Discover the marvel of ancient engineering in China's Hengduan Mountains, where the mysterious stone towers of Pengbuxi stand tall, shrouded in questions about their age, purpose, and builders. Trek with a teacher and explore the biodiverse landscape that has been a tribal corridor for ancient migrations dating back to the Stone Age. Unravel the enigma of these dreamlike megaliths that still hold all the power of a kept secret.

Discover the evolution of cities through time and learn how our modern civilization is rooted in the decisions made by our ancestors. In 'The City in History: Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects', Lewis Mumford takes readers on a journey through the centuries, exploring the core needs of humanity that led to the formation of cities. From nomadic life to village living to the bustling metropolises of today, Mumford's insights and concepts are essential for modern city planning, design, and management. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning and the history of civilization. Recommended for urban planning professionals, architects, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of cities and its impact on modern civilization. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cities, from their origins to their modern-day transformations. The insights and concepts presented in this book are useful for contemporary city planning, design, and management. Additionally, this book is relevant to those interested in the history of civilization and the core needs of humanity. The book covers a full range of civilizations and their cities, making it a valuable resource for students of history, anthropology, and sociology.

In her book, historian and architect Dolores Hayden delves into the urban communities of Los Angeles to explore the intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity in the practice of public history and public art. By reorienting the writing of urban history to spatial struggles, she offers fresh perspectives on urban preservation that challenge traditional notions of what constitutes a historical site. This thought-provoking work is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of urban communities and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the past. Recommended for urban planners, architects, historians, and anyone interested in the intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity in urban communities, Dolores Hayden's book offers a fresh perspective on the practice of public history and public art. By examining the spatial struggles that shape our understanding of historical sites, she challenges readers to rethink traditional notions of urban preservation and the writing of urban history. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of urban communities and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the past.

Why did the cost of urban housing skyrocket? Is it just NIMBYism or is there something deeper at play? Explore the historical and ideological roots of the housing crisis through the lens of historian Jacob Anbinder's dissertation in progress, 'Cities of Amber: Antigrowth Politics and the Making of Modern Liberalism, 1950-2008.'

Discover the beauty of the Green Mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan through MIT's "Ways of Seeing" project, which uses innovative technology to produce a rich visual record of four historic building sites in Afghanistan. The project includes colorful 3D still images, virtual reality imagery, and exquisite hand-drawn architectural renderings of the buildings, which will be made available for viewing through the MIT Libraries by the end of June with open access for the public. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and appreciate the remarkable heritage sites of Afghanistan.

In 1631, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lost his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during the birth of their 14th child. He was devastated and decided to build a magnificent tomb that would embody their perfect love and project the power of the Mughal Empire for all time. The Taj Mahal was the result of this vision, and it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, Indian, and European styles. The Taj Mahal is not only beautiful, but is also a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the thousands of skilled craftsmen and artisans who worked on its construction. By exploring the story of the Taj Mahal, students can learn about history, art, architecture, and culture. They can also be inspired to think about the power of love and the enduring legacy of human creativity.

Are you a fan of the Mona Lisa? Have you ever wondered about the mysterious woman in the painting and the location behind her? A recent discovery by Italian art historian Silvano Vinceti may have uncovered the truth about the bridge in the painting. In an article by Smithsonian Magazine, Vinceti argues that the bridge in the painting is the Ponte Romito, located in the Tuscan village of Laterina. His findings have caused a stir among art historians and may even attract future visitors to the small town. Read on to find out more about this fascinating discovery!

Chess is more than just a game - it's a tool of military strategy, a metaphor for human affairs, and a benchmark of genius. With a history dating back over one-and-a-half millennia, chess has transcended cultures and continents, evolving into the form we know today. Chess theory was born in Europe, where it became part of courtly education and was used as an allegory for different social classes performing their proper roles. Chess has had a rich and varied history, from the Islamic conquest of Persia to the Cold War, and even today, chess software is capable of consistently defeating the best human players. Learning about the history and strategy of chess can help students develop their critical thinking skills and creativity, and provide insights into human culture and history.

The hasty division of India and Pakistan in 1947 caused one of the largest refugee crises in history and left lasting scars. Learn about the violence and confusion that ensued, and how it still impacts the region today.

Travel back in time to the Enlightenment era and discover how European thinkers envisioned the future of their continent. Uncover the thoughts of famous philosophers like Rousseau, Voltaire, and Kant, as well as lesser-known voices, in the new book The Idea of Europe: Enlightenment Perspectives. Immerse yourself in debates on political unity, military power, and trade that still ring true today.

What if architects developed deep-time literacy to become true planetary stewards? Cristina Parreño Alonso's Transtectonics explores the cultural and environmental implications of expanded temporal sensibilities in architectural material practice. Her new class, 4.181 (The Deep Time Project), culminated in multimedia projects that bring deep time into contemporary consciousness. From imagining a future where plastic is integral to the geological structure of the Earth to exploring the adaptive relationship between the human body and its prosthetic additions of language and architecture, these material essays offer provocative perspectives on the impact of our actions today.

Imagine traveling on a high-speed train from Cape Town to Tunis, passing by the best universities in the world, breathtaking farmland, bustling metropolises, and vast solar panels. This is the promised land of Africa, a continent that powers the global economy and is unified into a shared economic and political vision. By learning about the history of Africa's resource control and rejection of Western development aid, you can understand how the continent is now able to prosper without interference. This knowledge not only benefits you intellectually but also practically, as it offers an escape to those in the Diaspora trapped in the West facing racism, poverty, and criminal injustice. Explore this topic through reading, reflection, writing, and self-directed projects, and discover the wealth of knowledge and opportunities that Africa has to offer.

Are you interested in exploring the ancient Japanese tradition of thatching and experiencing it firsthand? Discover a rare opportunity to stay in a 160-year-old thatched-roof house in the Miyama region, preserved by a community of thatchers who are masters of this 5,000-year-old craft. Read this fascinating article by BBC Travel to learn about the history and significance of thatching in Japan, the connection between thatching and Shinto religion, and the unique lifestyle of rural communities in Miyama.

Utopianism is the belief in a perfect world, or at least a world designed to be perfect. It may seem like an impossible concept, but it has been around for centuries. Many cultures and religions have myths of a perfect society in the past, and there have been all sorts of ideas about a perfect society. Being a utopianist essentially means being a dreamer, and striving for a better world. While utopianism's main flaw is its obsession with perfection, it is important to at least strive for a better world. Learning about utopianism can help you to understand how people have tried to create perfect societies in the past, and the potential pitfalls of such thinking. It can also inspire you to dream big and work towards a better future. So, don't be afraid to be a dreamer and imagine a better world. Who knows, you might just be the one to make it a reality.

From her unexpected ascent to the throne to her seven-decade rule, Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on the world. Explore the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch and her journey through triumph and sorrow, conflict and change.

The ancient Romans were known for their brutal and violent approach to punishment, and one of the most notorious forms of execution was the practice of damnatio ad bestias. This involved throwing condemned criminals into an arena with wild animals, where they would be torn apart and devoured in front of a bloodthirsty audience. But what was the purpose of this gruesome spectacle? Some scholars argue that it served as a deterrent to would-be criminals, while others suggest that it was a form of entertainment for the masses. Still, others contend that it was a way for the ruling class to assert their dominance over the lower classes. Regardless of its purpose, damnatio ad bestias was a harrowing and terrifying experience for those who were forced to endure it. In some cases, criminals were even forced to fight against each other, adding a gladiator-like element to the proceedings. So who were the people who witnessed these horrific events? According to historian Keith Hopkins, the vast majority of spectators were not members of the upper class, but rather the urban poor who were attracted to the spectacle of violence and bloodshed. In fact, Hopkins suggests that these public executions were a way for the ruling class to distract the lower classes from their own poverty and suffering. But damnatio ad bestias was not just confined to the arena. The practice was also used as a form of punishment for political dissidents and enemies of the state. For example, the early Christian martyr Saint Ignatius of Antioch was sentenced to damnatio ad bestias in the second century AD, and was eventually devoured by lions in the Colosseum. In modern times, the practice of damnatio ad bestias is rightly seen as a barbaric and cruel form of punishment. But for the ancient Romans, it was just another way to assert their power and maintain order in a society that was often violent and chaotic.

Christopher Hitchens, one of the most incisive minds of our time, meets George Orwell in this thought-provoking essay, where he assesses the life, achievements, and myth of the great political writer. Hitchens examines Orwell's perspectives on fascism, empire, feminism, and Englishness, as well as his outlook on America. Whether thinking about empires or dictators, race or class, nationalism or popular culture, Orwell's moral outlook remains indispensable in a world that has undergone vast changes in the fifty years since his death. This book is a tightly woven and subtle argument that addresses not only why Orwell matters today but how he will continue to matter in a future, uncertain world. Recommended for history buffs, political science students, and anyone interested in the power of language and the role of the writer in society. This book offers a unique perspective on the life and work of George Orwell, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Christopher Hitchens' essay is a thought-provoking analysis of Orwell's moral outlook and his perspectives on fascism, empire, feminism, and Englishness, as well as his outlook on America. It is a must-read for those who want to understand the influence of Orwell's writing on our modern world and how his ideas continue to shape our understanding of politics, culture, and society.

Are you looking for insights into China's strategic tradition and universal military truths? Look no further than Sunzi's "Art of War". This military classic has been mined for wisdom by military and business leaders alike, but to truly understand its unique perspective, readers must approach it from the worldview of its author. In this fascinating article from The Conversation, a researcher delves into the Daoist roots of Sunzi's philosophy and explains how understanding the concept of 'shì' and acting with "wúwéi" can help leaders nurture potential and achieve success.

Are you interested in history and how monuments come to be? Then you'll love this article from Smithsonian Magazine that uncovers the true story of how Georgina Schuyler, a direct descendant of Alexander Hamilton and Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler, saved the Statue of Liberty from irrelevance and ushered in a new identity for the landmark that has endured ever since. Schuyler's campaign to have Emma Lazarus' now-iconic sonnet, "The New Colossus," inscribed on a plaque in the statue's pedestal was just the beginning. Read on to discover how Schuyler's passion for politics and historical preservation led her to save the Statue of Liberty from obscurity.

Are you curious about the secrets behind the selection of a country's capital city? It's not just about being the largest or most famous city. In fact, there are many factors to consider such as geography, politics, and culture. The capital city is an essential symbol of a country's identity and unity. Exploring the selection process of capitals, you will learn about history, geography, politics, and society. Understanding these concepts will help you become a more informed global citizen, and develop skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis. Whether you dream of being a diplomat, historian, or just want to broaden your horizons, learning about the selection of a country's capital city is a great way to start.