Photo: ブルーノ via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Amaterasu Railway is a tiny sightseeing train that takes visitors on a 30-minute ride and showcases some beautiful landmarks in the Miyazaki Prefecture. (A highlight includes Japan's highest train bridge, which stands 344 feet tall.) The train itself, however, has some quirky elements that make it a lovable sight in its own right, from its open roof and pink-colored cars to the fact that the conductors blow bubbles along the ride. Now, it has added an even more interesting feature. It has ditched regular fuel to run on a particular kind of biodiesel made, among other delicacies, from leftover ramen broth. It leaves a delicious aroma in the air and is less damaging to the mountainous landscapes and rice fields that it travels through.

Biodiesel refers to fuel for diesel engines made from vegetable oil or animal fat and offers an alternative to fossil fuels. In regions such as the U.S. and Europe, biodiesel has been produced with vegetable oil from rapeseed, canola, or soybeans, while the Japanese industry avoids competing with food producers for resources and turns to waste cooking oil or even food leftovers.

For the switch, the Amaterasu Railway partnered with Nishida Logistics, a transportation company from the neighboring Fukuoka Prefecture that has pioneered a handful of biodiesel types for its truck fleet. As for the biodiesel that is used by this train, 90% originates from tempura oil and other cooking oils, while 10% is from tonkotsu ramen broth. Its resources come from local restaurants. To transform this fatty broth into biodiesel, the company separates lard from leftover pork bone soup and then refines it using a special method that avoids hardening. The only downside of this biodiesel is that it can only be stored for a couple of months at the most before oxidation begins to tamper its efficiency.

The first test drives took place last July. The biodiesel fuel was able to power the train, which comprised two wagons and the weight of up to 60 passengers, with no issue—even on an uphill stretch. Although regular replacement of the fuel filter is required, the cost is said to be about the same as conventional fuel. Moreover, the delicious smell left by the burnt biodiesel has visitors asking the train conductors if there is a restaurant nearby.

The Amaterasu Railway is a tiny scenic train that has ditched regular fuel to run on a particular kind of biodiesel made, among other delicacies, from leftover ramen broth.

To transform this fatty broth into biodiesel, the company separates lard from leftover pork bone soup and then refines it using a special method that avoids hardening.

h/t: [Spoon Tamago]

Related Articles:

French Law Now Requires Large Parking Lots To Be Covered in Solar Panels

Glasgow Nightclub Turns Dancers’ Body Heat Into Thermal Energy

Scientists Say Not to Bag Your Raked Leaves This Fall

Student Designs 3D-Printed Robot Fish That Filters Microplastics From Water

READ: This Japanese Train Ditched Conventional Fuel and Now Runs on Leftover Ramen Broth

Photo: Screenshot from Reddit

Throughout the history of humankind, people have had to make do with their resources as a means of survival. This led to the creation of techniques to maximize food or take care of their health—which now look archaic when compared to contemporary solutions. A good example of this is water filtration. Despite sounding like a modern concept, a Mayan water filtration system from hundreds of years ago was recently uncovered. Now, a viral TikTok video has spotlighted an old filtration technique from the desert regions of the Middle East.

The video was first shared by blogger Muhammad Al Hussainan. The original caption describes the process as water extraction after the rain and sets the stage for the fascinating filtration process that is depicted in the footage.

While a puddle of dirty rainwater in the middle of the desert sounds like a less-than-ideal source of water, one of the men in the video suggests that it can be used to make coffee and proceeds to explain how the soil is a natural filter. He then goes on to pour the water outside of the original puddle and let it flow back in, explaining that it works as having a little cistern. This way, the sediments catch the particles mixed in the water.

Slowly but surely, the man gathers the dirty water using a bottle. As the recycled liquids start coming through again, it appears increasingly clean, ending up with a pool of crystal clear water. “Who would have that this was the dirty water looking like this? Now we can make coffee” reacts the man taking the video. “You can get coffee or make anything else,” replies another.

Although the water seems ready to go, the fact they are making coffee seems to suggest an additional boiling process to get rid of bacteria. However, the fact that plain rainwater can be filtered in the middle of the desert is a resourceful—and life-saving—piece of knowledge. It has likely helped many people over time, especially in one of the warmest regions on the planet, where temperatures of up to 130 º F have been recorded.

A video shared by blogger Muhammad Al Hussainan has spotlighted an old filtration technique from the desert regions of the Middle East.

Photo: Screenshot from Reddit

You can watch the video with English subtitles below.

h/t: [Reddit]

Related Articles:

Wax Worms Can Break Down Plastic With Their Saliva

French Law Now Requires Large Parking Lots To Be Covered in Solar Panels

Bring Your Broken Electronics to a “Repair Cafe” To Save Money and the Environment

Scientists Say Not to Bag Your Raked Leaves This Fall

READ: Enlightening Video Explains How Rain Water Can Be Naturally Filtered in the Arabian Desert

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Sergio Gutierrez Benitez (@fray_tormenta._)

When called to help the vulnerable, the bravest will put themselves in danger if needed. The story of a devoted priest who became a wrestler to support the orphans under his care made its way to the silver screen in 2006 with the movie Nacho Libre starring Jack Black.

It turns out, however, that the film was inspired by the very real tale of a Mexican priest called Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez, who is better known by the ring name he took: Fray Tormenta (“Friar Storm”). He moonlit in the wrestling scene to make some money and help children in need.

Scroll down to learn more about Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez, aka Fray Tormenta.

Who is Fray Tormenta, the inspiration behind Nacho Libre?

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por México Antiguo (@_mexicoantiguo_)

Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez was born in San Agustín Metzquititlán, a town in Central Mexico, in 1945. He had a complicated youth and began struggling with addiction when he was just 11 years old. “By the time I turned 18 I had already become a criminal and a thief. I was working to sustain my dosage. I did everything, I [even worked as] an actor and clown in a circus, but I spent everything on my doses and I needed more, so I started stealing,” he recalled.

One day, in search of redemption, Benítez went into a church and entered the confessional booth. The priest offered little help and instead shooed him off. Disappointed, he decided to enter rehab, join a seminary, and become the kind priest he couldn't find at his most desperate hour. His dedication even took him to further his studies in Rome and Spain and was eventually inducted into the Piarists Order.

Back in Mexico, Benítez dedicated his work to people struggling with addiction. But after one person died in his arms, he swore to always help the destitute, and it led him to create an orphanage. He later became a secular priest in the Diocese of Texcoco, just outside of Mexico City.

A Wrestling Career to Support an Orphanage

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por @gransatan

Benítez set up his shelter in 1976 but realized it was going to be a pricey endeavor. He remembered a movie he had seen years earlier, titled El señor Tormenta (“Mister Storm”), in which a priest becomes a wrestler to support his orphanage. From there, he set his sights on winning “a million dollars, like Muhammad Ali.”

To achieve his goal, he trained every day at a gym for four hours in the early morning, finishing just in time for the 7 AM Mass. He sometimes showed up to the confessional booth with bruises and in pain. After a year of preparation, he made his debut, earning about $15 from his first combat.

Inspired by the movie, he picked the ring name “Fray Tormenta.” Gutiérrez said in an interview, “I thought: the character is going to be brought to life by the fact that people believe that he [actually] is a priest.” Safeguarding his identity by wearing a red and gold mask, he traveled from town to town.

Although it's common in Mexican wrestling for a fighter to have their identity revealed after “waging” their mask and losing in combat, Fray Tormenta's true name was revealed by accident. “Another famous wrestler, Huracán Ramírez, was to blame. One day he called me on the phone and told me: ‘Tormenta, we will fight on Saturday', and then I slipped out: ‘I can't, I have to officiate a wedding.' [He replied] ‘Are you really a priest?' I asked him to keep the secret but that Saturday he came to the wedding, and in a few days everyone knew.”

In the end, it turned out to be a good thing, as he was promoted and got to travel the world for exhibition matches.

Legacy of Fray Tormenta

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Mi Coleccion De Lucha Libre (@instaluchamexico)

Although he only planned to be a wrestler for a couple of years, he spent 23 years in the ring and retired in the year 2000. “From wrestling, I like that people turn you into an idol and you can use the fame to help them. I can't conceive wrestling just for money if it's not for a cause.”

After surviving a bad case of COVID-19 in 2020, Gutiérrez sold some of his masks to raise money for the orphanage. Despite being in his late 70s, he still officiates catholic masses. He occasionally does appearances at matches and is known for wearing his mask to church.

Gutiérrez is very proud of his orphanage, which he named “La Casa Hogar de los Cachorros de Fray Tormenta” or “Fray Tormenta's Puppies' Children's Home.” He has helped over 2,000 kids, some of who have become lawyers, doctors, accountants, and, of course, priests and wrestlers.

Related Articles:

Priest Invites Stray Dogs Into His Church In Hopes of Them Finding Their Forever Homes

Actor Dave Bautista Adopts Abused Puppy and Offers $5,000 Reward To Find the People Who Harmed Her

5 Members of Afghan All-Girls Robotics Team Have Safely Relocated To Mexico

Dwayne Johnson Gifts His Own Custom Truck To Deserving Fan at ‘Red Notice’ Movie Screening

READ: Meet Fray Tormenta, the Mexican Priest Who Inspired the Movie ‘Nacho Libre’

Photo: Screenshots from Reddit

For some people who are born without arms or have lost them during an accident or to disease, their legs and feet become priceless tools for performing daily chores—or even making art. It may mean there are some different challenges involved for individuals without arms but it turns out home improvement projects can be done with amazing results. Redditor Thund3rbolt posted a video of an unnamed armless man installing tiles on a floor using only his feet at every step of the process. Not only did he accomplish the laborious task, but it also looks professional and polished.

The inspiring video earned over 67,000 upvotes on Reddit, and people praised the man's abilities—especially since a lot of able-bodied people would not be able to install tiles with that level efficiency and flawlessness. “His attention to detail is much better than what I've seen. Good on him,” said one user, while other wrote, “This man is more dexterous with his feet than I am with my hands.” A lot of people noticed an endearing moment at the end of the video, when the man seems to give a “toes up” to celebrate a job well done.

While it's not clear if the man does this for a living or it's a personal project he decided to complete, viewers have commented that they would hire him for a floor renovation if he's available. Overall, the video proves that with perseverance, effort, and patience, the sky’s the limit.

A video posted to Reddit of an unnamed armless man installing tiles on a floor using only his feet has made waves, as the result looks flawless and professional.

h/t: [Reddit]

Related Articles:

Meet Haben Girma: The Disability Rights Advocate Fighting for Access and Equal Opportunities Around the World

Michael J. Fox Receives Honorary Oscar for Activism in the Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease

Elementary School Students Learn ASL to Communicate With Deaf Cafeteria Worker

Pottery Barn Launches 150-Piece Furniture Collection Designed for People With Disabilities

READ: Man With No Arms Flawlessly Installs Tiles on a Floor Using Only His Feet

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

For children, gifts are usually one of the most exciting parts of Christmas. While opening presents and playing with new toys is thrilling, some kids find happiness in giving rather than receiving. For 12-year-old Jonathan Werner, this is certainly the case. After learning that his father grew up in the foster system and didn't have much of a Christmas, the Boy Scout from Minnesota decided to get gifts and basic supplies for children in foster families and domestic violence shelters in four counties and part of a fifth.

To do so, Werner sold bags of flavored popcorn and chocolate-coated pretzels, setting a table by the entrance of big stores during the fall. “Having him do a project like this and knowing that where I was those years, I could have had somebody like [Jonathan], it would have been really special,” his dad, Steven Kolk, told Good Morning America. “I'm proud of what he chose to do and the number of people that he can reach with this project.”

After selling over $56,000 in popcorn, he headed to multiple stores to pick gifts for 138 children. He chose his presents based on letters from the children and lists that social workers shared with him. “He reads what every kid writes and tries to find something he thinks they are specifically going to like,” Jonathan’s mother, Serena Kolk, told 11Alive.

This year, he bought over 600 hundred presents, from clothes to Barbie dolls and LEGO sets. He estimated the total to be around $11,300. Once the shopping was done, he set up a gift-wrapping workshop at home, getting fellow Boy Scouts, his family, and other community members to help him have everything ready by Christmas. “I just want to make kids happy for Christmas and let them know they are loved and appreciated,” said Jonathan, whose goal is to get Christmas gifts for every foster child in Minnesota.

His project has even sparked more good deeds among his neighbors. “I've also seen it inspire our other children and friends of ours and other people in the community at the stores and things like that and so it's really special,” Kolk shares. “It really brings a tear to your eye and makes you feel like he's really making a difference for people.”

Jonathan Werner, a 12-year old Boy Scout from Minnesota, sold popcorn to buy Christmas gifts for 138 foster kids and other vulnerable children.

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Learn more about his endeavor in the video below.

h/t: [11Alive]

Related Articles:

81-Year-Old Woman Achieves Retirement After Strangers Raise $186K for Her Mortgage Following a Viral TikTok

Actress Mila Kunis Has Raised $37 Million for Ukraine Since the Beginning of the War

After Losing His Leg, 21-Year-Old Runs Full Marathon Every Day To Raise Money for Cancer Research

Banksy’s Anti-War Print Raises Over $100,000 for Ukraine’s Largest Children’s Hospital

READ: Boy Sells Popcorn and Raises $11,300 to Buy Christmas Presents for Kids in Foster Care

Photo: Anetlanda/Depositphotos

Throughout the years, researchers have discovered new ways in which nature is good for you and your mental health. For example, did you know that spending time in nature reduces your stress? Now, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that, compared to urban settings, a walk in nature lowered negative emotional affect in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).

“While walking in nature has been shown to improve affect in adults from the community to a greater extent than walking in urban settings, it is unknown whether such benefits apply to individuals suffering from depression,” write the authors of the study. The team behind was set on working with individuals with mental health concerns, since most of the research done on the effects of nature don't feature people with a diagnosis or don't pay attention to the hours and days after the time spent outdoors. To do so, they set to find if a single 60-min walk had any repercussions in their mood.

The study had 37 participants, ages between 18 and 65, with more female than male representation, who were patients at a psychiatric outpatient clinic for persons with difficult-to-manage MDD. They were randomly assigned an urban walk on a busy street, or a stroll at a park away from the noise of the city. Both were to take place on a morning with good weather conditions. Participants were asked to avoid talking to each other for those 60 minutes.

The researchers collected data six different times before and after the walk—an hour before, during the walk, immediately after, and three, 24, and 48 hours after the stroll. While they didn't find any differences in positive affect, there was a decrease in negative affect, which stuck for two full days after the walk. The participants with the urban route also experience a decrease in negative affect, although it wasn't as strong as the nature group.

“There is a growing recognition that walking in nature could make us happier,” said Marie-Claude Geoffroy, study author and member of the Canada Research Chair in Youth Suicide Prevention to PsyPost. “A simple walk in nature, whether in the forest or in an urban park, is effective in relieving negative thoughts and feelings.”

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that, compared to urban settings, a walk in nature lowered negative emotional affect in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Photo: AlexBrylov/Depositphotos

“A simple walk in nature, whether in the forest or in an urban park, is effective in relieving negative thoughts and feelings,” said Marie-Claude Geoffroy, study author.

Photo: ArturVerkhovetskiy/Depositphotos

h/t: [PsyPost]

Related Articles:

435-Mile Walking Route With Scenic Views Opens on Canada’s Prince Edward Island

Study Reveals How Many Steps You Should Walk a Day To Stay Healthy

Celebrate Nature Through Art When You Enroll in These Online Art Classes

Study Reveals How Much Exercise You Need To Counteract Sitting All Day Long

READ: Study Says Walking in Nature Can Reduce Negative Feelings Among Those With Depression

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por МІС УКРАЇНА ВСЕСВІТ (@missukraine_universe)

The war in Ukraine has ravaged the country for over 300 hundred days. During this time, Ukrainian artists have found both a comforting space and a platform for their unbreakable spirits in their creations, which range from paper art and photography to large installations and heartbreaking illustrations. Now, the strength of the Ukrainian people will make it to one of the world's biggest stages via an empowering outfit. Miss Ukraine, Viktoria Apanasenko, has unveiled the costume she will wear at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, and it truly encapsulates her homeland's relentlessness.

The costume, titled Warrior of Light, was brought to life by Ukrainian designer Lesia Patoka of Patoka Studio. The project took her four months, which included extended periods with no electricity and having to work by candlelight and fighting the cold as the sirens wailed in the streets. “In this image, there is a reference to Archangel Michael, the guardian angel, who protects Ukraine with a sword,” writes Patoka. “Viktoria has a weapon in her hands, her body is in stylized armor, while at the same time she brings light through this total darkness, metaphorical and literal, that has come to our lands with the aggressor.”

Rather than putting the pain in the spotlight, the team behind the costume went for an outfit that represented valor and hope for a brighter future. “In this difficult time for our Motherland, we thought for a long time: what should be the image that symbolizes our country? What ‘message' should he carry to the whole world? What should its details tell about? We even held a vote among the public for how they want to metaphorically see our country: to recreate the tragedy of the Ukrainian present or to show Ukraine in a bright image that will demonstrate the Ukrainian spirit and strength of our people. The majority will vote for the second version,” said Anna Filimonova, president of the Miss Ukraine Universe contest.

These choices informed the final design, which is comprised of five elements that marry high fashion and Ukrainian traditions. Apanasenko dons a golden jumpsuit that emulates a full-body armor. On top of it, she wears a white dress with puffy sleeves and a skirt made out of 10 meters (32 feet) of fabric. The most striking part is the wings, which the designer describes as “scorched in battle, but unbroken.” Encased in blue and gold armor, they are decorated with gleaming motifs. Ukraininan corn makes an appearance both on the headpiece and the lower part of the wings.

“In this costume, I wanted to put the idea that war cannot break our strength and discolor our hearts,” Apanasenko wrote on Instagram. “Even on a fire, like a Phoenix, Ukraine will blossom and shine with bright rays of kindness and faith.”

Apanasenko will wear the costume at the Miss Universe gala, which will take place in New Orleans on January 14, 2023. While the winner of the National costume contest is still up in the air, she has achieved a victory in becoming a symbol of resilience.

Miss Ukraine, Viktoria Apanasenko, has unveiled the costume she will wear at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, and it's a statement-making piece.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por МІС УКРАЇНА ВСЕСВІТ (@missukraine_universe)

The costume, titled Warrior of Light, was brought to life by designer Lesia Patoka of Patoka Studio, and embodies the strength of the Ukrainian people.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por МІС УКРАЇНА ВСЕСВІТ (@missukraine_universe)

Miss Ukraine Universe: Instagram
Lesia Patoka: Instagram
h/t: [Neatorama]

Related Articles:

Fashion Photographer Captures Editorial Style Portraits of Cosplayers [Interview]

20 Celebrities Who Are Winning Halloween This Year With Their Amazing Costumes

World Cup Fans Wear Mirror Costumes That Look Like They’re Straight Out of a Video Game

Brilliant “Low Cost” Cosplay Costumes Hilariously Capture Pop Culture Characters

READ: Miss Ukraine Unveils Amazing “Warrior of Light” Costume for Miss Universe

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por ⋒ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜʏ ʜᴀɪʀ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟɪꜱᴛ | ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀʜᴏᴏᴅ | ʜᴜᴍᴏʀ | ʜᴏᴘᴇ ⋒ (@marissa_chrzan)

Christmas is a time for peace, love, and being nice; otherwise, for children, Santa may drop coal instead of toys beneath the tree. However, kids sometimes will be kids and indulge in fun shenanigans, no matter the season—or where they happen to be. Marissa Chrzan, a beauty consultant from Arizona, experienced this at her child's Christmas pageant. Her kid, dressed as a shepherd, suddenly breaks apart from formation to engage in mock combat with another boy, as they cross their little staffs. The teacher quickly breaks the fight and picks Chrzan's kid to return him to his place. Nevertheless, the mom captured the whole scene on video, which is now making waves online.

The loving mom found humor in the whole situation, pointing out in the video how other kids remain in place while hers gets away. “Me: I need you to be on your best behavior,” she captioned the video, with his response being an emoji pointing to the screen to show how that turned out.

The video has sparked a lot of funny response, with most people finding parallels between this and the Star Wars franchise. “The force is strong with this one…” said one Twitter user, while someone on Instagram commented “Shepherds and light sabers never mix well.” Others kept it on topic with the pageant, bringing up historical references. “Romans & Christians, had read the script!” wrote one Instagram user, while other said, “Don't worry He's trying to protect baby Jesus from king Herod.”

Beyond the comparisons, nothing beats the sweetness of the little shepherd being swiftly carried to his original position, as that's the final reminder of how tiny these children actually are—and how easily they can get distracted.

A woman named Marissa Chrzan shared a funny video of her child getting distracted and engaging in mock combat with another kid in the middle of a Christmas pageant.

The force is strong with this one.. 😂

🎥 IG: marissa_chrzan pic.twitter.com/9JogbN1zu2

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) December 26, 2022

The video sparked a lot of funny responses, and most users found parallels with the Star Wars movies.

Blonde guy in the future pic.twitter.com/mSN6FqEULr

— Sefa Akbulut (@seforre) December 26, 2022

Marissa Chrzan: Instagram
h/t:  [Neatorama]

Related Articles:

Pink’s Daughter Willow Nails a Cover of an Olivia Rodrigo Song at Her First School Recital

Photographer Cheers Up Sick Children With Magically Edited Christmas Photos

Hundreds of Sick Children Are Transported to a Christmas Wonderland Thanks to Photoshop Artists

Loving Dad Books 6 Flights to Spend Christmas with His Flight Attendant Daughter

READ: Children in Christmas Pageant Break Into Funny Mock Combat Mid-Recital

Photo: sborisov/Depositphotos

While Christmas is an enchanting season around the globe, there is something truly magical about the way Europe does it. From their charming Christmas markets to the unique delicacies they feast on, the holidays are a great time to visit Europe. If you can't get there but want to experience it, National Geographic has released a 45-minute special titled Europe From Above: Christmas, which features festive aerial views from across the continent.

The program takes an advent calendar approach to its tour, offering little treats in the form of holiday scenes, from the frozen landscapes of Norway to France's caroling tradition. It even takes viewers to Santa's village in Finnish Lapland, where half a million letters are sorted year-round. The cameras fly from Poland to Greece to see how European metropolises light up for the month of December, before jumping into each country's traditions leading up to December 25.

With its fair share of footage of snow-covered villages, castles, and cathedrals, virtually every place in Europe looks like it belongs in a storybook during the Christmas season. The feeling is furthered by Estonia's folk dances, England's lit up trains, Serbian bonfires, Finnish deer, and Norwegian ice skating. It's as if, despite the different celebrations each country may have, the holiday imagery comes alive as a whole, reminding us of the uniting power of the holiday season to bring the world together as one.

National Geographic has released a 45-minute special titled Europe From Above: Christmas, which features festive aerial views from across the continent.

National Geography: Website|Instagram|Facebook
h/t: [Boing Boing]

Related Articles:

25 Culturally Unique Christmas Dinners From Around the World

Explore and Learn About Christmas Traditions Around the World

67 Creative Christmas Trees to Spark Your Holiday Imagination

39 Unique Christmas Stockings to Make You Merry This Holiday Season

READ: National Geographic Shares 45-Minute Aerial Tour of Europe During Christmas

Photo: Fazon1/Depositphotos

Some of the most fascinating archeological discoveries are those that remind us that we're not that different from people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago. Recently, a group of researchers devoted to unearthing the mysteries of the sewers of the Colosseum found evidence of the snacks that the audiences enjoyed during the sports events and performances that took place there.

The finding took place during a yearlong study in which archeologists excavated 1,900-year-old remnants of seeds and fruits such as nuts, olives, cherries, grapes, figs, blackberries, and peaches. On top of that, according to a statement from the Colosseum Archaeological Park, there were also traces of “meat cooked at the moment on improvised braziers, together with some pizza.”

These culinary vestiges aren't the only things they've found in the sewers. The team has also unearthed animal bones—remnants of bears, lions, dogs, and pigs that were forced to fight or used as prey in ancient hunting games. In addition to that, they also extracted 50 bronze coins from between the third and seventh centuries, and a commemorative silver coin from 171 CE that marks 10 years of rule of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.

The main goal of the expedition is to clear the sewers and lower passages of this stone amphitheater, which held over 50,000 spectators before it fell out of use around the year 523 CE. To do so, the researchers have used wire-guided robots, which have cleared 230 feet of sewer. The investigation will also shed light on how the spectacle managers flooded the venue's tunnels to depict naval battles and other shows for which an aquatic backdrop was needed.

“The Colosseum continues to tell us its stories, emerging clearly in the wider flow of great history,” writes the Colosseum Archaeological Park team. “Exposing the underground sewers, recovering the precious data of older investigations, we are studying to better understand the functioning of the ancient sewers and the hydraulics of the Flavian Amphitheater.”

Researchers found evidence of the snacks that the audiences enjoyed during the sporting events and performances that took place at the Colosseum almost 2,000 years ago.

A selection of fruit seeds, stones, & pits recovered from the drainage system of the Colosseum in #Rome, remains of the snacks eaten by #Roman spectators watching the games in the arena up to 1900 years ago #RomanArchaeology pic.twitter.com/qrSSRQUIYB

— Dr Jo Ball (@DrJEBall) July 2, 2022

These culinary vestiges aren't the only things they've found in the sewers. The team has also unearthed animal bones and bronze coins.

Photo: lakov/Depositphotos

h/t: [Smithsonian Magazine]

Related Articles:

Explore the Early 20-Side Icosahedron Dice That Were Tossed in Ancient Rome

The Good, the Bad, and the Mad: 7 Fascinating Emperors of Ancient Rome

Herculaneum: Pompeii’s Sister City That Survived a Volcanic Eruption in Ancient Rome

Rome’s Colosseum Is Getting a Makeover With a New Sustainable Floor

READ: 1,900-Year-Old Snacks Are Found in the Sewers Beneath the Colosseum