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Wu Mingren

Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods. He has been an active participant in archaeological fieldwork, and has been on excavations around the world, including the UK, Egypt, and Italy.

His interests range from ‘conventional’ to ‘radical’ interpretations of the archaeological/textual/pictorial data set. He believes that intellectual engagement by advocates from both ends of the spectrum would serve to enhance our understanding of the past. In addition, such discussions would serve to bring archaeology to a wider audience as well as to stimulate their interest, curiosity, and critical thinking of such issues.

History

Member for: 10 years 2 months

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Posts

Etruscans Togas.

21 January, 2021 - 00:48 dhwty

High Fashion of Ancient Rome: Togas and Stolas

The toga is arguably the best-known garment from ancient Rome. Initially, the toga was worn both by male and female Roman citizens. Later on, however, the toga was used exclusively by men (high class...

Wicker Man

14 January, 2021 - 23:09 dhwty

The Fearsome Wicker Man: An Eerie Way Druids Committed Human Sacrifice

The wicker man is purported to be one of the means by which the ancient druids made human sacrifices. According to a number of classical authors, the druids partook in human sacrifice, though these...

Hachiman: Deified Emperor, War God, Protector Of The Japanese People

13 January, 2021 - 00:57 dhwty

Hachiman: Deified Emperor, War God, Protector Of The Japanese People

Hachiman is a Japanese Shinto deity who is often considered to be the god of war. Although he is worshipped as a Shinto god, Buddhist elements were incorporated into this deity, following the arrival...

The Faravahar: The Ancient Zoroastrian Symbol of Iran

11 January, 2021 - 13:55 dhwty

The Faravahar: The Ancient Zoroastrian Symbol of Iran

The Faravahar is arguably the best-known symbol of the Persian Zoroastrian faith. This symbol consists of a winged disc with a man emerging from it. The man is shown holding a ring. Whilst the symbol...

Sargon the Great, founder of the Akkadian Empire. Source: Dave LaFontaine / CC BY-SA 2.0

10 January, 2021 - 23:49 dhwty

Explaining the Fall of the Great Akkadian Empire

The Akkadian Empire was an ancient empire that existed towards the end of the 3 rd millennium BC. This was the first empire in Mesopotamia , and some consider it to be the first true empire in world...

Master Architects of Sardinia: The Sacred Well of Santa Cristina

9 January, 2021 - 17:11 dhwty

Master Architects of Sardinia: The Sacred Well of Santa Cristina

The Well of Santa Cristina is an ancient structure located on the Italian island of Sardinia. The name of the structure is somewhat misleading. In spite of its association with a Christian saint, the...

Vodou Ceremony

9 January, 2021 - 00:47 dhwty

The Origins of Voodoo, a Misunderstood Religion

In 64 AD, a great fire broke out in Rome for six days and devastated much of the city. According to the writer Tacitus, “Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class...

Lady Godiva

8 January, 2021 - 20:39 dhwty

The Naked Truth on Lady Godiva and Her Nude Ride to Help the Poor

Lady Godiva was an English noblewoman who lived during the 11th century AD. Although she belonged to the upper class, she had a reputation for being sympathetic towards the less fortunate and was...

Painted ceiling in Waltham Abbey parish church, depicting Janus facing both past and future.

5 January, 2021 - 18:29 dhwty

How Janus Became the Doorkeeper of Heaven and God of the Gods

Janus is a deity found in the religion and myth of ancient Rome. The Romans believed that Janus was the god of doors, beginnings and endings, and transitions. In accordance to the role he played,...

Oliver Cromwell. Source: Soerfm / Public Domain

5 January, 2021 - 18:26 dhwty

The Life, Achievements and Atrocities of Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was an English military leader and politician who lived during the 17th century. He is best-remembered for serving as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland , and...

Corsica. The Statue of Filitosa

5 January, 2021 - 14:03 dhwty

Two Very Different Interpretations of Corsica’s Filitosa Menhirs

Corsica, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, is a fascinating island with beautiful beaches, a place where you can hear the natives speak Corsu, and of course, it is well known for being the...

The White Horse Temple: China’s Very First Buddhist Temple

3 January, 2021 - 21:45 dhwty

The White Horse Temple: China’s Very First Buddhist Temple

The White Horse Temple is a Buddhist temple located not far from Luoyang , Henan, in China. This temple is reputed to be the first Buddhist temple in China, as, according to tradition, it was built...

Salt man - Iran Baastan museum.

3 January, 2021 - 13:54 dhwty

Preserved by Nature: Studying the Spectacular Salt Mummies of Iran

The saltmen are a group of natural mummies that were discovered in the Chehrabad Salt Mine in Iran. This mine is in the Zanjan Province and located about 340 km (211.27 miles) northwest of Tehran...

Why You Should Not Look into Crazywell Pool on Midsummer’s Eve

1 January, 2021 - 13:59 dhwty

Why You Should Not Look into Crazywell Pool on Midsummer’s Eve

Crazywell Pool is a large pond located in the Dartmoor National Park, in Devon , England. This pond is famous due to the many local legends that surround it. The best-known of these is perhaps the...

Boy went through 14 years of training on the journey to knighthood

31 December, 2020 - 01:22 dhwty

Journey to Knighthood: The Hidden Steps of Becoming a Medieval Knight

The knight is arguably one of the most iconic figures of the Middle Ages. Knights were essentially mounted warriors, and in the hierarchy of medieval society , were considered to be part of the lower...

Glanum, An Ancient Roman Town in France Renowned for Its Healing Spring

30 December, 2020 - 23:22 dhwty

Glanum, An Ancient Roman Town in France Renowned for Its Healing Spring

We are fortunate to have access to many ancient Roman cities throughout the vast regions they once ruled. Their ruins tell us a great deal about their gods, their hobbies, their lifestyle, and their...

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