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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.

The Battle of Rocroi, by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau.
6 November, 2020 - 23:55 dhwty

Social Consequences of the Thirty Years' War: Was it Worth it?

The Thirty Years’ War was a major European war that occurred during the 17th century. While the conflict took place mainly in the area of modern day Germany, it involved many of the great European...
‘The Roman Festivals of the Colosseum’ by Pablo Salinas shows people of different Roman social classes. Source: Public Domain
6 November, 2020 - 21:19 John S. Richardson

The Strict Rules Dividing Ancient Roman Social Classes

Ancient Rome was both a class-conscious state as well as strictly hierarchical. However, this did not rule out the opportunity for people to move between ancient Roman social classes. Before the 2nd...
Thor Heyerdahl, Reviving The Solar Cult Of Ancient Mariners
6 November, 2020 - 20:19 Enrico

Thor Heyerdahl, Reviving The Solar Cult Of Ancient Mariners

Thor Heyerdahl was a man who, despite the era in which he lived, was able to overcome the barriers of academic dogmatism in order to prove his theories. One of his most prolific phrases was: “...
Detail of a Phoenician grinning mask, 4th century BC, found in a grave at San Sperate, Cagliari, Museo Archeologico Nazionale.
5 November, 2020 - 18:56 Riley Winters

The Disturbing Truth Behind a Sardonic Grin

Creepy and more than a little uncomfortable to behold, one usually thinks of DC Comics' Joker when hearing the phrase "sardonic grin." A "smile" that pulls up the corners of the mouth in a way that...
Was Rama Based on a Real Historical Figure?
4 November, 2020 - 22:26 Caleb Strom

Was Rama Based on a Real Historical Figure?

Rama, one of the principle figures of the Hindu text the Ramayana is revered throughout India and the world. Many historians doubt that Rama was an actual person, however, many Hindus believe he was...
Batara Kala, the Hungry Giant God of Time and Destruction
4 November, 2020 - 20:51 MartiniF

Batara Kala, the Hungry Giant God of Time and Destruction

The Borobudur Temple , the massive Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia, was built in the ninth century during the reign of the Shailendra Dynasty, which emerged in eighth-century Java...
The Medicine Wheel: An Embodied Non-Linear Data Transformation Tool
2 November, 2020 - 22:43 Dr Linda Tello

The Medicine Wheel: An Embodied Non-Linear Data Transformation Tool

Medicine Wheels simultaneously represent time and space as well as the transcendence of the limits of time and space. So, like a seed comes from what came before and contains what will be, Medicine...
Integrity Of Ancient Mummies Offended By Ancient Aliens
30 October, 2020 - 20:30 ashley cowie

Integrity Of Ancient Mummies Offended By Ancient Aliens

Archaeologists all over the world have for decades refuted claims of an extraterrestrial influence on the building achievements of ancient humans. The academic community regard such claims as “...
Reog Ponorogo traditional dance lion and peacock mask
30 October, 2020 - 00:01 dhwty

The Reog Ponorogo: A Dance of Rebellion Which Changed History

A fearsome lion monster with peacock feathers on its head charged and twirled about as cavalrymen curtseyed and jumped by. The onlookers were entranced with the story playing out in front of them...
The Graveyard Prostitutes of Rome and Beyond
29 October, 2020 - 23:49 B. B. Wagner

The Graveyard Prostitutes of Rome and Beyond

Ancient regulars of the world’s oldest profession may have grown bored with the “usual” items on the coitus menu. That may be why ancient Rome enjoyed a thriving sexual ecosystem with robust variety...
Crossing the Veil: The Pre-Christian Origins of Halloween and Samhain
28 October, 2020 - 22:47 lizleafloor

Crossing the Veil: The Pre-Christian Origins of Halloween and Samhain

Halloween, or the ancient Samhain, is considered the time of year when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. As darkness falls and families light their pumpkin Jack-o'-...
The Quest For The Holy Grail: Celtic Magic Cauldrons
28 October, 2020 - 21:30 elyn aviva

The Quest For The Holy Grail: Celtic Magic Cauldrons

Growing up reading Arthurian legends, one would probably think the Grail is a cup. Not just any cup, of course, but a holy cup associated with Jesus and the Last Supper. One would probably also know...
Why are Democrats ‘Left’ and Republicans ‘Right’? The Surprising History of Political Affiliations
27 October, 2020 - 23:49 Theodoros Karasavvas

Why are Democrats ‘Left’ and Republicans ‘Right’? The Surprising History of Political Affiliations

The terms right and left refer to political affiliations that originated late in the eighteenth century (1789–1799) in relation to the seating arrangements in the various legislative bodies of France...
Vladimir the Great, known as Volodymyr in the Ukraine, or even Saint Vladimir, seen here during his baptism, has gone down in history as the leader which brought Christianity to the pagan Slavs. Source: Public domain
27 October, 2020 - 17:05 Aleksa Vučković

Saintly Leader, or Vengeful Opportunist? The Story of Vladimir the Great

Vladimir the Great(or Volodymyr) is a controversial figure. Commemorated as an exemplary leader, saint and statesman by some, the story of his life is also evidence of a vengeful, murderous and...
Reviving The Ancient Intuitive Skill of Dowsing
26 October, 2020 - 17:46 Elyn and Gary

Reviving The Ancient Intuitive Skill of Dowsing

Mankind’s ancient ancestors faced many challenges, for instance the need to be able to find drinkable water that did not show on the surface of the land. Many of these challenges were solved by way...
Culinary and medicinal spices and herbs on a wooden board
25 October, 2020 - 11:43 Alicia McDermott

Ancient Herbal Medicine And What To Use At Home To Stay Healthy Today!

“Let food be thy medicine.” – Hippocrates You’d be surprised how your knowledge of natural healing medicines can benefit from the wisdom of our ancient ancestors. Herbal medicine has been in use...
Dead Viking Dynasty Invade Scottish Neolithic Tombs
23 October, 2020 - 23:11 ashley cowie

Dead Viking Dynasty Invade Scottish Neolithic Tombs

The Viking Age represents the earliest recorded raids made by Norsemen in 793 AD until the Norman conquest of England in 1066 AD. During this blood-thirsty period Scandinavians mastered shipbuilding...
The female pope Joan
22 October, 2020 - 01:40 dhwty

Pope Joan: The Female Pope Whose Gender was Revealed When She Gave Birth in a Procession

The origins of the Papacy are traditionally traced to St. Peter, one of the original disciples of Jesus. The current pope, Francis I, is the 265th successor of St. Peter. Needless to say, all 266...
The Holy Shroud And The Mandylion: One And The Same?
21 October, 2020 - 21:59 Enrico

The Holy Shroud And The Mandylion: One And The Same?

The enigma of the Holy Shroud has fascinated and baffled both the faithful and scholars for hundreds of years. To unravel the history and secret journey of how it came to the lands of the French in...
The Legend of Lugalbanda, The First Sumerian Shaman
19 October, 2020 - 18:53 Willem McLoud

The Legend of Lugalbanda, The First Sumerian Shaman

According to the Sumerian King List , Lugalbanda was one of the kings who belonged to the First Dynasty of Uruk in Sumer in ancient Mesopotamia. What is particularly striking about Lugalbanda is the...
A Buddhist monk creating a mandala
17 October, 2020 - 00:54 Alicia McDermott

Intricacy and Reflection: Transforming Mandalas from Sacred Designs to Art Therapy

Although the word ‘Mandala’ simply means “circle” or “discoid object” in Sanskrit, the significance is far more complex. Traditionally, mandalas represented the intricacy of the universe and served...
The Wild Hunt of Odin by Peter Nicolai Arbo (1872)(Public Domain)
16 October, 2020 - 23:05 ashley cowie

The God-Gifted Weapons of Norse Mythology

The Vikings were warriors and therefore weaponry was at the forefront of their culture, and this is why the heroes and gods of Norse religion and folklore were armed with a range of awesome weapons...
The "Mexican Sphinx" near Tlayacapan, surrounded by mountains of the Sacred Valley and the landscape around the town of Tepoztlán. (Image: © Marco Vigato)
14 October, 2020 - 21:44 Marco M. Vigato

Atlantean Temples of Mexico: The Sacred Valley Of Tepoztlàn

Nestled in a sacred valley, at an altitude of about 1,700 meters (5,560 feet) above sea level, to the south of Mexico City, lies the town of Tepoztlán. The surrounding landscape has been shaped by...
Pharaoh Hatshepsut
14 October, 2020 - 21:29 ancient-origins

Hatshepsut: The Queen Who became Pharaoh

Hatshepsut was the longest reigning female pharaoh. Under her reign, Egypt prospered. Known as “The Woman Who Was King,” the Egyptian economy flourished during her time as pharaoh. She directed the...

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