Archaeology
Archaeologists uncover Doric styled temples at ancient Poseidonia
Archaeologists conducting excavations in the ancient city of Poseidonia have uncovered two temples built in the Doric style.
Poseidonia was founded as a Greek colony around 600 BC in the present-day Province of Salerno, Campania, Italy.
The city emerged as a major religious centre, as indicated by the construction of three expansive temples (dedicated to Hera and Athena) in the Archaic interpretation of the Greek Doric order, dating back to approximately 550-450 BC.
During the 3rd century BC, Poseidonia was annexed by the expanding Roman Republic following the Pyrrhic War, who renamed the city to Paestum and established a Latin colony.
In a press announcement issued by the Italian Ministry of Culture, archaeologists have uncovered two previously unknown Doric style temples during an examination of the western section of Poseidonia in close proximity to the ancient city walls.
Image Credit : Italian Ministry of Culture
Dating back to the early 5th century BC, one of the temples retains well-preserved architectural remnants of the stylobate, the stepped platform supporting the columns that held up the temple roof.
The stylobate measures 11.5 x 7.6 metres in size, with visible features such as the four-sided peristatis columns that surrounded the inner sanctuary known as the cella. Typically, the cella would house a cult image or statue representing the specific deity revered in the temple.
Excavations also found fragmentary remnants of the temple column capitals that are comparable to the Doric capitals at Poseidonia’s Temple of Hera, the oldest surviving temple in the city in dedication to the goddess Hera.
Archaeologists have also found traces of a second temple at the same location which predates the temple described above. According to the researchers, this temple likely collapsed during the 6th century BC, with architectural features and stonework being recycled into the new temple structure.
“The recent discoveries confirm that there is still a lot to do in Paestum [Poseidonia] in terms of excavations, research, and also in terms of valorisation. After decades of research, the Ministry of Culture is giving impetus to notable initiatives”, said the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano.
Header Image Credit : Italian Ministry of Culture
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
A recent study, published in the journal ResearchGate, proposes that the Pyramid of Djoser could have been constructed using hydraulic lift.
The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, is a proto-pyramid built as the final resting place of Djoser, the first or second pharaoh of Egypt’s 3rd Dynasty (2670–2650 BC) during the Old Kingdom period.
The pyramid rises from the Saqqara plateau in six steps to a height of around 60 to 62 metres, serving as the centre of a vast mortuary complex.
Due to the absence of authentic sources from the pyramid architects’ working sphere, there is currently no confirmed comprehensive model for the method used in the pyramid construction.
The prevailing theory suggests that the heavy stone blocks were transported on apparatuses such as rollers, and raised to height using a series of ramps.
In the study, a survey of watersheds near to the pyramid indicate that the Gisr el-Mudir (enclosure) has features of a check dam for trapping sediment and water. Furthermore, the topography beyond the “dam” shows a possible ephemeral lake west of the Djoser complex, and water flow inside the moat surrounding it.
The study authors explain: “In the southern section of the moat, we show that the monumental linear rock-cut structure consisting of successive, deep compartments, combines the technical requirements of a water treatment facility: a settling basin, a retention basin, and a purification system.”
Based on this finding, the study proposes that the Gisr el-Mudir and moat’s inner south section worked as a unified hydraulic system for regulating flow and improving water quality. In addition, the pyramid’s internal architecture is consistent with a hydraulic elevation mechanism never reported before.
“The ancient architects likely raised the stones from the pyramid centre in a volcano fashion using the sediment-free water from the Dry Moat’s south section. Ancient Egyptians are famous for their pioneering and mastery of hydraulics through canals for irrigation purposes and barges to transport huge stones. This work opens a new line of research: the use of hydraulic force to erect the massive structures built by Pharaohs,” said the study authors.
Please note: This study was submitted to PLOS ONE on December 7, 2023. After two rounds of review by peers, the paper was formally accepted by PLOS ONE on June 27, 2024. Since July 23, 2024, it has been the subject of new consultations and review by the PLOS ONE Editorial Board.
Header Image Credit : Shutterstock
Sources : ResearchGate | Piton, Guillaume. (2024). On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. PLOS ONE.
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
Constructed between 1630 and 1633 in a Renaissance-Baroque style, the Great Synagogue of Vilnius served as the religious centre of a complex of synagogues, mikvahs, and community institutions devoted to Torah study in Vilnius, Lithuania.
According to a press statement by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA): “The Great Synagogue of Vilna was the beating heart of the Lithuanian Jewry, which included 12 synagogues and study houses, the community council building, the home of Rabbi Eliyahu – the Vilna Gaon, Kosher meat stalls, the famous ‘Strashun’ library, a bathhouse and more.”
During World War II, the synagogue was looted, burned, and partially destroyed by the Nazis in the holocaust. Soviet authorities completely demolished the remaining structure to build a school, intending to prevent any future restoration of Jewish worship.
Only three original pieces of the synagogue survived the destruction: a door of the Holy Ark, a reader’s desk, and a bas-relief with the Ten Commandments, which are now on display at the Vilna Gaon Jewish Museum.
Image Credit : Israel Antiquities Authority
In a recent study conducted by the IAA, the Association of Lithuanian Archaeology, the Good Will Foundation, and the Jewish Community of Lithuania, archaeologists have rediscovered traces of the synagogue’s decorated walls and remnants of flooring with red, black, and white floral patterns that paved the main hall.
Excavations also uncovered huge water reservoirs to feed halachically pure water to the mikva’ot, and one of the giant pillars that surrounded the Bimah (prayer platform).
Dr. Jon Seligman from the IAA and Justinas Rakas from the Lithuanian Archaeological Society, said: “The magnificent remains we are rediscovering bring back moments in the life of a lost vibrant community.”
Header Image Credit : Israel Antiquities Authority
Sources : IAA
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
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