ancient cultural region occupying southeastern Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf). Because the city of Babylon was the capital of this area for so many centuries, the term Babylonia has come to refer to the entire culture that developed in the area from the time it was first settled, about 4000 bce. Before Babylon’s rise to political prominence (c. 1850 bce), however, the area was divided into two countries: Sumer in the southeast and Akkad in the northwest.

A brief treatment of Babylonia follows. For full treatment, seeMesopotamia, history of.

The history of Sumer and Akkad is one of constant warfare. The Sumerian city-states fought one another for the control of the region and rendered it vulnerable to invasion from Akkad and from its neighbour to the east, Elam. Despite the series of political crises that marked their history, however, Sumer and Akkad developed rich cultures. The Sumerians were responsible for the first system of writing, cuneiform; the earliest known codes of law; the development of the city-state; the invention of the potter’s wheel, the sailboat, and the seed plow; and the creation of literary, musical, and architectural forms that influenced all of Western civilization.

This cultural heritage was adopted by the Sumerians’ and Akkadians’ successors, the Amorites, a western Semitic tribe that had conquered all of Mesopotamia by about 1900 bce. Under the rule of the Amorites, which lasted until about 1600 bce, Babylon became the political and commercial centre of the Tigris-Euphrates area, and Babylonia became a great empire, encompassing all of southern Mesopotamia and part ofAssyria to the north. The ruler largely responsible for this rise to power was Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 bce), the sixth king of the 1st dynasty of Babylon, who forged coalitions between the separate city-states, promoted science and scholarship, and promulgated his famous code of law.

After Hammurabi’s death, the Babylonian empire declined until 1595 bce, when the Hittite invaderMursil I unseated the Babylonian king Samsuditana, allowing the Kassites from the mountains east of Babylonia to assume power and establish a dynasty that lasted 400 years.

During the last few centuries of Kassite rule, religion and literature flourished in Babylonia, the most important literary work of the period being the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian epic of creation. During this same time, however, Assyria broke away from Babylonian control and developed as an independent empire, threatening the Kassite dynasty in Babylonia and on a few occasions temporarily gaining control. Elam, too, grew powerful and ultimately conquered most of Babylonia, felling the Kassite dynasty (c. 1157 bce).

In a series of wars, a new line of Babylonian kings, the 2nd dynasty of the city of Isin, was established. Its most outstanding member, Nebuchadrezzar I (reigned c. 1124–1103 bce), defeated Elam and successfully fought off Assyrian advances for some years.

For several centuries following Nebuchadrezzar I’s rule, a three-way struggle developed among the Assyrians and Aramean and Chaldean tribesmen for control of Babylonia. From the 9th century to the fall of the Assyrian empire in the late 7th century bce, Assyrian kings most frequently ruled over Babylonia, often appointing sub-kings to administer the government. The last ruling Assyrian king wasAshurbanipal, who fought a civil war against his brother, the sub-king in Babylon, devastating the city and its population.

Upon Ashurbanipal’s death, a Chaldean leader, Nabopolassar, made Babylon his capital and instituted the last and greatest period of Babylonian supremacy. His son Nebuchadrezzar II (reigned 605–562 bce) conquered Syria and Palestine; he is best remembered for the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem in 587 bce and for the ensuing Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He also revitalized Babylon, constructing the wondrous hanging gardens and rebuilding the Temple of Marduk and its accompanying ziggurat.

The Persians, under Cyrus the Great, captured Babylonia from Nebuchadrezzar’s last successorNabonidus in 539 bce. Thereafter, Babylonia ceased to be independent, passing eventually in 331 bce toAlexander the Great, who planned to make Babylon the capital of his empire and who died in Nebuchadrezzar’s palace. After Alexander’s death, however, the Seleucids eventually abandoned Babylon, bringing an end to one of the greatest empires in history.

Among the world's most famous curses is the "Curse of the Pharaoh," also known as King Tut's Curse. Ever since King Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, stories circulated that those who dared violate the boy king's final resting place faced a terrible curse. Though not as dramatic as a murderous mummy, it is widely claimed that many people associated with opening the tomb fell soon victim to the curse, dying under mysterious circumstances. The legend gained traction because a few of the people who were involved in finding the tomb did, in fact, die not long after it was opened. Did financier pay with his life? The highest profile death associated with the curse is probably that of George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Herbert, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, a British aristocrat and amateur Egyptologist who helped finance the search. His death on March 25, 1923 — a year after the tomb was opened — is widely regarded as mysterious, but, in fact, he suffered from poor health before he arrived in Cairo, and in any event died from a decidedly mundane mosquito-carried disease. The idea of a curse was promoted by no less a prominent person than Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who also wrote a book explaining that fairieswere real). There were many dozens of people connected in some way to opening Tutankhamun's tomb (ranging from security guards to archaeologists), and out of that many people some unexpected deaths would be expected by random chance. In his book "An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural," investigator James Randi notes that "the average duration of life for ... those who should have suffered the ancient curse was more than twenty-three years after the 'curse' was supposed to become effective. Carnarvon's daughter died in 1980, a full fifty-seven years later. Howard Carter, who not only discovered the tomb and physically opened it, but also removed the mummy of Tutankhamun from the sarcophagus, lived until 1939, sixteen years after that event." Not only did Carter live to a fairly ripe age of 64 before succumbing to cancer, but Sgt. Richard Adamson, a member of Carter's team who guarded the burial chamber round the clock for seven years and was the European closest to Tutankhamun's remains, lived for another 60 years until his death in 1982. And he is not alone; Randi notes, "This group died at an average age of seventy-three plus years, beating the actuarial tables for persons of that period and social class by about a year. The Curse of the Pharaoh is a beneficial curse, it seems." [Photos: The Life and Death of King Tut] Why a curse? So where did the curse come from? According to Randi, "When Tut's tomb was discovered and opened in 1922, it was a major archaeological event. In order to keep the press at bay and yet allow them a sensational aspect with which to deal, the head of the excavation team, Howard Carter, put out a story that a curse had been placed upon anyone who violated the rest of the boy-king." Carter did not invent the idea of a cursed tomb, but he did exploit it to keep intruders away from his history-making discovery. In fact, the tombs of all royalty — not just Tutankhamun's — were said to have exactly the same "curse" and had been opened with no resulting evil effects. Howard Carter was far from alone in making an effort to scare away potential grave robbers with the threat of supernatural wrath. Indeed, a famous writer offered a very similar curse: Good frend, for Iesus sake forebeare To digge the dust encloased heare. Bleste be ye man [that] spares these stones, And curste be he [that] moves my bones." "Blessed be the man that spares these stones, and cursed be he that moves my bones": This is William Shakespeare's epitaph, dating back to 1616. Though the world's best-known dramatist, Shakespeare was not being dramatic when he wrote these words. Instead, he was trying to prevent something unsavory that neither his fame nor fortune could deter: his corpse being dug up by grave robbers. These "anatomists" did not covet the Bard's body out of spite or malice but instead wanted it for the sake of science, to sell to doctors for medical use in schools. Shakespeare was only one of many at the time concerned about post-mortem theft; grave robbing was quite common during Shakespeare's time and long before. Whether Howard Carter, King Tut, or William Shakespeare truly believed in curses is irrelevant; the important thing is that those who might disturb their graves believe in them. And it worked: nearly a century after Tut's tomb was opened, many people still believe in it

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Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain and has attracted visitors from earliest times. It stands as a timeless monument to the people who built it. The stonehenge that we see today is the final stage that was completed about 3500 years ago, but first let us look back 5000 years. The First Stage  The first Stonehenge was a large earthwork or Henge, comprising a ditch, bank, and the Aubrey holes, all probably built around 3100 BC. The Aubrey holes are round pits in the chalk, about one metre wide and deep, with steep sides and flat bottoms. They form a circle about 284 feet in diameter. Excavations have revealed cremated human bones in some of the chalk filling, but the holes themselves were probably made, not for the purpose of graves, but as part of the religious ceremony. Shortly after this stage Stonehenge was abandoned, left untouched for over 1000 years.

The Second StageThe Arrival of the Bluestones The second and most dramatic stage of Stonehenge started around 2150 BC. Some 82 bluestones from the Preseli mountains, in south-west Wales were transported to the site. It is thought these stones, some weighing 4 tonnes each were dragged on rollers and sledges to the headwaters on Milford Haven and then loaded onto rafts. They were carried by water along the south coast of Wales and up the rivers Avon and Frome, before being dragged overland again to near Warminster in Wiltshire. The final stage of the journey was mainly by water, down the river Wylye to Salisbury, then the Salisbury Avon to west Amesbury. This astonishing journey covers nearly 240 miles. Once at the site, these stones were set up in the centre to form an incomplete double circle. ( During the same period the original entrance of the circular earthwork was widened and a pair of Heel Stones were erected. Also the nearer part of the Avenue was built, aligned with the midsummer sunrise.) Third Stage  The third stage of Stonehenge, about 2000 BC, saw the arrival of the Sarsen stones, which were almost certainly brought from the Marlborough Downs near Avebury, in north Wiltshire, about 25 miles north of Stonehenge. The largest of the Sarsen stones transported to Stonehenge weigh 50 tonnes and transportation by water would have been impossible, the stones could only have been moved using sledges and ropes. Modern calculations show that it would have taken 500 men using leather ropes to pull one stone, with an extra 100 men needed to lay the huge rollers in front of the sledge. These were arranged in an outer circle with a continuous run of lintels. Inside the circle, five trilithons were placed in a horseshoe arrangement, whose remains we can still see today.

The Final Stage The final stage took place soon after 1500 BC when the bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle that we see today. The original number of stones in the bluestone circle was probably around 60, these have long since been removed or broken up. Some remain only as stumps below ground level

Rapa Nui’s mysterious moai statues stand in silence but speak volumes about the achievements of their creators. The stone blocks, carved into head-and-torso figures, average 13 feet (4 meters) tall and 14 tons. The effort to construct these monuments and move them around the island must have been considerable—but no one knows exactly why the Rapa Nui people undertook such a task. Most scholars suspect that the moai were created to honor ancestors, chiefs, or other important personages, However, no written and little oral history exists on the island, so it’s impossible to be certain.

A Polynesian society blossomed in this unlikely locale after hardy souls somehow navigated a fleet of wooden outrigger canoes to this tiny speck in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Here, in isolation some 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) west of South America and 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) from the nearest neighboring island, the Rapa Nui developed a distinct architectural and artistic culture. That culture reached its zenith during the tenth to 16th centuries, when the Rapa Nui carved and erected some 900 moai across the island.

It is generally thought that the Rapa Nui’s demise resulted from an environmental catastrophe of their own making.

It’s not clear when the islands were first settled; estimates range from A.D. 800 to 1200. It’s also not clear how quickly the island ecosystem was wrecked—but a major factor appears to be the cutting of millions of giant palms to clear fields or make fires. It is possible that Polynesian rats, arriving with human settlers, may have eaten enough seeds to help to decimate the trees.

Either way, loss of the trees exposed the island’s rich volcanic soils to serious erosion. When Europeans arrived in 1722, they found the island mostly barren and its inhabitants few.

Today’s tourists are numerous, and most visit the Rano Raraku quarry, which yielded the stones used for almost all of the island’s moai. Rapa Nui’s ancient inhabitants left the quarry in a fascinating condition—it is home to some 400 statues, which appear in all stages of completion.

Meanwhile, across the entire island, many moai are reversing the creation process and deteriorating rapidly from priceless carvings back into plain rock. The volcanic stone is subject to weathering, and intensive conservation efforts are needed to help preserve Rapa Nui’s stone legacy in its present, awe-inspiring state.

How to Get There

It’s miraculous that Polynesian peoples ever reached Rapa Nui in the first place. Getting there today is far easier, but the island is still very far afield. Long flights service Rapa Nui from Santiago, Chile and Tahiti.

When to Visit

High season on Rapa Nui is the Southern Hemisphere summer—January to March. Though winter can get a bit chilly, average maximums still hover around 72ºF (22ºC) and minimums dip to only 57ºF (14ºC)—so the weather is really rather pleasant year-round. Reduced crowds are an added attraction in the off-season.

How to Visit

Cars, motorcycles, and mountain bikes are available for hire and all are good ways for visitors to explore the island’s scattered archaeological sites. While most people visit Rapa Nui to explore its cultural history the island is also home to some excellent diving, surfing, and enticing beaches when a bit of relaxation is in order.

CAN YOU SAY YOU MADE IT?

Follow in the footsteps of the millions of visitors who have crossed Capilano Suspension Bridge since 1889.
Originally built in 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Since then much has been added to the twenty-seven acre park. CLIFFWALK is the park’s newest attraction – a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. Treetops Adventure, seven suspension bridges through the evergreens taking you up to 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor, offers a unique squirrel’s eye perspective of the forest. Guided nature tours, the Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program and the Living Forest exhibit enhance this unique rainforest encounter. Enjoy seasonal musical entertainment and First Nations culture. Take photos at the Totem Park and with the Capilano Tramps. Top it off with a visit to the gift shop full of quality merchandise from all over Canada and great homemade fudge! It’s all in a day’s fun at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Itinerary

DAY ONE – WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN!

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you’ll be met by a Springboard Vacations representative who will transfer you to your hotel, the One & Only Cape Town. The modern chic, this hotel is situated amidst the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can expect an unprecedented level of luxury and exclusivity while admiring the magnificent views of Table Mountain.

DAY TWO – CITY TOURING & TABLE MOUNTAIN

Following breakfast this morning, your guide will pick you up for your Cape Town City Tour. Highlights include the South African Museum and the Castle of Good Hope - the oldest surviving building in South Africa, built between 1666 and 1679.

This afternoon you’ll travel to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Since the first person laid eyes on Table Mountain, it has exerted its powerful and charismatic pull, enchanting and drawing any and all who fall under its spell. The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain and the Cableway reaches the summit in less than 10 minutes.

The balance of the evening is at leisure.

DAY THREE – CAPE OF GOOD HOPE & BOULDERS BEACH

Your driver/guide will pick you up after breakfast and you will travel via the 12 Apostles and Hout Bay, as well as Chapman’s Peak (dependent on the road being open) – one of the most dramatic mountain drives in the world.

Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the majestic Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope - popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. You’ll continue to Simon’s Town to enjoy lunch at Black Marlin Restaurant.

Following lunch you’ll visit a colony of African Penguins in their natural environment at Boulders Beach. On the return trip to Cape Town you can stop at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora.

DAY FOUR – FOOD, WINE, CHEESE & CHOCOLATE

This morning after breakfast your driver/guide will take you on a scenic and historic drive through the local wine regions in the Western Cape: Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The day will include stopping at some of the famous wine estates to sample the local wines produced in South Africa. For a delicious alternative to the regular wine tasting, you’ll indulge in a cheese & wine experience that pairs top ranking goats’ cheeses with an elegant range of wines.

Lunch today is a special treat: Babel, the restaurant at Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm with vineyards and orchards surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Drakenstein Valley. Following lunch you’ll visit a working wine farm and sample some of the country’s finest Cap Classique at Haute Cabrière, a wine farm steeped in history and local lore. Then visit to Waterford Estate in Stellenboschfor an all-encompassing sensory experience custom-made chocolates paired with our red and dessert wines.

Tonight you’ll stay at Le Quartier Français, nestled in the heart of Franschhoek.

DAY FIVE – WALKING, TASTING, HISTORY & ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST RESTAURANTS

Today you’ll explore the beautiful, historic town of Stellenbosch. Your guide will escort you through the town as you savor the many delicacies of this area on this half walking tour. Highlights of this experience include a guided historic walking tour of the town center, tasting of indigenous teas and old-style rusks, wine tastings (non-alcoholic alternatives available), a heritage lunch at the oldest hotel in the country and nostalgic sweets.

The afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight you’ll experience a distinct and exclusive indulgence: dinner at The Tasting Room. Voted one of the best restaurants in the world. Reservations here can take months to arrange, but our exclusive package includes an 8 course dining experience you will talk about for years to come.

DAY SIX – JOHANNESBURG

This morning you’ll be transferred back to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Our representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel, the Sandton Sun. Elegant and legendary, the Sandton Sun is linked to the Sandton City Shopping Centre.

Spend the balance of today at leisure.

DAY SEVEN – SOWETO & NELSON MANDELA HOUSE

After breakfast you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a sightseeing tour of Johannesburg and the neighboring township of Soweto. Soweto played a very important role in the struggle against apartheid, which eventually led to South Africa’s new democracy. The peaceful transition is regarded as one of the greatest achievements of humankind in the 20th century! Highlights of this half day tour include: a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighborhood life: two Nobel Prize winners previous residences: the Hector Pieterson memorial and Nelson Mandela House. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

DAY EIGHT – SABI SANDS

Today begins your Africa safari. Following breakfast your driver will pick you up and transfer you to O.R Tambo International Airport for your flight to Sabi Sands airstrip. On arrival at the Sabi Sabi airstrip you will be met and transferred in an open vehicle from the airstrip to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolizing a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.

As in nature everything at Earth Lodge exists in harmony and you are immediately aware of a sense of calm and a restoring spirit. Your ultra-luxurious suite is a masterpiece of artistry and innovation and features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and butler service. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic.

Spend the afternoon at leisure… enjoy the swimming pool or just relaxing around the lodge.

During afternoon game drives you will have the opportunity to view all different species of African game during this special time of the day. During different game drives at different times of the day you will have a unique experience as the animals have different habits at each time of the day. During your afternoon game drive you will see the game moving towards the different waterholes to relieve their thirst. This then leads to large number of animals concentrated around water sources.

On your return to the lodge guests will have time to freshen up before enjoying a drink around the bar. Dinner will be served in the boma (weather permitting).

DAY NINE – MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES AND VILLAGE TOUR

You’ll have an early morning wake up call before meeting in the central area for tea & coffee, the off on your morning game drive in an open vehicle and your experienced game rangers and trackers. Return to the lodge in time for a scrumptious breakfast.

After breakfast you will partake in a community tour:For decades, visitors to Sabi Sabi have been intrigued by the local Shangaan culture and customs of nearby villages. Stories are shared by the many Shangaan staff members who call the private game reserve home; with their rich heritage, in-depth knowledge of the bushveld and local legends adding a fascinating dimension to a memorable safari. Now you are able to gain even more insight into authentic village life by taking part in a tour of neighboring communities during your stay at Sabi Sabi.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge.

After tea, coffee and cake in the central area of the lodge you’ll depart on an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. On your return to the lodge guests will have time to freshen up before enjoying a drink around the bar. Dinner will be served in the boma (weather permitting).

DAY TEN – MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES

You’ll have an early morning wake up call before meeting in the central area for tea & coffee, the off on your morning game drive in an open vehicle and your experienced game rangers and trackers. Return to the lodge in time for a scrumptious breakfast.

Following breakfast you can enjoy a morning bush walk which is an excellent opportunity to learn more about nature and the African bush. Your experienced game tracker will ensure that you learn about nature in a safe and secure environment.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge, the early part of the afternoon will be at leisure.

After tea, coffee and cake in the central area of the lodge you’ll depart on an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. On your return to the lodge guests will have time to freshen up before enjoying a drink around the bar before dinner.

DAY ELEVEN – DEPARTURE

You’ll have an early morning game drive this morning, followed by breakfast back at the Lodge. You’ll then be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Johannesburg and on home