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RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Mon, 25 May 2026 21:46:09 +0000

Opals are an optical illusion

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PnAfR9s4GAY?feature=share

7 Jewellery Myths Everyone Gets Wrong

https://youtu.be/kVobWDcXfEE

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:18:58 +0000

Next Gemstone Wave

The "next wave" in the gemstone market is defined by vivid, expressive colors and rare varieties over traditional, sterile minimalism. Collectors and luxury jewelers are increasingly turning to unique alternatives that offer intense saturation, distinctive color-shifting properties, and bespoke, one-of-a-kind appeal.

Specific stones driving the current market include:

The Garnet Revival: No longer associated only with dark, Victorian-era red. Vivid purple Grape Garnets from Tanzania and autumnal Malaya Garnets (ranging from orange to orange-green) are highly sought-after for their distinctive clarity and color.

Grape Garnets

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Orange to Orange-Green Garnets

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Alexandrite: Famous for its mesmerizing ability to shift from a lush green in daylight to a plum-red or purple under warm artificial light, this stone is becoming a top choice for rare, investment-grade jewelry.

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"Color Season" Gemstones: Inspired by personal color seasons in fashion, warm and luminous stones like peachy morganite, rich yellow sapphires, and neon tourmalines are surging.

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Minimalist Moonstones: For those leaning towards "quiet luxury," moonstones are providing an ethereal, organic alternative to recent pearl trends, shifting gracefully from silvery white to subtle blue.

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Ocean & Earth Tones: Reflecting a broader trend toward

grounding colors, hues inspired by water and earth—such as

aquamarine

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deep blue apatite

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moss agate—are seeing strong demand for their calming aesthetic.

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The next wave in colored stones isn't one gemstone. It's the garnet family, and most of the market hasn't noticed yet.

When people think of garnet, they default to dark red. Pyrope. The kind set in Victorian jewelry, abundant, inexpensive, decorative. That association is accurate for one category of garnet. It's completely wrong for what's happening at the edges of the family right now.

Grape garnet from Tanzania is where the most interesting development is occurring. The color is an open, vivid purple: not dark, not muddy, genuinely saturated in a way that photographs well and reads as distinctive in a setting. The clarity on what's coming out of Tanzania currently is strong. And the volume, while still modest, is at a level where high jewelry brands can realistically source for collections. That's the threshold that changes a stone's trajectory. You need enough material to build around it.

Malaya garnet occupies a different color space: orange to orange-green, warm and autumnal, shifting slightly depending on the light. The color is unlike anything else in the portfolio of stones typically used by high jewelry designers. That uniqueness is an advantage. Designers looking for something that doesn't reference ruby, sapphire, or emerald will find malaya garnet gives them a palette they can't source anywhere else.

Grossular garnet in lighter green tones is the third category worth watching. The color sits in a space adjacent to tsavorite but lighter, more open, with a freshness that reads differently in a piece. Demand for green stones at high jewelry level has been consistent and supply across all green categories is tight.

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The pattern across all three is the same: color that stands alone, clarity that meets high jewelry standards, and supply that is starting to reach the threshold where serious brands can commit. That combination, when it comes together, is what precedes repricing.

Garnet won't replace the big three. But it is building its own category. And the window before the broader market recognizes that is still open.

Videos

The next wave in colored stones isn't one gemstone. It's the garnet fa... | TikTok

Instagram

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Mon, 25 May 2026 02:51:24 +0000

Juan de la Cosa Map (1500)

Flags and Symbols of European countries and explorers such as:

- Christopher Columbus

Cristobal Colon (Spanish)

Cristoforo Colombo (Italian)

Cristoffa Corombo (Native Genoese (Ligurian))

Christophorus Columbus (Latin)

Recently named:

Pedro de Alvarez Sotomayor (Galician)

Pedro Madruga (Galician)

- Vasco da Gama

- John Cabot

Giovanni Caboto (Italian)

Zuan Caboto or Zuan Chabotto (Venetian)

Juan Caboto (Spanish)

Jean Cabot (French)

He signed documents in Venice as Zuan Chabotto.

A 1496 document from Valencia also identifies him as John Cabot Montecalunya. While "Montecalunya" is debated, it may refer to a specific family line or location.

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The Juan de la Cosa map (1500) is the earliest surviving map to depict the Americas. It is famous for its intricate use of flags to denote territorial claims and discoveries by European powers during the Age of Exploration.

The Flags of North America

The most significant group of flags appears along the North American coastline, often associated with the voyages of John Cabot.

English Banners: Five flags are placed along the coast, typically identified as English banners representing Cabot’s 1497 expedition.

Mystery Designs: While often called the "Cross of St. George," scholars note three are black and white (quarterly Argent and Sable) and two are red and white (quarterly Argent and Gules).

Legend: The area is explicitly labeled "mar descubierta por inglese" (sea discovered by the English).

🛡️ Other Territorial Flags

The map uses heraldry across the Old and New Worlds to show political dominance:

Spanish Dominions: Numerous banners with the Castilian coat of arms (castles and lions) mark Spanish-claimed territories in the Caribbean and South America.

Portuguese Presence: Portuguese flags are found along the African coast and marking the route of Vasco da Gama toward India.

African and Asian Rulers: Various flags and symbols of local monarchs are depicted across Africa and Asia, following the Portolan chart tradition.

🗺️ Visual Symbols & Context

Beyond flags, the map includes significant religious and navigational icons:

St. Christopher: A large image of the saint carrying the Christ Child covers the area where Central America would be, possibly a pun on Christopher Columbus.

Wind Roses: Two large circular wind networks are used for navigation.

Green Mass: The New World is famously painted in deep green to represent lush vegetation, contrasting with the uncolored Old World.

The map is currently housed at the Naval Museum in Madrid.

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1500 map by Juan de la Cosa rotated

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Map by Juan de la Cosa, 1500. Outline by Arthur Davies (1976)

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Comparison of coastal outlines on maps of Juan de la Cosa and Martin Behaim with the true coastline

Wikipedia

Map of Juan de la Cosa - Wikipedia

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Sun, 24 May 2026 18:58:52 +0000

Templar Artifacts

Melissa Chavez (Temple)

The Knight's Templar artifacts. - Picture of Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome - Tripadvisor

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Authentic Knights Templar Artifacts

These are authentic 14th-century style sterling silver and crystal buttons.

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Medieval era Knights Templar fragment with depiction of a Maltese cross with some additional carved inscriptions surrounding. 14th - 15th century, Europe.

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Intensely beautiful 14th century Knights Templar Sandstone frieze fragment depicting the Maltese Cross and the Tree of Life, on a contemporary metal stand just arrived to the gallery. This frieze fragment is beautifully carved, with a depiction of the Maltese Cross and the base of the Tree of Life next to it. An engraved Latin inscription appears on the back of the fragment, but its translation uncertain.

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Crusades-period Europe, c. 12th - 14th Century AD. Fantastic large Medieval bronze attachment with central Crusader cross. The central cross inlaid with PEARLS, the flat backing with a stippled texture and around the outside chain-like link each with an attachment pin. In 3 pieces but nicely mounted in high quality frame. An interesting item that perhaps adorned a box or piece of furniture.

(Zoom in, Pearls on cross)

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RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Sun, 24 May 2026 08:44:12 +0000

Bacan gems (Batu Bacan) are rare, blue-green gemstones primarily composed of Chrysocolla in Chalcedony, also known as Gem Silica. Sourced from the Bacan Islands in North Maluku, Indonesia, they are nicknamed "The Living Stone" because they can naturally change color and increase in translucency over time through body heat and regular wear.

Key Varieties

Bacan Doko: Found in Doko village; typically starts as a dark, "grass-green" color and matures into a bright, clear green.

Bacan Palamea: Originates from Palamea village; known for lighter, vibrant bluish-green or "tosca" hues.

Bacan Obi: Found on Obi Island; unlike other types, these are technically carnelian and do not undergo the color-changing process.

Unique Characteristics

Color Transformation: Black or dark fibers in the stone gradually dissipate over years, leaving a clean, crystallized appearance.

Durability: They have a hardness level of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for rings and daily wear.

Market Value: High-quality, translucent specimens are highly prized by collectors, with prices ranging from affordable cabochons to expensive luxury pieces reaching over $1,500.

The Bacan gemstone (Batu Bacan) is a highly coveted and rare type of chrysocolla in chalcedony (often called gem silica) native to the Bacan Islands in North Maluku, Indonesia. It is famous among collectors and jewelers for its vibrant teal-blue/green colors and unique ability to seemingly "live" and naturally change color over time.

Key Characteristics

The "Living Stone": Jewelers and collectors prize Bacan because its translucency and color saturation can deepen and improve as it is handled and worn over years.

Hardness: Unlike standard chrysocolla, which is too soft for rings, Bacan is a type of quartz (chalcedony) with a 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable for everyday jewelry.

Popular Varieties:

Bacan Doko: Known for its deep, saturated dark green hue.

Bacan Palamea: Typically features lighter, pastel sky-blue and blue-green colors.

Gemstone Properties

Feature Details

Mineral Class Quartz / Chalcedony

Coloring Agent Copper inclusions

Hardness 6.5 - 7.0 Mohs scale

Luster Vitreous (glassy) to waxy

Feature	Details
Mineral Class	Quartz / Chalcedony
Coloring Agent	Copper inclusions
Hardness	6.5 - 7.0 Mohs scale
Luster	Vitreous (glassy) to waxy

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RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Sat, 23 May 2026 08:23:31 +0000

300 Year Old Cave Full Of Pirate Treasure!

Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uxGF4TT1wys?feature=share

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:15:16 +0000

The Knights Templar did not build their own continent-wide road networks. Instead, they cleverly adapted and utilized existing Roman roads, as well as ancient trade routes and pilgrimage paths across Europe and the Middle East, to transport troops, money, and pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.

How the Templars Used the Roads

Pilgrim Protection & Escort: The order’s primary mission was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to sites like Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. They set up outposts, fortresses, and commanderies along these established ancient thoroughfares to provide safe passage and shelter.

Banking and Communication: The Templars used these well-mapped routes to securely move funds. They pioneered a sophisticated early banking system, allowing pilgrims to deposit wealth at a local Templar commandery and safely withdraw it at another, using the Roman roads as their logistical network.

Logistical Backbone: During the Crusades, the network of Roman roads stretching from Western Europe to the Levant (like the Via Egnatia) enabled the swift movement of troops and supplies, significantly shaping the Templars' operational bases.

Key Locations and Regions

The Camino de Santiago (Spain): This historical pilgrimage route, built in part over ancient Roman paths, was a major Templar stronghold. The order established numerous hostels, churches, and castles to protect travelers making the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

England's Great North Road (Ermine Street): Templar sites in the UK, such as Royston Cave or the Temple Church in London, were frequently situated at or near the junctions of ancient Roman roads.

The Via Egnatia (Balkans to Constantinople): This major Roman highway served as a primary overland route for the Crusaders and the Templars to travel from Western Europe to the Middle East.

Modern Interpretations and Legacy

Because Roman roads were so durable, many of them were continually used throughout the Middle Ages and eventually evolved into modern European highways. Today, many Templar ruins and historical commanderies can be found tracing the paths of these ancient Roman trade and military networks.

The Knights Templar heavily relied on the ancient Roman road network to fulfill their primary mission: protecting pilgrims. While the Roman Empire had collapsed centuries earlier, its stone-paved roads remained the most reliable infrastructure in medieval Europe and the Holy Land. The Templars strategically built their commanderies (military and financial hubs) along these existing routes to control the flow of people and wealth.

How the Templars Used Roman Roads

Strategic Positioning: Commanderies were often placed at 20-mile intervals along Roman routes—roughly a day’s journey—mirroring the old Roman mansiones (rest stops).

Pilgrim Protection: The Order’s fourth vow was to "police the roads". They patrolled key Roman arteries like the Via Nova Traiana in the East and the Via Agrippa in Gaul (France) to deter bandits.

Banking Network: The Templars developed an early form of banking where travelers could deposit funds at one commandery and withdraw them at another along the same road.

Logistics & Supply: Roman roads allowed for the swift movement of Templar troops and supplies between their massive stone fortresses and urban centers like Paris and London.

Key Historical Routes

Route Location Templar Connection

Via Agrippa France Connected multiple commanderies in the Charente region.

Via Nova Traiana Jordan/Syria Used to defend the desert frontier and patrol the road to the Red Sea.

Watling Street England A major Roman road leading to London, where the Temple Church was established.

Templar Trail Europe to Jerusalem A modern pilgrimage route that traces the path of the First Crusade, largely following old Roman ways.

Preservation and Discovery

Many modern highways are built directly on top of these Roman-Templar paths. You can still visit well-preserved sites like the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal, which guarded a vital European pilgrimage route.

Route	Location	Templar Connection
Via Agrippa	France	Connected multiple commanderies in the Charente region.
Via Nova Traiana	Jordan/Syria	Used to defend the desert frontier and patrol the road to the Red Sea.
Watling Street	England	A major Roman road leading to London, where the Temple Church was established.
Templar Trail	Europe to Jerusalem	A modern pilgrimage route that traces the path of the First Crusade, largely following old Roman ways.

The Knights Templar did not build a proprietary, continent-wide road network, but they strategically built, fortified, and operated their headquarters and commanderies along pre-existing routes. In Europe and the Middle East, they heavily relied on ancient Roman roads to connect their vast agricultural, financial, and military networks.

The Templars repurposed Roman infrastructure and older trade routes for several key reasons:

1. Protecting and Facilitating Pilgrimages

The primary mandate of the Knights Templar was to protect Christian pilgrims. To do this, they situated their bases (commanderies, castles, and hospices) directly along the major pilgrimage highways, many of which originally utilized Roman roads.

The Camino de Santiago (Spain): The Templars established strongholds like Castillo de Ponferrada and Castillo de Sarracín along the ancient Roman routes. These roads had originally connected Bordeaux, France, to Astorga in northwest Spain.

Via Francigena (Italy): The Templars operated medieval rest stations or Mansio, such as the Castello della Magione in Tuscany, to house pilgrims traveling to Rome.

2. Trade and Financial Logistics

The Templars became the first international bankers of Europe. Because they were entrusted with vast sums of wealth, secure transportation routes were paramount.

They utilized the ancient, highly structured Roman road networks—such as the Via Domitia and Via Agrippa in France—to move supplies, gold, and agricultural goods between their European commanderies and the ports of the Mediterranean.

These secure routes also facilitated their innovative early banking systems, allowing travelers to deposit funds at one commandery and withdraw them using a letter of credit at another.

3. Fortifying the Holy Land

During the Crusades, the network of Roman and Byzantine roads in the Levant was vital for the movement of troops. The Templars established key fortresses—such as Castellet (Le Chastelet) in modern-day Israel and in Syria—to patrol the vital roads and mountain passes that connected Jerusalem to the coastal ports.

4. Innovation and Engineering

While the Romans pioneered paved roads with multiple load-bearing layers, drainage ditches, and milestones, the Templars introduced advanced infrastructure innovations of their own in the Middle Ages. They built strategic bridges, toll stations, and fortified gatehouses, actively shaping travel through the areas they controlled.

The Knights Templar used the surviving network of Roman roads as the backbone of their operations in Europe and the Middle East. While they didn't build these roads themselves, they were the primary force that maintained, secured, and utilized them during the Middle Ages.

Templar Strategic Use

The Templars were essentially the first "road police" of the medieval era. They focused on:

Pilgrim Protection: Their original mission was guarding the dangerous routes between Jaffa and Jerusalem.
Commandery Placement: They built their fortified bases, or commanderies, specifically at key intersections of ancient Roman highways to control movement and trade.
Infrastructure Maintenance: Because they relied on these routes for moving troops and heavy supplies, they were often responsible for repairing Roman bridges and road sections.

Famous Road Connections

Many Templar sites are directly linked to specific Roman engineering:

The Via Agrippa (France): Templar commanderies in the Charente region were strategically positioned along this 1st-century BC route to manage trade and movement.
Ermine Street (England): The town of Royston, a Templar hub, was founded at the crossroads of this major Roman highway and the ancient Icknield Way.
Camino de Santiago (Spain): The Templars protected portions of this pilgrimage route, which often followed existing Roman paths like those near the Castle of Sarracín.
Darb al-Hawarnah (Holy Land): This Roman road served as a critical passage between the Sea of Galilee and the coast, seeing heavy Templar action during the Battle of Hattin.

The Engineering Legacy

While the Templars occupied these routes, the quality of the roads themselves was due to Roman techniques that remained unmatched for centuries:

Straightness: Roman roads were designed for military efficiency, providing the shortest distance between points.
Multi-layering: They used a complex stack of soil, crushed rock, concrete, and stone blocks that allowed them to last for over 2,000 years.
Durability: Many of these original surfaces were still visible and functional during the Templar era, long after the Western Roman Empire had fallen.

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Articles

https://www.templarsnow.com/p/templar-maps.htm

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Fri, 22 May 2026 09:05:38 +0000

Our Deep Jungle Trek to Find an Ancient City

Come with us as we take a boat on the Usumacinta River to the ruins of ancient Yaxchilan, deep in the jungle. Why don't more people come here?

Video

https://youtu.be/-Upqi5J3Cno

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Fri, 22 May 2026 09:02:37 +0000

Why “soft” jade is better

Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/092cV6_Wd-I?feature=share

RE: Archaeology by Prau123

Prau123 — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:22:19 +0000

Some gemstones are on another level

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6uTrdwWIoGQ?feature=share

There’s still incredible, one of a kind gem

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kjQ-r0Dk0Rc?feature=share