Article Abstract:
The transitional period of Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages was marked by many changes in religion, imperial control, and the final collapse of the Roman Empire. Scholars have focused on the religious conflicts that divided western Asia and Britain. A.S. Esmonde Cleary points out the system of taxation, diminishing trade and town abandonments that marked the end of the Romano-British society. Consequently, scholars argue that this period was not the Dark Ages of chaos and obscurity, but rather a period of inventions and creativity supported by historical and archaeological evidence.
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Article Abstract:
A study suggests a connection between the drinking patterns of people in Western Europe today and how alcoholic beverages were viewed and consumed in ancient times. There is a statistical correlation between drinking patterns and language base, with regular, moderate wine use in those regions where Romance languages are spoken and less frequent yet excessive consumption of grain-based drinks where Germanic languages are spoken. The Spanish brought their preference for wine with them when settling the Americas.
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Article Abstract:
Issues regarding the vulnerability of ancient artifacts in countries embroiled in long-term civil unrest are discussed. The tragic example of Lebanon is used, where remains of the late Bronze Age and later artifacts have deteriorated.
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