Brit-Am Historical Reports
Contents:
1. Quotation: Not Everything leave archaeological evidence behind it!
2. The History of Iron in Britain.
3. Etruscan Origins Revealed Through DNA Collected Across 2,000 Years
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Quotation: Not Everything leave archaeological evidence behind it!
Quote:
"Bietak based his conclusion that it is was mainly the Hyksos elites who were expelled, and that much or most of the Western Semitic residential population remained at Avaris, on the lack evidence of a population influx in the Levant"
Awaris was abandonned, so where did those semites go at the end of the MB ?
And I sincerly doubt the abilities of modern archeologists to estimate a semi nomadic population with a few excavations. Would Bietak be able to detect that some of them left to Transjordan ?
To quote Dr Bimson from his paper "Exodus and Conquest - Myth or Reality" (Second ISIS fellowship lecture, 1988) : "In Palestine under the British Mandate, between 55,000 and 65,000 bedouins lived in the Negev. I. Finkelstein comments : 'This population left almost no material remains, however without contemporary, documentary evidence, we would not know of its existence.' "
Regards,
Gregory A.
End Quote.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
2. The History of Iron in Britain.
===========
Quora: Where did they get most of their iron in medieval Europe, and the UK in particular? Did different places have higher quality iron than others?
https://www.quora.com/Where-did-they-get-most-of-their-iron-in-medieval-Europe-and-the-UK-in-particular-Did-different-places-have-higher-quality-iron-than-others
Answer by Daniel Walker
Extract:
The preeminent region for iron making in England for much of the early medieval period, and before, was actually the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire (nowadays probably one of the least industrialised regions of modern South West Britain). Iron had been extracted in this area since Roman times, with local wood from the extensive forests providing a source of charcoal, for the smelting.
===========
The Metal That Built Britain: A Brief History of Iron
https://www.gjohns.co.uk/blog/history-of-iron.html#:
Iron - unlike bronze - was a lot more durable and readily available in Britain's soil.
Roads - Iron-tipped picks and shovels were essential for building these durable and well-engineered roads
Buildings - Iron nails, clamps, and fittings were commonly used in constructing buildings, fortifications, and aqueducts.
Tools and Weapons , Domestic use - iron knives, chisels, and agricultural tools. Defence and Conflict - iron swords, spearheads, and armour
The Tudor period (1485 - 1603) saw more progress in iron production and usage. More blast furnaces were created and smelting was used to produce coke - a fuel that left behind pure iron. Iron became more widely available and affordable, so ironwork became more prominent.
Examples:
Structural Support - grand Tudor houses and public buildings
Decorative Ironwork - gates, railings, and window grilles showcased intricate designs and craftsmanship
Daily Life - household items and tools like iron pots, pans and utensils in kitchens
Farming - ploughs, sickles, and hoes had improvements in design and durability to improve farming productivity
Examples:
Construction - Iron bridges proved how strong iron could be
Rail - Iron used for the train tracks and building trains
Steam Engines - Made with iron components powered by factories and mines, to drive industrial productivity
Daily Life - Stoves and cookware made from iron became more common
Today, in Britain iron and its alloy, steel, remain essential in construction and manufacturing. Modern ironworking techniques have evolved, with advanced methods like electric arc furnaces and continuous casting processes improving efficiency and sustainability.
The preeminent region for iron making in England for much of the early medieval period, and before, was actually the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire (nowadays probably one of the least industrialised regions of modern South West Britain). Iron had been extracted in this area since Roman times, with local wood from the extensive forests providing a source of charcoal, for the smelting.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
3,. Etruscan Origins Revealed Through DNA Collected Across 2,000 Years
By Abdul Moeed
November 30, 2024
Study traces the roots of the Etruscan civilization through ancient DNA.
A ground breaking study published in Science Advances has shed more light on the origins and evolution of the mysterious Etruscan civilization, a culture that thrived in central Italy over two millennia ago, using DNA samples.
By analyzing ancient DNA from 82 individuals across 2,000 years, researchers have traced significant genetic shifts that offer insights into the population's history and its connections to modern Italians.
Greek and Roman scholars debate about Etruscan roots
The Etruscans were a unique civilization known for their advanced metallurgy, intricate art, and enigmatic language, which was distinct from the Indo-European languages spoken by their neighbors.
For centuries, scholars debated where the Etruscans came from.
Ancient Greek historians, Herodotus and Hellanicus of Lesbos, suggested an origin in Anatolia/Aegean, while Roman historians believed they developed locally from the Bronze Age Villanovan culture.
The DNA evidence points to a predominantly local origin for the Etruscans, with significant influence from Bronze Age populations in central Europe. The study found no recent genetic links to Anatolia, challenging earlier theories of an eastern origin.
Researchers found that during the Iron Age (800 BCE to 1 BCE), the Etruscan population was relatively stable. Most individuals shared genetic traits common in central Italy, with some influences from northern Africa, the Near East, and central Europe.
These occasional outsiders did not significantly alter the overall genetic makeup of the population. This stability was remarkable given the Etruscans interactions with other cultures through trade and war.
Despite their cultural and linguistic differences from neighboring groups like the Latins, the Etruscans maintained their genetic distinctiveness for nearly a millennium.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^