I took this picture during my visit to Philea Temple and I was interested to know how to read this and translate it. Also, I would be interested to know where I can learn hieroglyph.

Made of ceramic buffware with polychrome.

This figure likely represents a deity or an important individual in Mixtec society. The raised hand might signify a gesture of blessing, power, or communication.

It is currently housed in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Recently it occurred to me there are some striking similarities between ancient Bulgarians and some ancient Chinese tribes. Let me explain.

Ancient Bulgarians are traditionally thought to have emerged from Turkic or Iranian tribes, eventually migrating westward and integrating with local Slavic and Thracian populations in the Balkans. However, a closer look at the unique cultural elements in early Bulgarian society suggests that these connections may be distant and that the origins of the ancient Bulgarians might lie further east, possibly around the Tibetan Plateau or Mongolia. Key elements—including the title "khan," specific attire, and cultural practices—suggest closer ties to East Asian steppe societies than to the Turkic or Iranian groups commonly cited.

Possible evidence and key points

1. The Use of "Khan" as a Title

• The ancient Bulgarians were led by rulers known as khans, a title with deep roots in Central and East Asia, particularly associated with Mongolic, Inner Asian, and some Tibetan Plateau groups. The title is notably absent in Iranian or Turkic societies, where rulers were more commonly referred to as "shah" (in Iranian culture) or "beg/bey" among Turkic-speaking people. This suggests that the Bulgarians’ social structure may align more closely with Central Asian and Mongolic traditions than with Turkic or Iranian ones.

2. Cultural Parallels in Attire and Ornamentation

• Historical depictions of early Bulgarian attire reveal notable similarities to clothing found among ancient East Asian and Chinese tribal societies, rather than Turkic or Iranian styles. Traditional garments, decorative motifs, and horse-related paraphernalia show a strong resemblance to those of Mongolic and Tibetan Plateau groups, who also emphasized horseback culture and nomadic lifestyle. These parallels could indicate a shared cultural heritage or extended contact with East Asian tribes before the Bulgarians' westward migration.

3. Shared Cultural Practices

• Like the Mongols and other East Asian steppe societies, early Bulgarians practiced kumis (fermented mare's milk) consumption and maintained a strong horse-based culture. Such practices were less emphasized in Iranian or Turkic cultures but are central to Mongolic and Tibetan Plateau societies, strengthening the case for a deeper connection to these regions.

4. Geographical and Historical Context

• The Eurasian Steppe served as a vast corridor connecting diverse cultures, from the Far East to Europe. Throughout history, many groups from around the Tibetan Plateau migrated westward, influenced by or absorbing cultural elements from Mongolic and Inner Asian tribes. If the ancient Bulgarians were part of such a movement, their culture could reflect both Eastern origins and adaptations to their new geographic and social context upon settling in the Balkans.

5. Integration with Slavic and Thracian Elements

• Upon arrival in the Balkans, the Bulgarians incorporated local Slavic, Thracian, and other minor tribal traditions, creating a unique cultural blend. This blending of influences may have obscured the Bulgarians’ deeper Eastern roots, which could explain why their connections to East Asia have largely been overlooked in favor of Turkic or Iranian origins.

In conclusion: Although widely accepted theories trace ancient Bulgarians to Turkic or Iranian roots, the evidence suggests a potential for more distant origins around the Tibetan Plateau or even proto-Mongolic regions. This hypothesis provides a fresh perspective on Bulgarian history, emphasizing the complexity and richness of their cultural heritage. Further exploration into ancient symbols, linguistic structures, and cultural practices may shed more light on this intriguing possibility.

Read more about this fascinating piece here:

http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/56580

Hi reddit! I am preparing an article on ancient civilizations forgotten but which were nevertheless precursors. For example, I will already talk about the Minoan Civilization (perhaps the first writing in Europe), the Maurya Empire (invention of the first number system) or the Olmecs (first use of rubber and precursor of Mesoamerican civilizations).

I am missing a civilization from Africa and if possible from North America or Oceania. Do you know an ancient African or North American or Oceanian civilization that is unjustly forgotten, but which was nevertheless great forerunners in a field? Thank you for your answers!

I’m making a model of the library of celcus for a jcl convention but I can’t find any clear photos of what it would’ve looked like from behind during its time. Does anyone have a picture of it or a basic description of the back of it?