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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.

Wooden churches on island Kizhi on lake Onega, Russia. Source: Mikhail Markovskiy / Adobe Stock.
22 August, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

The Incredible Russian Churches Built without Nails (Video)

Standing proudly on a small Russian island is are two remarkable churches that defy conventional construction techniques. This centuries-old architectural marvel , nestled on Kizhi Island, boasts two...
Fesikh fermented fish. Source: Tamer / Adobe Stock.
22 August, 2023 - 01:53 Robbie Mitchell

Egyptian Fesikh: This Food of the Pharaohs Could Kill You (Video)

In Egypt, a culinary tradition both captivating and treacherous holds sway: fesikh (fermented mullet fish), a dish that dances on the edge of danger. Despite annual warnings from the Ministry of...
Detail of Rimush of Akkad’s Victory Stele, slaughtering of prisoners by Akkadian troops. Source: Louvre Museum/CC BY 3.0
21 August, 2023 - 23:00 Aleksa Vučković

Rimush of Akkad, Sargon’s Heir, and a Brutal Warlord

In the history of Ancient Mesopotamia, that renowned cradle of human civilization, there were many great kingdoms, city-states, and even empires. One of these was the famed Akkadian Empire, centered...
Modified Hirota skull, Japan. Source: Noriko Seguchi/The Kyushu University Museum/PLOS ONE
21 August, 2023 - 14:57 Nathan Falde

Japan’s Hirota People Were Reshaping Infants’ Heads 1,500 Years Ago

A team of researchers from Japan and the United States have just published a study proving conclusively that Japan’s Hirota people were using cranial modification techniques to change the shapes of...
Dar al Hajar rock palace, Yemen. Source: fotoember / Adobe Stock.
20 August, 2023 - 20:52 Robbie Mitchell

Inside Yemen's Hand-Carved Rock Palace (Video)

Nestled a mere ten miles from Yemen's capital, Dar al-Hajar, the Imam’s Rock Palace, stands as an exceptional achievement, carved into the very rock it rests upon. Crafted during the 1930s by Imam...
Scythian gold plaque depicting a Scythian rider with a spear. Source: Public domain
20 August, 2023 - 14:53 Robbie Mitchell

Scythian Gold: The Rich Legacy of an Ancient Culture

Scythian gold is a treasure trove of ancient history and cultural heritage, shrouded in mystery and awe. This remarkable collection of gold artifacts, jewelry and other precious items stands for the...
Turkish artist Garip Ay producing ebru water art. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story)
19 August, 2023 - 20:57 Robbie Mitchell

The Ancient Turkish Art of Painting on Water (Video)

We’ve all heard of watercolor painting but what about painting on water? Few artworks are as unique as those produced by the Turkish artist Garip Ay who masterfully resurrects the ancient technique...
Traditional Korean printing press. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
19 August, 2023 - 16:56 Robbie Mitchell

The Hidden History of Korea's Printing Innovation (Video)

Situated just 30 miles northwest of Seoul, a narrative unfolds that underscores Korea's devotion to the written word. Even before Johannes Gutenberg introduced movable type to Europe in 1440 , Korea...
Kathakali eye dancer. Source: Grigory Kubatyan / Adobe Stock.
19 August, 2023 - 01:58 Robbie Mitchell

Eye Dancing and India’s Ancient Art of Kathakali (Video)

Kathakali, the captivating traditional Indian dance originating from Kerala , unveils a mesmerizing world where stories from Hindu epics come alive. This art form transcends mere movements and steps...
Bow of the Polynesian Hokulea. Source: lameeks / Adobe Stock.
18 August, 2023 - 20:50 Robbie Mitchell

Modern Polynesians Recreate Ancient Voyage With No Tech (Video)

Embarking on a voyage that bridges time and tradition, modern-day adventurers pay homage to the ancient Polynesian voyagers who first discovered the remote Hawaiian islands . Guided by the celestial...
Rosendo Amasifuen conducting a healing practice. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
18 August, 2023 - 01:52 Robbie Mitchell

Curanderismo: An Ancient Practice with Peru’s Last Medicine Men (Video)

Nestled within the depths of Peru's Amazonian mountains lies a fading tradition that speaks to centuries of natural healing: curanderismo . At 86 years old, Rosendo Amasifuen stands as the final link...
A singing group of 5 ethnic Kam women stand in front of the wooden drum tower in Xiaohuang village, Congjiang county, Guizhou, China. Source: imphilip / Adobe Stock.
17 August, 2023 - 20:54 Robbie Mitchell

Dong Storytelling: Passing Down Ancient Stories Through Song (Video)

Within the Dong ethnic group of China's Guizhou province, a profound belief is encapsulated in the adage, "Eat rice to nourish the body, and sing songs to nourish the heart." These songs, numbering...
Largest handwritten family tree in the world. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
17 August, 2023 - 16:58 Robbie Mitchell

The Largest Handwritten Family Tree in the World (Video)

In the sacred grounds of Haridwar, India, beside the flowing Ganges , lies an extraordinary marvel. This remarkable marvel is the largest handwritten family tree globally. Maintained by dedicated...
Abigail Mendoza keeps ancient Zapotec flavours alive. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.
17 August, 2023 - 01:59 Robbie Mitchell

This Chef Keeps the Zapotec Flavors of Ancient Mexico Alive (Video)

The Zapotecs , an indigenous community nestled in the vibrant region of Oaxaca, Mexico, carry with them a rich legacy of culture and tradition that predates Spanish colonization. Once a thriving...
16th century depiction of the notorious pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa, known as Redbeard. Source: Public domain
16 August, 2023 - 23:00 dhwty

Causing a Ruckus as the Ruthless Pirate Hayreddin Redbeard

Hayreddin Barbarossa, also known as Redbeard, was one of the most notorious pirates of his day. Together with his older brothers, Ishak and Aruj, they conquered the North African city of Algiers and...
Male Hula dance performer. Source: Guntherize / Adobe Stock.
16 August, 2023 - 16:59 Robbie Mitchell

Hula's Male Warriors: Dance, Story, Strength (Video)

Dispelling the common misconception that hula is exclusively a feminine art form, Ke Kai O Kahiki, a renowned male hula school in Hawaii, remains steadfast in preserving the tradition of warrior...
Archaeology aids in our understanding of history. Source: koldunova/Adobe Stock
16 August, 2023 - 14:59 Sarah Johnson

Uncovering the Past: The Role of Archaeological Research in Reconstructing History

The enormous responsibility of comprehending our past falls to historians, anthropologists, and archaeologists. Our understanding of past civilizations and their contributions to contemporary culture...
Fire and coal forging Japanese sword in a kiln of a blacksmith in Japan. Source: Karori Production / Adobe Stock.
16 August, 2023 - 01:59 Robbie Mitchell

The Ancient Art of Forging Japanese Knives (Video)

In the verdant countryside of Kōchi, Japan , the ancient craft of Japanese blacksmithing thrives, carrying a history that stretches back centuries . At the heart of this tradition are the Nata blades...
Vlad the Impaler cried real tears of blood. Source: Lama9838/CC BY-SA 3.0
15 August, 2023 - 22:52 Nathan Falde

Sadistic Vlad the Impaler Cried Real Tears of Blood, Study Reveals

Vlad Dracul, the infamous medieval Romanian ruler known as Vlad the Impaler and the inspiration for the character of Count Dracula , is considered one of the most bloodthirsty rulers in human history...
Kappeler Milchsuppe, Swiss Milk Soup. Source: tauav / Adobe Stock.
15 August, 2023 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

In 1529 AD, Soldier’s Called a Ceasefire Over Swiss Milk Soup (Video)

Kappeler Milchsuppe's historical significance resonates through time as a vivid illustration of the unifying power of food. Originating in 1529 during the First Kappel War, amidst the fervor of...
Aranmula Kannadi Mirror. Source: SREEDAS / Adobe Stock.
15 August, 2023 - 16:52 Robbie Mitchell

Aranmula Kannadi: This Mirror Reflects Your Truest Self (Video)

It is said a transformative experience awaits when you peer into the depths of an Aranmula Kannadi – a profound reflection of your true self. Crafted in the heart of Aranmula, a quaint town in India...
Molten iron fireworks. Source: Xiangli / Adobe Stock.
14 August, 2023 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Spectacular Chinese Tradition of Molten Iron Fireworks (Video)

For three decades, Wang De has immersed himself in the mesmerizing Chinese tradition of Da Shuhua, a captivating art that traces its origins back 500 years to the quaint Nuanquan village. This...
Ancient frescoes often depict scenes from the daily life, religious rituals, or important events of an Egyptian Pharaoh. Source: EdNurg/Adobe Stock
14 August, 2023 - 18:56 Robbie Mitchell

A Day in the Life of an Egyptian Pharaoh

Ancient Egypt, one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed, spanned a vast timeline, lasting for approximately 3,000 years. For much of that time, it was ruled over by god-kings known as...
Funazushi. Source: tokyofoodcast / Flickr.
14 August, 2023 - 16:56 Robbie Mitchell

Extreme Sushi: Before These Tasty Bites, There Was Funazushi (Video)

Before sushi became an internationally beloved delicacy, another Japanese culinary marvel reigned supreme – Funazushi. Unlike the hastily prepared haya-nare sushi which most westerners are familiar...

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