When we examine the history of the paranormal, often we see how culture can influence the ways in which a society channels these experiences in very different ways. Whether the actual manifestations are themselves more cause or effect is still open for debate, but one of the more interesting manifestations has to do with the legendary "Ghost Sickness" of the Navajo and Lakotah tribes. Sufferers of this strange illness were afflicted by disease not thought to be caused by virus or bacteria, but rather a supernatural force from beyond the grave.
For years civilization has been living in the shadow of some unknown event to take place on December 21st 2012 as the Mayan calendar comes to an end. Unlike previous doomsday prophecies which were made only a few years prior to the date coming to pass, the general consensus on the 2012 phenomenon is that the calendar has been around for thousands of years and is only now coming to an end. But with less than a year now left before the Mayan calendar ends, we are left asking ourselves if the modern interpretations are truly representative of what the calendar professes will happen. And so it stands to reason that we may want to hear what the current Mayan elders have to say about the whole thing.
When we think of ghost ships, we're supposed to imagine them as rare and transient vessels depicting a tragedy that befell the crew of a vessel a long time ago. Or else we imagine a derelict devoid of intelligence and holding a mystery on-board with all of the ship's passengers missing. But one story from the long and rich history of chiloe, suggests that one ghost ship, the Caleuche, could be so much more than a typical ghost ship. And the fact that the legend also suggests that it is seen by someone somewhere every night is no small matter either.
When diggers unearthed a series of rooms in Jerusalem they were interested to note one of the features in the ancient rooms - a series of symbols of unknown origin that didn't correspond to any known language. But as they searched more closely, they discovered that similar symbols had been seen elsewhere before - and the mystery only deepened. What are these mysterious symbols etched in stone of this ancient site and why are there no corresponding symbols anywhere in writing?
Legend Tripping is the term for youths attempting to have experiences of a paranormal nature by visiting the reported haunted hotspots in their area. Unfortunately, the practice also shares with it a certain degree of danger - particularly since many areas reported to be haunted are also private property or are in themselves naturally dangerous. But what can we learn about ourselves and our culture by examining the practice of legend tripping? And is there any precedent to the phenomenon in history that will teach us about them as well?
11/27/11-
What is the Iron Age?
Before the Iron Age came to be, there was an overlapping period of time between the Old Stone Age and the Bronze Age that saw the increased use of copper as a material for making tools. The Bronze Age saw more tools made out of bronze, which lasted from 3300 to 2500 BC. In this article, you will learn about how the discovery of metal changed early human development.
11/27/11-
What is the Stone Age?
When it comes to the Stone Age, there are actually two different time periods to consider. The Old Stone Age lasted from about 2,000,000 BC to around 10,000 BC. The New Stone Age lasted from around 10,000 to 3300 BC. During these time periods, humans used stone tools. In this article, you will learn more about the Stone Age and some of the changes that took place in the world at the time.
Whales have always been somewhat mysterious as they are seen roaming through the ocean waves occasionally rising for air and to show their deep sea majesty to the world, but a recent mysterious grave discovered in the Chilean Desert unearthed bones far larger than any known creature in recent history. As archaeologists examined the skull structures more carefully, they soon discovered that this massive grave yard of giant bones belonged to whales. So how did they get in the desert?
In 1518 one of the most mysterious illnesses to ever reach history books began sweeping a small community in a very localized crowd. What began as one person seemingly losing control of her ability to stand still quickly propagated into a large crowd of individuals who had drawn the attention of several nobles and were being treated by medical authorities at the time. The official cause? Hot blood. But what if the medical authorities at the time were actually merely pawns in an early attempt at social engineering in a primitive but effective experiment?
11/18/11-
Zao-jun – the Ancient Kitchen God of China
When people prayed to the god of the household, they sent their thoughts to the Kitchen God, Zao-jun, whose name literally translates into 'stove spirit' or 'stove god.' Out of all the domestic gods associated with Chinese mythology, he is known as one of the most important.
11/17/11-
Ancient Chinese Creation Myth with Pangu
The giant creator god was called Pan-gu is known as the first living being and the creator of all that exists in Chinese mythology. In this article, you will learn more about the Chinese creation myth that involves the separation of Yin and Yang.
11/16/11-
Ancient Chinese Gods and Goddesses II
From those that watch over the underworld to others rewarded for their good deeds, some of the ancient Chinese myths deal with immortality and reincarnation. In this article, you will learn more about Meng-po, Guan-yu, and the Eight Immortals.
11/15/11-
Ancient Chinese Gods and Goddesses I
For more than 4,000 years, the Chinese worshiped an extensive array of gods and goddesses. It wasn’t until the start of Chinese communism in the 20th century that the practice trailed off. Today, some people still pay homage to the gods – oftentimes in secret. In this article, you will learn about some of the deities associated with the ancient Chinese culture, such as the god of war and god of arts.
11/15/11-
Ancient Rock Art in Egypt
The advancements in technology have allowed archeologists to uncover hidden jewels of information that would have never seen the light of day otherwise. From ancient artifacts to physical records of history, researchers are constantly learning more about the humans that lived in the past. In this article, you will encounter some of the latest discoveries that have been taking place in Egypt.
There are few cultures quite so interested in ghosts as Japan. According to stories from the Iwate prefecture and Japanese lore, ghosts or Yurei are divided into categories that each hold a special place in the society and the minds of the people. And while many of the ghosts are terrifying and even dangerous, the legendary Zashiki warashi are said to be the mischievous ghosts of children who play pranks around the house and must be fed every day. Why do so many want them? They are also said to be the bringers of incredible fortune.
Easter Island has long been seen as a source of interest among archaeologists who say it could be one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries. And now it seems one of the biggest breaks in the mystery has been discovered with dramatic results. In popular culture depictions we generally think of the Moai heads of easter Island as simple statues sitting in a field in formation. Though they are massive, it's generally thought that the mystery of the stone heads ends where the ground begins. Not so, according to this incredible discovery that suggests everything we know about the Moai may have been wrong and points out that what lies beneath may be the greatest mystery of all.
Generally when we see UFOs around the area just to the East of St. Louis it is attributed overwhelmingly to Scott Air Force Base. But one thing often overlooked in the area is the Cahokia Mounds, a legendary ancient city somehow nestled amid the sprawling subdivisions and near major highways. The Cahokia Mounds, as they are commonly called, are in themselves a major source of mystery in the area. And it seems many of the major UFO sightings of the area in the early days of the new millennium were centered very near to them. But the enigmas surrounding this ancient city don't just stop there.
In popular culture there is a general consensus, or at least a reported general consensus that ghosts and the paranormal are one of those things that scientists scoff at. But representative groups of people in the past, such as those surveyed by the Gallup organization have indicated for decades that people are a bit more divided on the existence of paranormal things than is generally recognized. To look at a series of surveys taken over several years among individuals from various backgrounds it appears that there is one thing in particular the majority actually do believe in. Which one is it? The answer may surprise you.
If you are a fan of ancient Greek mythology, then you are already familiar with the mountain believed to be the home of the ancient gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Apollo and Hera. In this article, you will not only learn more about Mount Olympus, but also another holy mountain in Greece.
The harvest season has always been seen as a time when the already thin veil between the land of the living and the ethereal realm of the deceased grows thinner. And just as the legends of ghostly anniversaries are spoken of in hushed tones during afternoon gatherings around campfires, so too do these ghostly apparitions steal glimpses into our world. But while we can't trace the source of some stories, the tales told when the leaves start to fall are some of the most chilling and certainly some of the best - like the story of the Phantom Hitchhiker.
10/27/11-
Ancient Chinese Inventions: Advancements in Food
As ancient civilizations progressed, they invented and developed different methods of cooking and eating their meals. The types of food that they added to their diet also changed with the times. In this article, you will learn about the different ways that the ancient Chinese ate.
10/25/11-
Ancient Structures: The Temple of Hera
When planning a visit to Olympia, you should know that traces of one of the oldest buildings on the site can be experienced – the Temple of Hera. In this article, you will learn more about the importance of the temple, as well as some historical connections to the attraction.
10/24/11-
Attractions of Pisidian Antioch
When touring the region or retracing the footsteps of St. Paul, Pisidian Antioch offers ruins situated about one mile north of the modern town of Yalvac. It is here that tourists come to see the archeological site and see the exhibits at the Yalvav Archeological Museum. In this article, you will learn about the kind of attractions you can look forward when visiting Pisidian Antioch.
10/24/11-
Ancient Religious Sites – Pisidian Antioch II
Like with many ancient cities, the people and the culture was affected by the changing of ruling control. For Antioch, it was the Romans that would influence the growth and changes of the city – from the way building were constructed to the design of their streets. In this article, you will also learn what happened to the city and if it was able to stay prosperous.
10/24/11-
Ancient Religious Sites – Pisidian Antioch I
The history and significance of a Roman colony called Pisidian Antioch is apparent in its mentioning in the Bible, as the colony was visited by a notable figure. Today, visitors come to see the ruins and explore the archeological site. In this article, you will learn more about the significance of this attraction.
From the way they protected their people to the objects used to eat their food, the ancient Chinese are known for inventing many things that we still use today. In this article, you will learn about some of the inventions of the Chinese that include a weapon, fine clothing material, and eating utensil – and we're not talking about chop sticks.
10/23/11-
Ancient Chinese Inventions: Burial Methods
Burial rites are important to many ancient cultures and in the early days of China, there were different ways that the dead were laid to rest. For instance, there were different shapes of coffins and the materials that they were carved from. In this article, you will learn about some of the techniques and inventions associated with the ancient Chinese.
10/23/11-
Ancient Chinese Inventions: from the Neolithic Age
Thanks to the ancient Chinese, there are a lot of inventions we still use today. From the creation of early bells to the way the dead were buried, you will learn in this article about some of the technological and cultural advancements attributed to this ancient civilization – taking place during the pre-Shang era.
10/22/11-
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Also known as the Olympieion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was a Greco-Roman creation placed at the center of Athens. The temple was positioned southeast of the Acropolis. In this article, you will learn more about this temple and what is still left for tourists to see.
10/22/11-
Ancient Zeus-Worshipping Altars and Temples
Zeus was the mightiest of ancient Greek gods and the ruler of Mount Olympia. There were many places in the past that were devoted to the worship of the god. In this article, you will learn more about some of the ancient locations that you can still visit that have a connection to Zeus worship.
10/22/11-
The Pyramids of the Ancient City Tikal
Egypt is not the only place where you can see pyramids, as these structures are found in other parts of the world, including Guatemala and the ancient city of Tikal. In this article, you will learn more about the site and some of the attractions that tourists come to see.
Around 700 AD, the Mayan city of Tikal thrived in what is known as modern-day Guatemala. Features of the city included five largely built pyramids and the impressive rain forest that surrounded the region. In this article, you will learn more about the history and significance of the city, and of its attractions.
10/21/11-
Attractions of Mogao Caves
All of the original 1,000 Buddhist cave temples at Mogao are no longer in existence. Fortunately, there are more than 600 surviving today. The public has the pleasure of having access to about 30 caves. The system of caves is so extensive that visitors can only fit in no more than 15 in one day. In this article, you will learn about some of the attractions to look forward to at the Mogao Caves.
10/21/11-
Archeology News – October 2011
In October of 2011, archeologists in different parts of the world have announced the discovery of ancient burial sites. This article highlights the recent finds of a Lycian tomb complex and a Viking burial site.
10/20/11-
What Happened to the Mogao Caves?
Although religion played an important role in the caves, it would be the decreased use of the Silk Road that would threaten the significance of Mogao. In this article, you will learn what happened to the caves when pilgrims and visitors from afar no longer found use in the cave temples.
10/19/11-
What are the Mogao Caves?
Located close to the city of Dunhuang in the Gansu province of China, you will find the Mogao Caves. Known by many different names, such as the Mogao Grottoes, Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, or Caves of Dunhuang, tourists come to this site to delight in the history of the Buddhist cave temples. In this article, you will learn about the importance and history of this attraction.
Lately, there has been an explosion of vampire interest – from the Sookie Stackhouse 'True Blood' books to the remake of the movie, 'Fright Night.' The concept of a supernatural being with a thirst for blood has created faithful followers looking for the next character to go for the jugular. In this article, you will learn information regarding the vampire and its place in the world of mythical creatures.
10/10/11-
The Last Aztec Ruler – Montezuma II
Montezuma II was removed from power by Spanish invaders and killed in June of 1520. This made him the last ruler of the Aztecs. In this article, you will learn about what he accomplished during his reign and the factors that led to his downfall.
A large size and superhuman strength are some of the qualities that make heroes legendary. In this article, you will learn about the American folk legend of Paul Bunyan and the ancient strongman named Hercules.
9/27/11-
Ancient City: Apamea
The ancient city of Apamea is situated on the right bank of the Orontes River, and has a history that includes connections to the Bible. In this article, you will learn more about the history of the city and its connection to well-known figures, such as Alexander the Great.
A woman who may have been considered a witch some 800 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists who suggest the strange way in which she was buried indicates to them the locals at the time were worried she would rise from the grave and terrorize the living. The woman, who is estimated to have been approximately 25-30 years old at the time of her death was found in Piombino, Italy as archaeologists were looking for the tomb of St. Cerbonius. And there was one other chance discovery near the grave that only deepens the mystery.
The subject of reanimation and zombie literature is one of the most quickly growing pieces of literature available today. And so it's surprising when a team of archaeologists unearthed a skeleton and learned that the dead had stones placed in their mouths for some reason unknown in Ireland. The skeletons clearly had their mouths moved substantially in order to have the stones fit, which caused the dislocation of the skeletons of those involved.
9/15/11-
Ancient City – Caracol, Belize
During the 6th century AD, the Mayans lived in Caracol – establishing the region as an important city at the time. It took centuries for the existence of the city to reemerge when it was rediscovered by a woodcutter in 1938. Before then, it was concealed from the world and left in ruins in the west-central section of Belize (close to the border of Guatemala. Archeologists uncovered royal tombs, pyramids and Mayan art. In this article, you will learn more about the history of the ancient city.
9/14/11-
The Oracle and Pythian Games of Ancient Delphi
Excavations of the Sanctuary of Apollo and other regional structures started around 1900. An increasing amount of information was learned throughout the years, especially during the late 1990s. In 1987, Delphi was deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In this article, you will learn some of the history of this ancient site in Greece.
9/14/11-
Ancient Greece – the Sanctuary of Apollo
The ancient Greeks were known for building great temples and central Greece was home to one of the most significant of sacred sites – the Sanctuary of Apollo located at ancient Delphi. This is where the infamous Oracle was found, which had a connection to the Greek god Apollo, who was believed to have spoken through the mouths of high priestesses. In this article, you will learn more about the myth and history of the ancient Greek attraction.
9/14/11-
The Ancient Ruins of Delphi for Tourists
As a tourist visiting Greece, you may want to stop by the ancient city of Delphi to visit the ruins that once played a significant role in Greek mythology. For example, Delphi was home of the Oracle, which the people believed delivered prophecies from the god Apollo. In this article, you will learn a bit about what attracts tourists to Delphi.
9/13/11-
Ancient Cities – Palmyra II
The extensive trade activity surrounding Palmyra helped keep it in the forefront – gaining esteem and respect from the Romans and other cultures. In this article, you will continue to learn about the history of the city, as well as some of the ruins left behind that still keep tourists coming.
9/13/11-
Ancient Cities – Palmyra
With an ancient and religious history, Palmyra is an old city located in central Syria. Once called the "Bride of the Desert,” the city was an important place because caravans crossing the Syrian desert would stop at Palmyra. In this article, you will learn about the historic and religious significance of the ancient city of Palmyra.
9/12/11-
Greek Temples in Athens – Erecththeion
Located on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, you will find the Erecththeion (also known as the Erechtheum) – an ancient temple known for its unique and elaborate design. In this article, you will learn more about the history and significance of this structure from the past.
The ancient Mayans called Palenque, Mexico their home many centuries ago and because of its connection to the rich history of the culture – many tourists make a trip to view its beauty. In this article, you will learn about the attractions that may interest a traveler to the city.
