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This is the second part of our series regarding the Philippine discoveries that showcases its significant contributions towards unlocking our ancient history.
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00:00On the fateful day of March 17, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his crew made their historic encounter
00:07with the indigenous people of Homonon Island, a crucial moment that would ultimately contribute
00:13to the formation of the Philippines as we know it today. Their journey continued to Lima Sawa,
00:20where the very first Catholic Mass in the country was solemnly celebrated, marking the beginning
00:25of a profound cultural and religious transformation in the archipelago. This event is often regarded
00:32as the inception of the country's recorded history. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge
00:37that the nation had its own rich history, culture, and literature before their arrival.
00:43Before Magellan's expedition reached the archipelago, the islands were already bustling with life,
00:49with communities established across the breadth of the land. Thus, it would be more accurate
00:55to say that Magellan didn't discover the Philippines, but rather he arrived at a shore that was
01:00already part of a thriving civilization. As a matter of fact, the history of human settlement
01:06in this region dates back much further than previously believed. This was substantiated by
01:12the discovery of ancient rhinoceros bones, bearing the signs of butchery and accompanying stone tools
01:18in the island of Luzon, dating back a staggering 709,000 years. Contrary to the portrayal in mainstream
01:26narratives of the Spanish encountering a primitive, unsophisticated populace, the reality was starkly
01:33different. The dignified presence of native chieftains, elegantly clothed in silk and exuding a sense of
01:39grandeur, reveals a culture of profound elegance and advancement, well-established long before colonial
01:46forces made their mark. Also, one of its most important historical artifacts, the Laguna copperplate
01:52inscription is a testament to a literate society, capable of drafting complex legal documents etched
01:59onto copper plates. Unfortunately, the intense religious zeal of the Spanish colonizers led to the
02:05systematic obliteration of many pre-colonial records. As a result, our grasp of the rich and deep history
02:13preceding their arrival is fragmentary, relying significantly on historical narratives from
02:18other countries that had interactions with the archipelago. Fast forward to the present,
02:24the Philippines stands out as a global treasure, its significance far surpassing what one might
02:30initially imagine. This nation is a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity, a vibrant tropical
02:37haven in the pulsating heart of Southeast Asia. It boasts a rich tapestry of endemic wildlife and lush
02:44vegetation, some species of which are exclusive to its islands, showcasing the unparalleled natural wealth
02:51of this archipelago. The importance of the Philippines extends far beyond its extraordinary biodiversity,
02:58reaching into the realm of global strategy and influence. Strategically bridging the East and West,
03:04it plays an undeniable role in global trade and geopolitics. Commanding the routes of almost two
03:11thirds of global maritime commerce, the waters of the Philippines are a daily thoroughfare for vessels
03:16laden with the latest technological innovations and essential energy commodities. This strategic
03:22position not only situates the country at the core of global shipping routes, but also grants it
03:28considerable influence over international trade dynamics, establishing it as a key player on the
03:34global stage. Truly, the Philippines has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once perceived by
03:40Spanish explorers as an uncivilized land, it has risen to become a formidable force on the international
03:47stage, but its significance doesn't end there. The country's contributions to unlocking the secrets of
03:53our ancient history are equally impressive. These groundbreaking discoveries have not only enriched our
03:59knowledge, but have also radically transformed our perception of history as we knew it. Kalao Man
04:06In 2007, a remarkable archaeological breakthrough unfolded in the Philippines when a team of archaeologists
04:14made an astonishing discovery in Kalao Cave, Cagayan, a human foot bone, specifically the third metatarsal.
04:21Employing the cutting-edge dating technique known as uranium series dating, they determined the bone to be an
04:28astonishing 67,000 years old. This extraordinary find stands as the earliest known human fossil in the
04:36entire Asia-Pacific region. Before this discovery, the most ancient human remains in the country were attributed to
04:42the Taban Man, dating back 50,000 years. Scholars now suggest that the individual known as Kalao Man,
04:52later classified as Homo Luzonensis, likely journeyed to the island of Luzon from Indonesia, possibly via rafts.
05:00This theory challenges previous assumptions, painting a picture of early humans as adept mariners, capable of
05:06navigating vast oceanic expanses, a feat once thought beyond their capabilities. This discovery has
05:14broadened the understanding of scholars, revealing that the small-sized Homo floresiensis, colloquially
05:20known as the Hobbit, wasn't alone in its diminutive form. Similarly, Homo Luzonensis, with a stature
05:27under four feet, demonstrated remarkable versatility, being as proficient in climbing trees as they were
05:33walking on the grounds. It's astonishing to discover that these diminutive beings shared the planet during
05:40the same era as their more advanced counterparts, such as the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The discovery not
05:47only expanded our understanding of the Kalao Man, but also offered insights into their way of life.
05:53Archaeologists noted cut marks on the bones of deer and boar near the human remains, indicating that they were
06:00skilled and effective hunters. However, despite these findings, no man-made hunting tools were
06:06uncovered during the excavation, leaving uncertain whether they had developed the capability to craft
06:11such tools. Ultimately, the discovery of the Kalao Man species signifies a monumental advancement in
06:18evolutionary biology, overturning conventional perspectives and theories. The intricate mosaic of
06:25traits drawn from various early human species suggest that the path of human evolution was far more
06:31complex and diverse than previously understood. Land of Ophir
06:36Unraveling the precise whereabouts of the Land of Ophir stands as one of the most captivating puzzles
06:42within the realm of Biblical archaeology. The intrigue surrounding this quest is well-founded,
06:48given Ophir's legendary reputation for its unparalleled gold and priceless treasures.
06:53The mystery deepens with various theories, proposing different locations for this mythical land, each more
07:00compelling than the last. Among these, the Philippines emerges as a leading candidate. The Holy Bible
07:06contains numerous accounts highlighting Ophir's vast riches. For example, in his quest to acquire the
07:14finest materials for the construction of the Lord's Temple, King David procured exquisite gold and wood
07:20from this region. These materials were chosen to reflect the temple's divine holiness and grandeur.
07:27With the aid of Hiram, the illustrious King of Tyre, King Solomon launched grand expeditions to the fabled
07:33Ophir, amassing incredible quantities of gold that significantly augmented his legendary wealth.
07:40The sheer opulence of Ophir's treasures has led scholars to propose that Solomon's voyages to this remote
07:46realm were meticulously planned to recur every three years. Each expedition embarked with the sole purpose
07:53of harvesting its renowned and coveted wealth. The Colección General de Documentos Relativos a las Islas
08:00Filipinas, unearthed in Spain, offers insights into the navigation towards Ophir. Document No. 98, spanning the years
08:081519-1522, outlines a detailed route to Ophir, starting from the Cape of Good Hope in Africa,
08:16passing through India, Burma, Sumatra, the Moluccas, Borneo and Sulu, before reaching Ophir, which lies
08:24adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Along this journey, explorers would occasionally detour to Taiwan and
08:30other islands in Polynesia, in search of precious stones and valuable goods, before making their way back
08:36to Ophir and ultimately Israel, retracing their steps along the same path. Ophir was depicted as lying
08:43opposite China, by the sea, amidst numerous islands where traders from the Moluccas, China and Liqueos
08:49convened. This group of islands could only fit the description of the present-day Philippines, as neither
08:56Japan nor Taiwan matched the criteria. Moreover, Spanish historical accounts reference the Liqueos, who might
09:03have been of Phoenician descent, frequenting the Philippines to procure gold and silver, further
09:08supporting this identification. Some historians believe that Ophir's seat in the country was on the
09:14Pacific side of Samar Island. Batanes Castle
09:19Batanes stands as one of the Philippines' most picturesque islands, nestled in the northernmost
09:25region of the country. Despite being the smallest province in terms of both population and land area,
09:31it harbors ancient pre-colonial fortifications shrouded within its rugged mountainous landscape,
09:37with a history stretching back approximately 4,000 years. These citadels were carved out of the
09:43mountains by pre-Hispanic yvatans and locally known as Ijung, meaning mountain fortress. Essentially,
09:51these structures functioned as castles, fulfilling a similar purpose to European structures, albeit with
09:57distinct architectural features. These elevated rocky settlements, intrinsic to Austronesian cultures,
10:04served as defensive strongholds against not only hostile neighboring clans, but also external threats,
10:10such as pirates and raiders. During confrontations, the Ivatan inhabitants would hurl stones from atop the
10:17Ijung, enhancing their defensive capabilities. These stone structures were also used for inhabitation and
10:24protection from harsh weathers. Even in the present day, the island remains susceptible to typhoons.
10:30Additionally, the terraced areas surrounding the dwellings primarily functioned as agricultural
10:36zones for cultivating sweet potatoes and various traditional crops. Signs of past habitation were
10:42documented through the discovery of earthenware vessels, glass beads, jar burials, and various ceramics.
10:50Even after the Spanish forces asserted control of Ivatanes under the leadership of Governor General
10:55José Basco Ivargas, the resilient Ivatan population continued to inhabit their sturdy Ijungs. The eventual
11:03abandonment of these fortress-like stone walls occurred during the 1790s, influenced by taxation decrees
11:10and the growing spread of Christianity on the island. This religious transformation effectively
11:16prompted more villagers to forsake these ancient citadels.
11:20Otan Golden Death Mask
11:23In 1967, a remarkable archaeological discovery unfolded in Otan Iloilo, unveiling one of the
11:30most mesmerizing ancient artworks ever found in the Philippines, the Otan Golden Death Mask.
11:37Originating from the late 14th to early 15th century, this mask distinguishes itself with its
11:43captivating history and exceptional artistic craftsmanship. But what precisely is it? And for
11:50what reason was it created? Historians assert that the mask was an integral part of burial customs of
11:56the early Biseyans. Their belief was that the gold coverings placed over the eyes, nose, and mouth
12:03acted as a protective shield for the deceased against malevolent spirits seeking to inhabit the body.
12:10They attributed the power to the radiant nature of gold, which they believed drove away these
12:15malevolent forces. Gold also symbolized social status, and individuals of high rank were interred
12:22with an abundance of gold, including face covers, small gold items within the burial shroud, precious
12:29jewelry, beads, and other cherished possessions such as ceramics. The tradition of adorning faces with
12:36golden masks spans a remarkable 1,700-year history. And intriguingly, parallels to this practice have
12:44been uncovered in the burial customs of Indonesia and Vietnam, adding depth to its historical significance.
12:51Ancient Basket and Rope Making
12:54Basket making stands as one of the Philippines' cherished national handicrafts. And intriguingly,
13:00this skill traces its roots back to our ancestors thousands of years ago. Archaeologists have
13:06unearthed compelling proof of this craft's existence within Tabon Cave on Palawan Island, dating back an
13:12astonishing 39,000 to 33,000 years. These findings provide compelling proof that our ancestors possessed a
13:21penchant for weaving organic materials, utilizing them in the creation of practical tools like baskets,
13:27traps, traps, and possibly even boats. Fiber technology holds immense significance,
13:33as it empowered our ancestors to craft not only baskets and traps, but also versatile ropes. These ropes
13:40serve multiple purposes, enabling the construction of shelters, the crafting of sailboats, the utilization of
13:47hunting bows, and the creation of composite objects. Ancient civilizations likely placed significant
13:54reliance on plant materials for textiles and cordage, taking advantage of the flexibility and strength
14:00offered by plant fibers, akin to modern communities. However, it's noteworthy that plant-based artifacts,
14:07such as baskets and ropes, are infrequently preserved in archaeological archives, particularly
14:13within tropical regions. As a result, the technological advancements in prehistoric plant-based
14:19technology often elude comprehensive examination by modern science. Therefore, this discovery holds
14:26great significance, as it represents some of the oldest evidence of fiber technology in Southeast Asia,
14:32shedding light on the technological prowess of prehistoric communities dating back 39,000 years.
14:39This evidence stems from stone tools found in Tabon Cave, dating as far back as 39,000 years ago,
14:46which exhibit microscopic damage indicative of their use. Present-day indigenous communities in this
14:53region continue to employ tools for processing plants like bamboo and palm, transforming rigid stems
15:00into flexible fibers for weaving and tying. Researchers conducted experiments to replicate these plant
15:06processing techniques and discovered that they leave behind a distinctive pattern of microscopic damage
15:13on stone tools. Remarkably, this identical pattern was identified on three stone artifacts recovered
15:20from Tabon Cave. As we move forward, the unfolding tapestry of discoveries will continue to unveil the
15:28Philippines' vast historical riches. Every artifact and insight uncovered not only enriches our grasp of this
15:35dynamic nation, but also solidifies its role as a key guardian of human heritage.
15:41But what are your thoughts about this? I hope you like our story. Until the next one!
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