The palace was found at the site where, according to legend, Romulus and Remus were educated.

The remains of what might have been the residence of the Etruscan prince Sextus Tarquinius, son of the last legendary king of Rome Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud), have been found on the slopes of an extinct volcanic crater about 12 miles from Rome, Italian archaeologists have announced.

The palace was discovered on the site of the ancient acropolis of Gabii, where, according to legend, Rome’s mythical founders, Romulus and Remus, were educated. The building dates to the sixth century B.C and boasts the highest intact walls from the period ever found in Italy, standing at around 6.56 feet high.

“The dig has shown that the richly decorated monumental roof was dismantled, and the building filled with rubble. This has been a blessing, since it has allowed the palace to remain virtually intact,” archaeologist Marco Fabbri of Rome’s Tor Vergata University, told Discovery News.

Fabbri and colleagues from Rome’s Archaeological Superintendency believe that the residence was furiously demolished, probably during the Roman revolt in 510 B.C. that ultimately led to the foundation of the Roman Republic.
Read the rest of the article at Discovery News.

The manuscript fragments existed separately and with their relationship unknown, until a news photograph of one’s public unveiling in 2007 caught the attention of the scholars who would eventually link them.

Two parts of an ancient biblical manuscript separated across centuries and continents were reunited for the first time in a joint display Friday, thanks to an accidental discovery that is helping illuminate a dark period in the history of the Hebrew Bible.

The 1,300-year-old fragments, which are among only a handful of Hebrew biblical manuscripts known to have survived the era in which they were written, existed separately and with their relationship unknown, until a news photograph of one’s public unveiling in 2007 caught the attention of the scholars who would eventually link them.

Together, they make up the text of the Song of the Sea, sung by jubilant Israelites after fleeing slavery in Egypt and witnessing the destruction of the pharaoh’s armies in the Red Sea.

“The enemy said: ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. My lust shall be satisfied upon them, I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them,’” reads the song, which appears in the Book of Exodus. “Thou didst blow thy wind, the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.”

An exhibit at Israel’s national museum dedicated to the Song of the Sea is now bringing together the two long-separated pieces.
Read the rest of the article at Discovery News.

Fulfilling any childhood fantasy of being royalty might be easier than you think with a trip to a few spectacular Chateaux in France.

Chateau Chambord

Hidden in the center of a forest is the Chateau Chambord.  If you close your eyes for a moment and envision what your idea might be for a house only occupied for the occasional nights stay or whose primary use would be as a hunting lodge – a castle with 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces would certainly not be what most people would have in mind.  Yet, this was the structure that filled the desires of King Francois I.  For a hunting lodge, it is the largest Chateau in the Loire Valley.

At its center you will find a double spiral staircase that was said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.  It has passed through a variety of owners ending with the Count of Paris before it was eventually purchased by the French government and turned into the attraction it is for visitors today.

Chateau d’ Usse




Another notable chateau, found in the beautiful Loire Valley, has served as the inspiration for more than one princess story.  This castle is literally a fairytale come to life.  Its image served as inspiration and sparked an idea for the writer Charles Perrault.  The basis for his story Sleeping Beauty can be linked back to the blue slate roof and gothic turrets of the Chateau d’ Usse.

It has been appropriately nicknamed the castle of dreams.  It was originally intended to serve as a fortress, but for many it has become the ultimate symbol of a fairytale.  Its design was even adopted by Walt Disney and can be seen replicated in his famous Cinderella Castle.

Chateau Villandry




Here it is not the beauty of the chateau’s design that draws people to what is known as one of the most visited castles in France, but the gardens surrounding it.  Villandry was built in the 16th century near the Cher River.  While the chateau itself is certainly impressive, its French mosaic gardens are the main draw.  You can experience what is truly the finest example of formal Renaissance gardens in France.  This is a place that anyone with even the slightest tinge of a green thumb could admire and appreciate.

Chateau Chaumont




Chaumont holds the title of being one of the oldest chateau’s in the Loire Valley.  Built in the 10^th century, it was the one-time home to Catherine de Medici, the queen of France and wife of Henry II.  Eventually she was able to switch residences with his mistress in favor of a grander style, but this castle certainly has its charm.  It is now owned by the French government and serves primarily as a museum.

Its English style gardens play host to the Festival des Jardins, which lasts from June to mid-October.   This unique festival allows for the true creativity of individuals to come alive as they are challenged by a unique theme each year.  This past year it was “gardens of color” and previous years it has been “at play in the garden” and even “movement”.  Since the gardens are constantly changing, the festival provides just another reason to return annually for a visit.

Chateau Versailles




Any list of chateaux in France would not be complete without including the palace at Versailles.  I realize that most people are aware of Versailles and its beauty, but there could be no justification in creating a list without including it.  It is easily one of the most widely known palaces in the world.  This was a residence literally created for the Gods.  Much like Chateau Chambord it began as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII.

Over the years it has been updated and expanded upon to achieve the splendor we recognize it for today.  Within the palace walls you will find 700 rooms, 67 staircases, and over 2,000 windows.  Visiting this national museum of history, a true testament to what architecture, wealth, and design can achieve, would be the perfect conclusion to any French Chateaux traveling experience.
See more at mymelange.net.