A Search for the Origins of Sacred Three Kings

Everyone knows the story of Three Kings or Wise men who had travelled to Bethlehem to meet with Jesus Christ after his birth. The story has emanated from one of the gospels named the Book of Matthew. They are important personalities in the story. Over the years there have been many speculations about these Wise men, but there is little fact to support these. To start inspecting the origins of these three men, we have to go back to their oldest source of origin: Book of Matthew. What does this gospel tell us? It firstly says that Magi came from the east and travelled to Jerusalem. At Jerusalem they sought an audience with King Herod. Upon meeting the King explained seeing a star in the sky and dreams that foretold they would meet with the King of Jews if they followed the Star. Upon hearing their tale, the King asked when Magi had first seen the star, and they answered. King Herod asked the Magi to find this baby and let him know. There is no mention of the country/countries these wise men had come from. They then left the royal court and travelled to an unknown location where they met with baby Jesus and Mary. Matthew makes no mention of Joseph. On meeting the baby they showered gifts. They gave three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. That night they had a dream which warned them against the cruel intentions of Herod. So, they woke up next morning and travelled back to their native lands without information Herod. That is where the role these Wise men ends in the Bible, there are no more details.

Magi Meeting Baby Christ at Bethlehem

 

Many of the later folklores that have passed on from generation to generation will help in reconstructing some of their identity. First of all there is confusion over the number of wise men. The Bible only tells that three types of gifts were given to Christ. Scholars have held that only three magi each one gifting an unique item had travelled. But this may not be the case. Few of them might have gifted gold, why should only one person gift one item? In fact the story depicted in many Syriac churches numbers the Wise men as twelve.

On their Way Magi sought audience with King Herod

 

There is also confusion over: whether they were kings or commoners? Magi in general sense means Zoroastrian priest or astrologer. But the ease with which they had an audience with King Herod strongly points them to be kings and nothing less. Most of Western Christian followers believed that the Wise men were indeed three in number. In one of the accounts Encyclopaedia Britannica states the names of these Magi to be: Balthasar the King of Arabia, Gaspar the King of India and Melchor the King of Persia. If we go through ancient documents, these were prominent kingdoms in the sixth century and Herod would definitely meet kings of these lands at shortest notice.

Supposed Tombs of the Three Kings in Modern Day Iran

 

Though the Bible does not tell us much about the travel back and later life of Magi but some sources do. As per a seventeenth century book named Chronicon of Dexter it is mentioned that the Magi returned to their Kingdoms and started preaching a new religion. They were martyrs for the cause. What caused their deaths is not clearly mentioned in the text. However, Marco Polo the famous navigator came across the tombs of three wise men in the Persian city of Saba. He believed that these three wise men were the ones mentioned by Matthew.

 

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The Tale of La Gioconda

The name La Gioconda or Lisa Gheradini would not have found a place in the history books, but for a famous painting. Her painting has been a point of discussion and her smile has left the art connoisseurs bamboozled for centuries. Yes, we are talking about the famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, well known as Mona Lisa.

Portrait of Lisa Gheradini that Leonardo delivered to Francesco

Now, coming to the history of the painting, Leonardo was commissioned by the wealthy businessman Francesco del Gioconda to draw a portrait for his beloved wife Lisa Gheradini. Leonardo got on with the job and started painting the portrait of this beautiful 24 year old lady. It is learnt that Leonardo started the painting in 1503. But due to some unknown reasons, Leonardo became overtly obsessed with her. He used to visit her every day and continued working on the painting for many years. No matter what Leonardo painted, he felt justice was not done. Somehow the strokes were not enough to justify the beauty of Lisa. Time was running out and the patience of Francesco too. So, Leonardo had to give up his quest for perfection. It is learned that Leonardo handed over an unfinished painting to the couple. The portrait was named La Gioconda.

Leonardo da Vinci was Commissioned to Paint a Portrait of Lisa Gheradini

 

Time went by, and fifteen years later the French King Francis I purchased a portrait that was similar to the one Leonardo had spent so much time over. The only difference was that this was finished. This was smaller in size than the original La Gioconda painting. When the painting was tested in 2004, there were no signs of trimming observed on it. One of marked differences between both the paintings was the presence of columns in the background of the subject on either side in La Gioconda and absence of it in the King’s painting. The subject in the painting looked a woman in the thirties rather than one in her twenties. Since 1797 the painting acquired by King Francis I has found a place in the Louvre Museum of Paris and it is famously known as Mona Lisa. In fact, Mona in Italian is a common way of addressing a woman with dignity similar to Madam. So, Mona Lisa could be translated as Madam Lisa.

Mona Lisa Painting at Louvre Museum in Paris

 

The mystery is: if this was not the painting Leonardo had been commissioned for, then how did this painting exist. It is not uncommon for famous artists to ponder over their work long after they are done with it. Leonardo was a perfectionist and he might have given repeated tries to paint Madam Lisa perfectly and at last he succeeded. The finished painting somehow made its way to the French Palace. In fact, a medieval historian named Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo mentioned in one his works that Leonardo had made a pair of similar paintings. The book was edited by an ardent Leonardo admirer Don Carlos Emmanuelle, so there could not be any mistakes or misprint.

Facial Comparison between two Mona Lisa Paintings. On the Left is Mona Lisa of Louvre Museum and on the Right is Isleworth Mona Lisa or the first painting by Leonardo

 

So, where did the original La Gioconda go? Just before the outbreak of World War I an English collector discovered an unfinished painting at the home of a friend in Somerset. To his surprise the painting was an exact replica of the famous Mona Lisa painting with a prominent background and couple of pillars. The woman in the painting looked much younger than Mona Lisa. He took it to his studio in Isleworth. It remained there anonymous, until recently it was unveiled in Singapore under the name Isleworth Mona Lisa. This was in fact the real La Gioconda painting.

 

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Termination of a Society: The Rapa Nui Genocide

On a Easter Sunday in the year 1772, a Dutch explorer named Jacob Roggeveen discovered one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island was named Easter Island after the holy day of its discovery. Easter Island is an island located in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean right at the tip of the southernmost point of Polynesian Triangle. Though Roggeveen’s discovery put Easter Island on the world map, it was also the beginning of the end for this prosperous society. The remote island soon suffered from genocide, violence and economic exploitation. The rich culture and heritage of this island vanished from Earth.

Beautiful Easter Island in the Middle of Pacific Ocean

 

Scholars tell us that earliest settlements on the island started as early as 400 AD. The inhabitants of Easter Island are known as Rapa Nui and they are descendants of the Polynesian explorers. Tahitian explorer who visited the island in the 19th century is said to have named the island Rapa Nui as it reminded him of a Tahitian island “Rapa” that was bigger “Nui”. The island was initially a paradise on Earth with large Palm trees. Though there were no rivers or lakes, but the volcanic craters were able to store enough rain water for the entire society. The population of the island was divided into various geographic clans based on the part of the island they occupied. They were all led by a great chief or Ariki Mao. At the height of prosperity there were more than 7,000 Rapa Nui inhabitants on the island. Fishing vessels would venture into the sea to bring food. The statues known as Moai were erected as an embodiment of the Great Chiefs. But the good days of this culture were short-lived after its discovery by the European explorer.

Rapa Nui in their Glory Days was a Prosperous Society

 

The island soon became a regular port and place of resting for the travelers. They would halt at this island for a few days before setting sail again. The Easter Islanders on their part were very welcoming. Islanders comprised of pleasant people and attractive women. But the islanders had to pay for their welcoming and pleasant attitude. More and more European travelers started visiting the shores. Some of the settlers would shoot and kills the inhabitants if they did not get what they wanted. The Europeans viewed the Rapa Nui as a source of labor and the women for sexual satisfaction. The women would be abducted by the sailors to please the crew members. Most of these women were infected with sexually transmitted diseases and this destabilized the population.

Moai are Representation of Great Chiefs

 

The death knell was sounded to this society in 1860s. The islanders were hunted and then sold to lucrative slave markets in South America (namely Peru). Ships with capable men and attractive would leave the shores of Easter Island. The process continued until there was public discontent raised in Peru. The government in Peru put an end to forced slavery in 1877, but by that time the damage had already been done. Only 100 inhabitants were left on the Easter Island. After the slave trade was abolished the islanders made their voyage back to the islanders. They brought further misery. The returning members carried with them small pox that killed the healthy populace.

Rapa Nui were shipped to Peru for Slave Trade

 

Today the Easter Island has a population of over 5,000 people but only a handful of them actually know the Rapa Nui language suggesting that they are all late settlers. The glory of Rapa Nui was lost for once and all.

 

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Mystery Regarding Joan of Arc’s Execution

Joan of Arc was a simple peasant who had nothing to do with politics or war. But she got dragged into the English-French politics. She was born in a simple peasant family at Domremy, a small town located in North-east France. She saw visions of Angel Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret. In these visions she was instructed to help the uncrowned Prince Charles VII to become the Supreme King. She followed the command of God and became a prominent figure in the Hundred Years’ War between France and Britain. In the early stages her fanaticism and leadership qualities won many swift victories for the French and she was proclaimed the Heroine of France. King Charles VII proclaimed himself the King of France. But a faction within the close circles of King Charles VII wanted to clip her wings. They accused her of deception and witchcraft. It learned that before her capture in Compiegne, she had lost the favor of Charles VII as the French forces were being routed everywhere.

Portrait of Warrior Joan of Arc Praying before a Battle

 

However, she was captured at Compiegne on the battlefield by the allied English-Burgundian forces. She was soon handed over to the English. Joan of Arc was put on trial for as many as 70 charges. She was tried by the pro-English Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Cuachon found her guilt and she was burnt at the stake on May 30, 1431 at the tender age of nineteen years. This is what we know from the historical records.

Joan of Arc was the Herione of France during Anglo-Norman War

 

But there is a long forgotten tale that may claim otherwise. There are facts that make us believe that someone else might have died in place of Joan of Arc at the stake that day. There is a considerable doubt over the execution of this French heroine. A tale that went round in those was very tactfully covered up and never raised again. A common story from the times states that a woman appeared in a village near Metz, France in 1436 claiming herself to be Joan of Arc. The people who heard her were skeptical and even made pranks. But the story somehow spread through France. Soon two of Joan’s brothers visited Metz and clearly declared that the woman in question was no one but their sister or Joan.

Joan of Arc was captured by British Forces at Compiegne

 

But brothers could have their own agenda in bringing back their dead sister. They could be bribed. But what happened next was astonishing. In her time with the French military had made many enemies but some good friends. Two of her close companions heard of the tale and visited Metz to take a look at this woman. Both these individuals had fought in close quarters with Joan. After meeting the woman they proclaimed that the woman was truly Joan of Arc. The woman was even called to the royal court and interviewed by King Charles VII himself. Charles VII even disclosed to his courtiers that the woman knew many secrets that he had disclosed only to Joan.

Joan of Arc was Burned at Stake after the Ruling by Bishop Pierre Cauchon in 1431

 

As time went on the woman was awarded the title Joan des Armoises. She was even financially rewarded for her service to the nation during the war. Some of the church services that were taking place in the memory of Joan were stopped on order by the king himself. But after a couple of years it is recorded that the woman allegedly confessed that she was an imposter who just looked similar to Joan. But the public opinion was with the woman.

Joan of Arc might have led her later life as a Commoner

 

After this incident, the woman was shunned from history for once and all. The instance came up again in 1907 when a noted scholar compared the signature of Joan of Arc against the marriage license of the imposter. He found that both these signatures were a perfect match. Now, the mystery remains why would Joan of Arc suddenly rear up her head and disclose her identity and then two years on feign to be an imposter? Another notable question is that: in those days the imposters were handed severe punishment (often death penalty), why was this woman pardoned without any action?

Statue of Joan of Arc at Place des Pyramides in Modern Day Paris

 

A group of historians believe that this was again a part of the French politics. Reason for Joan of Arc’s later military failures was her violent temper which enraged everyone including the King. Even Charles VII wanted the fall of Joan of Arc, but the public opinion was on her favor. The King did not want to displease his populace. Thus he may have taken the backdoor by sending Joan of Arc in a battle she could not win. But the King was God fearing as well, he did not want to displease God so he may have secretly arranged for the execution of some other woman at the stake in place of Joan. There must have been a deal fetched whereby Joan decided to stay in hiding for the rest of her life. But as was the character of Joan she could keep her identity secret only for 5 years. Once the news spread King Charles VII too had to embrace the woman he wanted to obliterate. May be he secretly blackmailed Joan or used some other means to make her confess as an imposter. It might have been that Joan was in love those days and wanted to live like a common person, so she stayed away from the politics. She married soon after the incident and lived on peacefully in some other land with all her rewards.

 

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What was the Fate of Caesarion or Ptolemy XV?

Caesarion was the son of two of the most influential people in the Ancient world. His mother was Cleopatra while his father was the great Julius Caesar. Apart from being powerful his mother Cleopatra was shrewd too. She shifted her loyalties quite quickly. In her early life she rule with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes and later with her brothers Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV. She even married her brother Ptolemy XIII as a part of the customs. After the death of Ptolemy XIII she declared as the sole ruler of Egypt. But Rome was a big threat for her sovereignty. So, she used her beauty to catch the attention of Julius Caesar, the most influential man in his times. Their union produced Caesarion. After the pre-mature assignation of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra started another love affair with Mark Anthony who commanded great respect in Rome. With all her political guiles she made sure that Caesarion grew up in comfort. He was well educated in military tactics, politics, history and other facets essential for a ruler. Cleopatra wanted him to be the supreme King one day. Even Caesarion believed himself to be the reincarnation of God and carried an air about him.

Statue of Caesarion dressed as a Pharaoh

 

Certain historical documents even support that Caesarion in his infancy spent a couple of years in Roman close to Julius Caesar himself. This was also a part of Cleopatra’s politics to make sure that Caesarion would succeed Julius Caesar to the throne of Rome one day. But all the plans went in vain when Julius Caesar was murdered and Octavian under the name of Emperor Augustus ascended the throne. Cleopatra on her part made the presence of Caesarion felt by pronouncing him as co-ruler of Egypt. But the mere existence of Caesarion was a threat to the power of Octavian. He had held onto his powers with guile and persuasion. But at the back of his mind he always knew that the tide could turn. People would then support the true blood of Julius Caesar in the form of Caesarion. Some historians even believe that the conflict with Mark Anthony was a staged affair to get rid of Caesarion.

Caesarion was the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra

 

The relations between Mark Anthony and Octavian broke down in 33 BC and this gave the Roman emperor an excuse to wage a war against Egypt. In 31 BC at the Battle of Actium Cleopatra and Mark Anthony were defeated by the royal forces of Rome. Both of them committed suicide to escape embarrassment. Some texts support that when the writing was on the wall and the Egyptian forces had been overpowered by Romans, Cleopatra visited Caesarion’s chamber and advised him to live Egypt in a hurry. It is believed that he left the palace in haste and journeyed towards India, where no one would know about his existence.

Egyptians were defeated in the Battle of Actium

 

After ransacking the town, Octavian learned that his prime target had already left for a safe house. So, he pricked on his shrewd brain and planned for his capture. He spread a word that if Caesarion would return to Egypt he would be reinstated to his former glory. He would be made the regent of Egypt. It did not take much time for the news to trickle to the ears of Caesarion. This prince had grown up amidst all the luxuries a person could imagine. A life away from the palace was very hard on the young Caesarion. So, he decided to meet with Roman representatives. Roman messengers arrived at his hideout and re-instated the promise of Octavian. Caesarion was completely assured.

Caesar Augustus became Supreme Ruler after Caesarion

 

Though young Caesarion had many virtues but he was clearly not good in politics. He travelled to Alexandria and upon arriving he received a major setback. Far from returning his throne, Octavian had him immediately imprisoned. He was soon executed as Octavian believed in Arius Didymus’ philosophy “Too many Caesars is not good”. After the death of Caesarion, Octavian achieved complete control over Egypt.

 

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What Caused the Decline of Amazing Indus Valley Civilization?

The mysterious fall of the largest and oldest human civilization has baffled the researchers over the centuries. The Indus Valley Civilization spread across a large expanse of land. It is believed to have spread across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal and may be even further. Though the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations are the best known civilizations, but they are in no way the largest or oldest. This civilization spread across over 386,000 square miles from the plains of the Indus River to Ganges. At its peak the civilization accounted for more than 10% of the total world’s population.

Remnants of Indus Valley Civilization

 

People from Harappa were technologically advanced which is evident in the toilets and bathrooms in their houses. There was city wide well-built drainage system. Harappa was a prosperous center for trade. The civilization had close trading ties with the Mesopotamians. Unlike Egyptians or Mesopotamians the society was not autocratic in nature and there was no king. It is evident from the structures found, all the houses are of same stature and there are no large palaces which could be remnants of palaces. So, there seems to be prosperity everywhere, yet unlike the Egyptian or Mesopotamian civilizations, Indus Valley civilization did not survive for millions of years. The civilization only existed for six hundred years and its prosperous cities were abandoned by 1900 BC, though modern research has found that its people continued in small communities in nearby areas. What led to the demise of such a grand civilization has still not been solved. Though there are many theories.

Written Language of Indus Valley Civilization in these Seals

 

As per the first theory, lack of trading options was a cause for the downfall of the Indus Valley civilization. Many Harappan artifacts have been found in Mesopotamian ruins. But in about 2000 BC the number of artifacts suddenly dips in numbers. This can logically mean that there was a fall in the trade relations between Indus Valley and Mesopotamian cultures. But the fall of trading would affect certain parts of the society not the whole. Trade would be just a part of professions that people engaged. So, fall of trading relations could not lead to the demise of such a great civilization, though lack of trade might be seen as an effect of the changing conditions within the civilization.

Pottery of Harappa Found in Mesopotamia

 

The second theory behind the vanishing of Indus Valley civilization states that invasion by foreign forces might have caused havoc. In 1940, Mortimer Wheeler found skeletons of many men, women and children. All these bodies bore marks of injuries caused by axes or swords. These were peace loving people who were victims to an aggressive invader. The Vedas also bear witness to such an invasion. Aryans had made their way into India during the late part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Rig Veda even mentioned Indra, the war god destroying the fortresses of Dasas, the dark skinned inhabitants. But this theory has been blown away by other historians. First of all, the bodies when inspected revealed that the wounds were weeks or months before the actual death. Moreover, if there was an invasion and a subsequent massacre the bodies should have been found at a single spot, they were rather found scattered in various areas. Also where are the burned cities or fortresses or weapons that would support the theory? Some scholars believe that the description in Rig Veda is not about invasion of Aryans during Indus Valley Civilization. Scholars believe that Rig Veda was written sometime around 1500-1000 BC way after the Indus Valley Civilization ceased to exist.

Archaeologists found Some Bodies in Mohenjodaro

 

As per the third theory, some researchers believe that water patterns in the area suggest Harappa was exposed to severe floods. Flooding should have always been a problem for the dwellers, but the severity increased killing a large population and forcing the survivors to shift to new locations. Indeed the hurried approach with which the people left their homes, suggests that some natural catastrophe could be a probable cause.

Harappa’s Superior and Advanced City Planning

 

But think again, Japan witnesses so many floods every year, so does the Gangetic Plains. The people still continue living there with minor adjustments. It is not more water that causes inhabitable situations; it is complete lack of water. It is fabled that the mythical Saraswati River was situated beside the civilization. It was a source of water for cooking, drinking, cultivation and all other aspects of life. But researchers have found proof that there was a Teutonic shift in plates in the Himalayas that changed the course of water. Saraswati River dried up. To extend the agony, weather patterns suggest that Harappa and Mohenjodaro faced long draughts. Lack of water made the people slowly shift from this civilization.

 

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The Mysterious Case of Foo Fighters

Towards the fag end of World War II many Allied fighter pilots reported seeing flying objects with glowing lights. These flying objects would orbit around the fighters in unusual patterns. They would not harm the planes but just keep on circling them and then vanish all of a sudden. There were rumors in the Allied air bases that these were some special weapons devised by Nazi Germany. There were investigations launched into such observations. It was found that the German and Japanese fighter planes too viewed such strange flying objects and they on the contrary thought it to be US or British war weapon. Such sightings were common in 1943-44. These illuminated flying objects were seen in both the European and Pacific theaters. They were named as Foo Fighters.

Objects emitting Orange Lights were seen by World War II Pilots

 

On their bombing missions the Allied pilots would suddenly find these flowing objects flying behind or in strange circles around them. Pilots in the European theater reported that mostly the objects were seen single. But the sightings in the Pacific theater were different; the Japanese pilots reported seeing a number of flying objects together. It is strange that both the parties viewed these flying objects as hostile weapons of their enemies, yet not one of the Foo Fighters were shot down. There is also no record of the objects harming the planes or their personnel in any way. The number of sightings remained consistent through these two years.

Japanese Pilots Viewed Number of Foo Fighters in Groups

 

In 1946 there were waves of flying objects seen on the skies of Sweden. The Swedish people went into frenzy as they viewed this as German hostility towards them. Sweden had remained neutral in World War II, but Germany in those days had an unrelenting thirst for more territories. However, the Foo Fighters never caused any damage to the cities. The reports of sightings in Sweden made to the front page of all leading newspapers.

Wave of Foo Fighter Sightings were Reported in Sweden

 

But following World War II there was a hush-hush attitude to the Foo Fighters from all administrators. The findings of investigations were kept secret. It was also the time when the pilots returning home started writing books about their experiences in the war. Most of them mentioned the Foo Fighters. One even wrote that sightings were not only common during night but in day time hours too. During the day these flying objects were clearly seen as oval shaped saucers made of silver metal. During night the same objects were illuminated with orange or yellow illuminous lights, the lights were high power. But the officials spoke of nothing.

Many US Pilots mentioned Foo Fighters in their Books on World War II

 

After the war the US military has consistently denied knowledge of such flying objects. All the Freedom of Information Act requests by writers and researchers asking for information about the Foo Fighters have fallen into deaf ears. Every time the answer from the authorities has been “No Records Found”. Some of the government agencies have even engaged in propaganda to prove Foo Fighters nothing but false vision. As per their comments the pilots during World War II were under severe stress, they had to undertake long flights and got very less rest. In such situations hallucinations are common. They might have seen the Cigar shaped metallic German missiles and held them to be mysterious flying objects. But the point is so many pilots could not possibly hallucinate same thing.

Whether or not the government officials agree – Foo Fighters were UFOs that caught the sight of World War II pilots. Many UFOs might still fly around but they are not seen or heard of due to the governmental policies. Excess of air activities during the war exposed the UFOs to the pilots.

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Mystery of Great Sphinx’s Broken Nose

Great Sphinx has remained buried in the desert sand for most of its life and there are many mysteries surrounding this ancient monument. This large human headed lion sculpture is situated in Giza in front of Khafra’s pyramid. Some believe it to be the largest surviving sculpture from the ancient world. It was carved from a mound of natural rocks. Over the centuries there has been a lot of theorizing among the researchers regarding various facets of the Sphinx.

Marvelous Sculpture of the Great Sphinx

 

When was the Monument Built?

There has been extensive research conducted to find the actual time of Sphinx’s construction. Author John Anthony West during a visit to Giza witnessed strange weathering patterns on the monument and held that these were signs of water erosion rather than wind or sand. He was also supported by a fellow geologist. The fact is: though Egypt is arid today but it used to wet and rainy area about 10,000 years ago. So, West held that for water to have such an effect on the monument the Sphinx should have been built about 7,000-10,000 years earlier. But other Egyptologists dismissed this claim. They believed that though Egypt was rainy and wet 10,000 years earlier but Sphinx was built after Egypt became arid. They also expressed that if the Sphinx suffered from water erosion how come there be no signs of degradation on other monuments in Giza built around the same time. Rain could never be restricted to one single monument.

Missing Nose of The Great Sphinx

 

However, it is commonly held that the Great Sphinx of Giza was built by Khafra or Khafre of the fourth dynasty, who scholars hold to have reigned from 2558-2532 BC. Some believe that Pharaoh Khafra built the Great Sphinx in his own image to celebrate his reign. While others believe that it was built to guard the tombs of Khafra and his father. Another group of researchers believe that it was built as a dedication to the Sun God and back in times it was named Hor-Em-Akhet (Horus of the Horizon).

Whose Image Does the Great Sphinx Depict?

Though the most relevant concept is that the Great Sphinx was built by Pharaoh Khafra in his own image, but the some scholars feel otherwise. They feel the monument bears close resemblance to his elder brother Djedefre. A group of researchers even went as far as creating representations of both these brother’s faces to support the theory. But there are no conclusive proofs of this fact.

The Mystery of Broken Nose

Napoleonic Battle of Pyramids could be a Reason for Broken Nose of Sphinx

 

When one dazes at the Great Sphinx one of the most baffling things is that this great man headed lion does not have a nose. How did the nose go missing? There are many theories about the degradation of the facial features. The most common theory is that the nose of Great Sphinx was destroyed during the War of Pyramids during the Napoleonic Oriental campaign. Indeed a great war was waged between the Mammeluks and the French forces where cannon balls flew here and there. But on closer inspection researchers feel that the fire power in those days was not powerful enough to take off the nose of the Great Sphinx. So, there must have been another reason.

Erosion could be a cause for Missing Nose of Great Sphinx

 

Another story tells us that the nose was chiseled out by a Sufi in eighth century AD after he felt the monument was blasphemous. To support the cause some researchers have found chisel marks on the face of the Great Sphinx. As the land came under Islamic influence during the mentioned time so the Sufi’s act would not call for any punishment. Then again there is scarcity of any evidence.

The third and probably most valid cause is erosion. Human actions are impacting the great monument till date. The Sphinx was once a red colored monument. Again there is a controversy here, on closer inspection various other hues have been found in separate parts of the sculpture, making it multi colored. But over time the color of the monument has faded. So, erosion could definitely take away the nose and beard which the Great Sphinx is believed to have once had.

 

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Mystery of Rudolf Hess

Rudolf Walter Richard Hess was a prominent politician in Nazi Germany during World War II. He was the Deputy Fuhrer to Adolf Hitler and the third most powerful man in Nazi Germany. But his name is associated with a range of mysteries that may have had a bearing on the outcome of World War II.

Rudolf Hess Third Most Powerful Man in Nazi Germany

 

Why did he Fly to Scotland?

Rudolf Hess became a talking point during the war for his flight to Scotland to negotiate with a high standing British official on behalf of the Nazi government. Researchers believe that he flew solo to the Scottish island and was taken in as a Special Prisoner of War. Over the years many theories have been sculpted. Some believe that Hess was a prey to one of the outrages of Hitler and flew away to save his life. Others believe that Hess wanted to position himself above Herman Goring (second most powerful man in Nazi Germany) and thus took an initiative to seek truce with United Kingdom, thus tilting the war towards Germany. But the truth of the story is quite different from all these assumptions.

Hess was close to Hitler, seen here beside Hitler during a March

 

It is clear from some documents released recently by the British Intelligence that Hess did not escape from Germany, he rather cam with the blessings of Hitler to seek peace with UK. The arrival of Hess in Scotland was anticipated by the British Intelligence officials. Now let us take a look at the situation which led Hitler to order Hess into undertaking such a mission. By the early days of 1941 it was clear to Hitler that he had committed a tactical fallacy and the holy war against Russia was eminent. Hitler had also failed to knock off the challenges of Western powers before moving East. The presence of UK held back Hitler’s advance. He could not utilize maximum military strength in the Russian expedition unless his own backyard was safe. This is why Hitler was looking for a peace treaty between Nazi Germany and United Kingdom. He started giving out hints to not the British government directly but a group of influential British people represented by the Duke of Hamilton. The name of the group was Anglo-German Fellowship Association, which had been disbanded following the war. A delegate was selected to represent Nazi Germany in the form of Ernst Wilhelm Bohle. He was a British subject and aware of the British customs. Hitler also carefully leaked the desire for peace talks with UK in Poland (on neutral grounds) to some foreign journalists. News was published in many Turkish and South American newspapers. The intention of this leak was to reach out to the British government and observe their reactions. But neither the British government nor the press picked up the story. This made Hitler wonder.

Rudolf Hess in a Fighter Plane

 

He grew restless, as the peace treaty was the need of the hour for him. He felt that Bohle was not the ideal candidate for the job; someone else with a bigger stature could impress the British government and earn the truce for him. When he looked around Hess was the perfect candidate, he had grown up in English quarters of Alexandria and understood the British mind. As Hitler was desperate so he also compromised the location and now Hess would visit England for the talks. The proposal was sent to Duke of Hamilton. The reply was delayed but there was affirmative word heard from the other end. There was four months of negotiations between the two parties and finally on May 10, 1941 Rudolf flew into twilight to visit the Duke in Scotland.

Hess did not know that this was all a part of an elaborate set up by the British Intelligence. They had confiscated all the letters and replied on behalf of the Duke. The Duke knew nothing about these proposals. It was just a part of British masterminds to capture the Number Three of Nazi Germany.

Wreckage of Hess Plane in Scotland

 

The Aftermath

There is also a theory that Hess flew alone, this is not true. Hess left the German base accompanied by a couple of fighter planes. They accompanied all the way to the British Isles. The coast guards caught three unusual blips on their radar screen. The planes were asked to identify themselves. When no answer came, the issue was sent to RAF Headquarters, the coast guards were asked to let the planes enter into British air space. Only after they had reached inland into Scotland were orders given asking to bring them down. It was ensured that Hess’ fighter plane, though broken landed safely. For the two other flights nothing is known of their fate. When diving down using a parachute Hess broke his leg. He was sent to a local healthcare center from where the British administration arrested him. At the point of arrest Hess asked the government to send him back to Germany as he was a messenger. But the government opined that Hess had not come to visit the government directly, rather he had come to meet one of the wards. So, he was arrested as a Special Prisoner of War.

Rudolf Hess during Nuremberg Trials alongside other War Criminals

 

Though the role of British Intelligence has been understated in this incident, but they were able to out beat the Nazi Germany.

After the War

Aged Joseph Hess in Spandau Prison

 

During the war Hess stayed in various prisons and finally when the war ended he was sent to Germany to stand in the Nuremberg Trials alongside other major war criminals. He was found guilty on four counts and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to Spandau Prison to spend his time.

Mystery Regarding Hess’ Death

Hess died by committing suicide on August 17, 1987

 

Rudolf Hess died in Spandau Prison on August 17, 1987 at the age of 93. The reason of death was suicide. The jail authorities later revealed that Hess had hung himself with an electrical cord within the jail premises. His son, Wolf Rudiger Hess and many others believe that Hess was murdered. Wolf believes that his father had sensitive information regarding British misconduct during World War II. If such information was revealed it could completely change the concepts and beliefs. To stop Hess, he was murdered by Intelligence agents. To add fuel to the matter, Abdallah Melaouhi Hess’ medical orderly for five years was dismissed from his position for publishing a book that claimed Hess was too strong mentally to commit suicide. However, the following investigations did not find any evidence of murder. Spandau Prison was demolished after the death of Hess to stop it from becoming a place of pilgrimage of Nazi followers.

 

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The Rise and Fall of Mycenae

The name of Mycenae still lives on among us courtesy to Homer’s two brilliant epics. Mycenae is mentioned to be the kingdom of Agamemnon, a key figure in the epics. But Mycenaean civilization was a revered name before times of democratic Athens or conquests of Alexander the Great. But there are many mysterious regarding the fall of this great civilization. The time before Greek Classical era is generally conceived to be a time of myths than reality. But recent evidence has suggested that the descriptions of Mycenae were true. This was a civilization that reared up its head from nowhere. The civilization was known for its outstanding constructed which were reflected in the palaces of the times. They are said to have established trade relations with many centers in the known world. They were a prominent kingdom that waged wars and conquered many of its neighbors. But the society that had everything it needed suddenly vanished towards the end of Bronze Age of Greece. Whether it vanished all of a sudden or faded slowly is not known.

Present Day Ruins of Mycenaean Civilization

 

The Greek Bronze Age lasted from 3000-1200 BC and it is the historical backdrop for Homer’s two epics. The stories of Gods fighting alongside humans and other myths made people think of the period as purely mythical. But in 1872 Heinrich Schliemann discovered a walled citadel which was later identified as the city of Troy. Inspired by the last discovery, Schliemann came back four years later to find the fabled city of Mycenae in Southern Greece. He was able pin point a location based on the ancient texts and found the city that Agamemnon ruled. The city was filled with lavish tombs, palaces and gold. A golden burial mask was also discovered that is believed to have belonged to Agamemnon. So, Mycenae came out of the realms of fable into stark reality. Evidence was also found that supported Mycenae’s role in shaping the Greek history.

A Civilization out of Nothing

Mycenaean Relics Unearthed from Various Sites

 

As mentioned before Mycenaean civilization came to life all of a sudden in Southern and Central Greece near 1600 BC. They developed into an envious civilization virtually out of nothing. Some of the present day scholars believe that the neighboring Minoan civilization contributed significantly to the development of Mycenaean civilization. The trade relations between Minoans and mainland Greece began in 2000 BC and this relationship was the key in development of Mycenae. The Minoans nourished and trained the infant civilization with their knowledge. Before coming up as a prominent civilization, Mycenae was constituted of a group of tribes. The Minoans helped bring all these tribes together. Minoans seem to have transported entire societal structure to Mycenae. The Mycenaean’s were glad to adopt the culture, writing system, city-state model and architecture from the Minoans. The resemblances between both these civilizations were so striking that some researchers held that Mycenae should have been conquered by Minoans and this idea was accepted for many decades. It was only in the late 1950’s when a British linguist was able to translate the tablets from Mycenae that the truth was revealed. It was seen that though Mycenaean population used the Minoan writing system but they used Greek language in it. So, if the theory at all has to be put in place, then it was the Mycenaean’s that attacked Minoan’s. It can be a logical explanation as to why the great Minoan Palaces were all burned to ground in 1490 BC. So, it seems that the civilization that owed its origin to the Minoans went against them and invaded to capture Crete.

Fall and Obscurity

Golden Burial Mask of Agamemnon

 

In 1300 BC the Mycenaean Civilization reached its peak. It was one of the most dominant empires in the Aegean region. But it is strange that they vanished from history only in the span of another hundred years in 1200 BC. Something led the Mycenaean palaces which were still functioning and filled treasure to be vacated and the towns and villages to be burned to ground. The population scattered to other parts of Greece. But Mycenae was not the only civilization to suffer during this time. Much of the Mediterranean regions were facing turmoil and the kingdoms of Italy, Syria and Anatolia were also destroyed by some menace. There was probably a band of unknown who were capturing land after land. Egypt was the only civilization that could repel these invaders. The Egyptian texts mention these invaders as “men from the northern lands” or “people from the country of seas”.

Entry to a Recently Unearthed Mycenaean Palace

 

This has led to the first theory regarding the disappearance of Mycenaean civilization. Theorists believe that there is strong evidence that the civilization was functional even in its last days. Now, couple this with the concept of unknown invaders. The weapons and military artifacts indicate that Mycenaean people were superior in military technology. Only they could have tormented all the kingdoms of Mediterranean region and led a campaign to Egypt. It is believed that Mycenaean kingdom captured whole of Greece and they scattered all over the country. The culture of this civilization formed the basis of later Classical Greek culture.

Ruins of a Mycenaean Palace

 

There is also a second line of thought. Some researchers feel that the Minoans had bonded people from different tribes to form the prominent Mycenaean civilization. With wealth and power the bonding fell astray, as a result of which there were civil wars and assassinations. The societal system became corrupt and the civilization gradually faded. The populace slowly spread to other parts of the world and were accepted for their knowledge and technological superiority.

 

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