GHOSTA, LEBANON -- The town of Ghosta lies some 950 meters above sea level in Mount Lebanon Governate. In modern times it was the hometown of painter Daoud Corm (1852-1930), journalist and founder of Lebanon's news agency Philippe Ziadeh (1909-2005), and final resting place for Jocelyne Khoueiry.
This carved relief from Nimrud, a major city of the ancient Assyrian Empire in present-day Iraq, regularly drifts around the internet as purported evidence for scuba diving nearly 3,000 years ago. But the wall panel actually depicts an army crossing a river, and soldiers are navigating the waves with the help of ancient flotation devices.
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.