"Jesus about historical vision

Who is Jesus? Is he a human as Muslims claim, or is he a God as the Orthodox believe, which is a union of two divine and human natures, or is he a light as the Catholics and Jehovah's Witnesses say? Or is he just a deceitful impostor as the Jews believe? We will summarize the biography of Jesus through the five characters that most people around the world disagree on.

To approach and determine the personality of Jesus from the closest point in history, we go to "Pliny the Younger," who was present and contemporary during the Roman rule in 113 AD, meaning that Jesus did not complete a hundred years away from the scene. Pliny sent a message to Emperor Trajan informing him that they were gathering at dawn and singing to Jesus as if he were a god. Unfortunately, some church-affiliated websites changed the meaning and replaced it, saying they worshiped him as a god and glorified him.

The Roman historian "Tacitus" in 116 AD said, "Christ, from whom the Christians derived their name, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate." This means that he saw nothing remarkable about this person except that he was the leader of a sect named after him, and they called themselves Christians. At that time, there was no evidence of Christ's divinity. In addition, records of the Roman government's council during the days when Christ was alive were drawn up, prohibiting anyone from calling Christ a god. Why did the Romans do that? Because some say Christ asked representatives of the council to do so because of the annoyance caused by some Romans living in that colony when they witnessed his miracles. They thought he was the Son of the Buyer God they worshiped, and indeed, the Roman council responded to this law historically. Christ was considered a god after about 200 years when new ideas and writings emerged, old books were burned, and many sects were persecuted and fought, such as the Vandals, who were crushed and even deleted from history for 200 years. The earth was drowned in the blood of Christ's followers to keep the Church as we see it today, divided against itself. This is also a response to those who say that Christ is just a false legend who was not originally present. Rather, from those contemporary Roman records of the Roman Empire, Tiberius mentioned Christ at that time. Whoever denies this is bankrupt, not because events will not be as you want them, you can deny them.

"The Significance and Evolution of Pottery in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians innovated their tools using pottery, crafting vessels and cups for daily use. They also fashioned oil lamps, called "mesarj," consisting of a dish filled with oil and salt with a floating wick. Initially, these were handmade without a spout and sometimes coated with a layer of glass.

In addition to religious and funerary rituals, ancient Egyptians diversified pottery in shapes, components, and various decorations, evolving alongside their civilization over the ages.

Pottery making involved four main stages: kneading, shaping, drying, and firing. Ancient Egyptians first purified clay from impurities by soaking it in water until impurities floated, then added straw or dung for cohesion. The clay was left to ferment for several days before shaping by hand, wheel, or mold, followed by drying and firing.

Pottery evolved in form and decoration throughout ancient Egyptian history, adorned with geometric, human, animal, plant, and environmental motifs like stars, rivers, and lakes. It was also colored with different hues, adding an aesthetic touch reflecting ancient Egyptian taste.Pottery was not only functional but also played a significant role in Egyptian art and culture. It served as a canvas for artistic expression, depicting scenes from daily life, religious beliefs, and mythology. The intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship of Egyptian pottery reflected the sophistication and artistic prowess of the civilization.

Moreover, pottery was essential in trade and commerce, as Egypt exported its pottery to neighboring regions, contributing to cultural exchange and economic prosperity. The durability and versatility of pottery made it a valuable commodity both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, pottery in ancient Egypt was not merely a utilitarian object but a symbol of artistic, cultural, and economic significance. Its evolution over time reflects the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Egyptians, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of history.

Esarhaddon The Expansion and Legacy of the Assyrian Empire

Ashur-nadin-shumi, the eldest son of King Sennacherib, was appointed as the heir apparent to the throne of Assyria. However, he was abducted by the Elamites while serving as the king of Babylon and eventually killed after his father's failed campaign to rescue him.

After suffering a defeat against the Elamites, Sennacherib returned to his capital, Nineveh, and focused on construction projects and managing his empire. It took him some time to choose a new heir, eventually selecting Esarhaddon, who was later replaced by his younger brother Ashurbanipal due to influence from their Aramean mother Zakutu.

Sennacherib's other sons were not pleased with the choice of Esarhaddon as heir, leading to family conflict. Esarhaddon had to go into hiding under the protection of the Mitanni in a region previously controlled by them.

In 689 BCE, Sennacherib was assassinated by two of his sons, likely motivated by their desire for the throne. They used the destruction of Babylon and the desecration of Marduk's sanctity as justification for their actions. Esarhaddon was summoned from exile and fought against his brothers for the throne, eventually emerging victorious and executing his brother's families and supporters.

Esarhaddon expanded the Assyrian Empire significantly, making it one of the largest empires of the ancient world.

Esarhaddon's reign marked a period of stability and expansion for the Assyrian Empire. He conducted military campaigns to conquer and subjugate various regions, extending Assyrian control over vast territories in the Near East.

One of Esarhaddon's notable achievements was the successful conquest of Egypt in 671 BCE. He defeated the Egyptian Pharaoh Taharqa and established Assyrian rule over the region, incorporating it into the empire as a province.

Esarhaddon implemented administrative reforms to strengthen centralized control over the empire. He reorganized the administrative structure, appointed loyal governors, and implemented policies to ensure efficient taxation and resource management.

Additionally, Esarhaddon initiated extensive building projects throughout the empire, including the reconstruction of Babylon, which had been previously destroyed by his father. He also constructed grand palaces, temples, and infrastructure projects in various cities to showcase Assyrian power and wealth.

Esarhaddon's reign is also notable for his efforts to promote religious tolerance and syncretism within the empire. He respected the diverse religious beliefs of the conquered peoples and incorporated their deities into the Assyrian pantheon, fostering a sense of unity and stability.

Esarhaddon's sudden death in 669 BCE led to a brief period of instability and succession struggles within the empire. However, his son Ashurbanipal eventually ascended to the throne and continued his father's policies, further expanding and consolidating the Assyrian Empire.

Overall, Esarhaddon's reign represents a significant phase in the history of the Assyrian Empire, characterized by military conquests, administrative reforms, cultural achievements, and territorial expansion.

Music in Ancient Egypt

Music in Ancient Egypt                                          A Detailed Exploration of Pharaonic Music

In the era of Ancient Egypt, music was a vital component of the cultural, religious, and social life of the ancient Egyptians. Music in this period varied between religious songs, military music, and entertainment music, playing a significant role in various aspects of ancient Egyptian daily life.

Musical Instruments

Ancient Egyptians utilized a wide range of musical instruments, including drums, rattles, pipes, strings, and many specifically designed musical instruments such as the lyre and the Egyptian flute. These instruments were used in various settings, whether in religious ceremonies, public celebrations, or even in warfare.          Religious Songs

Music played a significant role in ancient Egyptian religious rituals. There were songs and musical melodies dedicated to many Egyptian gods such as Amun, Ra, Hathor, and others. These songs were used in religious celebrations, offerings, and various religious festivals.

Military Music

Music was also used in the military aspects of ancient Egyptian life. Drums and rattles were used to boost the morale of soldiers and motivate them during wars and battles.

Entertainment Music

There was also music dedicated to entertainment and enjoyment, where songs and melodies were used in social occasions such as weddings and public celebrations. This music included cheerful tunes and dance rhythms that attracted people to participate in the festivities   

Despite thousands of years passing since the era of Ancient Egypt, the influence of its music is still noticeable today. Some of the ancient musical instruments and melodies still appear in modern Egyptian music, highlighting the continuity of this rich heritage across the ages.

Music in Ancient Egypt was not merely entertainment but an integral part of the cultural, social, and religious life of the ancient Egyptian people. The musical expressions in that era reflect creativity and cultural depth worthy of study and appreciation in modern times.

The specific names of the hymns in Ancient Egyptian music have not been discovered, but there are some examples of hymns that have been found in ancient literature and Pharaonic texts, such as:

1. Hymns of Djeru-el-Bahari  Considered one of the religious hymns dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.

2. Hymns of Ajmet: These hymns are considered military hymns used in war and military events.

3. Hymns of Ankhtah: Known for their performance during religious and public celebrations.

These are general examples and not an exhaustive list, highlighting the importance of music in various aspects of life in Ancient Egypt.

Temple of Dendera

 (An Architectural Masterpiece and Religious Center in Ancient Egypt) 

The Temple of Dendera is one of the most prominent temples in ancient Egypt, considered a architectural masterpiece with no equal, serving as a significant religious and cultural center. Located approximately 74 kilometers south of Luxor, on the banks of the Nile, it is one of the oldest Egyptian temples with a rich history spanning thousands of years.

 History and Construction

The construction of the Temple of Dendera dates back to the early Pharaonic eras, with its construction initiated during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty and continued through several subsequent Pharaonic eras.

 It is believed that King Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty was among the kings who made additions to the temple, with inscriptions bearing his name found within the temple.

 Expansion and renovation of the temple continued until the era of the Eleventh Dynasty and beyond, with additional chambers and religious artifacts added.

Structure and Architecture

The Temple of Dendera is characterized by its vast and intricate design, featuring a series of halls, courtyards, and sacred chambers.

- The temple houses several main chambers dedicated to worship, including the main sanctuary built for the worship of the goddess Hathor, believed to be the primary deity of the temple.

- Additionally, the temple includes other chambers and monuments dedicated to the worship of the god Osiris and numerous other Egyptian deities and entities.

 Religious and Cultural Significance

- The Temple of Dendera served as a significant religious center during the Pharaonic eras, where various religious rituals and ceremonies were conducted and offerings were made to the gods.

- The temple also served as a cultural center, used for teaching writing and reading, as well as training priests and scribes.

Arts and Decorations

- The Temple of Dendera is renowned for its splendid artistic decorations, with its walls and ceilings adorned with depictions of astronomical scenes, kings, queens, and deities participating in religious rituals.

- These depictions are among the finest examples of religious and historical art in ancient Egypt.

Recent Discoveries

- Excavations and research at the Temple of Dendera have continued over the past decades, resulting in the discovery of numerous artifacts and relics shedding light on the lives and religion of the ancient Egyptians.

In summary, the Temple of Dendera is not only a cultural and religious masterpiece in ancient Egypt but also a center for history and culture, continuing to attract visitors and researchers from around the world to study its ancient history, magnificent architecture, and arts.

 Historical Periods and Expansions

- The construction of the temple dates back to the early Pharaonic periods, but it underwent several expansions and renovations across different eras, bearing traces of various historical periods.

- Examples of expansions include those carried out by King Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty, who added new chambers and conducted architectural and decorative renovations.

- Further renovations occurred during the era of the Eleventh Dynasty and subsequent dynasties, with many of these expansions and additions discovered through modern archaeological excavations and research.

  Worshipped Deities and Entities

The Temple of Dendera served as a place of worship for numerous Egyptian deities and entities, including the triad of Hathor, Horus, and Osiris.

- These deities were integral to the ancient Egyptian religious system and were held in high esteem and reverence within the temple.

Political and Social Importance

In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the Temple of Dendera held considerable political and social importance in ancient Egypt.

- It was regarded as a center of power and authority, used by kings and rulers to showcase their strength and assert control over lands and resources.

- Moreover, it played a role in organizing the social life of ancient Egyptian society, serving as a gathering place for celebrations, religious rituals, and social gatherings.

 Modern Research and Conservation

- Research and excavations at the Temple of Dendera continue to this day, aimed at understanding its history, structure, and assessing its religious, cultural, and social significance.

- Egyptian authorities, in collaboration with international archaeological institutions, work to protect and preserve the temple, safeguarding its valuable cultural heritage.

In summary, the Temple of Dendera is not only an architectural and religious masterpiece but also a center of history, culture, and society in ancient Egypt. Ongoing research and conservation efforts contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of ancient Egyptian civilization.