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Hannibal's route through Alps may have been found

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The Carthaginian general Hannibal led his troops over the Alps to attack the Roman Republic from the north.
The Carthaginian general Hannibal led his troops over the Alps to attack the Roman Republic from the north.

Story highlights

  • Scientists examine ancient horse dung to determine Hannibal's route through the Alps
  • Great Carthaginian general led thousands over mountains to attack Roman Republic from north
(CNN)Amazing what you can learn from horse manure.
In 218 B.C., the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca led an army of more than 30,000 men, 15,000 horses and mules and -- famously -- about 40 elephants northeast through Europe and crossed the Alps to attack the Roman Republic from the north.
It's considered one of the great achievements in military history.
But what was Hannibal's precise route? For centuries, historians have debated the question.
Now, Chris Allen, a microbiologist at Queen's University Belfast, thinks a research group has solved the puzzle -- thanks to "modern science and a bit of ancient horse poo," he writes in a blog post.
Allen and a team led by Bill Mahaney of Toronto's York University believe that Hannibal and his troops crossed the Alps at Col de Traversette, on the border of France and Italy southeast of Grenoble.
The surrounding terrain is incredibly rugged; even 22 centuries later, Google Maps recommends that a traveler from France cross into Italy and double back to arrive at the pass, though some single-lane roads in France will get you close.
Allen and the team "unveiled a mass animal deposition of fecal materials -- probably from horses -- at a site near the Col de Traversette," Allen writes. Thanks to carbon isotope analysis, the group dated the dung to about 200 B.C. Descriptions of the area in historical writings also fit.
The UK's Guardian notes that discussion about the route dates to the ancient historians Livy and Polybius. The Col de Traversette was one of many paths considered, but its narrowness and height -- it's close to 10,000 feet above sea level -- made it daunting.
Allen believes that Hannibal may have taken the dangerous route because of his fear not of the Romans but of tribes that lived in the region.
He cautions that the group's research is not complete. Gene analysis needs to be expanded, he writes, and he's hoping researchers discover parasite eggs preserved in the mire.
"With more genetic information we can be more precise about the source and perhaps even the geographical origin of some of these ancient beasts by comparison with other microbiology research studies," he writes.
Hannibal's travels were not without fatalities. Accounts differ, but it's generally believed that he lost more than 10,000 men and possibly many more. Moreover, all but one of his elephants died.
However, his success led to his greatest victory, at Cannae in 216 B.C. The Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage raged on until 202 B.C., when Hannibal was defeated at the Battle of Zama.
The findings of the international team of researchers are published in the journal Archaeometry.
Source- edition.cnn.
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History meets high fashion in Alexia Sinclair's stunning photographs

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"When people first see my images they often think they're paintings," claims Australian photographer Alexia Sinclair, who in fact compiles her artworks from photographs embellished with hundreds or sometimes thousands of layers of details and effects added in post-production.
These hyper-realistic photos are actually oil paintings
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Sinclair's work is heavily influenced by fine art, and in particular the 19th-century paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites, who she believes would probably have adopted the medium of photography to produce their realistic depictions of romantic and spiritual scenes had such a tool been available to them.
"A lot of my inspiration in the early days came from the Pre-Raphaelites and the way they would reimagine a narrative," Sinclair explains. "I guess I'm not interested in the raw grit of life that a camera can capture, it's more a sense of it being able to more accurately represent what I'm imagining."

Real and surreal

Her imaginings often take the form of historical or allegorical figures portrayed within scenes that employ symbolism and detail to tell a tale about their personality or the period in which they lived.
From Elizabeth I to Genghis Khan and Marie Antoinette, the people at the heart of these images are brought to life through images in which realism and surrealism converge.
In addition to the intricate process of building the complex scenes layer by layer, using sophisticated computer software, Sinclair also gets hands-on in the creation of the scenery, props, costumes and hairstyles.
Agrippina - The Regal Twelve by Alexia Sinclair
Agrippina - The Regal Twelve by Alexia Sinclair
For the recent Rococo series, she even grew many of the flowers strewn around the models in her own garden, while a lion that appears in an image of the Roman Empress Julia Agrippina was photographed by Sinclair inside its cage at a local circus.

A fashion influence

As well as referencing classical paintings, Sinclair's work is strongly influenced by the expressive outfits produced by modern fashion designers.
During the completion of her Masters degree from 2004-2007, Sinclair looked to the work of designers like Alexander McQueen and Christian Lacroix, whose clothing evoked similar styles and periods to those she herself was interested in when developing her series The Regal Twelve.
Sinclair sees parallels between the dream worlds created by these designers and the theatrical way in which her artworks represent historical themes.
"I'm not trying to recreate something like a painter of that period would have, it's about being inspired by and understanding the period and making it contemporary," she says. "I continually look at fashion designers because they're also always reinterpreting the past."

Hidden surprises

Alongside her personal work, Sinclair produces images for commercial clients such as Qantas, Queensland Ballet and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Although she claims to enjoy the variety and different pace of these projects, the jobs are predominantly a way to fund her laborious personal projects.
Having recently moved to London with her husband James and two-year-old daughter Heidi, Sinclair is currently focusing on settling into the rhythm of a new city before delving back into post-production on a new set of portraits shot last year for the Rococo series.
She'll also continue developing a series called The Golden Age that she was invited to shoot using photographic supplier Phase One's new 100-megapixel camera.
The Cabinets of Curiosity, 2013 -- A Frozen Tale by Alexia Sinclair
The Cabinets of Curiosity, 2013 -- A Frozen Tale by Alexia Sinclair
A selection of images from the series, A Frozen Tale, were recently exhibited at the inaugural Dubai Photo Exhibition, where their large dimensions (sometimes more than two meters in width), rich colors and striking subjects lent them a captivating presence.
Sinclair insists that such exhibitions offer a crucial opportunity to show the works as they were made to be seen: "That's the reason I shoot on a really big camera and I've always used medium format," she explains, "because I want people to see a big piece on a wall like you would experience a large painting. I want them to zoom right in and experience the tiny little details that maybe only I know about."
If you take another look at these fantastical photographs you may uncover some hidden surprises, but their painterly quality and most intimate secrets are only revealed when viewed up close and in person.
Source- edition.cnn
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Happy when it pours: The umbrella man of Milan

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Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Bespoke umbrellas – Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
Hide Caption
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Long history – The Maglia Umbrella Company was founded in 1854 in a town near Brescia, in northeast Italy. It moved to Milan 20 years later. Perhaps it was wetter in Milan.
Hide Caption
6 of 9
The manufacture of a Maglia umbrella involves a painstaking 80-step process. The finished product can retail for upward of $300.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Eighty-step process – The manufacture of a Maglia umbrella involves a painstaking 80-step process. The finished product can retail for upward of $300.
Hide Caption
7 of 9
Maglia Francesco's umbrella sell all over the world. Most of the international demand comes from Japan, the United States and Europe.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
International market – Maglia Francesco's umbrella sell all over the world. Most of the international demand comes from Japan, the United States and Europe.
Hide Caption
8 of 9
Most of the small team of artisans employed by Francesco Maglia are women. He says many are nearing retirement age.s
 
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Made by women – Most of the small team of artisans employed by Francesco Maglia are women. He says many are nearing retirement age.
Hide Caption
9 of 9
Francesco Maglia is known for his sharp dress sense and sharper wit. He's also known to indulge in a spot of rain-related singing.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
The umbrella man of Milan – Francesco Maglia is known for his sharp dress sense and sharper wit. He's also known to indulge in a spot of rain-related singing.
Hide Caption
1 of 9
The umbrellas are decorated in an "English style," either in plain colors or patterned with pinstripes, tartan or regimental stripes.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
"English style" design – The umbrellas are decorated in an "English style," either in plain colors or patterned with pinstripes, tartan or regimental stripes.
Hide Caption
2 of 9
Each umbrella is produced from a single shaft of wood -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Wooden canes – Each umbrella is produced from a single shaft of wood -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.
Hide Caption
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Many of those involved in making the umbrellas have been with the company for three or four decades. "It's like a big family," says Maglia.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Made by hand – Many of those involved in making the umbrellas have been with the company for three or four decades. "It's like a big family," says Maglia.
Hide Caption
4 of 9
Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Bespoke umbrellas – Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
Hide Caption
5 of 9
The Maglia Umbrella Company was founded in 1854 in a town near Brescia, in northeast Italy. It moved to Milan 20 years later. Perhaps it was wetter in Milan.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Long history – The Maglia Umbrella Company was founded in 1854 in a town near Brescia, in northeast Italy. It moved to Milan 20 years later. Perhaps it was wetter in Milan.
Hide Caption
6 of 9
The manufacture of a Maglia umbrella involves a painstaking 80-step process. The finished product can retail for upward of $300.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Eighty-step process – The manufacture of a Maglia umbrella involves a painstaking 80-step process. The finished product can retail for upward of $300.
Hide Caption
7 of 9
Maglia Francesco's umbrella sell all over the world. Most of the international demand comes from Japan, the United States and Europe.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
International market – Maglia Francesco's umbrella sell all over the world. Most of the international demand comes from Japan, the United States and Europe.
Hide Caption
8 of 9
Most of the small team of artisans employed by Francesco Maglia are women. He says many are nearing retirement age.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Made by women – Most of the small team of artisans employed by Francesco Maglia are women. He says many are nearing retirement age.
Hide Caption
9 of 9
Francesco Maglia is known for his sharp dress sense and sharper wit. He's also known to indulge in a spot of rain-related singing.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
The umbrella man of Milan – Francesco Maglia is known for his sharp dress sense and sharper wit. He's also known to indulge in a spot of rain-related singing.
Hide Caption
1 of 9
The umbrellas are decorated in an "English style," either in plain colors or patterned with pinstripes, tartan or regimental stripes.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
"English style" design – The umbrellas are decorated in an "English style," either in plain colors or patterned with pinstripes, tartan or regimental stripes.
Hide Caption
2 of 9
Each umbrella is produced from a single shaft of wood -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Wooden canes – Each umbrella is produced from a single shaft of wood -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.
Hide Caption
3 of 9
Many of those involved in making the umbrellas have been with the company for three or four decades. "It's like a big family," says Maglia.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Made by hand – Many of those involved in making the umbrellas have been with the company for three or four decades. "It's like a big family," says Maglia.
Hide Caption
4 of 9
Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
9 photos: The umbrella man of Milan
Bespoke umbrellas – Francesco Maglia umbrellas are also sometimes made from exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo.
Hide Caption
5 of 9
Milan umbrella man 6
Milan umbrella man 3
Milan umbrella man 2
Milan umbrella man 4
Milan umbrella man 7
Milan umbrella man 9
milan umbrella man 11
Milan umbrella man 5
Milan umbrella man 3

Story highlights

  • The Francesco Maglia Umbrella company makes every umbrella by hand
  • Umbrellas are assembled using an 80-step traditional process
  • The company was founded in 1854 by the ancestor of its current owner
  • The umbrellas are exported all over the world
On the latest episode of "In 24 Hours," James Williams visits Milan. Catch the series online here.
(CNN)With his white hair, tweed jacket, a pince-nez and sharp wit, he's clearly a sophisticated man of the world.
But Francesco Maglia is also one of Italy's most exclusive umbrella makers -- and looks every inch the craftsman.
"Chino," as he likes to be called, is the fifth-generation descendant of another Francesco Maglia, the man who in 1854 founded the Maglia Umbrella Company in a town near Brescia, in northeast Italy.
The company relocated to Milan in 1876.
Today, Maglia's workshop is tucked away in the residential area of Via Ripamonti, 20 minutes or so from the city's most fashionable quarters.
Every umbrella produced here is handmade using an 80-step traditional process.
They retail for more than $300.
Maglia decorates them in an "English style," either in plain colors or patterned with pinstripes, tartan or regimental stripes.
Each umbrella is produced from a single shaft of wood -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry, but more exotic Malacca cane and whangee bamboo are often used.
MORE: Joining the 'gold rush' with Italy's Tuscan truffle hunters
Only wooden shafts -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.
Only wooden shafts -- usually chestnut, ash, walnut or cherry.

Concerns for the future

In the workshop, a small team of mostly female artisans works on one or two stages of the production.
"Our workers have been with us for 30, 40 years -- some of them will retire soon. It's like a big family," says Maglia.
While Francesco looks after the design and international sales (he speaks fluent German, French and English), his younger brother, Giorgio, supervises the production and sourcing of materials, which is increasingly becoming a challenge.
Every umbrella is made of about 25 parts and the number of the Italian suppliers have dwindled.
"It's hard to find suppliers that specialize in umbrella parts, especially metal ones like the ribs, which are the only parts produced in China at huge costs," says Giorgio.
The Maglias are one of only a handful of specialist manufacturers left.
Francesco is worried about the future of the craft in which his family has made its name.
"When I started we were 110 umbrella makers. Now for handmade umbrellas there are two, three, but the other five or six companies produce 80% in China and 20% in Italy.
"I am the biggest producer even if I am very small.
"In the early days we used to sell hundreds of umbrellas even here in Milan. Now people can buy one made in China for €5 ($6.75), so our umbrellas have become an item of luxury."
MORE: The fashion model's guide to Milan
Many of the company's workers are nearing retirement age.
Many of the company's workers are nearing retirement age.

Two-handled umbrella?

Despite the challenges, both brothers still take pride in their work and enjoy experimenting with new materials.
They also make bespoke umbrellas -- even if the demands of their customers can at times be unorthodox.
"The clientele has changed a lot over the past few years," Giorgio says.
"Very recently someone asked us to make an umbrella with two handles -- one for him, one for her -- but there is only so much we can do with an umbrella."
Like many luxury products, the Maglias' business has managed to weather the financial crisis, winning over some of the world's most exclusive retailers and brands.
Today, the company produces about 25,000 umbrellas a year, of which 90% go to Maglia's international clientele -- mostly in Japan, Europe and the United States.
Now in his seventies, Francesco shows no signs of slowing down.
Holding up one of his favorite umbrellas, he breaks into almost predictable song.
"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain. What a glorious feeling and I'm happy again."

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World Sleep Day: 10 tips for a good night's sleep

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How important is a good night's sleep?

How important is a good night's sleep? 07:21
Vital Signs is a monthly program bringing viewers health stories from around the world.
(CNN)With over 100 types of sleep disorders to contend with, and around 40-50% of us experiencing insomnia at some point in our lives, it's vital to keep an eye on your sleep habits and seek help if you need it, according to Antonio Culebras, organizer of World Sleep Day 2016, a global initiative educating the public about sleep.
Many of us don't even know the basic facts about sleep. For instance, it should take you 10 to 15 minutes to fall asleep, with seven to nine hours being optimal for most of us, ideally at a temperature of around 60-67°F (16-19°C).
Tired all of the time?

Tired all of the time? 07:58
Test your knowledge with our sleep quiz
To celebrate World Sleep Day we asked you to share your top tips for a good night's sleep on Twitter. You replied with loads of ideas, from drinking a soothing cup of camomile tea, to going to the gym, or having sex. Here are our favorite ones and what the experts have to say about them ...

1. Turn off your gadgets

This is a good strategy according to Russell Foster, director of Oxford University's SCNi (Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute), as blue light emitted from smartphone, TV and computer screens can suppress melatonin (a hormone helping you sleep) and increase your alertness.
"What it probably will do is increase levels of alertness and therefore delay sleep onset ... it's a good rule of thumb to reduce light exposure," says Foster, advising to switch off your screens half an hour before bed and relax in a softly lit room.
You can even buy special light bulbs mimicking sunlight -- "white and color ambience" bulbs can gradually wake you up and send you to sleep by slowly brightening, dimming and alternating the light's frequency.

2. Avoid a bedtime tipple

However enjoyable nightcaps may be, unfortunately they could lead to more shallow sleep.
"Alcohol will actually disrupt some of the important things going on in the brain such as memory consolidation," says Foster.
A shallower sleep could lead to a negative cycle where you're dependent on sedatives to sleep, and stimulants such as caffeine or sugary food to stay awake during the day.

3. Get up early

If you're having trouble sleeping, getting up earlier could be the solution for you. It may seem brutal, but it can get results.
"Expose yourself to morning light as much as you can. That has been shown to stabilize the sleep/wake timing of the human body clock," says Foster.
You should also avoid napping, especially if it's for over 20 minutes, as waking up from deep sleep can make you feel even more groggy. By getting into a routine of getting up early and experiencing daylight your body clock adjusts to sleep earlier in the evenings, ridding you of those restless nights.

4. Forget your worries

Setting aside a quiet time in the evening to meditate, relax or pray was a popular response on Twitter.
It's important to let go of the worries that build up during the day as they can effect both the initiation and maintenance of sleep.
"The worries of the day should not be brought to bed," says Culebras, "A typical example here in the United States are people who work on their personal income tax and returns in bed ... of course they never match, so that's a typical thing that leads to insomnia."

5. Work out

Whether you're swimming, running, or practicing yoga, regular exercise can make for a great night's sleep.
It's best to work out around six hours before you go to bed as your body stays overheated for several hours after vigorous exercise, causing wakefulness.
"Exercise stimulates the nervous system, and it can cause insomnia if you exercise too late in the day," advises Culebras.

6. Work out a little more ...

For those of you with something a little spicier on your minds, sex was suggested as a good way to get a good night's sleep -- although bear in mind this could also be considered a form of exercise.

7. Have a hot drink

A hot (non alcoholic) beverage before bed is a great way to relax and prepare for sleep says Foster, as long as it doesn't contain caffeine.
"Try and wind down at least 30 minutes before you desired bedtime ... and go into a relaxed state, whatever that is for you -- it may be a hot milky drink, it may be reading a few pages of a novel."
Avoid coffee, chocolate and fizzy drinks at least six hours before you go to bed. Non caffeinated herbal teas are fine -- but don't drink too much or you may be making a midnight trip to the bathroom.

8. Listen to music

From soft new age sounds to gospel rhythms and sleep related podcasts, many of you drift off listening to music.
Soothing sounds can be a good way to doze off, but anything louder might have the opposite effect says Culebras.
"What is not as acceptable is loud rock and roll type music because that leads to excitation."

9. Only use medication as a last resort

While you may get results in the short term, it's important to be aware of unwanted effects and see your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping.
"Do not abuse medications to sleep ... if you need them for a short period always do it under the supervision of your physician, do not auto medicate yourself," advises Culebras.
"Eventually all of them have what we call rebound insomnia, which means once you stop them you are going to have two or three days with very little sleep at night."
Most of the time insomnia is triggered by psychological problems such as stress, anxiety or depression. It's important to see your physician and treat the underlying issues rather than use pills or supplements for immediate respite.
"We don't have this knee jerk reaction of giving a sleeping pill to everyone who suffers from insomnia," says Culebras. "We try to determine why, and then we try to remove what's causing or perpetuating insomnia."

Source--cnn.
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