12 Most Incredible Archaeological Finds

We'll never run out of amazing archaeological finds to show you on this channel because the world's archaeologists will never stop coming up with incredible discoveries! This collection takes us all over the world and to every great period of history. Telling you the stories of these finds is what we do best here, so let's get straight into it!

Dinosaurs of the beginning of the Jurassic period

The Jurassic period, or the Jura, is probably the most interesting era. After watching the famous movie “The Jurrasic Park”, an average person might think that the Earth was populated only by dinosaurs, like T-rex. In fact, it wasn't quite like that even though the Jurassic period is also known as the Age of Reptiles.

Let's start with the statement that the Jurassic period, the second in the Mesozoic era, is long and complex. It began 201 million years ago and lasted about 56 million years. It got its name because the fossils were first discovered and explored in the Jura mountains in Switzerland and France. Hence the name of the period.

This era is divided into three stages. The first, which lasted from 201.3 to 174.1 million years ago, is called the Lower Jurassic. At that time, life was recovering from the Triassic-Jurassic extinction that caused about half of all animal species on the planet to disappear. However, the hot and humid climate of the Jura helped life to quickly bounce back. Warm oceans and seas abounded with Ammonoidea, Belemnitida, fish and reptiles. On land, reptiles including dinosaurs quickly filled the ecological niches freed by the previous extinction. In the process of evolution, some reptiles got wings and flew into the sky.

The beginning of the Jurassic period launched the high time for reptiles. Hundreds of dinosaur species appeared on the planet. They settled on all continents, including Antarctica. Some reached incredible sizes and proportions. Some, of course, developed formidable shapes, sometimes bizarre and scary. What are the mysteries of the prehistoric reptiles that lived on Earth 200 million years ago?

19th Century Portraits Brought To Life

We've gathered a collection of 19th-century portraits that appear to come to life as they glide across your screen. The portraits were given a quick restoration, colorization and some facial motion, using some of the latest tools in AI technology. We hope you find this presentation enjoyable, since it was a labour of love to create. Check the video to see fashion, clothing and hairstyle of 19th century men and women in a mixture of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes. Enjoy!

California Couple Finds $10M in Gold Coins Buried in Yard

A Northern California couple out walking their dog on their Gold Country property stumbled across a modern-day bonanza: $10 million in rare, mint-condition gold coins buried in the shadow of an old tree.

Nearly all of the 1,427 coins, dating from 1847 to 1894, are in uncirculated, mint condition, said David Hall, co-founder of Professional Coin Grading Service of Santa Ana, which recently authenticated them.

Although the face value of the gold pieces only adds up to about $27,000, some of them are so rare that coin experts say they could fetch nearly $1 million apiece.

"I don't like to say once-in-a-lifetime for anything, but you don't get an opportunity to handle this kind of material, a treasure like this, ever," said veteran numismatist Don Kagin, who is representing the finders. "It's like they found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."

Kagin, whose family has been in the rare-coin business for 81 years, would say little about the couple other than that they are husband and wife, are middle-aged and have lived for several years on the rural property where the coins were found.

They have no idea who put them there, he said.

The pair are choosing to remain anonymous, Kagin said, in part to avoid a renewed gold rush to their property by modern-day prospectors armed with metal detectors.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/calif...

The Invention of Trousers: A History of the Garment That Transformed Humanity

Trousers, pants, slacks—nno matter the name, they are an integral part of our everyday wardrobe. What began as a practical solution to a practical problem has become a staple of fashion across cultures. But have you ever stopped to ponder the origins of this garment? When did our ancestors decide to ditch the tunic, robe, or loincloth in favor of trousers? In this article, we will delve into the intriguing history of the invention of trousers.

Prehistoric Beginnings

The exact origins of trousers remain somewhat unclear, largely due to the absence of ancient textiles that have survived through the millennia. However, archaeological evidence has provided some intriguing clues. In 2014, a study published in the journal Quaternary International discovered the earliest known examples of trousers in western China, dating back to around 3,000 to 3,300 BC.

These ancient trousers were made of wool and designed with straight legs and a wide crotch. This wide crotch, often referred to as a steppe crotch, had a slit that might have been used to tie the trousers around the waist. Archaeologists speculate that these trousers were invented for riding, as they provide protection while allowing the rider flexibility and freedom of movement.

Development and Spread

The use of trousers began to spread with the advent of horseback riding and the strategic advantage it provided for warfare. This new mode of transportation necessitated a new type of clothing that allowed for greater flexibility and protection. As the popularity of horseback riding grew, so did the prevalence of trousers.

Trousers found their way to the Mediterranean world through cultural contact with Persians and other cultures of the East. Greek historians such as Herodotus described the Persian use of trousers in the 5th century BC, and it wasn't long before the Greeks and Romans adopted this practical garment, although not without some cultural resistance, as it was initially seen as 'barbarian' dress.

It is worth noting that while trousers were predominantly a male garment in many cultures, women also wore trousers in certain societies, particularly those where horse riding was common for both genders.

Evolution through the Ages

Over the centuries, the basic design of trousers evolved in various directions according to cultural needs and aesthetic trends. Breeches, a type of trouser that ends just below the knee, became common in Europe from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. These were often worn with stockings and were a standard part of men's dress.

As Europe transitioned into the Industrial Revolution, the design of trousers changed again. The need for practical and durable clothing for factory and manual work led to the invention of denim jeans in the United States in the late 19th century, a style that has persisted to this day.

Meanwhile, women's fashion began to incorporate trousers more frequently in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the context of the women's rights movement. The advent of World Wars I and II accelerated this trend as many women entered the workforce and required practical clothing.

Trousers Today

In today's global society, trousers have transcended cultural boundaries and become a universally accepted form of clothing. They come in an endless variety of styles, from casual jeans to formal tuxedo pants, serving a plethora of purposes. The evolution of trousers continues in response to changes in societal norms, technology, and fashion trends.

Whether you're donning denim jeans for a casual outing or dressing up in a formal suit, remember that the trousers you wear are the result of a millennia-long journey, adapting to meet the needs of humans throughout history. The story of trousers is one of practicality and ingenuity, a testament to humanity's endless creativity and the remarkable evolution of culture.

Today, everybody wears trousers—men and women, young and old—at almost all occasions. But who invented the trousers? When? Where? Why? This documentary tells the story of an international research team’s pursuit to find answers to these questions. The camera accompanies the scientists to dry inner Asian archaeological excavation sites in China and the working tables of conservators; to laboratories of ancient climate and animal DNA research; to sheep shearer’s barns and fashion designer’s studios. Viewers can watch the team make discoveries and face insurmountable obstacles in the process of reverse engineering when they try to reproduce the oldest known trousers in the world. The documentary comprises unpublished film material, animation sequences, and music specially composed for this story. The film is the result of cooperation between archaeologists and students of Film University Babelsberg (Konrad Wolf).

Craziest Things Ancient Romans Did

Here is a top list of 20 history facts you probably didn't know about the ancient Roman Empire. From bloody gladiator fights at the colosseum to insane emperors drinking poison. From women sporting a unibrow to gluttony to the point of vomiting. Find out what Julius Caesar and the Senate were really up to.

Real Mermaid Sightings Around The World

Check out these real mermaid sightings around the world! This top 10 list of amazing discoveries of real life mermaid bodies is absolutely intrigueing. Enjoy!

The Nasty Lives Of Concubines In Imperial China

The word “concubine” has several definitions and many connotations. The easiest way to define the Chinese type of concubinage, at least among the very rich and the Imperial family was that they were mistresses.

Concubinage in China differed in many ways from that of other nations, though it did have similarities as well. At the very top, in the Imperial Household, there was sisterhood, rivalry, palace intrigue, and much more. This likely took place at the home of rich men too. In the Imperial China which lasted until the Communist Revolution of 1949, a man could have only one wife, but as many concubines as he could afford to house, clothe and feed. Frequently, in Chinese history (and that of other nations), a man's wealth and power were partly judged by the number of concubines he kept and how they lived.

Likely the most famous system of concubinage existed within the Chinese imperial family, likely going back at least two thousand years to the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 25AD- to 220AD. The law then, and going forward to 1949 was that the higher the rank of the man, the more concubines he was able to have. Since Han times and likely before, a concubine could be bought, at a slave market in the earliest times, or from a family with an attractive daughter who needed money to survive – these are just two examples. In many cases, a wife would have to approve of this “transaction”. History is full of tales of Chinese wives mistreating their husband's concubine or concubines, sometimes addressed as “little sister”, with a number attached in case of multiple women. That was a common occurrence, but likely as common was a good relationship – especially in a bad marriage: a concubine/mistress could take the attention and pressure off a wife and allow her her own time – even more so in a household with multiple concubines.

The Diabolical Things That Napoleon Bonaparte Did During His Reign

Napoleon Bonaparte, born in then Italian Corsica in 1769, was the dominant personality of his time. He died in exile on the lonely British South Atlantic island of St. Helena in 1821. But though he was a shell of his former self living in isolation in the middle of nowhere, his life cast a long shadow, and his influence continued for decades after his death. His military philosophy and tactics are still taught throughout the world, for though the weapons of today are much different than those used by his armies, the tactics he used on the battlefield are timeless: speed, audacity, and surprise being foremost among them.

Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most fascinating men in history. If this introduction to the darker side of Napoleon interests you, please “like” and subscribe to our channel! Vive' l'France!

Napoleon became Emperor of France in 1804, though he had been the country's de facto ruler since 1799. For anyone to become emperor after the French Revolution of 1789 and the years immediately after had been unthinkable. The Revolution took place to rid France of a king and a system of privilege and oppression. That revolution cost a lot of blood and treasure and caused years of struggle and chaos in France. When Napoleon was ready to take power, the French were tired of political violence and upheaval, high prices, food shortages, and corrupt government. Napoleon, like Caesar more than 1800 years before him, promised law, order, and economic stability.For the first years of his reign, Napoleon managed to do just that, bring a sense of stability. He also brought France military glory. He rose to fame in the 1790s through his prowess on the battlefield. He helped to bring the ideals of the French Revolution to many parts of Europe. Unfortunately for France and Napoleon, his "eyes were bigger than his stomach," and he "bit off more than he could chew," making enemies of Great Britain and Russia.

The Unspeakable Things Emperor Commodus Did During His Reign

Commodus had ruled Rome from 177. For the first three years of his reign, he was actually "co-Emperor" with his illustrious father, Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius is well-known today for the collection of his writings entitled "The Reflections of Marcus Aurelius," a virtual handbook for those who wish to live a calm, stoic life of moderation. Marcus Aurelius was a revered figure in his time, and in the time since, he has been dubbed one of the "Five Good Emperors" for his accomplishments: expanding the borders of the empire and increasing the prosperity of Rome.

Commodus, whose birth name was "Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus," may have suffered from an inferiority complex, knowing or believing that he could not and would not achieve his father's fame. He may also have been one of the countless spoiled princes throughout history, never being forbidden anything, especially since his stoic father was often absent governing the empire. He might also have been seriously ill mentally – he may have been all three. We will never know for sure. We know that Commodus committed many crimes – not crimes to him perhaps, but to us? Without doubt.

Commodus is sometimes compared to the earlier Roman emperor Nero (37AD- 68 AD). Nero is still remembered as one of the cruellest emperors, and his life ended when he ordered his slave to kill him – he had just been pronounced a "public enemy" by the Senate for his harsh rile. Commodus was also cruel, and he was finally strangled by a champion wrestler, the killing arranged by his advisers.

Both emperors fancied themselves artists. Nero was famed for dressing as a woman and putting on public concerts – he was reputedly terrible, but no one dared not applaud the performances. Commodus also loved singing and dancing and fancied himself a comedian, though his crudity made his aristocratic peers uncomfortable. He also believed himself to be a great gladiator and fought with trained slaves or gladiators, but never in public. Pity the slave or gladiator that didn't let the emperor win, though it is said that Commodus was quite skilled.

Seven Million Years of Human Evolution

Scientists use fossils to reconstruct the evolutionary history of hominins—the group that includes modern humans, our immediate ancestors, and other extinct relatives. Today, our closest living relatives are chimpanzees, but extinct hominins are even closer. Where and when did they live? What can we learn about their lives? Why did they go extinct? Scientists look to fossils for clues.

Experts Unearthed A Strange Sarcophagus Beneath Notre Dame That Is Casting A New Light On History

April 15, 2019, was a grim day for the people of Paris. Their beloved Notre-Dame, the imposing cathedral that had stood tall their whole lives, was burning to the ground — and it seemed, in that moment, like it would never recover. A few years later, of course, we’ve seen repair works instigated to restore the medieval monument to its former glory. But nobody could have predicted the secret that this project would reveal beneath this centuries-old building.

The Unspeakable Things Vlad the Impaler Did During His Reign

Vlad lived from 1431-1476. The Middle Ages. An excellent time for impaling. Before we get into the details of Vlad’s life, let’s talk about his favorite past-time. In the 15th century, impalement was not that unusual. Rulers in Europe inflicted it on their enemies – occasionally. The Ottoman Turkish Empire, however, made a regular practice of it, and Vlad had been their “guest” as a child.

Most often, at least under Vlad, poles were cut to about seven feet tall and three inches around. They were made of sturdy wood so they wouldn't bend or break with the weight of the victim, and one end was somewhat sharp or pointy on one end, though not too sharp, for that would cut short the punishment. The pole was greased or oiled and the victim, whose hands and feet were bound, was lowered, anus first, onto the pole. The victim's weight caused them to slowly, sometimes very slowly, to descend on the pole, driving it through the body.

Some torturers were highly skilled in impalement, and knew that if they pulled and lowered the body a certain way, the stake was likely to follow the length of the spine and not pierce vital organs. This could mean that a victim lasted for hours, if not days. If they major organs were pierced, then death usually came quickly. In some countries, people were impaled sideways, but that meant they would sink to the ground rapidly and not really be visible from a distance.

On the traces of an Ancient Civilization?

In the following video we will perfom an investigation on the past of ancient civilization, which visits the greatest archaeological sites of our planet, and challenges by its daring hypothesis. Enjoy!