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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.

Medieval noble woman getting dressed. Source: Andrey Kiselev / Adobe Stock.

Getting Dressed in the 14th Century (Video)

The process of getting dressed in 14th century England was a complex and time-consuming affair. Medieval women first put on their linen undergarments, followed by layers of wool clothing, which...
Beethoven. Source: flint0010 / Adobe Stock

Beethoven Died of Alcoholism, Promiscuity and a Weak Liver

The answers to decades-long questions about the health issues suffered by famed classical music composer Ludwig van Beethoven have been found in the most unexpected of places. Thanks to in-depth...
Ajrak block-printing in Pakistan. Source: fahadee / Adobe Stock

Small Town Keeps 5,000-Year-Old Ajrak Tradition Alive in Pakistan (Video)

Ajrak is a unique and traditional form of block-printed shawl or scarf that is indigenous to the Sindh region of Pakistan and parts of India. The art of Ajrak has been practiced for over 5,000 years...
Japanese illustration of smallpox, dating back to 1720, from a work entitled Toshin seiyo, or The essentials of Smallpox. Source: Wellcome Collection / Public Domain

The Japanese Smallpox Epidemic of the 8th Century: Cause and Effect

Human history has undergone countless epidemics, some which have been nipped in the bud due to sparse populations, some due to prudent medical interventions. Some, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic...
Kulning is an ancient singing technique that calls cattle back from the pastures. Source: Iurii Seleznev / Adobe Stock.

Ancient Nordic Chant to Call Cattle is Hauntingly Beautiful (Video)

Kulning, the ancient Nordic chant to call cattle, is a singing technique that has been passed down through generations. Historically, it was used by Norse women in Sweden to call their cattle back...
A tired Muslim woman awakening early during Ramadan. (Odua Images/Adobe Stock)

In Centuries Old Tradition, Drummers Awaken a Sleeping Istanbul to Ramadan

3,400 Muslim drummers dressed in Ottoman period costumes will march through 1000 Istanbul neighborhoods, reciting ancient poems before dawn, preserving “a beauty” from the month of Ramadan. Selami...
An invocation to I-em-hetep, the Egyptian deity of medicine (Wellcome Collection / CC by SA 4.0)

A Day in the Life of an Ancient Egyptian Doctor (Video)

The ancient Egyptians were pioneers in many fields, including medicine. From dentistry to surgery, they developed a wide range of treatments and techniques that were well ahead of their time. But...
Representation of decans, zodiac signs used to measure the twelve hours of the night, on the ceiling of the Temple of Esna. On the left pre-restoration and on the right post-restoration. Source: Ahmed Emam / Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Archaeologists Discover Rare Zodiac Carvings at Egypt's Temple of Esna

Archaeologists engaged in restoration and re-coloring work at the Temple of Esna in Egypt have succeeded in uncovering a remarkable representation of celestial bodies together with all 12 signs of...
Being able to travel back in time to view ancient Greece in the flesh is the dream of many a historian. Thanks to modern technology and digital recreations we’re closer than ever before.

15 Incredible Facts About Ancient Rome (Video)

The ancient civilization of Rome has had an enduring impact on human history, shaping modern Western society in countless ways. From its legendary founding by Romulus and Remus to its eventual...
Relief in the Karnak Temple showing Thutmose III slaying Canaanite captives from the Battle of Megiddo, 15th Century BC. (Olaf Tausch/CC BY 3.0)

Thutmose III, the Famed Warrior King of Ancient Egypt

The power that marked the rise of Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period rested solely on the shoulders of capable pharaohs. Such a vast realm could never thrive if it weren’t for leaders that were bold...
Sumerian king statue one of the most ancient kingdoms of the Asian monarchs. Source: Francis Valadj/Adobe Stock

10 Formidable Monarchs Who Ruled Vast Empires in Ancient Asia

Some of humanity's most ancient civilizations originated on the current continent of Asia. At the dawn of civilization, places like Mesopotamia , Harappa, China, and others saw various advance...
Bamboo House. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Survival Skills.

Using Ancient Techniques to Build Unground Bamboo Homes (Video)

Imagine living in a home that's not just eco-friendly but also sustainable, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. A home that's built using traditional techniques, passed down through generations and...
Tarot cards. Source: wimage72 / Adobe Stock

Before They Were Divination Tools, Tarot Decks Were Playing Cards

In the English-speaking world, the word ‘tarot’ is most commonly associated with the occult and divination. It is one of the oldest forms of fortune telling, although its origins are somewhat obscure...
Japanese kimono. Source: Take7 / Adobe Stock.

Why 5 of The World's Priciest Fabrics Are So Expensive (Video)

Fabrics and textiles have always been an integral part of human culture, with some even considered as a symbol of luxury and status. Among the priciest fabrics in the world is muga silk, which is...
Aerial image of the excavations in progress showing the scale of the Roman megastructure uncovered in Reims, France. Source: Yoann Rabaste / INRAP

Massive Hidden Roman Megastructure Unearthed in Reims Cemetery

Archaeologists digging in Reims, France have discovered a monumental ancient Roman complex dating back to the second to third century AD. The Roman megastructure uncovered in Reims was found complete...
Recreation of the Trojan War. Source: Justinas / Adobe Stock

15 of the Biggest Battles of Ancient History (Video)

Warfare has unfortunately been a recurring part of human history, with conflicts arising from territorial disputes, cultural differences, and the drive for power. While the 20th century saw several...
Close up of "fumarola" on top of Vulcano Island, Sicily. Earliest dates of sulfur mining were at this fumarole. Source: Zapatisthack by Adobe Stock

Seeking Brimstone: Why Has Mankind Been Mining Sulfur for Millennia?

Throughout the ages, sulfur has been a highly versatile and indispensable element, utilized by humans for a myriad of purposes. With its striking yellow crystalline solid appearance, this non-metal...
The Moors left behind a legacy of culture and architecture, such as the Alhambra palace complex in Granada, Spain. Source: lunamarina / Adobe Stock

15 Facts About the Moors You've Probably Never Heard

The Moors left a significant mark on medieval Europe, especially with their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD. They ruled over Spain for several centuries, transforming it culturally,...
A bronze sculpture, representational. Source: DivineWorld / Adobe Stock

How Metal Artists In India Are Keeping A 4,500-Year-Old Craft Alive (Video)

Despite the challenges, metal artists in India are working to keep the ancient craft of Dhokra art alive. This traditional craft involves the use of a non-ferrous metal, often brass or bronze, to...
Wednesday is named after Odin (Wotan), the all-father of Norse mythology. Source: The_AI_Revolution / Adobe Stock

The Pagan Gods Who Gave Rise to the Days of Our Week

We speak the names of gods on a daily basis and most people do not even realize it. Whether its Thor’s Day (Thursday) or Saturn’s Day (Saturday), every day of the week, religious and non-religious...
Leather tannery in Morocco. Source: gatsi / Adobe Stock

The Risks of Keeping the World’s Oldest Leather Tannery Alive (Video)

The Chouara Tannery in Morocco, with its rich history dating back to the 11th century, has been a hub for skilled tanners transforming animal hides into leather using time-honored techniques. While...
Kushti mud wrestlers. Source: Michal Svec / Flickr.

Why Mud Wrestlers Give Up Everything for An Ancient Sport (Video)

Kushti is an ancient and revered mud-wrestling sport that has captivated sports fans in India for over 2,500 years. Today, there are many young athletes who still willingly sacrifice personal...
Traditional cooking. Source: Виталий Борковский / Adobe Stock

How Five of The Oldest Cooking Traditions Survived Centuries (Video)

Throughout history, culinary practices have been a cornerstone of cultural heritage, reflecting the tastes, techniques, and ingenuity of generations past. As time progresses, many traditional recipes...
Screenshot from Jungle Survival Video / YouTube.

How to Build a Secret Underground Tomb with Ancient Skills (Video)

In this fascinating video, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the process of constructing a secret underground tomb using ancient skills and techniques. By delving into the wisdom and...

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