David Oakley’s photostream is a complete joy to scan through, just for the beautiful simplicity of the effects he applies to his photographs in Adobe Lightroom to give such a unique style. I’ve selected an image of the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi’an, China to represent exactly how gorgeous this technique turns out. It looks as if it’s been inked out on paper, such is the power of post-processing software these days – it’s incredible the various effects that can be achieved given talent with a computer and graphics editing software. Anyone can be an artist without ever needing to…
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Take an image which is interesting enough as it is, showing great craftsmanship and attention to detail as in the construction of the Treasury of Atreus – a domed tomb (also known as a tholos tomb). Probably the most impressive of the tombs in the Mycenae region, Greece, the Treasury of Atreus’s ceiling has been beautifully photographed by Dave Wheatley, who has then made the image even more interesting by switching it to a Negative effect. This creates the effect that this is no longer a mosaic of bricks, but an image which sparkles to life with a shimmering of…
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One of the most impressive and startling structures in the world is the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, yet the construction of it remains the subject of much debate and discussion to this very day. Dr Mark Lehner, an archaeologist at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, and Harvard Semitic Museum, has given an exclusive video interview to Heritage Key in which he explains what he and his team are doing in their latest excavation. Dr Lehner wants to know the answer to a question that rarely gets asked – Where and how did the workers who…
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Named after the Greek goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodisias was named in 2BC century, and the Temple of Aphrodite was built in the 1st Century AD. Captured in this photograph by balavenise, we can see the beauty in the relic of it’s glowing stone against the dusk purple sky. In Roman times, Aphrodisias flourished thanks to the benefit of investment in the area, and a town was built with the temple as a focal point. The town became famous for its marble crafting skills (partly due to the copious amounts of marble found in the area), and sculptures produced…
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On the banks of the Nile, some 200km north-east from Khartoum is the ancient city of Meroe – the southern capital of the Kushite empire, which spanned across Sudan and part of Ethiopia. Nearby are a group of villages called Bajrawia which is where today’s Flickr photograph was taken byVit Hassan, who captured this stunning sandstorm engulfing the area. The city of Meroe is flanked by over 200 Nubian pyramids, many of which lie in ruins as is evident in Vit Hassan’s fantastic capture of the site. Although once a flourishing city of great importance in its time, much about…
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Easily the most recognisable heritage site in Greece, the Acropolis spans 3 hectares on a site which sits 150 metres above sea level. Much of this fascinating site remains today, albeit a little bit spread out! Roy Filou’s fantastic capture of this stunning site at dusk creates a shadowy and relaxed feel which portrays a warm feel. The Older Parthenon was originally pillaged and burnt to the ground in 480BC after a Persian atatck on Athens. In the aftermath, the whole site was rebuilt during the Golden Age of Athens, overseen by Emperor Pericles and two prominent architects – Ictinus…
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Having a bit of a soft spot for HDRphotography, this gorgeous photograph by rinogas of the Church of St. Simeon Stylites near Aleppo, Syria immediately caught my eye. The subtle and soft glow on the remains of the structure, combined with the wispy white clouds and contrasting greys of the sky creates a perfect picture of this well preserved heritage site. Built in honour of St. Simeon Stylites, a secluded monk, the Church was consecrated in 475AD covering a staggering 5,000 square metre of floor space, almost matching that of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.Located over 60 kilometres away from…
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A recent article here on Heritage Key by Bija Knowles looked at Roman sites across the South East of France. There are many sites across the area which remain today as relics to the Roman past, the empire having controlled the area as early as 125BC. The map shows the triangle area between the towns of Nimes, Arles and Orange where many of the heritage sites reside, but also includes Lyon which also has many notable Roman settlement relics. Using this interactive map, you can see the exact locations of these sites, and easily plan your (real or fantasy) trip…
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Having grown up in the Midlands (England), I know a thing or two about grid-based cities. Miletus, was the world’s first grid based city, designed by Hippodamus in 479BC. The city boasts your usual Ancient Greek features – arches, statues, and of course – Amphitheatres. The Miletus Amphitheatre has three layers, with the underground layers constructed in 700BC and the ground level constructed in 100AD. Sleyman Demi’s photograph is of a corridor on the ground floor of the amphitheatre. The photograph is a black and white shot which could easily be taken as a lighting study of the corridor. The…
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Dr Hawass recently announced that he is looking to raise $2,000,000 for his “Chair of Egyptology”. Now I don’t know about you, but I find that to be one pricey chair! That said, King Tutankhamun’s Throne boasts a $17,000,000 valuation* (well okay – it is priceless, but in this economy, everything has its price apparently). That said, Dr Hawass’ “Chair” is also priceless as the amount will be invested back into Egyptology, and will aid the careers of future budding Egyptologists. Personally, I’m pretty happy with a 5 stool from the local market, but then I’m easily pleased. Admittedly there…