Free Republic

Herodotus tells us of the Scythians, who ravaged the Middle East and Europe. The Romans later defeated Sarmatians on the plains of Pannonia. Even further back in history we know of the Indo-Aryan Mittani in Syria, while there are hints of a relationship between nomadic societies on the steppe of Eurasia and later settled populations in Eastern Europe, Iran & India. Because of the lack of literacy in most of the world before 500 B.C. we must rely on archaeology to connect the vaguest of these dots... Standard physical anthropological methods did yield results which suggested that populations of European...

Median era ring discovered in Iran Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:56:15 A Faravahar, a symbol of Zoroastrianism A unique ring belonging to the Median era adorned with a carved Farvahar, a symbol of Zoroastrianism, has been found in western Iran. Archeological excavations in Iran's western province of Lorestan resulted in the discovery of a ring which dates back to the Bronze Age and is decorated with a symbol of Zoroastrianism. The figure in the Farvahar is wearing Mede attire and a hat. The long-bearded man is facing the left as he emerges from the Sun. Wide open wings are seen...

A man and woman who were apparently panhandling at the Topsham Fair Mall entrance were charged with assault on Saturday, after they allegedly became physical with a mother and daughter attempting to warn motorists of alleged fraud. Meanwhile, a video posted online of the confrontation has been viewed thousands of times. Topsham police were called to the mall at approximately 4:50 p.m. Saturday after the incident occurred, according to Police Chief Christopher Lewis. After speaking with witnesses and those involved, police issued summonses to Carl Brown, 79, with a last known address of Bath, and Mary Rousselle, 41, of Brunswick...