Australia may be full of many wonders, but the Pilbara region definitely stands out among them all. This area in Western Australia is not only packed with unusual and one-off wildlife and greenery, but it’s also home to a whole host of astonishing geological features. The eye-catching rock formations in the Pilbara have even given scientists crucial insights into the beginning of the world. And, incredibly, one of those discoveries suggests there’s some scientific basis for the events mentioned in the biblical Book of Genesis.
12 Most Amazing Ancient Treasures And Artifacts Finds
When you think about it, “archaeology” is just a fancy word for “treasure hunting.” When archaeologists go digging into the past - figuratively and literally - what they’re really looking for is ancient treasure. Truly valuable treasure discoveries are rare, but that only makes it even more special when such a discovery is made. Let’s check out some of the best of them!
The First Horse Riders | Horse Domestication on the Eurasian Steppe
Who were the first horse riders in history? We know about horse domestication but knowing who were the first horsemen is more difficult.
The idea of the Yamnaya Bronze Age horse warrior riding down a fleeing Neolithic farmer is a powerful image but is it true? Were the people of the Botai culture the first horsemen? Was it those of the Sredny Stog or perhaps the Khvalynsk culture? Or was it even the people of Bronze Age Mesopotamia?
Well, there is a view that the first horse warriors did not emerge until the Iron Age.
In this video we will explore both sides of the argument using the most up to date evidence available.
Archaeologists Discover What No One Was Supposed To See
The concept that dwarves walked the Earth in ancient times should not be unexpected. There is a lot of evidence that very comparatively tiny beings existed in various parts of the ancient world.
Before we dive in, we have a quick quiz question for you: “How long could the bandages of an ancient Egyptian mummy stretch?”
Let us know your answer below and make sure to watch till the end of the video to find out if your guess was correct!
We know that many ancient Native American legends describe a race of beings known as the Little People. Depending on the tribe's original folklore, these small beings are described as spirits, magicians, ferocious dwarves, fairies, or devils.
The physical remains of tiny people have been discovered in several locations across the western United States, most notably in Montana and Wyoming. The majority of these small beings were discovered in caves. The small bodies have been examined, but the findings of the studies have not always been made public.
Current archaeological evidence from Palau in western Micronesia suggests that the archipelago was settled by normal-sized populations around 3000-3300 BP; contrary to recent claims, they did not succumb to insular dwarfism.
Previous and ongoing archaeological research of both human burial and occupation sites across the Palauan archipelago over the last 50 years has produced a robust data set to test hypotheses about initial colonization and subsequent adaptations over the last three millennia.
A close examination of human burials at the early (ca. 3000 BP) and stratified site of Chelechol ra Orrak reveals that these were average-sized people. This contradicts the claim of contemporaneous "small-bodied" individuals discovered at two cave sites (2008).
As their analyses are flawed on multiple analytical levels. For starters, their sample size is too small and fragmented to adequately address the variation inherent in modern humans both within and outside of Palau.
Second, all other prehistoric (both older and contemporaneous) skeletal assemblages discovered in Palau fall within the normal parameters of modern human variation in the region, indicating that this was not a case of insular dwarfism or a separate migratory group.
Third, while measurements on several skeletal elements appear to be from smaller-bodied individuals, their sizes compare favorably with samples from Chelechol ra Orrak.
Finally, archaeological, linguistic, and historical evidence show that Palau has maintained a high level of cultural continuity over time, as would be expected if the archipelago was inhabited by the same people.
Terrifying Lost City In Egypt Discovered that Scares Scientists
Egypt has given us many groundbreaking discoveries. But the recent discovery of a city that had been buried for three thousand years in the dunes of Egypt is one of the most important archaeological finds since Tutankhamun's tomb. Where was the city found? What does it reveal? Let’s find out!
The magnificently preserved ruins date back 3,400 years to the time when Amenhotep III built the royal capital and his rebel son Akhenaten abandoned it.
Plato's allegory of the ring
More than 2,000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Plato recounted the legend of the Ring of Gyges in “Republic.” The story of the ring surfaces as the philosopher, Socrates, and his student discuss why people act justly: is it because it’s what’s right? Or because it’s a convention that’s enforced through punishment and reward? Alex Gendler shares the allegory of the ill-gotten, magical ring.
The Whole History of Alexander the Great (Full Documentrary)
The history of Alexander the Great is a vast and complex narrative that intertwines the themes of military conquest, political strategy, and cultural exchange. Born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, Alexander was the son of King Philip II and Queen Olympias. One of the greatest philosophers of the time, Aristotle, provided him with an education that exposed him to a variety of subjects in his early years, including philosophy, science, medicine, and literature.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Alexander's father nurtured the early indications of his military prowess. He famously tamed the wild horse Bucephalus, which became his companion in numerous battles. When he was just 16, Philip II left him in charge of Macedonia while he campaigned in Byzantium, and during this time Alexander quelled a rebellion in Thrace, showcasing his skills in leadership and military tactics.
In 336 BC, Philip II was assassinated, and Alexander ascended to the throne at the age of 20. He quickly dealt with potential rivals and dissenters, securing his position as king.
Conquests and Expansion of the Empire
Alexander’s most significant and ambitious project was his conquest of the Persian Empire. In 334 BC, he crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), marking the beginning of his campaign against the Persian ruler, Darius III.
Key battles and achievements
1. The Battle of Granicus (334 BC): Alexander's first significant victory against the Persian satraps.
2. Siege of Tyre (332 BC): A seven-month siege that demonstrated Alexander's strategic brilliance and determination.
3. Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC): A decisive battle where Alexander’s forces outnumbered, defeated the Persian army, and led to the downfall of Darius III.
4. Conquest of Egypt (332–331 BC): Welcomed as a liberator in Egypt, Alexander founded the city of Alexandria, which became a major center of Hellenistic culture and learning.
After the defeat of Darius III, Alexander continued eastward, extending his dominion into Central Asia and India. In 326 BC, he reached the Indus Valley, where he won a difficult battle at the Hydaspes River against King Porus.
Administration and Cultural Policies
Alexander's approach to running his vast empire was characterized by a fusion of Macedonian and regional customs. He encouraged marriages between his soldiers and local women and adopted some local customs, a policy that helped in the administration of his diverse empire.
He also promoted the spread of Greek culture throughout his empire, a process known as Hellenization. This included the founding of cities, the establishment of centers of learning, and the spread of Greek art and theater.
Final Years and Death
There were challenges on Alexander's westward return journey. He faced a series of revolts and military setbacks. In 323 BC, while planning a campaign to conquer Arabia, Alexander fell ill in Babylon and died at the age of 32. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of debate among historians, with theories ranging from malaria to poisoning.
Legacy
Alexander's death led to the fragmentation of his empire as his generals, known as the Diadochi, fought for control. Despite the division, his legacy profoundly influenced the subsequent Hellenistic world. Culturally, the spread of Hellenism impacted art, science, and philosophy. Politically, his conquests reshaped the map of the ancient world, laying the foundation for the Roman Empire and significantly influencing the course of Mediterranean history.
In sum, Alexander the Great remains a pivotal figure in history, not only for his military conquests but also for his role in the cultural and political transformation of the ancient world. His legacy continues to be studied and admired for its impact on the course of history.
Eating with the World’s Most Isolated Tribe (The Tree People of Papua, Indonesia)
Have you ever wondered how it’s like eating with the world’s most isolated tribe? Watch the video to find out and enjoy!
Megatherium - The Largest Sloth Ever
Sloths, they are cute, cuddly, and are not exactly the epitome of ferocity, but this hasn’t always been the case. Just a few thousand years ago, give or take, they were giants, like, elephant sized giants. And the largest of these prehistoric sloths was the Megatherium, which roamed South America with confidence thanks to its gargantuan body. However, its size wasn’t the only thing it had going, as it possessed other tools, which allowed it to become a highly competitive animal in an ecosystem filled with other megafauna, and not to mention deadly smilodons.
Forging a Katana out of Rusted Iron Cable
In the following video we will be forging a Katana out of rusted iron cable. Enjoy!
The True Story of the First Viking Attack on England
This is the true story of the first recorded Viking raid on English soil, at the priory of Lindisfarne in Northumbria in June 793. The devastating Viking attack on the church of St Cuthbert sent a shockwave through Christian Europe, and it marked the beginning of what is now called the Viking Age.
Scary Places From The Ancient World
In this video we will be exploring scary places from the Ancient World. Enjoy!
20 Greatest Archaeological Discoveries of 2022
The year 2022 saw many amazing finds from archaeologists, but which ones were the most exciting? In this countdown, Dr. Miano ranks the 20 greatest discoveries of the year. Which ones are you the most thrilled about?
What is Hesychasm? - Mystical Practice in Orthodox Christianity
In this video, we talk about the mystical tradition called "Hesychasm" in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Enjoy!
A Mysterious Enchanted Shrine Hidden Under Volcanic Rubble Was Found By Archaeologists In Pompeii
Pompeii is a site that never ceases to amaze. One of the most famous sites in the world still has riches to be uncovered, despite the fact that the devastating volcanic eruption occurred in 79 AD and the ruins of the Ancient Roman city were discovered as early as the 18th century. Now, archaeologists have uncovered a fascinating shrine in Pompeii that had been buried for centuries beneath volcanic ash. Excited to learn more about this remarkable finding? Then, stick around.
When Archeologists Scanned Underneath A Norwegian Farm, They Saw A Hulking Shape Beneath The Soil
It’s September 2019, and a team of archeologists are using ground-penetrating radar technology to scan beneath the surface of a field in rural Norway. An anomaly then catches their attention. Hidden beneath the subsoil is a massive circular formation which is 60 feet in diameter. Ancient and mysterious, it resembles a giant, primordial eye.
Experts Uncovered An Ancient Mosaic That May Shed Light On One Of Jesus’ Most Famous Miracles
It’s summer on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, and a team of archaeologists are slaving away under the boiling sun. In the ruins of an ancient city, the researchers have discovered the remains of a church that was constructed by Christians many years ago. And as they dig deeper, the team discover a mysterious mosaic. Could this ancient artwork shed new light on a miracle straight out of biblical times?
Restoration Caucasian Dagger - Removing Century Rust
Join us in the video below, where we will be restoring a Caucasian dagger. The work takes a lot of time, but we hope you enjoy it!
Older Than Göbekli Tepe: Harbetsuvan Tepesi Archaeological Update
Today we’ll be taking a look at Harbetsuvan Tepesi. This is one of the 12 Tas Tepeler sites but it is far smaller than Gobekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe but according to archaeologists, it could be the key to really understanding the Neolithic in the region.
Harbetsuvan Tepesi is located around 55km southeast of the modern city of Sanliurfa. It was only discovered in 2014 and excavations took place between 2017 and 2019. This year, in the summer of 2022, further excavations took place.
In this video, we are showcasing Kazuya Shimogama from the Chiba Institute of Technology, who has been working at Harbetsuvan Tepesi this year and is a leading authority on the site. He presents the latest information from this truly ancient site.
The Casing Stones & Pyramidion of The Great Pyramid
Reconstructions of the Great Pyramid often show it glistening and smooth with an enormous gilded capstone. But how realistic is this?
The history of how Egyptian pyramids lost their casing stones is a tale of physics and greed, with only the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur escaping the fate of being entirely plundered.
But were the tips of the pyramids really covered in gold? How big could the capstones (pyramidions) really have been?
We examine the history of these pyramidions and what the evidence suggests about how they might have looked on top of the 4th dynasty megaliths.
