Realm Collections Blog

If you asked the many trick-or-treaters dressed up as buccaneers or Jack Sparrows on your doorsteps last Halloween what a pirate is, what do you think will be their answer? The most probable responses would have something to do with the film trilogy, “Pirates of the Caribbean.” But what are pirates anyway? Did they really do all those stuff shown in the movies? Are they as funny and witty as Jack Sparrow and as suave and handsome as Will Turner?

Some of them maybe funny, witty, suave or handsome but most of them were as ruthless as Hector Barbossa in the “Pirates” film trilogy. Pirates have been around since the first water vessels sailed out to trade with other merchants across the seas dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. The earliest evidence of piracy during ancient times was found in an Egyptian clay tablet inscription from the time of Pharaoh Akhenaton in 14^th century BC which told about how pirates often attacked the waters off the coast of Egypt. Ancient Greeks and Romans also had written records of pirates capturing other vessels and pillaging different cities.

However, there were Greek merchants trading with ports in Phoenicia and Anatolia who occasionally resolved to piracy as a by-product of trading. One of the most notorious was Polycrates, a Greek tyrant who seized control of the city of Samos during a celebration of a festival of Hera outside the city walls. He had ships from his 100-vessel fleet committed acts of piracy throughout Greece. Subsequently, piracy became common with ships sailing near the coast as easy targets. Lipari Islands became the Greek’s pirate base for over 2500 years while Istria was Rome’s.

The Roman Empire era saw the continuation of piracy that greatly affected their commerce and was quietly encouraged by some corrupt senators. They benefited from the steady supply of slaves that came from plundered ships and ports. They also earned from the high profits gained from the grain industry which experienced constant states of upheaval brought about by pirates. They also constantly raised price and padded their pockets through this business.

The Roman senators’ quiet support to piracy resulted to Rome’s unwillingness to protect and support its provinces from pirates. Thus, the weaker cities around the Mediterranean area resolved to make allies with pirate gangs by paying them tribute in exchange for keeping their cities and ports safe and intact from other pillagers. This helped the pirates continue with their business which made them more powerful even forming a mafia of sorts that controlled their turfs.

It was only during the 70s BC that Roman’s addressed their problems with the pirates who plundered their seas and lands worse than ever. It took Pompey, the great Roman general and statesman to solve the pirate problems in the Mediterranean. Since then piracy was curbed especially when the Romans conquered Illyria and pirates were not able to sail the seas until more than 300 years after.

Want more Pirates? Drop by realmcollections.com for a collection of costumes, memorabilia, and more. You can also read up about how realmcollections.com pirate collectibles was featured in a recent episode of ABC’s popular TV program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Renaissance art is one of the most important characteristics of the Renaissance period. It covers painting, architecture and music which are distinct from the previous eras and at present have influenced many forms of contemporary art. Italian Renaissance painting is considered to be the origin of Renaissance painting since Renaissance itself was given birth in Italy particularly in Florence. Renaissance painting can be distinguished by its highly realistic linear perspective which also pushed architecture into becoming an art all its own.

Another distinguishing mark of Renaissance art was its revival of the arts and a change on how artists depicted the visible world. Thus, realism became the trend in Renaissance painting as well as in other art movements such as the Italian Renaissance painting. Several techniques were developed including the study of light, shadow and the human anatomy. These characteristics are evident in most of Leonardo da Vinci’s works of art such as the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and most especially in his depiction of the human anatomy among many others. Some of the most notable artists during the Renaissance period, other than da Vinci, are Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, Sandro Botticelli, Titian, and Giotto di Bondone who was credited for treating a painting as a window into space.

Italian Renaissance painting is considered to be the forerunner of all the arts coming from the Renaissance period since it was in Florence, Italy that Renaissance was born. The development of Italian Renaissance painting was influenced by different aspects which include Philosophy, Literature, Architecture, Science, Government, and Theology as well as other aspects of society. The Catholic Church played an important role for many of the paintings that were created during this period. Most of the painting and architecture of the Renaissance period were commissioned by the Catholic Church which portrayed the lives of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and saints, particularly of St. Francis of Assisi.  

Renaissance painting was notable for the use of oil paint as the major medium of the Renaissance era which replaced egg tempera and the use of ideas from Ancient Rome as well as daily life activities for many art works during this period. Many Renaissance paintings depicted the human figure as realistically as possible using backgrounds of the natural world. Since mathematics and science also contributed to the development of Renaissance painting, many works of art have figures arranged in geometric groups and showed linear perspective wherein smaller objects appear to be farther from the viewer than the larger objects.

For more tidbits about the Renaissance, drop by realmcollections.com for costumes, weapons and other memorabilia from this  fascinating period.

Maybe you’ve racked your brain once or twice trying to think of that “perfect” gift for a family member, a friend or a colleague. It can get tiring to always have to give neckties, mugs, pens, shirts, books, and other items that you find at the mall. Why not choose historical giftware from the Medieval or Renaissance period? Historical giftware is unique and has a touch of cleverness since its giving a part of history as well. Your gift can also educate the recipient because you can add a card that tells of the item’s history or significance.

You might think historical giftware is expensive but you might be surprised when you browse online. There are hundreds of items to choose from, including historical giftware replicated from popular period movies such as “300, “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Collectibles also include goblets, keychains, letter openers, ashtrays, miniature swords, and figurines, among many others. All of these have traditional medieval designs and represent history and legend that would be fascinating for any child and adult to receive. Furthermore, most of these are inexpensive with prices starting at less than $5.00.

There is also a large selection of historical giftware that makes the perfect gift for women. You can choose from Celtic jewelry such as a Charmed Celtic Necklace, Celtic Slave Bracelet, Trinity & Celtic knots items, and Kilt Pin. Each of these pieces is not only attractive but the design and symbols on them have special meanings. For example, the Charmed Celtic Necklace is an ancient Celtic charm for luck and a symbol for magic. Celtic jewelry also starts at $10.00.

Next time you want to give a gift, educate with historical giftware.