Here we present selected parts from the very informative paper titled “The Mycenaean drainage works of north Kopais, Greece: a new project incorporating surface surveys, geophysical research and excavation“, by E. Kountouri, N. Petrochilos, N. Liaros, V. Oikonomou, D. Koutsoyiannis, Ν. Mamassis, N. Zarkadoulas, A. Vött, H. Hadler, P. Henning, T. Willershäuser. Continue reading “13th century BC Myceneans: The first hydraulic civilization of Europe? Man’s most ancient attempt to control an aquatic environment using hydraulic works”
The Viking invasion was not as massive as the Anglo-Saxon one
Recent research indicates that the invaders who had the worst impact on England were the Anglo-Saxons, rather than the Vikings, as it is widely thought. Continue reading “The Viking invasion was not as massive as the Anglo-Saxon one”
Christianity is Radical
by George Mantzarides, Professor Emeritus of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Christianity is radical. Where it isn’t radical, it isn’t authentic. The radicalism of Christianity affects everything that links it to the world. This is due to the fact that the roots of Christianity don’t come from the world, nor are they nourished by its spirit. The absolute nature of Christianity is what imposes its radicalism at the level of the relative. But radicalism at the level of the relative can’t occur without a relationship to the absolute and without reference to it. Continue reading “Christianity is Radical”
Smoking and alcohol: Double trouble for the brain?
Along with many other harmful health consequences, smoking tobacco causes chemical changes, oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Excessive alcohol use can have similar effects. Surprisingly, however, very few studies have examined the combined impact of smoking and alcohol on the brain. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Chemical Neuroscience have shown that in rats, the joint use of tobacco and alcohol could increase neural damage in particular brain regions. Continue reading “Smoking and alcohol: Double trouble for the brain?”
The unexpected creates reward when listening to music
If you love it when a musician strikes that unexpected but perfect chord, you are not alone. New research shows the musically unexpected activates the reward centre of our brains, and makes us learn about the music as we listen. Continue reading “The unexpected creates reward when listening to music”
Evidence of violence and martial readiness in Minoan Crete
Just how peace loving were the Minoans? Why did they not leave behind images of wars, battles and walls despite their contacts with other eastern peoples who were their contemporaries and who used such representations? Were the inhabitants of Minoan Crete perhaps ‟flower children” living among the lilies and passing their time with bullfights and festivities in meadows and olive groves? Continue reading “Evidence of violence and martial readiness in Minoan Crete”