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Ancient Origins Tour IRAQ

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pilgrimage

The natural cliff overhang provided protection from the elements, contributing to the remarkable preservation of the horn chamber.  Source: Royal Commission for AlUla

7,000-year-old Evidence of ‘World’s Earliest Pilgrimage’ Unearthed in Arabia

Recent excavations and ensuing studies conducted at the ancient stone monuments ‘mustatil’ (literally meaning rectangle) in northwest Arabia have revealed the presence of a cultic ritual that was...
Left, Clay rattle fragment and right, clay female figurine that were recovered from the Pilgrimage Road in 1990s, that has been reevaluated.  Source: Clara Amit/IAA

Artifacts Suggest Sorcerers Were At Work on the Pilgrimage Road to Mecca

Recent discoveries adjacent to the ancient Pilgrimage Road, known as Darb al-Hajj, have led researchers to suggest that Muslim pilgrims traveling from Cairo to Mecca around four centuries ago may...
Mamaconas or nun’s enclosure at Pachacamac ( Caio/ Adobe Stock)

Revisiting The Oracle Of Pachacamac In Peru

Since ancient times, ubiquitous to various cultures, humankind has sought to overcome that which they cannot control, such as healing mysterious afflictions and trying to predict the veiled future,...
Mount Huashan Teahouse, Mount Hua, China. Source: Victor / Adobe Stock.

The Journey to the World’s Most Remote Teahouse (Video)

To savor the simple pleasure of a cup of tea at the Huashan Teahouse on Mount Hua , a journey of determination awaits. The odyssey commences with a 20-minute cable car ascent, granting breathtaking...
Sri Harmandir Sahib golden temple, Punjab, India. Source: jura_taranik / Adobe Stock.

India’s Golden Temple Feeds 100,000 People Every Day (Video)

In the heart of Amritsar, India , stands a radiant sanctuary that draws countless visitors from across the globe. The Harmandir Sahib , renowned as the Golden Temple, holds a pivotal role in the Sikh...
Largest handwritten family tree in the world. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Great Big Story.

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...
Artistic representation of the future roundhouse set to be built at St. Bride’s Mound in Glastonbury. Source: Friends of St. Bride's Mound

St. Bride’s Mound: Oldest Monastic Ruins in England Exposed

The village of Glastonbury in Somerset, southwestern England, plans to open a tourism complex at the St. Bride's Mound historical site, discovered to contain the oldest Christian monastic ruins ever...
African king. Source: Aleksandr Borisenko / Adobe Stock.

The Life and Times of Mansa Musa: The Richest Man in History

Mansa Musa , the ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is believed to be the wealthiest person in history, with a net worth of $400 billion in today's dollars. For reference, that’s four...
Xuazang crossed the Gobi Desert and through Central Asia. Source: peerasit/By Adobe Stock

Charting New Territories: 8 Pioneering Ancient Expeditions That Reshaped the World

Expeditions have always been an integral part of human history, driving us to explore new frontiers and discover the unknown. From the ancient expeditions of our ancestors to modern-day scientific...
Road to Santiago de Compostela way. Source: Public Domain

On the Road to Enlightenment: 7 of the World's Most Historic Pilgrimage Routes

Embark on a journey through time and faith as we explore the world's most renowned pilgrimage routes. From the scenic trails of Japan to the spiritual heart of Mecca, these routes have been walked by...
There are two holy wells dedicated to St. Brigid in Kildare. The cloths tied to the trees are “clooties” and are imbued with prayers for healing (Image: Courtesy Elyn Aviva)

Walking In Ireland’s Brigid’s Way, Pagan Goddess Or Saint

It is impossible to separate myth and fact, truth from fiction, but there are some things that can be said about Ireland’s Brigid with assurance—and one of these is that her importance has grown...
Vintage postcard showing European tourism destinations. Source: Freesurf/Adobe Stock

Tourism Through the Ages: The Human Desire to Explore

Although taking a summer vacation is now a standard aspect of modern-day civilization for many, it wasn’t always that way. Tourism was far less common in ancient times than it is today, but that...
Petra, Jordan and Jerusalem are both much older than Islam’s holiest site and some say the original location of Mecca lies elsewhere in the mists of history before the prophet Mohammed finally established “his Mecca” in Saudi Arabia.

Where Is the True Location of Mecca?

Most people will recognize Mecca as the name for the Holy City of Islam. Do you know where the Holy City is? Do you know where it should be? Did it get lost? Was it ever found? Believe it or not,...
Worshipped by Millions: The Sacred River Ganges

Worshipped by Millions: The Sacred River Ganges

Why is the Ganges so significant and sacred in Hinduism? Many rivers have nourished humans in our boundless history, and some of the greatest ancient civilizations have been born on the banks of...
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the Basque Country.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Take a Pilgrimage to the Basque Dragonstone

Overlooking the Atlantic waters of the Bay of Biscay, the 1,000-year-old hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a magical place to visit in the Basque Country. Surrounded by striking cliffs, this...
Returning to the Camino de Santiago in Search of Health and Happiness

Returning to the Camino de Santiago in Search of Health and Happiness

Psychologists and religious leaders agree that the ancient Camino de Santiago is a great “way” to fight depression and mental health illnesses. The trail, whose English name translates into the “Way...
Has the Childhood Home of Jesus Christ Actually Been Found in Nazareth?

Has the Childhood Home of Jesus Christ Actually Been Found in Nazareth?

An archaeologist believes that he may have found the childhood home of Jesus Christ. He has evidence that the remains under a convent in Nazareth are probably those of the family home of Mary and...
Le Puy-en-Velay, A Small French Town with a Large Legacy

Le Puy-en-Velay, A Small French Town with a Large Legacy

Despite its relatively small size, the town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France is blessed with a spectacular landscape, great architecture, and remarkable ruins. Many festivals are held here throughout the...
This is a CGI reconstruction of Thomas Beckets shrine.           Source: Dr John Jenkins / Taylor & Francis Group

Thomas Becket’s Sacred Healing Shrine Digitally Reconstructed

800 years to the day since the body of England ’ s legendary Saint Thomas Becket was moved to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, in southeast England, this mysterious and deeply sacred building has been...
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Source: Haris Gunawan / Adobe Stock

The Meaning of Mecca, Islam’s Holiest City

Mecca (also spelled as Makkah) is regarded as the holiest city in Islam. Apart from the fact that Mecca was the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, it is also the city where Islam’s holiest place of...
The ruins of Bavikonda, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Sacred Bavikonda Monastery: Vestiges of the Buddhist Golden Age in India

Of all the countries in the world, India has some of the finest examples of Buddhist history and heritage. One of the noteworthy sites is the sacred monastery of Bavikonda in Andhra Pradesh . It is...
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali

Tanah Lot Temple: Bali’s Stunning Sacred Sea Shrine

Bali regularly features as one of the most beautiful places in the world, a well-known Mecca for backpackers and travelers. The island not only has natural wonders, but also many architectural and...
Choquequirao

Choquequirao: The Alternative to Machu Picchu for Those After Adventure Not Just Selfies

Choquequirao is known as the ‘sacred sister’ of Machu Picchu, as it is similar to this site both in structure and architecture. With demand ever high to trek the now well-worn Inca trail to Machu...
 A Pachacamac mummy/ Peter Eeckhout with burial face mask.

Exceptional Mummy Unearthed Giving Insights into the Incan Rule

A team of archaeologists from the Université libre de Bruxelles's has uncovered a 1000-year-old mummy at an excavation in Pachacamac, on Peru’s Pacific coast. After a dig of nine weeks the team at...

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