Year 2022

Calakmul Campeche Mexico

Calakmul Structure 6 in Campeche, Mexico
The ancient Maya city of Calakmul and the surrounding protected tropical forests are located in the state of Campeche, Mexico. Calakmul ruins are renowned for their historical significance as a major Maya city and their ecological importance as a protected forest area. Calakmul was one of the most powerful and significant ancient Maya cities during the Classic period. It was a major center of political, economic, and religious activity within the Maya civilization. The city is known for its impressive architectural structures, including temples, pyramids, palaces, and ball courts. One of the most notable features of Calakmul is its monumental architecture, particularly Structure II, which is one of the tallest pyramids in the Maya world. The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, which surrounds the ancient city, is one of the largest protected tropical forest areas in Mexico. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. It’s considered a critical habitat for biodiversity in the region and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

Saltaire Shipley England

Saltaire in Shipley, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Saltaire, a Victorian model village in West Yorkshire, UK, carries a rich history dating back to its founding in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt. Named after its founder and the nearby River Aire, Saltaire was conceived as a model community to provide improved living conditions for workers in the burgeoning textile industry. Today, the village remains an essential part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage. Sir Titus Salt, a renowned textile manufacturer, relocated his textile mill operations from Bradford to the Saltaire area in 1851. This transformational move allowed him to organize his workforce and position the textile mill adjacent to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the railway. Architects Francis Lockwood and William Mawson were commissioned for the project. Saltaire's inception coincided with other similar endeavors, like Edward Akroyd's work in Copley and Henry Ripley's project in Ripley Ville, albeit on a smaller scale. Here's an overview of Saltaire:

St Kilda Scotland

Hirta, Scotland of St Kilda, is a group of three small islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
St Kilda is a group of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. These Scottish islands, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Trulli of Alberobello

Alberobello Trulli Houses in Apulia, Italy
Trulli of Alberobello are dry-stone buildings, part of Bari's metropolis, and Alberobello is in Apulia, southern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Chichen Itza Facts and History

Chichen Itza El Castillo of Mexican Landmarks
Chichen Itza is a renowned archaeological site located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It represents one of the most iconic and well-preserved pre-Hispanic cities of the Maya civilization, featuring a blend of Maya and Toltec styles. One of its most iconic structures is El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan. This pyramid showcases advanced astronomical and mathematical knowledge, with its design aligning with the equinoxes to create a serpent-like shadow descending the pyramid’s steps. The city is home to the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole believed to have held religious significance. It was used for ceremonial purposes, including offerings of valuable objects, jewelry, and even human sacrifices. Explorations of the cenote have revealed a trove of archaeological artifacts. Chichen Itza’s observatory, known as the Caracol, demonstrates the Maya’s advanced understanding of astronomy. The city’s architecture also incorporates precise mathematical and calendrical calculations, evident in the layout of buildings and structures. Here’s a summary of Chichen Itza’s historical and cultural significance:

Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly Picture
Monarch Butterfly Information, Details, and Pictures: Monarch butterflies are famous for their enormous size, orange and black wings, and long yearly migrations.