Roman surface mining techniques

Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_WftR5ecKoI?feature=share

The Maya Collapse

 

In the opening decades of the ninth century, the cities of the classic Maya world began to unravel for reasons that are not fully understood. This caused a transformation of the Maya and Mesoamerican world during the following century. Discover what we know and don't know about these events that changed the Maya.

 

 

Chapters:

 

Introduction: 0:00

Disclaimers: 2:03

Collapse timeline and pattern: 5:02

Exceptions: 12:19

Environmental Decline: 20:16

Drought: 25:32

Noble Power: 31:13

Warfare and Violence: 36:06

Foreign Influences and changes: 40:36

The new Post Classic order: 48:37

Conclusion: 52:41

 

 

Video

Sears Point - Arizona Petroglyphs

 

Hundreds of petroglyphs can be seen on the volcanic basalt outcrops that lie next to the Gila River. The area is believed to have been utilized for thousands of years, more so from A.D. 500 until the 1800s. Many archaeological remains left by prehistoric peoples are visible, but the most predominant are the petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are difficult to date, so archaeologists have no way of knowing their age. Other features at the site include sleeping circles, geoglyphs, trails, rock alignments, and a historic canal. Due to its proximity to the Gila River, the area has a long history of use as a major traveling route by Spanish explorers (Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail alignment), missionaries, and people heading for California (including the Butterfield Overland Mail route). In addition to cultural resources, the area contains a sizeable mesquite bosque with significant wildlife habitat.

 

Video

Wagon Wheel Tracks - Superior, Arizona

Video

 

These tracks were the results of ore wagons hauling silver ore from the Silver King Mine to the Pinal Mill on Queen Creek just west of present day Superior around 1870. The wagon wheels slowing etched two deep ruts across this large deposit of welded volcanic tuff. I thought that a drone flying weightlessly over these 19th century tracks would contrast how difficult life was then & how much easier its become.

 

 

If I did not know what they were, I would have guessed that the indented tracks were similar to ancient cart ruts found in the Old World. After a closer look at the indented tracks, I realized they were only 100 to 200 feet in length. The wagon ride must have continued on, but the lack of any indented tracks made me realized that this was a short ride for loading and unloading heavy items. On the contrary, if the wagon ride did continue on then the wheels should have been leaving more track marks behind but instead the wheels were no longer penetrating the soil, and it remained flat from there on. This particular indented track seems off to me since it was the only one in the area and short in length which made me consider that this could be something else such as an unfinish ancient quarry.

I also questioned if the tracks were actually indented by wagon wheels? Several wagons passing over the same track over time would have made it deeper and wider. Also, people could have dug up the tracks as well. They look deep which made me question as to why they didn't just ride their wagons on the flat surfaces right next to the indented tracks. However, transporting heavy loads on an indented tracks is easier and safer. The cargo vehicle is stable when the wheels are moving in a narrow-indented track. This prevents the heavy loads from tilting the wagon over the side. 

One commenter in the comment section had some doubts on this. He cited that there should have been wear from the animals pulling the wagons. In other words, where are the animal tracks (horseshoe tracks) between the indented tracks?

How the indigenous cliff dwellers lived

Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9mPbcwsaZpw?feature=share