In ancient worlds far and wide, magic and mystery were an everyday occurrence. Legends of great warriors, powerful wizards, and mystical creatures were woven into the very fabric of society, shaping the way people lived and believed. From the icy peaks of the North to the lush jungles of the South, the land was alive with wonder and danger. And in this world, one thing was certain: adventure awaited those brave enough to seek it.
Hi there friends, it's Katie_slytherin here, with a new addition of 'Chatting With . . . '! This month we're getting into our time machines and traveling back to ancient times! Let's hope we don't get sacrificed to the gods or mummified along the way. Don't worry, the chances of that are probably slim, so just sit back and hold onto your butts, and get ready to explore ancient civilizations!
Katie: Alright my SOUPer time travelers, this month we have marvelous AMITY CATWALNUT joining us to talk about the whimsical world of ancient times. Let's start off with something fun, what is your favourite ancient civilizations themed fun fact?
Amy: I actually don't remember enough facts on my own to be able to answer this question so went to Google and found this website. This is one of the fun facts listed that I like: "3. Archaeologists have found Ice Age flutes made from bird bones. Prehistoric people were very creative and inventive. They used to play music. We know this because archaeologists found ancient flutes. They were made from bird bones!" I like this fun fact because I am 100% convinced that music is an inherent and important part of humans. It is not just a hobby or a sideline like many of us treat it nowadays. I think music is a necessary and vital part of being human.
Katie: You certainly found a very interesting fun fact! I agree with you that music plays such an important role in our lives from entertainment to expressiveness. Let's continue with another fun question, which ancient civilization would you be most interested in time traveling to and why?
Amy: You are not going to like this answer but I would NOT be interested in time traveling to any of them. I think learning about them is fascinating and observing them (safely) would be wonderful but I am not at all convinced that I'd be that comfortable nor that safe doing any time travel. I would love to observe the time of the Italian Renaissance especially the artists and musicians but how safe would I be? I don't know the language, the culture, or the social mores. How would I survive as a stranger? How would I be treated as a female? What diseases would I be susceptible to?
Katie: You're a very logical thinker I see. I can't blame you for not wanting to travel back in time, you're probably right, it would be a very dangerous thing to do. Some ancient civilizations are associated with mythology, do you have a favourite ancient myth?
Amy: My favorite ancient myth is that of Icarus. His father Daedalus created wings to fly himself safely out of the maze to escape the Minotaur but Icarus did not heed the warnings of his father and flew too close to the sun. His wings melted and fell to his death. You are probably wondering why I'd like this myth so. It's because I associate it with bedtime stories with my father. When I was little, bedtime stories consisted of my choice of just-so stories, nonsense literature, excerpts from the encyclopedia, or mythology/great religions of the world. The Icarus story was one that I remembered well. Nostalgia.
Katie: I love the reasoning you have behind your favourite myth! Memories like that are absolutely priceless! Who is your favourite historical figure from ancient times?
Amy: How ancient is "ancient"? Ancient but not so ancient could be Winston Churchill. I don't know how easy a person he'd be to be around but he seems to be a genius with a quick wit. Going way back farther, Socrates and Plato are fascinating. I am very attracted to bright people.
Katie: And what do you think is the most interesting animal from ancient times?
Amy: Again, how ancient is "ancient" Not quite so ancient could be the Dodo. The poor trusting birds would still be around if it weren't for humans. Ancient but still around are the so called "living fossils" that exist in some form today. "A living fossil is an organism that has retained the same form over millions of years, has few or no living relatives, and represents a sole surviving lineage from an epoch long past." Examples of some living fossils that I find "most interesting" are Komodo dragons, aardvarks, and the nautilus. Basically, I don't have ONE animal from ancient times to name. We also have really interesting animals now that we don't even seem to have known about until recently and don't really know the history of like the barrel eye fish. Look them up. They are beyond weird.
Katie: I shall trust in your advice and do some research on the barrel eye fish when I find some free time. What do you think a person from the ancient times would be most surprised by about the future?
Amy: A person from ancient times would be most most surprised by technology and the impact of more open communications, travel, and information that technology brings. We, as a whole, have become more and more homogenous. It's not a fast process but an inevitable one. This opening of the world to people's perceptions have greatly impacted everything including our languages.
Katie: It's certainly amazing to think of the inventions of technology and how it all works, though it also gives me a bit of a headache. Which ancient civilization do you think had the most interesting architecture?
Amy: Oooo. Tough question. This is like being asked whether which fruit I like best. There are so many good ones. I suppose that the ones that I find most interesting are the ones that are in the middle of a renaissance of some form. Ones that are at the height of their culture in inventions and thoughts. These times come in waves and in different locations. There is the Renaissance Period in ancient Italy. There is the Tang Dynasty in China. There are the Incans. There are many more too.
Katie: There certainly is a lot to choose from! If you lived in ancient times, what would you do to entertain yourself?
Amy: That is a very broad question. My answer would depend highly on the answers to my own questions. Where am I located? What is my gender/ethnicity/religion? When am I there? What is available to me? What age am I? Where do I belong in the social hierarchy at the time? What major events are happening at the time? I realize that it sounds like I'm not answering the question but there are too many variables.
Katie: Fair enough! Well, since we've spent this whole time talking about ancient times, do you enjoy learning about ancient history?
Amy: I mostly enjoy learning about the art and architecture of ancient times. I also am fascinated with mythology from ancient times. Both physical and cultural anthropology and how scientists come to conclusions based on their finds is fascinating. Unfortunately, the biggest influence on ancient history (outside of travel/trade) is war. I really don't like political history.
Katie: I'm also not a huge fan of political history, though I make an exception for musicals *wink*. In your opinion, what is the creepiest thing archeologists have found pertaining to ancient civilizations?
Amy: I don't dwell on the creepy quite honestly so I Googled information again."#5. Shackled Skeletons - In 2016, at least 80 shackled skeletons were discovered in Palaio Faliro, a suburb of Athens, Greece. The skeletons are a disturbing sight. Their hands are shackled, and many lie with open mouths as if they were screaming when they died. The skeletons belong to young men who were apparently in good health."
Katie: Yikes! Well, it's no secret that ancient times could be scarily brutal. Well, that's all of the questions I have for you today, thank you so much for agreeing to come and chat with me! That wraps up this month's of 'Chatting With. . . ' Let's give a warm shout out to Amy for being our guest this month! I'm now beginning to rethink the idea of getting into that time machine. What do you think, should we take the risk and go on an unauthorized field trip through time and space?
Until I reemerge from my cave again, this is goodbye from your favourite socktastically pureblooded Slytherin!
- Katie_slytherin