All  

Store Banner Mobile

Store Banner Mobile

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.

Spiegelrei canal at sunrise, Brugge, Flanders, Belgium. Source: JFL Photography/Adobe Stock
16 December, 2023 - 19:53 Robbie Mitchell

Secrets of the Best-Preserved Medieval City in Europe (Video)

Bruges, Belgium is a living reminder of medieval splendor, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site , its charm echoing through well-preserved buildings and winding streets. As the gateway to the North...
Artist's reconstruction of a woolly dog by Karen Carr (The Conversation) and the pelt of Mutton, a Coast Salish wool dog who died in 1859. (Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution/ Science)
16 December, 2023 - 17:55 ancient origins

Mutton’s Legacy: The Last Woolly Dogs of the Americas

By Audrey T. Lin, Chris Stantis, Logan Kistler/The Conversation Dogs have been in the Americas for more than 10,000 years. They were already domesticated when they came from Eurasia with the first...
Abbasid palace in Baghdad, Iraq. Source: pop_gino/Adobe Stock
16 December, 2023 - 15:53 Robbie Mitchell

The End of an Empire - The Fall of the Abbasids (Video)

In the 8th century Middle East, the Abbasid Caliphate rose to power, overseeing an era later hailed as Islam's golden age. However, internal strife marked its decline. Caliph Harun al-Rashid's well-...
The complete large straw-tempered Egyptian beer jars from Hierakonpolis in the background. Source: Journal of Anthropological Archaeology
15 December, 2023 - 19:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Egyptian Beer Recipe Is the Oldest In the World (Video)

Amidst the grandeur of Egyptian history lies an enduring legacy—the art of brewing beer. Hieroglyphs within Pharaohs' chambers unveil a civilization sustained by this liquid gold. Collaborating with...
Top, an X-ray image reveals carious lesions on posterior molars. Bottom, a filed hole from the crown of the tooth into the pulp. Source: Carolina Bertilsson and Henrik Lund/PLoS ONE
15 December, 2023 - 17:26 ancient-origins

Viking Age Dental Care Was Surprisingly Good, Says Study

Viking Age teeth from Varnhem bear witness to surprisingly advanced dentistry in the Norse population there. The findings of a study carried out at the University of Gothenburg reveal a complex...
Image of ancient god Akhenaten. Source: Vlad/Adobe Stock
15 December, 2023 - 00:57 Robbie Mitchell

The Mystery of Akhenaten's Revolution (Video)

In the ancient annals of Egypt, a mysterious chapter unfolds around Akhenaten , a Pharaoh who dared challenge millennia of entrenched beliefs. Around 3,000 years ago, this audacious ruler initiated a...
Drawing of male Pict. Source: Public Domain
14 December, 2023 - 19:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Picts, the Scottish Tribe That Gave the Romans Hell (Video)

The Picts , a group dwelling north of the Forth–Clyde isthmus, in what is now Scotland, remain shrouded in mystery despite their historical notoriety. The term "Pict" emerged around the third century...
A meat and vegetable stew in a black cauldron cooking over an open fire. Source: Sunshower Shots/Adobe Stock
14 December, 2023 - 15:30 Robbie Mitchell

What Exactly Was Medieval Cuisine Like? (Video)

In the heart of Farleigh Hungerford's medieval castle , Chef Steve Ruddell revives ancient recipes, unveiling the rich tapestry of medieval cuisine . His gastronomic journey commences with a...
Traditional Hnefatafl board game, of which Tablut is a variation played by the Sami people of Lapland. Source: Berthold Photography / Adobe Stock
14 December, 2023 - 13:54 Aleksa Vučković

The Ancient Game “Tablut” Has Survived Centuries

Ancient times were not all about warfare, survival, politics or arduous work. No, our distant ancestors knew how to have fun as well, and to enjoy their free time. That is why board games have been...
AI representation of Hadi Sultan of the Abbasid Caliphate. Source: Studio shunalamya/Adobe Stock
14 December, 2023 - 00:57 Robbie Mitchell

Islam's 'Golden Age' - Rise of the Abbasids (Video)

In the 8th-century Middle East, the rise of the Abbasids marked a significant chapter in Islamic history. Seizing control of the vast Islamic Caliphate , the Abbasids held sway for five centuries,...
Great Zimbabwe wall and tower. Source: Jan Van Der Voort/Adobe Stock
13 December, 2023 - 19:58 Robbie Mitchell

Reclaiming African History- The Lost City Of Zimbabwe (Video)

In the heart of southern Africa lies Great Zimbabwe , a silent witness to the intricate tapestry of an ancient civilization. Initially dubbed the work of a mythical white society by colonialists, the...
Queen Elizabeth I portrait, National Portrait Gallery, London. Source: Public Domain
13 December, 2023 - 15:53 Robbie Mitchell

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Queen Elizabeth I (Video)

Queen Elizabeth I, a figure often shrouded in speculation, possessed intriguing facets beyond her stoic public image. Contrary to popular belief, her preoccupation with appearance extended beyond...
Plague in an Ancient City by Michiel Sweerts. Source: Public Domain
13 December, 2023 - 00:54 Robbie Mitchell

Most Common Causes of Death in Ancient Rome and Greece (Video)

Life in ancient Greece and Rome was far from the glamorous tales we envision. High mortality rates were fueled by childbirth perils, with poor sanitation contributing to infant mortality. Malaria, an...
Representation of woman smelling a new perfume scent in an ancient perfumery lab. Source: razoomanetu/Adobe Stock
12 December, 2023 - 19:54 Robbie Mitchell

The Fragrant Ancient History of Perfume (Video)

The history of perfume is a fragrant odyssey, transcending its contemporary role in hygiene. In ancient Egypt, perfumes were divine creations, with Nefertem, the god of the sunrise, overseeing scents...
Ancient mud-brick city of Timbuktu, the most important center of the Malian Empire. Source: Uolir/Adobe Stock
12 December, 2023 - 16:00 Robbie Mitchell

The Malian Empire and the Richest Man in History (Video)

In 1235 AD, the Malian Empire emerged from the shadows of the fallen Ghanan Empire, its epic origins recounted in the oral tradition of West Africa. Sundiata Keita , the Lion King, plays a central...
A representation of the Queen of Sheba who is also known Bilqīs, Makeda, or Nicaula. Source: Archivist/Adobe Stock
12 December, 2023 - 00:53 Robbie Mitchell

Little Known Facts About the Queen of Sheba (Video)

The Queen of Sheba , a figure entwined in diverse mythologies, offers a rich tapestry of narratives across various cultures. Mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, Torah, Bible, and Qur'an, she weaves...
Representative image of a Scythian Enaree shaman. Source: jozefklopacka / Adobe Stock
11 December, 2023 - 21:55 Aleksa Vučković

The Mysteries of the Enaree: The Androgynous Shamans of the Scythians

Throughout history, shamans played a major role in many of the world’s most important civilizations. For the ancient Scythians, this role was taken by the Enaree, male priests and shamans who adopted...
AI generated illustration of Port Royal's Sunken City. Source: Declan Hillman/Adobe Stock
10 December, 2023 - 15:00 Robbie Mitchell

Pirates and the Earthquake that Destroyed Port Royal (Video)

Port Royal, once a den of pirates, faced divine retribution 325 years ago. The infamous city, labeled the 'Sodom of the West,' met its demise on June 7, 1692, at 11:43 a.m., when a powerful...
Bride and groom, in Viking traditional outfits. Viking wedding rituals were necessary to earn the blessings of the gods and for continuing the Viking bloodline. Source: MaxNadya/Adobe Stock
9 December, 2023 - 20:12 Robbie Mitchell

Strange Viking Wedding Rituals and Traditions (Video)

Viking weddings , known as brudkaup, were intricate transactions involving legal negotiations to determine bride price and dowry. Fridays, sacred to the Queen god Frigg , were preferred for...
The journey of Hannibal, a strategic genius whose audacity and brilliance reshaped the course of ancient history during the Second Punic War.
9 December, 2023 - 16:00 Robbie Mitchell

The Story of Hannibal: The Nightmare of the Roman Empire (Video)

In the tapestry of ancient conflicts, the clash between Rome and Carthage etches a defining chapter. Carthage, a maritime power commanding critical Mediterranean trade routes, resisted Rome's...
Lady Godiva Statue on her horse in Coventry Town Centre Source: xtrillian/Adobe Stock
8 December, 2023 - 19:52 Robbie Mitchell

Uncovering the Truth Behind the Real Lady Godiva (Video)

Unraveling Lady Godiva's historical tapestry involves navigating through legends and nuances. The infamous 11th-century Countess of Mercia is best known for her supposed naked ride through Coventry,...
Painting by Glindoni of John Dee performing an experiment for Elizabeth I. Source: Henry Gillard Glindoni/ CC BY 4.0
7 December, 2023 - 19:58 Robbie Mitchell

Queen Elizabeth I's Astronomer, John Dee (Video)

Dr. John Dee , the Renaissance luminary and confidant to Queen Elizabeth I , epitomized the intellectual spirit of 16th-century England. A polymath with interests ranging from astrology to...
Representational image of a woman giving a birthday present. Source: GrafitiRex / Adobe Stock
7 December, 2023 - 17:59 Aleksa Vučković

Gifts Across the Ages: When Did People Start Giving Birthday Presents?

For every individual, their birthday is an important and very meaningful date. Whether you’re nine or 90, you can’t help but feel happy and elated on your special day, especially when your friends...
Geishas, once misunderstood as courtesans, they were the epitome of grace, mastering arts and skills that challenged the stereotypes of their time. Source: Max Ferrero/Adobe Stock
7 December, 2023 - 15:54 Robbie Mitchell

Geishas: The Truth Behind These Fascinating Women (Video)

Unveiling the reality of historical geishas challenges Western stereotypes, dispelling the notion that they were mere courtesans or prostitutes. In contrast to misconceptions, the geisha's life was a...

Pages