The ancient city of Mari was built at the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC near the west bank of the Euphrates river, in present day Syria. A canal was dug connecting the city to the river, and Mari became a prosperous trading intermediary. The city was abandoned and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, until it was destroyed by King Hammurabi in the 17th century BC. The city, however, continued to exist to some small degree until the last few centuries BC, at which point it was forgotten. In 1933 it was rediscovered, and excavations of the Royal Palace yielded a wealth of tablets, wall art, and sculptures, including an incredibly well preserved statue of Ebih-Il, superintendent of Mari. 48 sunken terracotta carvings puzzled archaeologists. Finally, as they were found near ancient ovens, it was realized that they were 4000 year old baking moulds.
Bonus 1:
Mari is one step in the complex rise and spread of civilization, which begun around 10,000 BC. A video by the California Academy of Sciences, based on work by scientists at the University of Utrecht, illustrates the process beautifully. Especially poignant is the astounding dimming of civilization in the Americas around 1500 - 1700 CE.
Mari is one step in the complex rise and spread of civilization, which begun around 10,000 BC. A video by the California Academy of Sciences, based on work by scientists at the University of Utrecht, illustrates the process beautifully. Especially poignant is the astounding dimming of civilization in the Americas around 1500 - 1700 CE.
Bonus 2:
A small noddle shop in Hanoi received an unexpected endorsement in May, when President Obama and Anthony Bourdain sat down for some 6$ bún chả. Months later, there is still a constant line to get in, and so many customers ask to have what Obama did that the the menu now includes the 'Obama Combo'.
-E
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