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)!

When I woke up this morning, it suddenly occurred to me that all four of the earliest civilizations were located within the same narrow range of latitude.

What I did not know until I asked Google AI is that this range = only 8.5% of the earth’s surface.

·       ‘Mesoamerica’ – is located in the mid-latitudes (between 10° and 22° N).

NB the ‘Olmec’ civilization flourished in the Gulf Coast lowlands of present-day Mexico, roughly between 15° and 20° North latitude. See: https://lnkd.in/en3ADptJ

·       ‘Egypt’ – ‘The Serapeum of Saqqara Granite Boxes’, are located at approximately 29.876°N 31.210°E. See: https://lnkd.in/eS55eV6J

·       ‘Harappa’ (Indus Valley) 30.6110° N, 72.8929° E. See: https://lnkd.in/eGZKNbt2

·       The ‘Shang Dynasty’ primarily existed within the latitudes of approximately 33°N to 37°N, with its core territories located in the Yellow River Valley. See: https://lnkd.in/excQy-H5.

So, the narrowest band of latitude of the first four civilizations to appear on earth is roughly 22°N to 33°N.

In other words, they are all located along the same band of latitude around the earth’s circumference, which approximately = an 11° range of latitude.

According to Google AI – The percentage of the Earth’s surface between 22° N to 33°N = 8.5%.

In other words, the four oldest civilization known to have existed – thousands of miles apart from each other, were all located within approximately the same 8.5% belt of land and water, around the earth’s circumference.

So, why did all four of the earliest civilizations appear, at around the same time, within this narrow band of latitude?

I wondered whether ‘astronomy’ was a ‘common factor’ between these civilizations?’

So I asked the Q. – ’22° N to 33°N and ancient astronomy?’

Google AI answer –

‘The latitude range of 22°N to 33°N encompasses regions rich in ancient astronomical knowledge and practices. This area includes parts of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley, all of which developed sophisticated astronomical systems reflected in their architecture, calendar systems, and religious beliefs.

Geographical Significance:

This latitude band spans regions with distinct climates and seasonal patterns, directly impacting the visibility of celestial objects and influencing astronomical observations.

The alignment of significant structures like pyramids with celestial events highlights the importance of astronomical understanding in these ancient societies.’

So, perhaps, due to the ‘visibility of celestial objects’ within this narrow range of latitude, the birth on land within that range, of all four of the earliest civilizations, is not entirely a coincidence?

In other words, perhaps these ancient peoples – thousands of miles apart, were all looking at the ‘same part of the sky’, because of the ‘visibility of celestial objects’ within the latitude range of 22°N to 33°N ?

Note also that ‘Göbekli Tepe’, is located outside this narrow range of latitude by 4 degrees.

‘The latitude of Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa, Turkey is 37.223194, and the longitude is 38.922325. Göbekli Tepe, Şanlıurfa, Turkey is located at Turkey country in the Ancient Sites place category with the gps coordinates of 37° 13′ 23.4984” N and 38° 55′ 20.3700” E. … Referred to as the “point zero of history”, the site dates back to the 9th–10th millennium BCE and includes the T-shaped stone pillars which are the world’s oldest known megaliths. These structures are about 7 thousand years older than the Stonehenge megaliths.’ See –
https://www.latlong.net/place/gobekli-tepe-sanliurfa-turkey-31500.html#:~:text=The%20latitude%20of%20G%C3%B6bekli%20Tepe%2C%20%C5%9Eanl%C4%B1urfa%2C%20Turkey%20is,13%27%2023.4984%27%27%20N%20and%2038%C2%B0%2055%27%2020.3700%27%27%20E.

Out of idle curiosity during my tea break this afternoon, I asked Google AI – ‘Relationship between 22° N to 33°N and astronomy?’

The answer is –

’22°N to 33°N:

This range of declination values would correspond to objects located in the northern sky, specifically between the celestial equator and a point about one-third of the way from the equator to the north celestial pole.

Astronomical Significance:

This range is important for astronomers because it defines the portion of the sky where objects will be visible from certain latitudes on Earth. For example, an object with a declination of 22°N would be visible from most locations in the Northern Hemisphere.’

So were these civilizations interested in Astronomy? 

·      ‘Were the Olmecs interested in astronomy?’  – Yes. ‘the Olmecs also possessed a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos.’ See: https://www.mexicohistorico.com/paginas/Olmec-Astronomy–Timekeeping-and-Celestial-Observation.html
·        ‘Were the Egyptians?’  – Yes, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_astronomy
·        ‘Were the Harappans?’ – Yes, see: https://www.indianetzone.com/harappan_science_astronomy#:~:text=Linkages%20between%20ancient%20Harappan%20scripts%20and%20latter%20Vedic,Saturn%2C%20and%20most%20likely%20all%20of%20the%20planets.
·        ‘Were the Shang?’ – Yes. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astronomy.

‘While the Olmecs, Egyptians, Harappans, and Shang civilizations all developed sophisticated understandings of astronomy, there’s no evidence of direct, shared knowledge or significant cultural exchange between them regarding astronomical practices. Each civilization developed its astronomy independently, driven by their unique needs and environments.’ (Google AI).

So, is it a coincidence that all of these ancient civilizations (and Göbekli Tepe’), were located in a narrow range of northern latitude that is of the same astronomical significance?

Logically, a ‘common factor’ appears to be, that these ancient civilizations were all observing the same part of the sky, and at around the same time. So, if that is a valid deduction, then why were each of these ancient civilizations all observing the same part of the sky, at around the same time?

Note also –

The latitude of Pueblo Bonito is 36°03′39″N. It is located in Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, USA. The site’s coordinates are 36°03′39″N 107°57′42″W.

Nabta Playa was once a large endorheic basin in the Nubian Desert, located approximately 800 kilometers south of modern-day Cairo or about 100 kilometers west of Abu Simbel in southern Egypt, 22.51° north, 30.73° east.

So, ‘Nabta Playa’, where astronomy is believed to have taken place, is located within the 22°N to 33°N range of latitude.

‘Pueblo Bonito’, where astronomy is also believed to have taken place, is located outside the range by 3°N.

So, it appears that the coincidences are starting to pile up, because ancient astronomers in these places, were also looking as the same part of the sky, as the Olmecs, Egyptians, Harappans and Shang were – thousands of miles apart from each other.

In a rare moment of idle curiosity, I just asked Google AI the Q. – ‘Did the astronomical significance of 22°N to 33°N influence the location of the Olmec, Egyptian, Harappan and Shang civilizations?’

AI Answer –

‘While there’s no direct evidence that the specific latitude range of 22°N to 33°N directly caused the location of the Olmec, Egyptian, Harappan, and Shang civilizations, these civilizations did emerge within or near this range, and astronomy played a role in their cultures. Their locations were likely influenced by a combination of factors, including climate, geography, and access to resources, with astronomical observations potentially influencing their understanding of time, seasons, and perhaps even religious beliefs. … In summary: While the 22°N to 33°N latitude band encompasses the approximate location of these civilizations, it’s not a direct cause of their emergence. However, astronomy did play a role in the development of these cultures, particularly in their understanding of time, seasons, and potentially their religious beliefs.’

So, it appears that the significance of 22°N to 33°N to astronomers, is a coincidence, because astronomy was not a causal factor in the emergence of the earliest civilizations.

What I find peculiar is the apparent ‘common factor’ that all four ancient civilizations were looking at the ‘same part’ of the sky at around the same time. This may of course be a coincidence, i.e. because civilizations arose in these locations for reasons unconnected with astronomy, and astronomy i.e. at these locations, later influenced their science and religious beliefs. So, what I am wondering as a lay person with an interest in this subject, is what evidence exists to support the theory that these civilizations were somehow connected and possessed a sophisticated common knowledge of mathematics, engineering, stone masonry and astronomy?

NB AI also provided the following answers –
Giza and Orion’s Belt:

‘While the three main Giza pyramids are roughly aligned with the stars of Orion’s Belt, the alignment is not precise and requires adjustments to the star map, like inverting the image, to match. Astronomers have used computers to analyze the past positions of stars and debunked the idea of precise alignment with Orion’s Belt.’

Teotihuacan and the Pleiades:

While there’s a general alignment between the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan and the Pleiades, the alignment is not exact and may be coincidental. The Pleiades were also associated with the setting of the pyramids and may have been a reference point for their construction, but not necessarily a perfect mirroring.’

Q. for Google A1 – ‘Was there any contact between these ancient peoples who built Giza, Teotihuacan, the Nazca lines, Stonehenge and Gobekli Tepe?’

AI answer – ‘No, there is no evidence of direct contact between the builders of Giza, Teotihuacan, the Nazca Lines, Stonehenge, and Göbekli Tepe. These sites were constructed by different cultures, in different locations, and during vastly different time periods. While some theories propose connections, they are not supported by archaeological evidence.’

So, is there any other evidence that there may have been contact?

i.e. evidence of a shared ‘legacy’ of ‘ancient technological knowledge’, e.g. a common knowledge of mathematics, engineering and stone masonry tools and techniques?

‘Nazca Lines and Galactic Map:

The idea of the Nazca lines mirroring a galactic map is speculative and lacks concrete evidence. The lines are generally understood to be associated with rituals and ceremonies, with some potentially linked to astronomical events like solstices.

Stonehenge and Solstices/Equinoxes:

Stonehenge is well-known to mark solstices and equinoxes, but the alignment is not accurate to the second. The accuracy of the alignment would have varied depending on the time of construction and the techniques used, and it was not built to mark solstices to the second.

Gobekli Tepe and Precession:

While Gobekli Tepe is an impressive site with potential astronomical alignments, the claim of encoding the precession of the equinoxes is highly speculative and not widely accepted among archaeologists and astronomers.’

I would like to share an insight I had this morning about Mediation, which as a process, is about ‘doing a deal’ and requires a ‘Paradigm Shift.’

A ‘Paradigm Shift’ in effect requires the creation of a ‘New Paradigm’, for adoption by the warring parties, i.e. as a new ‘Lens’ through which to view the dispute, in order to discover common ground and settle.

‘Doctrine’ – See my previous post – ‘Creating a New Paradigm of Restitution in Cultural Heritage Disputes’: https://lnkd.in/eRNv8C93

As I wrote in the post in Cultural Heritage Disputes, there are two competing theories under International law, which are divergent:

(i)         ‘Cultural Nationalism’; and
(ii)        ‘Cultural Internationalism’.

‘Taxonomy’ – Different terms are used in the academic literature to classify Cultural Heritage Disputes.

‘The handing back of property to the original possessor or owner is known variously as restitution, return, and repatriation … are treated differently in law, with some covered by private law instruments and others by public law. … [Points] of convergence can be seen where there are no legal means of claiming restitution, either because the passage of time or because there has been no unlawful act. It can also happen that, once outside the state territory, there may be limits to the protection afforded to a disputed item of property under public law, even where international conventions apply, as these are sometimes unenforceable..’ (Cornu, Marie & Marc-Andre Renold ‘New developments in the restitution of cultural property: alternative means of dispute resolution’ , 17 Intnl J. Cultural Prop.1 [2010] pp. 1-2).’

So, essentially, these competing ‘paradigms’ are based upon:

(i)          ‘Title’ – which can be classified as being a ‘Restitution Paradigm’ based upon applicable ‘Property Law’ concepts; and

(ii)        ‘Cultural Patrimony’ – which can be classified as being a ‘Repatriation Paradigm’ based upon ‘Ethics.’

So, adopting this framework, the former can broadly be classified as being ‘Cultural Property’ claims, and the latter as ‘Patrimonial’ claims.

Understanding the ‘source’ of each party’s ‘Paradigm’ is the ‘starting point’ for the Mediator in a Cultural Heritage Dispute, as it enables him to ‘drill-down’ into the underlying ‘Legal’ and ‘Moral’ elements of the claim and ‘reality-test’ them, in order to facilitate the building of a ‘bridge’ between these divergent sets of principles (i.e. to bring about ‘Convergence’), through the agreement of a framework of applicable ‘Foundational Principles’, i.e. a ‘New Paradigm’ – which in my Monograph I shall refer to for convenience as being ‘Principles of Restitution’.

In a nutshell, the Methodology (i.e. ‘Dispute Resolution Road Map’) I have so far developed for the Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes entails:

·       1st Understand the ‘source’ of each party’s ‘Paradigm’ – NB in Mediation – ‘Legal Doctrine + Taxonomy = Paradigm.’
·       2nd – ‘Reality- Testing’.
·       3rd – ‘Creation of a New Paradigm’ – i.e. applicable ‘Principles of Restitution.’

The ‘Old Paradigm’ – There are two prevalent doctrines in claims for the return of cultural property:

(i) ‘Cultural Nationalism’ – Proponents of this view believe that cultural objects belong within the boundaries of the ‘source’ nation of origin. (UNESCO Convention 1970, Article 2 and the Preamble.)

(ii) ‘Cultural Internationalism’ – Proponents of this view regard cultural property as being in the words of the 1954 Hague Convention – ‘the cultural heritage of all mankind.’

However, at the centre of this ‘dichotomy’ is a fatal ‘legal flaw’, because:

(i) cultural property cannot, being within any state’s sovereignty, be regarded as ‘Res Nullius’ (i.e. property belonging to no one); or

(ii) ‘Res Communis’ (i.e. property belonging to the whole world).

Furthermore, making cultural property ‘Universal’, logically contradicts the idea of ‘return.’

So, we need to create a ‘New Paradigm’.

My ‘Methodology’ – I have begun by examining the precedents, i.e. cases relating to cultural property, and by asking – ‘with what issues were these cases concerned?

I am now ‘tabulating’ instances of return, showing how claims for restitution of cultural property have been resolved.

According to Professor Jeanette Greenfield (see the Third Edition of her book – ‘The Return of Cultural Treasures’), this process will reveal the existence of three different ‘categories’ of issue:

(i) ‘Conservation’, which is an ongoing issue;
(ii) ‘Illicit trading’, which is a contemporary issue; and
(iii) ‘The physical return of cultural property which may be associated with illicit trading’ which is also a historical issue.

However, the ‘question of returning cultural property tends to become mixed up under these three headings without any distinction being drawn. When discussing conservation the concept of a “cultural heritage” may be relevant, whilst when considering return the concept of cultural property is relevant. If we examine the many definitions of cultural property the shortcomings are obvious. They are vague and they are subjective. While it may be satisfactory to define cultural property in this way within a national context, a fixed and objective criterion is necessary if the matter of cultural return is to be dealt with on an international footing, such as between states.’

(‘The Return of Cultural Treasures, Third Edition, by Jeanette Greenfield (2007), pp.365 and 366).

So, in order to develop a New Paradigm I also need to develop ‘criteria for return’.

Professor Greenfield advances ‘two basic criteria’ as the basis for determining return:

(i) the ‘means of acquisition; and
(ii) the ‘nature of the object’.

Both as a ‘Mediator’ and as a ‘Mediation Advocate’, I am also developing my own Legal and Ethical ‘Navigational Compass’, i.e. ‘Framework of Principles of Repatriation’, for discussion in my Monograph – see the ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes’ page at www.carlislam.co.uk.