Really Old Things

One of the greatest aspects of historical study is its ability to make the past tangible. Though we lack physical evidence for some of the most intriguing and monumental sites of the past (i.e. The Colossus at Rhodes or The Hanging Gardens of Babylon), we are blessed with a bounty of relics of the Earth's past that still exist today. Natural features shaped over millennia, documents miraculously preserved through the ages, and glorious (or inglorious) buildings from previous Civilizations afford us invaluable insight into what the world was like before we arrived on the scene. Some physical historical evidence is iconic, some is obscure. Regardless, these really old things are full of experience, significance, and wonder.

Methuselah (ca. 2832 BC)

Until this year, Methuselah held the distinction of being the oldest non-clonal tree in the world. At 4845 years of age, this Great Basin bristlecone pine's exact location in the White Mountains of California is kept a secret- sadly, for the fear that the ancient tree would be defaced by vandals ("Methuselah Tree"). In addition to being a really badass-sounding name, Methuselah is a very fitting one- Biblical figure Methuselah was purported to be the oldest man in human history, living to the ripe old age of 969 years old. Oh, the Social Security... 

Hurrian Hymn no. 6 (ca. 1400 BC)

Discovered in Syria in the mid-20th Century, "Hurrian Hymn no. 6" is the oldest melody known to the human race. More than 3400 years old, the melody's arrangement has been preserved in the form of cuneiform inscriptions on clay tablets. While it's staggering to think how audio recordings may bring us into the studio with Louis Armstrong in 1931, or into John Lennon's bedroom at The Dakota, the existential weight that accompanies the realization that this ancient music has survived & can be performed today is immense.

The Treasury at Petra (ca. 1st Century AD)

Perhaps most recognized for its appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the ancient Jordanian city of Petra remained unknown to the Western world until 1812. Legend holds that The Treasury, or "Al Khazneh," once stored the wealth of an Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of Moses. It was originally built, though, as a Mausoleum during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris ("Petra"). The spectacular building was carved into the side of the sandstone cliffs southern Jordan, and seemingly belongs to the fantasy world of Indiana Jones more than it does to this one. 

Cenacle (Date Unknown)

The Cenacle, commonly known as the "Upper Room," has been identified by some scholars as the first Christian Church. It's better known, though, for hosting the Last Supper. Let me re-type that in caps lock for added emphasis: THE LAST SUPPER. The Cenacle is also considered to be the site of numerous events of significance in the New Testament, including the washing of the feet; several resurrection appearances of Jesus; and the gathering of the disciples after the Ascension of Jesus. The building miraculously survived Titus's destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and subsequent crises during the Crusades and Ottoman rule over the region ("Jerusalem (A.D. 71-1099)").

University of Oxford (ca. 1096 AD)

Fun Fact: Oxford University is older than the Aztecs. The origination of the Aztec Civilization was marked by the establishment of Tenochtitlan in 1325. Though its exact date of establishment is unknown, teaching had begun at Oxford by 1096 (Just imagine those 11th Century Frat Stars...). By contrast, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, Harvard University, was founded in 1636- a 540-year age difference ("History"). Even Hugh Hefner couldn't justify that. 

Nicolas Cage (ca. mid-19th Century)

Evidently, Nic Cage has been around since the Civil War era. Fortunately, due to his spectacular longevity, Cage has been able to grace the silver screen an astounding 72 times, appearing in national treasures such as Bangkok Dangerous, Ghost Rider, and The Wicker Man ("Nicolas Cage"). Be careful what you say about Nic Cage, because he's probably a vampire.
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Fortescue, Adrian. "Jerusalem (A.D. 71-1099)." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 8. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 25 Oct. 2013<http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08355a.htm>.
"History." Harvard University. Harvard University, n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.harvard.edu/history>.

"Methuselah Tree." NOVA Online. PBS, Nov. 2001. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/methuselah/>.

"Nicolas Cage." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000115/>.
"Petra." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations, n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326>.