October 1, 2011

Islands, Wonders Of The World, 7 Wonders, Australia, Lord Howe Islands Group

An amazing example of isolated oceanic islands, born of volcanic activity more than 2,000 m under the sea, these islands boast amagnificent topography and are home to numerous endemic species, especially birds.

Based in the South Pacific, 700 km north-east of Sydney, the house is included administratively in New South Wales. The preserve includes some 75% of the land area of  Lord Howe Island and all of  the offshore islands and rocks of significant size in the region.

These are the Admiralty Group; Mutton Bird and Sail Rock; Blackburn (Rabbit) Island; Gower Island; and Ball’s Pyramid, together with several of small islands and rocks.

The seaward boundary follows the mean high water mark and therefore excludes all littoral and marine areas. The entire island group has remarkable volcanic exposures unfamiliar elsewhere.

The main island of Lord Howe measures 10 km from north and south and is nothing more than 2 km in width. It roughly describes a crescent, enclosing a coral reef lagoon on its south-western side. The island’s topography is covered with the southerly Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird. Only a narrow isthmus of lowland country in the north-central part of the island is habitable. The northern tip consists of steep hillsides culminating in extensive sea cliffs resistant to the northern coastline.

Lord Howe Island is the eroded remnant of a large shield volcano which erupted from the sea floor intermittently for about 500,000 years in the late Miocene (6.5-7 million years ago). The island group represents the exposed peaks of a large volcanic seamount which is about 65 km long and 24 km wide and which rises from ocean depths of over 1,800 m.

Four separate series of volcanic rocks are recognized on the main island group: tuffs, breccia and basalts, with widespread intrusion of basaltic dykes.

The dominant landforming process on Lord Howe since the last of the volcanic eruptions has been marine erosion, which has cut and maintained major cliffs. Slope failure and accumulation of talus at the foot of some cliffs, particularly in the south, have modified their original shape.

Islands, Wonders Of Nature, Australia, 7 Wonders

The island supports the southern truest coral reef in the world, which is of Pleistocene to Recent Age and differs considerably from more northerly warm water reefs. It is unique in being a transition between the algal and coral reef, due to fluctuations of hot and cold water around the island.

A wide variety of vegetation types has been described for the islands, with the diversity corresponding with the range of habitats. Variable exposure to wind and penetration of salt spray appear to be the main determinants of vegetation occurrence, structure and floristic.

A population of the large forest bat occurs on the Island. No other indigenous native mammals are known. Introduced species, however, include mice, rats and goats.

There are at least 129 native and introduced bird species. Lord Howe is now the only known breeding ground for providence petrel. Fleshy-footed shearwater breeds in large numbers, with possibly half the world’s population present seasonally. Other important species breeding within the preserve include kermadec petrel, black-winged petrel, wedge-tailed shearwater, little shearwater, white-bellied storm petrel, masked booby, and red-tailed tropic bird in greater concentrations than probably anywhere else in the world.

The earliest European discovery of Lord Howe appears to have been in 1788 by the British. A small permanent settlement was established in the 19th century, subsisting on trade with passing ships. There is no recognized evidence of prior Polynesian or Melanesian discovery or settlement.

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February 20, 2011

Becán, Becán Mayan, Becan Mayan, Becan Mayan Mexico

Becán was “discovered” by archaeologists Karl Ruppert and John Denison in 1934. The name, meaning ditch, has been given by Ruppert and Denison Becán which was named after the prominent system of moats that surround important parts of the site. The ancient Mayan name is not known. From 1969 to 1971 archaeological excavations were conducted in Becán sponsored by Tulane University and the National Geographic Society.

When we visited the ruins in 1992, we noted above white pyramids peering jungle. Nobody was there to take our same entrance fee. There is now a small Pueblo ruins and have a proper entrance area, bathrooms and parking. Currently, visitors can go up to 20 major structures on the squares and terraces spread over three hectares. The main part of Becán is surrounded by a moat, and there are remnants of a wall in some places almost 11 feet high. Excavation of ditches and construction of protective walls is very rare in the Mayan civilization. This artificial divide is a little over 2 km long and was excavated in the late pre-classic between 100 and 250 AD This trench is one of the oldest known defensive systems in Mexico.

Becan capital was a political, economic and religious of the province now known as Rio Bec sites Xpuhil, Chicanna, Puerto Roci, Okolhuitz, Channa and Ramonal belong. E ’strategically located at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula on the route connecting the river and the south-west of the lagoon of Campeche, on whose territory the Bay of Chetumal. Pete area sites have been found south of Becan. And north of the (wells) Chenes settlements in the north-east of Campeche, with whom Becan has also had relationships with.

The earliest archaeological evidence Becan year 550 BC, a period in which the Olmec culture was in decline in places such as La Venta in Tabasco. Apogee is Becan, which is reflected in the construction of the tip, and a population density occurred bewteen 600 and 800 AD Becan rejected around 1200 AD

Becán located just outside of Quintana Roo, Campeche state line, 6 km west of the city Xphil. The trip to Becán is marked by a highway sign, and the archaeological zone is located 500 meters north of the highway. Because of the importance for the region Becán Rio Bec is a significant loss to see by visiting the region. Becán is approximately 3.5 hours from Tulum, driving south on Highway 307 West on the 186th

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February 19, 2011

Chicanná, Chicanná Mayan, mayan, maya, mexico mayan, mexico Chicanná Mayan

Creation and rediscovery

Chicanna erected in the northern Yucatan Peninsula. It used to be built to a height little to prevent the physical structures of various working groups and local precincts to perform ritual ceremonies. Chicanna discovered and named Jack D. Eaton in 1966 during the investigation before the official start of National Geographic / Tulane University Archaeological Research, whose center is Becan. The site takes its name from the time of its discovery and no doubt refers to the facade of the structure II: who’s mouth – oh, a snake – home Na, inversion, refers to the mouth of the Snake House.

Chicanna and its nearby neighbor, Becan

Both cities were built by the Maya during the same period, around AD 600 to 830th, but the architecture of the two sites are very different. Because of its size and rich ornamentation of buildings Chicanná not been considered an elitist little Becan center, which is like a residential area, the leaders of the former regional capital.

Business and occupation

Chicanna was an important trade links with other settlements in the proof of the presence of non-local website, which contain objects highlands of Guatemala and Honduras. Probably many of these products have been Becan and distributed. Evidence of occupation of the Late Preclassic. Chicanna the latest phases of activity have been dated at Early Post Classic.

Rio Bec region

Chicanna is one of 45 located in the Rio Bec region. This category refers to the shape and decoration of buildings, which together form the architecture. Thus, it is common to find the presence of elongated buildings bordered by narrow towers with rounded corners, as well as a huge entertainment Itzamna, the chief god of the Maya pantheon, also known as Monster East exhibited lower construction costs.

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November 5, 2010

” – ”

Chichen Itza, maya civilization, mayas, mayan, aztecs, Mexico

Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological zone in the Maya region of the world. It is located 149 km from Cancun, the direction of Merida, it extends for about 2.5 km from north to south, and rose at the end of the classical period to the year 900 AD until the beginning of Post Classic in 1200. Rediscovered in 1842, is just the beginning of the century that the restoration of one of its recovery is one of the most important and valuable of the Mayan culture and basically humanity.

El Caracol or Observatory, built in the late classical period, had a camera that has allowed the observation of the vernal equinox. All this must have been fully used in the twentieth century before the arrival of the Itza, indicating the existence of important astronomical knowledge.

A significant number of pilgrimages to the city of Chichen Itza in the Maya region including Palenque, Cozumel, Izamal, there was at that time. These people left a lot of deals that have been discovered in the sacred cenote.

Later, around 1000, arriving Toltecs from central Mexico. They bring to the region the god of the "feathered serpent" known as Quetzalcoatl and referred to as Kukulcan by the Mayas. It is at this moment that the first great blend or mixture of races and cultures that occur between Mayas and Toltecs, creates a very important group that enriches enormously the religion, art and culture in the region.

Adoption of the Mayan language, this group is one of the most powerful of ancient Mexico. Through its highly developed knowledge of natural resources, astronomy, mathematics, painting, sculpture, writing and other human activities, the Maya flourished them in one of the most advanced civilizations of their time.

It is then that the next constructive phase corresponding to the flowering of the Mayan-Toltec performed, represented in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Kukulcan or El Castillo (The Castle), and all major buildings like the Temple of the Warriors The market, the platform of the Jaguars and Eagles and the Ball Game. This whole area is known as Chichen Itza or Toltec, which also includes former Sacred Cenote by means of a well-defined, large Sacbé (path) of El Castillo.

It is a temple dedicated to the Sun, the strong influence of the Toltecs, which was built over a temple in which a minor was a representative of a jaguar throne, on which rested a solar disk made of turquoise and obsidian. It is as if the Sun Temple was only based on the Jaguar.

This important architectural relationship signals a mixture of gods who do not lose their significance for the Maya-Toltec who live together in a form of colonization, it has never been attempted at any other time in human history. Chichen Itza is expanding its power throughout the Yucatan Peninsula to the year 1250, when, although there is a coherent theory, the city was abandoned to become a sanctuary for worship of the god Kukulcan, even long after the Spanish conquest.

In fact, today it remains a sacred place for many people seeking the influence of nature gods who live there. One of the biggest attractions is the observation of the equinoxes in March and 21st September 22. It is then that of a snake from El Castillo can be witnessed.

Similarly, the sound and light show held daily from 8:00 pm is a must for anyone visiting the area.The archeological site open daily from 8 am to 5:00 pm Admission is free on Sundays and are several tours that leave the big cities such as Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen and Chetumal or you can go directly with a rental car.

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October 25, 2010

When it comes to the rich historic heritage of the Southwest and the influence it has on the types of jewelry, there are varied designs. The historic heritage of Albuquerque has something to contribute to the jewelry designs that are the most popular today in the Southwest. When you consider the historic significance of Albuquerque jewelry in the trading center background of the town that was founded in 1706, you can see why it became a major trading center for the Native Americans, Spaniards and the African, Asian and Anglo influence is evident. As a major crossroads of the Southwest, there are influences that are evident in the food, architecture, art and Albuquerque jewelry styles you see today.

Of course, when you are traveling the Southwest, the one thing you will notice about Albuquerque jewelry is that the prices are more competitive than the pricey metropolitan center of Santa Fe and the prices on Albuquerque jewelry are more suited to the mixed variety of people that love the historic heritage and trading center background of Albuquerque. It’s not unusual to find all kinds of Native American jewelry craftsmanship in jewelry stores alongside highest quality designer diamonds, such as Varna, ArtCarved, Princess of Hearts, Scott Kay, GemEast, HeartStar and Diana, Sholdt or Mark Schneider.

In fact, these designer names are the same as you will find in the highest quality jewelry stores on Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive, but Albuquerque jewelry offers more affordable pricing and it isn’t unusual to find many couples from Santa Fe making the jaunt to Albuquerque jewelry stores because the pricing is more affordable, while the quality of the diamonds and jewelry designs is as good and might be better. It is this rich historic heritage and trading center background that has made Albuquerque one of the top destinations for some of the designer jewelry that is most sought after, including modern top designers, like ELLE, Pandora and Nicole Barr.

When you consider the price advantages that are offered by making a trip to the area, there are many people that still consider it the crossroads of the Southwest and many newly engaged couples will come to the town from hundreds of miles in search of the perfect Albuquerque jewelry and diamonds to commemorate their love or mark a special occasion. In fact, there are some of the jewelry stores and shops that are moving from Santa Fe to be part of the heritage of this historic town on the banks of the Rio Grande.

While the food and ethnic variety of shopping are reasons that people love visiting Albuquerque, the historic heritage of this lively Southwest trading center offers Native American dances, jewelry and pottery, and many modern Albuquerque jewelry designs and diamond choices that rival those found in New York or Los Angeles, but at prices that are more conservative.

When looking for one of the Southwest’s most popular towns with ethnic heritage and historic significance, Albuquerque remains a popular trading post town and the historic heritage mixes the finest top-quality diamonds with jewelry by modern top designers that can be found in the Albuquerque jewelry stores, like Butterfield Jewelers on San Pedro NE in Albuquerque.

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• Kiyomizu Temple – ( Kiyomizu dera ) Kyoto, Japan
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May 13, 2010

Mayan civilization is one of America pre-Columbian civilization. The Mayan civilization of Central America as a civilization thousands of years in the southeast of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in an area extending ruled.  Mexico’s southeastern five-state founded by Maya (Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatán), the dates for hundreds polish have produced and polish some of today still spoken 21-44 Maya language formation has provided. BC this civilization 600 due to the rise in the past, Anno Domini 3. century to the golden age (the classical period, AD 250-900) was a step, the political turmoil of the city-state has collapsed as a result of MS 900, until the existence of a large area and at the end of Spanish occupation was in the process. , if the Mayan civilization ended in many ways, contrary to common belief, is not no Mayans still live in this country and some of the Mayan languages are spoken.

“Ancient Maya” s (Maya point compared to today’s descendants used phrase), astronomy, mathematics, architecture and art at such an advanced level of civilization in many areas, they are. Rabinal Achim, Popol-Vuh, the Mayan Chilam Balam in such works of literature depicting the life of this culture is. 1697 Spanish occupation of the capital of the Mayan Itza Tayasal’ın  and the capital of Guatemala’s Mayan Ko’woj Zacpetén’in completed by taking the last Maya state of the capital in 1901 (Chan Santa Cruz)  has disappeared with the invasion by Mexico.

It is divided into three regions of the yeast home: South of the “Upper Lands” ı south (or the middle) “The Lands” and the north of the “Lower Lands” ı. “Upper Land” in Guatemala and Chiapas territory includes a high-altitude level. The lands south of the above “Land” takes place just north of Mexico Petén’i (Campeche), Quintana Roo’yu, northern Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador covers. Norton’s “The Land” the Yucatan   Peninsula and the rest covers Puuc expand hill.

Classic-month period from the extraordinary structures built and Nakbé, Mirador, San Bartolo, mercury, such as large cities have set up the Mayan classic period, they set up the famous city of some of Tikal, Quiriguá (both World Heritage List was taken) , Palenque, Copán, Río Azul, Calakmul, Ceibal, Cancuén, Machaquilá, Dos Pilas, Uaxactún, Altun Ha, Negras’tır Piedras. Religious center of Maya civilization in the most interesting monuments are the pyramids. The administrator of the palace, decorated with wall paintings and plaster houses of noble people among the interesting monuments are located. One of the interesting work in Maya, they operate with master stone sculpture, manager of the genealogy, military victories have been described, by Maya tetum (“tree-stones”), called monumental obelisks. Jade trade between the goods of yeast, cocoa, corn, salt, and obsidian stone can be considered. Yeast, such as front-Turks gave special importance to the jade stone.

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March 26, 2010

Of all the awesome Belize Maya sites, Caracol would have to be one of the top in terms of importance and grandeur. This once great Mayan city-state from the Maya Classic era is one of the countrys largest archaeological sites, and it also boasts the tallest manmade structure in the land. Caracol, or El Caracol as it is locally known, rests in the foothills of Belizes Maya Mountains at an elevation of around 1,500 feet. In Spanish, El Caracol means “the snail”, and its not entirely clear as to this why this appellation was applied. This largest of Belize Maya sites is just 25 miles south of San Ignacio, which is the capital of the tourist-friendly Cayo District, and you can easily organize tours to this, and other ancient Maya sites in the region. There is a nice picnic area at the entrance site for the Caracol Belize ruins, so you might pack a lunch for the trip. If you want to drive here yourself, its a good idea to rent a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the June-December wet season.

Like other ancient Maya sites in Belize, El Caracol was long- inhabited before large-scale construction began. Its believed that the first Maya settlers here arrived as early as 1200 BC. It wasnt until the Maya Classic era (300-800 AD) that the bulk of the significant building went on here. The sequence of past El Caracol rulers is traced through evidence linked to more than 40 structures that were built between the years 485-889 AD. El Caracol was without question one of the largest cities in the ancient Mayan world, and its estimated that at its peak, some 180,000 people may have lived in or near town. There is evidence to believe that Caracol may have conquered Tikal in 562 AD, and this year certainly coincides with the beginning of what is known as the Tikal Mid-Classic Hiatus. While Caracols population and consistent sprawl increased at this time, Tikal saw a significant decline in its population and monument construction. Visiting both El Caracol and Tikal today lends so much insight into how the ancient Maya lived. It also reveals just how advanced their building and artistry skills were.

Youll certainly want to consider dropping in on Caracol when thinking about which Belize Maya sites to visit, if not for the Caana alone. At just under 140 feet tall, the Caana is Caracols main temple-pyramid, and atop it you will find 3 smaller temples. Numerous small structures can be observed on a Caracol tour, and youll enjoy wandering about the three main plazas. There are two separate ball courts that youll want to take notice of, and its always a good idea to drop in on the Visitors Center. Besides getting pertinent information on the site at the VC, you can check out the collection of Maya artifacts, among which is an intriguing ceremonial altar. Unlike other significant ancient Maya sites like Tikal and Xunantunich, Caracol still remains largely un-excavated. In recent years, however, the focus has been to make Caracol one of the top Maya attractions in the country. Dry season excavations are aimed at recovering more of El Caracol from the jungle bit by bit, and increased trails and information signs are in the works for the area. Interestingly enough, Caracol is found within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which is a joy for Nature-lovers to explore. The gigantic Ceiba trees here are certainly bound to mesmerize.

Should you plan a visit to the Caracol Belize ruins, you might also consider a few side trips to some of the other interesting destinations in the area. Western Belize, and namely the Cayo District, is known for having the best Belize caves to explore. Close to Caracol, the Rio Frio Cave is one of the easiest ones to reach and explore, and you dont even need a flashlight during the day. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, and just having a good time is usually part of the deal at Rio on Pools, which is close enough to El Caracol to toss into the plans. The natural, granite-boulder pools here are certainly refreshing, and sliding down the smoothed rock waterfalls is a blast. Caracol is open seven days a week, and there is a small fee to enter. Admission is reportedly free on Sundays, and overall, it doesnt seem to get too crowded here very often, which is a nice bonus. This might begin to change, however, as word gets out about how great of a destination El Caracol is.

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March 25, 2010

Caracol or El Caracol is the name given to a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in what is now the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated approximately 25 miles south of Xunantunich  and the town of San Ignacio Cayo, at an elevation of 1500 feet (460 m) above sea-level, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The site was the most important political centre of Lowland Maya during the Classic Period within Belize.

Discovery

The site was first reported by a native logger named Rosa Mai, who came across its remains in 1937 while searching for mahogany hardwood trees to exploit. Mai later reported the site to the archaeological commission for British Honduras, as the British colony, later to become independent Belize, was known at the time. In 1938 the archaeological commissioner, A.H. Anderson, visited the site along with a colleague H.B. Jex, spending two weeks in preliminary surveys and noting a number of carved monuments, stelae and Maya inscriptions. It was Anderson who gave the site its name —from the Spanish: caracol “snail, shell”, but more generally meaning spiral- or volute-shaped— apparently on account of the winding access road that led to the site.[1]

History

Ancient Caracol as a site was occupied as early as 1200 BCE. Its greatest period of construction was in the Maya Classic period, with over 40 monuments dated between 485CE to 889CE which record the dynastic sequence of the rulers. All are in Classic Choltian, the prestige tongue of the Lowland Maya. Its real name is provisionally translated from its glyph, as of 2003, ox witz ha (hispanicised, “Oxhuitza”) or “place of three hills”; K’antumaak is also possible.[2]

The town grew into one of the largest ancient Maya cities, covering some 65 square miles (168 km²) with an estimated peak population of about 120,000, or possibly as many as 180,000 people.

Caracol was at first a client of Mutal (at the Tikal site) 70 km to the northwest. Mutal’s influence weakened during the mid sixth century; losing control of Naranjo, between the two cities, to rival Calakmul. In 553 CE Mutal’s king Double Bird appointed a new lord over Caracol in attempt to outflank Naranjo. But then Caracol also allied itself with Calakmul. Three years later, Tikal declared an “axe war” against Caracol – “a war with intent to destroy” – and defeated it; but not, it turned out, decisively. In 562, Lord Kan (“Water”) I of Caracol, alongside Calakmul, declared a “star war” against Mutal – a holy war, planned in accordance with astrology – and captured and sacrificed Double Bird. This event is seemingly concurrent with archaeological and epigraphic evidence indicating the beginning of the Tikal Mid-Classic Hiatus, when an apparent decline in the Tikal site’s population, a cessation of monument building, and the destruction of certain monuments in the Great Plaza occurred as Caracol’s population and urban development seemingly skyrocketed.[4] After that, the Tikal site took on cultural characteristics of Caracol.

Lord Kan I passed on his throne to the eldest of two brothers 26 June, 599. His younger brother succeeded him 9 March 618 and took the name Lord Kan II. He performed a ritual of alliance in Calakmul’s territory the following January.

Caracol’s sometime ally Naranjo by this time had meanwhile made feelers toward Mutal. So, in 28 May 626, Lord Kan II pre-emptively attacked Naranjo. He attacked again 4 May 627, and sacrificed its king. This destabilised Naranjo, provoking a third attack 27 December 631. He did it a fourth time 4 March 636. On 24 November 637, he capped it off by celebrating his first katun of reign at Naranjo itself; and, on 6 December 642, he imposed the Hieroglyphic Stairs monument upon it.

In 682, Tok-Chan-K’awil of the Tikal royal family-in-exile at Dos Pilas installed his daughter as queen in Naranjo, removing it again from Caracol’s demesne. In 800 CE, Hok K’awil captured the lord of Ucanal. The last recorded date in Caracol (and Choltian-speaking Belize) is 859 CE, on Stele 10.

Excavations, investigations, and modern development

The site was first noted and documented in archaeological terms in 1937. More extensive explorations and documention of the site was undertaken by Linton Satterthwaite of the University of Pennsylvania in 1951 and 1953. A project of archaeological excavations and restorations of the ancient structures at Caracol started in 1985 and is ongoing. The project is currently directed by Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase of the University of Central Florida in Orlando. The site is maintained by residential wardens from the Belize Institute of Archaeology, a sub-division of the National Institute of Culture and History, a government-run agency.

The site currently accommodates an average of 15-20 tourists per day, with greater numbers during the peak season around Easter. A museum to hold the large monuments found at the site is currently being constructed. A visitor center is already at the site, and recent developments include new directional and informational signs and a house for the residential staff.

The only road Caracol may be accessed by is paved for the last ten miles and leads to the Western Highway between San Ignacio and Belmopan and to Santa Elena.

Caana (“sky-palace”) is the largest building at Caracol. It remains one of the largest man-made structures in Belize.

Other area sites

Other Mayan sites within the Cayo province include Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Chaa Creek.

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