POPE FRANCIS RIP 1936 - 2025
1. Pope Clement I (died c. 99 AD)
Where buried: Originally buried in Crimea!
He was supposedly martyred by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. Early Christians recovered his body and buried it there. His relics were later moved to Rome centuries later.
2. Pope Gregory V (died 999)
Where buried: St. Peter’s Basilica, but originally, he was temporarily buried elsewhere because of political chaos in Rome. His remains were later moved when stability returned.
3. Pope Sylvester II (died 1003)
Where buried: Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, not St. Peter’s.
He was a brilliant scholar and wanted to be buried at the official Cathedral of the Pope — St. John Lateran — rather than St. Peter’s.
4. Pope Clement II (died 1047)
Where buried: Bamberg Cathedral, Germany!
He was the only Pope ever buried north of the Alps. He died while traveling in Germany and was buried there according to his wish. His tomb is still in Bamberg today.
5. Pope Pius VII (died 1823)
Where buried: Initially buried in the Vatican, but he spent many years imprisoned by Napoleon in France, and there were fears he might die and be buried in exile — which would have been extremely controversial. (He made it back in time.)
6. Pope John Paul I (died 1978)
Where buried: Buried deep underground in a very simple tomb in the Vatican Grottoes, as he requested. His reign was so short (only 33 days!) that his wishes for a very humble funeral were honored, in contrast to the usual grandeur.
FLOSSI IN THE NEW GAZA
The name Gaza has ancient origins and has been used for thousands of years to refer to the city and region in what is now the Gaza Strip. The name’s meaning and history trace back to various languages and civilizations.
Origins of the Name "Gaza"
Ancient Semitic Roots—The name Gaza comes from ancient Semitic languages, likely related to the Hebrew and Canaanite word ʿAzzā (עַזָּה), which means “strong” or “fortified.”
Egyptian Influence – The Egyptians called the city “Ghazzat”, an important strategic city along trade routes.
Greek and Roman Period – The Greeks and Romans called it Gaza, a name that persisted over time.
Arabic Name – In Arabic, the city is called غزة (Ghazza), which retains the ancient Semitic root.
Strategic Location – Gaza has historically been a fortified city, controlling important trade routes between Egypt, the Levant, and Mesopotamia.
Cultural and Military Importance – It was a key city for many empires, from the Philistines and Ancient Egyptians to the Ottomans and British.
FLOSSI AND ROMAN RUINS IN SYRIA
A History of the Roman Ruins in Palmyra, Syria, and Their Destruction
Ancient Origins of Palmyra
Palmyra, located in modern-day Syria, was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The "Pearl of the Desert" was a crucial trading hub linking the Roman Empire to Persia, India, and China along the Silk Road. The city dates back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, but it rose to prominence during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Palmyra became part of the Roman Empire in 64 BCE when Rome annexed Syria. By the 1st century CE, it had grown into a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, thanks to its role as a trade center between the East and the Mediterranean.The Roman Golden Age (1st–3rd Century CE)
During the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, Palmyra flourished under Roman rule. The city blended Roman, Persian, and local influences, creating a unique cultural and architectural style. Some of its most famous structures from this period include:
The Temple of Bel (32 CE) was one of the most important religious buildings in the Roman world. It was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel.
The Great Colonnade – A nearly 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long monumental street lined with towering Corinthian columns.
The Roman Theater – A well-preserved semi-circular structure used for performances and public events.
The Tetrapylon – A grand monument marking the intersection of Palmyra’s main roads.
Funerary Towers and Tombs – Elaborate sandstone burial monuments showcasing the city's prosperity.
In the 3rd century CE, Queen Zenobia of Palmyra briefly led a rebellion against Rome, establishing the Palmyrene Empire (c. 270–272 CE). However, her rule was short-lived, as Roman Emperor Aurelian crushed the rebellion in 272 CE, bringing Palmyra back under Roman control.
Decline and Abandonment
Palmyra's importance declined after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of Islamic rule in the 7th century CE. It was largely abandoned by the medieval period, though it remained a site of historical interest.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeologists uncovered and restored much of Palmyra’s ruins, making it one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Destruction by ISIS (2015–2017)
In 2015, during the Syrian Civil War, the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Palmyra and deliberately destroyed many of its ancient monuments, considering them idolatrous.
Among the worst acts of destruction:
The Temple of Bel was dynamited in August 2015.
The Temple of Baalshamin was blown up in August 2015.
The Roman Theater – Partially destroyed and used for executions.
The Tetrapylon – Heavily damaged.
Several Tower Tombs were reduced to rubble.