Looking at a re-imagined CGI image of Simón Bolívar, you would think it’s a real live person. Alas, it is not. The CGI reconstruction is a result of over a year’s research and digital sculpture that was done by a forensic imagery team. The team, with minimal help from the Venezuelan government, sifted through thousands of images and historical documents to bring Simón Bolívar to life.
If these results are a true depiction of the real Bolívar, then it’s reasonable to say that he was rather easy on the eyes. This image, aside from being far more realistic, is much more aesthetically pleasing than previously painted depictions that always seemed a little cartoonish. The reconstruction was unveiled on the 229th anniversary of the political legend’s birth and currently sits in central Caracas.
Unearthing Copernicus
A team of forensic scientists has found what they believe to be Nicolaus himself. The group that unearthed the skeleton in Warsaw sent it to a lab for further analysis. Based on some extremely distinctive features that both the remains and Copernicus shared, experts believe that this could have been him. Warsaw scientists revealed that both Copernicus and his supposed corpse have a scar above the brow.
Not to mention that he was also found in the area of Warsaw he is believed to have lived and died in. These features match those seen in portraits of Copernicus from the 1500s. To confirm their theory, archaeologists have mounted a search for the grave of Copernicus' maternal uncle, Lukas Watzenrode. Genetic comparison of the bones will reveal whether they belonged to uncle and nephew.
Simón Bolívar
Simón Bolívar was a political leader who liberated Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama from the Spanish Empire. Bolívar was lauded for also laying the foundations for democracy for all of Latin America. He was hailed ‘El Libertador’ – the Liberator. After a string of successful military campaigns, Bolívar became the president of Gran Colombia in 1821, (a state covering several Latin American countries, recently liberated from the Spanish).
On December 17, in the year 1830, Simón Bolívar died of tuberculosis. He was only 47 years old. His remains were transferred from Santa Marta to Caracas and then subsequently buried in the cathedral of Santa Marta. In 1876, he was moved to a monument set up for his interment at the National Pantheon of Venezuela.
Catherine the Great
German-born princess Sophie Friederike Aguste was destined for greatness. Sophie was married to Grand Duke Peter, the Heir to the Russian throne. Upon her arrival in Russia in 1744, Sophie was given the title of Grand Duchess Catherine Alekseyevna. What seemed to be a royal fairytale on paper, couldn't have been further from the truth.
Peter made life incredibly difficult for Catherine due to his erratic and neurotic behavior. We think it is safe to say that their marriage was strained at the very least. In 1762, Catherine ascended to the throne as the Empress of Russia alongside her husband.
Truly Great
In the face of her tumultuous marital struggles, Catherine's unwavering intellect, captivating charm, and unyielding ambition proved to be the catalysts that propelled her toward greatness. Her indomitable spirit led her to orchestrate a daring coup, overthrowing her husband and assuming the reins of power. With resolute determination, she single-handedly steered Russia into a remarkable era of Enlightenment, marked by progressive reforms and intellectual growth.
Additionally, Catherine's visionary leadership resulted in the expansion of Russia's territories, solidifying its status as a formidable global power. Here, we behold a mesmerizing wax-figure recreation of the formidable Empress, her luminous blue eyes gleaming with a brilliance that rivals even her captivating diamond jewelry.