15 Shocking Ancient Secrets | Smithsonian Channel
Smithsonian Channel・2 minutes read
DNA analysis reveals a female shrunken head, contrary to tradition, as Mount Vesuvius erupts, causing chaos and tragic deaths in Pompeii. Archeologists uncover mysteries in Pompeii and Denmark, while discovering the significance of copper smelting and ancient rituals at Gobekli Tepe.
Insights
- DNA analysis of a shrunken head reveals it to be female, challenging the traditional male association due to Shuar practices.
- The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD led to tragic deaths in Pompeii, showcasing the chaos and devastation caused by pyroclastic flows and the citizens' fear-driven vigilante justice system.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of the DNA analysis on the shrunken head?
The DNA analysis on the shrunken head revealed that it belonged to a female, which goes against the usual male heads associated with Shuar traditions. This discovery challenges the preconceived notions about the gender of shrunken heads and sheds light on the diversity within this practice.
How did the eruption of Mount Vesuvius impact Pompeii residents?
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24th, 79 AD caught the residents of Pompeii off guard, leading to chaos as hot ash rained down on the city. This catastrophic event resulted in tragic deaths, including that of a wealthy family in Oplontis, highlighting the devastating consequences of natural disasters on ancient civilizations.
What evidence of vigilante justice was found in Pompeii?
Archeologists uncovered evidence of vigilante justice in Pompeii, including inscriptions offering rewards for stolen goods and guard dogs protecting homes. The citizens of Pompeii lived in fear due to rampant crime, leading them to take justice into their own hands through various security measures and community efforts to combat theft.
How did the extraction of metals from rock impact human history?
The extraction of metals from rock marked a significant advancement in human history, with copper being a highly valued metal comparable to crude oil in importance. The laborious process of copper smelting, involving fire, clay bowls, charcoal, and crushed copper ore, revolutionized the way ancient societies utilized resources and contributed to technological progress.
What was the purpose of the shrunken head reconstruction process?
The shrunken head reconstruction process involved various steps such as removing the skull to enable shrinking, sealing the mouth with wooden pins, sewing the eyes shut with thick twine, and filling the head with hot pebbles and sand to absorb moisture. This meticulous process aimed to revive the warrior and create a ceremonial artifact, although some discoveries revealed commercial shrunken heads rather than ceremonial ones.
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