M.J. Rose

In the deep past, there were, it seems, many more types of “human” than previously imagined. Who were they? Did we co-exist and even interbreed? Science is rapidly discovering the answers.

Big-Toothed Fossil May Be Primitive New Human
by Jennifer Viegas (Discovery News)

“The first known prehistoric human from Taiwan has been identified and may represent an entirely new species that lived as recently as 10,000 years ago, according to a new study.

The newly discovered big-toothed human, “Penghu 1,” strengthens the growing body of evidence that Homo sapiens was not the only species from our genus living in Europe and Asia between 200,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Anthropologists have learned that Neanderthals, Denisovans and Homo floresiensis (a.k.a. the “Hobbit Human”) lived in Europe and Asia within that time frame. Penghu 1, which is described in the latest issue of Nature Communications, adds to that already impressive list and might have co-existed — and even interbred — with our species…”

For the rest, and a video, click here.

Peepshow or coincidence?

Enjoy, and thanks be to the glorious Atlas Obscura…

The Aventine Keyhole
Rome’s semi-secret peephole vista is also a once and future Crusader stronghold

Contributor: Annetta Black (Admin)

“A sweeping view of Rome is perfectly contained in the keyhole of a non-descript looking door on the Aventine Hill, neatly placing the dome of St. Peter’s right in the center.

The doorway in question leads to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, the legendary crusader knights and religious order. Although the property has been in their hands for centuries, the site has seen many occupants. It originally held a fortified palace belonging to Alberico II, the ruler of Rome from 932-954, then becoming a benedictine monastery before passing first into the hands of the Knights Templar in the 1100s, then finally to their brothers in arms, the Knights of Malta in the 1400s….”

For the rest (and glorious PICTURES!) click here to go to Atlas Obscura.