It’s National Soup Day in Germany. Time to break out your best potato, cabbage or lentil soup, cozy up to a toasty fire and warm your bones. But of course, soup isn’t just appreciated in Germany. It’s a dish enjoyed all over the world in thousands of variations. And it has been a food staple in many ancient civilizations. In honor of Germany’s holiday we’re bringing you a recipe for hearty Kartoffelsuppe (German Potato Soup) and offering a brief ancient history of soup. So sit back, grab a spoon and enjoy! Continue reading
Tag Archives: ancient history
Bon Appetit Wednesday: Celebrating Germany’s National Soup Day!
Saving the Past With 3D Printing: An Interview with Dr. Bernard Means, Director of the Virtual Curation Laboratory
Click to view the video interview or scroll down to view it on this page.
In this June 2014 video interview AntiquityNOW spoke with Bernard Means, PhD., who heads up the Virtual Curation Laboratory and is an Instructor of Anthropology and Advisor for the Virtual Archaeology Scanning Team (VAST) at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. He discusses what archaeologists are doing to document information and why 3D technology holds a unique place in preservation efforts. In this wide-ranging and lively interview you’ll learn how 3D printing can help preserve ancient sites in areas of conflict and the amazing possibilities afforded in bringing the past alive to teachers, students and those who treasure our global heritage. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! Seaweed for Thanksgiving?
In the past we’ve discussed several ancient superfoods including quinoa, amaranth, honey and even the adzuki bean. Today, we add one more to the list—seaweed, an ancient food from the sea that packs a punch nutritionally, but is often unappreciated by the uninitiated. Not everyone loves seaweed, but maybe they should! Today’s recipe, Carrots with Arame, is an unexpected pairing that will help you bring seaweed to the Thanksgiving table. But first, let’s make sure you can explain to your guests the history behind your curious contribution to the holiday feast. Continue reading
Archaeological Legacy Institute Launches New Video Series and AntiquityNOW Partners in Curricula Design
Archaeological Legacy Institute, a partner of AntiquityNOW, is producing a new video series available online and on select cable channels. Strata: Portraits of Humanity is a monthly half-hour showcase for unique and diverse stories about the world’s cultural heritage. Stories come from across the globe with segments produced by Archaeological Legacy Institute and dozens of producer and distributor partners around the world.
AntiquityNOW will be developing curriculum for each show. The goal of this project is to introduce young people to various ancient and indigenous cultures and spark their thinking about how societies try to reconcile their traditions in the face of encroaching modernity.
AntiquityNOW and Archaeological Legacy Institute also co-sponsor LegacyQuest, an international film and video festival for children 12-15 years of age.
The first Strata show is “Sailing Canoe,” a new film by Adam Thompson following the efforts of people across Micronesia to re-learn the art of sailing canoes. It traces the connections of people from Guam and Rota to Yap and the outer islands of Micronesia that once were connected by long-distance canoe voyages. Modern development has affected each island differently and each struggles in its own way to maintain its ancient heritage. From the most urbanized islands to the most remote and traditional, the art of sailing canoes survives through the efforts of a few knowledgeable people.
Shows are available on Archaeological Legacy Institute’s nonprofit streaming-media Web site, The Archaeology Channel, as well as on cable TV in cities across the United States. Strata program details can be found at http://www.archaeologychannel.org/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity. The growing list of 26 cable TV stations carrying the show soon will be posted at The Archaeology Channel. They include placement in the local on-demand menu of Comcast cable in Oregon and Washington.
KIDS’ BLOG! Blowing Their Tops: The Destructive History and Amazing Science of Volcanoes
Lava flow from Mount Kilauea. Image credit: Adrian Glover
UPDATE! This post was originally published on September 3rd, 2013. Right now an ancient volcano in Hawaii is causing a lot of trouble for residents. The Kilauea Volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is actually its youngest volcano, but that doesn’t mean it’s a baby by any stretch of the imagination. It is over 300,000 years old and has been constantly active since prehistoric times. It is one of the world’s most active volcanos and features prominently in many Polynesian legends, including the story of Pele, a volcanic goddess who is said to live in the Kilauea crater.[1] There is even archaeological evidence of the eruptions that have taken place since antiquity. Footprints frozen in time leave reminders of those who have lost their lives to this powerful force of nature.[2] Continue reading
A Primer on Democracy: Where to Learn More
“Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. ” –Reinhold Niebuhr [1]
Today is voting day for the general mid-term elections in the United States. In honor of Americans flexing their right to vote we’ve put together a list of great sites to visit to learn more about democracy throughout history. Continue reading
The Colorful Past of Halloween Treats
Lads, look at yourselves. Why are you, boy, wearing that Skull face? And you, boy, carrying a scythe, and you, lad, made up like a Witch? And you, you, you!” He thrust his bony finger at each mask. “You don’t know, do you? You just put on those faces and old mothball clothes and jump out, but you don’t really know, do you? – Ray Bradbury (The Halloween Tree)
Remember the sweet satisfaction of a pillowcase, paper bag or plastic pumpkin-head swelling with the weight of Halloween candy? Think of the candy bars, lollipops and bubble gum mingling together in the monstrous payload you’ve been waiting all year to collect and consume in one riotous night of excitement. It’s so exciting in fact, that you may never pause to ponder why on earth you do it. What happy trick of fate empowered you to don a disguise and march up to strange doorways demanding treats? Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Crime, Culture, Holidays, Public Life, Recreation
Tagged All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, Ancient Egypt, ancient history, AntiquityNOW, Aztecs, Celts, Dio de Los Muertos, guising, Guy Fawkes Day, Halloween, mumming, souling, trick-or-treat
Bon Appetit Wednesday! A 200-Year-Old Recipe for Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cheesecake, even pumpkin spice Oreos! When the leaves start to change and weather starts to cool, pumpkin season is in full swing. Whether it’s carving one or cooking one, pumpkins just put you into the holiday mood. And we aren’t the only ones to appreciate this icon of autumn. The pumpkin has been serving up nutritious deliciousness for centuries. Today we’re bringing you a recipe for 200-year-old pumpkin pie. You can’t go wrong with this time-honored recipe full of ancient pumpkin goodness. Continue reading
A Frightful History: Author P J Hodge Presents “The Ghost Hunter”
Last Tuesday’s blog explored the neurology of fear and introduced a 2000 year old horror story from Pliny the Younger. Despite its antiquity, this story (actually contained in a missive to an acquaintance by the prolific letter writer) exhibited remarkable 21st century elements. Today’s post is a short story titled “The Ghost Hunter.” Written by Paul Hodge, it is a modern take on storytelling in the gothic style. Notice the common elements with Pliny’s tale: the abandoned residence, unexplained occurrences and a man of doughty character determined to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. Continue reading
Bon Appetit Wednesday! An Ancient Roman Salad
This week we’re bringing you a recipe straight out of ancient Rome. The Columella Salad, named for its author, Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella, is the perfect side dish and would fit easily on any modern menu. Yet it was created in the first century CE! Full of scrumptious, fresh ingredients, this salad is light, tasty and ancient. Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture
Tagged ancient history, ancient recipes, Ancient Rome, ancient salads, AntiquityNOW, Columella, De Re Rustica, Roman salads
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