LovinHotChocolate

Don't let others steal your sunshine ☀️Hot chocolate connoisseur, avid global traveler ✈️, #dogmom 🐶and #history buff - Always ready for an adventure! 🇺🇸

[LovinHotChocolate @LovinHotChoc]

C&O Canal near Lock 15 - Potomac, MD @COcanalNPS @CanalTrust #SundayMorning #NaturePhotography

[Archaeo - Histories @archeohistories]

"The Thinking Tree"

An ancient 'Olive Tree' in Puglia, Italy. The tree, which is believed to be at least 1500 years old, and potentially as ancient as 4000 years according to some studies, has captivated audiences on social media over the last decade. It's a symbol of history and longevity, with olives being an essential part of the region's culture and economy. This tree has likely witnessed many generations and events over the years. Its significance is a testament to the importance of olive trees in the Mediterranean region.

However, the grandeur of the Ancient Olive Thinking Tree is merely a glimpse into the rich tapestry of olive groves that have thrived for centuries in the Puglia region of Italy. With an estimated 50 to 60 million olive trees, featuring trunks of varying shapes and sizes, it’s no wonder that some might bear resemblance to a face.

In 8th Century BC, Greeks arrive from Sparta. Hellenistic Civilization founds a number of important centres, giving Puglia the name Magna Grecia. According to some scholars, this tree is part of an olive grove from that time period. In 4th Century BC, Romans build the Via Appia connecting Rome to Puglia and oust the Greeks from the region in 272 BC. They colonise the region and develop a flourishing agricultural economy growing wheat and producing olive oil.

The narrative of Puglia’s olive trees finds its origin in the annals of Roman history. These trees, extolled in biblical texts for embodying abundance, peace, and purity, also find a place in the mythical birth story of Rome. It’s said that the legendary founders of Rome, the twin brothers Remus and Romulus, were born under the protective shade of an olive tree. This potent symbolism held a deep resonance for the Romans, prompting them to cultivate these trees in abundance, thereby setting the stage for the enduring economic contribution of olive trees in the region.

The olive groves of Puglia, some of the oldest continually cultivated in the world, carry the imprints of centuries of human touch. The myriad shapes of these trees, each unique in its form, stand as silent testimonials to the generations of hands that have lovingly tended and harvested them. Each gnarled trunk and twisted branch tells a tale of endurance and adaptation, shaped by the rhythms of nature and the needs of those who have depended on their fruits. As such, these ancient groves encapsulate a vital piece of human history and a timeless bond between nature and mankind. The olive oil, a cherished product of these trees, has a history as rich as the groves themselves. Its initial use was restricted to the elite echelons of society, with Pharaohs and priests using it for anointment ceremonies.

However, as cultivation spread and production increased, olive oil transitioned from a luxury to a necessity, finding a place in the everyday lives of people. It became an integral part of various sectors, serving as a fuel source, a culinary staple, a key ingredient in cosmetics, and a base for medicinal preparations. The importance of olive oil is underscored by the fact that the English word “oil” has its roots in the Latin word “Oliva,” which means “Olive Tree.”

There is also an olive tree in west Athens, greece named "Plato's Olive Tree." It is a remnant of grove where Plato's Academy was situated, and it is estimated to be 2400 years old.

📷© nicola_di_tinco_

#archaeohistories

[Massimo @Rainmaker1973]

The absolutely sumptuous baroque main organ in the Cathedral of Braga, Portugal

[📹 ManSi Li]

[LovinHotChocolate @LovinHotChoc]

Goodnight Marina del Rey! #California #beachlife #boating

[National Park Service @NatlParkService]

Cheers to health, happiness, and many park visits in 2024!

#NewYearsEve

[Patrick Dexter @patrickdextervc]

Auld Lang Syne, the Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, was set to a much older Scottish/Irish melody and is now sung all over the world to welcome the new year. Happy New Year from the west of Ireland!

[Science girl @sciencegirl]

Festive lights on Chavchavadze avenue in Tbilisi, capital city of Georgia
https://t.co/OlFqycmEn2

[LovinHotChocolate @LovinHotChoc]

Starting our Christmas celebrations at the Carroll Creek Park’s “Sailing Through the Winter Solstice” event. Vote on your favorite boat, and raise money for local charities - @tourfrederickmd https://t.co/sSSlZDsuym #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #outdoor

[Archaeo - Histories @archeohistories]

Zvartnots Cathedral is located in the Ararat valley, 3km south of  Echmiadzin, Armenia. This historical site once was a famous place of worship in the pre-Christian period. During the excavations, the foundation of an Urartian temple was revealed, as well as an altar for sacrifice and a cuneiform inscription of King Rusa II, which testifies the construction of the Hrazdan River canal were found.

The ancient pagan temple was dedicated to Tir - the God of written language and schooling. After adopting Christianity the pagan temple was turned into a Christian church. Supposedly Zvartnots temple was built between 643-652 AD. 

According to historian Sebeos, the name of the cathedral is derived from the old Armenian word "Zvartun" which means “an angel”. Thus the temple was called “a cathedral of angels”. Perhaps the name of the cathedral was connected with its architectural style, as the abundance of sunlight entering through a multitude of windows made an impression that angels flew into the windows. 

Interestingly only Sebeos names the cathedral “Zvartnots”. In all the other records it is mentioned as St. Grigor. The temple stood until the end of the 10th century and was most likely destroyed by an earthquake. Until the excavations in 1901 the ruins of the cathedral were covered in the ground.

Zvartnots Cathedral was a unique architectural structure of impressive dimensions. Instead of cross-domed or basilica type structure characteristic of the period, Zvartnots introduced an entirely new style. It had three levels and the central dome rested on one complete circle. It was also one of the tallest structures of its time (45-49m).

In 1989 the cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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📷© @_M_Mountain_

#archaeohistories

[Architecture & Tradition @archi_tradition]

Budapest is renowned for its architectural beauty and picturesque cityscape.

Here are 10 incredible photographs of this city in winter (via @krenn_imre ) 🧵

[Historic Vids @historyinmemes]

The Goat Canyon Trestle, located in San Diego County, California, is the world's largest wooden railroad trestle. Built in 1919 as part of the Carrizo Gorge Track, it stands over 600 feet long and 186 feet high. Constructed with redwood beams, the bridge is a testament to the engineering prowess of its time.

The area around the trestle, known as Anza-Borrego, is an arid desert, and the construction of the railroad track through this landscape was a challenging task. It required the building of 17 tunnels and numerous trestles, earning it the nickname "the impossible railroad."

Over the years, the Goat Canyon Trestle has suffered significant damage from fires and floods. In 1976, Hurricane Kathleen caused the collapse of several tunnels and trestle beams, leading the Southern Pacific Railroad to abandon the line.

Despite its abandonment, the Goat Canyon Trestle remains a popular destination for hikers and adventurers, with a 6-mile roundtrip hike to reach the top. The area is also home to abandoned rail cars, adding to the allure of the site. As of January 2018, the Baja California Railroad was assessing the line for potential repairs to allow the track to return to operation.

[Science girl @sciencegirl]

Traditional soap making method

📹craftsman0011
https://t.co/E6YFSjTdPz

[The Culturist @the_culturist_]

America was supposed to be Art Deco.

Marvels of American Art Deco design - a thread 🧵

1. Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH (1933)

[Archaeo - Histories @archeohistories]

Norias of Hama (Syria); are a collection of historic waterwheels so lovely and elaborate that they make classical Western waterwheels look weak in comparison. Unfortunately, after surviving for hundreds of years, these lovely wooden constructions are in danger of becoming victims of local conflicts.

Evidence of these ornate water wheels dates back as far as the 5th Century CE, although none of the extant examples have been found to be quite so ancient. The norias (“wheels of pots” in Arabic) were originally constructed on the Orontes River to move H2O through a series of aqueducts that fed farms all across the settlement, becoming so iconic that they eventually became the symbol of the city. Even after they fell out of general use with the advent of modern irrigation systems, the norias were left intact, aging into beautiful historic icons of the city’s agrarian past.

By the modern day there were 17 of the historic wheels still standing across the city, some attached to old buildings, others just standing free as city changed around them. The iconic relics were even to be considered protected UNESCO  artifacts, but unfortunately this designation has yet to be approved. Sadly, it may be too late in any event. Recent reports from the war-torn region suggest that some, if not all of the norias may have been burnt down. For history’s sake let’s hope that these reports are greatly exaggerated.

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[National Park Service @NatlParkService]

What is petrified wood, and why is it so frightened?

Most likely, millions of years ago, a dinosaur, uninvited, approached a gathering of trees. At first, they were afraid. Then they were petrified. All their rings turned to stone inside. But they survived. Yes, they survived.

[Science girl @sciencegirl]

Aniol Serrasolses, has descended a 20 metre ice waterfall in Brasvellbreen, the Svalbard archipelago of Norway -

the biggest ever recorded drop off a glacial waterfall,

📹Red Bull

[Lakota Man @LakotaMan1]

Owls create imprints of snow angels in the winter when they swoop down to catch their prey of mice or squirrels.

[Archaeo - Histories @archeohistories]

Medieval Streets and Architecture; in Rhodes, Greece.

The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309-1523 AD, and set about transforming city into a stronghold. It subsequently came under Turkish and Italian rule. With Palace of the Grand Masters, Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights, Upper Town is one of most beautiful urban ensembles of Gothic period. In Lower Town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from Ottoman Period.

From 1309- 1523 AD, Rhodes, largest island of Dodecanese, was occupied by Knights of St John of Jerusalem who had lost their last stronghold in Palestine, in Acre, in 1291 AD. They transformed island capital into a fortified city able to withstand sieges as terrible as those led by Sultan of Egypt in 1444 and Mehmet II in 1480. Rhodes finally fell in 1522 AD, after a six-month siege carried out by Suleyman II.

Medieval city is located within 4km long wall. It is divided with high town to north and lower town south-southwest. Originally separated from lower town by a fortified wall, high town was entirely built by Knights. Order was organized into 7 “tongues”, each having its own seat, or “inn”. Inns of tongues of Italy, France, Spain and Provence lined principal east-west axis, famous Street of the Knights, on both sides, one of finest testimonies to Gothic urbanism. To north, close to site of Knights’ first hospice, stands Inn of Auvergne, whose facade bears arms of Guy de Blanchefort, Grand Master from 1512-1513. Original hospice was replaced in 15th Century by Great Hospital, built between 1440-1489, on south side of Street of Knights.

Lower town is almost as dense with monuments as high town. In 1522, with a population of 5000, it had many churches, some of Byzantine construction. Throughout years, number of palaces and charitable foundations multiplied in south-southeast area: Court of Commerce, Archbishop’s Palace, Hospice of St. Catherine, and others.

The medieval city of Rhodes maintains the architectural character and the urban organization of a medieval city as well as its primary building materials. The alterations to the fortification walls and the monuments within the city during the Ottoman period did not harm at all the character of the historical settlement, and are unique and integral evidence of the historic layering of the property. The Italian occupation after 1912 left a strong imprint on the urban landscape of Rhodes, with reconstructions of some of the major buildings. They must be considered, nonetheless, as a permanent integral part of the urban history of Rhodes. 

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[Hil.i.am @hilaryluros]

Hug your pets, folks.

[LovinHotChocolate @LovinHotChoc]

My favorite views of the Potomac River and Purplehorse Beach - Billy Goat Trail A @CanalTrust @COcanalNPS #hikingadventures #SundayFunday

[LovinHotChocolate @LovinHotChoc]

It’s a double adventure day: Spent the AM on Billy Goat Trail A between market 2 and 3. Then took the #SeniorPup to Ridge Road Recreational Park. Although his big #hike days are behind him, Wally still loves our #OutdoorAdventures @COcanalNPS @MontgomeryParks @CanalTrust #dogmom