Category: Culture

Chinese archaeologists have completed the initial phase of excavations on a royal tomb believed to originate from the state of Chu, dating back 2,200 years. Chu, a significant kingdom in early Chinese history, once dominated the birthplace of Confucius through conquest and annexation.

Situated in Anhui province, the tomb’s exploration commenced in 2019 due to reports of frequent looting attempts. The findings have revealed it as the most intricate funerary structure of its era ever uncovered in China.

Among the unearthed artifacts—over 3,000 in total—are lacquered wood items, bronze vessels, figurines, chariot and horse pits, and sacrificial remains. A woven bamboo mat provided crucial data for radiocarbon analysis, confirming the tomb’s age.

Gong Xicheng, deputy director of the Anhui Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, noted that the excavation has progressed to the coffin chamber’s interior, raising hopes of uncovering the tomb owner’s identity and resolving the mystery.

Based on historical records, King Kaolie, who reigned from 262 to 238 BCE, is a leading candidate for the tomb’s occupant. Kaolie’s relocation of the Chu capital to Shouxian County aligns with the tomb’s discovery in the same region. Moreover, other Chu kings ruling from Shouxian likely faced circumstances precluding such a grand burial.

Chu’s emergence followed the disintegration of the Zhou Dynasty, a pivotal period in Chinese history marked by the genesis of foundational texts like the I Ching and the early development of Confucianism.

A scholar believes she’s figured out where the backdrop of the “Mona Lisa” comes from, after centuries of debate among art experts. Ann Pizzorusso, a geologist and Italian Renaissance specialist, thinks it’s in Lecco, northern Italy.

She points to the 14th-century Ponte Azzone Visconti in Lecco as the bridge in the painting, despite previous theories suggesting other locations like Arezzo and Bobbio.

Pizzorusso’s confidence comes from her geological knowledge, which she says supports her claim better than previous hypotheses.

Her research indicates that the limestone rock formations in Lecco match those seen behind the Mona Lisa. Pizzorusso’s findings highlight the intersection of art and science in Leonardo’s work, according to Michael Daley of ArtWatch UK, who praises her scientific understanding over traditional art history interpretations.

To help reduce anxiety and promote learning, several elementary schools in Michigan have enlisted service dogs, and students are already seeing improvements in their academics, according to WXMI-TV 17.

In September, Priority Health, a Michigan health insurance provider, launched the Priority Pups program, placing goldendoodles in two school districts with plans for further expansion. These dogs visit different classrooms daily, providing comfort and support.

Research shows that the presence of trained dogs reduces children’s stress, encourages a positive attitude toward learning, and improves interactions between classmates. This initiative is especially timely, as a 2023 report from Mental Health America revealed that many young people in Michigan with clinical depression did not receive mental health treatment.

Shelby, a student at North Godwin Elementary School, has directly benefited from the program. Diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, autism, and ADHD, Shelby struggles with her emotions at school. Her mother, Laurie Uhl, described the difference the goldendoodle Meeka has made.

“When Shelby has a meltdown, Meeka’s presence immediately calms her down,” Uhl explained.

The program’s success is due in part to Canines for Change, founded in 2005 by Dr. Nikki Brown, a school psychologist for the Lansing School District. Dr. Brown noticed significant improvements in skills and behavior when she brought her Corgi to work with special education students. She then partnered with another trainer to offer service dogs for children with special needs.