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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.

Mesopotamian cylinder seal showing Sumerians drinking beer with straws. Source: Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative / CC by SA 4.0.
3 November, 2023 - 21:59 Joanna Gillan

Sumerians Used Straws to Drink Beer from Shared Vessels!

In the quest to uncover the everyday lives of ancient civilizations, archaeologists have stumbled upon some fascinating finds. Among these intriguing artifacts are the beer pots of ancient Sumer ,...
Hermanubis, a syncretism of Hermes from Greek mythology and Anubis from Egyptian mythology. Source: Rafel Miro / Flickr.
3 November, 2023 - 19:58 Robbie Mitchell

The Ancient Greeks Became Fascinated with Ancient Egypt (Video)

Ancient Greece's engagement with Ancient Egypt is a remarkable tale of cultural exchange. Greek influence in Egypt resulted in a captivating fusion of traditions. Along Egypt's Mediterranean coast,...
Kabayan cave mummy of the ancient Ibaloi people, Philippines. Tadolo/ Flickr
2 November, 2023 - 14:18 mrreese

Fire Mummies - The Smoked Human Remains of the Kabayan Caves

Mummification of the deceased is a well-known practice from ancient times. Most notably, the Egyptians utilized a mummification process that led to today’s cliché image of a deceased body covered in...
The undecorated tomb KV64. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
2 November, 2023 - 00:56 Robbie Mitchell

Why Was This Valley of the Kings Tomb Undecorated? (Video)

In January 2011, Swiss archaeologists stumbled upon an unexpected find in a remote corner of the Valley of the Kings. They were initially focused on excavating the known tomb, KV40, but during their...
This group of figures depict an early Roman victory. Marcus Furius Camillus, sometimes called the second founder of Rome, is shown in his victory over Brennus, King of the Gauls. Source: Slices of Light/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
1 November, 2023 - 21:56 Marc Hyden

More Than a Founder, Marcus Furius Camillus Was an Exemplar of Roman Virtue

While ancient Rome achieved many awe-inspiring feats, it is also remembered for its controversial citizens—especially its leaders—who embraced unrestrained decadence. Their conduct was so outlandish...
Templar tunnel in Acre, Israel. Source: eldadcarin / Adobe Stock.
1 November, 2023 - 20:00 Robbie Mitchell

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...
Facial reconstruction of Queen Nzinga. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Royalty Now Studios.
1 November, 2023 - 15:53 Robbie Mitchell

Queen Nzinga’s Life of Fighting Portuguese Colonization (Video)

Explore Queen Nzinga's remarkable life as a warrior ruler during the 17th century in Africa. Born around 1583 into the Mbundu ruling family of Ndongo (present-day Angola), Nzinga faced constant...
Some of Japan’s fiercest Samurai were women. Source: Abdulcell / Adobe Stock.
31 October, 2023 - 16:00 Robbie Mitchell

Some of Japan’s Fiercest Samurai Were Women (Video)

In ancient Japan , where the art of battle was predominantly a male domain, a remarkable shift in tradition unfolded, highlighting the tenacity of women in the face of adversity. Takeko Nakano and...
Traditional Chinese bride. Source: Jeronimo Ramos / Adobe Stock.
31 October, 2023 - 01:00 Robbie Mitchell

Choosing a Chinese Emperor’s Bride Required Intense Scrutiny (Video)

The selection of a bride for a Chinese Emperor involved meticulous scrutiny, a process far from ordinary. The privilege of making this crucial choice belonged to the Emperor's mother, the most senior...
The False Door in the Old Kingdom tomb. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
30 October, 2023 - 19:52 Robbie Mitchell

Uncovering an Egyptian Tomb’s "False Door" to the Underworld (Video)

The recent discovery of an ancient tomb from the Old Kingdom era has ignited excitement among archaeologists. This remarkable find predates many other historical artifacts by around two millennia,...
Aztec daily life seen in the Mural of the Aztec market of Tlatelolco by Diego Rivera. Palacio Nacional, Mexico City. Source: Diego Rivera/CC BY-SA 3.0
30 October, 2023 - 17:59 Robbie Mitchell

Daily Life of the Aztecs: A Blend of Agriculture, Hierarchy, and Culture

In the history of the Mesoamerican civilizations, the Aztecs occupy a major position. A lot of their history is known to us, mostly because of their contact with the Spanish conquistadors. But we...
Thutmose IV found the Sphinx half-buried. Source: Kreatifquotes / Adobe Stock.
29 October, 2023 - 20:29 Robbie Mitchell

King Thutmose IV, The Pharaoh Who Found the Sphinx (Video)

King Thutmose IV, a prominent figure in ancient Egyptian history, is often associated with the remarkable discovery of the Great Sphinx . Rather than being its builder, he is known as the pharaoh who...
Hindi culture is rich in traditions of sacred dance. Source: mihail / Adobe Stock
29 October, 2023 - 17:53 Robbie Mitchell

Embracing the Divine: Eight Sacred Dances in Hindu Rituals

Sacred dance has always been an integral part of Hinduism, intricately woven into rituals and spiritual practices. The Vedas , the holy texts of Hinduism, intermingle performance arts with rituals,...
Greek sea fire. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Weird History.
29 October, 2023 - 15:52 Robbie Mitchell

Medieval Superweapons That Sound Made Up (Video)

In medieval times, warfare saw the emergence of remarkable yet often overlooked superweapons. Greek fire , a Byzantine invention, was a mysterious and devastating flammable liquid. Its composition, a...
The Samurai would collect enemy heads. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
28 October, 2023 - 20:44 Robbie Mitchell

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...
St Patrick converting pagans. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
28 October, 2023 - 16:48 Robbie Mitchell

Is This the Reason Ireland Converted to Christianity? (Video)

The spread of Christianity in Ireland is often attributed to St. Patrick, but a deeper exploration of history and scientific findings dating back to 540 AD. Suggests a more intriguing perspective...
Tree rings. Source: tomeyk / Adobe Stock.
28 October, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

Can Tree Rings Explain the Demise of a Lost Civilization? (Video)

In the quest to uncover the mystery behind the fall of the once-vibrant Cahokia , archaeologists have turned to an unexpected source: tree ring records, aka dendrochronology. By 1150 AD, Cahokia,...
Detail of ‘The Love Potion’ (1903) by Evelyn de Morgan. Unlike the creation of this woman, Locusta of Gaul’s potions were made in hatred. Source: Public Domain
27 October, 2023 - 22:59 Joanna Gillan

Mithridatism is An Ancient Method to Become Poison-Proof

Defying death one sip at a time, mithridatism is the audacious ancient art of self-immunizing against poisons . Named after its most famous proponent, King Mithridates VI of Pontus , this practice...
Chinese empress. Source: dreampicturestud / Adobe Stock.
27 October, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

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...
Left; Statuette depicting a worshipping baboon, Right; Baboon mummy. Source: Left; Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, Right; CC BY SA 2.0
27 October, 2023 - 14:59 ancient-origins

Origin of Ancient Mummified Baboons in Egypt Found and Points to a Location for Punt

University of Konstanz Primatologists are using genetic analysis to determine the geographic origin of ancient, mummified baboons found in Egypt. In doing so the evidence points to an astonishing...
The nativity story depicting the birth of Jesus. Source: Eric Wilcox / CC BY-NC 2.0)
26 October, 2023 - 22:57 Sadie Smith

The Nativity Story’s Timeless Message from Ancient Writings to Modern Day

Believe it or not, the Christmas holiday season is fast approaching, when homes will be adorned with twinkling lights and the spirit of giving fills the air. A timeless narrative unfolds—one that has...
Paying tribute in ancient Egypt. Source: Esignd ® / Adobe Stock.
26 October, 2023 - 20:57 Robbie Mitchell

How Ancient Cultures Paid Tributes to their Gods (Video)

Ancient civilizations, in their devotion to the divine, created enduring tributes that stand as evidence of their unwavering faith. Among these, the intricate carvings adorning the walls of Angkor...
A young knight illustration, representative of Mordred. Source: warmtail/Adobe Stock
26 October, 2023 - 19:00 Aleksa Vučković

Deciphering Mordred: The Enigma at the Heart of Arthurian Legend

In the vast realm of Arthurian legend, few characters evoke as much intrigue and controversy as Mordred. Described as the treacherous nephew of King Arthur, Mordred's role in the Arthurian saga is...
Body collector during the plague. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Weird History.
26 October, 2023 - 01:58 Robbie Mitchell

What It Was Like to Be a Body Collector During the Black Death (Video)

Amid the Black Plague's devastating sweep from 1346 to 1353, a daunting profession emerged: that of the body collector. Their grim duty was unambiguous - to clear the streets and homes of the...

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