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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.

Ibn al-Haytham ("Alhasen") on the left pedestal of reason [while Galileo is on the right pedestal of the senses] as shown on the frontispiece of the Selenographia (Science of the Moon; 1647) of Johannes Hevelius. 	Source: Public domain provided by the author

Study Reveals the Influence of 11th Century Scientist On Modern-day Physics

By University of Sharjah Scientists from the University of Sharjah and the Warburg Institute are poring over the writings of an 11th century Arab-Muslim polymath to demonstrate his impact on the...
A Roman love scene. Mosaic found in Centocelle (1st century AD).	Source: Kunsthistorisches Museum/CC BY-SA 2.5

Silphium, The Ancient Contraceptive Herb Driven To Extinction

As an institution of spiritual authority, the Catholic Church wields much influence over the attitudes and beliefs of millions of people around the globe. From scriptural doctrine to less refined...
Representational image of Muslim achievements to science, medicine, philosophy and education. Source: mknisanci / Adobe Stock

“Historical Amnesia” Obscures Forgotten Achievements of Muslim Culture

In an article authored by Craig Considine and published in The Huffington Post , the veil is lifted on a profound historic oversight in some educational curriculums: the neglect of Muslim...
The Taj Mahal. Source:EugeneF/Adobe Stock

How Long Famous Landmarks Took to Build (Video)

From the monumental Great Pyramid of Giza to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal, the construction timelines of these iconic landmarks offer insights into the ingenuity and perseverance of ancient...
Comanche Feats of Horsemanship (1834-1835) by George Catlin. Source: Public Domain

The History of the Comanche Tribe is One of Conquest

The history of the Native American Comanche tribe includes their move from ancestral homelands in Wyoming to more southerly parts - and conquering new lands. They were then in turn conquered, after...
Norman Victory: An Iconic Scene from the Battle of Hastings. Source: Mr. Bolota/Adobe Stock

The Impact of the Battle of Hastings on British History (Video)

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 stands as a watershed moment in British history, reshaping the trajectory of the nation for centuries to come. Prior to this pivotal clash, England was a patchwork of...
Reproduction of the Old city of Jerusalem.		Source: Alessandro/Adobe Stock

Cosmic Rays, Tree Rings, and the Real Story of the Building of Jerusalem

A new archaeological study of ancient Jerusalem is forcing experts to reevaluate some of their past assumptions about the history of that holy city. New research has presented evidence that Biblical...
Photo of an Aztec warrior in imagined armor. Source: Superhero Woozie/Adobe Stock

History's Most Dreaded Warriors (Video)

Throughout history, formidable warriors have etched their names into the annals of warfare, leaving behind legacies of terror and conquest. Among them, Genghis Khan and his Mongol horde stand out as...
"Certosa di Pavia - Medallion at the base of the facade". The Latin inscription tells that these are Romulus and Remus.           Source: Public Domain

The Seven Legendary Kings Who Built Rome (Video)

The era of Rome's seven kings , spanning from approximately 753 BC to 509 BC, marks a critical period in the city's history. Romulus , the legendary founder, is said to have established Rome's...
Su Nuraxi - a nuragic archaeological site in Barumini, Sardinia, Italy. Source: robnaw/Adobe Stock

Lost Civilizations: Delving into the Forgotten Past of Sardinia (Video)

Ancient Sardinia ’s history reveals a saga of resilience and adaptation spanning millennia. Situated strategically in the central Mediterranean, its dry, mountainous landscapes and labyrinthine...
Landscape with ruined city and stone columns in Persepolis. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Source: radiokafka/Adobe Stock

What Contributed to the Downfall of Persepolis? (Video)

Persepolis , the jewel of the Achaemenid Empire, rose to prominence under the reign of Darius the Great in the late 6th century BC. Strategically located in a mountainous region, Persepolis served as...
Ann Bonny and Mary Read convicted of Piracy November 28th, 1720, in a court of Vice Admiralty held at St. Jago de Vega in ye island of Jamaica. Source: Public Domain

The Exploits of Eight Notorious Pirates (Video)

The exploits of eight infamous pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy have captivated generations. William Kidd , a Scottish privateer turned pirate, met his end on the gallows amid speculation about...
A limestone panel depicting two Maya Mesoamerican ballgame players. Usumacinta River area, Guatemala.  Source: Ada Turnbull Hertle Fund; Art Institute Chicago/CC BY 3.0

Hallucinogens Found In Ancient Yucatán Ball Courts Betray Maya Offerings

New research has shed light on the rituals surrounding the construction of a ballcourt in the ancient Maya city of Yaxnohcah. A collecting of botanicals, subjected to environmental DNA analysis, has...
Leaning tower of Pisa at sunset, with cloudy blue skies.  Source: sugar0607/Adobe Stock

5 Surprising Facts of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Video)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as an enduring emblem of Italy, drawing millions of tourists annually. Yet, amidst its renown, lie intriguing details often overlooked. Firstly, while globally...
Letter of marque given to Captain Antoine Bollo via the shipowner Dominique Malina from Genoa, owner of the Furet, a 15-tonne privateer, 27 February 1809. (Right) Drake viewing treasure taken from a Spanish ship, print courtesy New York Public Library. Source: Public Domain; New York Public Library/CC BY 3.0

The Enigmatic Letter of Marque: Legal Piracy Revealed (Video)

Privateering , often glamorized in tales of the high seas, was far more complex than popular narratives suggest. At its heart lay the elusive "Letter of Marque," a document laden with opportunity and...
Posthumous portrait of King Edward IV from original circa 1470-1475. Source: Public Domain

A Brief History of Edward IV of England, The First Yorkist King

Governing a great and powerful realm is certainly no easy task, especially a kingdom that was as powerful as medieval England. The Kings of England were amongst the most powerful men of that time,...
AI illustration symbolic of the British monarchy. Source: Julia Zarubina/Adobe Stock

The British Monarchy: An Authority That Endures Over Time (Video)

The British monarchy boasts an impressive lineage spanning over 1200 years, making it one of the oldest in the world. Through centuries marked by uprisings, revolutions, and global conflicts, its...
Ruins in the ancient city of Sirkap, Taxila, Pakistan. Source: NG-Spacetime / Adobe Stock

A Rich Fusion of Greek and Indian: The Ancient Ruins of Sirkap

When Alexander the Great invaded the Far East, his armies were awed by the strange cultures, exotic animals, and unknown religions of India. Alexander promoted a fusion of cultures and his successors...
Al generated art of Cleopatra's speech to the crowd at sunset with the pyramids of Giza in the background in Egypt. Source: unai/Adobe Stock

What Type of Leader Was Cleopatra? (Video)

Cleopatra , renowned as Cleopatra VII, wielded leadership that transcended mere governance, embodying a blend of intellect, charisma, and strategic prowess. Born in 69 BC into the Ptolemaic dynasty...
AI image of Arab warrior assassin rushing through the desert with two curved sabers with which magical Arabian runes. Source: warmtail/Adobe Stock

How Arabian Script Infiltrated the Runes of Ancient Germany

Arabian archers in the Roman army had a surprising impact on the evolution of writing in ancient Germany at the dawn of our Common Era (AD). The old Germanic alphabet, known as runes – bolstered with...
AI image of a painting, showing a Pagan Christmas card of Holly King and Winter Goddess. Source: Kelly Cree/Adobe Stock

Modern Activities That Can Be Traced Back to Pagan Culture (Video)

A search for hidden pagan influence on our daily activities reveals a mix of modern traditions and customs deeply rooted in ancient belief systems. Emerging from the early Christian era, the term "...
Prehistoric Irish monuments of Late Bronze Age stone circle at Boleycarrigeen, with Keadeen cursus near the summit of the mountain in the background        Source: J. O’Driscoll/Antiquity

Prehistoric Irish Monuments Revealed As ‘Pathways for the Dead’

Archaeologists using advanced LiDAR technology have unearthed a significant discovery at Baltinglass in County Wicklow, Ireland, known as the "Hillfort Capital" of the region. This cutting-edge...
Invading Norwegian force led by Viking King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.	Source: Public Domain

Unveiling the True Story of the Vikings (Video)

Beyond their depiction as mere raiders, the Vikings emerged as a multifaceted society encompassing various facets of life. From around 790 AD to 1066 AD, they thrived in an era marked by remarkable...
The Crowning with Thorns (c. 1603) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610).  Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) in Vienna. Source: Adam Ján Figeľ/Adobe/Stock

Caravaggio, The Artist Who Died For His Art (Video)

Caravaggio, the charismatic artist of the Baroque era, left an undeniable mark on the art world with his revolutionary chiaroscuro technique, which brought an unparalleled depth and drama to his...

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