In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a sealed vial of Roman perfume dating back 2,000 years has been unearthed, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient world of fragrances.

The small glass container, made from dolomite – a type of carbon – was found intact within a funerary urn in the Roman city of Carmo, which is now the modern-day Carmona found near Seville, Spain. It astounded researchers with its incredible preservation, allowing them to delve into the scents of antiquity.

The discovery came to light during an archaeological excavation at a mausoleum found during the construction of a house on Calle Sevilla. This collective tomb, believed to belong to a wealthy family, contained the cremated remains of six adults, three women, and three men, along with various objects associated with funeral rituals. In one of the urns made of glass lay the cremated skeletal remains of a woman between 30 and 40 years old, alongside a cloth bag. Inside the bag they found three amber beads and a small quartz flask that was crafted in the shape of an amphora, holding the well-preserved ointment.

Another amazing aspect of their find was that, twenty centuries later, the vial was still perfectly sealed. Moreover, the solid residues of the perfume had been preserved inside, making it possible for researchers to test every component of the items they found.

Led by Professor José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, an expert in Organic Chemistry at the University of Cordoba, a team of researchers analyzed the ancient perfume sample using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

This scientific investigation yielded invaluable insights into the perfume’s composition, and the results were published in the journal Heritage.

The study revealed that the perfume’s base or binder, responsible for preserving its aromatic qualities, was a type of vegetable oil, possibly derived from olives, as suggested by certain indications in the analysis The essence itself was identified as patchouli, an essential oil originating from a plant of Indian origin. Modern perfumery also utilizes patchouli, making this discovery a significant breakthrough in understanding Roman perfumery practices.

Professor Arrebola said, “To our knowledge, this is possibly the first time a perfume from Roman times has been identified.”

“This is the first report on the use of bitumen as a sealing agent in an unguentarium with a dolomite stopper—another unique finding.”

The precious nature of the vessel housing the perfume, along with the tomb’s monumental characteristics, suggests that this scented treasure held considerable value in ancient Roman society. Its inclusion in the burial rites of a respected woman further underscores the significance and social status associated with fragrances during that time.

This remarkable discovery not only allows us to recreate an ancient scent but also offers a window into the sophisticated craftsmanship and cultural practices of the Roman civilization. The careful preservation of the perfume over two millennia demonstrates the remarkable ingenuity of ancient artisans and the reverence with which they treated death and the afterlife.

The findings of this study add to our knowledge of Roman material culture and further enrich our understanding of the intricate aromas that graced the ancient world. By unraveling the secrets of this ancient perfume, researchers continue to bridge the gap between the past and present, shedding light on the timeless human fascination with scents and their connection to rituals and cultural expressions.

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Much of history has yet to be uncovered. And since time immemorial, people have been curious about the wonderful life Jesus has lived. He is, by far, the most historical figure that millions of people follow, be it for religious purposes or simply out of sheer curiosity.

Unfortunately, many have searched for clues and haven’t found much. Right now, there could be a tomb that will reveal much of what happened during Jesus’ time. The world could know more about this famous and venerated man and the people who knew him.

Recent excavations happened in Israel and what they found they will soon open to the public. This is a tomb that’s revered because this is thought to be the resting place of the midwife of Jesus, and her name was Salome.

The tomb was discovered in 1982 by antiquities robbers. Even then, excavations were already happening, but recent discoveries show that this is bigger than what they first thought. Because of this, most of the areas of the tomb will be opened to both pilgrims and tourists.

In the area is a mosaic-floored courtyard that spans to around 350 square meters (almost 4,000 square feet). This is considered to be one of the best in the latest discoveries. Inside is a tomb that was decorated with high arches and very detailed stone carvings.

The team from the Israeli Antiquities Authority also saw what seemed to be a merchant’s stall. This served as a place where they sold small oil lamps to pilgrims. The archeologists in the area have dug up dozens inside the tomb. These lamps lit the path as they walked through the interior portions of the room that went further inside.

The earliest chamber dated back to as far as the Second Temple Period, which was said to be around 500 BCE and 70 CE. “According to a Christian tradition, Salome was the midwife from Bethlehem, who was called to participate in the birth of Jesus,” said Zvi Firer, an IAA archaeologist.

“She could not believe that she was asked to deliver a virgin’s baby, and her hand became dry and was only healed when she held the baby’s cradle.”

In the outermost rooms of the tomb, these go back to the Byzantine period, which was around 300 to 600 CE. During Salome’s time, this was a little on the ostentatious side. However, Firer also came up with a theory for that.

In the excavations they made recently, they still uncovered more relics. These were revealed so recently. Such findings were stone funerary boxes called ossuaries. These were found in the older chambers. Firer believes these bore the name of Salome or “Schlomitt” on them. This actually tricked the early Christian pilgrims to believe it was part of the midwife of legend.

That’s because the name was common among the Jews that lived there during the Second Temple Period. However, they also found inscriptions written in Greek that implied that the entire complex was dedicated to “Holy Salome.” This made them think that there may have been some truth to the legend.

The site is found in the Lachish region in central Israel. This will soon be made to be a part of a 60-mile tourist trail that is part of the historic spine of Israeli history, which is a Valley of the Kings. This, of course, applied to the Jews instead of the Pharaohs.

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Unfortunately, this belief system doesn’t apply to all establishments. A little girl has been victimized because she went by what she felt, and in the end, it just wasn’t acceptable.

Chloe was an eight-year-old girl who enjoyed school and who loved being in the company of her friends. She was too young to think about malice and hate, but when she had a crush on another girl, she was brought to tears. The antigay actions from Rejoice Christian Schools in Oklahoma scarred her, and the effects may last a lifetime for her.

Yes, an Oklahoma school expelled an 8-year-old little girl for her girl crush. The little girl goes by the name Chloe. She was a former student at Rejoice Christian Schools in Owasso. She was simply having fun with her friends and had decided to share with a female classmate that she had a crush on her. The feelings were just so new to her that she had to say it out loud. No one ever expected that something bad would come out of it. In response, the vice principal of the said school called her to the office for a meeting. She ended up getting a long and tedious lecture about the Bible and how it forbids everyone to engage in same-sex relationships, which was, to many, too early at this point. More importantly, some felt that schools are there to foster the real you as you grow into a responsible citizen. So, why was she getting a lecture when she should have been guided?

Chloe’s mother, Delanie Shelton was left aghast and shocked. She shares how her little girl reacted to the whole debacle and said, “My daughter was crying, saying ‘does God still love me?'” Delanie just couldn’t stand around doing nothing. She had to share it to the media, hoping that this experience wouldn’t happen to other young children out there.

After the said meeting with the vice principal, Shelton was asked to pick her daughter up from school. As soon as she arrived, she talked about how the vice principal asked her about her views on “girls liking girls.” The school official “looked shocked and appalled” when she simply answered with, “If we’re being honest, I think it’s okay.”

There was radio silence on the day Delanie picked Chloe up from school, but the following day had been different. Shelton then received a phone call from the school and they informed her that Chloe and her five-year-old brother were no longer welcome in the establishment as students.

Due to the antiquated antigay views, Shelton must find another school for her two children. This was even harder because the whole thing happened in the midst of a pandemic.

Shelton said, “They ripped my kids out of the only school they’ve ever really known, away from their teachers and friends they’ve had over the past four years, over something my daughter probably doesn’t know or fully understand.”

When you look at the school handbook, Rejoice does not address the topic of same-sex attraction. It does state that the school prohibits “boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.” The supposedly respected and conservative Tulsa-area institution describes itself as “a Christian school that provides students with excellence in education and strength in character so that students will be spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially equipped to impact their community and the world for Christ.”

Chloe shared her feelings about what happened. She said that she felt “really sad and betrayed and kind of angry” because of what had happened. While she was left feeling isolated, she was also deeply touched by the supportive response those who heard her story. She shares to a radio station, “I feel so loved and supported, thank you so much to everyone who helped me feel better for being who I am.”

At this point, Delanie could only hope that her kinds find a better institution who will welcome them for who they are and who will accept them no matter what their preferences are.

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The Lord does work in mysterious ways…in this case, through a Michigan Church, Grand Rapids First, in Wyoming, Michigan. 2,000 Michigan families have benefited from paying medical debt by the Church worth a little over $1.8 million in total.

Pastor Sam Rijfkogel explained that this was possible through the non-profit organization RIP Medical Debt, which ironically is owned and run by two former debt collectors. “ There are people whose medical debt, they cannot pay. There is no way. It’s looming over their heads”, he told the congregation one Sunday’s service. “ Most of these folks are in poverty levels or below poverty levels, and there’s no way that it can be repaid, but they feel the creditor banging on their doors.”

At first the congregation was shocked upon hearing the proposal of their pastor to help pay off medical debt of families who can’t pay…but soon realized that it was a way of giving back to their community, and were excited and thankful.

Grand Rapids First purchased more than $1.8 million worth of medical debt through RIP Medical Debt. They paid pennies to a dollar for defaulted debt through donations amounting to around $15,000. The New York based non-profit organization buys up medical debt on the secondary market and then abolishes it. Thanks to the donation made by the church around 2,000 families in the counties of Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, and Allegan, have had their medical debts forgiven…in full.

The church however, does not know the identities of the recipients of their gifts…the health insurance privacy law (HIPPA) makes sure of that. But sure enough these families know that they are free from their medical debt. “ They owe us nothing,” Rijfkogel explains. “ We can be peacemakers. Just as Jesus forgave and cancelled the debt of our sins, we also cancelled the debt of those in our community.” Bless you pastor Sam.

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One woman’s change of heart is spreading love across the LGBTQ+ community, giving them the hope that slowly, people are changing their views about their fight for acceptance.

Sara Cunningham, a lifelong Baptist, was quite sure that she did not approve of the LGBTQ+ community, until her son came out at 21. The news devastated her at first but her love for her son ultimately won over the hatred she was accustomed to. She re-examined her own values and fears, ultimately becoming aware of her ignorance throughout the years.

In 2014, Cunningham attended her first Pride parade. It was there that she got immersed in the community, hearing stories of the hardships its members had with their own families, being alienated and shunned because of their choices in the people they want to love.

Sara was later ordained minister and went on to officiate LGBTQ+ unions. Because of her work as officiator, she became witness to many people whose parents refused to accept or even attend their wedding days, something that she couldn’t let go by. Since then, she has taken it upon herself to stand-in as mom for those who needed one on their big day, helping out with the little things that matter, such as choosing the bouquet or anything that a mom should be doing for her daughter.

Cunningham describes what she’s doing as bittersweet, a display of unconditional love for couples on their special day.

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In the office culture we now know, working day in and day out beside someone on your computers proves hard to do. The longer you work together; you pass that line of just being seatmates and acquaintances, to a more personal relationship of friendship both in and out of work. Whether it works for you or not, you have to exert the effort to be kind to make the office environment lighter as you will probably be spending the next foreseeable months and years as co-workers.

At times, this proves to be more difficult than others, especially when officemates have different cultural and religious backgrounds. Having to adjust to someone else who has grown up to different customs with a mutual respect for each other can be a challenge people deal with in the office everyday.  Finding common ground with different beliefs does not always happen.

“I first noticed Elliot was nicer than others when I’d mention halal/haram (lawful/unlawful) and he knew exactly what I meant. Even times when a few of my coworkers would go to a meat deli at lunch or for beers, he knew not to invite me because he knew I’d say no. Elliot was knowledgeable on Islam to a high degree. Over time, it became more apparent that he genuinely cares about others and looks out for their best interests,” Umar told Bored Panda.

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A ‘McJesus’ Sculpture of Ronald McDonald crucified is sparking a countrywide controversy as hundreds of Israeli Christians have protested outside the Haifa Museum of Art, Israel. Violent clashes have occurred between the protestors and police, from trying to force their way into the museum to throwing rocks and molotov cocktails. The massive crowd had to be contained with tear gas being thrown at their direction.

Miri Regev, Israel’s Culture Minister sent Nissim Tal, Art director of Haifa Museum, a letter with a demand for the immediate removal of the sculpture. It stated in Regev’s letter that: “Disrespect of religious symbols sacred to many worshippers in the world as an act of artistic protest is illegitimate and cannot serve as art at a cultural institution supported by state funds.”

The museum has refused to take down the artwork, claiming that the sculpture has been in installation for months and is surprised at the sudden uproar. Tal has also argued the right to freedom of expression, claiming that if they take one piece of artwork down, soon enough, politicians will be demanding for other works to be taken down as well. The museum did agree to erect a sign beside the sculpture explaining its possible offensive content.

Even the Finnish sculpture artist Jani Leinonen, who is a supporter of Palestinian-led group called Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement has requested his work to be taken down from the museum’s Sacred Goods Exhibition. “When I heard that it is still in the exhibition, and that there have been violent demonstrations around it, I immediately sent the curator another request to remove it. I have not heard anything back from the museum. I insist my work be taken out of the exhibition instantly.” Says Leinonen.

On January 17, The Mayor of Haifa has confirmed that the sculpture will finally be taken out of the exhibition. Einat Kalisch-Rotem tweeted: “The sculpture will be removed and returned as soon as possible. We regret the aggravation the Christian community experienced … and the physical injury and violence that surrounded it.”

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You don’t have to be religious to believe in miracles. In fact, sometimes it’s the miracles that we ourselves experience that end up making us believe in God.

But if you’re not exactly the type to even consider that miracles are, in fact, real, then you might just want to take a closer look at these top 10 religious miracles of all time.

Miracle # 1: Lady Of Guadalupe In Mexico City

It was on December 9, 1531 when a peasant named Juan Diego claims that he heard angelic singing, only to realize that he was seeing a vision of a young Mama Mary. Although she looked to only be around 14 or 15 years of age, she had told him in his native language, “Dear little son, I love you. I want you to know who I am: I am the Virgin Mary, mother of the true God who gives life.”

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The Catholic Church has always been seen as the pinnacle of solemnity, prayer, forgiveness and Godliness. But just like many other religious groups, they too, have had their fair share of madness and woes. But for the Sisters of Mercy Parish, they were going to go through one of the biggest scandals that any Catholic Church would ever encounter. Not only was one of their nuns viciously murdered in what was said to be a satanic ritual, left at the altar of their church to be found, the culprit was also one of their very own priests.

Find out how one nun, who offered her life up to serve the Church, only found justice 23 years after her death.

Margaret Ann Pahl

Margaret Ann Pahl was born on April 6, 1908 in Edgerton, Williams County in Ohio. She was the fourth of nine children to Frank and Catherine Pahl and her family was said to be very ‘devoutly Catholic.’ She also had many other cousins who were nuns, so when Margaret Ann announced that she wanted to be a nun herself and actually left at age 19 years to join the Sisters of Mercy, no one in her family was surprised. In fact, one of her sister’s had even said, “She’d been called to be a nun. She just knew.”

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Being a man of God doesn’t make you perfect. In fact, many times, men who have been called to do God’s supposed work have to deal with immense amounts of pressure from both their inner selves, along with having to worry about what everyone else thinks about them. For one particular Minister of the Emmanuel Church of Christ Oneness Pentecostal in Nashville, his entire life purpose was going to take a turn for the worst.

He wanted to change his life, but the manner in which he would do it was completely unthinkable. And he would live out the rest of his days regretting every single part of it.

Reverend John David Terry

Reverend John David Terry had spent his days working as the Pastor of the Emmanuel Church of Christ Oneness Pentecostal. He had dedicated most of his life to the church, and despite having a wife and three sons, he felt unfulfilled in his life.

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