and continuing to inspire contemporary artists and designers2. Its enduring appeal lies in its intricate beauty and deep connection to Celtic heritage and mythology. 1: Wikipedia 2: Worldhistory.org. #Celticart#celticheritage#romanhistory#celtichistory#tarabrooch#bookofkells#mythology#romanmythology#celticmythology#thecelts#

Aboriginal Art: A Timeless Tradition Aboriginal art, one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world, is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual life of Indigenous Australians. This art form dates back over 60,000 years, with ancient rock paintings and carvings found in regions like Arnhem Land and the Kimberley1. These artworks often depict Dreamtime stories, which are central to Aboriginal spirituality and explain the creation of the world and its landscapes. Traditional Aboriginal art includes a variety of mediums such as rock engravings, bark paintings, and body art. Ochre, a natural pigment, is commonly used in these artworks. Each piece is rich with symbolism, often featuring intricate patterns and dots that convey stories, laws, and customs2. In the contemporary art world, Aboriginal art has gained significant recognition. Artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri have brought Aboriginal art to global prominence, blending traditional techniques with modern expressions2. This evolution has not only preserved cultural heritage but also provided economic benefits to Indigenous communities. Aboriginal art remains a vibrant and evolving practice, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous Australians. It continues to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a profound connection to one of humanity’s oldest cultures2. resources: 1: Origins of Aboriginal Art 2: Aboriginal Art - Preserving Indigenous Australian Culture in Art #Aboriginalart#aboriginalartist #brucemartin #Indigenousart#abstractart#emilykame#aboriginalculture#