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

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The Djoser step pyramid. Source: Pavle / Adobe Stock.

The Djoser Step Pyramid: Architectural Marvel of Egypt (Video)

The Djoser Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in the world, stands as a testament to the brilliance of ancient Egyptian civilization. Built for King Djoser over 4,700 years ago, its unique staircase-...
Representational image of Tullus Hostilius. Source: Pixel Matrix / Adobe Stock

Fact or Fiction? Tullus Hostilius, the Legendary Roman Warrior King

Tullus Hostilius, the third legendary king of Rome, is a figure shrouded in myth and legend. Hostilius strictly adhered to the law and held firm beliefs regarding the importance of Roman religious...
The Lekdijk Bovendams bond from 1624. Source: https://www.beursgeschiedenis.nl/

The Dutch Bond that's Still Paying Interest After 375 Years (Video)

In 1648, the Water Board of Lekdijk Bovendams faced the challenge of raising funds for essential embankment repairs. They decided to issue a unique bearer bond, promising annual payouts to its holder...
Anne and Oddbjørn Holum Heiland have discovered a Viking age burial with weaponry and jewelry from about 1200 years ago during a home renovation. Source: Joakim Wintervoll/Science Norway

Viking Burial, Sword, and Treasure Unearthed During Home Remodeling Excavation

Little did Oddbjørn Holum Heiland know what he would find when he embarked on a Friday night project, commencing excavation work behind his 1740 Setesdalshouse alongside his wife, Anne. Long story...
The Stronsay Beast. Source: YouTube Screenshot / History Channel.

Mystery of the Stronsay Beast, Scotland’s Other Monster (Video)

The Mystery of the Stronsay Beast has intrigued researchers and cryptozoology enthusiasts for centuries. In 1808, the shores of Stronsay, a small island in Scotland, witnessed the astonishing...
Illustration of Mesolithic people digging a pit.	Source: MOLA

Archaeologists in Britain Shocked to Find 25 Mesolithic Period Pits

During a pair of separate excavations that took place in Linmere, Bedfordshire in 2019 and 2021, stunned archaeologists unearthed 25 monumental pits that date back far into prehistory. Radiocarbon...
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan hotel. Source: 金田 哲郎 / Adobe Stock.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan: The World’s Oldest Hotel (Video)

At the world's oldest hotel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan , tradition and modernity intertwine to create a unique experience. For over 1300 years , guests have been drawn to its crystal-clear hot water...
The site where the Roman necropolis and aqueduct have been discovered in Belgrade, Serbia.	Source: Belgrade City Museum/sveoarheologiji

Roman Necropolis Both Found and Doomed Due To A Car Park in Belgrade

Archaeologists in Serbia, excavating in the center of the city of Belgrade, have discovered a Roman necropolis filled with elaborate stone tombs, and a section of a Roman aqueduct system. However,...
Spartan warrior. Source: serhiibobyk / Adobe Stock.

Debunking the Myths of Ancient Sparta (Video)

The enduring myths surrounding Ancient Sparta are under scrutiny, revealing a more nuanced reality. Contrary to popular belief, the Battle of Thermopylae involved more than just 300 Spartan warriors...
Loch of Stenness (edwin/Adobe Stock)

Revisiting The 6,000-Year-Old Submerged North Doggerland Culture Of Tu-lay

A recent find off the northernmost coast of the British Isles, provides evidence that the extreme flooding that occurred in ancient times on a worldwide scale, also affected this region...
Pergamon Altar of Zeus in modern-day Turkey. Right; one of the friezes from the altar.	Source: Left; cem/Adobe Stock Right; Miguel Hermoso Cuesta/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pergamon Altar: Where Legends Come to Life

Nestled in the serene landscape of ancient Pergamon, a city that once flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman eras, lies a remarkable testament to human craftsmanship and religious devotion: the...
Ogham stone, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Source: pmangan / Adobe Stock.

Writing in Ogham: A Unique Challenge (Video)

The Ogham stone, a unique artifact with carvings from an ancient Irish alphabet , presents an exceptional challenge for modern scholars and technology. The Ogham script , used to record names and...
Basket weaving. Source: pinzonoob / Adobe Stock.

Early Humans Were Weaving Baskets in the Philippines 40,000 Years Ago!

Recent examination of ancient stone tools reveals that as early as 40,000 years ago, the early inhabitants of the Philippines were crafting ropes and baskets from plant fibers. This discovery pushes...
Until they discovered the true location of its tooth-swirl, there were several theories for how Helicoprion once looked. An outdated Helicoprion reconstruction. (public signage, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA). James St. John / CC by SA 2.0.

Ancient Sea-Creature Helicoprion Had Terrifying Chainsaw-Like Teeth

Had you lived 270 million years ago, you may have thought twice before taking a dip in the ocean. For one of the most terrifying prehistoric monsters from the underwater world was the owner of a set...
The Mysterious World of 17th Century Ivory Anatomical Manikens.

The Mysterious World of 17th Century Ivory Anatomical Manikens (Video)

Many of us have a fear of mannequins , but their precursors, 17th-century ivory anatomical manikins were even more so. Approximately 100 of these intricate objects exist globally, primarily crafted...
Woman embracing a child, Lajia Ruins Museum. Source: Chinanews

4,000-Year-Old Chinese Earthquake Victims Captured in their Final Moments

The victims of an earthquake that struck the Chinese community of Lajia in Qinghai Province on the Upper Yellow River were put on display by the Lajia Ruins Museum in 2015. It’s a scene that the...
The Rosetta Stone. Source: Jens Teichmann / Adobe Stock.

How The Rosetta Stone Unlocked Hieroglyphics (Video)

The Rosetta Stone , an invaluable treasure housed in the British Museum, played a pivotal role in deciphering the enigmatic Egyptian hieroglyphics. Before its discovery by Napoleon's campaign in...
A bone carved with designs that depict a catfish and inlaid with pieces of turquoise. (Image credit: Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology)

Lost Bronze Age Town Full of Treasures Unearthed in China

For eight decades, farmers in China’s Henan province have been picking up 3,000-year-old Shang Dynasty jade treasures from their fields. Until now, the origin of these artifacts was unknown, but a...
Spanish fly has garnered a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. Source: Mr. Bolota / Adobe Stock

There’s a Historic Misconception That ‘Spanish Fly’ is an Aphrodisiac

Cultures across the world and throughout history have attributed Spanish fly with aphrodisiacal qualities, used to cure erectile dysfunction , generate desire and enhance sexual performance. Even...
Genghis Khan. Source: MrWizard / Adobe Stock.

Genghis Khan: The Man Who Forged the Most Feared Empire in History (Video)

Feared conqueror Genghis Khan shaped history with his formidable Mongolian Empire. Born in Central Asia around 1165 AD, he swiftly eliminated his half-brother as a young boy, foreshadowing his...
Reconstruction of the ancient mosques and buildings of ancient Sarai-Batu. (vesta48/Adobe Stock)

Sarai Batu, the Once-Magnificent Capital of the Golden Horde

The Turko-Mongol Golden Horde was one of history’s most powerful empires, sweeping across the plains of Asia and East Europe, subjugating many kingdoms by their sheer might. And although the Mongols...
Queen. Source: aicandy / Adobe Stock.

Mighty Queens: 8 Royal Powerhouses Who Shaped History (Video)

Throughout history, there have been several mighty queens who have made a significant impact on their nations. These influential women include Nefertiti, Marie Antoinette , Anne Boleyn, Mary Tudor,...
Stone armor from the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Source: CC BY 2.0

2,200-Year-Old Stone Armor Reveals Qin Shi Huang's Legacy

Excavations in 1998 and 2019 unearthed hoards of ancient stone armor in and around the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, offering insights into the emperor's military achievements and life. Now, a new...
Fish strung over a fire – the Viking way of cooking fish. Source: Igor / Adobe Stock.

How Cod Saved the Vikings (Video)

Cod , the mighty fish of the sea, held the Vikings in its firm grasp. These fierce seafarers depended on cod for survival and adventure. With its abundance, the Atlantic cod became their culinary...

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