Peruvian archaeologists have discovered a sealed underground corridor known as “the condor’s passageway”, dating back to the Chavin civilisation.
The Chavin people, whose civilisation ended more than 1,000 years ago, lived high in the Andean mountains of Peru, 3,000 metres above sea level.
They are known for having built granite and limestone temples with complex drainage systems to prevent flooding, as well as creating sculptures from carefully hammered sheets of gold.
Their metalsmiths developed an understanding of melting points, soldering and creating alloys, which was impressive for the time.
The corridor, one of dozens at the site that are linked to underground structures, is about 3,000 years old. Explorers used a camera mounted on a robot to investigate the tunnel, which is thought to be at risk of collapse.
Legend of the Lanzon
About 430km north of Lima, the Chavin de Huantar archaeological site is among the culture's most important, and thrived from about 1,500 to 550 BC.
The area, which became a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1985, contains about 35 tunnels that have been discovered over decades of excavations.
The Chavin de Huantar is filled with carvings of animals thought to have religious significance, including jaguars and caymans. At the centre of the complex of buildings is the Lanzon, a holy stone sculpture sited in a network of tunnels, which features a carving of a hybrid human-jaguar figure.
It is thought worshippers would walk through the dark tunnels before eventually being confronted with the Lanzon and performing religious rituals.
“What we have here has been frozen in time,” lead archaeologist John Rick told Reuters.
Mr Rick has been studying the area for nearly 30 years and says the world of carvings, sculptures, tunnels and roaring sounds from water flowing through specially created canals represents is an example of an early effort by authoritarian rulers to control their subjects.
“I was fascinated with the evidence we have for this idea of manipulation of people who went through ritual experiences in these structures,” he told Stanford News in 2016.
The religious order in the Chavin civilisation “needed to create a new world, one in which the settings, objects, actions and senses all argue for the presence of intrinsic authority”, he said at the time.
A large ceramic piece weighing about 17kg, decorated with what appears to be a condor's head and wings, was found in the aisle, along with a ceramic bowl, both unearthed in May last year when the entrance was uncovered.
The condor, one of the largest birds in the world, was associated with power and prosperity in ancient Andean cultures.
Mr Rick, a Stanford University archaeologist, has said much of the temple complex is still to be excavated.
Agencies contributed to this report
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
LAST-16 FIXTURES
Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The five pillars of Islam
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
Editor Ze’ev Rosenkranz
Princeton
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Scoreline
Australia 2-1 Thailand
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Thailand: Pokklaw 82'
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