Origin and Creation of Erlik Associated with darkness and chaos, the god of the underworld, Erlik (Old Turkic: 𐰀𐰼𐰠𐰃𐰚), also known as Erlik Khan, is one of the most powerful and fearsome beings in Turkic mythology. His father is Kayra, the god of creation,
Category: ARTICLES
Perfume in Ancient Times
In prehistoric times when people were intertwined with nature, one day, under the deep blue cover of the sky, a Paleolithic person came across a fragrant flower while walking in the depths of the forest. The flower smelled so good that a wave of
Mabon: Autumn Equinox and Pagan Traditions
What is Mabon? Mabon is a festival in pagan and Wiccan belief systems that coincides with the autumnal equinox. It is often associated with seasonal changes and the natural cycles that follow. At its core is a sense of gratitude for nature’s generosity and
Are Nosferatu and Dracula the Same? Comparing Iconic Vampire Figures
Nosferatu and Dracula are undoubtedly the two most iconic figures that come to mind when it comes to vampires. Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s 1922 film “Nosferatu” was inspired by Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”, but due to copyright issues, the names and some elements were changed
Ancient Scandinavia: What Was Life Like Before the Viking Age?
Ancient Scandinavia was settled later than other parts of Europe. The low temperatures and harsh conditions during the Pleistocene made the area less suitable for human settlement until around 9700 BC. However, living conditions remained very harsh compared to those in communities to the
Violence in Prehistoric Societies
Violence in prehistoric societies is one of the darkest and most complex puzzles in our past. Fossils and stone tools show that these ancient societies not only hunted, but also sometimes tried to resolve their conflicts with violent actions. So how common was violence
The Hittite Plague Through the Lens of Archaeological Evidence
Towards the end of the Bronze Age, a silent and insidious threat emerged in Anatolia: the Hittite Plague. This disease, considered one of the first epidemics in history, spread across most of the Hittite lands in a short time. So much so that it
High-Altitude Sickness: The Risks Behind the Adventure
Imagine that you are a mountaineer climbing to the top of a mountain, or an adventurer who wants to photograph glacial lakes. As your altitude increases, your heartbeat begins to accelerate. You’re out of breath, feeling dizzy and nauseous. Instead of enjoying the unique
The Origins of the Hittites: Where Did These Indo-European Speaking People Live Before Coming to Anatolia?
The origins of the Hittites have long been a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists. Especially regarding their routes of arrival to Anatolia, the development of Proto-Hittite language, and interactions of the Hittites in Anatolia, there exist numerous different views and theories. However,
Goat Symbolism: Why Were Goats Associated with the Devil?
The roots of goat symbolism extend back thousands of years, reaching into prehistoric times. Goats, among the first animals domesticated by humans, are known for their ability to navigate steep slopes effortlessly. Neolithic communities benefited from both the meat and milk, as well as