In the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD, archaeologists discovered a remarkable gold bracelet from the 1st Century AD in Pompeii, within the “House of the Golden Bracelet.” This striking piece features a two-headed snake design with glass eyes intricately coiled around the arm, holding a golden disk depicting the image of the goddess Selene. The disk is adorned with a half-moon-shaped tiara and surrounded by seven stars. The bracelet was found on the arm of a woman whose remains were uncovered alongside those of another adult and a child. This discovery offers a poignant glimpse into the lives and tragic end of Pompeii’s inhabitants.

A dancing figure whistle from Colima, Mexico, 300 BC - 200 CE. Dance was central to Mesoamerican civilization as attested by its depiction on vases and other utilitarian objects. Performances served to bring together the community by reifying shared beliefs of social behaviour, recounting histories and incarnating religious ideologies. Performers were bedecked in ostentatious costumes that served to remove them from their social identities and the everyday reality of the community.

In the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque, in the Chiapas region of Mexico, lies the tomb of the legendary Mayan ruler, Pakal the Great. Discovered in 1952, tomb dates back to around 683 AD. The intricately carved sarcophagus lid of Pakal has fascinated historians and adventurers alike. Its detailed imagery has sparked countless interpretations and debates, as researchers strive to uncover the meanings behind its symbols and what they reveal about Mayan beliefs and mythology.

Lamanai is situated in north of Belize and is thought to have been occupied by Maya for over 3000 years, though with barely any excavation having taken place, there is little evidence of how life evolved over the millennia. The site core contains 8 Ceremonial Plazas, 5 large temple structures, Residential Group and an Ancient Harbour for river traffic. Site is best known for High Temple (Structure N10-43) which rises an imperious 33m and high above the jungle canopy to provide an excellent view over river (this was still being reconstructed in 2002, but can now be ascended again). Ruins lack reconstruction work that many of ancient Maya cities of Mexico and Guatemala have been treated to and you will need to bring a strong sense of imagination to piece back the jumbles of brick that you see displaced around the archaeological zone. However, hidden amongst the jungle, this gives a real sense of exploration and discovery that you seldom feel elsewhere.

In ancient Roman world, a  tintinnabulum (tintinnum) was a wind chime or assemblage of bells. A tintinnabulum often took the form of a bronze ithyphallic figure or of a fascinum, a magico-religious phallus thought to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune and prosperity.

A tintinnabulum acted as a door amulet. These were hung near thresholds at a shop or house, under the peristyles (around inner courtyard or garden) by the bedroom or the venereum, where the wind would cause them to tinkle. They were also made to ring like doorbells, a series of them being tied to cord attached to a bell pull.

Then vs Now - The Lost City Of Pompeii :

Modern reconstruction of Pompeii; City was buried in ash and pumice following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Nearly 2000 years ago, Pompeii was a bustling city located in what is now southern Italy. But in the summer of 79 AD, the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. It spewed smoke and toxic gas 20 miles into the air, which soon spread to the town. Almost overnight, Pompeii and many of its 10,000 residents vanished under a blanket of ash.

Pompeii was basically lost and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1748 AD. Thanks to excavations, which are still going on today, scientists have been able to figure out almost exactly what happened on that terrible day.

The pañuelo or alampay, a Filipino lace-like embroidered neck scarf or shawl worn around the shoulders over camisa (blouse). They were square-shaped and were folded in half into a triangle when worn. Pañuelos are direct predecessors of Manila shawl. Spanish word pañuelo (paño+uelo) means kerchief, scarf and handkerchief.

Pañuelos were traditionally made from sheer lace-like nipis textiles woven from abaca fiber. They were square-shaped and were folded in half into a triangle when worn around the shoulders. They commonly featured floral embroidery (using techniques like  calado, sombrado, and deshilado). In addition to native abacá fiber, they were also made from piña fiber, acquired from pineapples introduced by Spanish. They also featured borders of lace or knotted fringes, a Spanish element which itself was acquired from Moors.

Sun cross, also called solar cross, sun wheel, is one of oldest symbols, dating back to prehistoric cultures. It has been found around the world and holds different interpretations to various cultures. It is believed to be one of oldest  religious symbol in world, with links to Indian, Asian, American and European religious art from prehistoric ages.

The symbol, and its many variations, have been found around the world. Carvings from the Bronze Age show the solar cross depicted on burial urns, dating back to 1440 BC. It makes appearances on ancient cave walls, in places of worship, on coins, artwork, sculptures and in architecture.

According to some legends; there was a French city where, during the Middle Ages, the women had an odd habit. In the morning, married women would put a small dose of poison in the breakfast they had prepared for their husbands. Later on, when their men returned home during the evening, they would be given the antidote.

In this way, the poison would not become harmful and affect them. There was a strict reason for this practice. Should the husbands remain elsewhere for too long, as the administration of the antidote got delayed, the men would end up experiencing symptoms like nausea, headaches, depression, vomiting, pain or shortness of breat
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