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Joanna Gillan

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. 

Joanna completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in Australia and published research in the field of Educational Psychology. She has a rich and varied career, ranging from teaching children with autism in an early intervention program, owning and operating an online English teaching business, working as a research and project officer in the office of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and assistant in the office of Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as co-owning a website design and development company.

Joanna co-founded Ancient Origins with Dr Ioannis Syrigos. Together they immersed themselves in their personal passion for ancient history, mythology and human origins.  She loves learning about and experiencing other cultures and has spent time living in Australia, UK, Greece, Ecuador and Ireland and travelling to hundreds of historic sites around the world.

Joanna has written over 1,000 articles for Ancient Origins, some of which have been mentioned in the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, Peru Weekly, International Business Times, Spiegel and The Daily Mail. She has contributed as a guest writer for other media organizations, including The Epoch Times and iSpectrum Magazine, and has been interviewed on historical subjects on ten radio shows, including the BBC in the UK, and Newstalk in Ireland. She has also appeared on Ireland’s national TV channel, RTE, on the Today Show

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Posts

Wife-carrying. Source: Алина Битта / Adobe Stock.

In Finland, Carrying One's Wife is More than Affection – It's a Sport!

In the tapestry of ancient sports and traditions, some activities are surprisingly unconventional. One such sport that has captured global fascination, emerging from the picturesque landscapes of...
A Hippopotamus. Source: Aintschie / Adobe Stock.

Hunting Hippos Was a Royal Sport in Ancient Egypt

To the modern observer, the hippopotamus might seem a curious creature - large and often languid in its watery habitat. However, in ancient Egypt, the hippo was regarded as one of the most ferocious...
Villagers in Shani Shingnapur, India. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

Shani Shingnapur Village in India Has No Doors, No Locks and No Crime

In the vast tapestry of India's ancient history, filled with tales of grandeur, mysticism, and unique cultural practices, the village of Shani Shingnapur stands out for an intriguing feature – its...
Mayan Nose Ornament Made from Human Bone Found in Palenque Ruins

Mayan Nose Ornament Made from Human Bone Found in Palenque Ruins

In a groundbreaking discovery at the Palenque Archaeological Zone in Chiapas, Mexico, a Maya nose ornament was uncovered, showcasing an intricately carved scene. This adornment, crafted from human...
Csikós Hungarian horsemen. Source: Kavita / Adobe Stock.

These Hungarian Horsemen Predated the American Cowboy (Video)

Before the iconic cowboys of the Wild West captured imaginations, Hungary's Csikós, the horsemen of the Puszta in Hungary's Great Plain, had already established their profound connection with the...
Chand Baori stepwell, India. Source: Nicola / Adobe Stock.

Get Lost in the Maze-Like Stepwell of Chand Baori (Video)

The Chand Baori is an architectural marvel that stands out even in a country renowned for its historic wonders. Dating back to the 9 th century AD, this massive stepwell is not just a mere functional...
Guatemalan Mayan woman making chocolate with traditional grinding stone. Source: nobito_gt / Adobe Stock.

Creating Guatemala’s Food of the Gods – Chocolate (Video)

Guatemala , a land celebrated for its coffee and avocados, holds a lesser-known but equally delightful claim to fame: its chocolate . The region of Chocolá, characterized by frequent rains and...
The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand. Source: pierrick / Adobe Stock.

Explore These Eight Extraordinary Temples (Video)

In a world rich with cultural treasures and spiritual landmarks, a selection of eight temples beckons travelers with their unique allure and historical significance. The Wat Samphran in Thailand's...
Chinampa, Mexico. Source: Maleny / Adobe Stock.

Saving Chinampas, Mexico’s Ancient Floating Farms (Video)

South of Mexico City lies Xochimilco, an area renowned for its distinctive floating farms, locally referred to as " Chinampas ." These floating islands have been a part of Mexico's agricultural...
Pufferfish – also known as the blowfish or fugu. Source: ftlaudgirl / Adobe Stock.

Ancient People Consumed Highly Toxic Blowfish as an Aphrodisiac

The allure of aphrodisiacs stretches far back into the annals of human history. These mysterious substances, believed to enhance sexual desire and performance, were often sourced from nature's most...
The Hongshan dragon made from mussel shells. Credit: Inner Mongolia Daily

Ancient Neolithic Dragon Made of Mussel Shells Unearthed in Inner Mongolia

Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region – an ancient dragon assembled from mussel shells. It predates one of the earliest dragon ornaments...
A raven at the Tower of London. Source: Sid10 / Adobe Stock.

Ravens Have Protected the Tower of London for Hundreds of Years

Standing on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is not just an iconic historic castle with tales of treachery and power. It is also home to a historic legend – if the Tower’s...
Spartan in a Skirt. Source: Dina / Adobe Stock.

Wearing Skirts Was Considered Manly in Ancient Greece

When we think of manliness, images of rugged warriors and fearless gladiators often come to mind. However, history has its surprises, and one of the most fascinating twists in the realm of...
Representational image of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Source: Creative Digital Art / Adobe Stock

Searching for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The real location of the elusive Hanging Gardens of Babylon has eluded researchers for centuries. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World whose location is still unknown, yet...
Tanah Lot, Bali. Source: NIPATHORN / Adobe Stock.

Tanah Lot: Bali’s Majestic Temple in the Sea

On a small three-acre island off the southwest coast of Bali lies a cherished sea temple , Tanah Lot. Its name aptly translates to "Land in the Sea" in the Balinese language, a fitting description...
Ancient beer recreated. Source: 9parusnikov / Adobe Stock.

Recreating Ancient Ale with a 1,100-Year-Old Beer Recipe (Video)

Travis Rupp, far from being an ordinary brewmaster, delves into the past to recreate the tastes and textures of beers from ancient times. His ambition is to understand what the common folk, not just...

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