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Joanna Gillan

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. 

Joanna completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in Australia and published research in the field of Educational Psychology. She has a rich and varied career, ranging from teaching children with autism in an early intervention program, owning and operating an online English teaching business, working as a research and project officer in the office of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and assistant in the office of Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as co-owning a website design and development company.

Joanna co-founded Ancient Origins with Dr Ioannis Syrigos. Together they immersed themselves in their personal passion for ancient history, mythology and human origins.  She loves learning about and experiencing other cultures and has spent time living in Australia, UK, Greece, Ecuador and Ireland and travelling to hundreds of historic sites around the world.

Joanna has written over 1,000 articles for Ancient Origins, some of which have been mentioned in the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, Peru Weekly, International Business Times, Spiegel and The Daily Mail. She has contributed as a guest writer for other media organizations, including The Epoch Times and iSpectrum Magazine, and has been interviewed on historical subjects on ten radio shows, including the BBC in the UK, and Newstalk in Ireland. She has also appeared on Ireland’s national TV channel, RTE, on the Today Show

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Homo Naledi. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Scientists Against Myths.

Homo Naledi: A Mysterious Extinct Human Species (Video)

Homo naledi , the mysterious extinct human species, has captivated the world since its discovery in 2013. The recent animated film on YouTube by Antropogenez.ru and "Sergey Krivoplyasov's 3d-project...
Human evolution. Source: pict rider / Adobe Stock.

The Incredible Odyssey of Mankind: Ape to Human in a Million Years (Video)

In this fascinating video, the evolution from ape to man is traced, beginning with the Proconsul, a fruit-eating creature that lived in African trees about 20 million years ago. As the African jungle...
Ark of the Covenant. Source: pamela_d_mcadams / Adobe Stock.

Sacred Treasure Hunt: In Pursuit of the Elusive Ark of the Covenant (Video)

Discover the enigmatic disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant , a sacred relic mentioned in the Book of Exodus. The Ark, believed to have housed the Ten Commandments, was built with exact...
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius and destruction of Pompeii. Source: Sunshower Shots / Adobe Stock.

The Final Hours: Witness Pompeii’s Catastrophic Demise (Video)

As Mount Vesuvius erupted violently in 79 AD, the skies above Pompeii turned dark and ominous. A deadly cloud of super-heated gases spewed forth, reaching a height of 33 km, and molten rock and hot...
Tudor woman. Source: Kathy / Adobe Stock.

Fashion as Status: Getting Dressed in the Tudor Era (Video)

In this fascinating video, we're taken on a journey through the morning routines of Queen Catherine Parr's household. With over 50 female staff members to dress and prepare , getting ready was no...
A gladiator stands before an arena filled with spectators. Source: Justinas / Adobe Stock.

What Being a Spectator at the Rome Colosseum Was Like (Video)

From the thunderous roar of the crowd to the heart-stopping battles between gladiators and exotic beasts, this YouTube video takes you on a journey back in time to experience the jaw-dropping...
Maya woman. Source: Julien / Adobe Stock.

What Was Daily Life Like for the Ancient Maya (Video)

Step into the vibrant world of the ancient Maya in this YouTube video, as it uncovers the fascinating details of their daily lives. Learn about their intriguing customs, from body piercings and...
Plague epidemic. Source: Dr_Microbe / Adobe Stock.

How a Gruesome Epidemic Threatened the Roman Empire (Video)

Rome, the cultural epicenter of the world in 162 AD, faced an unparalleled crisis as a gruesome epidemic threatened to undermine its very foundation. In this riveting account, we follow Galen of...
French nobles. Source: Archivist / Adobe Stock.

The Weirdest Rules of Royal French Etiquette (Video)

Step into the grandeur and luxury of the Palace of Versailles, the opulent seat of French royalty that became the epitome of the glamorous life of a king. But behind the dazzling facade lay a world...
Stone Age man with pet wolves. Source: grandfailure / Adobe Stock.

5 Facts About How Fierce Wolves Were Turned into Ancient Pets (Video)

The domestication of dogs is a fascinating topic that has puzzled scientists for decades. The evolution of wolves into our beloved pets is a remarkable feat, and understanding how this process took...
Samurai warrior ready for battle. Source: DigitalGenetics / Adobe Stock.

What a Samurai vs. Mongol Battle Really Looked Like (Video)

The clash between the Mongols and Samurai took place between two legendary classes of warriors. Contrary to popular belief, Samurai did not engage in single combat dueling against the Mongols...
Lady making traditional decorated eggs in the Bukovina Region of Romania. Source: Matthew / Adobe Stock.

Eggsquisite Art: Romania’s Stunning Traditional Craft of Egg Painting

The small village of Ciocăneşti in Romania is known for its elaborate motifs that adorn its buildings, and these designs are reflected in the decorated eggs. The art of egg painting has elevated the...
Easter table decoration. Source: Viktoriia / Adobe Stock.

History of the Holidays: Easter (Video)

Easter is the holiest day on the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, despite being a Christian holiday, the history of Easter has pagan and Jewish roots. The...
Pagan ritual. Source: Justinas / Adobe Stock.

Uncomfortable Truth: The Dark Origins of Easter? (Video)

The story of Easter is one that is steeped in tradition and has become one of the most celebrated holidays in the Christian calendar. However, many people are unaware of the pagan roots of this...
Ancient traditional salt production in Bali, Indonesia. Source: lenaivanova2311 / Adobe Stock.

An Elaborate Affair: Getting Dressed as an 18th Century Gentleman (Video)

Dressing as an 18th-century gentleman was no easy feat. The process of getting dressed was highly regimented and required the help of a valet or servant to assist in the process. Each item of...
Medieval knights with weapons. Source: Diatomic / Adobe Stock.

Medieval Warfare Unleashed: Discovering the Arsenal of a Knight (Video)

The medieval knight was known for their impressive arsenal of weapons, each with its own unique purpose on the battlefield. Swords were the most iconic weapon of the knight , but other melee weapons...

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