A Roman brick from Cherchell, Algeria,, bears a 2000-year-old imprint of a human hand. The handprint appears to belong to a large Roman man who pressed his hand into the brick while it was drying before being fired. Upon closer inspection, the fingerprints and skin textures of the man are visible, providing a tangible connection to the distant past.
Did you know that preserving tomatoes in ash is a time-tested method dating back hundreds of years?
Long before refrigerators, our ancestors used this clever technique to keep tomatoes fresh. The ash, with its alkaline and antibacterial properties, created an environment that slowed the growth of bacteria and fungi, helping tomatoes stay firm and flavorful. This sustainable practice showcases the resourcefulness of ancient wisdom—using what nature provides to make food last longer.
In 1794, New Mexico made up almost 75% of the current USA land mass.
This was only 230 years ago!! Think about that for a moment.
“Asi es Nuevo Mexico” 🎶 🎼 🎵
When people don’t know where New Mexico is, even though it was literally over half the current United States at one point in time. 😣
“The Spanish settlers named the lands Nuevo México (New Mexico) after the Aztec Valley of the Rio Grande River in Mexico. Contrary to popular belief, New Mexico is not part of Mexico. In fact, New Mexico was established and named 223 years before the naming of Mexico in 1821.”
In the Miyazaki Prefecture of southern Japan, an unusual forestry experiment from nearly 50 years ago has transformed the landscape into a spectacle of natural artistry. Originally intended to test optimal tree spacing, this project planted sugi (Japanese cedar) trees in dense, circular formations.
Decades later, aerial photos and Google Earth reveal a mysterious, concentric forest where trees fan out in convex patterns, towering higher at varying densities. This unintended phenomenon not only suggests that tree density affects growth but has also led officials to rethink the original plan to harvest the trees.
Today, the circular forest stands as a mesmerizing reminder of nature’s hidden potentials and the unforeseen beauty of scientific curiosity.
Over 9,000 years ago, when the Sahara was a thriving savanna, ancient artists carved a remarkable scene into the rocks of what is now Niger’s desert. Hidden in the Aïr Mountains, the Dabous giraffe carvings stand as a testament to a time when this vast desert was full of life.
These carvings depict two life-sized giraffes, with one led by a human figure, capturing a moment of interaction between man and nature. Each giraffe, stretching over 18 feet in length, was etched with care, reflecting the importance of these animals to the people of that era.
Today, the Dabous carvings are considered some of the most significant prehistoric rock art in Africa, offering a rare glimpse into a world long lost to the desert sands. They remind us that the Sahara, now barren, was once a green and vibrant landscape, alive with both humans and wildlife.
Before refrigerators existed, people would preserve products that needed to be kept cold, such as milk, by putting frogs in them.
In the past, each community had its own method of preservation. The ancient Russian and Finnish communities found a magnificent and very clever solution to this milk preservation: Throwing brown frogs called 'Rana temporaria' into milk...
A scientific study conducted in 2013 proved that this method worked. It was revealed that proteins such as Brevinin 1Tb synthesized from the skins of frogs (and other amphibians) restricted the life of some bacteria. Thus, the Russians and Finns discovered, albeit through trial and error, that they could fight bacteria by adding proteins produced from the skins of frogs to their milk.
The haunting ruins of Khara Khoto, also known as the "Black City," lie in western Inner Mongolia, China. Founded in 1032 CE, this city thrived as a trading hub along the Silk Road for centuries.
However, by late 14th Century CE, it was mysteriously abandoned, possibly due to a diverted water source or warfare. Buried by sand for centuries, Khara Khoto was rediscovered in early 20th Century, revealing artifacts like religious texts, artwork, and everyday objects.
Shiprock is a striking volcanic rock formation that rises 1,583 feet above the desert floor in northwestern New Mexico. Known as “Tsé Bitʼaʼí,” or “rock with wings,” by the Navajo Nation, Shiprock has a unique and imposing presence. This towering monolith is actually the eroded remains of a volcanic throat, with radiating dikes stretching out from its base. Estimated to be around 27 million years old, Shiprock has deeply spiritual significance for the Navajo people, woven into their origin stories and respected as a sacred site.
Its jagged silhouette and isolated location give it an almost otherworldly feel, making it a subject of fascination for geologists and photographers alike. However, climbing Shiprock is restricted to protect its cultural importance, ensuring it remains a revered landmark that stands as a testament to both the natural forces that shaped it and the cultural heritage it represents.
The Hartashen Megalithic Avenue, hidden deep in Armenia’s rugged terrain, is one of the world’s forgotten ancient wonders. Believed to be 6,000 to 8,000 years old, this mysterious site consists of towering stone monoliths, meticulously aligned across the landscape. Was it a ceremonial path? An ancient observatory? Its true purpose remains a mystery.
Unlike Stonehenge or other famed sites, Hartashen has escaped the spotlight of mainstream archaeology, its secrets still buried beneath the soil. The towering stones, standing guard over the landscape, hint at a forgotten civilization with a sophisticated grasp of space and ritual. Yet, despite its age and potential significance, Hartashen remains largely unexcavated and unexplored.
📸: Kevin McFarland
In a country as large as Russia, it's no surprise there are thousands of amazing places we've never heard of. In a remote place in the Komi Republic (one of Russia's many autonomous regions) seven amazing rock formations are between 30 and 42 meters high.
This place between Europe and Asia is called Man-Pupu-Nyor in the native language, Mansi (distantly related to Hungarian). It literally means "little mountain of the gods." It was recently considered one of the seven wonders of Russia.
There is a Mansi legend in which a shaman cast a spell on seven giants who intended to cross the Urals, turning them into stone. However, he was also the victim of a spell, which explains that one of the stones separated from the other six.
There are many more similar formations in the Urals, as they are the oldest mountains on earth, experiencing millions of years of erosion, but none are as famous as these Seven Giants.
Embracing Ancient Wisdom: The Olla Irrigation System for Sustainable Gardening
Benefits of Olla Irrigation:
Water Conservation: Saves up to 70% of water compared to traditional irrigation.
Low Maintenance: Refill every few days based on plant needs.
Healthier Plants: Deep root growth and stronger plants.
Reduced Weeds: Only nearby plants get water, limiting weed growth.
Eco-Friendly: Natural materials and water-efficient.
How to Implement the Olla System:
1. Choose the Right Olla: Use an unglazed clay pot or buy a pre-made olla.
2. Bury the Olla: Bury it up to its neck near plants.
3. Fill with Water: Add water to slowly hydrate plant roots.
4. Cover the Olla: Use a lid or rock to prevent evaporation.
5. Refill as Needed: Check every few days and refill when necessary.
Ideal Uses:
Raised beds: Great for urban gardens.
Flower and vegetable beds: Keeps plants healthy.
Containers: Perfect for self-watering planters.
The Olla system is a smart, sustainable choice for any garden, offering an easy way to conserve water and nurture your plants.
