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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.

Pilgrims Going to Church, oil on canvas painting by George Henry Boughton, 1867. Source: New-York Historical Society/Public Domain
29 May, 2024 - 00:47 Gary Manners

Early English Settlers in North America Consumed Indigenous Dogs for Survival

The first English settlers in North America, struggling to survive during the harsh early years of colonization, resorted to consuming indigenous dogs. Recent archaeological discoveries in Jamestown...
Marble relief of Asclepius and his daughter Hygieia. From Therme, Greece, end of the 5th century BC. Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Source: Prioryman/CC BY-SA 3.0
28 May, 2024 - 20:07 Robbie Mitchell

Asclepius: Greek God of Healing and Medicine (Video)

​ Nestled within the eastern Peloponnese, the ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, flourished as a beacon of hope for the ailing. Initially rooted in myth and...
Aerial image of the excavations at Kültepe Kanesh, Anatolia. Source: Keyseri Provincial Directorate of Culture & Tourism
27 May, 2024 - 17:57 Gary Manners

Oldest Start-up? First Company in Anatolia Founded 4000 Years Ago

An extraordinary discovery in Kültepe has shed light on the ancient origins of commerce in Anatolia. A 4000-year-old cuneiform tablet reveals that the first company in the region was founded by a...
Conceptual image of T Coronae Borealis outburst predicted for late 2024. Source: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
27 May, 2024 - 15:00 Nathan Falde

Blazing Star Event First Recorded in a Medieval Manuscript to Return

An astronomical anomaly that was first observed and recorded more than eight centuries ago is about to make a return visit to Earth’s night skies. Sometime between now and September, a double star...
Reading of Voltaire's tragedy of the Orphan of China
27 May, 2024 - 01:06 ancient-origins

How the Age of Enlightenment Shaped Modernity (Video)

The Renaissance heralded a transformative period in human history, marked not just by artistic brilliance but by a profound philosophical shift. This shift, embodied by humanism, steered European...
This scene shows an"epicier" (grocer or seller of spices) talking with a client. Source: Lawrence OP/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
23 May, 2024 - 21:09 Robbie Mitchell

What Was ‘Middle Class’ in Medieval in England (Video)

In medieval England, societal structure was rigidly defined, determining everything from one's occupation to their social status and privileges. While the majority of the population consisted of...
The deceased nuns were left in seated positions to decompose. Source: Yellow.Cat from Roma, Italy/ CC BY 2.0
23 May, 2024 - 14:55 dhwty

Daily Prayers with Decomposing Corpses: Death Chairs at Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle is a castle built on top of a rocky islet next to Ischia, a small Italian island on the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. Whilst a stronghold is said to have already been built...
Alexander the Great Founding Alexandria, Egypt. Source: Public Domain
22 May, 2024 - 23:30 Robbie Mitchell

What Happened to Alexander the Great in Ancient Egypt? (Video)

Alexander the Great's expedition into ancient Egypt during the mid-4th century BC marked a pivotal moment in history, characterized by a profound convergence of civilizations. Despite Egypt's...
William Dampier portrait, holding his book Source: Public Domain
22 May, 2024 - 17:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Pirate Who Became the First Natural Scientist - and Loved Coconuts (Video)

William Dampier, a pirate with a penchant for coconuts, led a life that epitomized the duality of adventure and exploration. Born in 1651, his early years were marked by a desire for knowledge,...
A detail of a Chinese warrior from the Terracotta Army. Source: Sam Steiner/CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
22 May, 2024 - 00:57 Robbie Mitchell

The Tactics of the Ancient Chinese (Video)

The ancient Chinese were adept at employing cunning tactics, both on the battlefield and in political intrigue. In the realm of warfare, strategies like the "Empty Fort" gambit exemplified their...
Roman Baths in Bath, England. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing. Source: bnoragitt/Adobe Stock
21 May, 2024 - 20:55 Robbie Mitchell

The Roman Baths Had Ancient Healing Powers (Video)

The history of the Roman Baths in Bath, England, unveils a narrative rich in intrigue and cultural significance. Bath , known for its elegant Georgian architecture today, has a murky origin tale...
AI image of Aztec cuisine with Aztec empire in the background. Source: Jeannaa/Adobe Stock
20 May, 2024 - 20:40 Robbie Mitchell

Beyond Maize: Hallucinogens and Frog Legs Defined Aztec Cuisine (Video)

The Aztec civilization , flourishing between 500-600 years ago in Central Mexico, had a rich and distinctive culinary tradition that reflected their sophisticated culture. Central to their diet were...
Roman armor was exceptionally well-engineered and fit for purpose, and transformed the Roman legionary into a formidable fighter. Source: Caligula10’s wife / CC BY-SA 3.0
20 May, 2024 - 14:50 Aleksa Vučković

Roman Armor, the Backbone of the Ferocious Roman Warrior

Rome created an empire that was amongst the most powerful in the ancient world. But conquering half of the known world was no easy task, and it required a capable and highly functional fighting force...
New research has thrown into doubt long-held assumptions about the origin and the gender of horse sacrifices by the last European pagans. Source: Aljabakphoto / CC BY-SA 4.0.
19 May, 2024 - 22:35 Joe Green

Europe’s Pagans Imported Horses to Sacrifice… and They Got Them From Christians

Horse sacrifices were a mainstay of pagan rituals across the Baltic. The archaeology leaves no doubt: from the 1st to 13th centuries AD this pagan belief scarcely wavered in popularity: even the loss...
Tower of London. Source: A.B.G./Adobe Stock
19 May, 2024 - 21:01 Robbie Mitchell

Tower of London’s Most Daring Escapes You May Not Have Known (Video)

The Tower of London , renowned for its grim history, has witnessed remarkable tales of escape, showcasing human resilience amidst oppression. John Gerrard, a Catholic priest, endured torture and...
The two bull heads guarding the tomb in Tharsa are accompanied with garlands, in an arrangement known as bucrania. Source: IHA.
19 May, 2024 - 18:02 Sahir

2,000-Year-Old Tomb Found in Tharsa Was Guarded by Bulls

In the ancient city of Tharsa in modern day Turkey, archaeologists have discovered a 2000-year-old tomb adorned with two bull heads during excavation and cleaning efforts. Now known as Turuş Rock,...
A group in traditional medieval attire engaged in a medieval circle dance. Source: JackF /Adobe Stock
19 May, 2024 - 14:55 Aleksa Vučković

The Multifunctional Merriment of Medieval Dance

In the often violent and gloomy medieval life, dance triumphantly emerged as a vibrant expression of joy, celebration, and social interaction. From the grand halls of noble courts to the humble...
William Shakespeare and Henry V with blue sky in background in Stratford upon Avon. Source: Paul Rushton/Adobe Stock
18 May, 2024 - 23:00 Aleksa Vučković

Henry V, the Most Capable Medieval English King?

During the 1300s AD, England was embroiled in a bitter rivalry with its neighbor across the channel, France. This generational strife saw both of these major nations vying for the ultimate power...
Painting Captives in Rome, by Charles Bartlett. Source: Public Domain
18 May, 2024 - 20:20 Robbie Mitchell

Understanding the Harsh Realities of Roman Slaves (Video)

​ The Roman slave's existence was a harrowing one, devoid of freedom or dignity. Despite the grandeur of the Roman Empire , its foundation rested upon the backs of these oppressed individuals, whose...
Colorized engraving depicting Sawney Bean. Source: Public Domain
18 May, 2024 - 14:51 dhwty

Cannibalism in Scotland: The Dark Legend of Sawney Bean

Sawney Bean is a legendary figure from Scotland, who is said to have been a prolific cannibal. Together with his equally cannibalistic family, Sawney Bean murdered and robbed unfortunate victims from...
Old medieval torture chamber with many pain tools. Source: CL-Medien/Adobe Stock
17 May, 2024 - 20:56 Robbie Mitchell

The Most Horrific Medieval Torture Techniques Explained (Video)

Medieval history unveils a grim tapestry of torture and execution methods , each designed to inflict maximum suffering and deter dissent. Among the most notorious was "hanged, drawn, and quartered,"...
Reconstruction of Amenhotep II. Source: Cicero Moraes
17 May, 2024 - 14:54 Gary Manners

Unveiling the Face of Amenhotep III: The 'Richest Man Who Ever Lived'

Amenhotep III, one of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, reigned during the height of Egypt's power 3,400 years ago. Known for his unparalleled wealth and grand architectural achievements,...
15th-century French miniature depicting Part of the Byzantine–Seljuk wars. Source: Public Domain
16 May, 2024 - 21:00 Robbie Mitchell

Unveiling The Bloodiest Medieval Battles You’ve Never Heard Of (Video)

The annals of medieval warfare are replete with epic clashes often overshadowed by their more celebrated counterparts. Among these overlooked conflicts is the Battle of Mohi in 1241 AD, where the...
Egyptian sarcophagus of Pharaoh Tutankhamun isolated on black background. Source: Anna/Adobe Stock
16 May, 2024 - 00:55 ancient-origins

The Cursed Search For King Tut's Tomb (Video)

The quest for King Tutankhamun's tomb stands as a pivotal moment in archaeological history, unraveling mysteries of an ancient civilization buried beneath the sands of time. Initially, the unearthing...

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