#extended archaeology universe

[greekmythcomix]

Somehow I missed this - last month the University of Thessaly tested the Mycenaean Dendra armour for combat by putting it on Greek Marines in an “11-hour simulated Bronze Age combat protocol”!

Not only did it prove battle-worthy, we now have THIS IMAGE🤯

Article: https://www.sci.news/archaeology/dendra-armor-12959.html

Study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0301494

[saturnville]

what happens in madrid… [1/2]

pairing: jude bellingham x black oc (naomi sinclair) summary: what happens in madrid… warnings: none. tags: @emjayewrites @cocobutterqwueen @neeville @neewrites @cosmic-parker + anyone else who likes football fics? let me know if you want to be added! an: when I tell you this took me forever…I truly hope you like my delusions put into a fic 🩵 and this gif!!!

part two: …stays in madrid

“Let me take you out. Make your trip one to remember.”

Naomi considered herself a smart woman. University-educated with street smarts that were more profound than a person would assume for her age. She intentionally thought through every scenario; understanding that everything she said, thought, and did came with a consequence.

She didn’t know what it would take to see a six-foot man with caramel skin and chocolate brown eyes approaching her at a local restaurant and boldly attempting to woo her, to let go of all her inhibitions and throw her common sense out the window. She knew him, yes, but she didn’t know him. Hell, he could kill her within the next five minutes.

Did it phase her? No. For once, she let her curiosity outweigh her logical mind and fell victim to his gleaming smile and charming nature. She was on vacation, she tried to reason the best she could. On vacation and being pursued by a fine young man who insisted she have a good time during her stay. So, she pushed her hair over her shoulder and gave him a smile that raised his eyebrows in interest. “Pick me up from here tomorrow.”

-

“Well aren’t you beautiful,” he complimented as she walked toward his vehicle, dark and brooding, much unlike the man he’d presented himself as. His comment had her lips curling upward to a smile. She thanked him, accepted the kiss on her cheek, and tried not to fold when he guided her to the passenger’s seat.

“Thank you,” Naomi replied after some time. “You are dually handsome, sir.” And that was a fact. She appreciated his subtle approach to fashion. Everything he wore was high-end, that was evident, but it wasn’t flashy. His aura and confidence spoke for him. He wore the black button-down and matching short set with an easy confidence. The dark sunglasses over his eyes completed the look, only emphasizing her thoughts.

Jude smiled and proceeded to drive out of the hotel lot. They engaged in small conversation, picking up from where they left off the previous night. They were different but had a lot in common. She, too, was the oldest of two, save she had a sister rather than a brother. Unlike her, her sister didn’t take an interest in football, rather participated in cheerleading and went to university on a cheer scholarship.

“That’s amazing,” Jude commented genuinely. “She graduated right?”

Naomi shook her head. “Not yet; she’s still got time. She’s a first-year, but she’s already planning her graduation trip. She wants to go to England.” His ears perked up and a sly smile crept on his lips. She rolled her eyes playfully but accepted his proposal to share places she should visit whenever her sister went to England.

“You know,” Jude spoke minutes later as he guided her out of the vehicle. She took his extended hand and thanked him, straightening her thigh-length skirt. “I don’t hear Spain as a place for solo travel often. What prompted that?”

Her response was delayed by her infatuation with the sights above her. They were outside of a museum. Not just any museum, but the National Archaeological Museum. She was inwardly awed. He took note of her love for history and art and took her to the museum. She could kiss him right then and there.

“Glad you took my advice and wore comfortable shoes.” They both glanced at her New Balance sneakers that complimented her neutral-toned outfit. She wore a gray cropped top, knee-length distressed shorts, and a white fitted cap to match. “We’ll be out for a while. I know a good lunch place not too far away if you want to go later.”

Naomi smiled. “Looking forward to it.”

-

“Oh, it’s so beautiful!’ Naomi refrained from touching the meticulously handcrafted bust in front of her. Her eyes gleamed with wonder and adoration. She adored museums. They were where art and history kissed and refused to gasp for air. There was nothing like it.

From behind her, Jude nodded slowly, not paying much attention to the busts, but rather her child-like excitement and sun-like glow. He could have cursed himself for doing all of this for a woman he’d met less than 36 hours before, but the feeling deep within him outweighed the logic his brain tried to present him with.

A pretty woman whom he just happened to speak to at dinner had agreed to let him take her around Madrid for vacation. Just as he did, she’d taken such a liking to him that she agreed to spend time with him until she left ten days later. He had ten days to be in her presence and he’d been damned if he let his mind ruin it.

“Yeah,” Jude spoke up after some time, his eyes following her. “Very beautiful.”

-

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naomisinclair such a beautiful city

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adyajalyn girl who took that picture and who’s arm is that

— naomisinclair 🌚

adyajalyn you go out of the country once and start befriending strangers like a dumbass

adyajalyn is he cute though?

— naomisinclair very

judeb pretty

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— naomisinclair judeb thank you boo

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-

“So, do you plan on returning to Madrid in the future?” Jude asked as they walked in a local park, hand in hand. Naomi tilted her head to the sky and swung their hands together. “Or was this a one-time trip?”

“I’ll be back. Especially if I have a reason to return.” She turned her head to meet his eyes, which were already awaiting hers. She saw something within them--excitement, interest, and desire. It made her stomach clench and her face grow warm. “So, hopefully, I will.”

The wheels began to turn in his mind. She’d be gone in ten days. He’d go on break in fourteen days. Would he be insane to try and get to know a woman who was nowhere near Madrid? Maybe. But, who doesn't like a little crazy?

After some time, Jude spoke up, “I’d like to think you will.”

Her eyes twinkled. She said nothing after that but the step she took closer to his body said more words than her mouth could and he accepted it gratefully.

-

“You can come in if you’d like,” Naomi said shyly as they stood outside the door of her hotel. Her fingers fondled her braids as she awaited his response.

Jude’s lips spread in a content smile as he nodded. “I appreciate that. Give me some time to shower and I’ll be back.”

Naomi grinned like a kid in the candy shop. They exchanged their goodbyes and she was left to freshen up and keep her mind occupied as she waited for his arrival.

Shortly after her shower, she got a phone call from Adya, whose face was filled with interest as she immediately asked, “Who is he?”

Naomi chuckled, “Well hello to you, too. And to answer your question, he’s a nice guy I befriended at dinner one day. Just showing me around the city. And before you call me a dumbass, yes I know it was dangerous.”

“As long as you know,” Adya shrugged. She then smiled softly. “Is he treating you nicely at least? Not a total creep?”

Naomi nodded. Jude was more than nice. He was incredibly kind and attentive. The thought of her leaving the following week drove her mad but she tried her best not to ponder on it too much. She’d enjoy the present moment.

“He’s a nice guy. Sucks that I’ll leave, but that’s why I’m just basking in the moment.”

Adya hummed. “If you’d like to make it work, it could be possible. Would take a lot of effort, but it could work if you both wanted it to. I think you might have to build a friendship first, though.” That drew a small laugh from Naomi who agreed wholeheartedly.

Just as she was peeped to respond, his name dropped down from a banner.

Jude

— Hey, pretty girl. I’m outside.

Adya, not blind to Naomi’s sudden grin, hollered and said, “Girl, go talk to that man and call me in the morning.”

“Bye Ady!”

Naomi tossed her phone on the bed and kept off the mattress. She patted her braids, soothed her sweatshirt, wriggled her manicured toes, and strode toward the door, opening it wide.

Jude stood on the other side, a smile on his face as he held up a dark bag. “I come bearing gifts.” Naomi moved out his way and allowed his entry. “This is a nice room.”

“Thank you. The booking company gave me hell so they upgraded me to a suite.” Naomi pointed to his bag and tilted her head to the side. “What do you have there?” She sat on the bed and he joined her.

“Heard through the grapevine you like popcorn, chocolate, and good movies.” Out of the bag came varieties of chocolate, a large bag of popcorn, and his laptop, fully equipped with any streaming service of her choice. “Figured we would watch one or two together.”

Naomi grinned like an idiot for the hundredth time that day. He was so considerate it almost hurt. Without much thought, she said, “I could kiss you right now.”

The way Jude’s eyes widened made her heart quicken but the feeling of his lips on hers shortly after caused it to nearly burst in her chest.

He was such a good kisser, she noted, appreciating how he took control yet was very gentle with her. His hands didn’t roam below her waist and he didn’t try to force his tongue down her throat. It was the perfect blend between respectful and polite and grown and sexy. Just as she liked it.

“I like you,” he whispered some time after they pulled away. Naomi’s eyes softened at his confession. She noted how he tried to catch his breath, how his cheeks were rosy from his body temperature rising, how his lips were slightly swollen and smeared with her lip gloss. He was so beautiful.

“Jude…”

He didn’t let her finish. “I like you and it’s crazy because it’s been less than 48 hours but Naomi, there’s just something about you.” Swoon. “You’ll go back home and I’ll be here, but I want to see what my life could look like with you in it. Give you a reason to come back.”

Naomi laughed lightly. Not because anything he said was funny, but because of the insanity of it all. She’d fallen head first for a man she’d known for two days and blushed at every word he said like his sentences were crafted by Shakespeare.

“I like you too,” she admitted. “And I feel crazy saying that because we’re strangers.”

Jude’s eyebrows raised as he nodded. That was the unfortunate fact, but, “We’ve got a few more days to become more than strangers.”

And that they did.

-

“Jude!” Naomi squealed as he tapped her shoulder, causing her to fall in the pool. She didn’t get the opportunity to wipe the water from her eyes before Jude jumped in beside her. She squealed loudly then giggled when he scooped her into his arms.

“That wasn’t nice,” she said, pouting playfully. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her manicured fingers combed through the thick curls on his head, an action that made his eyes flutter. “I’m gonna get you back.”

“Is that so?” he asked, fingers caressing her thighs that were locked around his waist. Naomi nodded, eyes dropping to his lips. “Gonna have to get me first.”

Naomi, as flirtatious as ever, only has to bat her eyelashes a few times and brush her lips against his for him to crumble immediately. The perfect way to get him distracted enough to wriggle herself from his grip and dunk his head into the water.

“Oof!”

Her laugh was loud and boisterous, but he enjoyed hearing it all the same. Jude wiped his eyes when he came up from the water and gave her a look. Naomi giggled as she tried to back away, but her movement was restricted by the water.

Once again, she was scooped into his arms. “You play dirty,” he said. “I like it.”

Naomi smiled. The feelings she felt with him were unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. Her face always hurt from smiling, she felt giddy whenever he arrived at her door or called her phone. How would she possibly be able to deal with the distance?

-

“I’ve got to go, Jude, or I’ll miss my flight,” Naomi whispered, tugging her hand out of his grasp gently. “I’ve got to go.”

The dreaded day had arrived. Naomi had to go back home and they’d be without each other (physically) until their schedules aligned again. It was something neither of them wanted to think of but like always, time brought reality back to them.

“I don’t want you to go,” the footballer admitted, swinging their hands back and forth. Naomi smiled sadly, using her free hand to caress his face.

“I don’t want to go either, but we’ll call, text, and FaceTime as much as we can, and we’ll figure it out. We can figure it out.”

Jude’s lips parted to respond but her flight being called over the speakers cut him off. He sighed heavily. Naomi bit her lip to pierce her quivering lips. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you,” Jude replied. He pressed a kiss against her lips.“Call me when you land, alright?” Naomi nodded and took her roller bag in her hand and began to walk toward her gate.

“Bye Jude.”

He waved sadly.“I’ll see you soon, Naomi.”

-

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naomisinclair until next time, madrid.

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— alexandraaaaa you knew she got a footballer fr in madrid and didn’t say anything??!

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judebellingham 🩵

— naomisinclair can’t wait to see u again

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— judebellingham in due time, love

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saturnville and so it begins!

-

[raquellemonsta]

Heyy! Since you’re taking requests, can I request a tsukishima who gets baby fever after seeing reader take care/baby sit Yamaguchi’s child, idk it sounds so sweeeeet in my head😭😭🩷 no rush though, take care!

okay, this ask is like a year old. i'm SO sorry about that. i hope you enjoy, regardless. soft kei is best kei. thank you for the wonderful request <3

wc: 1365

~~~~~~~~~~~~

opening your eyes, you see that your car has finally made it to your destination. you and your husband of about a year are visiting a good friend of both of you, yamaguchi tadashi, at his home. speaking of your husband, you turn to see him looking at you expectantly, waiting to open his door until you're fully awake.

tsukishima kei, the man of your dreams and the love of your life. the two of you had met in university and hit it off relatively quickly. he was studying history and archaeology because he had a thing for dinosaurs (he very much still has a thing for dinosaurs), and you thought he was adorable despite his initial demeanor. the serious, jerkish persona was the most evident part of him, though after you got to know him you discovered many other facets to his personality that had you falling in love. you dated for a few years, and finally married last summer at a destination wedding attended by just your parents and chosen friends.

since then, you guys have been extremely busy finalizing information with your marriage, house, and your job. kei already had his job at the sekai city museum lined up directly out of college, but you weren't as lucky. after months of job searching and apartment hunting, everything has worked out. now you have the time to see your friends on a more regular basis again.

"ready?" he asks you. you only smile and nod at him before you open your door. walking up the steps to tadashi's front door, you aren't surprised when you knock and find the door is unlocked.

"come in guys!" you hear his friendly voice from another room, further in the house.

unfortunately, yachi is working. otherwise, your close friend would have without a doubt been waiting at the door for the two of you. she had already apologized profusely to you, via both texts and calls. you promised her you understood, not that you would ever be upset with her anyways.

kicking your outdoor shoes off and replacing them with slippers, kei takes your light jacket off of your shoulders and hangs it for you. your eyes are drawn to your beautiful husband (he 'hates' when you call him that), his face solemn though you know he's excited to see his best friend again. finally, the two of you make your way towards the direction of tadashi's voice.

"long time no see!" tadashi jokes, and you smile brightly.

"it's so nice to see you tadashi" you kindly smile. in his arms sits a little baby. "who's this little angel?" you ask. you've seen pictures of the little boy, both on social media and from tadashi and hitoka themselves. he's only a few months old, but he's grown very fast. you want to scream from how cute he looks when he randomly pops up on your feed.

"this is my son, haru", he replies. at the sound of his own name, haru opens his eyes to gaze up at his dad.

"he's so cute!" you compliment, "can i hold him?". your arms already extended before he answers, and you don't miss kei's playful scoff at your eagerness.

"excited much?" he snarks. you jokingly roll your eyes at him before you again gesture to yamaguchi.

"of course! and again, hitoka's really upset she couldn't be here. yajakudo always needs her at the most random times" he apologized. he carefully hands the baby over to you, and you make sure his head is supported. he's looking up at you with the most incredulous, wide eyes that remind you of his mother.

"it's no problem at all, that girl worries too much. now go away! have some well-deserved catchup time. haru's safe with me."

again, hearing his name makes haru look up at you and smile, two little teeth poking out already. you can't stop yourself from the audible 'aww' that comes out, coaxing him to smile even bigger.

you sit yourself down with the child on the sofa and leave the guys to talk in the attached kitchen. it's close enough for them to still see you (not that tadashi doesn't trust you, it's just his dad instincts. and kei just likes looking at you), but far enough where you can't hear them in case they discuss something more private.

your heart swells at the adorable baby's sweet (mostly) gummy smile. you can't keep the grin off your face, babbling incoherent nonsense that makes haru laugh. it's the perfect positive feedback loop of happiness. you and kei haven't really talked much about children yet, since the two of you had really only just gotten settled into your lives together. you knew you wanted them eventually, though. haru seemed to be trying to push that to sooner rather than later.

from the other room, kei is trying his best to keep himself composed. he can barely focus on whatever tadashi is telling him about, eyes instead trained on you. his beautiful wife (you love when he calls you that), looking like a natural is almost too much. he hadn't considered the two of you having children just yet, (you'd only just found an apartment after all), though seeing you right now had him rethinking everything.

"you want one?" tadashi chuckles. he'd been caught.

kei lets out a signature, unconscious 'tch', but his best friend can see right through him. finally, he tears his eyes away from you to look at his friend. he certainly doesn't catch himself looking over at you every once in a while after that.

you only get up once haru has been asleep in your arms for a few minutes. carefully handing him back to tadashi, you quietly thank him and promise to visit again soon. he bids the both of you goodbye, offering kei a wink and goofy gesture. your husband rolls his eyes at this, heading over to the car where you're already waiting.

once you're both in, he doesn't start the car. very unusual for him, since tsukishima kei typically loves getting away from social events as quickly as possible. you turn to face him, trying to gauge if something's wrong. you're sure he can feel your eyes on him, even if he's blind as a bat.

he doesn't look at you, and doesn't even break from his usual monotone:

"let's have a baby"

"WHAT?"

you're suddenly woken up in the middle of the night to loud wails coming from another room.

somewhat reluctantly, you push up onto your elbows before stepping out of bed and onto the cold hardwood floor. a chill goes up your spine from the contact, but you can still hear the shrill noise from across the hall, so you put your slippers on and make your way towards the source of the noise (neglecting to notice the other half of your bed is already empty).

the light yellow room would be almost entirely dark, if not for the bright full moon shining through the window (and the moon nightlight, too). it is now peacefully quiet, with the noise of a small fan in the corner being the only sound you can register at first.

unsurprisingly, your husband is already there, holding your baby girl close to him. kei always seems to beat you to your daughter's room. he's whispering something you can't quite hear to her. even though she's mere months old and doesn't understand the meaning behind his words, she always loves to hear his voice (something the two of you have in common). her eyes beginning to close again, your heart melts at this little life the two of you have created.

looking up to kei's face, his eyes are bright despite being woken up at 2am. your husband has never been one to broadcast his positive emotions, but you know inside he's happy. your arm finds its way around his back, and his eyes switch down to you.

"was it worth it?" you ask him lightheartedly, whispering.

kei looks out the window, at the endless expanse of sky. he's held down by the warmth of his daughter and wife, his two favorite girls in the entire world. he doesn't know how he got so lucky, but in this moment there's nowhere and no one else he'd rather be.

his mouth turns upward, genuine and true.

[fafnir19]

Historical Values

Frank carefully folded his clothes and placed them inside his brown leather sack. His blue eyes sparkled with excitement as he prepared for the new archaeology project. "I can't believe we're actually going back in time!" he exclaimed to Professor Tendris, who was organizing his own belongings. "It's quite incredible, Frank," the professor responded with a smile. "The university's invention of the time machine is a breakthrough in our field. Now, we have the opportunity to experience history firsthand." "I'm ready for anything!" Frank zipped up his suitcase and hoisted it off the bed. "Living as Alemanni farmers in 507 AD is going to be an adventure." The time machine, no larger than a cell phone, hummed softly as they activated it. In an instant, they were surrounded by a blinding light, and then they found themselves in the year 507 AD, amidst a small Alemanni village.

Frank's heart raced as he took in the sights and sounds of the ancient village. The buildings were made of wood and straw, and the air was filled with the smell of livestock and earth. "This is incredible," Frank whispered, awe-struck. "Indeed," Professor Tendris murmured. "Now, let's blend in and experience life as the Alemanni did." As days passed, Frank and the professor worked the fields, tended to livestock, and engaged with the Alemanni people, immersing themselves in their daily activities. Two and a half weeks in, a thunderous clamor echoed through the village. Frank and Professor Tendris peered out to see Roman legions descending upon the settlement. "We have to go back!" Frank exclaimed, panic rising in his chest. "Quick, into the hut!" Professor Tendris urged, and they hurried to the tiny shelter where they had hidden the time machine. As they reached the hut, legionnaires blocked Frank's path, but Professor Tendris managed to activate the time machine and vanish, leaving Frank stranded. The terror gripped Frank as the Roman soldiers encircled him. He expected the worst, but instead, they took him captive. "What's your name, boy?" a gruff voice demanded as they dragged him through the village. "I-I'm Frank," he stammered, his heart pounding in his chest. "Not anymore, you're not," the soldier spat. "From now on, you're Flavius, slave of Rome." In Rome, Flavius was handed over to a slave trader, who sold him to a gladiator school.

His once blonde hair was now shorn, and he was renamed to fit his new identity. "Here's your new recruit," the trader announced, pushing Flavius forward. Flavius surveyed his surroundings, the harsh voice of the overseer drilling instructions into the other gladiators. The air was thick with the clinking of weapons and the grunts of the fighters. "Welcome to your new home, Flavius," a fellow gladiator muttered as he passed by. "Better get used to the dirt and blood." Flavius was put through rigorous training, his muscles bulging from the intense workouts. His determination drove him to perfect his fighting techniques, but he remained lean compared to the other gladiators. Because he was the weakest, he had to take on tasks that all other gladiators refused, such as feeding the lion. The clink of chains echoed in the dimly lit room as Flavius grabbed the metal pail and hurried to where Leon's enclosure was situated. He poured the chunks of meat into the pail and added a sprinkle of herbs for flavor. The only sound was the rhythmic clinking of chains as Flavius moved through the stone corridors, the weight of slavery heavy on his shoulders. "Such a majestic creature," he whispered, gazing into Leon's golden eyes. The lion paced rhythmically, the thump of his footfalls resonating through the enclosure. With tender, steady hands, Flavius extended the pail through the bars, the metal clinking with the rustle of chains. "Easy, boy," Flavius cooed, ensuring Leon's sustenance. The ritual of feeding Leon was a moment of trust and companionship, a symbol of their shared captivity and the only comfort in their constrained existence. Flavius ​​hoped every day that Tendris would find him and bring him home to the future. But his hope grew smaller day by day.

As the date of his first fight approached, Flavius felt a surge of fear. The overseer's voice boomed across the arena, announcing a battle to the death between 25 gladiators and a lion, with only the top four survivors. "You're going to be lion food, Flavius," the overseer jeered, a cruel smile on his lips. In the arena, the sound of cheering and roaring filled the air as the battle commenced. Flavius fought valiantly, his every move accompanied by the clash of weapons and the gasps of the audience. The lion lunged at him, and Flavius found himself pinned to the ground, the weight of the beast bearing down on him. "Agh!" he cried out, struggling beneath the lion's ferocious grip. Flavius regretted feeding the lion in the past! Just when he thought it was the end, the unexpected happened. For a moment, the arena fell silent as the lion hesitated, its low growl reverberating through the space. The lion let Flavius free. "What's going on?!" Flavius gasped in disbelief. The unexpected turn stunned the spectators, and Flavius seized the opportunity, mounting the lion and riding into battle.

The crowd erupted in a combination of gasps and cheers as Flavius and the lion fought as a team, vanquishing their opponents. From then on, Flavius had a cell to himself, which he shared with the lion  named Leon. The growls and purrs of the majestic creature became a soothing lullaby in the quiet of the night. "Leon, my friend," Flavius hummed, leaning against the bars of the cell as Leon purred in response.

As he earned victories in the arena, Flavius caught the attention of Senator Sixtus, who admired his bravery and skill. "I've purchased you," Senator Sixtus informed Flavius, a glint in his eyes. "You and your lion, Leon. You shall come to my villa and serve as entertainment for my guests."

At Sixtus' villa, Flavius and Leon were tasked with serving as extravagant entertainment for Sixtus' opulent parties, serving to the guests' frivolous pleasures. "Meet my newest acquisition," Senator Sixtus announced, a proud smile gracing his features as Flavius and Leon entered the grand hall. Flavius hesitated, unsure of the etiquette and he was morally hesitant about the frivol encounters between the guests an him.   After a while he enjoyed the opportunities and pleasured man an women alike.

"You fight like a hero, Flavius. Are you a hero in bed as well?" a lady asked, her laughter chiming in the air “I don’t need a bed to be your hero. Let’s enjoy the hero right here,” Flavius replied, a smirk forming on his lips. He became the epitome of lust and pleasure.

Senator Sixtus observed Flavius with a mixture of pride and amusement, intrigued by the newfound confidence and charm that Flavius exuded. "You are the epitome of vigor and pleasure," Senator Sixtus complimented, eyes twinkling. "Perhaps I shall find other roles for you in my household." With time, Flavius found himself adapting to his new life, embracing the indulgences and extravagance of Senator Sixtus' villa. "You've become quite the sensation, Flavius," Senator Sixtus remarked, his hand resting on Flavius' shoulder. "But I sense a restlessness in you." "I desire to engage my mind," Flavius said, surprising the senator with his words. "There must be more to life than mere entertainment." Senator Sixtus nodded thoughtfully and arranged for a private tutor to educate Flavius, recognizing his potential for growth.

The bond between Flavius and Sixtus deepened, and Flavius began to wield a certain dominance over the other slaves, echoing the authority of Senator Sixtus. "You surpass expectations, my dear Flavius," Senator Sixtus acknowledged, a sense of paternal pride in his voice. "Thank you, Senator," Flavius replied, a title of endearment that had gradually slipped into his vocabulary. As months passed, Senator Sixtus approached Flavius with a proposition. "You have proven yourself as more than a slave. I shall adopt you as my son, and you shall carry my name." Flavius was speechless, the weight of the honor settling upon him. He had seamlessly integrated into the Roman way of life, the values and customs now intrinsic to his being. "I am honored, Father," Flavius uttered, a sense of belonging and acceptance blossoming within him.

In the midst of revelry and frivolity, a house slave interrupted, announcing the arrival of a visitor named Tendris, stirring a flicker of recognition in Flavius' mind. "I shall receive him at once," Flavius declared, excitement lacing his words. "Tendris shall witness the life of a true Roman senator's son." At the grand dining hall, Flavius welcomed Tendris, exuding the confidence and refinement of a nobleman. "Tendris, you must partake in the splendid feast with us," Flavius insisted, gesturing towards the lavish spread before them.

Tendris took a seat, regarding Flavius with a mix of disappointment and concern as they dined. "I find your behavior troubling, Flavius. This is not the life you should lead," Tendris remarked, his tone solemn. At the end of the evening, Tendris took Flavius aside and reprimanded him for his frivolous behavior and condescending treatment of the slaves. "You don't understand, Tendris. This is the way of life in this era," Flavius argued, growing offended. "These modern moral concepts like human rights and wokenes hold no significance here, Tendris," Flavius declared, his resolve hardening. "I am a Roman senator's son, and this is my life."

The following day, Tendris returned, determination etched on his features as he stood before Flavius. "It's time to leave this era behind, Flavius." "No," Flavius spat, the weight of his decision palpable in the air. "You shall return to your woke future without me. I am here to stay." Tendris hesitated, his gaze meeting Flavius' defiant stare. "You must reconsider, Flavius. This is not where you belong." "I belong wherever I choose to," Flavius asserted, his voice unwavering. "If you remain here in ten minutes, I shall have you thrown to the lions in the arena!" Tendris's eyes narrowed in resignation, and with a heavy heart, he activated the time machine, leaving Flavius to his chosen path.

Flavius relinquished the vestiges of his past and embraced the decadence and extravagance of his new life, reveling in every indulgence and luxury that came his way. The sounds of revelry, laughter, and pleasure filled the grand halls of Senator Sixtus' villa, echoing the reassuring rhythm of a life firmly embraced. And as the days melded into nights, Flavius, the former  archaeology student, became indistinguishable from the Roman nobility, his laughter and gaiety resounding through the lavish estate, a testament to his complete surrender to the decadence of ancient Rome.   

[owen-writes]

Son Of The Doctor

11th Doctor x Son Reader

The Reader is the son of River Song and The Doctor. Which also makes the reader a Time Lord.

As a young Time Lord growing up in the TARDIS, your first memory is the mesmerizing hum of the time rotor and the Doctor's warm smile as he introduces you to the wonders of time and space.

River Song, your mother, often regales you with thrilling tales of her adventures with the Doctor, creating a sense of excitement and mystery about your own future.

Your childhood is a kaleidoscope of adventures across different eras and planets, learning about history, science, and cultures firsthand from your time-traveling parents.

The TARDIS becomes your playground, and you spend hours exploring its vast corridors, discovering hidden rooms, and playing games with the Doctor and River.

The Doctor teaches you Gallifreyan, sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Time Lords and instilling a deep sense of pride in your heritage.

River, with her archaeologist expertise, guides you through the complexities of the Vortex Manipulator and the intricacies of time travel, making you adept at navigating time and space.

Your bedtime stories are a unique blend of historical events and fictional tales woven by the Doctor, turning each night into an enchanting journey through time.

Growing up, you witness the Doctor's unwavering commitment to saving civilizations, fostering a strong sense of compassion and justice within you.

The TARDIS is not only your home but also a sentient companion. You share a unique bond with it, and it often responds to your presence with soothing hums and gentle vibrations.

The Doctor, in his whimsical way, introduces you to various alien species, and you forge unlikely friendships with beings from distant galaxies.

Your teenage years are marked by rebellious adventures, where the Doctor reluctantly allows you to take the reins of the TARDIS under his watchful eye.

River Song's guidance on wielding a sonic screwdriver becomes a rite of passage, and soon, you're effortlessly using it to solve problems and save the day.

Time travel has its challenges, and you experience moments of loneliness as you watch friends age while you remain young. The Doctor, understanding this burden, becomes a pillar of support.

The TARDIS is equipped with a library spanning all of time and space, allowing you to indulge in literature and knowledge from countless civilizations.

The Doctor encourages your curiosity, and together, you embark on quests to uncover ancient mysteries, blending archaeology with time travel.

As you reach adulthood, the Doctor proudly declares you a Time Lord, acknowledging your growth and maturity as a guardian of time.

You develop a keen sense of responsibility to protect the timelines, ensuring that history unfolds as it should while embracing the fluidity of time.

River Song, despite her occasional mysterious disappearances, is a constant presence in your life, leaving enigmatic messages that often lead to thrilling adventures.

The TARDIS's telepathic circuits allow you to communicate with the Doctor and River across time, strengthening the bond of your unconventional family.

Your love for exploration extends beyond the confines of the TARDIS, and you occasionally venture into the universe alone, carrying the legacy of the Doctor and River.

The Doctor shares stories of past companions, creating a tapestry of friendships and experiences that shape your understanding of the impact one can have on the universe.

Despite the challenges of time travel, you witness the beauty of fleeting moments, cherishing the ephemeral nature of existence.

The TARDIS console room becomes a place of reflection, where you ponder the mysteries of time and space, contemplating your role in the vast cosmic tapestry.

The Doctor's face lights up with pride as you use your knowledge of temporal mechanics to solve complex problems, proving that you've truly embraced your Time Lord heritage.

River Song's journal, filled with notes and observations, becomes a cherished family heirloom, connecting you to the adventures and wisdom of your parents.

Your romantic relationship with the Doctor deepens over the years, the bond strengthened by shared experiences and a mutual understanding of the complexities of time.

Together, you and the Doctor face adversaries that challenge your resolve, but your unity prevails, illustrating the resilience of love across time and space.

The TARDIS evolves with your presence, adapting to your preferences and desires, making it a true home that transcends the limitations of conventional living spaces.

As you stand on the threshold of eternity, the Doctor imparts the final lesson: the true power of a Time Lord lies not in manipulation of time but in the ability to bring positive change to the universe.

With a heart full of gratitude and a TARDIS that echoes with the laughter of countless adventures, you continue your journey through time, eternally connected to the Doctor and River Song, a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Time Lords.

[jedineedlove]

The Four Symbols

"According to the archaeological evidence, the concept of the Four Symbols may have existed as early as China’s Neolithic period (some 6,000 years ago). This is based on some clam shells and bones forming the images of the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger that were found in a tomb in Henan." "I Ching (易經), a Chinese divination text also known as the Book of Changes, traces the roots of the Four Symbols back to the beginnings of the world. It alleges that they were bred from the famous ring of yin-yang (陰陽), which instils order upon the chaotic spirit of Taiji (太極)."

Four Guardians, Four Gods, Four Auspicious Beast

Each corresponds to a quadrant in the sky, with each quadrant containing seven seishuku, or star constellations (also called the 28 lunar mansions or lodges; for charts, see this outside site). Each of the four groups of seven is associated with one of the four celestial creatures. There was a fifth direction -- the center, representing China itself -- which carried its own seishuku.

The four Symbols hold significant symbolic meaning in cosmology and culture. They represent harmony and balance od the universe. The represent the harmony and balance of the universe. Each symbol governing a specific direct , season and set of elements. The symbols are associated with the five elements theory, which is crucial in traditional medicine , Feng Shui, and astrology. The also represent the cyclical nature of time, as they are closely tied to the Chines zodiac and the twelve Earthy branches.

The Four symbols paly a significant role in Shines astrology particularly in the Chinese zodiac, each symbol is associated with the specific year within the 12-year zodiac cycle, along with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) The combination of the symbol and the element determines the characteristics and destiny of individuals born in the particular year. The four symbol also influence their astrological systems, such as the Eight Characters (BaZi) and the Four Pillars of Destiny.

I thought I compare the LMK versions of them to the real mythology.

Vermilion Bird: Symbol of the South

Vermilion Bird aka Phoenix or Zhuniao, is the symbol of the southern direction. It is associated with the season of summer and represents the element of fire. It is the symbol of rebirth, immortality, and prosperity. It is also often associated with love, beauty, and passion.

Color- Red

Time of Day - Midady

Appearance: said to have chicken’s head, swallow’s chin, snake’s neck, fish’s tail, and five-color feather. ;or A mythical bird with colorful plumage and radiant feathers.

Its seven mansions are the Well, Ghosts, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chario

Black Tortoise: The Symbol of the North

The Black Tortoise aka Black Warrior, Xuanwu is the symbol of the northern direction. Associated with the season of winter and element of water. Believed to bring protection and longevity. It is also associated with knowledge and wisdom and the control of water.

Color- Black

Time of Day- Midnight

Appearance: A giant tortoise with a snake wrapped around its back

 Its seven mansions are the Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment and Wall.

Azure Dragon: Symbol of the East

Azure Dragon aka Blue Dragon or Qinglong, representing the easter direction. The ruler of the sky and is associated with the season of spring, the element of wood and is believed to being harmony and good fortune to those who embrace its energy.

Color: Blue- green

Time of Day - Dawn

Looks – serpent like body, deer-like antlers, fish-like scales and eagle-like claws.

The Azure Dragon as it is said that when the seven mansions in that area (Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket) are joined up, they form the shape of a dragon

White Tiger: The Symbol of the West

White tiger aka Baihu, is the guardian of the western direction. Associated with the season of autumn and the element of metal. Believed to represent strength, courage, and protection. Its is also associated with the celestial guardian of the west a powerful deity known as Xuanwu

Color- White

Time of Day- Dusk

Appearance: a creature with a tiger's body and lions' mane.

the White Tiger, and its seven mansions are the Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Turtle Beak and Three Stars.

it was held to be the God of War. In this capacity, the White Tiger was seen as a protector and defender, not just from mortal enemies, but also from evil spirits.

A symbol of force and army, and so many things entitled White Tiger in ancient China are related to military affairs. For instance, the white tiger banner in the ancient army and the white tiger image on the Commander’s Tally. In the Han Dynasty, the White Tiger was usually carved on the stone relief of a tomb door, or on the lintel of a tomb passage with the Azure Dragon, to ward off evil spirits.

This puts a lot together and I'm impressed with the details that the show animators and designers put into their character designs.

Also..

Yellow Dragon: Symbol of Central

Yellow Dragon aka Qilin the symbol if the Central direction, and is associated with the season Midsummer and the element earth.

Color: Yellow

--

Comparing them they share the colors with the stones and the yellow dragon (central) seems to correspond with the jade emperor's yellow stone. Once again love the show details.

Nearly forgot about this and left it in the drafts wanted to post this then completely forget them.

[apenitentialprayer]

Time is devious. It flees frighteningly fast, or oozes so slowly we feel it as a burden, measured in heartbeats. Each human life is marbled and infused with memories and infused by imaginings, even as we exist in a continuously flowing stream of 'now'. We are beings swept along in time, but to emerge and view the whole coursing river defeats us. Not so much counting and measuring; today's science can calculate values to brain-imploding levels of accuracy, whether the age of the universe or a Planck second*. But truly understanding the scale of time on an evolutionary, planetary, cosmic level remains almost impossible, as much as for the first geologists, staggered at glimpsing earth's true age. Connecting to the past beyond three or four generations ago —the boundary of 'living memory' most of us manage— is challenging. Relating to more ancient ancestors gets even harder. Old photographs embody how our perspective becomes fuzzier, and even this visual archive extends just a couple of generations farther back. Then we enter the realm of painted portraits, and another gauze layer of unreality settles onto the past. Comprehending the gobsmacking hugeness of deep archaeological time is much, much tougher. *the shortest measurable unit of time

Dr. Rebecca Wragg Sykes (Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death, and Art, page 22). Slightly reformatted to avoid a wall of text, italics original.

The Geologic Time Spiral

[resplendentmackerelsky]

Okay okay okay I am fascinated by the worldbuilding implied by the existence and discovery of Hat. Like entirely from the archaeological perspective, of course.

First and foremost - Hat is a Neanderthal. I took this screenshot of his skull as displayed on the news program the ghosts were watching and labelled the distinguishing features that suggest he was a Neanderthal.

For comparison here is a modern Homo sapien and Neanderthal.

Like, okay, I sorta already promote the idea that Robin is a Neanderthal, so maybe this isn't all that big a deal. But it is confirmation that Robin has been a ghost for at least 40k years and realistically much longer.

However, what is important about Hat specifically being a Neanderthal is that he was found preserved in ice. Ice bodies are quite rare forms of mummies and Ötzi, Europe's oldest ice mummy is only around 5000 years old (c. 3350-3105 BCE). So the discovery of a Neanderthal ice mummy would be MASSIVE fucking news.

Not only would the preservation into the present be such a big deal but also the location. During the Last Glacial Period (LGP) between c. 115,000 - 11,700 ya, all of northern Europe was covered in glaciation, and many alpine regions were also glaciated. Many Neanderthal could have theoretically been preserved in these glaciers until they melted at the beginning of the current interglacial period but for a Neanderthal to be preserved until the present, it would mean they would have had to have died in an area with continuous glaciation.

For reference here is a map of approximate areas of glaciation during the LGP.

As we know that Robin died in England and given that there is no present-day glaciers in Britian or Ireland, is most likely that Hat was found somewhere in the Swiss or French Alps, as that is the closest continual glaciation that was accessible to Neanderthals.

WHICH MEANS that in the ghosts-universe there would be evidence of individual Neanderthals having a range of mobility that extends from southern England to the Alps. Something that remains unverifiable at present in the real world, as is the existence of Neanderthal tattoos (and other ephemeral cultural practices).

I think it also means we can say that Hat was probably a fucking idiot, not only for trading his furs to Robin for a "stick with a rock attached" but also for going into a glaciated area without furs... So I don't think Robin can really take the blame for his death.

[learntrio]

“The World’s Oldest Religion, and It’s Connection with Modern Science”

The World’s Oldest Religion: An In-Depth Exploration of Hinduism

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, and has been a vibrant and integral part of human history for thousands of years. Indeed, with its deep roots, rich mythology, and profound philosophical insights, Hinduism continues to influence millions of lives today. Therefore, this blog aims to explore the origins, beliefs, practices, and cultural significance of the world’s oldest religion, Hinduism, shedding light on why it remains such a vital and living tradition. After all, who is the oldest religion? That is Hinduism.

1. Origins of Hinduism

Prehistoric Roots

The world’s oldest religion, Hinduism’s origins, can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 3300–1300 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The discovery of archaeological artifacts, such as seals showing people in yoga poses and sacred animals, clearly suggests that these early religious practices may have, in fact, influenced the development of later Hinduism. These findings indicate a deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine, themes that are central to Hinduism.

The Vedic Period

The Vedic Period, spanning from approximately 1500 to 500 BCE, marks a significant era in the development of Hinduism. This period saw the migration of Indo-Aryans into the Indian subcontinent, bringing with them the sacred texts known as the Vedas. The Vedas—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—are the oldest known scriptures of Hinduism and are composed in Sanskrit. They contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that form the core of Vedic religion. Rigveda, in particular, is considered the oldest, with hymns dedicated to various deities, reflecting a polytheistic belief system.

Development of Major Schools

Hinduism was the world’s oldest religion when it evolved, and it gave rise to various philosophical schools, each offering unique interpretations of spiritual and existential questions. The Upanishads, composed between 800 and 500 BCE, marked a shift from ritualistic practices to introspective and philosophical inquiry. These texts explored the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman), laying the groundwork for later schools of thought like Vedanta, which emphasizes the unity of the individual soul with the universal spirit.

2. Core Beliefs and Philosophies

Dharma (Duty/Righteousness)

Dharma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, encompassing the moral and ethical code that guides individuals’ actions and societal roles. It varies according to one’s age, caste, gender, and occupation, promoting harmony and order within society. Dharma is not only about religious duties but also about living in accordance with one’s true nature and fulfilling one’s responsibilities toward family, society, and the world.

Karma (Action and Consequence)

The concept of Karma is central to Hindu thought, emphasizing that every action has consequences. Good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions result in suffering. This belief in cause and effect extends beyond a single lifetime, influencing one’s future incarnations. The law of Karma encourages ethical living and personal responsibility, as individuals are seen as the architects of their destinies.

Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth)

Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is a fundamental belief in Hinduism. Moreover, it is driven by Karma, meaning one’s actions determine the nature of future existences. Consequently, this cycle is often seen as a state of suffering and bondage, from which individuals seek liberation. Ultimately, the goal of Hindu spiritual practice is to break free from Samsara and attain Moksha, a state of eternal bliss and union with the divine.

Moksha (Liberation)

Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of Samsara, achieved through self-realization and an understanding of the true nature of the self and the universe. To attain Moksha, Hinduism offers various paths, each catering to different temperaments and inclinations. Firstly, there is Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), which focuses on love and devotion to a personal deity. Secondly, Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) emphasizes self-inquiry and the realization of the unity between Atman and Brahman. Thirdly, Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action) involves performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes. Lastly, Raja Yoga (the path of meditation) concentrates on controlling the mind and senses to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

FULL VERSION : https://learntrio.com/the-worlds-oldest-religion-hinduism/

[blueiscoool]

Sarcophagus of Ramses II’s Chief Treasurer Discovered at Saqqara

Egyptian archaeologists unearthed the empty, 3,200-year-old coffin of Ptah-M-Wia, a high-ranking New Kingdom official

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed the 3,300-year-old stone sarcophagus of an official whose mummified body was stolen by grave robbers long ago.

The coffin, carved from pink granite, was crafted for an official named "Ptah-im-wea," who, according to the hieroglyphs inscribed on it, lived during the time of Ramesses II (reign circa 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C.) and managed a temple that Ramesses II had built at Thebes (modern-day Luxor).

The hieroglyphic inscription said that Ptah-im-wea supervised the temple's livestock, was head of the temple's treasury and was responsible "for the divine offerings to all the gods," according to a translated statement (opens in new tab) from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

However, Ptah-im-wea wasn't buried near the temple he managed for Ramesses II. Instead, his coffin was placed beside a pyramid built 1,000 years earlier at Saqqara, an ancient city known for its vast necropolises.

Archaeologists discovered the sarcophagus near the pyramid of King Unas (reign circa 2353 B.C. to 2323 B.C.), south of a corridor where people ascended into the pyramid, the statement said. It was not unusual for people in ancient Egypt to want to be buried near pyramids constructed by pharaohs who lived in much earlier times, archaeological finds indicate. For instance, burials dating back around 2,500 years have been found near the Giza pyramids, which date to around 4,500 years ago, indicating that people may have considered the sites sacred long after they were built.

The coffin's hieroglyphs call for the protection of the deceased and have depictions of Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and son of the deities Osiris and Isis. Although the sarcophagus was robbed in antiquity, archaeologists found traces of resin that indicated a mummy had rested inside the coffin. The team didn't find any other artifacts with the coffin, according to the statement.

Ramesses II ruled Egypt at a time when its empire extended from modern-day Syria to modern-day Sudan. The coffin was found by an archaeological mission led by Ola El Aguizy, an Egyptology professor at Cairo University.

[scotianostra]

On March 3rd 1792, Robert Adam, the Scottish architect, furniture and interior designer, died.

Born in Fife in 1728, Robert was the second son of Mary Robertson and architect William Adam. Robert and older brother John trained with their father and John would take over the family practice after William’s death.

Robert was not the healthiest of children: illness would continually interrupt his education first at the Royal High School, Edinburgh, and later at the University of Edinburgh. Despite the gaps - and the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion – Robert Adam gained a solid grounding in the classics, logic, metaphysics, mathematics and anatomy.

Apprenticed to his father in 1746, Robert worked on major projects including Inverary Castle and Hopetoun House and in 1749 travelled to London, on the first of the journeys that would expand his architectural and design horizons.

Five years later he set off on the Grand Tour to Belgium, France and finally Rome, where he studied classical architecture and drawing under the great Piranesi, as well as familiarising himself with classical archaeology and art history. What he learned in Rome and how he applied that knowledge would underpin his future success.

Back home the country at that time was undergoing a surge of interest in classical architecture, prompted by the “Palladian” movement, named after the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who tried to recreate the style and proportions of the buildings of ancient Rome. Adam built upon this momentum, but he soon evolved a style all his own that can best be described as “neo-classical”; light, elegant lines unbound by strict classical proportion.

In fact, Adam was something of a rebel against the Palladians, who insisted on following strict Roman lines and proportion. They copied; Adam innovated and experimented, and the result was a body of work that approached genius.

His first successes were the Admiralty Arch at Whitehall, and the interior apartments at Hatchlands. Adam was most often asked to remodel existing houses, so much of his work is interior. Of the exteriors for which he was responsible, Bowood House and the Admiralty Arch are the best surviving examples.

Adam was a success in part because he insisted on designing everything himself, down to the tiniest detail. The result is work that has a sense of overall unity, or flow. He moved beyond the Roman classical style and borrowed heavily from Greek, Byzantine, and Italian Baroque influences.

Robert Adam died in 1792 at the age of 64. Some of his work was replaced or remodelled as fashions in interior decoration changed over the next centuries, but enough remains that his legacy cannot be forgotten.

Arguably Adam’s most famous work is seen by many citizens and tourists alike,  is The General Register House on the East end of Princes Street, Edinburgh, purpose built by Adam between 1774 and 1788 as the headquarters of the National Archives of Scotland.

This obituary appeared in the March 1792 edition of The Gentleman’s Magazine:…..

“…… Mr Adam produced a total change in the architecture of this country: and his fertile genius in elegant ornament was not confined to the decoration of buildings, but has been diffused to every branch of manufacture. His talents extend beyond the lie of his own profession: he displayed in his numerous drawings in landscape a luxuriance of composition, and an effect of light and shadow, which have scarcely been equalled…to the last period of his life, Mr Adam displayed an increasing vigour of genius and refinement of taste: for in the space of one year preceding his death, he designed eight great public works, besides twenty five private buildings, so various in their style, and so beautiful in their composition, that they have been allowed by the best judges, sufficient of themselves, to establish his fame unrivalled as an artist.”

The first  pic is Robert Adam, second, The Adelphi  ceiling is the only piece left from the drawing room of 5 Royal Terrace in the Adelphi, London, now in the V & A, London. second is  Dumfries House and some of the plans, third is a favourite of mine, Pulteney Bridge is a bridge over the River Avon in Bath, fourth The Georgian House in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, the fifth pic is  Culzean Castle near Maybole, Carrick, in South Ayrshire, and finally the Drawing Room from Lansdowne House, London.

[elainespavlding]

was that [ SARAH GUSTAFSSON ] spotted in the lobby of the infamous arconia hotel? must just be, [ ELAINE SPAULDING ] the [ TWENTY-SIX  ] year old [ CURATORIAL ASSISTANT ]. whenever i hear [ CARRY ME OUT BY MITSKI ] it reminds me of them. [ SHE/HER ] are known for being [ CONTROLLING ] and [ UPTIGHT ] but they make up for that by being [ MODEST ] and [ RELIABLE ]. they have been living at the arconia for [ EIGHT YEARS ON AND OFF ].

full name — elaine freja spaulding nickname(s) — don't even try it age — twenty-six date of birth — september 19th place of birth — new canaan, ct religion — lutheran sexuality — heterosexual education level — elaine's recently completed a master of philosophy in art history at st. andrew's (she also double-majored in art & archaeology and museum studies at princeton university for her bachelors)

residence — the arconia <3 previously: her family's estate in new canaan, and then the family's city residence in gramercy park

family — rupert spaulding (father) and fadela spaulding (mother) and then three older brothers named tristan, ralph, and hugo. finances — quite comfortable, i must say $$$$$$$$$

overview.

elaine’s family absolutely reeks of Old Money™ from all sides. rupert spaulding’s family’s wealth can be tied back to the railroads and westward expansion before eventually delving into various investments and financial services (plus there's relation to the famous wallenberg family through his mother).

her father is the acting ceo of an investment firm in new york city that her great-grandfather founded and rupert keeps a separate apartment in the city away from the family to live in during the work week because sometimes to make a marriage work you gotta put space between the two of you.

her mother fadela is from london but her wealth extends to the beginnings of bmce bank and the bank of africa. fadela is a socialite, philanthropist, and all-around nitpicker with a thousand and one life regrets.

elaine has three older brothers with the youngest of the bunch being five years older than her. elaine was something of a “miracle baby” to her parents. all her life, fadela wanted a little daughter but after three rough pregnancies, she wound up with all sons, so when their little accident happened well after they decided to have no more children, she was absolutely thrilled to find out it was a girl.

elaine was pampered and given everything a little debutante-to-be ought to have, but that lavishness came with a price. elaine was the Miracle Baby, the daughter her parents longed for, and the last thing she wanted to do was mess up the image they had for her. she had to be perfect.

that need, of course, isn't healthy! surprise! elaine experienced an adolescence marked by extreme emotional outbursts and debilitating compulsions. by the end of high school it all came to a head, but that's.... [redacted] information

once she reached adulthood, elaine has had the privilege to focus on nothing but the thing she's passionate about: art (her specialty is european art and the art of the italian renaissance). she's traveled europe and she completed her masters. now, she's back in new york to start her job as a curatorial assistant at the frick collection. her plan is to spend a couple years there before she starts working toward her phd in art history.

since the age of 18, and after The Incident and a series of disagreements with her mother, elaine's parents started to pay for a suite at the arconia for her to stay in when the need arose. whenever she's in the city, that's usually where she is.

personality traits.

positive: sophisticated, conscientious, astute, strong-willed, meticulous, practical, romantic

negative: judgmental, high-strung, standoffish, queen of too high standards, nitpicky, pedantic

misc headcanons.

elaine has taken ballet and piano lessons since she was 4 years old. she has little old russian lady trauma skjdfnskjd.

when not at work, elaine is likely at theaters such as the metrograph, the walter reade, the angelika film center, etc. so when you insult cinephiles who watch black and white european movies told from the point of view of a dog, you're insulting HER 💔

her favorite place at the arconia is the daily grind coffee bar. caffeine addiction vibes.

elaine really, really hates physical touch. it is something that has been destructive to her relationships and how she generally interacts with people.

PINTEREST | PLAYLIST

[hitmans]

rereading yu-gi-oh! is so interesting. in the introductory chapter, yu-gi-oh!, volume 1: chapter 1, grandpa muto explains how in the beginning of the 20th century (1921), the archaeology team that discovered the millennium puzzle and tried to take it from the nameless pharaoh’s tomb died mysterious deaths.

then later during yu-gi-oh!, volume 2: chapter 13, domino university’s archaeology team discover a tomb from egypt’s new kingdom era (1580-1314 B.C.) and everything found inside the tomb is then placed on display in the domino city museum. during the chapter, “tutankhamun” is finally mentioned by professor yoshimori and he goes on to explain to jonouchi that the archaeologist who discovered tutankhamun’s treasury by 1921 didn’t have any ownership rights to anything discovered during the excavation.

and even more importantly, we see that yugi encounters shadi “crying” in front of the newly discovered mummy that’s been put out on display in the museum and yugi asks “why are you crying”, to which shadi replies: “these tears are not mine... this shriveled form... he has become a doll of dust... but still, he is the eternal pharaoh... his spirit lives on with his name. even the eternal sleep is denied him... the cry of his soul becomes tears and flows down my cheeks.” are you then telling me that the mummy on display belongs to tutankhamun, aka, pharaoh atem? why else would shadi take on the spiritual grief of the pharaoh to whom that mummy belongs while also giving such high praising description of said pharaoh?

so then, by this timeframe, 1921 is the year that the millennium puzzle and pharaoh atem’s treasury are found, and it isn’t until modern day (technically 1990s for yu-gi-oh!, extended to 2000s for myself) that pharaoh atem’s actual tomb and the sarcophagus containing his physical body are found. it could very well be another pharaoh that shadi is referring to in this chapter, but that wouldn’t make sense either as there’s only one pharaoh within the series that is of the greatest importance, and that is pharaoh atem. so it wouldn’t be too-far fetched to say that, yes, the mummy put so rudely on display within domino city’s museum is pharaoh atem’s physical body. it also wouldn’t surprise me if it took so long for his actual sarcophagus to be found, considering pharaoh atem’s tomb was specifically built to be large (contrary to real life tutankhamun’s tomb) and possibly maze-like with countless traps and countless ka tablets meant to protect him.

another interesting point worth noting during this chapter is the timeline estimate of the tomb — 1341 B.C. is the year pharaoh atem and thief king bakura were born and 1325 B.C. is the year they both died, whereas 1314 B.C. is the year i have set for when the millennium items were finally sealed away by order of pharaoh set.

note: apparently this little hyperfocus excursion of mine lines up with the plotline of yu-gi-oh! the movie: pyramid of light, but... we don’t acknowledge that movie in this house.

reposting to my personal for preservation reasons.

[trevorskullcrafter]

An Investigation of the Under-Land, by Merlin Aubert

Though many are familiar and comfortable with the world's four continents, each of them brimming with a unique history, it seems possible or even likely that there is an elusive fifth continent somewhere out of reach for us land-dwellers. Sunken in a time long before recorded history and hidden deep below the Vantanic Ocean's surface ever since, this land would no doubt have limitless value to us historians and help us to understand far more about the planet we inhabit.

Due to this continent's purely theoretical existence, it currently has no official name. Those investigating it have called it by a variety of monikers, such as Astralea, the Under-Land, and quite tastelessly, Vantlantis. For the purposes of simplicity, in this documentation I shall refer to it as the Under-Land, as I consider that name the most vague (and therefore, intriguing) of the three.

Now that the basics have been covered, I feel I should address the fae in the chamber. "But, Merlin, how can one document what has never been discovered?" Fret not, dear reader, for I have an answer: raw speculation. Ongoing investigations of the Under-Land are exceptionally dry at the time of writing, you see, yet it is vital even now to document every discovery in the event that they prove useful in future endeavors. As such, I shall be founding my words on current discoveries combined with my own historical knowledge, to hopefully reach a conclusion that is at least somewhat cohesive.

Geography

The rumors of a landmass that once laid above the abyss first began around the discovery of tectonic shift more than six centuries ago, in a time when suggesting that the Earth was not the center of the universe could land one atop a burning stake. As our records show, Sylean cartographer Raphael Salandor was tasked with drawing the first full map of the world, combining works from across the four continents onto a single parchment. It was recorded that at multiple points, Salandor remarked that the continents would fit together quite remarkably, and even proposed a fifth that could have existed long ago. This drew the attention of the historians of that time, who, in collaboration with Raphael Salandor himself, formed a society whose name translates literally to the "League of Blue-Footed Men." Once the League finished Salandor's map, tectonic plates and leylines included, they began to advertise it to all within an ear's reach in the hopes of enlightening them to the truth.

After the group's mass execution for reported treason to the Emperor, the incident was quickly swept under the rug. An unknown artist was commissioned to recreate the map without its unwarranted details, attributing the work to Salandor himself. Though we cannot know what happened to the original map, we do know that the League of Blue-Footed Men was accurate in its theory of tectonic shift. Thus, it can be assumed that if one is able to find this old map, they would know whether this lost continent truly exists.

Archaeology

Undersea archaeology has been a hobby of mine for more than a decade, and I feel that I should explain just how I and my predecessors go about it. You see, dear reader, though I lack gills, I happen to know a method to breathe underwater for a time. It involves a unique spell that envelops its user in a thin bubble of air while in water, allowing for extended trips beneath the waves without any fear of drowning. The amount of pressure the bubble can sustain (and therefore, the maximum depth one can reach) is limited, but to be able to investigate underwater ruins at all is a privilege I would not reject.

I have managed to find a curious set of shipwrecks by using this spell, each one tracing back to the coastline of each continent facing the Vantanic Ocean. Despite coming from entirely different places, each one of these ships carried artifacts of a bizarre material that I still have yet to identify. I had planned to show the set to a D'allamari friend of mine (being a goblin and an alchemist, his skills in material identification are unmatched), but the Grand Iraltine Museum seized the artifacts before I had the chance. All I know for certain, I am afraid, is that this substance was pale and durable. It reminded me of the clay pots my mother would put on the windowsills of my childhood home to make it seem more valuable. Could this material be from a civilization from the Under-Land itself, thriving deep below our feet without anyone knowing? Or is it simply a form of clay, bleached by the Vantanic Ocean's extreme conditions?

Ichthyology

Though the world of zoology is well beyond my particular realm of understanding, I was recently approached by a former colleague by the name of Darius Forgraven, who happens to study the life of the seas. He offered to provide some information that would prove useful to this documentation if I spied on his fiancée while he studied the fish of Hotryn's Reach overseas, so naturally I accepted.

In Darius' and his peers' study of abyssal life, they found a variety of fish and other creatures which lived in high-pressure environments deep under the surface of the Cardinal Sea. Due to the lack of light at this level, some of these species evolve to give off their own light in order to attract food sources or potential mates, while others are completely blind as they have adapted other ways to survive their environment. Curiously though, these adaptations are far less commonly seen in what washes up from the Vantanic Ocean, despite its waters reaching far deeper than those in the Cardinal Sea. This implies the existence of another natural light source in the depths, perhaps one having to do with the volcanic activity of a lost continent. That is only speculation, though, as once again, I know very little about zoology.

Astrology

In my desperate attempts to learn more about the Under-Land, I have enlisted the aid of priests and occultists alike, hoping to gain a lead I could explore in future journeys. Though some were quite unscrupulous (and perhaps somewhat greedy), there are two interactions in particular with these types that perplexed me.

The first was with an oracle, who spoke of a "seed of life" in the deep oceans. Whether this has natural or supernatural value I cannot yet be sure, but I can speculate that perhaps the amphibians that we humans evolved from were, in turn, evolved from the fish of the Vantanic Ocean after exposure to the environmental conditions of the Under-Land (with these unique conditions being the so-called "Seed of Life").

The second meeting I had was a year later, with the librarian of the Grand Iraltine Museum. I had the pleasure of meeting this man whilst attempting to recover the artifacts that were stolen from my collection, an incident I have written about in a prior text. He was a stern fellow, proper in posture and in etiquette, and seemed to take interest in my search for the Under-Land. He remarked that I should take a look in the section of the library marked 'Supernatural History', but despite my search, I could find no section with that name. I ventured to ask the librarian if he had perhaps misspoken, to find that the man had vanished entirely. Of course at first I assumed this was but a sly prank, an insult to my investigation on an entirely unseen region of our world, but when I spoke to my colleagues about the matter, they seemed confused, and replied that they had visited that section of the library on prior occasions. Needless to say, the entire ordeal left me speechless for some time, and I still have yet to understand exactly what it all meant.

Conclusions and Final Speculation

I firmly believe, based on present evidence, that the Under-Land truly does exist. Beyond that, however, the facts become as murky as a botched cup of feathercorn tea. What catastrophic event could have caused an entire continent to sink into the abyss that is the Vantanic Ocean? Are the waters indeed the origin of all life on Earth? If so, could some ancient civilization have existed on the surface of the Under-Land, producing relics outside the realm of us surface-dwellers' understanding? Perhaps there are still active volcanoes on the continent's surface, billowing out light along with a sort of primordial soup that the local fauna thrives off of. Perhaps I am being too optimistic about my theories, and all can be explained away with an uninteresting natural phenomenon. Or perhaps, as one of my less clever readers has suggested, it is all due to 'aliens' from 'outer space.'

From a humble explorer and historian, thank you for reading, and I sincerely hope you will join me in my further investigations into the peculiarities of this world we call our own.

[justforbooks]

Constance Anne Wilson, who has died aged 95, was one of the first people in Britain to lay claim to the description of professional food historian, after her book Food and Drink in Britain from the Stone Age to Recent Times was published in 1973. She spent most of her working life at the University of Leeds where, as a librarian at the Brotherton Library, she had the care of several categories of specialist literature. Among these were two matchless collections of early printed recipe books (singled out by the Arts Council in 2005 as having international significance), and having spent much time during the 1960s cataloguing one of these she boldly took the next step and wrote her pathfinding book.

Soon, thanks to her example, food historians would become an academic commonplace. The book might have projected her into another sphere altogether, when she was interviewed by the teenage magazine Honey a few months after publication. Her head, however, was not turned.

The great thing about Food and Drink in Britain is that it presents a narrative firmly based on fact (drawn from her early printed recipe books) rather than anecdote and speculation, the hallmark of many such accounts. The last serious appraisal of our food history had been Sir Jack Drummond’s more than three decades earlier (The Englishman’s Food, with Anne Wilbraham). She was able to extend her brief back into prehistory thanks to studying classical archaeology (under Sir Mortimer Wheeler) at university. As if anxious not to frighten the horses by an excess of historical scholarship, she stressed in her foreword that her work was also a recipe book, although the reader would have to be keen to explore some of her byways – have you ever asked your butcher for a couple of pounds of beef palates?

A few years later, she endeared herself still further to an important cohort of British food enthusiasts: those who make their own marmalade. The Book of Marmalade (1985) laid out every fact relevant to the history of the confection as well as supplying an excellent set of recipes for all sorts of amateurs, including those who wish to graduate to more esoteric combinations such as lime and honeydew melon. It is still the standard reference point for all those marmalade-making competitions and festivals, and sells steadily nearly 40 years after its first appearance.

Not content with writing significant texts (she was later to deal with the history of distilling, from Dionysiac ritual to modern cocktails, in Water of Life) and holding down her post at the university library, Wilson will be remembered as the prime mover of the Leeds Symposium on Food History and Traditions, the first session of which was held in 1986. Her exemplar was the Oxford Symposium, founded by Alan Davidson and Theodore Zeldin a few years earlier, but it had its own special character, which set the Yorkshire gathering quite apart. Its focus was relentlessly English, and often local; its approach was always historical, not veering towards more general matters of food policy or theory; and thanks to the involvement of Leeds University extension department, its attendees were drawn from a much wider social grouping than the internationalist, media-oriented Oxford affair.

Meetings in Leeds, and later in York, were serious, with heavyweight lecturers, but enlivened by brilliant lunches and teas with each plate brought in by individual cooks pursuing their particular culinary hobbyhorse, be it gingerbread, black pudding or mutton in a 17th-century manner. For several years, Anne was the single organiser and editor of the annual volume of themed essays. As a result of her efforts, there arose in Leeds a distinguished group of food historians – Lynette Hunter, Laura Mason, Ivan Day, Peter Brears and many others – whose work has had long-range consequences for the discipline.

Anne Wilson was born in east Gower, near Swansea, the elder of two daughters of Constance (nee Laycock) and Rowland Wilson. Her father was then an assistant lecturer in mathematics at University College, Swansea, but would rise to become professor of mathematics at the University of Swansea. Her mother was also a mathematician who had studied at Girton College, Cambridge, but had to give up her teaching post when she married in 1925. The two girls would follow their mother to Girton, although pursuing classical, not mathematical studies. Anne attended Mumbles primary school and then Glanmor grammar school for girls, Swansea, before going to Cambridge.

At university, Anne studied classics and thought to train as an almoner, as medical social workers were still known, in Chaucerian fashion. She soon decided this was not for her, nor the two short-lived jobs she obtained thereafter, and enrolled at the London Institute of Archaeology for a diploma. Subsequently, she worked in libraries arranging inter-university loans and pursuing qualification as a librarian at night school. This somewhat halting progress to permanent employment ended in 1961 when she was taken on by the Brotherton Library in Leeds, and there she remained until 1992.

For one whose outward demeanour was quite diffident, the grit and determination she showed in both her writing and in organising other people often caught one unawares. She was also, as if to underline these latter characteristics, a gifted clarinettist and constant member of Leeds orchestras and ensembles. As her publisher for 20 years, I never found her anything but amenable.

She is survived by her sister, Caroline.

🔔 Constance Anne Wilson, born 12 July 1927; died 8 January 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

[mightyflamethrower]

Revealing itself like a relic straight out of a captivating adventure film, the Antikythera Mechanism remains an enigma that perplexes the archaeological community to this day.

Emerging from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, within the remnants of a Greek cargo ship that has braved the tides for over two millennia, this circular bronze artifact presents an awe-inspiring spectacle. Its surface is adorned with an intricate web of interlocking gears, while mysterious characters are etched meticulously across its faces.

Initially believed to be a navigational astrolabe, this remarkable piece has continued to unravel its secrets, providing glimpses into its multifaceted functions. As our understanding grows, it has become evident that the Antikythera Mechanism was, at the very least, an exceptionally sophisticated astronomical calendar.

What makes this discovery truly remarkable is the fact that it stands as the most advanced and intricate device ever recovered from its time period. Remarkably, it predates the appearance of similar mechanisms by a staggering 1,000 years. The ingenuity and complexity exhibited by this ancient marvel defy the expectations and technological capabilities typically associated with its era.

As researchers delve into the inner workings of the Antikythera Mechanism, the true extent of its capabilities and purpose continues to be unraveled. Through meticulous analysis and examination, scholars have determined that this awe-inspiring artifact possessed the ability to track celestial movements, predict eclipses, and even display various astronomical phenomena. The precision and accuracy achieved by its complex network of gears and dials are nothing short of extraordinary.

The significance of the Antikythera Mechanism extends far beyond its intrinsic complexity. It serves as a testament to the remarkable scientific and technological knowledge possessed by the ancient civilizations that came before us. Its existence challenges our preconceived notions about the sophistication of ancient engineering and the understanding of celestial mechanics.

As this remarkable treasure from the past continues to defy expectations and unveil its secrets, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and curiosity of our human ancestors. The Antikythera Mechanism embodies the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the enduring quest to comprehend the mysteries of the universe. In its presence, we are reminded of the vast depths of our collective history and the limitless potential of human intellect and innovation.