The Hawara pyramid of Amenemhat III, also known as the “Black Pyramid,” is a fascinating artifact of ancient Egyptian history. Built during the Middle Kingdom period, this pyramid served as the final resting place for Pharaoh Amenemhat III. Unlike other pyramids, it was constructed mainly from mudbrick and encased in limestone, which gave it a unique appearance. Over time, the pyramid’s outer casing was stripped away, leaving the mudbrick core exposed to the elements.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth was a city-state (polis) on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Sparta. The modern city of Corinth is located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of the ancient ruins. Since 1896, systematic archaeological investigations of the Corinth Excavations by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens have revealed large parts of the ancient city, and recent excavations conducted by the Greek Ministry of Culture have brought to light important new facets of antiquity.
Ancient Olympia
Ancient Olympia, nestled in the western Peloponnese, in Greece, was the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a sanctuary of ancient Greece. The area, known for its lush, green landscape, was not a town, but a sanctuary where people from all over the Greek world congregated to celebrate the Olympic Games every four years. Today, it stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization, with its ruins offering a glimpse into the cultural, religious, and athletic events that took place there.
Delos lions
The Delos lions, a remarkable set of marble sculptures, stand as a testament to the artistic and cultural prowess of ancient Greece. Carved from Naxian marble in the 7th century BC, these statues were originally erected on the sacred island of Delos, believed to be the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Today, five of the original lions remain in situ, while others are displayed in various museums worldwide. Their imposing figures, once lined up to guard the sacred Lake of Delos, continue to captivate visitors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic practices of the ancient civilization that created them.
Obelisk of Theodosius
The Obelisk of Theodosius is a remarkable monument that stands in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. Originally erected in Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, it was later transported to Constantinople by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD. The obelisk is an iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization and its later adoption by the Roman Empire, making it a fascinating subject of historical and architectural study.
Temple of Apollo (Delphi)
The Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the ancient world. Known as the “navel of the world,” Delphi was a central hub of religious, cultural, and political activity in ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo, which was the centerpiece of this sacred site, was home to the Pythia, the high priestess of the temple who served as the oracle of Delphi. This temple was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo and played a crucial role in Greek religious and societal practices.