The Pyramid of Karazhartas Discovery

 

Central Asia has an ancient history. Only now is it being uncovered with an exciting new discovery. Archeologists uncovered what is known as the pyramid of Karazhartas. The location of the structure was along the Taldy River in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan. The age of the building is thought to be 3000 years old. The culture that built it was Begazy-Dandibai  culture. The Late Bronze Age had a thriving Central Asian civilization. The Kazakh National Museum was involved in the excavation. What was extrapolated was the structure served as a mausoleum for a member of the aristocratic class. The pyramid of  Karazhartas does have a burial chamber. that is 65 feet by and 98 feet across. The Taldy River Valley contains many of monumental stone mausoleums . Kings and queens are buried there. Archeological excavation of the Taldy River Valley has been conducted since 1933. Now historians and archeologists can figure out what life was like in Central Asia in 15th to 14 centuries B.C.E. Central Asia can now take a place in ancient history like Rome, Greece,  or Egypt. Kazakhstan will have to do revision to their history. New information means changes must be made to history curriculums for students. Artifacts and buildings are helping scholars reconstruct the ancient past. Begazy-Dandibai culture was not just present in Kazakhstan. It was present in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan  had this culture. The pyramid of Karazhartas will reveal more information about the history of Central Asia.    

Ancient Engravings Found In Brazil

 

The Amazon  has struggled with a drought. What the lack of water exposed were ancient rock  engravings. Brazil's history goes back far. South America also has a history of ancient civilizations just like  Rome or Egypt. The engravings of  human faces are thought to be from 2,000 years ago. Jaime Oliveira an archeologist of the Brazilian  Institute of Historical Heritage stated this is a significant discovery. The area they were found was Praia das Lajes in the Negro River. The discovery highlights the need to do more study of the ancient  Brazil. The human faces have various expressions and it makes observers wonder what the purpose of the rock engravings  were. The engravings could be a mere decoration or be part of some form of cultural representation. The art might have been part of a religious ritual. The indigenous peoples of Brazil's history is not completed documented. When the Portuguese made contact in 1500, the Amerindian  population was under threat. Much of their history was preserved through oral traditions, but colonizers never respected it. Brazil has a total of 305 Amerindian ethnic groups. Each has a unique history. The newly discovered engravings should be used as a means of generating interest in the history of indigenous peoples. Brazil's history contains an element of mystery and wonder. The people who made the art remains unanswered. There is no evidence which of the 305 ethnic groups made the rock engravings.   

Zahi Hawass' Views On The Queen Cleopatra Documentary

 

Netflix has released a documentary Queen  Cleopatra and it has generated backlash in Egypt. The race of Cleopatra has been subject to debate. Archeologist Zahi Hawass has also commented on the matter. He has asserted that she was Greek and of European heritage. Hawass'  views are in conflict with African history. The famed archeologist has held the position that Egypt is not an African civilization. It would be incorrect to say Ancient Egypt was not a part of Africa. The modern racism coming from Egypt is about erasing African history. The Arab presence really became prominent in the 7th century. The result was that the Berbers, Libyans, and Nubians were displaced from invasion. Egyptian nationalists are trying to remold ancient history to suit their narrative. The negative reaction of a black actress playing Cleopatra demonstrates anti-black racism among the Egyptian population. Greece has not had the same reaction to this documentary. The bizarre aspect of this is that Arab peoples are worshipping the Ptolemaic dynasty. These were Greek colonizers on a land that did not belong to them. Then Egypt would fall to the Roman Empire.  Yet, the Egyptian nationalists do look at ancient history in that context. Some Egyptians want to even disassociate with West Asia and make distinguish it as uniquely distinct. Zahi Hawass tends to favor this position. The black presence has been in both upper and lower Egypt. The problem with Egyptology was that it was designed to pull the country out of African history. The origins of the field of study were in Europe at a time when Africa was being colonized. The problem is not that Cleopatra is being played by a black actress. The issue is that historians and archeologists are applying their modern concepts of race to ancient history. The only way to know fully about Cleopatra is to find her tomb. If a mummy of her is found and DNA tested, then it can provide information on haplogroups. Zahi Hawass does not favor this, because he might realize the majority of  historical figures in Egypt have African ancestry.   

A Sarcophagus Was Discovered Under The Notre Dame Cathedral

 

The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral has resulted in a discovery. A lead sarcophagus along with other ancient tombs have been found under the floor. This add more to French history and tells more about this iconic building. The church could hold more mysteries than previously thought. The foundation was established in 1163 by Pope Alexander III. These recent discoveries might not have happened if it were not for the fire incident in 2019. Since then, efforts have been made to make repairs to Notre Dame and get it reopened by 2024. The body in the sarcophagus has not been identified. The conjecture is that it might have been a church dignitary. The age of the artifact is estimated to be about 700 years old. Another opening was found below the cathedral floor. Archeologists suspect that has been around since 1230. Fragments of a choir screen were found. Sculptures were also in the area with their plant still intact. More artifacts could be hidden in Notre Dame Cathedral. It is just that it is not possible to get to them all or find them. Visitors will be delighted to see these items if they are put on display for the  reopening.