Stories in stone

Sometimes, the greatest ideas come from the most unexpected places. The naming of Pluto is one such story, where a young girl’s imagination left a permanent mark on astronomy. Venetia Burney, an 11-year-old schoolgirl from Oxford, England, suggested the name Pluto, which became the official name of the celestial body discovered in 1930.The Discovery of…

The planets in our solar system are more than just celestial bodies—they’re stories written in the stars. The names of the planets, deeply rooted in Roman mythology, reflect ancient beliefs and cultural interpretations of the heavens. But how did these names come about, and why do they resonate so strongly with Roman gods? Let’s explore…

The seven days of the week have been a part of human life for millennia, and their names carry echoes of ancient civilizations. In the Western world, the names of the days are deeply tied to Roman mythology and astronomy, reflecting the cultural and scientific priorities of the ancient world. Let’s unravel how each day…

The months of the year have a peculiar rhythm—some with 30 days, others with 31, and February standing out with just 28 days (29 in leap years). But how did we end up with this uneven distribution? To understand, we must look back to ancient Rome and the evolution of its calendar, shaped by superstition,…

When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, millions of people around the world celebrated the arrival of the new millennium. Fireworks lit up the skies, and the world welcomed the year 2000 with joy and anticipation. But here’s the twist: technically, the new millennium didn’t start until January 1, 2001. How did we…

The concept of numbering years from a specific starting point might feel intuitive now, but the system we use today has a surprisingly complex and fascinating history. What is commonly called the “Year Zero” wasn’t actually calculated during Jesus Christ’s lifetime but centuries later, with potential mistakes that still intrigue historians and astronomers. And, as…

Celebrating the start of the year on January 1st might seem natural to us now, but this date has a fascinating backstory rooted in Roman tradition, religious adaptation, and cultural evolution. How did this day become the global marker for a new beginning? Let’s uncover the historical layers behind our calendar’s first day.The Roman Origins…

January 6th is a day steeped in tradition across Italy, celebrated as “La Befana,” a holiday blending Christian and folkloric roots. This unique festivity, marked by the visit of an old woman bearing gifts, has become an enduring symbol of Italian culture. How did this curious celebration come to be? Let’s unravel its fascinating story.The…

The celebration of Christmas on December 25th is a tradition that intertwines historical events, theological reasoning, and cultural adaptation. While the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth remains unknown, the selection of December 25th as the day to commemorate this event has evolved over centuries.Early Christian CelebrationsIn the initial centuries following Christ’s death, early Christians…

The phrase “All roads lead to Rome” is rooted in both literal historical fact and symbolic meaning. This expression has endured for centuries as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire and the city’s central role in ancient civilization. Let’s delve into why this saying resonates and what made it possible.The Roman…