The Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone, is a significant archaeological find from the ancient Near East. Discovered in 1868, it is an inscribed stone erected by King Mesha of Moab in the 9th century BCE. The stele boasts of Mesha’s victories over the Israelites and his building projects. It is particularly famous for its mention of the “House of David,” providing one of the few extrabiblical references to the Davidic dynasty. The artifact is a crucial source for the study of the Moabite language and the history of the region.
Historical Places
Pyramids Before and After Excavation
Ok by now you’ve probably heard of most of the Pyramids in the article below, but I bet you haven’t see what they looked like before they were excavated and restored. You’ll be surprised just how much work has gone into uncovered and excavating these huge historic monuments to where we are today with millions of visitors snapping pics of these places on the regular. Enjoy this journey through time.
Hazor Israel
Hazor, located in Israel, stands as a testament to ancient civilizations and their complexities. This significant archaeological site once served as a major city in the Canaanite and Israelite periods. It boasts a rich history that spans several millennia, with its origins tracing back to the Bronze Age. Hazor’s strategic location on trade routes made it a focal point of economic and political power. Over time, it experienced destruction and rebirth, reflecting the turbulent history of the region. Today, Hazor offers invaluable insights into the past, with its ruins providing evidence of its former glory and the events that shaped its history.
The Cyrus Cylinder
The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay artifact that dates back to the 6th century BC. It was created during the reign of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire in Persia. The cylinder is inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform script and has been hailed as the first charter of human rights. It was discovered in 1879 during excavations in Babylon and has since been a key piece of evidence in understanding ancient Persian history and the early concepts of governance and human rights.
Balankanche Caves
The Balankanche Caves, located near Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, are a significant archaeological site. They hold a treasure trove of Mayan artifacts and offer insights into the religious practices of the ancient Maya civilization. The caves were a sacred space, used for ceremonies and as a repository for offerings to the Mayan gods. The discovery of the caves in modern times has provided a unique glimpse into the spiritual world of the Maya.
Chunyaxche (Muyil)
Chunyaxche, known today as Muyil, is an ancient Mayan site located in the modern-day state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the oldest and longest inhabited Mayan sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Muyil boasts a rich history that spans several centuries, with evidence of its earliest settlement dating back to as early as 350 BCE. The site is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including temples, castillos, and the iconic El Castillo pyramid, which stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Maya civilization.