When we think of ancient Rome, the first notion that comes to mind is the one of the empire, followed by the image of a mighty emperor, his legions, colossal buildings, and the Gladiators (or the rhetoric and poetry, depending on your preferences). Some may recall the image of a “unified” Europe under a single sovereign – the emperor of Rome. However, Rome did not become remarkable at this considerably late phase. In fact, many historians see the history of Rome under the Emperors as a long, gradual decline. It was during the Republic that Rome gained an empire. Most of the achievements that the first emperor of Rome, Octavian Augustus, claimed to have completed were, in fact, earned during the Roman Republic.
The Entire History of the Akkadians / Ancient Mesopotamia Documentary
In this video we will go through the entire history of the Akkadians. Watch the video below for more!
The Complete Story of Abraham: The Father of Nations
The life of the founding patriarch like you've never seen him before. Abraham – whose name means the Father of Many Nations – establishes the nation of Israel, the 12 tribes of Arabia, and sets humanity on a course that will change everything. The power of the One True God unleashed through God's mercy on this man. Join us as we explore the founder of monotheism: Abraham. Let's explore!
What is Sikhism?
In this video we will explore the fifth largest religion in the world - Sikhism (more properly called "Sikhi"). Enjoy!
Turkification of Anatolia
In this video we will talk about the Seljuk Turkification of Anatolia - the period that started in the XI century with the battle of Manzikert and was largely concluded by the XV century when the Ottomans rose to power, as the Seljuks and other Turkic peoples entered Anatolia, slowly pushing the Greeks and other locals to the coastal regions, slowly weakening the Eastern Roman Empire. Enjoy!
Fourth Crusade: From Sack to Restoration - Medieval DOCUMENTARY
In this video we will analyze the Byzantine-Crusader-Bulgarian Wars, as well as the Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople, fragmentation, and restoration of the Eastern Roman Empire and Frankokratia. We will also cover a number of battles including Tryavna, Zara, Sack of Constantinople, Adrianople, Klokotnica, Constantinople 1241, Pelagonia and Constantinople 1261.
Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant
In the video below we will analyze the fable of the Dragon-Tyrant. Watch the video to find out more!
Unearthing Connections: The Griffin Warrior and the Horned Hilt of a Minoan-Type Sword
Unveiling the tales of the past is often a task of connecting hidden threads. In this light, the Griffin Warrior grave in Pylos, Greece, reveals an intriguing tale of combat and craftsmanship in the Aegean Bronze Age. A key thread that connects the Griffin Warrior to the Minoans is the bronze sword with a gold pommel found in his grave—a weapon strikingly similar to that wielded by a warrior depicted on the Pylos Combat Agate.
The Griffin Warrior and his Grave
Unearthed in 2015, the grave of the Griffin Warrior, so named for the mythical beast depicted on an ivory plaque found with the burial, dates back to around 1450 B.C. The tomb is of immense archaeological significance due to the remarkable preservation of the rich collection of grave goods.
Among the multitude of artifacts discovered, a bronze sword with a gold pommel stands out. The sword's ornate construction and precious metal adornment suggest that it was the possession of a high-ranking warrior or a nobleman.
University of Cincinnati/Pylos Excavations
The Minoan Connection: The Horned Hilt Sword
The sword found in the Griffin Warrior’s tomb is not just any weapon; it is a Minoan-type sword with a distinctive horned hilt. This immediately draws parallels with Minoan Crete, an advanced civilization renowned for its art, architecture, and metalwork.
The Minoans had a particular style of sword-making that distinguished their weaponry from others of the Bronze Age. The key distinguishing feature is the ‘horns, or projections, at the base of the hilt, forming a sort of guard for the hand. Such horned hilts are prevalent in depictions of warriors in Minoan art and have been found in archaeological contexts across Crete.
Well preserved Ci and Cii Types sword from Crete.
The Pylos Combat Agate
Interestingly, this Minoan-type sword with a horned hilt makes a significant appearance in a tiny but highly detailed seal stone discovered within the Griffin Warrior's tomb. This seal stone, known as the Pylos Combat Agate, depicts a fierce combat scene.
A warrior on the Agate, presumably the Griffin Warrior himself, is portrayed as having already defeated one opponent and turning to engage another. In his hand, he wields a sword that bears a striking resemblance to the bronze sword with the gold pommel found in the tomb.
Connecting the Dots
This correlation between the Minoan-type sword found in the Griffin Warrior's grave and the one depicted on the Pylos Combat Agate hints at a profound connection. It reflects a shared culture, or at least a strong cultural influence, between the Mycenaeans and the Minoans during the Late Minoan period.
The presence of a Minoan-type sword in the Mycenaean warrior's grave suggests that either the Griffin Warrior was of Minoan origin or, more likely, that he had strong connections with the Minoan culture. Perhaps he traded with them, fought with or against them, or admired their craftsmanship enough to acquire such a weapon.
The parallels also underline the significance of swords during the Aegean Bronze Age. As symbols of power and status, they were part of the identity of the warrior elite. The fine craftsmanship and the use of precious materials for this particular sword show how high-ranking warriors in the Late Bronze Age Aegean sought to enhance their prestige and project their power through their weapons.
Found among the Griffin Warrior’s many grave goods, the Combat Agate depicts a scene among three warriors. Two are locked in deadly combat and one has fallen to the ground.
PHOTOGRAPH BY J. VANDERPOOL, DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS, UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
The Griffin Warrior and the Minoan-type sword with a horned hilt form an intriguing archaeological puzzle. Their shared presence in the grave and the depiction on the Pylos Combat Agate speak volumes about the interconnectedness of the Aegean world during the Bronze Age. It is a fascinating tale of warriors, craftsmen, and civilizations woven through the lens of archaeology, revealing the splendors and complexities of our human past.
Pompeii: New discoveries as archaeologists begin biggest excavation in a generation
Archaeologists have begun the biggest excavation of the ancient city of Pompeii in a generation.
Several new discoveries have already been uncovered, including a bakery, human skeletons and a painting resembling a pizza.
Pompeii in the south of Italy, was a sophisticated ancient Roman city destroyed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.
Archaeologists have unearthed the earliest glass workshop in Němčice
Archaeologists excavated the famous Iron Age site Němčice and uncovered the earliest glass workshop north of the Alps.
Numerous beautiful glass bracelets and beads have also been found at the site. As a result, it was thought that Němčice was a center of glass production, but only these excavations have confirmed this fact.
The central agglomeration of Němčice in Moravia was one of the most important archaeological sites of the La Tène period in Central Europe. Němčice is also famous for its unprecedented amount of gold and silver coins which number over 2,000.
According to a study published on June 29 in the journal Antiquity, the team also discovered a possible sanctuary, suggesting that Iron Age people performed rituals there.
While conducting excavations in 2002, researchers made the discovery of Němčice. Subsequent surveys led to the discovery of sunken huts, bronze amulets, and coins dispersed throughout the site. The coins are clues that Němčice was likely part of the “Amber Road,” a large central European network that linked the Baltic coast to the Mediterranean region.
Archaeologists Are Challenged After Uncovering Ancient Chariot In Pompeii
A Roman local freezes when he hears a loud rumbling noise behind him. This is Pompeii, after all — and that ominous volcano has been very lively recently. But for once this noise isn’t Mount Vesuvius. No, behind him is a chariot like no other he’s ever seen. It was kind of like the supercar of its day... And it wouldn’t be until 2021 — when archaeologists finally dug up the blinged-up chariot — that people discovered what this strange machine really was.
The world's oldest musical instrument produces a sound like this
Listen to the ancient instruments that a strange human ancestor created that date back 60,000 years.
A Neanderthal flute from Slovenia that is the oldest musical instrument in the world helps to unlock the mysteries of our distant ancestors. It is a treasure of worldwide significance. Experts feel that this artifact, which was discovered in the Divje Babe cave in Cerkno, demonstrates the musical prowess of the Neanderthals.
Masterpiece Created from the Orchestra of Nature
The masterpiece features four well placed holes and was painstakingly carved from a young cave bear's left femur. Following musical tests, scientists were able to demonstrate that these holes' size and location were not merely accidental markings but rather deliberate choices made specifically to produce melodic sounds.
Of all archaic instruments, only the Divje Babe flute has the recognizable Neanderthal stamp. This discovery reframes our knowledge of Neanderthals, indicating their sophisticated spiritual and aesthetic qualities comparable to our own. It is astonishingly 20,000 years older than comparable objects made by anatomically modern people.
A Historic Find at Divje Babe
Ivan Turk's meticulous digs in the Divje Babe cave, a prehistoric center tucked 230 meters above the Idrijca River beneath the northern border of the ebrelje plateau, resulted in the ground-breaking discovery of the flute in 1995. Initially inhabited by cave bears, the location saw brief periods of time during the last ice age when Neanderthals and then modern people lived there. The flute was discovered within layers that had been in place for an astounding 60–50 thousand years, close to an old hearth.
The flute's age, which ranges between 60,000 and 50,000 years, was established using electron spin resonance on bear teeth. This epoch is known as the Old Stone Age or Paleolithic. The flute's legitimacy was furthered by the discovery of Neanderthal-made stone tools nearby. This finding confirms the Divje Babe flute's status as a unique item that is 20,000 years older than all other flutes combined.
What the Oldest Instrument in the World Sounds Like
The flute has a distinguishing feature: it was made by a Neanderthal. Around 200,000 years ago, Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, which later spread to West Asia and the Middle East, began in Europe. These prehistoric people were named after the Neanderthal location in Germany, where their fossils were initially discovered in 1856, and they were well-equipped to resist arctic conditions. They unexpectedly vanished around 40,000 years ago, giving rise to a variety of ideas.
A cave bear's femur with four perforations was used to make this ancient instrument, which was made with simple tools that have since been recreated in contemporary research. The Neanderthals carved a hollow into the bone using a sharp stone instrument, then punched a hole through it with a bone punch. Any hypothesis that these holes are just accidental markings or animal bites has been disproven by numerous examinations and experiments.
The Divje Babe Flute: Echoing Ancient Artistry
The Divje Babe flute, which represents the musical prowess of the Neanderthals, is the oldest known musical instrument in the world. Neanderthals are now seen as creative, emotionally sophisticated humans capable of artistic expression, dispelling the preconceived view that they were simple, ape-like creatures.
A precise reconstruction of the instrument is made using the shape, mouthpiece, and CT scan results of the preserved bone, revealing its varied melodic potential. It is ergonomically created for a right-handed musician and performs musically better than previous Paleolithic musical instruments that have been recreated.
For the first time ever, 4 new Mayan ruins will be accessible to the general public
In addition to its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, the Mexican Caribbean is a favorite destination for American tourists since it is home to some of the best-preserved remnants of the ancient Mayan civilisation.
Millions of tourists flock to abandoned locations like Chichen Itza and the Tulum fort each year, but they are simply the tip of a much larger iceberg because the majority of Mayan towns are still hidden beneath present-day Mexican cities.
Every year, archaeologists make fascinating new discoveries. Soon, four recently refurbished Mayan sites will open to the public for the first time ever, and the greatest thing is that visitors may travel there from Cancun.
Two More Segments Of Tulum
In fact, Tulum, which is already a very well-liked destination among Mayan enthusiasts, is home to the first two ruins on the list. Other buildings in the area were off-limits, but the iconic "Castillo" built on a clifftop overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea had always been open.
Some of the most impressive Mayan civic structures in the archaeological zone, most notably Nauyacas and Cresteras, as named by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), could not be seen up close or explored by visitors, either because of ongoing conservation efforts or safety risks.
They are Mayan sites situated on Tulum's mountainous shoreline, similar to Castillo. Even though they are just as stunning and enchanted as the famous Castillo, they remained off limits while excavations and development work were being done.
If you have previously spent a lot of time exploring the walled city, you may have noted that structures 55, 56, 57, and 59, which house both monuments and a substantial collection of antiquity, were off-limits to visitors. Within the upcoming months, this will alter.
Although a specific opening date hasn't yet been announced, it might fall in line with the December inauguration of the Maya Train. In order to prepare the region for the first wave of visitors, archaeologists and other environmental specialists have been collaborating to remove invasive plants and construct support structures.
Ichkabal
Ichkabal, close to the Quintana Roo city of Chetumal, is a lesser-known coastal beauty in the state's far South that most American tourists typically overlook in favor of Cancun. It is the third Mayan attraction with a launch date slated for the near future.
However, historians consider Ichkabal to be one of the most impressive Mayan cities, in large part because it did not suffer significant destruction with the arrival of the Spaniards, so its opening will help diversify Chetumal's tourism offering.
Instead, it was essentially abandoned in the early 16th century, and nature gradually recovered it without much interference from European residents or defilement. It contains several sacrificial chambers, small step pyramids, and stunning religious buildings. It was first inhabited around 400 B.C.
The Maya Train will undoubtedly increase connection throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and close the current gap between Cancun, in the north of Quintana Roo, and Chetumal and other places in the south, even if Ichkabal is the farthest away from Cancun and requires a six-hour journey.
In the summer of 2024, when the Maya Train is already running at full capacity, it will welcome its first visitors.
Chichen Viejo
Chichen 'Viejo' is a vast compound that originally belonged to the Mayan elite and is one of the greatest Mayan ruins to have been unearthed in Mexico. It is a historical ruin next to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
It was one of the most recent Mayan settlements to be uncovered by researchers and is made up of multiple villas and interior patios that were once shared by more affluent Mayans. Since it was discovered, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (NIAH) has been in charge of managing it.
They conducted in-depth repair work and research in the region to determine its history and how significant it was to the Ancient Mayans. Since then, a number of buildings have been discovered, including a "Temple of Stuccoes" from 650 AD.
According to AMLO himself, tourists will be able to visit Chichen 'Viejo', which is connected to the main city of Chichen Itza and home to the famous Kukulcan Castle, as early as September 2.
Increased connectivity throughout the Mayan world thanks to the Maya Train
As you can see, history lovers and fans of Mayan culture have a lot to look forward to this year when traveling to the Mexican Caribbean.
They should also be happy that the Maya Train has begun operating because it will make traveling throughout the region much simpler by including all popular tourist destinations, such as all major towns near abandoned Mayan cities, on the railway map.
This is Mexico's tourism renaissance, as we have mentioned often, and the revival of Mayan heritage and the launch of infrastructural initiatives like the Maya Train are just the beginning.
Archaeologists are in awe after a child walking dogs at a National Trust location finds a 6,000-year-old artifact
The artifact, which was found by a schoolgirl out on a dog walk with her mother and sister, has been termed "the find of a lifetime" by experts.
Evie Numan, 10, picked the piece up at a National Trust estate in Surrey, thinking it was a rock.
A schoolgirl who discovered a 6,000-year-old Neolithic axe head during a dog walk has been praised by experts. At a National Trust property in Surrey, Evie Numan picked up the object, mistaking it for a pebble.
However, it was discovered to be an entire flint axe head, which might be worth up to $1,000. Experts hailed Evie for a "outstanding find" when mum Gemma Morris, 34, approached them.
She also made a joke about her 10-year-old daughter's possible reluctance to part with her prize. 'Evie was really pleased to find it, she's into all that stuff anyhow, and she loves history so she couldn't believe it,' said Gemma, a civil servant from Atwood, Surrey.
"The archaeologist praised the discovery and referred to it as a once-in-a-lifetime find. He claimed it was a work of museum quality, thus the National Trust will probably want it. I don't believe she'll want to part with it lightly when they ask for it back."
When the discovery was made, Gemma was out on a dog walk at Harewoods in Redhill, Surrey, with Evie and Poppy, her five-year-old sister. The mother advised they take the rock home so they could investigate the strange symbols on it right away.
They soon discovered it appeared to be an old axe head when Evie looked up more information online. Then they took the object to the Surrey Archaeological Society, where their hypothesis was validated and they learned the astonishing age of the unusual object: 6,000 years.
A "complete flint axe head" that has been "partially polished" is what the find is described as according to the entry on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website, which is administered by the British Museum. The family is waiting to learn what the National Trust wants to do with the axe head, which Gemma estimates to be worth over £1,000 and was discovered on its grounds.
My children are constantly searching the floor for objects, said Gemma. "Evie ran up to us as we were exploring Harewoods and handed me this rock, saying, "I've found something interesting.
"As soon as she presented it to me, I thought 'hang onto that' since it had chisel markings. I sent some photos to the Surrey Archaeological Society and took it to the Surrey History Center since I thought we had discovered something interesting.
Gemma Morris and Evie Numan.
"The archaeologist said it's fortunate that the plough hadn't broken it because the field she discovered it in had just been tilled. He claimed that some of the sharp end's damage had been caused all that time ago and had gone absolutely unnoticed.
"There are people who spend their entire lives looking for these kinds of things, and he was really excited about it, too."
A number of National Trust archaeologists, including myself, are really envious of the 10-year-old's discovery of the axe head, according to James Brown, regional archaeologist for the National Trust in Hampshire, Surrey, and Sussex. We invite anyone who come across items like these to take pictures and email us a grid reference.
"If they do dig it up, we urge them to submit it to their Local items Liaison Officer, who can identify a variety of items with assistance from the British Museum. We need a place for these discoveries so we can pinpoint their origin, contribute to our existing knowledge, and develop the narrative of that site and its history."
The fact that a 10-year-old recognized it as being uncommon and picked it up suggests that it may have been held for the final time thousands of years ago. Everyone can participate in archaeology, which is fantastic because we want more people to enjoy it.
12 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds
What do you love more; ancient archaeology or ancient mysteries? Well, why should you have to choose when you could have both at once? Our ancient ancestors left us some phenomenal mysteries to contend with, and it’s likely that we’ll never be able to solve them all. Still, it’s fun to try, so let’s try to solve a few in this video.
Ancient Chinese Philosopher's Life-lessons | Inspirational Quotes - Wisdom of Words
In the following video we will be talking about Ancient Chinese philosopher's life-lessons. Watch the video to find out more!
The Egyptian Race: Genetics of the Egyptians
In today’s short video we will be explaining the genetics of the Egyptians. Watch the video to find out more!
Shocking Things You Didn't Know About The Arab Slave Trade
If you attended school in North America, there’s a good chance that you learned at least a little something about the Transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were stolen from their homes and sent to the Americas to be slaves. But did you know that there was another route these people could have gone? Lasting for much longer than the more commonly known Transatlantic slave trade, the Arab slave trade stole people primarily from West, North, and Southeast Africa.
11 Of The Most Amazing Recent Ancient Egypt Discoveries
Even though Ancient Egypt is long gone, researchers continue to unearth its wonders. It has many mysteries to tell. People worldwide continue to be fascinated by Egypt's rich culture, mythology, and famous sites, which range from the unexplored tomb of a pharaoh to the lost city of the pyramid architects. Archaeologists have recently unearthed ground-breaking findings in Egypt that are rewriting history and fundamentally altering how we view the world. Through this video, you will be astounded by the extraordinary discoveries that reveal the long-buried mysteries of ancient Egypt.
The Shocking Battle of Teutoburg Forest - How Arminius Humiliated Rome!
In this video, we'll cover the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, which is often considered one of the most important battles in Roman history.
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest was fought in the year 9 AD, and is often considered to be the Roman military's lost battle. We'll learn about the history of the battle and discuss the reasons why it was such a close loss for the Roman army. After watching this video, you'll have a better understanding of what led to the Roman army's defeat at Teutoburg Forest!
