Ancient Culture Research Articles

Legacy of the Ancestors: Revitalization of the ‘Scythian Animal Style’ in Altaian Arts and Crafts

This study examines the so-called ‘Scythian animal style’, which has experienced a revival, particularly in contemporary Altaian arts and crafts, where it serves as a symbolic expression of ethnic identity and the Altaians' identification with the ancient Pazyryk culture of the Iron Age. The animal motifs from the Pazyryk culture, originating in the Altai region, are widely incorporated by Altaian artisans today and are used to represent and promote Altaian culture. The paper focuses on the role of this art style in Altaian crafts, exploring its interpretation and the reasons for its use from the Altaians' perspective. Alongside professional literature, the study draws primarily on data gathered during the author's field research conducted in 2018 and 2019 in the Altai Republic, Russian Federation. The theoretical framework of the study is grounded in ethnosymbolism.

The Importance of Olives and Their Oil in Ancient Egyptian and Greek Civilizations

Olives have been of great importance in ancient civilizations, since the beginning of life, scientists have different opinions on the origin of this tree, some Palestine and Syria, some Greeks and some Cyprus and the Aegean Sea region In the sources and languages of the world, the name is mentioned in different ways, because Movi was not very experienced at that time, he initially regarded it as an ordinary tree and treated its branches and fruits In many religions and throughout different times, its oil has been the purest and best way to show their relationship with God, so in the time of kings and princes Prominent figures, aristocrats, heroes, athletes and clerics, East and West, used perfumed oil to show their holiness and high social status. It was one of the pillars of Egyptian and Greek civilization, especially in ancient Greece It was a food that they called liquid gold, but because of its effects on religious thought and thought after death, the title of the study (The importance of olives and their oil in ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations), which consists of three main topics. The first topic: The name of the olive, its history of development, its distribution areas and its causes and motives. The second topic : its religious position in both civilizations. The third topic: the importance of the use of olives and their oil in different fields of both civilizations

Research Progress of Bronze Ware Ornamentation in the Shang Dynasty of China

Bronze ware is an important representative of ancient Chinese culture, and the Shang Dynasty is the peak of China’s bronze casting technology. As an important symbol of ancient culture, the bronze ornaments of Shang Dynasty in China. Deeply reflect the religious belief, social structure and cultural value at that time. Through a systematic literature review of the origin, classification and evolution of the bronze ornament, this paper aims to deepen the understanding of the Shang Dynasty bronzes and their cultural connotation. Among the existing studies, the current research on Shang Dynasty bronze ornament mainly focuses on the categorization of ornament, its relationship with culture and the evolution rules. Specifically, the classification of bronze ornament is diverse and represents the different symbolic meanings. Shang Dynasty bronze ornaments are closely related to religious beliefs and social structures, and evolved over time. In general, these studies have enriched the cultural knowledge of Shang Dynasty bronzes, while some rare ornaments have been understudied and the research methods need to be further innovated. The significance of this study is clear: by examining Shang dynasty bronze ornament, it can increase people’s understanding of ancient Chinese religious culture and feudal social structure, and also contribute to the identification and conservation of modern bronzes. Future research can apply modern scientific and technological tools to further reveal the deeper connotations and historical value of Shang culture.

On Astronomical Materials in Buddhist Scriptures

There are many foreign astronomical materials that were preserved in the Chinese translation of Buddhist canons. From the content, these astronomical materials include cosmology theories, lunar mansion systems, calendrical data, etc. These astronomical materials are important evidence for the exchange and dissemination of astronomy between ancient civilizations. This paper aims to sort out and analyze the astronomical materials preserved in the Chinese translation of Buddhist canons, classifying and differentiating the content of astronomy, which was foreign to China, tracing the origins of these astronomical knowledge, discussing their impact on local astronomy in China, and evaluating the preservation form, characteristics, reliability, functionality, and limitations of these astronomical materials. Through the above discussion, this paper will demonstrate the core meaning of the historical view of transcultural transmission of sciences and technology, which is ‘knowledge progresses through dissemination and civilization thrives through communication’.

Origin and Development: History of Storytelling

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as a means for entertainment, education, and preserving cultural traditions. The origins of storytelling can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where oral narratives were used to pass down histories, myths, and legends from one generation to the next. This research paper aims to examine the evolution of storytelling throughout history, exploring how the form and function of stories have adapted to changing social, technological, and cultural landscapes. By drawing upon a comprehensive review of historical records, anthropological studies, and contemporary scholarship, this paper will trace the development of storytelling from its earliest beginnings to the present day, identifying key milestones, influential figures, and significant shifts in the art of narrative. The research suggests that while the mediums and techniques of storytelling have evolved dramatically, from cave paintings to digital platforms, the fundamental human need to share and consume stories has remained constant throughout history, thus reflecting innate desire to make sense of the world and place within it. Through understanding the rich history and enduring significance of storytelling, this paper will provide valuable insights into the human experience and the role of narrative in shaping collective identity and cultural heritage.

Holocene environmental evolution and its relationship with human culture in the Luoyang area, Central China

As a key region for the origin and development of Chinese civilization, the relationship between the Holocene environment and human culture in the Luoyang area has garnered significant attention. However, the lack of long-term and multi-factor studies impedes our understanding of the overall characteristics of environmental systems and their interactions with human cultures. Based on extensive field investigations, we conducted a comprehensive study of the BZ profile, which exhibits continuous sedimentation and abundant paleoenvironmental information. The Holocene evolution of climate, deposition, hydrology, and landforms was analyzed, and the human-environment interaction was also examined. The findings demonstrate that the regional Holocene climate also exhibits fluctuations, albeit within a relatively narrow range. The regional sediment was predominantly composed of aeolian loess-paleosols during the early to middle Holocene, while the process of alluviation gradually intensified in the late Holocene. The moderate climatic fluctuations have facilitated the sustainable development of ancient cultures. The intensification of anthropogenic activities may contribute to the increased alluviation during the late Holocene. Ancient humans effectively adapted to this adverse condition by constructing city walls with flood control functions. Our study is significant for enhancing the comprehension of the operational characteristics inherent in human ecological systems.

Exchange and Accuracy between Vietnamese Buddhism and Indian Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism and Local Belief Culture

Due to the geographical location, Vietnam locates in the middle of Indo-China, which is affected by two Eastern cultures - ancient civilizations called India and China. Although Vietnam is far from India but it connects with Indian Buddhism and culture earlier than Chinese Buddhism and culture. This study will research more about the exchanging relationship between Vietnamese Buddhism, Indian Buddhism – Culture as well as Chinese one and traditional culture – beliefs through a specific historical era: Ly – Tran Dynasty. This is considered the peak time and the essence of the history of Buddhism in Vietnam.

Exhibiting Colonialism and Nationalism: The Case of Egyptian Museums and Its Cultural Heritage

Abstract: Egypt is one of four ancient civilizations acknowledged by the international community as having a time-honored historical legacy and a profound cultural heritage. However, from the 19th century onward, Egypt's cultural development trajectory underwent a significant shift due to the influence of Western colonial powers. Subsequently, with the uninterrupted progression of the nationalist movement, the trajectory of Egyptian history and culture, in addition to the conservation and investigation of cultural heritage, underwent yet another transformation. Museums, as crucial instruments for the conservation and exhibition of cultural heritage, have played a pivotal role in the history of Egyptian cultural research, bearing witness to the transformation in the preponderance of Egyptian historical narratives. This paper examines how historical narratives and cultural developments in Egypt were shaped under the influence of colonialism, with a particular focus on the profound impact of Orientalist theories and practices on the construction of museums about the study of historical and cultural heritage. In the post-colonial period, Egyptian museums have served as conduits for disseminating the country's rich cultural heritage and as instruments for enhancing Egyptian national identity. These institutions have played a pivotal role in the formation of national identity and the "decolonization" of the country's cultural heritage, largely due to their irreplaceable cultural space and their capacity to adapt to changing needs. As Egyptian museums have evolved, they have played a significant role in shaping national identity and contributing to the processes of decolonization and de-Westernization. Furthermore, they symbolize the prospective trajectory of Egyptian national identity within the context of globalization and the emergence of a more interconnected world.

The Status and Role of Women In The Society of Nomads In Central Asia

The aim of this research is to study the role and status of women in nomadic society, as well as to identify the specifics of the perception of the image of women in traditional philosophical worldview. The attention given to the study of the role of women and their image in philosophy remains of constant interest, as this issue has both ideological and practical significance. In the context of the continuous transformation of modern society’s structure under the influence of various factors, the image of women, their functions, and roles in society are undergoing changes. Primarily, the reasons for the changing image of women include the pragmatization of human relationships, shifts in value orientations, and the increasing complexity of gender and national self-identification processes. The authors identified the significant role of women in nomadic civilization, particularly in the formation and organization of the family and in the upbringing of children. The research also revealed that women of the steppe could participate in crucial decisions concerning their clan and people, as evidenced by the involvement of nomadic women in military battles.The practical significance of this research is determined by the fact that its results can be used in further studies on the role of women in organizing the life of nomads, as well as in research on gender equality. All of the above reflects the relevance of this research and calls for a more comprehensive study of the gender role of women, both in ancient nomadic civilization and in modern society.

From exotic Orient to city with heritage: heritagisation in the tourism history of Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This article provides an historical analysis of the Hong Kong Tourist Association's (HKTA) marketing strategy, focusing on the post-World War II period. It explores how, from the 1980s, HKTA promoted heritage tours in an effort to extend tourist stays, changing perceptions of Hong Kong as a tourist destination in the process. Initially, Hong Kong relied heavily on its portrayal as an exotic Oriental site to appeal to Western tourists. From the 1950s to the 1970s, HKTA shifted its strategy, combining a broad Oriental appeal with more a specific emphasis on Chinese culture. Architecture, customs, handicrafts, and folk traditions were highlighted. This approach succeeded in enticing foreign tourists to experience ancient Chinese culture in a safe and comfortable environment during the Cold War. From the 1970s onwards, Hong Kong tourism undertook a growing emphasis on heritage preservation. During the 1980s and 1990s, the preservation of cultural heritage by HKTA, the Colonial Government, and the business sector contributed to Hong Kong's successful rebranding as an ideal tourist destination. The article argues that tourism development in post-war, pre-handover Hong Kong not only influenced the discourse and evolution of cultural heritage but also reciprocally influenced the heritagisation of Hong Kong.

The Bureaucratic Origins of Political Theory: Administrative Labor in the “Other Half” of the History of Political Thought

The earliest works of political theory precede Athenian democracy—the traditional starting point of Anglophone histories of political thought—by over two millennia. More time passed between the first written accounts of government in Mesopotamia and the birth of Plato than has passed between Plato’s life and ours. And yet this “other half” of the history of political thought has barely registered in the academic field of political theory. This article seeks to “reset” the starting point of the field back to its earliest origins in ancient Sumer. Beginning then and there opens a new vista on the history of political thought by restoring questions of public administration to the foreground of the field. For while the ancient Athenians enslaved their bureaucrats and wrote almost nothing about them, the analogous actors were free and highly valued in ancient Mesopotamian political culture. It was these scribal administrators who invented the world’s first literature and written political thought. In their writings, they valorized their own administrative labor and the public goods that it alone could produce as objects of wonder and enchantment. From this vantage point, the article calls for a new research agenda that will expand political theory’s recent “rediscovery” of bureaucracy by recovering public administration as a major thematic throughline in the five-thousand-year global history of human political ideas. Understanding public administration as an integral part of large-scale human societies from the very beginning may help to counter oligarchic claims in contemporary democracies that bureaucracy is a recent alien imposition.

Surveying the Types of Tables in Ancient Greek Texts

Abstract We may take tables for granted. However, due to a variety of factors, tables were a rarity in the history of ancient Greek culture, used only limitedly in very special contexts and generally in a non-systematic way, except in astronomy. In this paper I present the main types of tables that can be found in ancient Greek texts: non-ruled columnar lists (accounts and other types of informal tables), ruled columnar lists (mostly astronomical tables), and symmetric tables (mainly Pythagorean displays of numbers).

Building Identities: Ancient Legacies and Modern Visions in Architecture of the Americas

Review of Antes de America: Fuentes originarias en la cultura moderna, an exhibition at the at Fundación Juan March, Madrid, Spain, 6 October 2023–10 March 2024, curated by Manuel Fontán del Junco, María Toledo Gutiérrez, and Rodrigo Gutiérrez Viñuales. This exhibition explored the artistic and architectural connections between Spain and the Americas, focusing on the reinterpretation of the forms and meanings of ancient Indigenous cultures of the American continent from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It also highlighted the fascination with ‘the ancestral’, a paradigm that has significantly influenced the aesthetics of both the recent past and the present.

Historical and legal aspects of corporate governance in LLCs according to the legislation of Poland and Ukraine

The article provides a detailed examination of the evolution of corporate governance in Ukraine and Poland, focusing on the development of legislation in both countries. The author analyzes the historical development of corporate structures, tracing their evolution from antiquity and the Middle Ages to the present day, highlighting key stages and changes in legal norms regulating corporate governance in Poland and Ukraine. The article begins with a review of early forms of corporate structures in ancient civilizations and tracks their development through significant historical periods in Europe. The stages of corporate governance development in Poland and Ukraine during the 19th and 20th centuries are separately examined. In Ukraine, the formation of corporate governance was constrained by the legal norms of the Russian Empire, and only with the transition to a market economy in the 1990s a significant development of corporate forms was noticed, particularly it concerned limited liability companies (LLCs). In contrast, Poland’s development of corporate law was marked by intense changes, especially after the fall of the communist regime and accession to the European Union, which facilitated the eligibility of Polish corporate law according to European standards. The author provides a detailed analysis of the key stages of legal changes in both countries, including the codification of corporate law, adaptation to European norms, and the challenges encountered at each stage. The article also explores the impact of economic and political changes on the development of corporate governance in both countries, emphasizing that although the initial stages of corporate governance development in Ukraine and Poland were somehow similar due to geographical and historical closeness, their further development differed significantly. Poland went through stages of intensive reforming and EU integration, which substantially influenced the modernization of its corporate law. Meanwhile, significant changes in corporate governance in Ukraine began only in the 1990s and continue to modern days, facing certain challenges and obstacles on the way to full integration into European legal standards. The article reveals both common and different features of the evolution of corporate law in these countries. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the impact of historical and political factors on the formation of modern corporate practices and norms in both countries. The author concludes that despite the fact that both countries started moving into corporate governance from similar foundations, their subsequent development was significantly different because of the influence of both internal and external reasons. Poland has managed to successfully adapt its legislation according to European standards, while Ukraine is still in the process of transformation. This highlights the necessity for continued reforms in Ukraine, particularly for integration into the European legal space, which is critical for ensuring the stability and transparency of corporate governance in the country.

Socio-economic evaluation of human-dog coexistence: A 40,000 years history.

The human-animal relationship and its benefits have been a popular issue in recent decades. This study focuses on the dog as a paradigmatic example of this complex bond. The relationship between human and dog evolved over thousands of years through the domestication process. During this period, climatic, cultural, geographical and social changes have had a direct impact on this bond. Dogs have a remarkable capacity to play a variety of roles that mirror the evolution of human societies. Subsequently, questions arise regarding the important and symbolic roles that canines played in ancient cultures, religions and mythological traditions. Specifically, how have these roles changed through history? This research aimed to explore the socio-economic aspects of the human-dog relationship, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern societies. Through a systematic search methodology, this investigation seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of the complex human-dog relationship, including historical backgrounds, socio-cultural dynamics, economic implications and associated challenges. Additionally, the present study addresses the environmental concerns that emerge alongside rising stray dog populations. This research emphasizes the importance of strategies to balance the benefits of this coexistence that promote human and animal welfare.

Research on Ancient Academy Inscriptions and Documents in Zhejiang Province

This paper takes the inscriptions on ancient academies in Zhejiang as the main research object, tracing the cultural lineage of ancient academy culture from the inscriptions and creating a new pattern for the development of academy culture in Zhejiang. At the same time, the author examined ancient academy inscriptions around Zhejiang, delved into the collection, organization, and protection status of academy inscriptions, rescued abandoned inscriptions in the wilderness, and created a database and distribution map of inscriptions using new media technology, laying a solid foundation for the protection and development of academy inscriptions in the future.

Astral Iconography and the Byzantine Study of the Heavens

Byzantine astral iconography developed from early Christian and ancient visual culture, with the latter undergoing a profound process of “Christianisation.” In turn, the early Christian fascination with stellar imagery went through stages of transformation prompted by various factors. Among these, the influence of neighbouring cultures and the widespread interest in astrology are solidly researched. But recent studies of Byzantine science, including astronomy and astrology, open new avenues of interpretation regarding astral iconography. Accordingly, this article considers the flourishing of astral iconography in Byzantium’s later centuries and in the post-Byzantine era as an outcome of scientific progress. Even so, a fuller understanding of the relevant iconography is impossible without the generous theological worldview of the Byzantines, which also legitimised the rebirth of the astral sciences.

MUSIC IN PHILOSOPHICAL AND RELIGIOUS CONCEPTS OF CHINESE AND JAPANESE CULTURES

The article is devoted to the historical position of music in the philosophical and religious doctrines of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism prevalent in Chinese and Japanese societies. The theoretical basis of the study is the ancient written monuments “Shi Jing” and “Kojiki”. The distinctive features of the musical art of Chinese and Japanese cultures, which continue to carry the rich heritage of past generations, are presented. The question of mutual in uences between the two countries and, as a consequence, the impact of Chinese culture on the formation of Japanese music is considered. The conclusion is made about the similarity of some provisions of many ancient cultures, in particular, about the existence of belief in the magical power of music aimed at overcoming the natural laws of nature. In China and Japan this myth was developed in the belief that music is able to transmit the powerful force of the human heart, re ect the interconnection of people and nature, demonstrate the naturalness of events.

Braiding Fruits and Flowers as a Wish of Prosperity and Victory over Death in the Carved Festoons of Ancient Rome

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and archaeological sites in Rome (1st century BC–3rd century AD). Using iconographic sources and previous data, we identified the represented species and analysed their abundance and composition using statistical methods (Cluster Analysis, Principal Components Analysis) and diversity indexes (Shannon and Evenness). We documented 3081 botanical elements, identifying 30 taxa, in which fruits with leaves (45%) or alone (10%) represented the most common ones. Laurus nobilis and Quercus cfr. robur were the most frequently depicted species, followed by “pomes” (Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia), Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, and Ficus carica. Festoons with one or two species can be easily distinguished from those with multiple species, often arranged with figs or vine branches at the ends, with symbolic aims related to fertility, rebirth, and abundance values. A balanced botanical composition also exists, with flowers typically in the middle and a species distribution that is not casual. The results enriched our comprehension of ancient Roman society, considering funerary and celebrative events.

Complications: skull base and cerebrovascular

Neurosurgical complications are a rich source for learning, but they are grossly underutilized for the purpose of surgeon education. Details of the complications, which make them all the more powerful as teaching tools, are restricted to morbidity and mortality conferences behind closed doors, and open discussions of the topic are blurred by hypotheticals in order to shield the presenters from medicolegal risks. In this issue of Neurosurgical Focus, 9 neurosurgeons were invited to present complications they encountered along with the details and specific lessons they learned. The contributors were picked for their well-known track record of skill, experience, and candor, so readers can be confident in the lessons. The video and the accompanying written article present the clinical facts. The actions that led to the complications are demonstrated in the surgical video segments. In ancient Western civilization, the seven "deadly sins" categorized and conceptualized human malfeasance, and similarly, the neurosurgical correlate of this set of sins can provide a framework for discussing the errors that lead to unexpectedly poor outcomes. Although errors in judgment and planning grow rarer with experience, errors in execution can still occur, no matter the stage of one’s career. Interestingly, even though skill and experience do not eliminate complications, they may affect the lesson that the neurosurgeon takes home. The lack of open discourse on complications may slow progress in the field and set the stage for repeating mistakes. The writing and production teams hope that this work opens a rich source of learning. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2024.7.FOCUS24379