Matthew Elliott

East Bay Stonework Wonders:  Mystery Behind These Walls.

In the rolling hills encompassing East Bay and neighboring areas near San Francisco, peculiar stone walls stretch discontinuously for miles, standing at 3-4 feet in most places. Unenclosed and shrouded in mystery, the origins of these walls have spurred various theories, from ancient civilizations to fantastical realms. Let’s delve into the riddles and revelations surrounding …

East Bay Stonework Wonders:  Mystery Behind These Walls. Read More »

Every Totem Poles Tells a Story: The Rich History and Symbolism

Totem poles, majestic monuments carved from colossal Western Red Cedar trunks, stand proudly along North America’s north-western coast. Crafted by various Native American groups, these structures date back to the 19th century, with indications that the tradition extends even further into the past. Beyond their age, totem poles are profound in symbolism, serving diverse purposes. …

Every Totem Poles Tells a Story: The Rich History and Symbolism Read More »

Socotra: Earth’s Alien Like Place

The distant island of Socotra presents an unearthly landscape that could easily be mistaken for an extraterrestrial realm. Its indigenous flora, comprising over 1,000 distinct fauna and 825 rare flora species, paints a surreal picture, some plants dating back over 20 million years. The Origin and Isolation of Socotra Socotra, nestled within a four-island archipelago …

Socotra: Earth’s Alien Like Place Read More »

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

Nestled in the picturesque woodland of the Tillingbourne Valley in southern England, the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills stand as a testament to a bygone era. Erected nearly four centuries ago by the East India Company, these mills once thrived as a vital gunpowder manufacturing hub. The Tillingbourne River gracefully traces its path along the northern boundary, …

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills Read More »

The Aztec Empire: Crime and Punishment in an Ancient Empire

The Aztec Empire, spanning 1300 to 1521, was a behemoth covering 200,000 sq km, overseeing 371 city states across 38 provinces. This intricate tapestry of city states boasted diverse customs, religions, and laws. Loose Alliances, Common Threads Aztec Emperors allowed city-states autonomy in governance, demanding only tribute. Despite the decentralized rule, a shared Emperor and …

The Aztec Empire: Crime and Punishment in an Ancient Empire Read More »

Ossuary of James: A Controversial Archaeological Journey

The Ossuary of James, discovered in 2002 by Oded Golan, marked the beginning of a fascinating yet tumultuous archaeological journey. This artifact, bearing the inscription “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus,” became the center of attention, sparking accusations of forgery and a cover-up that would span over a decade. A Complicated Puzzle To comprehend …

Ossuary of James: A Controversial Archaeological Journey Read More »

Neanderthal’s Mastery: Elephant Hunts of Unprecedented Scale

Embarking on a journey into history, evidence from Germany dating back 125,000 years reveals Neanderthal’s as skilled hunters of colossal elephants, twice the size of their modern counterparts. This exploration not only illuminates the intricacies of Neanderthal society but also underscores their advanced hunting prowess, revolutionizing our understanding of ancient dynamics. Exploring the Neanderthal Society …

Neanderthal’s Mastery: Elephant Hunts of Unprecedented Scale Read More »

Menga Dolmen Emerges as the Apex of Neolithic Engineering

Nestled in the heart of Antequera, Málaga, Spain, the Menga dolmen, a relic of 5,700 years, astounds archaeologists. Termed as “a paramount engineering achievement of the Neolithic era,” this megalithic structure, perched atop a hill, not only unravels sophisticated building dynamics but also boasts an otherworldly alignment with the surrounding hills, casting a mesmerizing light …

Menga Dolmen Emerges as the Apex of Neolithic Engineering Read More »