All  

Store Banner Mobile

Store Banner Mobile

Latest News

All the latest news on finds, advancements, and research in archaeology and ancient history, from the No 1 Ancient History website in the world

News

Detail, the face of the Lady of Elche. Source: Public Domain

The Enigma Surrounding the Stunning Lady Of Elche

In 1897, archaeologists uncovered a stunning artifact on a private estate at L'Alcúdia in Valencia, Spain. This find was a statue – a polychrome bust of a woman’s head. Believed to date back to the...
A the front of a copy of the bark shield. Source: University of Leicester/Fair Use

The Enderby Shield: A Bark-Made Artifact from the Iron Age? (Video)

​ In the annals of Iron Age history , the Enderby Shield emerges as a stunning revelation, challenging conventional notions of weaponry and craftsmanship. Discovered in 2015 near Leicester, this...
Left, Preparation of a geophysical survey during the field campaign in March 2024. Right; Geophysical survey of the previously unknown site of Jarkovac (Serbia).	Source:  Left; © Sebastian Schultrich/Cluster ROOTS Right; © Cluster ROOTS/Museum of Vojvodina Novi Sad/National Museum Zrenjanin/National Museum Pančevo

Cluster of Neolithic Settlements Discovered in Serbia

A field campaign has provided a ‘discovery of outstanding importance’ in Serbia, incorporating discoveries regarding various cultures of the Late Neolithic including Vinča culture, Banat culture, and...
Ann Bonny and Mary Read convicted of Piracy November 28th, 1720, in a court of Vice Admiralty held at St. Jago de Vega in ye island of Jamaica. Source: Public Domain

The Exploits of Eight Notorious Pirates (Video)

The exploits of eight infamous pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy have captivated generations. William Kidd , a Scottish privateer turned pirate, met his end on the gallows amid speculation about...
A limestone panel depicting two Maya Mesoamerican ballgame players. Usumacinta River area, Guatemala.  Source: Ada Turnbull Hertle Fund; Art Institute Chicago/CC BY 3.0

Hallucinogens Found In Ancient Yucatán Ball Courts Betray Maya Offerings

New research has shed light on the rituals surrounding the construction of a ballcourt in the ancient Maya city of Yaxnohcah. A collecting of botanicals, subjected to environmental DNA analysis, has...
Representational image of a Capybara. Source: Henner Damke / Adobe Stock

Cute and Cuddly Capybaras Are Related to Extinct Colossal Rodents

Native to South America's wetlands, the Capybara is celebrated as the world's largest rodent and revered for its gentle demeanor. Yet, behind its cuddly reputation lies a remarkable connection to an...
Leaning tower of Pisa at sunset, with cloudy blue skies.  Source: sugar0607/Adobe Stock

5 Surprising Facts of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Video)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as an enduring emblem of Italy, drawing millions of tourists annually. Yet, amidst its renown, lie intriguing details often overlooked. Firstly, while globally...
A strong relationship between human and animal: a cow with a modified ‘neck’ pendant and horns. 	Source: Julien Cooper/The Conversation

Rock Art Discoveries in Eastern Sudan Tell a Tale of the Once ‘Green Sahara’

By Julien Cooper /The Conversation The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my...
A captivating digital illustration showcasing the bustling life of an ancient Phoenician port city, featuring merchants actively trading goods, a harbor filled with colorful sailboats. Source: Kristian/Adobe Stock

Unraveling the History of the Ancient Phoenicians (Video)

The Phoenicians , flourishing between 1500 and 300 BC, were a maritime powerhouse whose influence stretched across the ancient Mediterranean world. Originating from the coastal regions of what is now...
Initial stage dry stone structure of Roman ruins found at Chamboret, France.	Source: Inrap

Roman Ruins and Evidence of Neolithic Settlement Unearthed from France

Archaeologists in France have recently uncovered a fascinating site offering a glimpse into multiple layers of history. Nestled near the village of Chamborêt, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) north...
Head of aurochs in the Lascaux caves in France. Source: bobdu11 / Adobe Stock

Through Aurochs Eyes: A New Perspective on the Story of Lascaux

They approach me in Lascaux caves on their hands and knees, one carrying a stave atop which tarred plant debris has been wound, set alight from the campfire, which itself was lit from a spark glowing...
Images of the Ancient water clock, the Egyptian Clepsydra. Source: Left; Archivist/Adobe Stock, Right; Egypt Museum

As Old As Time: Ancient Invention of the Water Clock

Today, the ability to keep track of time seems to be taken for granted. One just simply needs to glance at a watch, clock, or mobile phone to know the exact time, even down to the nearest second...
The tightly packed amphorae of the Ses Fontanelles Roman shipwreck. Source: Sebastià Munar Llabrés, Jaume Cardell, Carlos de Juan, Miguel Ángel Cau, Darío Bernal-Casasola, Llorenç Picornell & Enrique García Riaza / Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences.

Roman Shipwreck Reveals Entirely New Type of Amphora

Archaeologists excavating the hold of a Roman cargo ship off the coast of Mallorca have turned up something new. An entirely unknown type of amphora has been found inside the wreck, which is believed...
Letter of marque given to Captain Antoine Bollo via the shipowner Dominique Malina from Genoa, owner of the Furet, a 15-tonne privateer, 27 February 1809. (Right) Drake viewing treasure taken from a Spanish ship, print courtesy New York Public Library. Source: Public Domain; New York Public Library/CC BY 3.0

The Enigmatic Letter of Marque: Legal Piracy Revealed (Video)

Privateering , often glamorized in tales of the high seas, was far more complex than popular narratives suggest. At its heart lay the elusive "Letter of Marque," a document laden with opportunity and...
AI generated image representative of Alba Longa, legendary ancient Roman city.	Source: LukaszDesign/Adobe Stock

Alba Longa and its Legendary Kings

Alba Longa, an ancient city located in the Latium region of Italy, holds a prominent place in the realm of myth and legend. According to tradition, this fabled city's origins can be traced back to...
Posthumous portrait of King Edward IV from original circa 1470-1475. Source: Public Domain

A Brief History of Edward IV of England, The First Yorkist King

Governing a great and powerful realm is certainly no easy task, especially a kingdom that was as powerful as medieval England. The Kings of England were amongst the most powerful men of that time,...
No Ziggy? The Inca City at the Martian Pole surrounded by thousands of spiders from Mars, here seen as tiny dark spots. Source: European Space Agency / CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Spiders From Mars? Strange Formations Spotted at Martian Pole

ESA's Mars Express has captured images revealing distinctive formations dubbed "spiders" dispersed across the southern polar region of Mars. These features are caused by a fascinating interplay of...
AI illustration symbolic of the British monarchy. Source: Julia Zarubina/Adobe Stock

The British Monarchy: An Authority That Endures Over Time (Video)

The British monarchy boasts an impressive lineage spanning over 1200 years, making it one of the oldest in the world. Through centuries marked by uprisings, revolutions, and global conflicts, its...
Photo showing a portion of the ‘Treasure of Priam’. Source: Public Domain, I, Sailko/CC BY-SA 3.0, I, Sailko/CC BY-SA 3.0, I, Sailko/CC BY-SA 3.0

The Treasures of Priam: Golden Riches from the Legendary City of Troy

Homer’s Iliad is often considered as one of the greatest works of Western literature. For many centuries, Homer’s Troy, the city besieged by the Greeks, was considered to be a myth by scholars...
Ruins in the ancient city of Sirkap, Taxila, Pakistan. Source: NG-Spacetime / Adobe Stock

A Rich Fusion of Greek and Indian: The Ancient Ruins of Sirkap

When Alexander the Great invaded the Far East, his armies were awed by the strange cultures, exotic animals, and unknown religions of India. Alexander promoted a fusion of cultures and his successors...
A new study believes that uranium may be behind the curse of the pharaohs. Source: Shutter2U / Adobe Stock

There WAS a Curse! Was Deadly Radiation Behind the Curse of the Pharaohs?

When Howard Carter broke into the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922, the treasures he found in the sealed chambers were not the only thing on his mind. He also feared a curse, the legendary curse of...
Al generated art of Cleopatra's speech to the crowd at sunset with the pyramids of Giza in the background in Egypt. Source: unai/Adobe Stock

What Type of Leader Was Cleopatra? (Video)

Cleopatra , renowned as Cleopatra VII, wielded leadership that transcended mere governance, embodying a blend of intellect, charisma, and strategic prowess. Born in 69 BC into the Ptolemaic dynasty...
AI image of Arab warrior assassin rushing through the desert with two curved sabers with which magical Arabian runes. Source: warmtail/Adobe Stock

How Arabian Script Infiltrated the Runes of Ancient Germany

Arabian archers in the Roman army had a surprising impact on the evolution of writing in ancient Germany at the dawn of our Common Era (AD). The old Germanic alphabet, known as runes – bolstered with...
AI image of a painting, showing a Pagan Christmas card of Holly King and Winter Goddess. Source: Kelly Cree/Adobe Stock

Modern Activities That Can Be Traced Back to Pagan Culture (Video)

A search for hidden pagan influence on our daily activities reveals a mix of modern traditions and customs deeply rooted in ancient belief systems. Emerging from the early Christian era, the term "...

Pages