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Ancient Origins Tour IRAQ

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Europe

Ancient places can be found all over Europe. Their fascinating histories and impressive artifacts open intriguing glimpses to times past, and open up a window on European history. Visiting such ancient places in Europe 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 Europe, as well as new discoveries of ancient places that are worth paying a visit.

The Garisenda Tower and Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy. Source: Aliaksei/Adobe Stock

The Iconic Garisenda Tower of Bologna Has Leaned Too Much!

A leaning tower in Italy is at it again, and no, it’s not in Pisa! Rather, it is the Garisenda Tower in Bologna, and officials have now closed it off, along with the central square adjacent to it,...
Ruins of the Pyramid of Hellinikon in Greece.     Source: kranidi/Adobe Stock

Were Ancient Greeks Building Pyramids at the Same Time as the Egyptians?

When we hear the word pyramids, our minds immediately go to Egypt; however, there are pyramids scattered all over the world: America, Europe, Asia and India. What many do not realize is that the...
Pompeii graffiti. Source: Niklas / Adobe Stock.

Pompeii's Graffiti: An Ancient Form of Social Media (Video)

Archaeologist Dr. Catherine Huntley's work unveils the ancient walls of Pompeii as repositories of historical insights. In contemporary times, graffiti often carries a negative connotation,...
Amiens cathedral. Source:  Takashi Images / Adobe Stock.

Amiens Cathedral: Gothic Architecture in all its Glory (Video)

Join a visual tour of Amiens Cathedral , a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece. The facade, intricate like delicate lace, boasts three grand doorways adorned with numerous figures. The left portal...
Neuschwanstein Castle. Source: Feel good studio / Adobe Stock.

Neuschwanstein Castle Bankrupted the King Who Built It (Video)

The construction of Neuschwanstein Castle , perched dramatically in the Bavarian Alps, brought financial ruin to the king who envisioned it, Ludwig II of Bavaria. This fairytale-like fortress, built...
Skara Brae, Orkney, Scotland. Source: Jule_Berlin / Adobe Stock.

Scotland's Most Mysterious Stone Age Settlements (Video)

Exploring the enigmatic past of Scotland's ancient settlements is a journey into the depths of history. Duncansby Head lighthouse, perched on the remote northeast tip of the British mainland, stands...
Roman colosseum. Source: phant / Adobe Stock.

Roman Emperor Vespasian Built the Colosseum to Boost Morale (Video)

Roman Emperor Vespasian's decision to construct the Colosseum in ancient Rome was a strategic move aimed at fostering unity and lifting the spirits of the populace. Drawing on his experience as a...
megalithic, stone circle, Neolithic, Stonehenge, Warwickshire, ley lines, energy

Are The Rollright Stones Actually Ancient Energy Fields? (Video)

In the heart of rural England, hidden away from the bustling roads of Warwickshire, lies the mysterious Rollright Stones . These neolithic monuments, some older than Stonehenge , stand silently,...
Aerial view of Vindolanda. Source: makasana photo / Adobe Stock.

Britain’s Amazing Roman Structures That You Can Still Visit Today (Video)

The enduring Roman legacy in Britain is evident through remarkable sites. Hadrian's Wall , constructed around 134 AD, served as a formidable barrier, rising 20 feet high and spanning 73 miles from...
Top image: The burial at Maiden Castle Hillfort. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.

Was This Burial from Maiden Castle Hillfort a Human Sacrifice? (Video)

In the heart of Maiden Castle , Dorset England, a site steeped in history, we delve into the ancient world of Iron Age hill forts . The rugged landscape, now softened by the passage of time, conceals...
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Source: Sergii Figurnyi / Adobe Stock.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a Magnet for Shakespeare Lovers (Video)

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of England's revered playwright, William Shakespeare , exudes a magnetic charm for enthusiasts of his timeless works. While Shakespeare's authorship has faced its...
Caernarfon Castle, Wales. Source: peresanz / Adobe Stock.

Why Wales is the Place to Go for Medieval Castles (Video)

The rich history of Wales can be explored though its numerous medieval castles. William the Conqueror's conquest of England in 1066 left the resilient Welsh tribes unconquered for two centuries. By...
Chania Lighthouse, Crete. Source: Matthew / Adobe Stock.

The Ancient Lighthouse of Chania was a Beacon for Greek Ships (Video)

The historic Lighthouse of Chania has proudly stood along the Cretan coast for centuries, serving as a vital beacon for Greek ships navigating treacherous waters. The Odyssey , an ancient epic,...
Birr Castle. 	Source: William Alexander.

Birr Castle, the Historic Jewel of Ireland’s County Offaly

Ireland is a nation with a rich and far-reaching heritage. From the Iron Age and into the Middle Ages, the country was shaped by numerous historic episodes. With a strong medieval heritage, Ireland...
A woman in the Renaissance getting dressed. Source: YouTube Screenshot / CrowsEye Productions.

The Elaborate Process of Getting Dressed as a Renaissance Woman (Video)

In Renaissance Florence , Italy, fashion was a tapestry of elegance and refinement . The clothing of this era showcased intricate details and subtle displays of wealth. Women of the time donned silk...
Aerial image of Bonamargy Friary in Northern Ireland. Source: peter / Adobe Stock

The Haunted History and Resting Heroes of Bonamargy Friary

Old ruins and abandoned places have always tickled the imagination. They’ve also been a primary source for local legends across the centuries. Ireland, thanks to its long and rich history, is full of...
The Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian’s Wall was cut down by vandals. Screenshot from BBC news release.  Source: BBC News/Youtube Screenshot

England’s Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree Destroyed by Act of Vandalism

In a thoughtless and ugly act of desecration, a person or persons cut down one of England’s most celebrated and historically significant trees. Known as Robin Hood’s Tree, a label it picked up after...
Viano Castle opening, viewed at night.  Source: Marcello Assandri

Vejano Castle Opened Up For the First Time in 414 Years

Today, after 414 years, the castle of Vejano (once Viano), Italy opened its heavy doors to experts coming from seven countries. Prince Landolfo di Napoli Rampolli, whose family has owned the castle...
Fleas on rats spread the plague. Source: kichigin19 / Adobe Stock.

What Hygiene Was Like During the Black Plague? (Video)

In the 14th century , European hygiene during the Black Plague was far from ideal. Bathing was infrequent, and people resorted to remedies like vinegar and even urine to combat the disease due to a...
All video courtesy of Marcello Assandri.

Huge Lost Medieval and Renaissance Castle Complex Discovered in Italy

A large medieval or Renaissance castle has been discovered amongst the foliage of a hill in Lazio, Italy. The discovery was made after investigations based on satellite imaging, which clearly...
Left; Vejano Castle, Vejano, Italy, street view of tower and entry bridge. Right, the triangular Vejano castle from above. Source: Left; Croberto68/ CC BY-SA 3.0, Right; Google Earth

Unearthing Italy's Hidden Castles 3: Rites and Recreation in the Renaissance

How did people unwind in the Renaissance? Well, spa baths were still popular since the days of the Roman Republic, but also competitions, and of course, who doesn’t love a good feast? All of these...
Bracciano Castle, Lazio, Italy.	Source: franco lucato/Adobe Stock /Adobe Stock

Unearthing Italy's Hidden Renaissance Castles: Bracciano Castle, the Orsini HQ

The current castle at Bracciano - Orsini-Odescalchi Castle - was built by Napoleone Orsini and his son Virginio starting in 1470. It is one the best maintained castles in Italy and host to numerous...
Guédelon Castle, France. Source: Atlantis / Adobe Stock.

Building a Medieval Replica Castle Using Ancient Techniques (Video)

In the realm of modern carpentry , where power tools often reign supreme, Christophe, a skilled French-Canadian Carpenter, embarks on a unique challenge. He's part of a team constructing Guédelon...
Marcello at the site of Alteto Castle, near Vejano, Lazio, Italy. Source: Marcello Assandri

Unearthing Italy's Hidden Renaissance Castles: The Borgia and Orsini Affair

Having a home in the fascinating historic town of Vejano, north of Rome, fueled Marcello Assandri’s curiosity about the history of the area. He has scoured the National State Italian Archive, the...

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