Heritage Key Weekly Newsletter - December 8th 2009
Visit Heritage Key to unlock the marvels of the ancient world, as your next great adventure starts online. Join the action and try-out our incredible 3D-online virtual experience. Your journey discovering the treasures of King Tut Virtual is just a few clicks away.
ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS
The First 10 Cities of the World
What makes a city? Certainly an abundance of people (and maybe a few skyscrapers too.) But when trying to find signs of urbanization in the ancient world, archaeologists like to look at more than just population size. Factors like whether or not a social hierarchy existed, if there was a political system in place, and if the denizens specialized in different professions, are just some of the indicators used. Even the development of art and monuments can serve as benchmarks.
We've picked out 10 of the earliest cities in the world — each one being among the first to urbanize. But which of these is the oldest city in the world? The answer is not so straight-forward.
King Tut Virtual - Taking Photographs
Learn how to document your visit to the virtual Valley of the Kings; capture the virtual you in King Tut's tomb or frame the beautiful scenery in the Nile area. The best shots earn $100 (real of course).
- Where can you find King Tut objects that are not on display in Toronto?
- Why go Virtual? It's fun, high-quality, educational, innovative and free!
- A Reason for Rezzing: How and Why We Build King Tut Virtual
Tonight:
Dr. Zahi Hawass in London
The famous Egyptologist visits London and Heritage World Press invites everyone to a special lecture. Dr. Hawass will introduce his two new books: 'Inside the Egyptian Museum' and 'A Secret Voyage.' Of course Heritage Key will attend: Do say 'Hi' when spotting Sean, Jon or Ann.
Video:
Inside the basement of the Egyptian Museum
Dr. Zahi Hawass tells us about how a recent 're-discovery' of the storage boxes of the Kom Abu Billu excavation by Sabah Abed el Razek revealed his first - archaeological - love: a statue of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, known as Hathor to the ancient Egyptians.
DISCOVER FABULOUS IMAGES
Sandro Vannini's Photos: The Crypt's Side Chamber of Seti I's Tomb
Several intense excavations in KV17 during the 1950s and 1960s caused structural damage in the tomb which led to the closure of the tomb to the general public, and protective conservation measures being put in place. While we may not be able to go down and explore one of the finest examples of Ancient Egyptian art, Sandro has taken his lens down into the tomb and emerged with several beautiful images. Watch the slideshow.
Satellite Image: The Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza at the Giza Plateau, Egypt, are one of the most famous sights in the world. It's probably photographed from every possible angle from the ground, but how often do you see it from above? Amazing satellite imagery at a high resolution, allowing you to see the pyramids as if you were in the space shuttle (or an alien space craft).
FROM ROMAN TABLETS TO ARMY BLOGS
Roman soldiers at Vindolanda sent short, to-the-point messages, but modern soldiers can send long personal accounts about their experiences of conflict.
More war stories:
We want to see your best high resolution photos taken in King Tut Virtual, and will reward the most sublime shots with non-virtual cash. We are offering 100$ for the most fabulous high resolution shots taken in King Tut Virtual. Participate.
Paula Veiga presents her case, and tells us why she does not believe that Nefertiti's bust is a fake.
Does thousand-year-old Egyptian propaganda fool us too? The King and I(deology).
Ancient Roman Graffiti: From Pompeii with (a whole lot of) Love
GO VISIT
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
- The Terracotta Army in Chile
- Iraq's Ancient Past at the Penn
- The Lost World of Eurpe: The Danube Valley
- Framing the Archaeologist: Portraits and Excavation at the Petrie Museum
- 'World of the Pharaohs' in Arkansas
- Terra Cotta Warriors, Washington DC
Your event listed? Let us know what, how, who and where via email (info@heritage-key.com) or on Twitter (@heritagekey).
HERITAGE KEY ON THE (SOCIAL) WEB
- The latest news? Free email subscriptions to make sure you don't miss out! (We do RSS too.)
- Heritage Key on the 'social web'? YouBet! Become a fan on Facebook, tweet us using Twitter, browse our Flickr Groups and follow us on YouTube.
CONTRIBUTE
- Are You a Heritage Expert? Claim Your Profile! - We'll cherish, promote, publish, interview and maybe even pay you.
- Interested in blogging at or writing for HK? Choose 'Blogs & Bloggers'!
- We are still looking for correspondents in Paris, Athens, San Francisco, Berlin, Israel and Japan.
Latest News
Watch
Heritage Key
Videos
HK Selected Book
by Zahi Hawass and
Sandro Vannini
Keep an Eye Out for...
Ruthless Romans
Meet the Expert
Dr. Shaw studied archaeology at the University of Liverpool, and then stayed on in Liverpool to study for an MA and PhD in Egyptology, only taking a year off to go explore China. Since fall 2009 he has been teaching Egyptology at the American University in Cairo. Living in Egypt, he particularly enjoys being able to visit the pyramids or Egyptian Museum whenever he wants, without the pesky nuisance of plane travel getting in the way. Since moving to Egypt he has travelled extensively, and likes to describe the often fun/strange/rather scary things he encounters in order to inspire others to travel beyond the touristic areas of Luxor and Giza. His favourite pharaoh is Amenhotep II, and his favourite animal is the penguin.
Who makes HK?
Visit us at
Popular on Heritage Key this week:
Comments
Post new comment