Italian Adventures

Discovered on the sacred island of Delos in 1912, this bronze head is a breathtaking survivor from the Hellenistic era. Its dynamic expression and intricate detailing showcase the unparalleled skill of ancient Greek sculptors. The lifelike features, from the intense gaze to the finely rendered hair, capture a moment of powerful emotion, a hallmark of the period's move toward realism and drama. This masterpiece not only exemplifies the technical brilliance of bronze casting but also offers a direct, visceral connection to the artistic spirit of the ancient world. It remains a profound testament to the enduring power and beauty of Hellenistic art.

Short trip to the centre of Rome to visit a friend who happens to live next to the San Pietro in Vincoli church - yes the one with Moses by Michelangelo.

Santa Maria Maggiore Rome May 2024

A slice of England's iconic A303 road shows how it changed over thousands of years.

#italia 💙 🇮🇹 Raccontare un anno di ig_italia è quasi impossibile, abbiamo allora pensato di fare un rewind di alcuni reel pubblicati. Novanta secondi dedicati a Gianluca e Toto. Viva l’Italia Telling a year of ig_italia is almost impossible, so we thought of rewinding some published reels. Ninety seconds dedicated to Gianluca and Toto. 💙 Italy #ig_italia #italy #bestmoments #2023

6000 years old. This axe is made from Jadeite and has been brought from high in the north Italian Alps. The stone has been analysed by researchers from the international Project Jade and they have located the actual boulder from which it is made.

The axe was brought to Britain by people from one of the earliest farming communities around 4000 BC, which gives us a date of 6000 years old.

Jadeite is harder than steel, and it is thought it took over 1000 hours to make. I am led to believe that it was placed in a spring or in the River Avon perhaps as an offering to the gods.
This beautiful axe is in the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes.

Neolithic roads here - https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/06/19/neolithic-trackways/