Hidden under the ash for almost 2,000 years, the mosaics that once adorned the wealthy homes and public buildings of Pompeii are now viewable by visitors to the site and museums around the world. Before this, they were created by highly skilled artists and craftsmen for the pleasure of wealthy patrons and the public in both private and public buildings. Featuring mythological tales, legends, and oozing with symbolism, ancient Pompeii’s mosaics provide a vivid window into the lives of an ancient population living two millennia ago.   The Alexander Mosaic The Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun (VI.12.2) in Pompeii. Source: Berthold Werner, Naples National Archaeological Museum.   Just north of the Forum in Pompeii, past the Temple of Fortuna Augusta and down the street named by modern excavators, the Vicolo del Fauno, visitors today will come upon one of the most visited houses in the city. The House of the Faun (VI.12.2), so-named due to the statue of a bronze faun found frolicking in the center of the entrance hallway (atrium) fountain, was a large house (domus) in antiquity built in the second century BCE. This wealthy property had mosaics throughout, on the floors of side rooms, and even surrounding an elaborate garden fountain. But the most famous of them all could be found just beyond the atrium on the floor of the tablinum (master’s study).   Measuring 272 cm × 513 cm (8 ft 11 in × 16 ft 8 in), the mosaic covered the expanse of the room’s floor. It was first discovered in the 1830s by excavators working for the German Archaeological Institute and was initially thought to be depicting a battle scene from the Iliad. However, since then historians have deduced that the mosaic was, in fact, depicting the Battle of Issus in 333 BCE between Alexander the Great and Darius III, the last Achaemenid King of Kings of Persia. This event was fairly recent in history when the house was originally constructed, preceding it only by 150 years. The mosaic is thought to have been created in around 120-100 BCE.   The mosaic is made up of around 1.5 million tesserae, or small cut cubes of glass and stone. It is thought that the mosaic was likely a copy of a fourth-century painting by Philoxenus of Eretria, who Pliny the Elder refers to in his works. In the painting, the mighty general Alexander charges across the field of battle on horseback towards Darius, his spear thrusting into an oncoming Persian who recoils in pain. On the opposite side of the battlefield, a Persian frantically turns his horse around, navigating dead bodies, as his leader charges towards Alexander in his chariot. The battle is incredibly detailed and provocative and would have made an excellent talking point for any visitors to the grand home.   Memento Mori: “Remember You Must Die” The Memento Mori featuring a skull in the Wheel of Fortune from the House of the Vestals. Source: Jebulon/Naples National Archaeological Museum/Wikimedia Commons.   In two properties in Pompeii, two mosaics have been found to date, which appear to foreshadow the tragic end of the people who once commissioned and enjoyed them in their own homes. Memento Mori, meaning “Remember You Must Die,” was a popular form of symbolism used in Roman art. It was a reminder to live in the moment and enjoy the day, for tomorrow was an uncertainty promised to no one. For example, in 2016, excavators discovered a reclining skeleton mosaic surrounded by food and wine entitled “Enjoy Your Life.” Elsewhere, in a villa in Boscoreale (close by to Pompeii), a mosaic of dancing skeletons was discovered.   The first, depicting a skeleton in black and white holding a wine jug in each hand, was found in the House of the Faun (the same location as the Alexander mosaic), while the other, a sophisticated and colorful depiction of a human skull hanging from the Wheel of Fortune, was found in the House of the Vestals (VI.1.7), another large and wealthy building. As can be seen from these examples, the link between dining and death was strong in the Roman world. The Wheel of Fortune Memento Mori was actually discovered on the top of the dining table at the garden triclinium, and would have provided a poignant reminder to dinner guests.   Memento Mori were not limited to mosaics. Larva convivalis, miniature bronze skeletons, were frequently given as gifts at the dinner table. Their presence urged guests to savor transient joys and acknowledge the ever-present proximity of death. Crafted with articulated limbs, these tiny skeletons could partake in the festivities through a lively, jiggling dance.   Entranceway Mosaics in Pompeii The Cave Canem mosaic in the entranceway of The House of the Tragic Poet (VI.8.5) in Pompeii. Source: Sailko/Wikimedia Commons.   Though mainly used for decoration, mosaics could also be used as a warning. In the entrance passageway (fauces) of The House of the Tragic Poet (VI.8.5) in Pompeii, just beyond the front door, a special mosaic was found by excavators. Emblazoned in black and white tiles, a large depiction of a black dog was uncovered below the ash. This dog had pointy ears, white spots, a long tail, and was tied to a chain by his red collar. Below his feet was a warning written in tesserae. It read CAVE CANEM, “Beware the Dog.”   Two other very similar mosaics have been found elsewhere in the town, each also depicting a black dog with pointy ears tied to a chain which is attached to his red collar. Tragically, the remains of a dog wearing a collar and chain have also been discovered in Pompeii, with the dog’s ears and stature appearing to match the mosaics.   There are a few reasons to believe that this type of practice was not limited to Pompeii. In the satirical work of the Roman writer Petronius, entitled Satyricon, the protagonist describes seeing a sign that read “Cave Canem” upon entering the house he was visiting for dinner. The type of the dog was likely universally used for guarding entryways, with the description matching those provided by ancient writers for working and guard dogs.   But warnings were not the only type of notice to be found in Pompeian entryways. At the entrance to a house in Region VII, a mosaic reads “Salve Lucru,” which translates as “Welcome, gain!” Put simply, the owner of this house, likely a trader, is wishing his guests good fortune as they enter his home. Perhaps surprisingly, only twenty-nine instances of fauces mosaics have been discovered to date in Pompeii, though graffiti was sometimes found in the place of frescoes and mosaics. Research on all of these has found that they were not only used as a greeting or warning, but also as a superstitious means of providing the household with protection.   Mosaics of Food The marine life mosaic from the House of the Geometric Mosaics (VIII.2.16) in Pompeii. Source: Carole Raddato/Naples National Archaeological Museum/Wikimedia Commons.   Another common subject of mosaics from Pompeii was food. An especially beautiful example was found in the indoor dining room (triclinium) of a house at VIII.2.16, now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which exhibits the level of skill needed for creating such masterpieces. Measuring 88cm x 88cm (34.6 inches x 34.6 inches), this elaborate mosaic of marine life is a sight to behold, but should not be confused with a very similar mosaic found in the House of the Faun.   At the center, an octopus with wide eyes fights a lobster. Around the periphery, 21 types of marine and bird life can be seen, including different types of fish, eels, and even a little kingfisher bird. Elsewhere, a rather simple mosaic reveals the food-related occupation of the property’s owner. Found in the House of Aulus Umbricius Scaurus (VII.16.15), a mosaic panel on the floor of the house showed a container of the popular Roman fish sauce, known as garum, inscribed G.F. SCOM[bri] SCAURI EX OFFI[ci]NA SCAURI. This translates as “the flower of Scaurus’ mackerel garum from the factory of Scaurus.” Scaurus was Pompeii’s leading fish sauce manufacturer and bottles such as the one in the mosaic (known as urcei) have been discovered all over the Mediterranean.   Elsewhere in Pompeii, mosaics decorating the walls of homes have been used by historians to understand the types of foods they were eating. From one house, an elaborately detailed square mosaic depicts large fish and ducks strung up and ready to be cooked. However, not all food was depicted as ready to eat. Mosaics and frescoes of animals were also commonly found in dining rooms and kitchens or in rooms where guests would be greeted. One such example is a mosaic depicting a cat catching a chicken in its mouth, while below, a canard and a female duck expectantly await their fate on the kitchen table.   Mythology and Theatrics in Mosaics The Choregos Actors mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (VI.8.5) in Pompeii. Source: Pompeii Sites.   The stuff of legends is also another common theme of mosaics from ancient Pompeii. The owner of the House of the Tragic Poet took this theme to extra lengths. Discovered by excavators in 1824, what this house lacked in size, it made up for in decoration. Also the site of one of the Cave Canem mosaics, this house originally contained twenty painted and mosaic panels, six of which can be viewed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples today.   Adorning the tablinum floor was a detailed mosaic depicting choregos actors in the backstage hustle, with one dressing, another playing a flute, and additional characters surrounding a box of masks meant for the upcoming performance. Elsewhere in the town, excavators recently discovered a striking mosaic in the so-called House of Orion (IV.2.15-16). Here a mosaic known as the “Orion Mosaic,” dating back to the late second to early first century BCE, was uncovered. The mosaic features a winged male emerging from a scorpion, beneath which is a coiled cobra. Above, an angelic winged figure points skyward with one hand and holds a torch, setting ablaze the head of the first figure. A third winged figure above offers a laurel crown to the ones below. The scene represents the myth of Orion and has been linked to another mosaic in the house showing similar themes.   The depiction of myths, legends, the arts, and theatrical themes in mosaics was intended to reflect positively on the patron of the home. Not only did it demonstrate their level of culture, but also their connections to other parts of the world or to their occupations and source of income. Creating a mosaic was a costly endeavor, both in time and monetary terms, and required a great level of skill. And it is partly down to this skill that we are still able to look upon the same scenes as the people of Pompeii.

If you've been following news out of Central America, you've likely come across the controversial and larger-than-life figure of Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's recently re-elected president. Love him or hate him, the former marketing executive who calls himself "the world's coolest dictator" has upended politics as usual in the small...

7 Things I Learned about Discernment

After going to all the trouble of creating a crochet “cat pod,” one owner wasn’t sure that her pet would actually like the gift. However, it turns out that she needn’t have worried. As soon as the animal got her paws on the hand-crafted item, she made herself right at home inside! Mom captured the cutest video of the feline curling up in the cozy space. In the clip, it only took a matter of seconds for the cat to figure out with the crochet item was for. She immediately dove into the entrance headfirst, then wiggled around in order to get herself comfortable. After some shifting, she ended up with her body inside the pod and her head sticking out the top. @goossens.lise She loves it #crochet #cattok #kittensoftiktok ♬ End of beginning by djo – Toria “Oh to be a cat in a cat pod,” wrote one commenter. Another added, “You should sell these! I’d buy one!” Cat pods are pretty popular on social media, so you can find quite a few videos of crochet lovers posting their pets’ reactions to these fun accessories. Another user shared an adorable video of their kitty, Morgana, hanging out in her own little handmade space. This animal had a slightly different approach, though. Instead of poking her head out the top, she treated the pod more like a cave. @stitcheduphandmade I made my cat Morgana her own cat pod #custom #cat #crochet #tortiesoftiktok #etsy #handmade #catpod ♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer For most cats, it doesn’t matter if it’s a custom cat pod crocheted by their owner or an empty box — they just love curling up in small spaces. It’s not uncommon to find these creatures making themselves comfy in the strangest places! Catster suggests a few different reasons for this feline phenomenon. One theory is that cats have a natural impulse to seek out safe hiding places in order to protect themselves. However, it might also have something to do with a more predatory instinct. It’s easier to sneak up on prey when they can’t see you coming! Whatever the reason might be, we can all agree that it’s really cute to see how much kitties love curling up in their own crochet cat pods. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Adorable: “Me Crocheting A Cat Pod Thinking My Cat Won’t Like It…” appeared first on InspireMore.

The new executive order is expected to pause new asylum requests after hitting a seven-day 2,500 daily average threshold, and restart processing when the daily average falls to 1,500

Take a closer look at the deodorant products on the drugstore shelves and it soon becomes clear that many contain an antiperspirant too. While both of them can help to reduce body odor (although having a smell is a perfectly normal thing), they go about this in different ways.What is deodorant?Deodorant doesn’t stop sweating – instead, its role is to neutralize odor-causing bacteria on the skin, or at the very least mask the smells that they create. But how does this work?Some of the body areas we might consider to be the most stink-prone contain apocrine glands, one of the three types of sweat gland and activated during puberty. Contrary to popular belief, sweat produced from these glands is actually odorless, but it does contain fats and proteins. Bacteria on the skin see these fats and proteins as delicious snacks, which they thank us for by metabolizing them into usually unpleasant smelling byproducts. Deodorants help to prevent this by containing ingredients that either neutralize the compounds or straight-up kill off the bacteria.Armpits make a suitably wet and warm home for many odor-causing bacteria, and generally they’re the region deodorants are designed to be applied to. However, recent months have also seen the appearance of so-called “whole body” deodorants – despite the fact that in many places in the body, sweat is unlikely to lead to odor.What is antiperspirant?Unlike deodorant, antiperspirants are designed to reduce or temporarily stop sweating. They contain aluminum-based compounds that, when applied to the skin, form a gel-like plug over the pore. This stops sweat from escaping, although the gel eventually does break down – that’s why antiperspirants need to be reapplied if you want to continue not sweating.Though antiperspirants can be applied on their own, they’re often used in combination with deodorant. Such products are easily found in stores, but stronger antiperspirants can also be available over the counter or on prescription.How effective are they?Straight off the bat it should be said that the effectiveness of deodorants and antiperspirants depends on the individual and product in question. Some people sweat more than others and the bacteria within our skin microbiomes can vary from person to person too. The latter is what can change the effectiveness of deodorant – different bacteria means that what prevents odor in one person won’t necessarily prevent it in another. On top of that, as deodorant doesn’t stop someone from sweating, it can only be so effective at blocking smells because it isn’t tackling a key aspect of what’s causing them.Antiperspirants will also vary in effectiveness depending on the person, the strength of the product used, and when it’s used. For someone with hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, treatment might include prescription antiperspirants, which typically contain a higher concentration of aluminum-based compounds than drugstore products. Antiperspirants also tend to work better if applied at night, as that’s when we tend to sweat less, so the product is more likely to be absorbed.“Effectiveness” also depends on what someone considers acceptable to them – not everyone wants to completely stop sweating for long periods, or cares about body odor. In fact, getting a good old whiff from someone might even reduce social anxiety, at least according to one 2023 study on 48 women with social anxiety.And, when it comes to the recent rise of whole-body deodorants, they’re tackling a problem that doesn’t exist for the vast majority of people anyway."Your arms, face, legs, stomach… they don't smell," Dr Mona A. Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, told Allure. And if they do start smelling and it’s bothering you, it’s recommended to see a dermatologist.Do they carry risks?There’s a commonly circulated idea that deodorants and antiperspirants cause or increase the risk of developing cancer. This idea began back in the 1990s with an email hoax suggesting that antiperspirants led to breast cancer, followed by suggestions that aluminum absorbed into the skin was responsible. However, there’s no solid evidence to support such suggestions. “The absorption of aluminum by the skin is not fully understood yet,” board-certified dermatologist Dr Amanda Doyle told CNN Health, “but the carcinogenicity of aluminum has not been proved.”That might seem confusing given that, if you’ve ever had a mammogram, you’ll have been told not to wear deodorant – but that’s not because it’s got anything to do with breast cancer, or any other harmful condition. It’s because deodorant can show up on the mammogram, affecting the results.Though not cancer-related, deodorant or antiperspirant might still cause some issues for a small number of people. “Some people have allergic reactions to deodorants or antiperspirants,” Dr Benjamin Chan, a physician at Penn Family Medicine Phoenixville, explained in Penn Medicine’s health and wellness blog.“Research indicates that this could be caused by ingredients such as propylene glycol (a chemical that gives a deodorant stick its shape), essential oils (frequently used in fragrance), biological additives, parabens, vitamin E, and lanolin.”People with certain skin conditions may additionally be advised to avoid particular ingredients by their doctors. For anyone, if a reaction does occur, it’s best to see a healthcare provider to figure out what it is that’s causing it.There's also concern that, because deodorants interfere with bacteria, they could potentially have an impact on the skin's microbiome and in turn cause skin issues – an effect that could be widespread in the case of whole body deodorants. Dermatologist Dr Kavita Mariwalla told Allure that there's some evidence suggesting deodorants or antiperspirants can change the microbiome in the armpits, but the impact of that is yet to be seen.“If we extrapolate that to the rest of the skin, is it possible that using whole-body deodorant daily can change your microbiome? Yes,” said Dr Mariwalla. “Will that be a bad thing? Unclear.”All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

The MAGA-world complaints about a Trump-appointed judge’s decision to send Bannon to prison are misplaced.

Institutions across the country are embracing the idea that ‘girl’ and ‘woman’ now must include anyone who claims that identity at any given moment.

The country’s borderless now, except when it’s a colonialist, capitalist archipelago, I guess.

Time is running out for Biden to save his campaign.