Tag: Antiquity

Photogrammetry map of Brusselstown Ring showing locations of what may be roundhouse footprints!

Eire: Scientists Unearth Ireland’s Largest Prehistoric Hillfort Settlement! (1.1.2026)

Additional survey work revealed a unique structure near one of the trenches. The flat interior outlined by large stones, uncommon for roundhouses at the site, made it unlikely to be a prehistoric roundhouse itself. From previous surveys, it was known that a stream flowed into the structure from a rocky outcrop uphill.

Given its shape and size, it is hypothesized that this might be a Bronze and Iron Age water cistern like those found elsewhere in Europe. Because Brusselstown Hill would have had to accommodate a large population, a source of freshwater would make sense. If further investigations confirm the structure to be a water cistern, it would represent the first of its kind in an Irish hillfort.

More research is needed to better understand the extent and nature of Brusselstown Hill’s potential water cistern, establishing the nature and chronology of the enclosing elements and better understanding how and why the settlement may have been abandoned.

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Venice Lion Chinese Tomb Guardian

Italy: Study Finds Winged Lion of Venice Has “Chinese” Origin! (11.9.2025)

It would seem that between the Tang and (Islamic) Yuan Dynasties (around six-hundred years) this Lion sat dutifully outside a temple (or a tomb) – before being transported to the West and extensively “altered” to suit Western sensitivities – although it is highly likely that very few Europeans knew what an African (or “Indian”) lion actually looked like. Most Chinese lions I have seen are sat-down and I have never seen such an object stood-up on all fours. It would be interesting to see what the Lion in question looked like before the alterations. Finally, it is interesting that the British author (and former Submarine Commander in the Royal Navy) – Gavin Menzies (1937-2020) – wrote a book entitled “1434: The Year a Chinese Fleet Sailed to Italy and Ignited the Renaissance” (2008). He discusses the Chinese delegation that met with Pope Eugenius IV in Florence (1434) – and suggests that China had some type of diplomatic connection with the City States (which included Venice). Those who criticise Menzies’ work – are the same people who would never have allowed for idea that St Mark’s Lion could be of a “Chinese” origin. Given that this Lion arrived in Venice around 1264 – this Chinese Mission would have occurred only 166-years later.

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