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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.

Road to Santiago de Compostela way. Source: Public Domain
24 February, 2023 - 17:57 Robbie Mitchell

On the Road to Enlightenment: 7 of the World's Most Historic Pilgrimage Routes

Embark on a journey through time and faith as we explore the world's most renowned pilgrimage routes. From the scenic trails of Japan to the spiritual heart of Mecca, these routes have been walked by...
The skeletal remains of two elite brothers at Megiddo, the focus of this study. Source: Kalisher, R et al / PLoS ONE
23 February, 2023 - 14:59 Sahir

High Status Brothers Had Access to Cranial Surgery in Bronze Age Israel

In ancient Megiddo, a city on the crossroads of major trade routes, two upper-class brothers underwent "angular notched trephination," the earliest example of its kind found in the Ancient Near East...
A man prepares for his execution. Source: jahorimine / Adobe Stock
22 February, 2023 - 20:58 ancient-origins

Stories from the Gallows: Executions Exhibition Reveals Tragic Tales of Death

The Museum of London Docklands is hosting Executions , a major exhibition exploring the capital’s history of public punishment, from the first recorded public execution in 1196 to the last in 1868...
Roman worships. Source: AI generated.
20 February, 2023 - 17:57 Robbie Mitchell

Sodales Augustales: Rome’s Elite Imperial Cult Dedicated to the Emperor

The Sodales Augustales were a religious organization in ancient Rome dedicated to the worship of the emperor. Composed of prominent citizens, they served as ambassadors and reinforced the emperor's...
The palace at Wat Phra Keaw, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in 1782 by King Rama I as the royal residence and center of government. The palace complex has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout the years and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Source: Travel mania / Adobe Stock.
19 February, 2023 - 18:00 Joanna Gillan

Photographic Marvels: 12 Stunning Historic Palaces You Need to See to Believe

Throughout history, palaces have been built by various civilizations and kingdoms to showcase the wealth and power of their rulers. These palaces are not only impressive in terms of their size and...
Detail from theatre poster for Jane Shore at Royal Princess' Theatre in Edinburgh, December 1885. Source: Public domain
18 February, 2023 - 00:56 dhwty

Royal Mistress Jane Shore Walked Streets of London in her Underwear

Elizabeth "Jane" Shore was a fiery and charismatic Englishwoman who made a name for herself as one of the many sultry mistresses of the handsome and powerful English king, Edward IV. With her...
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey. Source: yusuftatliturk / Adobe Stock
16 February, 2023 - 22:00 Joanna Gillan

The Majesty of Mosques: 12 Captivating Photos That Showcase Islamic Architecture

Mosques are known for their stunning architecture and intricate craftsmanship. From the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to the delicate beauty of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul,...
Leonardo da Vinci and his sketches that hint at knowledge of gravity. Source: Caltech
16 February, 2023 - 13:57 Nathan Falde

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Notes Show He Understood Gravity Long Before Newton

As the prototypical Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci was an artist, scientist, inventor and all-around genius who left a legacy of discovery and innovation that is still admired to this day. But if...
A traditional burial site in Tana Toraja, whose culture is known for elaborate funeral rituals. Source: fabio lamanna / Adobe Stock
16 February, 2023 - 01:02 Joanna Gillan

Elaborate Funeral Rituals and Exhumation of the Dead in Toraja Culture

The unforgettable Tana Toraja is a regency located in the picturesque mountains of South Sulawesi in Indonesia. This region is home to the indigenous Torajan people, whose way of life is deeply...
Saint Valentine is today associated with lovers. Here, lovers shown in the Medieval Miniature from the Codex Manesse. Source: Public Domain
14 February, 2023 - 17:57 ancient origins

Valentine’s Day’s Connection with Love was Probably Invented by 14th-Century Poets

Natalie Goodison / The Conversation As an undergraduate, on a tour of Europe, I happened to step into the church where Saint Valentine’s head was kept. The tour guide told us a (likely fictitious)...
Skull of a medieval woman showing evidence of brain surgery. Source: Divulgação/Universidade Sapienza
13 February, 2023 - 21:53 Nathan Falde

Unfortunate Medieval Woman Underwent Surgery of the Skull—Twice!

A detailed examination of the skull of a woman who lived in central Italy in the medieval settlement of Castel Trosino more than 1,300 years ago has revealed something both astonishing and...
Portrait of the Irish war hero Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan. Source: Public domain
13 February, 2023 - 17:52 Sahir

Talks Begin on Repatriating Remains of Patrick Sarsfield, Irish War Hero

Just last year, the Irish Mirror reported that excavations to find the skeletal remains of 17th century deceased Earl and revolutionary Irish war hero, Patrick Sarsfield, had begun in Belgium . They...
An ancient party. Source: AI generated
12 February, 2023 - 18:00 Robbie Mitchell

Top 8 Legendary Parties - Iconic Celebrations in Ancient History

Sometimes people just need to let their hair down. Whether you’re a despotic ruler seeking to distract from a major controversy or a downtrodden peasant looking to get away from the daily grind,...
Martyr of Fanaticism by José de Brito depicts a young woman being tortured during the Spanish Inquisition. Source: Public domain
11 February, 2023 - 00:58 Marilo

The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth Behind the Black Legend (Part II)

One of the most controversial organizations in history, the Spanish Inquisition has been poorly understood by the general public. This period of religious persecution, which took place between 1478...
Aswan temple, completed by Ramses II of the Ramessid Dynasty. Source: Konstantin / Adobe Stock
9 February, 2023 - 14:00 Aleksa Vučković

The Ramessid Dynasty: A Golden Era in Ancient Egypt

Throughout its very long history, ancient Egypt's fate has always been decided by the great ruling dynasties. A powerful state and empire needs an equally powerful ruler, and ever since the...
Auto de Fe in the Plaza Mayor, an oil painting from 1683 by Francisco Rizi. The painting depicts the ritual public penance carried out by heretics and apostates during the Spanish Inquisition. Source: Public domain
9 February, 2023 - 01:07 Marilo

The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth behind the Dark Legend (Part I)

One of the most controversial organizations in history, the Spanish Inquisition has been poorly understood by the general public. This period of religious persecution, which took place between 1478...
Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, detail. Inset, Section of one of the 50 scripts, made up of graphical symbols, found by the code breaker team in the National Library of France. Source: Public Domain /inset; Bibliotheque National de France
8 February, 2023 - 21:52 ashley cowie

Researchers Decode Secret Encrypted Letters of Mary, Queen of Scots

Secret encrypted letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots during her imprisonment in England have been decoded. Having been arrested and charged for plotting to murder her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I,...
Buddhist Sohei warrior monks played a critical role in Japanese politics for centuries. Source: Brunogm / Adobe Stock
8 February, 2023 - 17:50 Aleksa Vučković

Bloodthirsty Buddhists: The Sohei Warrior Monks of Feudal Japan

When we think of Buddhism today, we think of pacifism, being at one with the world, love for one’s neighbor and nature, and other aspects of peaceful living. Modern Buddhist monks are devoted to...
Marijuana and other plants have been used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes since time immemorial. The pictured Amazonian shaman uses ayahuasca ritualistically. Source: Ammit / Adobe Stock
4 February, 2023 - 01:02 Joanna Gillan

Marijuana for All that Ails You: Cannabis in the Ancient World

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used by humans for thousands of years for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Its versatility and effectiveness in treating a wide range of ailments...
The abandoned and earthquake-damaged ruins of Kayakoy have become a tourist attraction. Source: Nullplus / Adobe Stock
3 February, 2023 - 17:57 Lex Leigh

Kayakoy: An Abandoned Ghost Town Opens For Tourismi

Since the beginning of time, cities have been built and abandoned for countless reasons. War, famine, drought, and more have led communities to flee and relocate to regions that better suit their...
The Bjørnstad Ship carving, Norway. Source: Sarpsborg Turist as/Visit Norway
3 February, 2023 - 13:57 Aleksa Vučković

The Bjørnstad Ship: A Rare Window into the Nordic Bronze Age

Situated near Sarpsborg, Norway, the enigmatic Bjørnstad ship is a fantastic glimpse into the prehistoric, pre-Viking age of Scandinavia. Such ancient carvings are few, and often hard to discover -...
Embalming scene in underground chamber. Source: © Nikola Nevenov / Nature
3 February, 2023 - 01:00 Nathan Falde

Analysis Reveals Secret Recipe of Ancient Egyptian Embalming Fluids

Egyptian mummification has been a source of fascination for historians, archaeologists and scientists alike for centuries. A recent study conducted by German and Egyptian researchers has finally...
The Saxons spread across Europe from the 4th century, settling nearly every corner of the continent, here portrayed clashing with Vikings. Source: Justinas/Adobe Stock
30 January, 2023 - 21:53 Robbie Mitchell

The Saxon Conquest of Europe, and a Christian Conquest of Saxons

Anyone familiar with European history will have heard of the Saxons. Originally a Germanic tribe from the North Sea coast of the Netherlands, over the centuries they spread across Europe like...
Citizen scientists investigating a potential burial mound location. Source: © Heritage Gelderland
26 January, 2023 - 21:57 Nathan Falde

Citizen Scientists Find Over 1,000 Burial Mounds in Dutch Countryside

A throng of more than 6,000 amateur researchers from the heritage organization Erfgoed Gezoeken have spent the last several years examining imagery of the hills, dunes, valleys and forests of the...

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