Archaeologists Have Discovered A Gateway Opened in The Abandoned Ancient City in Spain

Archaeologists have discovered a gigantic gateway to an ancient city abandoned thousands of years ago in the middle of a dried-up lake in Spain. The city of Ullastret is thought to date back to at least the 6th century BC, and was first discovered in the 1930s, having been abandoned in the 2nd or 3rd century BC.

It has been excavated over the past decades, with its enormous doorway having finally been unearthed. "The latest excavations at MAC Ullastret have confirmed the existence of a monumental entrance to the lower part of the city, located in the middle of the lake of Ullastret, which was dried more than a hundred years ago. This discovery is one of the most important ones made in this group in recent years," the Museum of Archeology of Catalonia said in a Facebook post announcing the find.

The doorway is thought to be a point of access to the lower part of the city, and had been covered in huge stone blocks. The find came during excavations by the Museum of Archeology of Catalonia and SPAHI (Polyorcetic Systems of Access to Iberian Habitats) between June 6 and 30, 2023 at the site of the dried-up Lake Ullastret, located around 75 miles northeast of Barcelona.

Homo Erectus: 'The Upright Man' | Prehistoric Humans Documentary

As the era of Homo habilis drew to a close, new species of humans were beginning to colonise Africa. It's strange to imagine living in a world with multiple species of human, but for much of the Pleistocene Epoch of the Cenozoic Era, this is exactly what was happening. Around two million years ago, a new creature began to revolutionise the animal kingdom, innovating in ways that were as of yet unimaginable. Continuing the trend of walking upright that was exhibited in the first few members of the Homo genus, this new creature was named Homo erectus, translating to 'upright man'. Where Homo habilis was adapted to walking and climbing, Homo erectus took the first few steps towards a life lived entirely on the ground. It was a strange new world for these pioneering apes, and it is their unique behaviour and lifestyle that has led to this species becoming synonymous with evolution - as they evolved, our ancestors were becoming more and more intelligent, more powerful, and more successful.

Today, we will be exploring all aspects of the life of Homo erectus - what was it? What did it look like? How did it act and live? What was the world like at the time it lived? These are all questions that we will need to delve deep into the Pleistocene Epoch to answer; a time of dramatic, untouched landscapes, dangerous megafaunal animals and new and strange societies of early humans. Join us as we discover the amazing story of Homo erectus.

Egyptian Secrets In The Vatican

In the following video we will investigate some Egyptian secrets in the Vatican. Watch the video to find out more!

Creepy Mysteries of Tudor England

In the heart of the Tudor era, an era where pageantry met violence, and beauty coexisted with darkness, lie tales that would chill your very soul. Beyond the grandeur of the palaces and the opulence of the court, Tudor England was a theatre of mysteries, of unsolved enigmas that lingered like whispered secrets in the corridors of time. From soups that can kill, to unexplained disappearances and unspeakable royal intrigues - the truth remains elusive, buried under layers of intrigue and time. Delve into the creepy mysteries of Tudor England, where every creaking door could lead to a story that has been waiting centuries to be told...

The Art Of Defending A Medieval Castle

Ruth, Peter and Tom look at the ingenious features medieval castle-builders came up with to withstand attack from an ever more formidable array of siege engines. Watch the video for more!

Experts Uncover Evidence Of An Ancient War That Lasted 100,000 Years

When it comes to human history, war is as common as blue skies and green plants. But what about the battles waged before “history” was even recorded? A new scientific study has brought widespread attention to the possibility that thousands of years ago, there was a fight that lasted centuries. It was a war for the future, and it was a war that shaped who we are today.

Archaeologists Have Discovered Early Prehistoric Stone Tools in The Ice Age Site

Some of the largest early prehistoric stone tools in Britain have been discovered by researchers at the UCL Institute of Archaeology.

The excavations, which took place in Kent and were commissioned in advance of the development of the Maritime Academy School in Frindsbury, revealed prehistoric artifacts in deep Ice Age sediments preserved on a hillside above the Medway Valley.

As many as 800 stone artifacts thought to be over 300,000 years old, were found buried in sediments that filled a sinkhole and ancient river channel, outlined in their research, published in Internet Archaeology.

Among the unearthed artifacts were two extremely large flint knives described as "giant handaxes". Handaxes are stone artifacts which have been chipped, or "knapped," on both sides to produce a symmetrical shape with a long cutting edge. Researchers believe this type of tool was usually held in the hand and may have been used for butchering animals and cutting meat. The two largest handaxes found at the Maritime site have a distinctive shape with a long and finely worked pointed tip, and a much thicker base.

History Summarized: the Great Ziggurat of Ur

In the river valley where urban society first arose several thousand years ago, our attention naturally focuses in on the moment they started building ginormous stuff. In this video we will learn about the great Ziggurat of Ur is one of human civilization's earliest urban masterpieces. Enjoy!

Exploring One of the First Norman Stone Castles in England

Join medieval historian Matt Lewis at his favourite fortress in the whole of Britain, Ludlow Castle. Built as a frontier fortress, Ludlow stands proud on what was the harsh wild western frontier between England and Wales. One of the first to be rebuilt in stone in England, the castle showcases just what Norman power really looked like at the very fringes of its reach.

We’ll learn how the architectural and archaeological evidence reveals a medieval world in flux, balancing war with royal luxury. With expert help, Matt will investigate how castle walls were built, as well as the link between the castle and the thriving community in the town.

We’ll explore what a castle would have looked like in its medieval heyday and who would have lived there, from humble blacksmiths to royal residents. Matt will also discover how this castle rose to regional prominence and then played a pivotal role in defining one of history's most vicious wars, the War of the Roses.

And find out which famous dynasty cut their teeth inside the walls of Ludlow as it became a training ground for princes.

Where the Garden of Eden Actually Could Have Been

What happened to the Garden of Eden? This question has plagued many to go searching for the location of the fabled garden, and as such people have nominated places as crazy as Mars and Missouri as its source, while many scholars believe it never existed at all. Certain descriptions in Genesis leave only a few locations that fit the given criteria: the Armenian Highlands of Eastern Turkey (around where Noah might have landed after the flood), Northeast Africa (the ancestral home of man where Moses supposedly parted the Red Sea), and Jerusalem, even though the Bible describes Eden as east of Jerusalem.

Inhuman Practices of the Dark Ages: Wedding Night Horrors

In the hallowed halls of our collective past, shrouded by the veils of time, echoes a tale of an era steeped in tradition and rigid societal norms. Welcome to the Middle Ages, a period spanning the 5th to the late 15th century, a time when unions were not always born of love but dictated by power, alliances, and the exchange of wealth.

How does the image of a blushing bride of tender age, such as the infamous Margaret Beaufort who was wedded and bedded at the tender age of 12, make you feel? Can you imagine a world in which love was often a mere footnote to the harsh political realities of the day? Marriage, especially among the nobility, was a transaction, a bargain struck for the consolidation of power and wealth. Such was the case for the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, betrothed to Matilda of Flanders when he was in his early twenties and she was only a child.

On the night of such a union, rituals steeped in superstition took center stage. The wedding night was a spectacle, and often, the marital bed became a stage, with the gruesome custom of displaying the bloody 'proof' of the bride's purity. This was a world where privacy was a privilege that few could afford, especially on the so-called 'night of nights'.

As we delve into the customs, we are reminded of the words of Geoffrey Chaucer from his legendary 'Canterbury Tales': "Marriage is a misery and a woe." A rather fitting sentiment for the young brides of the Middle Ages, wouldn't you say?

Join us on a journey back in time, as we peel back the layers of the Middle Ages, explore the truth behind forced marriages and uncover the disturbing rituals of the wedding night.

Are Romanians the Last Real Descendants of the Roman Empire in the Balkans?

Many historians accept that the modern Romanians (and Moldovans) are the last remaining descendants of the Romans in the Balkan Peninsula and Eastern Europe, and today we're going to look at the origin and history of the Romanian people and their relation to other Italian peoples in the Balkan peninsula today.

The question of whether Romanians are the "last real descendants" of the Roman Empire in the Balkans is a complex and nuanced topic, involving historical, cultural, linguistic, and genetic aspects. It's important to approach this with the understanding that national and ethnic identities are often the result of a long and multifaceted history, shaped by numerous factors over centuries.

Historical Context

The Roman Empire expanded into the region that is now Romania during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The province of Dacia, roughly corresponding to modern Romania, was heavily colonized and Romanized, resulting in a significant cultural and linguistic impact.

While the Western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, the Eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), continued for another thousand years. The influence of the Byzantine Empire was substantial in the Balkans, including in areas that are now part of modern Romania.

Cultural and Linguistic Aspects

Romanian is a Romance language derived from Latin, indicating a strong Roman influence. It is distinct among other Eastern European languages, which are primarily Slavic. This linguistic connection is often cited as a key indicator of the Roman heritage in Romania.

Beyond language, various aspects of Romanian culture, from legal systems to architectural styles, have been influenced by Roman and later Byzantine traditions.

Genetic Considerations

Modern genetic studies show a complex picture. Like most European populations, Romanians are genetically diverse, reflecting various historical migrations and influences. While there is a genetic component that can be traced back to Roman times, it's part of a broader mosaic.

Perspectives and Interpretations

The idea of Romanians being the direct descendants of the Romans is part of national narratives and identity. However, historians and archaeologists often caution against simplifying the past based on modern concepts of nationality and ethnicity.

The Balkans have a very complex history with diverse influences—Roman, Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and others. Each modern nation in the Balkans has its own unique historical trajectory and mix of cultural influences.

Scholarly opinions vary, with some emphasizing the continuity of Roman heritage in Romania while others highlight the diverse influences that have shaped the region.

Conclusion

While Romanians undoubtedly retain significant elements of Roman heritage, especially linguistically, they are part of a broader historical and cultural tapestry of the Balkans. The legacy of the Roman Empire is a shared heritage among many nations in the region, and each has its own unique relationship with this past. It's essential to recognize the fluidity of historical and cultural identities and the interplay of various influences over centuries.

Discovery of 8,000 year old Mesolithic pits in Bedfordshire amazes archaeologists

Twenty-five Mesolithic pits that date back 8,000 years have been unearthed in an “exciting discovery” by archaeologists in Bedfordshire.

The pits could have been dug for ‘spiritual or special significance’, scientists suggest.

The Linmere pits are “incredibly significant” because there are very few substantial Mesolithic sites in the UK, the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) said on Monday.

Scientists hope they can gather more information about the Mesolithic period beyond limited existing evidence, such as flint tools and “occasional butchered animal remains”.

Animal bones found in the pits helped scientists to radiocarbon date them back to between 8,500 and 7,700 years ago.

Creature Sightings In The Ice

In the video below we will be talking about creature sightings in the ice. Watch the video to find out more!

The Great Pyramid "MANKILLER" Tunnel

The outlet of the King’s Chamber Northern Shaft is located high up on the northern face of the Great Pyramid, directly above the main entrance.

The small opening, located 80 metres up the side of the pyramid, measured around 30 cm square, but behind the opening was a tunnel, more than 11 metres long and it had been crudely dug out along the shaft some time in antiquity. This tunnel measured approximately 70cm square and was large enough for one man to squeeze inside, but it had been filled with four cubic metres of sand, stones and debris.

When cleared out by Rudolf Gantenbrink in 1992 to improve the ventilation inside the Great Pyramid, he named it the “Mankiller” Tunnel. But when was it created?

In a recent video by the Lines in Sand channel, link below, he quotes the brilliant Keith Hamilton, saying it was the work of Giovanni Caviglia in the early 19th Century, but is this really the case? Could it actually have been created by the Ancient Egyptians in the Old Kingdom to repair the King's Chamber Northern Shaft? Watch this video to learn more!

Golden Mountains APPEARED After The Dried Up Euphrates River

Can you believe it? The internet is buzzing with the news of this jaw-dropping discovery! Social media platforms are exploding with hashtags and captivating stories about this gleaming treasure trove.

The Euphrates River is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. It is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking water for millions of people. The river has also played a significant role in history.

But wait, there's more! Legends and folklore surrounding the Euphrates River have come alive once again. Tales of mythical creatures guarding the golden riches and hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed add a touch of enchantment to this extraordinary saga. Get ready to be spellbound by the captivating allure of ancient lore!

What they Captured in Mariana Trench Shocked the Whole World

The ocean as we know it is a very big and mysterious place. Many have rightfully dubbed it a "second world" and that is accurate because it is a place that is very different from the world above. And not unlike the land we live in, the waters of the world have deep places and secrets. For the longest time, the biggest secret was that of the Mariana Trench, which was so deep that none could reach it. Now, five have, and while it's still very much mysterious, we can at least say we know some of what's down there. Allow us to show you 20 Mysterious Things Found In The Mariana Trench!

15 Disgusting Things That Were Normal In Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptian civilization, known for its remarkable advancements, engaged in customs that might be perceived as somewhat grotesque by modern society. From peculiar beauty treatments and distinct culinary preferences to elaborate funeral customs that occasionally involved necromancy, stick around for this captivating glimpse into their beliefs and lifestyles. Here are the fifteen most fascinating and, to some, repulsive practices that were prevalent in ancient Egypt.