The Natufians (15,000–11,500 years BP.) were hunter-gatherers, but they practiced semi-sedentism and proto-agriculture. They foraged wild cereals and hunted gazelles but did not cultivate crops or domesticate animals. Unlike earlier groups, they built permanent stone dwellings and stored surplus grain, showing early steps toward farming. Their sickle blades suggest intensive harvesting of wild plants. While […]
Who were the Natufians? Read More »
We all know glass, that amorphous inorganic solid substance that is usually translucent or transparent. Although glass can occur naturally, as in the case of obsidian, it is still one of the oldest and most important man-made materials in the world. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of types of glass, with their different colours and
Africa’s inventions: glass-making Read More »
What is a day? Many would think the answer is obvious. Many would say 24 hours. But the scientific truth is you have ask a particular question first, “On what planet?” You see: on Venus a day is 5,832 hours; a day on Mercury lasts 1,408 hours; on Mars a day is 25 hours; and
African exports: the origin of the 365-day calendar Read More »
