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Famous People

In this section, we shed light on some of the most famous and infamous people known throughout history, from powerful pharaohs, to emperors and empresses, acclaimed military leaders, or just regular civilians who’ve been thrown into the spotlight for great crimes or for heroic actions, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Silver Coffin of Psusennes I, a.k.a. the Silver Pharaoh. Source: Aidan McRae Thomson / CC BY-SA 2.0
14 March, 2023 - 00:54 dhwty

Psusennes: The Silver Pharaoh with Treasures to Rival Tutankhamun's

Amidst the chaos of the Second World War in Western Europe, a French archaeologist named Pierre Montet unearthed a stunning treasure in 1940 in Tanis, Egypt. The find was on par with the legendary...
Jean-Leon Gerome’s Diogenes, 1860 (Gandalf’s Gallery / Flickr)
13 March, 2023 - 19:55 Joanna Gillan

How Ancient Greek Philosopher Diogenes Teaches Us: Live Simply, Find Happiness (Video)

Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes lived in the 4th century BC and is known for his unconventional and radical lifestyle. He rejected materialism and believed that true happiness could only be...
The Frumentarii were the eyes and ears of the Roman Emperor. Source: oz/AdobeStock
7 March, 2023 - 17:53 Aleksa Vučković

Frumentarii - The Roman Emperor’s Eyes and Ears

Throughout the world’s history, many of the kingdoms, empires, and rulers depended on some sort of a secretive assistance. Powerful realms are like intricate machines - filled with secrets. To...
The profiles of the some of the most powerful and influential Ancient Leaders. Source: Ded Pixto by Adobe Stock
6 March, 2023 - 17:53 Robbie Mitchell

9 Ancient Leaders Who Changed the Course of History

The annals of history are filled with tales of great leaders who have left their mark on the world, shaping the course of human events through their actions, decisions, and vision. From conquerors...
A sample of Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci. Source: Public Domain
5 March, 2023 - 17:53 Lex Leigh

Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester: A Masterpiece of Science and Art

Have you ever wanted to explore the mind of one of history's greatest polymaths? The Codex Leicester gives history experts and art gurus alike the opportunity to do so. This famous book is a treasure...
Detail of the Meroë head, now housed at the British Museum in London. Source: Paul Hudson / CC BY 2.0
5 March, 2023 - 14:00 Aleksa Vučković

Cracking the Mystery of the Decapitated Meroë Head

Sometimes, modern archaeology reveals something that simply baffles us. Whether it is an item with inexplicable origins, or an out of place artifact, archaeology and history combined often leave us...
Montage showing the famous Nefertiti bust in Berlin, over images of sunrise over the Nile in Middle Egypt, near Amarna, (background), and the Valley of the Queens, West Bank, Luxor. Source: Giovanni from Firenze/ CC BY 2.0, background; © Jonathon A. Perrin
3 March, 2023 - 21:58 Jonathon Perrin

“Nefer Say Nefer” - Was Nefertiti Buried in the Valley of the Queens?

She may be ancient Egypt’s most famous face, but the quest to find the eternal resting place of Queen Nefertiti has never been hotter. Thanks to the now-iconic limestone/plaster bust of her found in...
Horsemen of Oyo charging into battle was said to have been both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Source: (djfdez by Adobetock)
1 March, 2023 - 17:47 Robbie Mitchell

The Warriors Who Shaped African History: The Horsemen of Oyo

The Horsemen of Oyo were legendary warriors who served the Oyo Empire of West Africa. Known for their equestrian skills and bravery in battle, they played a crucial role in expanding the empire 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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Nakhtpaaten may have been the first commuter, crossing ancient Amarna to his daily job as royal vizier. Illustration of an imagined ancient Egyptian city. Source: KHBandak / Adobe Stock
26 January, 2023 - 17:49 Aleksa Vučković

Walk (to Work) Like an Egyptian: Nakhtpaaten, the First Commuter

In the modern world, traveling to and from work seems to be a relatively easy thing to do. Whether by bus, car, or metro, getting to your workplace is rarely a challenge. But what about the ancient...
Scene from the funeral service for Constantine II at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. Source: YouTube Screenshot
17 January, 2023 - 21:59 Nathan Falde

European Monarchies Pay Their Respects at the Funeral of Greece's Last King

The last man to serve as King of Greece, Constantine II, passed away on January 10, 2023 in an Athens hospital from complications related to a stroke. Constantine II hadn’t served as king since the...
Sword fighters were highly skilled warriors, but these seven are legendary. Source: adimas / Adobe Stock
14 January, 2023 - 18:00 Robbie Mitchell

7 of The Most Skilled Sword Fighters in History

Besides perhaps the gun, no other weapon has been as heavily romanticized as the sword. For millennia, we’ve been using the sword to settle debates, both personal quarrels in the form of duels, and...
The latest innovation in home DNA tests uses ancient DNA to reveal unique insights into ancestry. Source: cooperr / Adobe Stock
13 January, 2023 - 17:58 Dr. Eran Elhaik

Are You Related To An Ancient VIP?

Home DNA testing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with millions of people around the world using these kits to learn more about their ancestry and genetic health risks. However, while...
Roland the Farter’s flatulence was seemingly so impressive that it garnered a gift of land from King Henry I. Painting of The Court Jester by John Watson Nicol, 1895 Source: Public Domain
10 January, 2023 - 00:54 Sahir

Roland the Farter: Medieval England’s Celebrity Flatulist

A manor in Suffolk and a whopping 30 acres (12 hectares) of land was given to a person who was renowned for his ability to gas, quite literally, at the behest of King Henry II. Roland le Petour, also...
A Byzantine depiction of the Three Wise Men (526 AD) from the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy. Source: Nina-no / CC BY-SA 2.5
6 January, 2023 - 13:56 dhwty

The Feast of Epiphany: Who Were The Three Kings and Where Did They Come From?

In Western Christianity, the feast of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is celebrated annually on the 6th January to commemorate the visit of the Magi , wise men, or kings from the East to...
Many child monarchs were commanding empires before they could walk or talk! Source: liyasov / Adobe Stock
2 January, 2023 - 13:58 Robbie Mitchell

7 Child Monarchs from History and How They Changed the World

When we think of a king or queen, more often than not we conjure an image of someone who is a little… advanced in years. But the truth is, not all monarchs have to wait as long as King Charles, who...
There are many Christian martyrs, whose deaths were often evilly innovative. Shown: The central panel of the altarpiece of St. Sebastian. Source: Public Domain
26 December, 2022 - 22:03 Robbie Mitchell

Six Supremely Sadistic Deaths of Christian Martyrs

Standing up for what you believe in isn’t always easy. The early Christians are a prime example of this. They faced centuries of persecution at the hands of various Roman rulers. These early...
Interview of Richard II and Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester. The nephew and uncle were longtime rivals. Source: Public Domain
22 December, 2022 - 21:50 Robbie Mitchell

Thomas of Woodstock and Shakespeare's Twisted History

William Shakespeare wrote ten history plays. Of these, one of the most famous is Richard II . The play Richard II , written around 1595, is based on the rule of King Richard II (reign 1377-1399), but...
The effigy of Edward the Black Prince at Canterbury Cathedral. Source: LMBO/Flickr
21 December, 2022 - 21:59 Nathan Falde

Edward the Black Prince Did Not Die of Chronic Dysentery, Study Reveals

Most historians long ago concluded that Edward of Woodstock, also known as Edward the Black Prince , the heir apparent to the English throne who died at the age of 45 in 1376, fell victim to chronic...
Montage of Roman Empire imagery including statue representative of Livy. Source: Freesurf/Adobe Stock
19 December, 2022 - 21:53 Robbie Mitchell

Has Livy’s History of Rome Skewed Our View of the Early Empire?

Titus Livius, or just Livy for short, was one of the most famous historians in all of history. One of the three great Roman historians, his masterpiece, Ab Urbe Condita, made him a legend in his own...

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