The seemingly simple celebration of National Apple Strudel Day on June 17th conceals a 4,700-year culinary journey that reveals surprising connections between ancient Mesopotamian trade routes and your local bakery's most popular dessert. What started as honey-filled pastries in 8th-century B.C.
On June 15, 763 BC, a near-total solar eclipse occurred over northern Assyria and was recorded by observers in Nineveh, the capital city. This event is preserved in the Eponym Canon, a list of historical events made by the Assyrians on clay tablets, following a specialized calendar system. The text notes: "Insurrection in the City of Assur. In the month of Sivan, the Sun was eclipsed.
When studying history, some of the most interesting things to learn are about ancient natural disasters that have changed the world. From the pyroclastic flow at Pompeii to the terrifying volcanic winter of 536 CE to the flooding of Doggerland, crazy natural events in prehistoric and ancient times make for great reading, albeit terrible times to live in.
Like a sparring prizefighter, the name "Boxer" may have come from how this medium-sized, short-haired breed uses its powerful front legs when playing or defending itself. Loyal, courageous, and always up for a good game, Boxers never shy away from showing off their silly side.
Kultepe Kanesh-Karum, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey and known as "the birthplace of Anatolian history," has entered its 77th year of continuous excavation. As the dig unfolds in the heart of central Turkey, new insights continue to emerge, including linguistic revelations that connect the ancient world to our everyday speech.
A few months ago, I was driving to the Assyrian New Year Festivities with my family. My wife, who is a member of that tribe, was playing a particularly patriotic and militant Assyrian song on the radio.