oleh admin | Mar 13, 2025 | ancient rome, croatia, culture, tourist attractions, Travel
Stunning amphitheaters, grand imperial palaces, and lost urban centers—Croatia boasts an extraordinary legacy from antiquity, reflecting a time when Rome held sway over the Adriatic coast. Across the nation, formidable ruins continue to endure, resisting the passage of years as they narrate tales spanning hundreds of generations. Spanning the opulence of rulers to remnants of daily existence, these six locations offer essential stops for anyone seeking insight into classical times.
Boasting a rugged coastline and ancient cities, Croatia conceals remnants of a splendid history under its cobblestone streets and rolling hills. From antiquity onwards,
The Romans have molded this region.
, constructing theaters, forums, villas, and fortresses that still stand as testaments to their legacy.
Today, these awe-inspiring remains still captivate tourists who wish to explore history and magnificence throughout their visit. Every location provides a compelling look into an age when Rome influenced legislation, customs, and design across the area.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, these articles can assist you in selecting your itinerary:
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This island off the coast of Dubrovnik is waiting to be explored immediately.
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Croatia: 5 Culinary Specialties to Try During Your Stay in the Thousand-Island Country
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Croatia offers a delightful culinary experience with these five must-try dishes when visiting this archipelago nation.
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If you’re planning a visit to Croatia, make sure to sample these five traditional local specialties during your trip through the land of numerous islands.
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In the Balkans, the landscapes and people come alive through the pen of Rebecca West.
6 historic locations you shouldn’t miss when visiting Croatia
The Pula amphitheater stands as a stony colossus suspended in history.
At the center of the Istrian Peninsula lies Pula, home to an astounding Roman amphitheater. Perched above the Adriatic Sea, this monumental structure was initially constructed during the reign of Augustus and subsequently enlarged by Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century.
st
a century, which could formerly accommodate as many as 23,000 spectators.
The majestic arches continue to stand tall, resisting decay and serving as a testament to the glory of past gladiator contests. Nowadays, the sounds of savage animals have been supplanted by music performances and cultural celebrations, infusing fresh vitality into this enduring landmark.
Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a testament to imperial extravagance
At the center of Split
, vibrant narrow streets hide one of the most impressive historical royal palaces constructed during the early 400s.
th
For Diocletian, this immense structure combines a luxurious palace with formidable military defenses.
The arched hallways, stone-paved courtyards, and meticulously maintained shrines transport guests into the grandeur of an emperor who selected Dalmatia for his refuge. Beyond being merely an artifact, this structure is deeply integrated within the urban tapestry; today, its pillars serve as supports for cafes and bazaars, whereas its subterranean areas continue to resonate with echoes from ancient times.
Salona, the long-lost city of Roman Dalmatia
A short distance away from Split lies Salona, where extensive remains sprawl across what was once a prosperous area. Serving as the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, this thriving commercial center had a population exceeding 60,000 residents until it was laid waste by barbarian attacks.
In today’s scene, the breeze meanders among the ruins of an amphitheater partly crumbled into dust, with vestiges of ancient bathhouses and basilicas standing tall like memories from when traders, warriors, and politicians frequently intersected within this flourishing metropolis.
The Roman Forum of Zadar, the vibrant core of an ancient city spanning a millennium.
Located by the seaside, Zadar preserves a Roman forum at its core, featuring remnants that underscore the city’s significant position in ancient times. Established during the reign of Emperor Augustus, this extensive paved area served as both the administrative hub and economic center of the city.
Isolated pillars, remnants of ancient sanctuaries, along with pieces of colonnades, continue to rise, etching history onto the stones. Surrounding these testaments to the past, the city thrums with vitality, featuring bustling cafes and an archaeological museum that prolongs the exploration of times gone by.
Burnum, a military encampment established within stone
Away from the well-trodden route, Burnum watches over.
the dry terrain of the Dalmatian inland regions
Here, you won’t find opulent villas or intricately designed shrines; instead, you’ll see the remnants of a military encampment where Roman soldiers were stationed.
The starkly elegant amphitheater stands as testament to the amusement provided for the troops, whereas the remnants of the aqueduct highlight Roman innovation. This less-frequented location immerses tourists in the unforgiving and tactical environment of old military outposts.
The ruins of Nesactium, an obscure Illyrian settlement.
On the outskirts of Istria lies Nesactium, which showcases remnants of an early civilization active prior to Roman times. Situated atop a hill between the villages of Muntić and Valtura, this archaeological site uncovers the ruins of a fortified town featuring large stonewalls, shrines, and burial grounds that reflect age-old traditions.
Defeated by Rome in the 2nd century.
nd
In the 1st century BC, the area was redesigned following imperial city-planning principles, featuring bathhouses and sanctuaries devoted to deities of Roman mythology. These remnants can still be seen amidst the oak and olive groves today.
oleh admin | Mar 7, 2025 | archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology
Researchers have unearthed what are believed to be the oldest known bone instruments, which date their employment back approximately one million years earlier than previously thought.
This discovery indicates that early humans possessed more sophisticated tool-making abilities than was earlier believed.
These 27 fossilized remains, crafted into tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, are reshaping our understanding of early human technological development.
The assemblage discovered in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge offers the oldest proof of intentional creation of bone tools by early hominids.
Crafted from the robust leg bones of elephants and hippos, these tools demonstrate that our early ancestors employed more intricate sets of equipment than earlier believed.
Scientists have established that basic stone instruments date back 3.3 million years. However, bone tools were thought to be an invention of a more recent era until recently.
![]()
The artifacts, which remain in excellent condition with some pieces reaching up to 40 centimeters, exhibit evident indications of deliberate crafting.
When they were first made, our forebears inhabited an uncertain life as hunter-gatherers on the plains of the Serengeti region, a habitat brimming with animals.
They created them utilizing a method akin to the production of stone tools, where tiny flakes were removed to create sharp edges, showcasing adept artistry.
Dr. Christine Adhiambo Ogola is an archaeologist affiliated with the National Museum of Kenya. She did not participate in the research.
They mentioned that bone tools aren’t prevalent due to their tendency to decay. Hence, even though there could be numerous instances of these tools throughout history, only a few remain intact today,” she explained. “In contrast, we find more stone tools still around since they do not disintegrate as easily.
These implements were probably utilized as hand-held axes for dismembering animal carcasses, mainly scavenged remnants of elephants and hippos.
Unlike subsequent instruments, these were not attached to handles or employed as spears.
Scientists claim that the consistent choice of certain bones, mainly big limb bones from particular creatures, indicates that ancient humans intentionally looked for superior raw materials to craft their tools.
“We can’t precisely determine when they began using bone tools since it’s possible that these implements were utilized even before the period we’re studying. Given what we know about chimpanzees employing such tools, it suggests that human beings at a similar stage of evolution might have also employed them as well,” stated Ogola.
Consider this from a temporal perspective. When did humans reach that stage? It might have been as far back as 4-5 million years ago.
This finding predates the emergence of Homo sapiens by over a million years. During this period, at least three distinct hominin species inhabited the area, namely Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Paranthropus boisei.
It remains uncertain which species crafted these tools; however, experts believe the discoveries indicate that our ancient ancestors weren’t merely responding passively to their surroundings. Instead, they seem to have been deliberately strategizing about how they created their implements and carefully choosing resources for specific intended uses.
The finding, detailed in the journal Nature, sheds light on the developing cognitive abilities and flexibility of our early human forebears.
oleh admin | Mar 7, 2025 | archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology
Researchers have unearthed what are believed to be the oldest identified bone implements, shifting the timeline for their usage by approximately one million years earlier than previously thought.
This discovery indicates that early humans possessed more sophisticated tool-making abilities than was earlier believed.
These 27 fossilized remains, crafted into tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, are reshaping our understanding of early human technological development.
The collection discovered in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge offers the oldest proof of intentional creation of bone tools by early hominids.
Crafted from the robust femur bones of elephants and hippopotamuses, these tools demonstrate that our ancient ancestors employed more sophisticated tool sets than earlier believed.
Scientists have established that basic stone instruments date back 3.3 million years. However, bone tools were thought to have emerged significantly later.
![]()
The artifacts, which remain in excellent condition with some pieces reaching up to 40 centimeters, exhibit evident indications of deliberate formation.
When they were first made, our forebears inhabited an uncertain hunter-gatherer life amidst the plains of the Serengeti area, which was brimming with animals.
They created them utilizing a method akin to the production of stone tools, achieved by detaching tiny flakes to produce sharp edges, showcasing adept craftsmanship.
Dr. Christine Adhiambo Ogola serves as an archaeologist at the National Museum of Kenya and was uninvolved in the research.
“They mentioned that bone tools aren’t prevalent due to their tendency to decay. Hence, even though numerous examples may have existed historically, only a few might remain today. However, since these artifacts break down over time, we primarily find enduring remnants like stone tools,” she explained.
These instruments were probably employed as hand-held axes for dismembering animal carcasses, mainly scavenged remnants of elephants and hippos.
Unike the subsequent tools, these were not attached to handles or employed as spears.
Scientists believe that the consistent choice of certain bones, mainly big limb bones from particular creatures, indicates that ancient humans intentionally looked for high-quality raw materials to craft their tools.
“We can’t precisely determine when they began utilizing bone tools since it’s possible that these tools were employed even before our current estimates indicate. Given what we know about chimpanzees using such implements, it suggests that human beings at a similar stage of evolution might have utilized them as well,” stated Ogola.
Consider this from a temporal perspective. When did humans reach that stage? It might have been as far back as 4-5 million years ago.
This finding predates the emergence of Homo sapiens by over a million years. During this period, at least three distinct hominin species inhabited the area, namely Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Paranthropus boisei.
It remains uncertain which species crafted these tools; however, experts believe the discoveries indicate that our ancient ancestors weren’t merely responding to their surroundings. Instead, they seem to have been deliberately strategizing about how they produced their instruments and carefully choosing resources with specific objectives in focus.
The finding, detailed in the scientific journal Nature, sheds light on the developing cognitive abilities and flexibility of our ancient forebears.
oleh admin | Mar 6, 2025 | culture, indonesia, Travel, travel destinations, travel planning and tips
Simply uttering the word Bali evokes visions of an idyllic haven.
In the previous year, nearly two million Europeans landed in Indonesia, with the majority heading straight for the renowned beaches.
However, past the sun-drenched shores and bustling entertainment scenes, extensive parts of Indonesia stay off the beaten path, featuring lush rainforests, historic shrines, and breathtaking landscapes.
By 2025, Indonesia had redirected its attention away from mass tourism towards a more sustainable approach that highlights longer stays and regenerative practices, also bringing less-explored areas into the limelight.
At ITB Berlin 2025, when speaking with Euronews Travel, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, who serves as the deputy minister for marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted that enhancing the caliber of tourism has become their primary objective. This shift encompasses various aspects including environmental responsibility and culinary experiences.
Below are the top spots in Indonesia where you can enjoy everything, from Bali to further afield.
Straighten up your behavior in Likupang
Sustainable travel has become a growing priority for many vacationers, prompting Indonesia to initiate a nationwide ‘clean tourism’ initiative, supported by the authorities.
“Amidst the worldwide issue of waste and plastics, we’re running a campaign across Indonesia to ensure our rivers and seas remain pristine,” says Marthini.
The ministry collaborates with local authorities, students, and the community to collect garbage and raise awareness about sustainability.
Likupang in North Sulawesi offers an
eco-friendly haven
if you’re seeking to explore Indonesia’s natural beauty responsibly.
The area is known for pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and dense tropical forests, and is currently being designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an area designed to generate positive economic growth.
Unlike most SEZs in Indonesia, however, Likupang’s focus is on resort-themed tourism, balancing cultural, natural and economic aspects while preserving its beauty through zero waste management and a circular resource economy.
This area boasts a lively underwater environment, featuring unique creatures such as the green sea turtle; with some luck, you might be able to discreetly watch these animals up close.
Likupang Beach is where you should go, featuring extensive white sand shores and pristine waters ideal for this activity.
diving
Meanwhile, the islands of Lihaga and Gangga also provide incredible opportunities for divers.
Dive alongside the beams in Nusa Tenggara
Boasting more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is teeming with diversity.
marine experiences
from adrenaline-pumping water activities to up-close wildlife experiences.
You boast of beautiful beaches where one can engage in activities like diving and snorkeling, as well as exploring the largest coral reef globally,” states Marthini. “Our aim is to highlight these offerings along with scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and much more.
With spectacular diving, magnificent waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, the province of Nusa Tenggara ticks all the boxes.
Just an hour’s flight from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport lies a cluster of 500 tiny islands formed by volcanoes and surrounded by coral reefs. These islands boast vividly colored volcanic lakes, endless surfing spots with powerful waves and tubes, as well as marine environments brimming with vibrant sea life.
In Flores, you have the opportunity to go snorkeling directly from the beach among numerous wreck-filled diving locations teeming with whale sharks, manta rays, and various fish species.
Enjoy gado-gado in culinary-rich Ubud
We have countless recipes in Indonesia, and each one includes spices, which is why we’re called the Spice Islands,” explains Marthini. “Our aim is to showcase this heritage and present Indonesia as a must-visit food lover’s paradise.
Nestled in the heart of Bali’s central hills, Ubud has long been recognized for its artistic vibe. In 2024, however, it gained additional acclaim when it was chosen by the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project as a key culinary travel destination. This initiative seeks to bolster the area’s standing as an essential part of both cultural and gastronomical legacy, all while stimulating the regional economy, generating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth.
The abundance of global dishes available here is remarkable.
Ubud
It suits a cosmopolitan city, yet the local cuisines should not be overlooked.
Past the affordable ‘warungs’ (small, family-run restaurants), you will discover various options.
upscale restaurants
serving genuine Balinese and Indonesian cuisine from various regions. You can savor treats such as ‘babi guling’ (roast suckling pig) and ‘gado-gado’, a hearty dish featuring an assortment of boiled veggies topped with creamy peanut sauce.
Discover serenity in Borobudur
The appeal of wellness tourism draws many visitors to Indonesia, with Bali being particularly renowned for its therapeutic massages offered at numerous health retreats throughout the nation.
Borobudur
Java provides something genuinely exceptional.
Surrounded by serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the area invites you to connect deeply with both nature and spirituality.
Reaching to the heavens, Borobudur Temple dates back to the 8th century and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Here you’ll find a
peaceful energy
This improves yoga and meditation practices, whereas nearby wellness getaways provide comprehensive therapies including Javanese massages and herbal treatments.
Stray from the beaten path in Sumba
Are you ready to venture off the beaten path? Then dive into the jungle.
treehouses
Across the archipelago, riverside lodges and beach shacks will extend a warm greeting to visitors.
In distant villages, locals frequently welcome travelers into their homes through cozy accommodations called ‘penginapan,’ providing an genuine glimpse into Indonesian daily existence.
Over 6,000 villages across Indonesia are prepared to host travelers in rural regions,” states Marthini. “Our aim is to ensure that tourism benefits not just large companies, but also the local communities who lead everyday lives there.
villages
, tailored for them, by them.
Visitors reside in local villagers’ homes, thereby gaining cultural preservation whilst also contributing to their economy.
Homestays
Are widespread throughout Indonesia; however, less-famous locations frequently offer a more authentic travel encounter.
To find something genuinely distinctive, take a look at the
island of Sumba
situated in the south of the nation, this region features serene villages with massive stone graves, elevated homes, and timber chapels.
oleh admin | Mar 3, 2025 | ancient history, archaeology, culture, history, immigrants
A study suggests that the people behind the construction of the famous Stonehenge may have been Black individuals.
Scientists from the University of Ferrara have reconstructed data from 348 ancient genomes collected throughout Eurasia.
Italy
Which indicates that nearly all Europeans had dark skin up until about 3,000 years ago.
With Stonehenge, located just beyond the town of
Glastonbury
, estimated to be built approximately 5,000 years ago, experts suggest that we can infer the constructors likely had dark complexions.
Up until approximately 1,700 years ago, most Europeans had darker complexions, according to the researchers behind the study. They also noted that many ancient Greeks and Romans as well as the Britons responsible for constructing Stonehenge possessed dark skin, eyes, and hair.
The research indicates that the transition towards fairer skin, due to migration to higher latitudes and increased consumption of vitamin D, occurred at a pace slower than earlier believed.
Experts are still unsure why the change from darker to light skin was so slow.
Nevertheless, scientists think that farmers might compensate for vitamin D deficiencies in their diet using readily available sources like milk and meat.
Specimens for the research were collected from the British Isles and continental Europe.
Russia
, central
Asia
and the Middle East.
Dr. Silvia Ghirotto, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Ferrara in Italy, who headed the research, shared her insights.
The Telegraph
Through the analysis of ancient DNA from 348 people over a period of 45,000 years, we pieced together a detailed image where pale skin colour appeared intermittently during the initial stages of human habitation in Europe.
‘Their forefathers possessed dark skin up until quite recently.’
‘Since Stonehenge was constructed during the shift from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age, and considering the frequent occurrence of dark-skinned individuals we identified from that time even in Northern Europe, it is probable that the people who built Stonehenge had darker complexions.’
Stonehenge is a significant emblem of British heritage. While mostly inaccessible to direct contact for tourists, who can no longer touch the stones, people still have the opportunity to stroll around the ancient monument from a slight distance.
The entire monument, currently in ruins, is oriented toward the sunrise at dawn and the sunset during the winter solstice.
During the solstice times, big groups often gather at the monument because it serves as a sacred site for Neo-Druids, Pagans, and various ‘nature-based’ or ‘ancient’ faiths.
Nonetheless, English Heritage allows entry during the summer and winter solstices as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.
Read more
oleh admin | Feb 28, 2025 | castles, culture, culture & history, history, monuments, society
Perched on a rugged outcrop above the Eresma Valley, the Alcázar of Segovia dominates the landscape, providing an intriguing journey into Castile’s history.
Though its turret-topped towers capped with slate and honey-toned limestone walls lend this captivating fortress a fairy tale allure, the Alcázar was initially constructed to serve as a grand emblem of Castile’s ambitious aspirations. Built during the 13th century atop remnants of an earlier Muslim palace, it functioned first as a regal dwelling before transforming into both a military school and a governmental lockup.
Step onto the historic drawbridge and walk under the parapets where generations of soldiers once protected the fortress. Once inside, you’ll encounter elaborate Mudéjar craftsmanship.
artesonado
Ceilings intricately carved with precise geometry stand out against the backdrop of Gothic frescoes and 15th-century furnishings beneath. The Sala de Reyes captivates visitors as they gaze upon a procession of Castilian kings lining the walls, whereas the Sala del Cordón amazes with its intricate honeycomb patterns and mosaic decorations, offering an expansive view of the landscape below. However, the real enchantment lies atop the tower, providing a breathtaking panoramic sweep of the surrounding area.
Segovia’s
The ancient rooftops paired with the magnificent Sierra de Guadarrama mountains create a scene of stunning beauty.
Alcázar
Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia
40003 Segovia
+34 921 21 05 15
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