African Legends | LegendsGuide.com

07Dec

Mythical white stag found in the forests of Gloucestershire

Author: Shasta | Category: African Archeology, European Legends | Comments (0) | Add Comment

White stags have long been associated with mythology and legend, an elusive yet magnificent beast.

King Arthur was left frustrated by his attempts to capture one, as were the Kings and Queens of Narnia, who chased the creature through the woods and found themselves tumbling out of a wardrobe.

But photographer Ken Grindle has managed to get a little bit closer, taking this picture of the animal in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

white-stag

The majestic wild animal – long associated with mystery and good luck – was filmed by the wildlife enthusiast.

Ken, 66, has been filming and photographing wildlife in the area for the past six years – but had never seen a white stag.

‘I was very surprised to see it,’ he said.

‘I take the pictures to share with everyone as a lot of people can’t get out into the woods to see this.’

The Forest of Dean is thought to be home to an array of unusual and wild creatures including wild boar, big cats and white stags.

Retired builder Ken added: ‘There’s a lot of talk about big cats in the Forest and that really would be something to see.

‘I managed to stand my ground when some wild boar came out into the path in front of me but it might be a bit different if I saw a big cat.’

Last year a white stag was spotted in the Scottish Highlands and was photographed by a member of a nature charity while she was on an expedition on the west coast.

Fran Lockhart, of the John Muir Trust, a charity which protects wild land, said she was “thrilled” to spot the majestic beast, which is closely identified with the unicorn.

Source: dailymail.uk

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29Apr

Egyptian archaeologist finds artifacts which may lead to Cleopatra’s tomb

Author: Shasta | Category: African Archeology, African Legends | Comment (1) | Add Comment

Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s pre-eminent archaeologist, revealed the first ancient artifacts which may lead to the discovery of Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s resting place.

The expedition has found amulets, 22 bronze coins cast with Cleopatra’s image and her name, a royal statue, an alabaster mask resembling Marc Antony, and a statue bust of Cleopatra. “If you look at the face of Mark Antony, many believed he had this cleft on his chin and that’s why I thought this could be Mark Antony,” said Hawass.

“In my opinion, if this tomb is found, it will be one of the most important discoveries of the 21st century because of the love between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and because of the sad story of their death. This is the perfect place for them to be hidden,” said Hawass.

Recently, outside the temple colourful mummies of nobles were excavated at a neighbouring necropolis. These discoveries have lead the archaeologists to believe that a ruler or person of royalty is interred within the temple itself. It was the practice of the Greco-Roman era to assemble the tombs of persons of status and other high ranking officials near their rulers.

“The discovery of the cemetery this week really convinced me that there is someone important buried inside this temple. No one would be buried outside a temple without a reason. We saw that in the pharaonic days, they were always buried beside pyramids,” explained Hawass.

“She needed a place to be protected in the afterlife. If she had used the other burial site, she would have disappeared forever,” said Kathleen Martinez, a Dominican archaeologist. She feels that “it could be Taposiris Magna because it was the most sacred temple of its time.”

Dr. Roger Vickers team used radar to locate three chambers within the rocky hill atop of which is the Temple of Taposiris Magna dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was constructed about 300 BC by Ptolemy II.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) expedition led by Hawass has yet to excavate the burial chambers 40 feet (12 meters) underground where they hope to find a crown or Egyptian hieroglyph cartouches revealing the names of royalty. The team will employ radar again on April 22.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities expedition consists of Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the SCA, and Martinez who has extensively researched the life of Cleopatra.

Zahi Hawass
Image: Hajor.

According to Plutarch who studied Roman history, Caesar allowed Marc Antony and Cleopatra to be buried in the same tomb.

Alexandria is located about 30 miles (48 km) from the Temple of Taposiris Magna. The archaeological site is on a hill along the Mediterranean Sea overlooking the summer home of Hosni Mubarak, president of Egypt. The archaeologists fear they may have to postpone work for security reasons over the summer months.

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Egyptian_archaeologist_finds_artifacts_which_may_lead_to_Cleopatra%27s_tomb

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29Apr

30 brightly coloured mummies discovered in Egyptian necropolis

Author: Shasta | Category: African Archeology, African Legends | Comments (0) | Add Comment

Archaeologists have found approximately 30 beautifully preserved mummies in a 4,000 year old Egyptian necropolis which held 53 tombs.

Supervisor of Antiquities for Middle Egypt Dr. Abdel-Rahman El-Ayedi’s team established his archaeological site in the Faiyum Oasis near the El-Lahun Egyptian pyramid which is just south of Cairo.

Besides the mummies, the team found masks, amulets, clay pots and an offering table located in a funerary chapel. The chapel dates back to about 30 BC to 337 AD.

Image via Wikipedia

The amazing preservation of the linen wrapped mummies revealed bright decorations and writings in bright turquoise, terracotta and gold colors which had not faded over time.

“The mission found dozens of mummies in 53 rock-hewn tombs dating to the Middle Kingdom,” said Zahi Hawass. “Four of the mummies date back to the 22nd Dynasty (931 to 725 BC) and are considered some of the most beautiful mummies found.”