There are hundreds of types of aloe, and aloe vera is one of many varieties. The aloe that is mentioned in the Bible was probably sandalwood–a fragrant plant. “Aloes are mentioned both in the OT and NT in connection with incense, scent or perfume (Num 24:6; Ps 45:8; Prov 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; and John 19:39). The perfume…
Category: Ancient Civilizations
Acanthus – A Plant that Influenced Art and Design
Acanthus has been part of both gardens and design since ancient the time of Ancient Civilizations: Image Credit: The Met Marble pilaster with acanthus scrolls Roman – 1st half of 1st century CE Image Credit: The Met Marble corner acroterion with acanthus scrolls Roman – 1st half of 1st century CEImage Credit: The Met Fragment…
Plant Encyclopedia
ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF PLANTS. ACACIA.—In the deserts of Arabia the finest tree is the Acacia Seyal, which is reputed to be the Shittah tree of the Old Testament. The timber of this tree was termed Shittim, translated by some as “incorruptible wood.” In Exodus xxv. it is recorded that the Ark of the Lord was made of Shittim wood, overlaid within…
May Day
“As early as the time of Romulus the Latins instituted a festival in honour of Flora, which was intended as a public expression of joy at the appearance of the welcome blossoms which were everywhere regarded as the harbingers of fruits. Five hundred and thirteen years after the foundation of Rome the Floralia, or annual…
The Moon – Its Mystery and Its Myths
MOONLIGHT. “The light of the moon and the changes of the moon were probably the first phenomena which led men to study the motions of the heavenly bodies. In our times, when most men live where artificial illumination is used at night, we can scarcely appreciate the full value of moonlight to men who cannot obtain…
Ancient Egyptian Mythology – Ancient Religions
The Ennead “Ancient Egyptians had several myths regarding the creation of the world. One of the most popular creation myths featured the Ennead, a group of nine ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Atum was thought to be the first god and creator of the world and from Atum the Ennead were born.” British Museum Atum’s…
Christianity – Ancient Religions
The Origins and Spread of Christianity “Christianity was founded by Jesus, a man who lived from about 6 B.C.E to about 30 C.E. “The New Testament of the Christian Bible tells that Jesus was put to death by crucifixion, a form of execution in which a person is tied or nailed to a cross. “Christians…
Islam – Ancient Religions
Image Credit: History Alive Textbook “Muhammad was born around 570 C.E. He taught the faith called Islam, which became one of the major religions of the world.” History Alive Textbook But Islam began centuries before that, when Abraham rejected and expelled his older son Ishmael, who relocated west of the Israelits. His descendants became the…
Judaism – Ancient Religions
“The people who became the Jews originally lived in Mesopotamia. Image Credit: History Alive Textbook [Sumer was in the area shaded yellow–down in the southern part of Mesopotamia. The Father of the Israelites, Abraham, was born in the City of Ur–which is located in the yellow section on the above map. The people in Ur…
Ancient Persian Empire
By 2500 B.C.E., the Ancient Sumerian Civilization had controlled the lower part of Mesopatamia. Mesopotamia is the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Most Bible scholars believe that the Garden of Eden was in Mesopotamia. The Biblical leader Abraham was born in the city of Ur, and most people believe that the story of…