I asked AI – ‘Has a Roman or Phoenician coin ever been found in South Africa?’

AI answer – ‘Yes, ancient Greek and Roman coins, and even coins with possible Phoenician connections, have been found in South Africa. Specifically, a hoard of ancient coins was discovered in Pondoland, and another coin was found near Mount Edgecombe in Natal. There are also reports of possible Phoenician ship remains found near Cape Town. …

These discoveries, while significant, are not fully conclusive evidence of widespread ancient presence or trade with Southern Africa. However, they do suggest that ancient Mediterranean civilizations had some level of contact with the region.’

See also my previous post – ‘Is AI the new Indianna Jones?’: https://lnkd.in/eGXq4UTP

While there’s a story from Herodotus about a Phoenician circumnavigation of Africa, it’s not widely accepted as factual, according to historical sources. Herodotus mentions a Phoenician expedition, possibly commissioned by Pharaoh Necho II, that allegedly sailed around Africa. However, the details are sparse, and many scholars doubt its authenticity.

While the Romans had contact with North Africa, their knowledge and exploration of sub-Saharan Africa, including the southern regions, was limited. They did not venture far enough to reach the area of modern-day South Africa.

There is no evidence of Roman settlements or exploration in the area that is now South Africa.

Bartolomeu Dias is credited as the first European explorer to round the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488, according to Britannica and Wikipedia. He named it “Cabo das Tormentas” (Cape of Storms), later renamed Cape of Good Hope by King John II of Portugal. Vasco da Gama followed a decade later, rounding the Cape in 1497 on his way to India.

While there are accounts of a rumoured Phoenician circumnavigation of Africa commissioned by Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II around 600 BCE, as reported by the Greek historian Herodotus, its veracity is debated and there is no definitive proof.

So, how did Roman and Greek coins from Antiquity end up in the ground in South Africa?

I then asked AI –  ‘Was there a trade in gold, involving South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and India, during Antiquity?’

There was.

In my previous post I also asked AI – ‘Are any Ancient African Number Systems based upon Ancient Egyptian Number Systems?’

I posited – could it have been the other way around!

AI’s answer surprised me.

So, I asked AI – ‘Is there any astrological alignment between:

(i)         Adam’s Callender;
(ii)        Great Zimbabwe; and
(iii)       The Giza Pyramids

AI answered – ‘Yes, there are claims of an alignment between Adam’s Calendar, Great Zimbabwe, and the Giza Pyramids, specifically along a longitude of 31 degrees East.

This alignment is often cited in the context of theories about ancient civilizations and their understanding of astronomy and energy grids …

Adam’s Calendar:

A stone circle in South Africa, believed by some to be the oldest man-made structure and a solar calendar, is suggested to be aligned with the other two sites.

Great Zimbabwe:

A ruined city in Zimbabwe, also believed to have astronomical alignments, is proposed to be part of this longitudinal alignment.

Giza Pyramids:

Particularly the Great Pyramid, are theorized to be aligned with specific stars (like Orion’s Belt) and possibly share this longitudinal alignment with the other two sites.’

Going off on at a tangent at the moment for fun – As my birthday is 22/7 out of sheer curiosity I asked AI what this ratio signifies in ‘Sacred Geometry’.

AI answered – ‘In Sacred Geometry, both pi and the golden ratio (phi) are considered fundamental constants that appear throughout nature and are believed to embody divine proportions and harmonious relationships. Pi, with its value of approximately 3.14159, is associated with circles and curves, representing cyclical patterns and wholeness. The golden ratio, approximately 1.618, represents a specific proportion found in many natural forms, suggesting a divine blueprint for beauty and balance.’

pi is present at Giza but not at Adam’s Calendar or in Great Zimbabwe.

I am descended in part from wandering herbalists who lived in Manchuria (in NE China) and Egyptians (both on my later Father’s side), and Celts (who lived in Wales) and Anglo-Saxons who lived in England (on my Mother’s side).

So, given my ‘Egyptian’ connection I am delighted to learn that some of my ancient ancestors knew about pi.

My middle name, which was given to me at birth, is Amir-ul.

According to AI – “Amir-ul” is a combination of the Arabic word “Amir” meaning “commander,” “prince,” or “leader,” and the definite article “ul,” which signifies “of the”. Therefore, “Amir-ul” translates to “the commander” or “the prince”. It is often part of honorific titles like “Amir-ul Mukminin” (Commander of the Faithful).

This is part of a long tradition of family names, and I am not sure why. AI could not provide an explanation!

Don’t panic! – So far, I have received no golden tribute – except of course knowledge! and nobody bows when I enter Tesco or the Co-Op. How times must have changed!

I am descended in part from wandering herbalists who lived in Manchuria (in NE China) and Egyptians (both on my later Father’s side), and Celts (who lived in Wales) and Anglo-Saxons who lived in England (on my Mother’s side).

So, given my ‘Egyptian’ connection I am delighted to learn that some of my ancient ancestors knew about ‘pi’.

AI – ‘Yes, there was indeed a trade in gold, involving South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and India, during Antiquity, although the extent and nature of the trade varied across different periods and regions.

The Indian Ocean trade networks played a crucial role, with gold from Southern Africa finding its way to various parts of the world.

While not directly involved in long-distance trade in its early stages, Southern Africa (particularly the region around Zimbabwe) became a significant source of gold by the 9th century, feeding into the Indian Ocean trade network. Merchants from the Swahili coast, influenced by Indian Ocean trade, likely played a role in connecting these gold resources to broader trade routes.

The Middle East, including regions like the Persian Gulf, acted as a crucial intermediary in this trade. Ports like Siraf in the Gulf facilitated the movement of gold from East Africa and potentially South Africa towards India and other parts of the Middle East.
India’s Connection.’

‘India had established trade connections with East Africa and the Middle East, making it a recipient of gold from these regions. Archaeological evidence, such as Roman coins found in South India, further indicates the presence of trade connections and the flow of precious metals between India and the Roman world.

The Roman Empire, particularly during the Indo-Roman trade period, was a major consumer of goods from the East, including gold. While direct trade between Europe and Southern Africa is less documented, the gold from the region likely reached Europe through intermediaries in the Middle East and potentially through trade routes extending to India.
 
It’s important to note that the trade routes and the involvement of different regions varied over time. For example, the trans-Saharan trade routes also played a significant role in the movement of West African gold to North Africa and Europe, but this trade primarily flourished from the 7th to the 14th centuries, not strictly during Antiquity.’

Stranger than fiction! – Out of curiosity I also asked AI – ‘How can sound frequency be used to cut granite?’

AI answered – ‘While not a common or widely used method, sound frequency, specifically ultrasonic vibration, can be employed to cut granite with precision, though not in the way some ancient construction theories suggest. This technique involves using high-frequency vibrations to induce the granite to fracture and break, potentially allowing for controlled material removal and shaping. …

Ultrasonic vibration can be a viable method for precision cutting of granite, but it’s not a simple or ancient technique. Modern research and development are exploring its potential, but it’s not a replacement for traditional methods in most applications.’

Even more strange than fiction! – I also asked AI – ‘How can sound frequency be used to move granite blocks?’

AI answered – ‘Acoustic levitation, using high-intensity sound waves, can generate forces strong enough to counteract gravity and potentially move objects, including granite blocks. This is achieved by creating standing waves where the pressure nodes (areas of minimal pressure) can suspend objects. By manipulating these sound waves, it’s theoretically possible to levitate and even move larger objects like granite blocks, although the practical application for such large objects is still being explored.’

See also –  Scientist Explains How to Levitate Objects With Sound: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Scientist+Explains+How+to+Levitate+Objects+With+Sound&mid=EEEE47096F7340CDA7A5EEEE47096F7340CDA7A5&FORM=VIRE

Those who follow my posts may recall that I recently wrote a post about ‘Adam’s Calendar’ in South Africa, which is older than Stonehenge (see below).

I had come across this ancient monument on YouTube, by chance.

This morning I asked AI – ‘How many ancient ruins have been found in South Africa?

AI (in a ‘deep dive’) answered –

‘South Africa boasts numerous archaeological sites, encompassing a vast span of time from the Stone Age to later farming communities and even colonial era remains.

The region holds some of the earliest evidence of human origins and tool-making, like those found at the Sterkfontein Caves within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

There are extensive Stone Age sites, including caves and rock shelters that document millions of years of human habitation and lifestyle.

Significant finds at Blombos Cave include the oldest known engravings created by humans, dating back over 77,000 years.

Many Iron Age settlements exist in the eastern parts of the country, revealing the presence of early farming communities.

The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins in Mpumalanga represent a complex stone walling system built by the Bokoni people around the 16th century.

The city of Kweneng, near Johannesburg, is another prominent example. This pre-colonial Tswana capital was occupied from the 14th to the 19th century and spanned about 20 square kilometers.

The Drakensberg region is famous for its concentration of Bushman rock art, with over 30,000 recorded images.

According to Wikipedia, there are 62 pages listed in the “Archaeological sites in South Africa” category.

Instead of a definitive number, there is a wide array of ancient ruins across various periods and types of sites, highlighting the rich archaeological history of South Africa.’

I then asked AI – ‘Do any ancient ruins found in South Africa predate the Egyptian & Sumerian civilizations?’

AI answered – ‘Yes, some ruins in South Africa predate the civilizations of Egypt and Sumer. Notably, the site known as Adam’s Calendar, estimated to be 75,000 years old, is considered the oldest known man-made structure on Earth. This predates the rise of the Egyptian and Sumerian civilizations, which emerged around 3100 BCE and 4500 BCE respectively.’

Why then, do so few people know that a sophisticated ancient civilization which possessed an advanced knowledge of science, mathematics, engineering and astronomy, had flourished in South Africa before the Europeans arrived and colonised this ancient land?

My next Q. – ‘What knowledge of mathematics did ancient people in south africa possess?’

AI – ‘Ancient people in South Africa possessed significant knowledge of mathematics, evidenced by:
The Lebombo bone, discovered in the Lebombo Mountains, is considered the oldest known mathematical artifact, estimated to be around 35,000 years old. It features notches that may have been used for counting or measuring.

The Ishango bone, found near the headwaters of the Nile, is believed to date back to 20,000 years ago and is thought to have been used for recording arithmetic operations.

Ancient Egyptian civilization, particularly in the Pyramids, showcased advanced mathematical knowledge, including geometry and the use of the decimal system.

The Yoruba number system, a sophisticated counting method, reflects the mathematical ingenuity of African cultures.

These artifacts and practices highlight the rich mathematical heritage of ancient South Africa.’

My Q. – ‘What knowledge of astronomy did ancient people in south africa possess?’

Google answer – ‘Ancient people in South Africa possessed significant knowledge of astronomy, which included:
Navigation: They used the positions of celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and stars for navigation and timekeeping.

Constellations: Indigenous knowledge included specific constellations, such as the Southern Cross, which were used for orientation and storytelling.

Cultural Significance: Astronomy played a crucial role in their religious practices, influencing festivals and seasonal calendars.

Indigenous Practices: The San people were known for their advanced astronomical knowledge, including the observation of celestial events and the development of oral traditions about the stars.

These practices reflect a deep connection between the stars and the cultural and spiritual lives of ancient South Africans.’

See also – ‘Science and technology in African history; Astronomy, Mathematics, Medicine and Metallurgy in pre-colonial Africa’: https://www.africanhistoryextra.com/p/science-and-technology-in-african

My Q. – ‘What knowledge of engineering did ancient people in south africa possess?’
AI – ‘Ancient people in South Africa possessed significant knowledge in various fields of engineering, including:

Metallurgy: They were skilled in iron and copper smelting, as well as lost-wax casting.

Tool Making: They produced advanced tools such as metal chisels, saws, and weapons, showcasing their engineering capabilities.

Agricultural Techniques: They developed forms of intensive agriculture, which required knowledge of engineering practices.

Stone Tool Production: Evidence of tool production by early hominins has been found across Southern Africa, indicating their technological achievements.

Indigenous Mining: They practiced indigenous mining and metalworking long before modern mining practices.

These advancements reflect the engineering knowledge and skills of ancient South Africans.’

Now back to my Q. – why do so few people know about this?
Well in part I think I discovered the answer yesterday while researching for my next talk and book about the ‘mediation of Cultural heritage Disputes.’ I was seeking to understand what historically has shaped Museum policies about the return of Cultural Treasures. What I discovered – an almost hidden history, it that as archaeology developed along with anthropology, several elements engaged in theories based on beliefs of racial or ethnic inferiority. This amounted to a near consistent effort to divorce ancient remains form the contemporary people who were descendants of the ancient people who created the remains. These racist, imperial and settlor colonial- apartheid beliefs and their influence on the study of the past underlie many attitudes, even today, as to where cultural objects should be located and whether they should be returned to their place of origin. So history has been concealed behind an imperial narrative that the colonisers are superior to the colonised who could not possibly have built these monuments, i.e. because they were primitive, which as I have demonstrated with the simple aid of AI, they self-evidently were not!

I came across this on YouTube by accident after dinner last night – ‘Ancient South

African Ruins: 200,000 Years Before Egypt? Lost Civilization & Stone Circles EXPOSED!’: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=tellerman+how+many+ancient+ruins+are+there+in+south+afics%3f&mid=3031F9CCA80BA05091EA3031F9CCA80BA05091EA&FORM=VIRE

TellIinger who is neither an archaeologist nor a mainstream academic alleges that over 10 million ancient structures exist in South Africa, see – ‘Millions of Ancient Ruins Found In Africa | Michael Tellinger’:

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Millions+of+Ancient+Ruins+Found+In+Africa+%7c+Michael+Tellinger+youtube&refig=688f59cf110e4e5a9ccba2f482763659&pc=DCTS&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dMillions%2bof%2bAncient%2bRuins%2bFound%2bIn%2bAfrica%2b%257C%2bMichael%2bTellinger%2byoutube%26form%3dANNH01%26refig%3d688f59cf110e4e5a9ccba2f482763659%26pc%3dDCTS&mmscn=vwrc&mid=57092D45E04845FF356157092D45E04845FF3561&FORM=WRVORC&ntb=1&msockid=dbbf6acd706c11f09b0414f7d3cc7961

Whatever the actual number is verified as being, I supect that it will run into the thousands. This makes me wonder what is awaiting discovery?
The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins in Mpumalanga represent a complex stone walling system built by the Bokoni people around the 16th century.

The city of Kweneng, near Johannesburg, is another prominent example. This pre-colonial Tswana capital was occupied from the 14th to the 19th century and spanned about 20 square kilometers.

The Drakensberg region is famous for its concentration of Bushman rock art, with over 30,000 recorded images.

According to Wikipedia, there are 62 pages listed in the “Archaeological sites in South Africa” category.

Instead of a definitive number, there is a wide array of ancient ruins across various periods and types of sites, highlighting the rich archaeological history of South Africa.’

I then asked AI – ‘Do any ancient ruins found in Sout Africa predate the Egyptian & Sumerian civilizations?’

AI answered – ‘Yes, some ruins in South Africa predate the civilizations of Egypt and Sumer. Notably, the site known as Adam’s Calendar, estimated to be 75,000 years old, is considered the oldest known man-made structure on Earth. This predates the rise of the Egyptian and Sumerian civilizations, which emerged around 3100 BCE and 4500 BCE respectively.’

Continued in my comments below …

So why so few people know that a sophisticated ancient civilization that had an advanced knowledge of science, mathematics, engineering and astronomy had flourished in South Africa before the Europeans came and colonised this ancient land?

Next I asked AI – ‘When the Portuguese discovered Greater Zimbabwe who did they think had built it?’

AI answer –

‘When Europeans, including the Portuguese, first encountered Great Zimbabwe [‘GZ’], they … attributed the impressive stone structures to various non-African civilizations, often linking it to the biblical Kingdom of Ophir, a source of King Solomon’s gold. Some theories … suggested connections to the Phoenicians, Greeks, or Egyptians.

The earliest European accounts, like those of Vicente Pegado in the 16th century … attributed [the stone structures] to various non-African origins.

The discovery of gold at [GZ] led to speculation that it was the legendary Kingdom of Ophir, a source of King Solomon’s wealth [i.e. King Soloman’s Mines].

Other theories proposed that the builders were Phoenicians, Greeks, or Egyptians.

Even in the late 19th century, when European explorers like Carl Mauch encountered the site, they struggled to accept that it could be the work of indigenous Africans.

Despite the evidence, colonial authorities in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) actively suppressed the truth about the site’s origins for political reasons, promoting the narrative that it was built by foreigners. …’

See also – which I have just discovered –

• Michael Tellinger: Vanished Gold-Mining Civilization of South Africa FULL LECTURE Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtjX0qxHkNI

• Michael Tellinger – Advanced Technology of Ancient South Africa FULL LECTURE part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pndvSregk8

I expect that the testimony of Doctor Nick Maynard and of Tony Aguilar – see the links below, will be presented by South Africa to the ICJ in the Trial of Israel for Genocide.

I would submit that, whether: (i) the IDF have committed War Crimes in Gaza; and (ii) Israel, is carrying out a Genocide on unlawfully occupied territory in Gaza, is self-evidently beyond reasonable doubt.

I also suspect that this primary witness testimony, is merely the tip of an evidentiary ‘iceberg’, for all of those who have carried out what Professor Mearsheimer contends is the greatest crime in Modern times.

So, the perpetrators of these crimes must be held to account in a court room.

I also expect these YouTube programmes to be shown as part of their training and education about International Humanitarian Law and what legally constitutes a War Crime, to military personnel in all services around the world.

Primary evidence:

·       Israel Is Shooting BABIES In The Head – Gaza Doctor Nick Maynard: https://lnkd.in/edjc4rp8
·       US Green Beret Veteran Tony Aguilar Details the Shocking War Crimes He’s Witnessing in Gaza: https://lnkd.in/en2fD_uv
·       Former U.S. Special Ops: What I Saw in Gaza | Sen. Bernie Sanders: https://lnkd.in/ezv_RTzu

Commentary:

• John Mearsheimer: The Palestinian Genocide and How the West Has Been Deceived Into Supporting It: https://lnkd.in/eH2CH-Aw [Fast forward to 56 minutes for the start of the discussion about Gaza].
• See also – Gaza Is The Worst CRIME Of The CENTURY – w./ UN Official Martin Griffiths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amnfQcVnrLk

See also:

·       40 Peers warn Attorney General: Palestine recognition could breach international law https://lnkd.in/edUpSgB4
·       Keir Starmer’s Palestine plans could be ILLEGAL, Britain’s top lawyers warn in damning letter to PM
https://lnkd.in/ew82_kpi
·       Peers arguing Palestinian state recognition unlawful ‘missing the point’, says minister – as it happened.
https://lnkd.in/eJgmJNX5

‘Philippe Sands KC, a professor of law at University College London, pointed out that in its advisory opinion last year the UN’s top court, the international court of justice (ICJ), recognised “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including its right to an independent and sovereign state”.
Sands said: “I have no doubt whatsoever that if it were asked, the ICJ would reject the argument that it is somehow unlawful to recognise the existence of Palestinian statehood. Palestine meets all the legal criteria of statehood; all that remains is a political consideration, namely whether to recognise or not that those criteria are met. The court’s language makes clear that that right exists now, and it exists because all the criteria for statehood are met.” …’

See also – ‘Illegality of Israel’s presence in the Palestinian Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the light of the 2024 Occupied Palestinian Territory Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, and consequences for third States and the European Union Legal Opinion Dr Ralph Wilde Professor of International Law, Faculty of Laws, University College London, University of London 1 December 2024’: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/sites/laws/files/ralph_wilde_icj_opt_ao_thirdstateseu_legal_opinion.pdf

‘Israel’s presence in the OPT is, in and of itself, illegal as a violation of the international law of self-determination and the international law on the use of force, the latter violation constituting aggression, and including a violation of the prohibition of the purported acquisition of territory, a.k.a. ‘annexation’, through the use of force. This is ‘existential’ illegality—the very existence of Israel’s presence is illegal. Such illegality is distinct from ‘conduct-based’ illegality, which is also occurring—the way Israel conducts itself through its presence in the OPT is also illegal (for example, maintaining and expanding settlements, perpetrating racial discrimination generally, and apartheid in particular, and subjecting the Palestinian people to further abuses, now, in Gaza, of an extremity amounting to genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity). ‘ https://www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/sites/laws/files/ralph_wilde_icj_opt_ao_thirdstateseu_legal_opinion.pdf

‘What does it mean when the tools of a racist patriarchy are used to examine the fruits of that same patriarchy? It means that only the most narrow parameters of change are possible and allowable.’ ( Audre Lorde). Cited by Professor Ralph Wilde in ‘Using the Master’s Tools to Dismantle the Master’s House: International Law and Palestinian Liberation.’

Google also – ‘Using the Master’s Tools to Dismantle the Master’s House: International Law and Palestinian Liberation Ralph Wilde’.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357546769_Using_the_Master’s_Tools_to_Dismantle_the_Master’s_House_International_Law_and_Palestinian_Liberation

‘Voices: Is Keir Starmer already U-turning on Palestine?’ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/voices-is-keir-starmer-already-u-turning-on-palestine/ar-AA1JEwXY?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=688ca54cb6dd44b09c828ab739f60ab3&ei=16

‘When Starmer was asked, in a short encounter with journalists today, he wouldn’t give a Yes or No answer to that question, which I take to be the equivalent of “No”.

So I think British recognition will go ahead, unless something dramatic happens over the next month, such as Netanyahu ceasing to be prime minister of Israel.

I don’t think Starmer wanted to make this change. But I think he was going to do it before Emmanuel Macron changed French policy on recognition last week. Macron set the context, and Mark Carney, the leader of the third G7 nation to make the switch, confirmed it with his announcement last night.

What mattered above all was the state of opinion among Labour MPs. Starmer can remember what happened to Tony Blair in July 2006 – and if he can’t, Jonathan Powell, his national security adviser, who was Blair’s chief of staff, can remind him.’

Amb. Chas Freeman: Gaza’s Silent Hell — Genocide and Starvation in Real Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWWd1hE-qb0

‘This programme is dedicated to Amir – the little boy who was murdered by the IDF’ (Words of Nima Alkorshid the host of Dialogue Works).

The IDF shot Amir after he met Tony Aguilar and kissed his hand.

‘[After walking 12 miles to collect food for his family] Amir didn’t make it home. … Never [before] have I seen this level of depravity!’ (Tony Aguilar) – See US Green Beret Veteran Tony Aguilar Details the Shocking War Crimes He’s Witnessing in Gaza: https://lnkd.in/en2fD_uv

I am currently reading ‘Cultural Objects and Reparative Justice – A Legal and Historical Analysis’ (2023) by Patty Gerstenblith, OUP. In which she observes that:

‘During the Roman Republic and Empire, principles evolved for the behavior of the conquering army, including limits on how much booty could be taken and what should be done with it. Consistently, with some notable exceptions, the Romans tended to show respect for religious sanctuaries. Even when sanctuaries were looted, the plunder was often recycled for other religious or public purposes. The legitimacy of such looting depended on whether the works were taken from religious or nonreligious context, whether the works were taken for the victors personal benefit or for the public benefit and, whether the works were taken as the result of legitimate warfare or were taken during civil administration or as a private action, which amounted to piracy. Nevertheless, Greek and Roman historians criticized the looting of artworks, sometimes even if works were taken from nonreligious contexts. … The Roman orator and lawyer, Cicero, elaborated on this theme in his prosecution in 70 BCE of Gaius Verres, the Roman civilian governor of Sicily, for corruption. … Cicero distinguish between ordinary war booty (spolia), which a conqueror is free to take, and illegal removal of art (particularly religious art) and architectural decoration (spoliatio). The later writings of the Roman historian Livy (59 BCE-17 CE) and the Greek geographer and traveler Pausanias (second century CE) perpetuated the distinction between takings that were considered legitimate and those that were not. Another theme found in Cicero’s Verrine orations is the distinction between good uses of art (the public, commemorative, and religious purposes) and bad uses of art (for private, consumptive, and decadent purposes). Cicero’s writings and particularly the prosecution of Verres played a significant role in the future development of the Law of Warfare and more general attitudes with respect to cultural objects. The Verrine orations were well known to later Roman authors, such as Livy and Pliny, who wrote in the first century CE and who perpetuated Cicero’s principles concerning looting.’

Cicero’s distinction between ‘Spolia’ and ‘Spoliato’ has shaped the attitudes of Museums about the ethics of returning cultural artefacts that were misappropriated during colonial times.

So, what if any ‘Principle of Restitution’ for the Mediation, can be derived from the Verrine Orations, and earlier attitudes and policies in antiquity?

I have a translation and commentary on the Verrine orations in my office and when I read this literature over the summer, I will reflect on that question.

In other words, what attitudes toward art restitution were there in antiquity, that are relevent to the Mediation of claims today?

‘I witnessed war crimes’ in Gaza, former worker at GHF aid site tells BBC: https://lnkd.in/ek2FKQGy

‘A retired US special forces officer revealed to the BBC why he resigned from his work with US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centres.

“I witnessed the Israeli Defense Forces shooting at the crowds of Palestinians,” Anthony Aguilar told the BBC.

He added that in his entire career he has never witnessed such a level of “brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population”.’

See also – Col. Larry Wilkerson: Defeated Once, Israel Faces a Collapse It May Not Survive: https://lnkd.in/eAUyQmc3

Scroll forward to 2.44 mins to hear part of the witness testimony of Anthony Aguilar.

Extract from Transcript:

‘We have some actual former military people who’ve gone over there … and they’re reporting on what they’re seeing to include … to include IDF soldiers picking out particular people coming to the humanitarian aid distribution point and targeting various parts of the individuals whom they’re shooting and killing to include their testicles and taking great joy in
doing it. …

Here is what the former US Green Anthony Aguilar said from his experience in Gaza. …

“I want to say to the American people and to the people of Israel, I’ve been there. I have touched them. I have talked to them. The civilians in Gaza that are getting the food are starving. They are not animals. They are human beings and they’re being treated like animals. …

And this little boy, his name is Amir, and he was standing, you know, he was with the crowd, but he walks over and you see that first picture on the top right.

He kind of walks over to me and he and he puts out his hand.

And at first I thought like that he that he wanted more food or something.

And he and he puts out his hand.

And so I beckoned him to come to me. I said, you know, come here.

And he reaches out and he holds and he kisses my hand.

He kisses me.

He kisses my hand and he says, “Shukran.”

You can see in this picture that this little boy is not wearing shoes.

His clothes are falling off of him because he’s so skinny.

I put my hand on his on his left shoulder and I and I and I looked at him and he’s looking at me.

We’re looking at each other in the eyes and I say to him, “People care. You’re a human being and people care about you. The world cares.”

That’s not Hamas. That’s not a Hamas fighter. And I looked at him and I said, “The world cares.” …

The kid was killed. And then he mentions
[at 6:10] that after he leaves the kid, he get killed by IDF.’

You can see it in the Dialogue Works interview – Link above.

See also – Greater Than Destruction of HIROSHIMA/They Want to Cleanse GAZA /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Omer Bartov: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ha4lwqpt8Q

See also – Jacques Baud: “Israel May Cease to Exist” – Colonel Jacques Baud is a former military intelligence analyst in the Swiss Army and the author of many books. Colonel Baud discusses how Israel has overextended itself and may destroy itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq68hwEA2Ec – ‘Killing for fun!’ What the IDF has done and is doing in Gaza ‘is unique … unprecedented in history.’ He also observes that while Israel undertook on its creation to observe International Law, that in its entire history it has failed to comply with International Law. There is no Lex Exceptionalism that is sui generis to Israel. So, do Israelis think that they are above International Law and can do anything that they like with total impunity? If they do, then will their arrogance result in their downfall?

‘Poll Shows Majority of Israelis Support Expelling Gazans’ – Haaretz Jun 8 – A Grim Poll Showed Most Israelis Support Expelling Gazans.’ https://www.genocidewatch.com/single-post/poll-show-most-jewish-israelis-support-expelling-gazans

‘[A] finding of 82 percent support for expulsion is so decisive that the big insight remains. …

Rapacious, corrupt leaders capitalized on Israeli suffering instead of seeking to contain the rage. It was this kind of leadership-driven extremist nationalist fervor stoking existing nationalist racism within the Serbian public during the breakup of Yugoslavia that degenerated into genocidal acts against Bosnian Muslims.

But when wars end, when criminal leaders are jettisoned from power, new leaders can drive change. The worst regimes and the worst wars in recent history – be grateful that I’m not naming names – have transformed into some of the most peaceful, thriving, cooperative and productive countries in the world.

The time for leadership by brave people of vision and values is now. The candidates displaying such qualities are pitifully few.’

What Israel is doing to the entire Palestinian people is morally depraved.

So, who is going to save Israel from itself?

I asked AI – ‘What public opinion polls have been taken and published about whether any government should intervene to stop the genocide in Gaza?’

AI did not answer my Q.

It therefore appears, that AI could not find and mention a single Poll that had been carried out about this issue, anywhere in the world.

That surprises me, because the only force that can compel Humanitarian Intervention by Governments in Gaza, i.e. to end the Genocide, is public opinion.

However my search revealed – ‘Growing number’ of Britons view Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide: Poll – British sympathy for the Palestinian cause – and criticism of Israel – is surging, according to a new survey.’ https://lnkd.in/es8V2Jth

So, although it appears that there has not been a single poll on this issue taken anywhere in the world, there has at least been one survey.

‘The survey, carried out by YouGov and commissioned by the Action for Humanity charity and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) advocacy group, found that 55 percent of Britons are against Israel’s aggression. A significant number of those opponents – 82 percent – said Israel’s actions amount to genocide.’

That was on June 4 2025.

What would the statistics be if a survey or more accurately, a Nationwide Poll was taken today.

Why have leading UK Pollsters not done this?

Nearly 1% of the UK’s entire Gross Domestic Product has been spent by Labour on funding the war in Ukraine.https://https://lnkd.in/eJjVdmcC

‘Europe has been the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, allocating 132 billion euros (138.75 billion) of financial, military and humanitarian assistance since January 2022, just before Russia’s invasion, while the United States has provided 114 billion euros in total, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.’

Instead of spending all of this ‘taxpayers’ money on ‘War’, why have these Governments not been spending an equal proportion of this ‘taxpayers money’ on ‘Peace’, starting with ‘Humanitarian Intervention’ to end the Genocide in Gaza?

Since politicians have spent a significant proportion of their nation’s GDP on War, why has nobody asked the public in the US, Britain, France and Germany what they think should and needs to be done to end the Genocide in Gaza?

What is going on?

Qui Bono? i.e. who benefits from War instead of Peace?

See – ‘Forever-Occupation, genocide, and profit: Special Rapporteur’s report exposes corporate forces behind destruction of Palestine’: https://lnkd.in/eYXZwWXj

The UK Government has not legally proscribed, and is not likely to legally proscribe, any privately commissioned ‘Opinion Poll’. So, why has not a single NGO anywhere in the world, commissioned an ‘Opinion Poll’ about this issue?

If they lack funding, then why have they not tried to raise funding for an Opinion Poll through social media, just as Obama raised funds to pay for his first Presidential election campaign through this platform?

In other words, why are NGO’s not reaching out to the Public, in order to ‘connect’ about this issue, and put pressure on Politicians to do something to stop the Genocide in Gaza?

Arguably, they can easily do this, and that will make a difference, see –

– Legal Communication to the ICC – ‘Responsibility of the President of the European Commission for aiding and abetting the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide by the Israeli military forces in the Gaza Strip’: https://neutralitystudies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ICC-Communication-re-UvdL-Final-version-22.05.2024.pdf
– Press release by the Geneva International Peace Research Institute (GIPRI): https://neutralitystudies.com/2024/06/civil-society-group-requests-arrest-warrants-for-eu-leadership-over-gaza-genocide/

Why has no Media organisation anywhere in the world, commissioned a Poll on this issue? Surely, the time has now come as a minimum, to commission a Poll of the opinion of their readers and viewers, about what can and should be done by their Governments, and without delay, to bring about an end of the ‘Crime of the Century’?

Why have the Governments of Egypt, Jordan, the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, not consulted their own people about this issue? They are all Arabs. Also, the sovereign territory of each of these states, appears on published maps of a Zionist ‘Greater Israel’. In other words, the acquisition of this ‘Arab’ land, is part of the ‘Greater Israel Project’. So, what is happening in Gaza today – i.e. Genocide for the purpose of the Ethnic Cleansing of Arabs on land stolen and occupied by Israel, may one day happen to their own indigenous Arab populations. Surely, political and religious leaders in that region, understand this existential ‘Geopolitical risk’? Are the rulers of these Arab states, i.e. their autocratic Monarchies – ‘Geopolitically illiterate?’ See also my blog on the ‘Geopolitical Mediation’ page at www.diplomaticlawguide.com – ‘Geopolitical illiteracy at the elemental level in the political, international relations, and military elites in the West.’ If in fact, these Arab rulers are ‘Geopolitically illiterate’, then why? Is it perhaps, because leaders in the West are also ‘Geopolitically illiterate’, and they share the same ‘worldview’, or because of a shared conflict of interest? What do you think?

Unless there is Humanitarian Intervention, how many thousand Palestinians will starve to death by this time next week?

UN Secretary-General Addresses Starvation Crisis in Gaza | United Nations – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRXDDZ0XeJI
Meetings, International; Conferences – Words but no Action!

‘At Amnesty International’s 2025 Global Assembly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access. At the same time, concrete and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution. Read the UN News story: In hard-hitting human rights address, Guterres calls for urgent action on Gaza, authoritarianism and climate justice’-https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/…

Words do not save lives!

The Palestinians need action, i.e. an urgent ‘Humanitarian Intervention’.

Why is nobody in authority, who has the power and moral leadership to carry out an emergency Humanitarian Intervention on the ground, doing anything?

I.E. to open the ‘Gates’, so that food and water can be distributed to the Palestinians along with emergency medical aid and treatment, without any interference by the IDF, Israeli settlors, and armed criminal gangs backed by Israel?

There is a man-made famine in Gaza that has been caused by Israel.

Look at the faces of the motionless Palestinian children who have all but given up hope of surviving – they are asking – ‘Where is the world Community – Why is nobody doing anything to help us?’

That is not a look of desperation, it is the look of death.

So, there must be legal accountability for the war criminals who planned and are carrying out this Genocide.

There must be justice, otherwise the International Rules based order will die along with these children.

Those complicit must also be brought to justice.

Background – See my blog – ‘Western Civilization itself is on trial this week at the ICJ in the Hague – State of Palestine v. Israel’ on the ICJ page at www.diplomaticlawguide.com
 
See also https://lnkd.in/dyp7DTBK [Scroll forward to 1 hour & 53 minutes to hear the speech by Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, who spoke as part of the Palestinian delegation at the ICC in their case against Israel, where she went into immense detail on the failure of Israel to ensure the basic human rights of Palestinians in Gaza].

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC submitted that the general consensus amongst Genocide scholars is that Israel is carrying out a Genocide.
 
In her final submission Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC spoke for all of humanity when she said:
 
‘In addition to seeking to destroy the protective application of international law to the Palestinian people, Israel appears set on destroying the very international framework created to ensure compliance with international law and accountability for its breach, with profound consequences that reverberate far beyond Palestine and Palestinians. If these venerable institutions are to survive, and if — in the words of the United Nations Relief Chief — “the basic principles of . . . law still count, the international community must act while it can to uphold them”
 
See also – https://lnkd.in/drS5zhG2.
 
Paul Reichler KC: Paul S. Reichler | 11KBW further submitted –
 
‘All of us ⎯ as diplomats, international lawyers, humanitarians, but most importantly, as individuals ⎯ have the moral obligation to raise our voices in outcry of this catastrophe and in efforts to stop it … Mr President, killing and maiming hundreds of thousands, and starving and attempting to displace millions of Palestinians out of Palestine, amounts to no less than destroying them as a group.’
 
So why the lack of condemnation by lawyers and legal academics?
 
This interview is illuminating – ‘Palestinian Scholar DESTROYS Genocide Deniers – w/. Nimer Sultany: Palestinian Scholar DESTROYS Genocide Deniers – w/. Nimer Sultany. Palestinian Scholar DESTROYS Genocide Deniers – w/. Nimer Sultany’ – Google Owen Jones + YouYube + Vidoes to find.

Link – https://lnkd.in/eBPD445V

See also – ‘Why this leading Israeli Holocaust scholar says it’s a genocide in Gaza | The InnerView’ – https://lnkd.in/enteK5BV

What is at stake is not only the survival of the Palestinian people, but also the survival of the Rule of Law and of the International Liberal Rules based World Order.

So, why do you think that so many lawyers and legal academics have not yet raised their voices in an effort to end the Genocide?

What is at stake is not only the survival of the Palestinian people, but also the survival of the Rule of Law and of the International Liberal Rules based World Order.

Some lawyers have risen to the challenge, see – ‘Former supreme court judges say UK arming Israel breaches international law -Exclusive: More than 600 prominent lawyers sign letter that calls for end to exports as a ‘measure to prevent’ genocide.’: Former supreme court judges say UK arming Israel breaches international law | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian

‘Three former supreme court justices, including the court’s former president Lady Hale, are among more than 600 lawyers, academics and retired senior judges warning that the UK government is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.

In a letter to the prime minister, the signatories, who also include former court of appeal judges and more than 60 KCs, say that the present situation in Gaza is “catastrophic” and that given the international court of justice (ICJ) finding that there is a plausible risk of genocide being committed, the UK is legally obliged to act to prevent it.

See also – https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/13/israel-gaza-historian-omer-bartov

See also – EXCLUSIVE: Zarah Sultana’s First Interview Since Resigning From The Labour Party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDC8lNkFfTQ

Complicity in ‘Genocide’ is now a high profile issue that will be tested at the Ballot Box in the next General Election in the UK.

Why have so many MP’s been slow to unequivocally condemn the genocide in Gaza?

One of the video programmes I am planning to record and broadcast on YouTube in 2026 is entitled – ‘The unspoken connection between the destruction of Cultural Heritage and: (i) Ethnic Cleansing; and (ii) Genocide.’ See www.artandcivilization.tv

One of the source legal text books I will be referring to is the Third Edition of ‘Genocide in International Law – The Crime of Crimes’ (2025) by the pre-eminent legal scholar William A. Schabas.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genocide-International-Law-Crime-Crimes/dp/1009460781#:~:text=Buy%20Genocide%20in%20International%20Law%3A%20The%20Crime%20of,low%20prices%20and%20free%20delivery%20on%20eligible%20orders.

I have a copy in my office.

Here is an extract –

‘Prevention of genocide must be the priority. As Israel’s military campaign in Gaza unfolded in late 2023 and early 2024, many question the extent of their obligations in terms of prevention, especially after the 26 January 2024 order of the International Court of Justice recognised that the rights asserted by South Africa under the genocide Convention were at least ‘plausible’. In its 2007 judgement in Bosnia the Serbia, the court said the obligation to prevent arises when there is a ‘serious risk’ of genocide. Obviously ‘plausible’ and ‘serious risk’ are not synonyms but nor are they at opposite ends of the spectrum. South Africa submissions to the court in the provisional measures proceedings made out a strong case for genocide, one that pointed to such a serious risk. If anything, the word ‘plausible’, which is the standard applicable at the provisional measures stage, understated the evidence. According to the court, the duty to prevent has an extraterritorial dimension. It is of variable dimensions, depending upon the relationship of the state party with those accused of perpetrating the crime. The powerful western states who argued so persuasively in November 2023, in the Gambia the mien Meagher case, for a broadened understanding of genocide was surely amongst those capable of influencing Israel. They were among Israel’s main suppliers of arms and munitions and was certainly in a position to reduce the military, economic and diplomatic support that they provide…’

I mention this because it is axiomatic that lawyers and legal academics by speaking up could arguably have prevented the Genocide in Gaza. Likewise by speaking up now they can create pressure to end the Genocide. So, why are they not speaking up?

See also – AMB. Charles Freeman : ‘Does Israel Recognize its Own Genocide?’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vW_kmwiL5s

See also –

Top UK barrister: Israel is carrying out ‘destruction of humanity’ in Gaza – Michael Mansfield, an eminent human rights lawyer, talks to Al Jazeera about a war crimes case he and others recently filed and why legal efforts still matter despite a breakdown of the rule of law. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/16/top-uk-barrister-israel-is-carrying-out-destruction-of-humanity-in-gaza

Global 195: International Legal Coalition Launched to Pursue Israeli War Crimes Suspects across the World: https://www.icjpalestine.com/2025/03/18/global-195-launched/

‘I witnessed war crimes’ in Gaza, former worker at GHF aid site tells BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cy8k8045nx9o

‘A retired US special forces officer has revealed to the BBC why he resigned from his work with US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centres.

“I witnessed the Israeli Defense Forces shooting at the crowds of Palestinians,” Anthony Aguilar told the BBC.

He added that in his entire career he has never witnessed such a level of “brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population”.’

A ‘worst-case scenario of famine’ is unfolding in Gaza, a U.N.-backed report warns: https://www.wuwf.org/2025-07-29/a-worst-case-scenario-of-famine-is-unfolding-in-gaza-a-u-n-backed-report-warns

UN Chief Sends SHOCKWAVES ! Embarrasses Israel Live at UN Conference !: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08MQ4TIsugk

‘The pyramids of Caral in Peru are approximately 5,000 years old. This makes Caral the oldest known city in the Americas and one of the oldest in the world.’ (AI)

Is Caral what archaeologists call – the ‘Mother City of Civilization?’

If contrary to conventional theory about the emergence of civilization, Caral was not a militarised community, i.e. the civilization did not emerge out of conflict and coercion, then it must have emerged out of peace and co-operation.

Caral flourished for over 1000 years.

See – BBC.Horizon.The.Lost.Pyramids.Of.Caral.2002.50Min: https://lnkd.in/e_ZnV6kM

The published literature on Caral is thin.

I could only find one book about Caral available on Amazon Books.

Doubtless there is more academic literature.

So, what is known about Caral?

‘Caral, also known as the Sacred City of Caral-Supe, is the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years to the Late Archaic Period of the Central Andes in Peru. It is considered one of the six sites where civilization independently originated in the ancient world. Caral is characterized by monumental architecture, including six large pyramidal structures, sunken circular courts, and residential areas, all indicative of a complex society with a powerful religious ideology. The site is also notable for its lack of pottery, which is unusual for ancient civilizations, and for the absence of evidence of warfare, suggesting a peaceful, commerce-based society.

Key aspects of Caral:

Age and Location:

Flourished between 3000 and 1800 BCE in the Supe Valley on the north-central coast of Peru.

Urban Planning:

Caral features a carefully planned layout with pyramids, sunken plazas, residential areas, and an amphitheater, showcasing advanced architectural and urban planning skills.

Monumental Architecture:

The six large pyramidal structures, particularly the Piramide Mayor, are among the oldest pyramids in the world, demonstrating the civilization’s engineering prowess.

Absence of Warfare:

Archaeological evidence suggests a peaceful society with no evidence of weapons, fortifications, or warfare.

Commerce and Trade:

Caral was a center for trade, with evidence of exchanges with coastal communities and inland regions, including the Amazon and Ecuador.

Religious Significance:

Monumental architecture and the presence of ceremonial spaces and offerings suggest a strong religious component to Caral society.

Influence:

Caral is considered a foundational civilization that influenced later Andean cultures, including the Inca.

Unique Features:

The lack of pottery is a distinguishing feature, possibly due to the use of other materials like gourds for cooking and storage.

Artifacts:

Finds include flutes made from animal bones, a quipu (a knotted textile used for record-keeping), and evidence of herbal medicines.’ (AI)

Through what langauage was the conduct of long-distance trade negotiated?

‘Caral, Peru, is located inland, about 200 miles (322 kilometers) from the western edge of the Amazon rainforest. Specifically, Caral is situated on a terrace overlooking the Supe River valley, inland from the Pacific coast. The Amazon rainforest, one of the world’s largest, stretches across much of northern and eastern South America.’ (AI)

How was such long distance trade possible?

‘The specific language used for negotiating long-distance trade by the people of Caral is unknown. While Caral is the oldest civilization in the Americas, they did not leave behind any written records, making it impossible to know the language(s) they used for communication. Therefore, the exact language(s) used in trade negotiations remains a mystery.

Here’s why we don’t know:

Lack of Written Records: Caral predates the development of writing in the region.

Focus on Material Culture:

Archaeological evidence focuses on the material culture of Caral, such as their architecture, urban planning, and trade goods, rather than linguistic data.

Inferred Trade Practices:

Based on the evidence, scholars can infer that Caral engaged in long-distance trade, exchanging goods like cotton and dehydrated fish, but the specific language used for these transactions is not documented.’ (AI)

So, there was a pattern of ‘long-distance’ trade between Caral and other parts of the Americas e.g. civilizations living in the Amazon, which is located hundreds of miles away from Caral.

‘Trade between Caral, a location in Peru, and the Amazon rainforest was historically facilitated by the region’s geography and the availability of resources. Caral’s proximity to the Andes Mountains and the headwaters of rivers flowing into the Amazon allowed for the movement of goods and people through riverine and overland routes.

This trade involved the exchange of resources like medicinal plants, fruits, nuts, and other forest products from the Amazon for goods from the highlands and coastal regions of Peru, including pottery, tools, and agricultural products.

Riverine Trade:

The Amazon River and its tributaries served as vital waterways for transportation. Indigenous communities living along the rivers used canoes and rafts to navigate and transport goods, facilitating trade between different groups and settlements.

Overland Routes:

Trade routes also existed over land, connecting the highlands of Peru with the Amazonian lowlands. These routes often followed river valleys and natural passes through the Andes, allowing for the exchange of goods between different ecological zones.
Resource Exchange:

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

The trade also involved the exchange of knowledge and skills.’ (AI)

‘Is Caral Civilization older than Olmec Civilization?’

AI – ‘Yes, the Caral civilization is significantly older than the Olmec civilization. Caral, located in present-day Peru, is considered the oldest civilization in the Americas, emerging around 3000 BC. The Olmec civilization, located in present-day Mexico, developed much later, flourishing between 1200 BC and 400 BC. Therefore, Caral predates Olmec by roughly 1,800 years.’

So, Caral is an ‘outlier’ because it did not emerge between latitude 22°N to 33°N.

Caral also emerged on the west coast of South America (in Peru), whereas the Olmecs suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, on the east coast of what is today Mexico.

We need to know more about the ancient and ‘peaceful’ civilization of Caral.

I just asked Google AI – ‘What mathematical and engineering knowledge do the ancient people of Caral in Peru and Egypt have in common?’

The answer is too long to include here.

Extract –

‘Ancient Egyptians and the people of Caral in Peru, despite being geographically separated by vast distances and distinct cultural backgrounds, shared a remarkable understanding of mathematics and engineering principles, particularly in the areas of geometry, measurement, and large-scale construction. Both civilizations utilized these skills to create impressive structures like pyramids and complex urban centers.

Similarities in Mathematical Knowledge:

Both cultures demonstrated a grasp of geometric principles, essential for planning and constructing monumental buildings.

Accurate measurement was crucial for both civilizations. …

Both societies applied their mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems. …

Both cultures developed their own number systems and methods for performing calculations, including multiplication, division, and fractions.

Both civilizations are renowned for their monumental architecture.

Both civilizations demonstrated an understanding of astronomical alignment.

Adaptation to Environment:’ (AI)

‘What knowledge of irrigation and agriculture did the ancient people of Carl and the Egyptians have in common?’

AI – NB answer too long to insert here:

‘Both ancient Egyptians and the people of Caral (a civilization in ancient Peru) developed sophisticated irrigation and agricultural systems to manage water resources and cultivate crops, despite being geographically separated by vast distances. They both utilized techniques to control and distribute water from rivers, enabling them to sustain large populations and build complex societies. …

Both civilizations employed basin irrigation, a system of using earthen walls to create basins that would flood and then slowly drain, saturating the soil for planting.

Canals and Ditches …

Control of River Flows …

Crop Cultivation …

Tools for Planting and Harvesting …

Animal Power …

Food Security and Surplus …

In essence, both ancient Egyptian and Caral civilizations demonstrated a deep understanding of their local water resources and developed ingenious methods to harness them for agriculture, forming the foundation for their thriving societies.’

So, ‘Caral’ is looking less like an ‘outlier.’

French violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and his ensemble, Le Consort, made their Proms debut on 20 July, at the Royal Albert Hall.

They performed a program featuring violin concertos by Vivaldi, alongside works by Legrenzi, Marcello, and Matteis Jr.

Their performance was absolutely mesmerising – Pure ‘Baroque bliss!’

Théotime’s violin is over 300 years old, and was made by a contemporary and possibly a friend of both baroque composers – Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi.

So, a little bit of history was made at this Prom!

https://lnkd.in/eWw5XSU4

You can watch their performance on the BBC i-Player.

The season has only just begun, and this was one of the best Proms I have ever seen.

I highly recommend it.

Here is one of the reviews –

‘Le Consort is a French Baroque chamber ensemble whose director is violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, and they put a programme together that – according to de Swarte – aimed to tell “the story of the emergence of the violin concerto in Venice, and how Johann Sebastian Bach created his own style of concerto from it”. By alternating between composers throughout the concert, it creates the effect of Bach, Vivaldi et. al. in conversation with one another, as the violin concerto form starts to really take shape. …
Sunday mornings are generally considered to be the choice of the hardcore Proms fan, so it’s unsurprising that you could hear a pin drop during every single piece; this really made the difference when Le Consort needed to play around with diminuendo and crescendo, as the tension generated by the change in volume and power wasn’t punctured by a phone being dropped or people needing to have a chat.

Both acts contained one very well known piece – the “Air” from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major (often referred to as “Air on the G string”) came in the first half, and was actually bumped up the order slightly. This worked quite nicely, partly to have something more widely recognisable earlier in the programme, but also to demonstrate the interplay between Bach and the Italian composers whose works were selected.’
https://lnkd.in/e842FHnf

Viva Le Consort, and come back to London soon – you represent everything that the Proms is about!

It is my birthday today.

I was born at 8.30pm.

So, for fun during my Tea Break today, I just asked AI the following Q.

‘Do people born at 8.30 pm on 22 July make great Mediators?’

It turns out that they do! – Now I can celebrate!!

AI answer –

‘While it’s impossible to definitively say if someone born at 8:30 PM on July 22nd is a great mediator, astrology suggests they are likely to possess certain traits that could make them naturally inclined towards mediation.

Individuals born on July 22nd are at the cusp of the Cancer and Leo zodiac signs.

This cusp is known for its emotional depth and nurturing nature, combined with Leo’s confidence and leadership qualities.

These traits can be beneficial in conflict resolution, as they allow for understanding the emotions involved while also providing the necessary assertiveness to guide the process.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Cusp of Cancer and Leo:

Those born on the cusp of Cancer and Leo (roughly July 19-25) are often influenced by both signs. Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is known for its emotional sensitivity, nurturing tendencies, and strong intuition. Leo, ruled by the Sun, is associated with confidence, leadership, and a desire to shine.

July 22nd as the Cusp:

People born on July 22nd, specifically, may lean more towards the Cancer side due to the date being closer to the start of Cancer’s reign (June 21 – July 22). This means they might be more naturally empathetic and understanding, which are crucial qualities for mediators.

Potential Strengths:

Emotional Intelligence: Deeply understanding and responding to the emotions of others is a hallmark of Cancer.

Intuition:

Having a strong intuition can help mediators anticipate potential issues and guide conversations effectively.

Warmth and Nurturing:

The nurturing nature of Cancer can create a safe and comfortable environment for parties to express themselves.

Confidence and Assertiveness:

Leo’s influence can provide the confidence needed to guide the mediation process and encourage open communication.

Potential Weaknesses: – [Well we can skip those! …]

In conclusion, while it’s not guaranteed that someone born on July 22nd at 8:30 PM will be a great mediator, their astrological influences suggest they possess many of the qualities that would make them well-suited for the role.

The combination of Cancer’s emotional intelligence and Leo’s confidence could be a powerful asset in conflict resolution.’

Thankyou AI – Recognition of my ‘talents’ at last – of which I have many (that is my Leo side coming out)!