A History of Christmas

The birth of Jesus has been celebrated by Christians for centuries during Christmas. However, before the birth of Jesus, people celebrated the winter solstice. Easter was the most important holiday in the Christian calendar until the fourth century when officials decided to mark Jesus’ birthday as a holiday. Pope Julius decided the day should be the …

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Samhain and Halloween

Halloween originated from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, where people would wear costumes and light bonfires to scare off evil spirits. In the 18th century, All Saints Day was celebrated on the first of November. Eventually, when the traditions of All Saints Day became intertwined with the Celtic festival, Samhain, a new celebration called, …

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The Maya Place of Voices

Human sacrifice, jungles, towering temples... this is the stuff of myth and legend. The Maya civilisation originated in central America and lives on through Maya communities and decedents today. In Mexico and Central America, almost 5 million people speak over 70 Maya languages. The Maya lived and still live in Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, El Salvador …

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Tutankhamun’s Treasures

Tutankhamun is believed to have ascended the throne around the age of eight/nine years and at the beginning of his reign he married his sister Princess Ankhesenamon (originally called Ankhesenpaaton), daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.  Born in 1334 BC and died around 18 years old. He actually has the smallest royal tomb in the Valley …

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Christmas in Ancient Rome

In the Roman Empire, people drank, sang and feasted their way through December...sound familiar? From the 17th of December, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia for a week. Decorations adorned homes and banquets were held. Saturnalia was a time of merrymaking, revelry and indulgence - believed by some to be the predecessor of Christmas. Families celebrated the god …

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Exploring Alicante’s Archaeology

Alicante is known for its historic, mountain-top castle, turquoise sea and mile-long beaches. Unknown to many tourists, it is an ancient city, and people have lived there for thousands of years. Archaeological remains have been found from the Bronze Age, Iberians and Romans Cavemen in Spain? In the mountains and rocks surround Alicante, evidence of rock …

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