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Ancient Cities

I find the world of archeology very interesting. I have a sort of thirst for the subject that has a hard time being quenched. Nothing pleases me more than to read about a new city that was discovered or exotic artifacts that were uncovered. And those occasional items that can't be explained, really turn me on.

Iran is inviting researchers to share their findings on the ancient city of Shahr-e Soukhteh. It is suspected that the city's cemetery has over 40,000 tombs. The city itself dates back to 3,200 B.C. It is about 33 miles from Zabol, if that means anything to any of us. Iran has announced that it will support domestic and foreign research projects in the area. So far excavation has taken place for the last eight years.

Limantepe is an ancient underwater city in Turkey. It is near the town of Urla, in Izmir provence. It is known that there are many relics buried there and also many tombs. Once they are dug up, it is hard to preserve relics that have been in the water so long without expert museum facilities. The Turkish archeologists have jointed forces with the archeologists from the University of Haifa. The main problem is that since Turkey is a country that has just about the most ruins in the world, it can not afford to build any more museums and has decided to try and shut down some of the smaller ones.

Speaking about Turkey, the first carved column from the ancient city of Laodicea has been found. The column has the face of the founder's wife carved into it. Laodicea was founded around the third century B.C. It was built by King Antochos II of Syria. An earthquake destroyed the city. The face on the column is that of the wife of the king who was named Laodikeia and it has an inscription on it. The city had two theatres, the largest could hold 20,000 people, a hippodrome that could hold 30,000 people, seven large churches and a gigantic fountain. So far many sculptures, nails, pottery and the like have been discovered. The site is so large that it may never be entirely excavated.

As you can see, Turkey is a hotbed for archeology. Archaeologists are finding many works of art in the ruins of the ancient city of Parion, which was also called Parium. This city is near Canakkale. So far, four sarcophaguses have been found. Two were opened and contained gold crowns that were at least two thousand years old and a couple of gold coins. 150 pieces of works of art have also been unearthed. The city of Parion is over 3,000 years old. It was named after the famous Paris of Troy. It had two commercial sea ports and four large temples. This was an important city in it's time.

One more time for Turkey. The team that is excavating the ancient city of Zeugma has stated that there are many artifacts buried there and they want to bring them up. The excavation is very recent, having been started in July of this year. It is felt that this excavation is going to last quite a long time. This ancient city was founded by Selevkos a general of Alexander the Great in about 300 B.C. In 64 B.C. the population was already over 80,000 people. The Romans conquered the city and gave it the name of Zeugma, it had originally been named Seleukeia of Euphrates.

The ancient city of Tiberias is still revealing new wonders as its excavation continues. This is not to be confused with the modern city of Tiberias which is just south of it. Work is concentrating on uncovering the basilica complex right now. A two meter wall stands on the east side. It has 25 rooms, a courtyard, a passageway and a reception hall. A water cistern was found under the courtyard and it is in perfect condition. Israel has no marble, but marble appears on the floor. It is thought that it may have been one of the palaces of Herod Antipas who was the son of Herod the Great, the founder of Tiberias. There were also ancient shops uncovered and they contained many wonderful items such as oil lamps, bronze coins, jewelry, frescoes, glass and stone vessels and a coin with the impression of Jesus on it. In one area a row of shops with a section of street about 55 yards long was found. It has been named Galilee Street.

There is an ancient city in China named Pingyao which is crumbling very badly. The city was build about 256 B.C. It has been completely preserved and is the only typical ancient city in China that has been. It is a great tourist attraction. Things are so bad, that last year a whole section of the south wall just collapsed. Other cracks and dangerous conditions have been found in structures around and in the city. The Chinese government has begun a restoration project.

Robert Samast, an American researcher, said he will return next year to the Mediterranean and continue his search for Atlantis. He is totally convinced that it did exist. Samast stated at an interview that "All the evidence points here. This is where civilization started," When he said 'here, he was referring to the island of Cyprus. Samast has stated that he has already found man made structures about 50 miles from the island. His expedition is scheduled to return to the site in May of 2006, lets wish him luck.

Other

Archeologists were cleaning an ancient drainage system in the Roman Forum and found the head of a statue of Constantine. It is felt that this head may have been used to clear a blocked sewer pipe. Oh my goodness!

An ancient Celtic site has been found in Ireland. It is unprecedented, in that before this, none were ever found in that country but were found in Britain and Europe. The site is the Turoe complex. It is a ceremonial site. Evidence has been found of a seaport and ancient roads. It is believe that this was the foremost center in Ireland during the iron age.

Mexican archeologists have found evidence of a child that was sacrificed to the god of war at Mexico City's Templo Mayor ruins.

An Israli archeologist claims to have discovered the palace of King David near Jerusalem. The building was built in the 10th century B.C. As the dig began, a building from about the 4th - 6th century A.D. was found intact with mosaic floorings. It was about two meters below the ground. Under this building were water cisterns, pools and a purification bath. These dated to the Second Temple period, I am not sure what date this would be. The jackpot was hit when they dug below the water, there the massive walls of the palace were revealed.