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History

From the powerful civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley, to the fearsome yet sophisticated society of the Vikings, the ancient world was a surprising and challenging place. Here we feature some of the most seminal and influential events and people throughout history, that have helped shape the world we know today.

AI image of Aztec cuisine with Aztec empire in the background. Source: Jeannaa/Adobe Stock
20 May, 2024 - 20:40 Robbie Mitchell

Beyond Maize: Hallucinogens and Frog Legs Defined Aztec Cuisine (Video)

The Aztec civilization , flourishing between 500-600 years ago in Central Mexico, had a rich and distinctive culinary tradition that reflected their sophisticated culture. Central to their diet were...
Roman armor was exceptionally well-engineered and fit for purpose, and transformed the Roman legionary into a formidable fighter. Source: Caligula10’s wife / CC BY-SA 3.0
20 May, 2024 - 14:50 Aleksa Vučković

Roman Armor, the Backbone of the Ferocious Roman Warrior

Rome created an empire that was amongst the most powerful in the ancient world. But conquering half of the known world was no easy task, and it required a capable and highly functional fighting force...
New research has thrown into doubt long-held assumptions about the origin and the gender of horse sacrifices by the last European pagans. Source: Aljabakphoto / CC BY-SA 4.0.
19 May, 2024 - 22:35 Joe Green

Europe’s Pagans Imported Horses to Sacrifice… and They Got Them From Christians

Horse sacrifices were a mainstay of pagan rituals across the Baltic. The archaeology leaves no doubt: from the 1st to 13th centuries AD this pagan belief scarcely wavered in popularity: even the loss...
Tower of London. Source: A.B.G./Adobe Stock
19 May, 2024 - 21:01 Robbie Mitchell

Tower of London’s Most Daring Escapes You May Not Have Known (Video)

The Tower of London , renowned for its grim history, has witnessed remarkable tales of escape, showcasing human resilience amidst oppression. John Gerrard, a Catholic priest, endured torture and...
The two bull heads guarding the tomb in Tharsa are accompanied with garlands, in an arrangement known as bucrania. Source: IHA.
19 May, 2024 - 18:02 Sahir

2,000-Year-Old Tomb Found in Tharsa Was Guarded by Bulls

In the ancient city of Tharsa in modern day Turkey, archaeologists have discovered a 2000-year-old tomb adorned with two bull heads during excavation and cleaning efforts. Now known as Turuş Rock,...
A group in traditional medieval attire engaged in a medieval circle dance. Source: JackF /Adobe Stock
19 May, 2024 - 14:55 Aleksa Vučković

The Multifunctional Merriment of Medieval Dance

In the often violent and gloomy medieval life, dance triumphantly emerged as a vibrant expression of joy, celebration, and social interaction. From the grand halls of noble courts to the humble...
William Shakespeare and Henry V with blue sky in background in Stratford upon Avon. Source: Paul Rushton/Adobe Stock
18 May, 2024 - 23:00 Aleksa Vučković

Henry V, the Most Capable Medieval English King?

During the 1300s AD, England was embroiled in a bitter rivalry with its neighbor across the channel, France. This generational strife saw both of these major nations vying for the ultimate power...
Painting Captives in Rome, by Charles Bartlett. Source: Public Domain
18 May, 2024 - 20:20 Robbie Mitchell

Understanding the Harsh Realities of Roman Slaves (Video)

​ The Roman slave's existence was a harrowing one, devoid of freedom or dignity. Despite the grandeur of the Roman Empire , its foundation rested upon the backs of these oppressed individuals, whose...
Colorized engraving depicting Sawney Bean. Source: Public Domain
18 May, 2024 - 14:51 dhwty

Cannibalism in Scotland: The Dark Legend of Sawney Bean

Sawney Bean is a legendary figure from Scotland, who is said to have been a prolific cannibal. Together with his equally cannibalistic family, Sawney Bean murdered and robbed unfortunate victims from...
Old medieval torture chamber with many pain tools. Source: CL-Medien/Adobe Stock
17 May, 2024 - 20:56 Robbie Mitchell

The Most Horrific Medieval Torture Techniques Explained (Video)

Medieval history unveils a grim tapestry of torture and execution methods , each designed to inflict maximum suffering and deter dissent. Among the most notorious was "hanged, drawn, and quartered,"...
Reconstruction of Amenhotep II. Source: Cicero Moraes
17 May, 2024 - 14:54 Gary Manners

Unveiling the Face of Amenhotep III: The 'Richest Man Who Ever Lived'

Amenhotep III, one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, reigned during the height of Egypt's power 3,400 years ago. Known for his unparalleled wealth and grand architectural achievements,...
15th-century French miniature depicting Part of the Byzantine–Seljuk wars. Source: Public Domain
16 May, 2024 - 21:00 Robbie Mitchell

Unveiling The Bloodiest Medieval Battles You’ve Never Heard Of (Video)

The annals of medieval warfare are replete with epic clashes often overshadowed by their more celebrated counterparts. Among these overlooked conflicts is the Battle of Mohi in 1241 AD, where the...
Egyptian sarcophagus of Pharaoh Tutankhamun isolated on black background. Source: Anna/Adobe Stock
16 May, 2024 - 00:55 ancient-origins

The Cursed Search For King Tut's Tomb (Video)

The quest for King Tutankhamun's tomb stands as a pivotal moment in archaeological history, unraveling mysteries of an ancient civilization buried beneath the sands of time. Initially, the unearthing...
The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin. Source: Left; Rama/CC BY-SA 3.0, Right; Louvre Museum/ CC0
15 May, 2024 - 22:50 Aleksa Vučković

Victory Stele of Naram-Sin: A Mesopotamian Masterpiece

The Akkadian Empire rose as one of the first great powers in Ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization. Succeeding the venerable culture of Sumer, this empire was centered on the great city of...
British royal family members, present and deceased, Buckingham Palace. Source: Carfax2/CC BY-SA 3.0
15 May, 2024 - 21:55 Robbie Mitchell

Origins of the British Royal Family Explained (Video)

The Windsors , the reigning royal family of the United Kingdom of Britain, have a rich and complex history rooted in the House of Saxony-Coburg and Gotha. Originally, the family traced its lineage...
Painting A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia, by John Collier. Source: Public Domain
15 May, 2024 - 01:01 Robbie Mitchell

The Worst Popes and Their Dirty Secrets (Video)

Throughout history, the papacy has been a beacon of spirituality and moral guidance for billions of Catholics worldwide. However, nestled within its illustrious lineage lies a trove of scandalous...
Representational image of a screaming mummy. Source: Sailko/CC BY 3.0
14 May, 2024 - 21:05 Robbie Mitchell

The Chilling Tale of the Screaming Mummy (Video)

The year was 1886 when Egyptologist Gaston Maspero unearthed the remains of what would later be known as Unknown Man E , a chilling discovery that sent ripples through the world of archaeology...
Caesar giving Cleopatra the Throne of Egypt. Source: Public Domain
13 May, 2024 - 21:01 Robbie Mitchell

Fascinating Facts About Julius Caesar's Love Life (Video)

Julius Caesar , renowned for his military exploits and political prowess, also possessed a rather colorful love life. His romantic escapades spanned a wide spectrum, from dalliances with concubines...
Image of medieval surgeon tools on a table. Source: IBRESTER/Adobe Stock
12 May, 2024 - 20:57 Robbie Mitchell

King Henry V's Life Saved by Remarkable Medieval Surgical Procedure (Video)

In the summer of 1403, amidst a rebellion threatening England's stability, two opposing English armies clashed near Shrewsbury. Among them was Prince Henry (later King Henry V), facing a perilous...
Matthias Corvinus memorial In Szekesfehervar, Hungary. Source: Munka/ Adobe Stock
12 May, 2024 - 13:29 Aleksa Vučković

The Medieval Kingdom of Hungary, a Nation Born From Christianity

The Kingdom of Hungary, spanning from 1000 to 1301 AD, stands as a significant chapter in European history, marked by a rich tapestry of political, cultural, and military developments. Its genesis in...
Remains of the castle at Bilhorod Kyivskyi in the Ukraine. Source: Kiyanka / CC BY-SA 4.0
11 May, 2024 - 22:51 Aleksa Vučković

The Brief but Bright Era of Bilhorod Kyivskyi

Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Irpin River, Bilhorod Kyivskyi, an ancient city-castle shrouded in the mists of history, stands as a poignant symbol of Ukraine 's diverse heritage and...
Khufu pyramid from the northeast view. Source: dynamofoto/Adobe Stock
11 May, 2024 - 01:00 Robbie Mitchell

Five More Fascinating Facts About Egypt's Pyramids (Video)

Dating back to approximately 2630 BC, the construction of the first pyramid marks a milestone nearly five millennia ago. Ancient Egypt's allure spans centuries, captivating minds with its rich...
Alexander Putting his Seal Ring over Hephaestion's Lips, by Johann Heinrich Tischbein, 1781 Source: Public Domain
10 May, 2024 - 22:57 ancient-origins

An Expert’s View On the Netflix Series Portrayal of Alexander the Great As Queer

By Charlotte Dunn /The Conversation You might be surprised to learn the sex life of a long-dead conqueror is making headlines in 2024. Netflix documentary Alexander the Great: The Making of a God has...
Scottish warriors heading into battle in the highlands. Source: Jeff Whyte/Adobe Stock
10 May, 2024 - 20:50 Robbie Mitchell

The Top Three Critical Wars for Scottish Independence (Video)

The struggle for Scottish independence spans centuries, marked by pivotal conflicts that shaped the nation's identity. Three significant wars stand out in this ongoing battle against English...

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