UnknownFacts

history

American soldiers atop the Ziggurat of Ur in 2006 (a 4,100-year-old temple located in southern Iraq).

The ziggurat is a type of temple, created by the Sumerians and common to the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Akkadians, pertinent to the ancient Mesopotamian valley and built in the form of stepped pyramids. The structure consisted of several levels built one on top of the other, with each level having a smaller area than the platform below it—the platforms could be rectangular, oval, or square, and their number varied from two to seven.

The word ziggurat comes from ziqqurratum (height, pinnacle), in ancient Assyrian. From zaqārum, to be on high.  The Ziggurat of Ur is a Neo-Sumerian ziggurat built by King Ur-Nammu in honor of Nanna/Sin approximately in the 21st century BC, during the Third Dynasty of Ur. It was located in the city of Ur, near the modern-day town of Nasiriyah, in the Dicaar province of Iraq. The structure, dating from the Middle Bronze Age (21st century BC), collapsed during the Neo-Babylonian period (6th century BC), and the ziggurat was restored under the orders of King Nabonidus. Its ruins were excavated in the 1920s and 1930s by Sir Leonard Woolley. These ruins were later partially reconstructed, with the facade and monumental staircase being partially rebuilt by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein during the 1980s.

An example of a solid and comprehensive ziggurat is that of Marduk, or Tower of Babel, located in ancient Babylon.  Unfortunately, not even the base of that powerful structure remains, but according to archaeological findings and historical sources, the tower was superimposed on seven multicolored layers, on top of which was a temple of singular proportions. Regarding this temple, it is believed to have been painted and preserved in indigo, matching the top of the layers. It is known that there were three staircases leading to the temple, and it is said that two of them only ascended to half the height of the ziggurat.

The Sumerian name for the structure was Etemenanki, a word meaning "The Foundation of Heaven and Earth." Probably built under the orders of Hammurabi, it has been found that the center of the ziggurat of Marduk contained remains of other ziggurats and older structures. The final stage consisted of a 15-meter reinforced brickwork built by King Nebuchadnezzar I.

![](https://m.stacker.news/126493)

American soldiers atop the Ziggurat of Ur in 2006

January 16 - On this day in 2003, the space shuttle Columbia launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for mission STS-107, carrying a crew of seven on a 16-day scientific mission: Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Mission Specialists David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, and Laurel Clark, plus Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (Israeli Air Force).

At 81.9 seconds after launch, a piece of foam from the external tank struck Columbia's left wing, damaging the reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels that form part of the shuttle's heat shield.

Upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003, the space shuttle disintegrated as the heat of re-entry spread through the damaged left wing, resulting in the loss of the shuttle and its crew.

![](https://m.stacker.news/126378)

Columbia 2003: The Mission That Marked NASA

In 1904, the German Empire initiated the genocide of the Herero and Nama peoples in the German Southwest Africa region, which is now Namibia. This event is widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century.

The conflict began in 1904 when the Herero revolted against German colonists who were taking their land and livestock. The German military response was brutal, especially after General Lothar von Trotha took command and issued an extermination order.

It is estimated that approximately 65,000 Herero (about 80% of their population at the time) and 10,000 Nama were exterminated between 1904 and 1908.

The Germans used resource deprivation tactics, poisoned water sources, and trapped the Herero in the Omaheke Desert to starve and thirst to death.  Furthermore, concentration camps were created, such as the notorious Shark Island camp, where many prisoners died due to forced labor, disease, and malnutrition.

The extermination was driven by a racial ideology that considered African peoples inferior and justified extreme violence to establish colonial control.

Prisoners were also subjected to pseudoscientific experiments, including the collection and analysis of skulls for racial studies in Germany.

More than a century later, in 2021, the German government officially recognized the atrocities committed as genocide and expressed a desire to apologize to Namibia and the descendants of the victims. Germany pledged to pay over one billion euros for development projects in Namibia as a gesture of reconciliation.






Congratulations to @BlokchainB for the History Territory initiative.
It is a fundamental space for SN to understand the present in the light of the past.
![](https://m.stacker.news/126321)

The First Genocide of the 20th Century: Herero & Nama

Construction_and_Engineering

Time lapse of Hong Kong International Airport construction from space.

Animal_World

The size of a Triceratops' skull

"Loppem Castle", located in Loppem (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium, is a 19th-century neo-gothic castle commissioned by Baron Charles van Caloen and his wife Savina de Gourcy Serainchamps. Construction began in 1856 under English architect Edward Welby Pugin and was completed by Belgian architect Jean-Baptiste Bethune, who infused it with Flemish character. The castle retains its original architecture and interior. It houses an extensive art collection, including a circa 1460 stained-glass Pietà, and is surrounded by a park featuring ponds and a maze.

![](https://m.stacker.news/89677)

Loppem Castle: 19th-Century Neo-Gothic Jewel with Original Art and Architecture

They can devour entire sea turtles. But while they usually crunch their shells, this one ate it in a different way, basically wearing its shell.

![](https://m.stacker.news/89438)

Komodo dragons are apex predators and their diet includes sea turtles.

This is the birth of a Seahorse.

The perfect combination of buoyancy and bone density allows them to “fly” through water at speeds of 5 mph (8 kph), propelling themselves using intermittent contact with the ground, like astronauts on a moonwalk.

![](https://m.stacker.news/89307)

Hippos can't technically swim

When a crow isn’t feeling well, it lands near an ant nest, spreads its wings and… stands there, still, letting the ants climb onto its body.
But why?
The ants release formic acid, a natural substance with antiparasitic properties. This “chemical bath” helps eliminate fungi, bacteria and parasites from the skin and feathers.
This behavior is so common that it even has a name: “anting.” And it’s not just among crows — several species of birds do this as a form of self-medication.
Nature is a living pharmacy. And animals know exactly where to look for a cure.

![](https://m.stacker.news/88876)

When the crow gets sick… he looks for ants!

science

Researchers have detected, for the first time, gases on another planet that — here on Earth — only arise because of living beings.

The discovery was made with the world's most advanced space telescope : o James Webb.

![](https://m.stacker.news/87548)

🔭 The telescope that made this possible

James Webb was launched in 2021 by NASA. It is the most powerful instrument we have ever sent into space.

He sees the universe with unprecedented precision — and now he has produced the most promising data in the history of astrobiology.


🌍 The planet that entered the radar: K2-18 b

Located 124 light years from Earth, it is 2.6 times larger than our planet.

Orbiting a small, cool star, it lies in a region called the habitable zone — where conditions allow liquid water on the surface.


🌊 A candidate for an ocean planet

Scientists hypothesize that K2-18 b is a planet covered by a liquid ocean, with an atmosphere rich in hydrogen.

An environment reminiscent of primitive Earth, where microbial life began to appear.


🧪 The gases that triggered the alert

In the planet's atmosphere, the following were found:
•Dimethyl sulfide (DMS)
•Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)

Here on Earth, these gases are produced exclusively by living organisms, such as marine phytoplankton.



📈 Data too strong to ignore

These gases were detected in concentrations thousands of times greater than on Earth.

And the analysis has 99.7% statistical confidence — that is, only a 0.3% chance of the signal being the result of chance.

With what science knows today, there is no non-biological explanation for this.



⚠️ It's not a confirmation of life yet — but it's the closest we've come

The study talks about biosignature: a possible trace of biological activity.

It's the kind of signal scientists have always dreamed of finding on exoplanets. Now it's here, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.



🧬 What kind of life could it be?

No intelligent aliens. The bet is on simple microbial life, similar to that of Earth's primitive oceans.

Still, it would be the first form of life identified outside the solar system.



What makes this discovery unique

More than 5,800 exoplanets have already been cataloged.

But this is the first time that carbon-based molecules — essential for life — have been detected in the atmosphere of a habitable planet.

It's a game changer.



🛰️ The search for life has become data science

The study author summarized:

“We have entered the era of observational astrobiology.”

The search for life is no longer just philosophy or science fiction. It is now spectroscopy, statistics and scientific inference.

And the frontier of the unknown has just receded.

Science may have found life outside Earth 👽

Taq Kasra holds a prominent place in history as one of few remnants of the great city of Ctesiphon, the capital of Parthian and Sassanian Empires. Its construction is believed to have been initiated during the rule of Ardeshir I, founder of the Sassanian Empire, 3rd Century AD. This period marked a renaissance in Persian architecture, with a distinct focus on monumental structures that exemplified the power and cultural identity of the empire.

It was built in 6th Century AD. It is the world’s largest brick vault and largest free-standing arch constructed until modern times. The arch stands as a symbol of architectural prowess, with its grand semi-circular design and intricate embellishments. The central arch spans over 25m, making it one of largest single-span arches in the world. The intricate brickwork, both exterior and interior, showcases the mastery of the craftsmen who meticulously placed each brick to create a harmonious blend of form and function. 

Taq Kasra’s architectural significance lies not only in its grandeur but also in the ingenious design elements that make it a true masterpiece of Persian architecture. The arch’s semi-circular form, a hallmark of Persian arches, symbolizes the union of heaven and earth, reflecting the spiritual and earthly realms of Persian cosmology. This design choice imparts a sense of harmony and balance to the structure, echoing philosophical and cultural ideals of the Persian civilization.

The exterior of Taq Kasra adorned with intricate ornamentation that showcases the Persian artisans’ mastery of decorative art. Floral motifs, geometric patterns, and inscriptions are meticulously carved into the brickwork, creating a visual narrative that celebrates the empire’s achievements, its rulers, and its connection to the divine. The facade’s intricate embellishments are a testament to the Persian love for beauty and aesthetics, which permeated all aspects of their culture.

The interior of Taq Kasra is equally captivating. The use of deep niches and recesses along the walls not only adds structural stability but also creates a sense of depth and dimension within the arch. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the arch’s three-dimensional effect, capturing eye and evoking a sense of wonder. This manipulation of architectural elements to evoke emotions is a quintessential characteristic of Persian architecture, where form and function converge to create an immersive experience for visitors.

The arch’s towering height and colossal scale are balanced by its elegant proportions, a hallmark of Persian architectural aesthetics. This careful attention to proportion and symmetry reflects the Persian emphasis on creating spaces that resonate with the human spirit and provide a sense of order in the universe. As visitors stand beneath the arch, they are not just witnesses to a physical structure; they are enveloped in an architectural embrace that carries echoes of a rich cultural legacy.

Taq Kasra stands as an embodiment of Persian architectural brilliance, where form, function, symbolism, and aesthetics seamlessly intertwine. Its grandeur speaks to the power and influence of the Persian Empire, while its intricate detailing and design reflect the cultural sophistication of the civilization. As we gaze upon Taq Kasra today, we are transported to a time when Persian architects crafted not just structures but living embodiments of their culture, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of history.

![](https://m.stacker.news/87401)

Arch of Ctesiphon (Taq Kasra), located 40km south of Baghdad, Iraq

Group of sculptors from Germany hand carves a statue of Saint Augustine in wood.

Cortical Labs has just launched the first commercial biological computer with human neurons directly integrated into silicon chips. Programmable and adaptable, living computing of synthetic biological intelligence. Synthetic biological intelligence adapting and learning like our neurons.

![](https://m.stacker.news/86292)

First Biological Computer with Human Neurons Launched

Bhojeshwar Temple built by one of the greatest Kings of India, Raja Bhoja, 11th c of Parmar Dynasty. 
It is an incomplete temple and the construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/86240)

The total height of the lingam, including the platform is over 40 feet (12 m). The marks of over 1,300 masons are engraved on the temple building, the quarry rocks and two other shrines in the village. This includes the names of 50 masons.

various portions of the temple structure. Raja Bhoja is best known as a patron of arts, literature, and sciences. The establishment of the Bhoj Shala, a centre for Sanskrit studies, is attributed to him. He was a polymath, and several books covering a wide range of topics are attributed to him.
- Bhujabala-bhima, a work on astrology, /Charucharya, a treatise on personal hygiene/ Nama-Malika, a compiled treatise on lexicography/ Raja-Martaṅdaa major commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali etc….

![](https://m.stacker.news/86242)

![](https://m.stacker.news/86243)

Bhojeshwar Temple: A Monumental Construction Left Unfinished

During the construction of the Antakya Museum Hotel in Türkiye 🇹🇷, workers unearthed a breathtaking archaeological marvel: the largest intact mosaic in the world. Spanning an impressive 1050 square meters, this ancient mosaic once adorned a significant public building in the historic city of Antioch.

Archaeologists believe the mosaic, dating back to 6th Century AD, was possibly part of a government building. Inside, artifacts dating to the Hellenistic Age (beginning in 323 BC) were discovered alongside the mosaic's intricate geometric and figural designs, offering a glimpse into the artistic sophistication of the period.

Rather than relocating this massive masterpiece, the hotel was ingeniously designed to float above it, incorporating special platforms and viewing points that allow guests to admire this extraordinary relic from the past.

![](https://m.stacker.news/86184)

Archaeological Marvel in Türkiye: Largest Intact Mosaic Found Beneath a Hotel

Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex, Spain🇪🇸

Nasrid Period (1238-1492):

This period saw the construction and expansion of the Alhambra, with significant contributions from rulers like Yusuf I and Muhammad V. The complex served as a residence for Nasrid sultans, high officials, and elite soldiers. 

Reconquista and Later Use:

After the Catholic Monarchs captured Granada in 1492, they also resided in the Alhambra, and Charles V later built a palace within the complex in 1526. During the French intervention in Spain, it was used as barracks, leading to some destruction. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/85847)

The Construction of the Alhambra From the Nasrid Kingdom to the Christian Empire

The Citadel of Tiryns is one of the most impressive fortified sites of the LBA Aegean. The initial construction phase appears to have taken place around 1400 BC, but in the mid-13th century BC an extensive expansion was implemented that maximized its defensive capabilities.

![](https://m.stacker.news/85756)

 Huge walls were erected made of carved limestone blocks according to Cyclopean masonry, turning Tiryns into one of the best-protected sites of the Mycenaean world. Similar monumental fortification projects took place during the same period in Mycenae and Midea. 

![](https://m.stacker.news/85757)

The Citadel of Tiryns: A Masterpiece of Mycenaean Engineering

Salema (Sarpa salpa) is a fish that can cause severe hallucinations, with effects that can last up to 36 hours. These hallucinations are attributed to the bioaccumulation of toxins from the algae that the fish consumes, especially in the head and internal organs. 🐠

There are records of cases in which individuals experienced hallucinations after ingesting the fish, with symptoms similar to those caused by LSD.

![](https://m.stacker.news/85742)

Salema: the fish that causes hallucinations as powerful as LSD

What an incredible feat: The Roman arch is a fundamental architectural innovation that revolutionized construction in Ancient Rome. The mechanics are simple but elegant as the arch converts vertical force into lateral thrust.

![](https://m.stacker.news/85701)

The Roman Arch: The Innovation That Redefined Ancient Engineering

Today marks 50 years since the CN Tower’s construction was complete, making it the tallest free-standing structure in the world, a title held for over 30 years. And still the tallest in the western hemisphere! 

![](https://m.stacker.news/85583)