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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.

Dancer at a traditional Theyyam ceremony, India. Source: Dietmar Temps / Adobe Stock.
10 September, 2023 - 21:03 Robbie Mitchell

How Artists Are Keeping the Ancient Practice of Theyyam Alive (Video)

In Kerala , a state nestled in the southern part of India, the age-old tradition of Theyyam persists, defying the relentless march of time. This ritualistic form of worship, deeply ingrained in the...
Medieval toilet. Source: Mikhail / Adobe Stock.
10 September, 2023 - 17:02 Robbie Mitchell

From Pits to Flushes: The Strange History of Toilets (Video)

Throughout history, human waste disposal has undergone a remarkable transformation. In ancient India, as early as 2500 BC, the Indus Valley showcased a rudimentary toilet and sewer system that was...
The Black Plague. Source: illustrissima / Adobe Stock.
9 September, 2023 - 21:21 Robbie Mitchell

How You Could Have Survived the Black Plague (Video)

Surviving the Black Plague in the 14th-century Europe necessitated avoiding crowded areas, curtailing the spread of the Bubonic plague through airborne transmission. Keeping a safe distance from...
Druids. Source: Algol / Adobe Stock.
9 September, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

Bizarre Facts About the Druids (Video)

The Druids , often misunderstood as mystical figures, had a key role in ancient Celtic society . The term likely referred to individuals with extensive knowledge rather than wizards. They were...
Egyptian puppetry. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Euronews.
8 September, 2023 - 20:54 Robbie Mitchell

Ancient Egyptian Puppetry Is Making a Comeback (Video)

The ancient art of Egyptian puppetry , tracing its roots back to the era of the Pharaohs , has found a remarkable resurgence in the contemporary world. Puppet performances, along with the enchanting...
Medieval Archer. Source: Marla / Adobe Stock.
8 September, 2023 - 01:59 Robbie Mitchell

What Did a Medieval Archer Do After His Arrows Were Spent? (Video)

What does an archer do when there are no more arrows left to fire? Is his job for the day done? In the realm of medieval warfare, after the arrows had been launched, the life of a bowman took a new...
Viking rituals. Source: Rarity Asset Club / Adobe Stock.
7 September, 2023 - 20:57 Robbie Mitchell

Unusual Viking Rituals That Will Surprise You (Video)

Vikings , renowned as fierce warriors, possessed an intriguing blend of superstition and battle strategy. Their rituals , spanning from omens to magic, marked their distinct beliefs. Warriors etched...
The execution of Margaret Pole. Source: Baxter’s History of England c 1789-90, published 1796.
7 September, 2023 - 16:59 Robbie Mitchell

Henry VIII's gruesome execution of Margaret Pole (Video)

Amid the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII , the tragic narrative of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, unfolds. Descendant of the Plantagenet lineage, her life interwove with the religious turmoil...
Viking raider surveys his work at a burning medieval village. Source: ParinApril/Adobe Stock
7 September, 2023 - 01:55 Robbie Mitchell

Viking Raids: What It Was Like to Be On the Front Lines (Video)

In the fierce era of Viking raids , battles were unforgiving and fierce. With ten-foot spears and three-foot shields, Viking combat was a brutal spectacle. Most battles began with a rain of arrows...
Sunset view of the Simonopetra (Greek for "Simon's Rock") Monastery, on the southern coast of the Athos peninsula. Source: Athanasios Serafeim distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu / CC BY 3.0
6 September, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

This Mountain Has Been Home to Monks for 12 Centuries (Video)

Nestled on a Greek peninsula stands Mount Athos , a venerable sanctuary for Christian Orthodox adherents. For over twelve centuries, this remote haven has hosted monks in a timeless rhythm. Its...
Executioner with axe. Source: Dziurek/Adobe Stock
6 September, 2023 - 17:00 Robbie Mitchell

Jack Ketch Executioner - Boiled Body Parts in His Kitchen (Video)

Exploring the dark and gruesome history of Jack Ketch , the infamous executioner of 17th-century England, reveals a chilling narrative. Ketch, a civil servant paid for his grim task, gained notoriety...
Winemaking in Georgia. Source: lobodaphoto / Adobe Stock.
5 September, 2023 - 20:51 Robbie Mitchell

Behind Georgia’s 8,000-Year-Old Winemaking Tradition (Video)

Georgia boasts an unparalleled winemaking legacy, stretching back an astonishing eight millennia . Research reveals that this land birthed the art of winemaking, nurturing over 40 vineyards today...
Medieval torture device, the rack. Source: Bildergarage / Adobe Stock.
5 September, 2023 - 01:55 Robbie Mitchell

Anne Askew - Stretched on the Rack Until Her Tendons Snapped (Video)

In a turbulent era under Henry VIII's rule, Anne Askew's tale unfolds as a beacon of unwavering courage in the face of oppression. Born into privilege, she embraced Protestant beliefs and shared her...
Votive stele of Gudea, ruler of Lagash, to the temple of Ningirsu. Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul. Source: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP (Glasg)/CC BY-SA 4.0)
4 September, 2023 - 22:52 Aleksa Vučković

The Rule of Ensi Gudea and the Golden Age of Lagash

Ancient Mesopotamia, called by many the “cradle of civilization”, is in many ways enigmatic and mysterious. There is plenty about it that we are still to uncover, as it reaches so far back in time...
Medieval soldier eating. Source: master1305 / Adobe Stock.
4 September, 2023 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

How Do You Feed a Massive Medieval Army and Their Horses? (Video)

In the historical context of medieval logistics, the efficient supply of food to armies was a remarkable feat. Soldiers required substantial sustenance, and this extended to both humans and their...
The Taylor Prism was discovered in 1830 at Nineveh and is currently housed at the British Museum in London. It tells the story of King Sennacherib’s third campaign and his conquests in Judah. Source: Public domain
4 September, 2023 - 14:53 Aleksa Vučković

Sennacherib's Prisms Reveal the Glorious Reign of an Assyrian King

Imagine if all of the world’s ancient cultures and civilizations had had well-developed writing systems. Then envision the marvels we would know about today, the hidden secrets and remarkable tales...
Buddha’s finger became a sacred relic of healing and well-being in Buddhism faith. Statue Source: Natthapong/Adobe Stock
3 September, 2023 - 18:56 Roisin Everard

A Digit of Devotion: Buddha's Finger Bone

Relics are important in Buddhism in that they provide tangible links to enlightened figures and their teachings. When the Buddha's finger bone was discovered in an ancient Chinese monastery,...
Snail slime was used for beauty products. Source: Volodymyr / Adobe Stock.
3 September, 2023 - 16:58 Robbie Mitchell

Ancient People Harvested Snail Slime for Beauty Products (Video)

Harvesting the natural benefits of snail mucus has a history dating back to ancient civilizations . This unique substance, valued for its nutrient-rich qualities, has found its way into modern beauty...
King Henry V arrow removal surgery recreation. Source: YouTube Screenshot / thehistorysquad.
2 September, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

Recreating Henry V’s Gruesome Arrow Removal Surgery (Video)

Revisiting history, we're drawn to a pivotal moment in Henry V's life. Amidst the chaos of the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury, a fateful arrow struck the young royal. The arrowhead found its mark...
Aztec warriors. Source: Arthur / Adobe Stock.
1 September, 2023 - 20:56 Robbie Mitchell

The Ancient Aztec Took Hygiene Very Seriously (Video)

Thanks to their penchant for human sacrifice the Aztecs have a rather gruesome reputation, but what was their hygiene like? As it turns out, they upheld remarkable standards of hygiene. Their...
Helen Mirren playing Caesonia in Tinto Brass’ 1979 historical drama film, Caligula. Source: CC BY-SA 4.0/Author Supplied
1 September, 2023 - 18:52 ancient origins

Did the Romans and Greeks Really Enjoy Orgies?

Christian-Georges Schwentzel /The Conversation Orgies conjure in our imagination the world of Greek and Roman Antiquity, thanks to more or less titillating films portraying debauched emperors, or...
Traditional snowshoes. Source: debspoons / Adobe Stock.
1 September, 2023 - 17:00 Robbie Mitchell

Wisdom in Every Step: Tracing the History of Snowshoes (Video)

Bill Mackowski, a snowshoe craftsman and collector, has assembled an extraordinary collection of over 200 pairs. These snowshoes, each with a unique tale, hold cultural and practical significance...
Inuit women with tattoos. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
1 September, 2023 - 01:56 Robbie Mitchell

Ancient Ink Reborn: Revitalizing Traditional Inuit Tattooing (Video)

In a harmonious blend of identity and strength, Marjorie Taub breathes life back into the ancient art of Inuit tattooing. With practiced skill, she employs two techniques that date back thousands of...
Khanjar dagger. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
31 August, 2023 - 18:54 Robbie Mitchell

A Master Craftsman Makes the Perfect Dagger (Video)

In Oman , the possession of a khanjar is a matter of tradition and pride for men. These curved daggers , tracing their origins to the 16th or 17th century, have evolved from mere weapons to exquisite...

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