The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology reports of a submerged monumental structure underneath the sea of Galilee, Israel.
From News.Com.au:
The mysterious rock pile is 10 metres high and 70 metres in diameter – about twice the diameter of Stonehenge. The basalt boulders weigh a total of about 60,000 tons.
Researchers believe the structure is a giant cairn, or rock pile that is often used to mark burials.
But its age and purpose are are not yet certain.
“The shape and composition of the submerged structure does not resemble any natural feature. We therefore conclude that it is a man-made and might be termed a cairn,” researchers wrote.
Tags: Archaeology, Galilee, History, Israel, Structure
I have more than one favourite place. I have managed to incorporate several of them in this photo. Gardens, countryside, Cragside and Northumberland.
More favourite places can be found here.
Tags: Countryside, Cragside, Flowers, Formal Garden, Garden, National Trust, Northumber- land, Rothbury, Vacation
Photo copyright of TAG.
Some of you might recall that the boys take over my living room from time to time so that they can use the floor to play Napoleonic wargames. Before they even get to this point they exchange correspondence with the game umpire so that he knows where their figures are going be placed on the board. They are currently embarked on another campaign and a few days ago I received the following correspondence…
From: General C, commanding VII Corps
To: Madame C
Message Text:
My dearest lady,
I am recently arrived in Toulouse where I have now assumed command of VII Corps as ordered by the Emperor. VII Corps is a fine and powerful force of arms, if a little short of cavalry and sturdy boots. I have just issued orders for the Corps to concentrate in the Perpignan area prior to advancing into Spain. I trust you will wish me every success as I embark upon these endeavours on behalf of Bonaparte.
The route of the march from Toulouse to Perpignan will take me through Carcassonne, which fine walled town I know you cherish. As I pass by the citadel, I shall recall fondly our time enjoying cassoulet and fine wine. I can only hope that thunderstorms similar to the one that engulfed us that one balmy evening do not reoccur.
Yours always,
M.
It would of course have been rude of me not to reply 
From: Madame C
To: General C
Message Text:
My Dearest One,
I hope you manage to sort out your cavalry and boot deficiencies and I wish you well in your campaign in support of Bonaparte.
I have fond memories of our times together in that walled citadel. I have to confess that the storm you mention was not one of the highlights for me, but the warmth indoors after the storm I well remember.
Whilst you are away I shall take comfort in the peaceful atmosphere in Chartres Cathedral, which I know you enjoy so much when you are back in our home town and not campaigning. I may even walk the labyrinth to calm my thoughts and stop me worrying about the difficulties you may encounter.
My thoughts are with you in these uncertain times.
Ever yours,
C.
Tags: Bonaparte, Carcassonne, Chartres, Defence Matters, Humour, Napoleonic
Unfortunately Grey Street wasn’t at its best when I visited. It was shrouded with scaffolding!
The inscription on the base of Grey’s monument reads as follows:
THIS COLUMN WAS ERECTED IN 1838
TO COMMEMORATE
THE SERVICES RENDERED TO HIS COUNTRY BY
CHARLES EARL GREY K.G.
WHO, DURING AN ACTIVE POLITICAL CAREER OF
NEARLY HALF A CENTURY
WAS THE CONSTANT ADVOCATE OF PEACE
AND THE FEARLESS AND CONSISTENT CHAMPION OF
CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
HE FIRST DIRECTED HIS EFFORTS TO THE AMENDMENT
OF THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE IN 1792,
AND WAS THE MINISTER
BY WHOSE ADVICE, AND UNDER WHOSE GUIDANCE,
THE GREAT MEASURE OF PARLIAMENTARY REFORM
WAS AFTER AN ARDUOUS AND PROTRACTED STRUGGLE
SAFELY AND TRIUMPHANTLY ACHIEVED
IN THE YEAR 1832.
Tags: Grey Street, Grey's Monument, History, Mini Break, Newcastle, Northumber- land
The view of The Tyne Bridge in yesterday’s photograph was taken from the hotel car park.
This a quite different view from the same car park.
Tags: All Saints Church, Church, Clouds, Mini Break, Newcastle, Northumber- land, Sky
…The Life and Death of the Cathars
Synopsis from book cover:
The fascinating story of the Cathar movement in southern France, from a revolutionary flowering to its hideous suppression by crusade of Church and King.
Review:
The book was previously entitled The Perfect Heresy, The Revolutionary Life and Death of Medieval Cathars. The narrative brings to life the medieval world of Cathars, describing the crusades against them and the atrocities of the inquisition.
The book starts by listing the key figures in the Cathar story allowing the reader to connect with each of them as the tragic story of suppression unfolds. The book is very clever in that it reads like a novel making it easily accessibly for everyone, whilst containing detailed historical accounts of the period and the people. It gives a clear overview of the Albigensian crusade in southern France and the massacre of a group of people for expressing a spiritual perspective that threatened the teachings of the Church and the authority of the King.
The book is complete with sources and a selected bibliography for those who wish to explore the subject further.
Tags: Albigensians, Book Review, Cathars, Crusades, Factual, Stephen O'Shea
