The medieval Ingush towers, known as “vepshi,”

The medieval Ingush towers, known as “vepshi,” were primarily constructed between 13th-17th Centuries CE, by the Ingush people, a native ethnic group in the North Caucasus region. These towers are located in mountainous areas of what is now the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia which became known as the "land of towers". 

 

Based on their layout, masonry technique, and other features, cyclopean buildings have common features with the later towers in mountainous Ingushetia. Researchers note the continuity of the tower architecture of the Ingush, which was highly developed in the Middle Ages, from the stone construction technique that existed in the mountains of the Central Caucasus since the ancient period.

The Ingush people built these structures as part of their defensive and residential complexes. The towers served multiple purposes, including as fortifications, homes, and watchtowers to guard against invasions. They were typically constructed from local stone and ranged from 15-25m in height. They have a square base and taper slightly as they rise, often featuring four to five floors. The lower levels generally have small, narrow windows designed for defensive purposes, while the upper levels might include larger windows and openings. The tower walls could get up to a meter thick in some parts and they often include decorative stonework and inscriptions.

In 1931, Ukrainian traveller and explorer wrote:

From the ancient monuments that have been preserved here, it is obvious how talented and gifted the Ingush are. These people, who knew nothing of the alphabet, at a time when Moscow was still a village, were already building high stone towers on rocks, 26 or more meters high. We can say that the first skyscrapers did not appear in America, but here, in the Caucasus Mountains.

A Soviet archaeologist and historian wrote:

The Ingush battle towers can truly be recognized as the pinnacle of architectural and constructional mastery of the ancient population of the region. They amaze with their simplicity of form, monumentality and strict elegance.  The Ingush towers for their time were a true miracle of human genius. 

 

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Roman Mosaics of Ostia Antica

Merchants from all over the Roman Empire had their "offices" in Ostia Antica. Their store signs were these mosaics. The Forum of Corporations was the principal center of commerce and trade for the Roman Empire mainly during Age of Augustus. Located in the major port city of Ostia, this open-air market was essential for Rome as a place of varying and exotic goods from foreign lands. Merchants gathered here to sell anything from grain and shipping services to elephants and giraffes.

 Rebuilt in 2nd Century AD, the Forum of Corporations was also representative of the many diverse cultures that made up the Roman Empire. Oil importers, grain importers, rope-makers, and ship builders from corporations spanning across the empire came here to benefit from Ostia’s positioning at the mouth of the Tiber River, which easily facilitated the importation and transportation of goods into the empire.

A total of 61 rooms, each which measured 4 meters by 4 meters, opened onto the marketplace. The rooms were separated by a wooden partition and were arranged according to the geographic origin of the merchant or business, the majority which were based in Africa. There was also a temple in the middle of the forum sacred either to Annona Augusta, the Divinity of Imperial Supplies, or Ceres Augusta.

The most notable detail of the Forum of Corporations is the intricate black and white mosaics that lie in front of each shop. These mosaics indicated the professional associations of each vendor. The Forum was adjacent to the Theatre of Ostia and people would also pass through the Forum before and after performances. 

 

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World’s Oldest Banking System The Morocco’s Ancient Granaries

According to historians, the Igudar granaries in Morocco are the world’s oldest bank, going back as far as the 13th Century CE. Some historians believe they may even go farther than that since the granaries are as old as the mountains they are built in. According to historians, the Igudar granaries in Morocco are the world’s oldest bank, dating back as far as the 13th Century CE. Some historians believe they may even go farther than that since the granaries are as old as the mountains they are built.

Each Amazigh family owned a granary and stored their valuables inside it. These valuables ranged from documents and weapons to food and jewelry. An interesting finding is that some granaries were big enough to act as shelters during war times. Some had enough room for cats to protect the valuables from mice.

These granaries belonged to the Amazigh people, who settled in Morocco more than 4000 years ago. The Amazigh tribes mainly lived in the South of Morocco which is a mountainous area. They started to build granaries in the caves and cliffs of the mountains.ugh room for cats to protect their valuables from mice.

Secondly, each tribed selected representatives which formed another management body: the Inflas. The Inflas comprised 10 people and each granary had a key holder called the Amir. The tribes only paid the Amir for their efforts to keep the valuables safe. Additionally, tribe members could safeguard their own granaries as well.

Secondly, each tribed selected representatives, which formed another management body: the Inflas. The Inflas comprised 10 people and each granary had a key holder called the Amir.years, the Moroccan government has been working to have Unesco recognize the granaries as an international heritage of great importance as well.

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