History of the Lands
46 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 16: Al-Farabi and Intellect Touchstones: Intellect and Existence Pictured: Artist impression. Al-Farabi was born along the Silk Road circa 872 CE in the city of Farab, in present-day Kazakhstan. Al-Farabi’ thought was rooted in Platonic and Aristotelian frameworks, yet it seamlessly wove in elements of Islamic thinking. He imagined […]
Al-Farabi (872-950) Read More »
73 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 14: Badarayana and Karma Touchstones: Cause and Effect, and Cognitive Biases Badarayana is the sage who wrote the Brahma Sutras. Badarayana is placed at circa 200 CE, but the truth is, we don’t know when he lived. In my research, I found dates ranging from the 4th century BCE
Badarayana, from circa 400 BCE to circa 400 CE Read More »
94 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 12: Philo and Abrahamic Philosophy Touchstones: Allegorical interpretation Pictured: Portrait from 1500s. He likely did not look like this. Philo of Alexandria, was born in the dynamic environment before the split of Judaism and Christianity. He was born around the year 20 BCE and became an important Jewish leader
Philo of Alexandria (circa 20 BCE to circa 55 CE) Read More »
102 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 7: Heraclitus and Your Worldview Touchstones: Impermanence, Worldview, and Identity Pictured: Bust of an unknown philosopher. Some believe this might be Heraclitus. This bust is in the Capitoline Museum in Rome, but the museum makes no such identity assumption. As Eastern luminaries contemplated the rhythm and flow of nature,
Heraclitus (circa 535-475 BCE) Read More »
103 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 6: Gautama Buddha and Buddhism Touchstones: Non-self and Nondualism-Dualism Pictured: Gautama Buddha statue in Buddha Park of Ravangla, Sikkim. Showing after Confucius just to group Laozi & Confucius together. In a much simpler time, the royal family of the Shakya dynasty lived in a palace located at the capital
Gautama Buddha (circa 563-486 BCE) Read More »
105 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 4: Laozi and Daoist Philosophy Touchstones: Non-action, Authenticity, Yin and Yang, & Unknowable Dao Pictured is the statue of Laozi at the base of mountQingyuan in China. The life of Laozi is shrouded in mystery, but he is the first philosopher in “30 Philosophers” that attempts to construct a precise
Laozi (604-517 BCE) Read More »
112 Generations Ago (from 2020 CE) 30 Phil, Chapter 3: Gargi and the Concept of Holism Touchstones: Ontology & Holism Gargi lived in India around 800 BCE, give or take a century, but we do not know her lifespan. We know about her from early Vedic Tradition, specifically from the early Vedas. Gargi is one
Gargi Vachaknavi (circa 800 BCE) Read More »
185 Generations Ago (from 2020 CE) 30 Phil, Chapter 2: Shuruppak and Paternal Wisdom Touchstones: Knowledge Frameworks & Philosophy King Shuruppak, circa 2625 BCE to 2550 BCE. Author of the “Instructions of Shuruppak.” It comes to us from around 2600 BCE, perhaps a century or so after the time of Gilgamesh. It is one of
King Shuruppak (circa 2600 BCE) Read More »
In the tropical rainforests of Mesoamerica, the ancient Olmecs unlock the secrets of the cacao pod. By fermenting, roasting, and grinding the seeds, they create the bitter beverage chocolate. This divine elixir lays the foundation for chocolate’s enduring legacy, cherished by the Mayans and Aztecs as a ceremonial drink, a currency, and a medicine.
In the highlands of Mexico, the story of maize, or corn, begins with its ancestor, teosinte. Through centuries of selective breeding, Indigenous peoples transform this humble grass into corn.
In the Neolithic villages of Poland, milk, a nourishing gift from domesticated animals, is left to curdle, giving rise to the earliest form of cheese.
The Ale of Progress: On the riverbanks of ancient Mesopotamia, Sumerians fermented grains into beer, a beverage derived from bread. It became a cornerstone of their civilization. It’s a drink for the gods, a nutritious staple, and perhaps the world’s first social lubricant.
 (Crete, ) – The Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, is famous for its sophisticated and colorful frescoes. These paintings depict a variety of subjects, including processions, animals, and scenes of daily life, characterized by naturalistic figures and a vibrant palette. One of the most iconic images is of the
Minoan Frescoes at Knossos Read More »
The Tomb of Nebamun, located in Thebes, Egypt, contains some of the most famous and vibrant frescoes from the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period. The paintings depict Nebamun, an Egyptian official, engaging in various activities, including hunting in the marshes and enjoying banquets with his family. The frescoes are celebrated for their dynamic
Frescoes of the Tomb of Nebamun Read More »
Found in Morocco, this natural pebble with human-like features is possibly the oldest known example of a figurine or representation of the human form.
Located in France, the cave contains hundreds of wall paintings of animals, abstract symbols, and hand prints.
Chauvet Cave Paintings Read More »
Discovered in Indonesia, these hand stencils and depictions of animals are among the oldest known figurative artworks.
Sulawesi Cave Art Read More »
Earliest known symbol use in the Africa/Middle East zone. Located in South Africa, the cave contains engraved ochre pieces, which are among the earliest known forms of abstract art.
Blombos Cave Engravings Read More »
Found in central India, these cupules (circular hollows on rock surfaces) are among the earliest known forms of rock art.
Bhimbetka Petroglyphs, Cupules Read More »
Since grain is easy to grow, does this suggest agriculture might have started a few thousand years earlier? Under study, but the discovery of bread-making from around 14,000 years ago indeed suggests that humans were experimenting with grains before the widespread adoption of agriculture, which is traditionally dated to about 12,000 years ago with the
The Invention of Bread Read More »
Explore insights into science, philosophy, and history. This community features the writings of Mike Prestwood, a natural philosopher. This throwback title signifies his dedication to weaving together science, philosophy, and history. Engage in insightful discussions in a moderated, safe space where the realms of the irrational and unknowable are respectfully acknowledged but left at the doorway. Ready to connect with like-minded thinkers?
