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Ancient Origins Tour IRAQ

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Asia

Ancient places can be found all over Asia. Their fascinating histories and impressive artifacts open intriguing glimpses to times past, and open up a window on Asian history. Visiting such historical places in Asia can be an unforgettable experience.

Science is constantly discovering new archaeological places and uncovering more evidence into what we once thought we knew about our history, therefore offering new pieces to the ever changing puzzle of humanity’s past and altering how we interpret it. This section will present the most interesting archaeological sites all over Asia, as well as new discoveries of ancient places that are worth paying a visit.

Red Fort is a historic fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Delhi, which served as the residence of the Mughal Empire. Source: anjali04/Adobe Stock

How and Why Did the Mughal Empire Fall? (Video)

The Mughal Empire , once a formidable force, met its demise through a series of internal and external challenges. Originating from the Barlas tribe, the Mughals blended Mongolian roots with Persian...
The oldest fortified settlement sits atop a section of land overlooking the Amnya River. Source: Nikita Golovanov/Antiquity Publications Ltd

World’s Oldest Fortress Discovered in Siberia Challenges Traditional Archaeology

The world's oldest fortress has been discovered in Siberia, dating to 8,000 years ago. This defensive complex reveals an ancient class structure, and like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, it challenges...
Aerial photo taken on Dec. 5, 2023 showing the archaeological site of a tomb dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25 AD) in Wulong District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.	Source: Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute/ Xinhua News

2,200-year-old Tomb Packed With Artifacts and History Unearthed in China

On December 5, 2023, a major archaeological discovery was made in the Wulong District of Chongqing Municipality, located in Southwest China. A tomb dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25...
Ancient China’s historic tradition and culture in a classic wall drawing in watercolor Asian style. Source: Matrioshka/Adobe Stock

Ancient China History Unveiled: Dynasties and Inventions (Video)

Ancient China's rich history, dynasties, and innovative spirit have left an enduring impact. From the mythical creation stories to scientific evidence of Homo erectus settling two million years ago,...
The impressive, restored 3,400-year-old pyramid mausoleum found in Kazkhastan.	Source: Dr. Aibar Kassenali/Arkeonews

Stunning 3,400-Year-Old Pyramid in Kazakhstan Was a Monument to a Deceased Leader

In 2016 the remains of a fascinating pyramid-shaped monument were discovered in the windswept and largely deserted Karaganda region of central Kazakhstan . This five-layered stepped structure was...
A depiction of the Great Library of Alexandria, a symbol of the intellectual epicenter of the ancient city of Alexandria. Right: Detail of Raphael's (1509–1511) impression of Euclid, teaching students 	Source: Microgen / Adobe Stock

What Made Alexandria the Intellectual Capital of the Ancient World?

The ancient city of Alexandria, nestled on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, held a unique and enduring status as the intellectual capital of its time. Its remarkable legacy as a hub for knowledge...
Al Khazneh (The Treasury) in Petra.	Source: Volodymyr Shevchuk/Adobe Stock

The Fascinating Hidden History of Petra (Video)

Nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by towering mountains, Petra reveals an intriguing narrative of architectural brilliance and cultural depth. The Siq, a narrow fault serving as the city's...
The allegedly manmade megalithic site at Gunung Padang, claimed to be an incredibly ancient pyramid in Indonesia, showing the multitude of rocks under question. Source: uskarp2 / Adobe Stock

New Claims of a 27,000-Year-Old Indonesian Pyramid Spark Controversy

A controversial paper recently published in the journal Archaeological Prospection has generated debate and criticism from archaeologists and geologists alike. In this newly completed study, a team...
Hanging gardens of Babylon. Source: Trendy Image Two / Adobe Stock.

The Wonders of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Video)

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon , a marvel of ancient Babylonian architecture, emerged around 600 BC, a testament to King Nebuchadnezzar II's devotion to Princess Amitis of Media. Consolidating the...
Kallanai Dam. Source: Elamaran Elaaa / Adobe Stock.

How Ancient Kings Split a River & Fed Millions (Video)

In antiquity, the Chola Dynasty of southern India demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in managing water resources, particularly in the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu . The ancient Chola caves, dating...
Yakhchal cooling device in Kashan, Iran. Source: knovakov / Adobe Stock.

The Yakhchāl: Ancient Ice-Making Machines in the Desert (Video)

In the arid expanses of the Persian desert , an ingenious ancient technology known as the Yakhchāl has been discovered, revealing a sophisticated approach to ice-making dating back to 400 BC. These...
The Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World heritage site in Datong, Shanxi province, China. Source: mijun/Adobe Stock

The Magnificent Yungang Grottoes Are a Testament of China’s Buddhist History

The history of Ancient China is full of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions. But Buddhism in China has deep and far-reaching roots. Throughout the centuries, it has left many famous and...
Security features in ancient tomb. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.

What Maximum Security Meant for Ancient Tomb Raiders (Video)

The kings of the Han Dynasty went to extraordinary lengths to protect their tombs , and within these fortified resting places, ancient tomb raiders faced an imposing challenge. The tomb in this video...
The Sirrush Dragons guarded the Gate of Ishtar.	Source: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP (Glasg)/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ishtar Gate and the Deities of Babylon

The Ishtar Gate was the main entrance into the great city of Babylon, commissioned by King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC) as part of his plan to create one of the most splendid and powerful cities of...
Atlit Yam. (Hanay / CC by SA 3.0)

Why the ‘Stonehenge of Atlit Yam’ was Held in Such High Regard (Video)

Located a quarter mile off the Israeli coast, the ' Stonehenge of Atlit Yam' has captivated archaeologists with its remarkably preserved 9,000-year-old settlement. This ancient site, nestled on the...
Brihadeeswarar Temple. Source: krishna / Adobe Stock.

India’s Mysterious Brihadeeswarar Temple Doesn’t Cast a Shadow

India's history boasts numerous architectural masterpieces. Among them is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, known for a very unique feature : its shadow seems to completely vanish at noon! An...
China’s forbidden city. Source: wusuowei / Adobe Stock.

A Remarkable Tour Inside China's Forbidden City (Video)

The Forbidden City's architecture is a masterpiece, with its historical and cultural significance deeply rooted in its design. The number 9 holds great importance in Chinese culture , and this is...
Templar tunnel in Acre, Israel. Source: eldadcarin / Adobe Stock.

Was This Hidden Tunnel Used by the Knights Templar? (Video)

In the historical landscape of the Holy Land during the Crusades , the Templars, a formidable and influential order, established their presence across strategic locations. One such place was the city...
The Samurai would collect enemy heads. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.

A Samurai's Collection of Human Heads (Video)

Samurai , driven by the need to prove their loyalty and valor to their shogun masters, often resorted to a gruesome practice – the collection of human heads. The severed heads served as tangible...
Chinese empress. Source: dreampicturestud / Adobe Stock.

How a Chinese Empress Built the Largest Palace in the World (Video)

In 662 AD, as Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty’s health waned, Empress Wu Zetian quietly assumed the reins of power, navigating a realm dominated by men. Wu's ambition knew no bounds, and she...
Aerial view of Lake Tere-Khol and Por-Bajin island, the Siberian fortress. Source: Por Bajin Cultural Foundation

1,300-Year-Old Fortress Ruins on Siberian Lake Mystifies Experts

It is one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in Russia – an ancient complex engulfing a small island in the center of a remote lake in the mountains of southern Siberia. At first glance, it...
The Magnificent Ishtar Gate of Babylon

The Magnificent Ishtar Gate of Babylon

The Ishtar Gate was the eighth gate of the city of Babylon (in present day Iraq) and was the main entrance into the great city. It was a sight to behold; the gate was covered in lapis lazuli glazed...
The Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi. Source: Bikashrd / CC by SA 4.0.

The Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi Defies Gravity in Indian Temple

In the heart of Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, India, lies a marvel of ancient Indian architecture that has puzzled both historians and architects alike – a temple with a pillar that doesn’t completely...
Promotional image for Assassins Creed Mirage. Source: Ubisoft

What the New Assassin’s Creed Game Tells Us About Ninth-Century Baghdad

By Glaire Anderson / The Conversation Gamers the world over will be familiar with the incredibly detailed historic cityscapes the Assassin’s Creed franchise has produced so far. Following earlier...

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