Ancient invisible cities review
Dr. Michael Scott concludes his three-part series Ancient Invisible Cities in the strongest episode, Istanbul. Combining his trademark suave enthusiasm with the latest 3D scanning techniques ancient invisible cities review, Scott visually reveals the impressive archaeological and architectural treasures of this multifaceted and secret metropolis. He lets you do most of the work.
Unfortunately, this more passive role means that the presenter can ignore his role in explaining the city's remarkable dramatic history, especially the history of the early Byzantine era. Instead of explaining the important role the city played in the rise of the Silk Road (as the excellent Dr. Sam Willis did two years ago) and the vibrant and unique geography of the Golden Horn Port, Scott goes straight to the point. to the jugular vein. Hagia Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years.
But this is understandable. Hagia Sophia is a very beautiful building, so it was worth removing all the usual preamble to focus on it. While 3D scanning seems awkward ("I really can't do that!"), it's really fascinating how you discover the engineering master touches required to build a massive dome. Exquisite stucco-painted hanging angels have been shown to support this highly fragile and "bulging" eyeball. It literally holds up the sky. Though the story of Constantinople and the failure to transform Byzantium into Romanesque Constantinople (renamed Istanbul in 1928), Scott brings to life the character of Justinian, who built the cathedral.
"Ancient Unseen City" - In Cairo, Professor Arya searches for a hidden Roman fortress below the Greek Orthodox Church in the old town and 90 meters far below the Arab fortress. Along the way, he discovered that the ancient Egyptians built the first capital, Memphis, near where Cairo is now, on the banks of the Nile. And he reveals how the first pyramid ever built, the Staircase Pyramid of Sakkara, spurred the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Also, Professor Arya from Cairo explores the subterranean labyrinth buried deep within the Giza pyramid and investigates the Sphinx to determine which pharaoh it represents.
Finally, "Invisible Ancient Cities": In Istanbul, Professor Islay brings the city to life in Turkish history with a study of the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic buildings in history. Built by the Romans, this Christian cathedral has survived 1,500 years of earthquakes, riots, sieges and conquest to become a mosque and is now a museum. With the help of archaeologists and local experts, Professor Arya said the once-huge hippodrome, which began as a chariot stadium, was transformed into a huge aquarium to serve the emperor's palace. She unearthed a sacred well hidden 30 feet below a modern carpet shop and found that part of the old Bucoleun Palace was devastated after years of religious warfare.