This blog post explores how game theory can explain ancient debt inheritance practices. It argues that varying customs, like the complete forgiveness of debts upon death or the inheritance of debt by heirs, can be understood as strategic responses to different social and economic environments. Where strong social ties and community enforcement existed, debt forgiveness could be sustainable. Conversely, in societies with weaker community bonds, inheriting debt incentivized responsible lending and borrowing by holding both parties accountable, even beyond death. This system, akin to a repeated game in game theory, fostered trust and facilitated economic activity by increasing the likelihood of repayment.
A shift towards softer foods in ancient human diets, starting around the time of the Neolithic agricultural revolution, inadvertently changed the way our jaws develop. This resulted in a more common occurrence of overbites, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. This change in jaw structure, in turn, facilitated the pronunciation of labiodental sounds like "f" and "v," which were less common in languages spoken by hunter-gatherer populations with edge-to-edge bites. The study used biomechanical modeling and analyzed phonetic data from a variety of languages, concluding that the overbite facilitates these sounds, offering a selective advantage in populations consuming softer foods.
HN commenters discuss the methodology of the study, questioning the reliance on biomechanical models and expressing skepticism about definitively linking soft food to overbite development over other factors like genetic drift. Several users point out that other primates, like chimpanzees, also exhibit labiodental articulation despite not having undergone the same dietary shift. The oversimplification of the "soft food" category is also addressed, with commenters noting variations in food processing across different ancient cultures. Some doubt the practicality of reconstructing speech sounds based solely on skeletal remains, highlighting the missing piece of soft tissue data. Finally, the connection between overbite and labiodental sounds is challenged, with some arguing that an edge-to-edge bite is sufficient for producing these sounds.
Scientists have used advanced imaging techniques, including X-ray micro-CT scanning, to virtually unwrap and decipher text from a charred scroll discovered in Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. The scroll, too fragile to physically unroll, is believed to contain philosophical writings by Philodemus, an Epicurean philosopher. While the process is still in its early stages, researchers have successfully deciphered some Greek letters and words, offering hope for further deciphering the text and gaining valuable insights into ancient philosophy.
HN commenters discuss the challenges and potential rewards of virtually unwrapping the En-Gedi scroll. Several express excitement about the technology used and the historical significance of the text, hoping it reveals more of Leviticus. Some are skeptical about the readability given the scroll's condition, while others debate the ethics and practicality of physically unrolling such fragile artifacts. The potential for AI to assist in the process and reconstruct missing text fragments is also a topic of discussion, with some cautioning against overreliance on these methods. A few users share links to previous work on the scroll and other related projects.
Analysis of ancient genomes from burials in Germany dating to the Iron Age revealed a surprising social structure. High-status graves consistently contained women who were not biologically related to lower-status individuals buried nearby, suggesting that women married into the community from elsewhere. Conversely, men buried in lower-status graves were genetically related to each other, indicating they remained in their birthplace. This pattern suggests a patrilocal society where social standing and inheritance were passed down through the female line, indicating women held a prominent role in community leadership and power.
HN commenters discuss the methodology and conclusions of the study regarding an Iron Age society seemingly centered on women. Several express skepticism about the claim, questioning whether the burial practices necessarily reflect social power structures, suggesting alternative explanations like differential preservation of remains or ritual significance. Some also point out the small sample size and potential biases. Others highlight the importance of challenging traditional historical narratives and the possibility of diverse social structures in the past, while acknowledging the need for further research to confirm these findings. The discussion touches on matrilineality versus matriarchy and the frequent conflation of the two. Some also note the sensationalized title and urge caution in interpreting the results.
The Alexander Mosaic, depicting the Battle of Issus, incorporates a variety of geological materials sourced across the Hellenistic world. Researchers analyzed the mosaic's tesserae, identifying stones like Egyptian and other marbles, various limestones, volcanic glass, and rocks containing specific minerals like serpentine and magnetite. This diverse geological palette reveals ancient trade networks and access to a wide range of stone resources, highlighting the logistical complexity and artistic ambition behind the mosaic's creation. The study demonstrates how geological analysis can shed light on ancient art, providing insights into material sourcing, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
Hacker News users discuss the difficulty in comprehending the vastness of geological time, with one suggesting a visualization tool that maps durations to physical distances. Commenters also explore the relationship between art and deep time, sparked by the mosaic's depiction of Alexander the Great, a figure whose historical timeframe is itself dwarfed by geological scales. Some highlight the challenge of accurately representing scientific concepts for a general audience while others express fascination with the mosaic itself and its historical context. A few commenters point out the article's focus on the stone's provenance rather than the mosaic's artistry, acknowledging the surprising geological journey of the materials used in its creation.
Researchers are analyzing a 2,100-year-old mosaic depicting Alexander the Great's victory at Issus, aiming to restore it. Using non-invasive techniques like multispectral imaging and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, they're studying the mosaic's materials and deterioration processes. This information will guide the restoration, preserving the artwork and potentially revealing hidden details lost to time and damage. The mosaic, originally part of the House of the Faun in Pompeii, is a significant example of Hellenistic art and provides valuable insights into ancient craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
HN users discuss the challenges and complexities of restoring the Issus mosaic, praising the researchers' efforts in analyzing the tesserae's material composition and degradation. Several commenters express fascination with the mosaic's age and historical significance, while others focus on the technical aspects of the restoration process, including the use of non-invasive techniques and the debate between recreating the original versus preserving the current state. Some also note the difficulty in determining the original colors and arrangement, given the mosaic's extensive damage and past restoration attempts. The ethical considerations of restoration are also touched upon, questioning how much intervention is appropriate. A few commenters express skepticism about the article's claim that the mosaic depicts the Battle of Issus, suggesting alternative interpretations.
The Byzantine-Sassanian War of 602-628 CE, often considered the final major conflict of antiquity, was a devastating struggle between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Persian Empire. Triggered by a Persian revolt against the pro-Byzantine Persian emperor Maurice, the war escalated into a brutal back-and-forth campaign spanning decades and vast territories. The Persians achieved remarkable early successes, conquering large swaths of the Byzantine Levant, Egypt, and Anatolia. However, Emperor Heraclius rallied the Byzantines, launching a daring counteroffensive deep into Persian territory. This, coupled with internal strife within the Sassanian Empire, ultimately led to a Byzantine victory. The war drastically weakened both empires, leaving them vulnerable to the emerging Islamic caliphate, which would soon conquer much of the region. The conflict fundamentally reshaped the political and religious landscape of the Near East, marking a pivotal transition from the classical to the medieval world.
HN commenters discuss the brutal and exhausting nature of the Byzantine-Sassanian War, highlighting its devastating impact on both empires and paving the way for the Islamic conquests. Several commenters point out the cyclical nature of empires, with one suggesting the war was a Pyrrhic victory for Byzantium, leaving them vulnerable. The religious aspects of the conflict are also touched upon, with one commenter mentioning the persecution of Zoroastrians in the Roman Empire. Another commenter emphasizes the importance of primary sources like the Strategikon of Maurice for understanding Byzantine military thought. Finally, the relative lack of popular awareness of this historically significant war is noted, despite its profound consequences.
Divers off the coast of Spain have recovered remnants of a Phoenician shipwreck dating back approximately 2,600 years. The vessel, discovered near Mazarrón, carried ingots of tin likely originating from the Iberian Peninsula or even Cornwall, suggesting extensive trade networks during the 7th century B.C. Researchers believe the ship sank during a storm while en route to Cadiz, where the tin would have been exchanged for other valuable goods. The recovered artifacts, including the remarkably well-preserved tin ingots marked with Phoenician script, offer valuable insight into ancient maritime trade and shipbuilding practices.
Hacker News users discuss the exciting discovery of the 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck. Some express amazement at the preservation of the ship after so long underwater, particularly the survival of organic materials like wood. Several commenters delve into the historical significance of the find, highlighting the Phoenicians' extensive maritime trade network and the potential for this wreck to offer new insights into their seafaring technology and trade practices. One user questions the description of the ship as "Phoenician," pointing out the complexities of assigning a distinct national identity to ancient Mediterranean peoples. Others discuss the legal and ethical aspects of recovering artifacts from shipwrecks, and the challenges of preserving them. Several share additional resources, including links to documentaries about ancient shipwrecks and information about other Phoenician archaeological finds.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43248993
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and cultural context of the debt settlement methods described in the linked article. Some questioned the realism of the scenarios presented, arguing that the proposed game theory model oversimplifies complex social dynamics and power imbalances of ancient societies. Others highlighted the importance of reputation and social capital in these pre-legal systems, suggesting that maintaining community trust was a more powerful motivator than the threat of ostracization presented in the game theory example. Several commenters pointed out similar historical examples of debt inheritance and social mechanisms for resolving them, drawing comparisons to practices in various cultures. There was also discussion about the effectiveness of ostracization as a punishment and how it compares to modern legal systems.
The Hacker News post titled "Game Theory and Settling the Debts of the Deceased in Ancient Times" (linking to a blog post on politicalcalculations.blogspot.com) has generated a modest discussion with a few interesting points.
One commenter highlights the complexity of inheritance laws throughout history, pointing out that primogeniture (the eldest son inheriting everything) was a relatively late development. They mention that earlier systems often involved complex divisions of property among heirs, potentially including daughters and other relatives, sometimes with specific items allocated to specific individuals. This commenter suggests that understanding these nuances is important for interpreting historical legal texts and practices related to debt and inheritance.
Another commenter focuses on the practicalities of debt enforcement in ancient societies, arguing that it would have been extremely difficult to collect debts from someone who had moved away or disappeared, especially in the absence of sophisticated record-keeping and communication systems. They suggest the blog post's game theory analysis might oversimplify the situation by assuming perfect information and enforceability.
A third commenter raises the issue of social reputation and its role in ensuring debt repayment. They contend that in tight-knit communities, the threat of reputational damage could have been a powerful motivator for heirs to honor their deceased relatives' debts, even without strict legal obligations. This perspective emphasizes the social and cultural context alongside the purely economic considerations presented in the blog post.
A final commenter briefly touches on the concept of "debt bondage," suggesting that in some ancient societies, unpaid debts could lead to enslavement of the debtor or their family members. This comment hints at the potentially severe consequences of debt in those times.
While the discussion thread isn't particularly extensive, it does offer some valuable perspectives that add nuance to the blog post's analysis. The commenters bring in important considerations related to historical inheritance practices, the practicalities of debt enforcement, the role of social reputation, and the potential for severe consequences like debt bondage.