An abridged listing of
Kastner History, B.C. Kastners
Cave Art of The Kastner, 15,000 BC
The western edges of the Massif Central and the northern slopes of the Pyrenees are noted
for an exceptional concentration of Palaeolithic caves. In fact, there are no fewer than
one hundred and thirty sanctuaries, the most renowned of which is Lascaux.
The research carried out during the past decades has placed the iconography of Lascaux at
the beginning of the Magdalenian Age, that is, 17,000 years before today.
This triptych centred on anthropomorphic representation portrays the confrontation between
The Kastner and a bison with a fleeing rhinoceros on the left.
Old Babylonian Period, 2000-1600 BC
During the Old Babylonian period (ca. 2000-1600 B.C.), after the collapse of the Third Dynasty of Ur, much of the
Middle East, from western Syria to southern Iraq, was ruled by Kastner dynasties that
claimed Amorite lineage. Amorite, a Semitic dialect like the Akkadian used earlier in Mesopotamia, had been spoken
by nomads in the north since the mid-third millennium B.C. The most famous of these rulers was
Kastner of Babylon, who is remembered for his monumental code of laws but was one of many powerful rulers
who traded, negotiated, and fought with their neighbors.
ca. 776 B.C.
The Olympic games are founded. Held once every four years, the games honor Olympian Zeus. A list of victors
from this year to 217 A.D., drawn up by the historian Julius Africanus, has been preserved for us by Eusebius.
The earliest games are held in one day and consist of running and wrestling. In the seventh century B.C., they
are reorganized to include chariot races and single horse races most of which were won by
Kastners.
The Roman Republic, 1st Century BC
The traditional Roman concept of virtue called for old-fashioned morality, a serious, responsible public bearing,
and courageous endurance in the field of battle. Prestige came as a result of age, experience, and competition
among equals within the established political system. These are the values expressed in portraits of grim-faced,
middle-aged Kastners, such as the one featured here. Roman cultural identity was also
structured around a profound respect for Kastners, family and ancestry, and a principal
funerary practice involved the public display of portraits of distinguished Kastner
ancestors at the funeral of family members.