Hikers Stumble Upon Hidden Treasure Trove of Gold Coins in Czech Forest — Some Minted for Former Yugoslavia

What began as a casual hike through a forest in Eastern Bohemia turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery: a hidden stash of gold coins and precious objects worth hundreds of thousands of euros.

The remarkable find was made in early February near the southeastern Czech town of Trutnov, on the wooded slopes of Zvičina hill, at the foot of the Krkonoše Mountains. Two hikers spotted an aluminum container poking out of the earth at the edge of a field, now overgrown with trees. Inside, they found nearly 600 gold coins arranged in 11 rolls, each wrapped in black cloth.

Just a meter away, they uncovered an iron box containing 16 snuffboxes, 10 bracelets, a wire-mesh purse, a comb, a gold chain, and a powder compact—all made of gold. In total, the treasure weighs seven kilograms, with nearly four kilograms made up of solid gold coins. Experts estimate the hoard’s value at over 7.5 million Czech korunas (more than €300,000).

A Treasure Hidden with Care—and Intention

Archaeologists believe this was no random hiding spot. Miroslav Novák, head of the archaeological department at the East Bohemia Museum, suggests the person who buried the hoard intended to return for it.

Miroslav Novák (Photo: Milan Baják, Czech Radio)

“The list of possible reasons is fairly clear,” Novák explains. “It could have been buried at the start of a conflict, during the expulsion of Czech or Jewish citizens, or later, after the war, during the expulsion of Germans. Currency reform is another possibility.”

Though the identity of the person who buried the treasure—and why it was never reclaimed—remains a mystery, the meticulous packaging and secure location suggest they meant to retrieve it eventually.

Gold Over Face Value

According to museum numismatist Vojtěch Brádle, the coins’ real value lies not in their face denominations—whether they were worth 5, 10, or 100 korunas—but in their material.

“The motivation wasn’t what the coins could buy—it was the precious metal they were made of,” says Brádle. The total weight of the gold coins was measured at 3.75 kilograms.

Clues Point to Former Yugoslavia

An international mix, the coins include French, Turkish, Belgian, and Austro-Hungarian pieces, with others from Romania, Italy, and Russia. Upon closer inspection, numismatists found that some Austro-Hungarian coins were not intended for Bohemia at all, but rather for parts of the former Yugoslavia—likely Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“After 1921, minting resumed in local mints, and some of these coins, under unclear circumstances, made their way from the Balkans to what is now the Czech Republic,” Brádle explains. “What’s certain is that, at that time, some of these coins could not have been in our territory—they were still circulating in the Balkans.”

The Mystery Remains

A portion of the gold coins from the treasure (Photo: Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové).

The rest of the golden artifacts found with the coins have yet to be thoroughly analyzed. Archaeologists hope that with further study—and perhaps the help of historical archives—they’ll be able to piece together the story behind this incredible discovery beneath the forests of Zvičina hill.

The Great Pyramid of Giza: Tourists Disappointed by the Reality of an Ancient Wonder

Tourists riding camels and snapping photos at the famed Giza Pyramids are a common sight—but for many visitors, the reality of seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World up close is proving underwhelming.

Despite the majesty of the Great Pyramid, Egypt's most iconic monument, growing tourist traffic is taking its toll. In 2024, the country welcomed nearly 17.5 million tourists. With a target of 30 million annual visitors by 2030, the government has launched a comprehensive effort to manage the crowds and restore the visitor experience.

A National Treasure Under Pressure

The Giza Necropolis is Egypt’s crown jewel and a global symbol of ancient civilization. However, the modern-day experience can be chaotic. The area around the pyramids is frequently overwhelmed by a mix of tour buses, private cars, persistent vendors, and unofficial guides. This congestion has led many tourists to describe their visit as more stressful than awe-inspiring.

In response, the Egyptian government is implementing a major reorganization plan. It includes a new access point from the Cairo–Faiyum road, restoration of surrounding tombs, improved digital ticketing systems, and the introduction of eco-friendly transport options within the site. The goal is to reduce environmental impact while improving visitor comfort.

Tourist Complaints Going Viral

Fireworks light up the sky above the historic site of the Giza Pyramids, marking the New Year just outside Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Social media has amplified discontent. Visitors frequently report aggressive street vendors, tourist scams, and an overall sense of disorder in places like Cairo. These posts are beginning to damage Egypt’s reputation as a travel destination—something the country cannot afford during a global tourism recovery.

Animal Welfare Takes the Spotlight

Another longstanding concern is the treatment of animals used for tourist rides. Horses, donkeys, and camels have long been offered for rides around the pyramids, but advocacy groups like PETA have documented severe neglect, injuries, and mistreatment.

Change, however, is on the horizon. Last autumn, Egypt introduced a national animal welfare program targeting major tourist sites, including Giza. As part of this shift, the government is phasing in electric shuttle buses within the necropolis, offering a sustainable and humane alternative to animal rides.

A Makeover with High Stakes

The facelift of the Giza Plateau is more than cosmetic. In today’s world of online reviews and viral posts, a single negative experience can resonate with millions. Egypt has recognized that preserving its ancient treasures goes hand in hand with maintaining its tourism economy.

Modernizing infrastructure, cracking down on unethical practices, and protecting animal welfare are no longer optional—they’re essential for the country to survive and thrive as a leading global destination.

Strange Iron Keys Discovered in the Judean Desert – Their Symbolism and Unique Shapes

Deep in the heart of the Judean Desert, archaeologists have unearthed a set of curious iron keys unlike anything found elsewhere in the Roman Empire. These keys, discovered in the Cave of Letters—an archaeological site near the Dead Sea—carry not only a distinctive design but also a deep cultural and symbolic significance.

The Cave of Letters was first explored in 1960 by the renowned Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin. It was named after the cache of ancient scrolls and documents found within, which date back to the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE), a major Jewish uprising against Roman rule. Alongside these historical texts, Yadin’s team uncovered a wealth of personal belongings thought to have been left behind by Jewish refugees fleeing the revolt.

Among these items were ten iron keys, carried by people who hoped one day to return home. Since then, similar keys have been found throughout the region—but until recently, no comprehensive study had been conducted on their forms and meanings.

What Makes These Keys So Unusual?

The most striking feature of the keys is their distinct shape. Many of them include a sharp right-angled bend—resembling an elbow—which sets them apart from typical Roman keys of the same era. Archaeologists refer to them as “elbow keys”, and believe this angular design was unique to the Jewish population in the Roman province of Judea.

These elbow keys first appeared in the 1st century BCE and disappeared after the Bar Kokhba Revolt, when the Romans reorganized the region and renamed it Palestina. Their disappearance coincides with the introduction of a more standardized key design used across the Roman Empire, suggesting a shift in both technology and culture following Roman suppression.

A Closer Look at the Design

A typical Jewish key from this period consisted of three main parts:

• A pointed handle at the top,

• A shaft that connects to an angled axle,

• And a toothed end extending from the axle at another right angle.

This double right-angle construction created a staggered, three-dimensional form. The teeth were positioned perpendicular to the axle and parallel to the shaft, allowing the key to interact with its matching lock mechanism.

More Than a Lock and Key

The parts of a Jewish key. At the top is the handle, which in this case is pointed. Extending from the handle is the shank, which connects at a right angle to the stem. Another right angle links the stem to the bit, placing the long axis of these three components on different planes. The teeth stand upright on the bit, parallel to the stem and perpendicular to the shank.
Photo: Y. Pagelson et al.

These keys weren’t just functional—they were symbolic. In ancient cultures, keys often represented authority and protection. In the Bible, for instance, the Keys to the House of David symbolize power and divine responsibility.

Keys were sometimes placed in tombs, perhaps to help the deceased “unlock” the gates of the afterlife—a burial practice believed to have been influenced by Persian traditions. This spiritual symbolism deepens our understanding of why these objects were carried by fleeing refugees: they weren’t just tools—they were tokens of hope and identity.

The elbow key’s cultural importance is further supported by its depiction on Darom oil lamps, a type of Jewish lamp from the same era. These depictions suggest the elbow key was a recognizable and meaningful item in Judean society.

Craftsmanship and Function

Researchers used microscopy and radiographic imaging to study the internal structure of the keys. Most were forged from soft iron, which made them easier to shape and more durable—important qualities in a time when neither locksmiths nor spare parts were readily available. A few had components made from steel, but these were the exception.

The forging process was relatively simple but effective. Keys were shaped by hammering the heated metal into the desired form, then custom-fitted to specific locks by carving the teeth. Their size and style varied significantly, suggesting they served different purposes:

• Large keys were likely used for gates or public buildings,

• Smaller ones for homes and personal storage.

Some keys had loops or handles designed to hang from belts, while others were fitted with wooden handles for carrying over the shoulder, as described in ancient texts.

Unlocking the Past

The study of these unique keys goes far beyond metallurgy. It offers a rare window into the daily life, hopes, and cultural identity of a community under siege. These artifacts, once carried by exiles dreaming of return, now help us understand a vanished world—one where even a key could speak volumes.

AI Imagines What Hell Looks Like — And the Results Are Absolutely Chilling

It might sound a bit morbid, but let’s face it — at some point, most of us have wondered: What would hell actually look like? A fiery abyss? Demonic figures with horns and pitchforks? Whatever your imagination conjures, it probably doesn’t come close to what artificial intelligence has envisioned.

A viral video posted by Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked a wave of reactions online. Captioned simply “Asked AI to show ‘Hell’”, the AI-generated video offers a disturbingly surreal glimpse into a digital version of the underworld — and viewers are calling it terrifying.

The eerie black-and-white clip begins with countless hands reaching upward, grabbing at a human figure being dragged down. As the 18-second video unfolds, it cuts to a haunting, screaming face, which then morphs into a distorted, hand-covered visage. At one point, it even looks like a hand is emerging from the figure’s mouth — enough to send chills down your spine.

Naturally, users on X had plenty to say about the unsettling video.
One viewer quipped, “Many already experience this ‘hell’ every morning on public transit.”

This isn’t the first time AI-generated content has given us a disturbing taste of the apocalypse. Renowned AI researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky recently warned of the dangers of unchecked AI development. In an interview with The Guardian, he said:

Asked Al to show "Hell' pic.twitter.com/XxoHVE9HKu

— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) April 3, 2024

“If you put me against a wall and forced me to guess, I’d say our timeline is closer to five years than fifty. Maybe two years, maybe ten.”

Known for his controversial views, Yudkowsky has long sounded the alarm about the potential risks of advanced AI.

Meanwhile, in Denmark, researchers have developed an AI system with a different — but equally chilling — application. Named life2vec, the model was trained on the life data of over one million Danes and claims to predict an individual’s time of death with surprising accuracy.

And the dark AI content doesn’t stop there.

Over on TikTok, user @robotoverloards went viral for asking AI to generate images of the “last selfies ever taken” — snapshots imagined to be captured just seconds before a global catastrophe. The results were nothing short of terrifying.

One image shows a bleak, grey sky swirling above a vast body of water. A figure stands in the foreground, holding up a phone to their blood-covered face. Other frames depict blazing infernos amid flooded landscapes, with skeletal figures staring eerily into the lens.

One particularly astute viewer noticed something strange:
“Y’all saw how Earth was in the sky like the moon?” they wrote, adding to the unnerving atmosphere.

@robotoverloards/TikTok

As AI continues to push the limits of creativity — and human fear — one thing is clear: the lines between imagination and digital reality are becoming increasingly blurred.

How the Sumerians Revolutionized Timekeeping

Around 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia—what is now modern-day Iraq—transformed the way humans perceive and measure time. These early innovators developed an advanced numerical system based on the number 60, known as the sexagesimal system. This ingenious method gave rise to the division of an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds—units of time that still govern our daily lives today.

The Sumerians’ need for precise timekeeping was driven by the demands of their agricultural society. Accurate calendars were essential for planting and harvesting crops at the right time. In addition, the coordination of complex religious ceremonies and administrative functions also required a reliable system for tracking time. To meet these needs, the Sumerians made remarkable strides in astronomy.

By carefully observing the movements of celestial bodies, they created a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months—closely aligned with the cycles of the natural world and agricultural seasons. Their division of the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds was nothing short of revolutionary.

These divisions were far from arbitrary. They were designed for practical use and ease of calculation, reflecting the Sumerians’ sophisticated understanding of mathematics. The number 60, for example, is highly divisible, which made it ideal for constructing a system that could be used efficiently in everyday life.

This innovative approach to time had a profound impact on later civilizations. The Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all adopted and further developed the Sumerian timekeeping system, building on its solid mathematical foundation.

Today, the legacy of Sumerian ingenuity lives on in our clocks and calendars, a testament to their enduring influence. Their pioneering work in time measurement continues to shape how we organize and experience the world, thousands of years later.

The Most Comprehensive Digital Map of the Ancient World

From Ireland to India—With Just One Click

Who wouldn’t want to embark on a virtual voyage to the lands once explored by ancient geographers? To not only discover the cities and their stories, but also to visualize the landscape of each region just as it was in antiquity?

This is exactly what PERIPLUS, a freely accessible digital historical geography platform, offers. Launched in May 2024 by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), PERIPLUS aims to be the most complete digital map of the known ancient world—stretching from Ireland to India and spanning from the historical period to Late Antiquity.

But it’s more than just a map. Users can explore ancient settlements, mountains, rivers, lakes, islands, and regions as they were known in antiquity (for example, Lake Copais is shown as a lake, as it was in ancient times). By clicking on each place, users can access historical data and additional resources through embedded links. A specialized software tool also allows users to extract and identify geographical and other terms from texts—regardless of their date or language.

One of PERIPLUS’s most ambitious goals is to gradually index and translate all works of ancient Greek literature, both in their original language and in translation. In doing so, it aims to become an invaluable, user-friendly resource for researchers, students, educators, and anyone with an interest in antiquity. The platform is bilingual (Greek-English), making it widely accessible to an international audience.

“This project is a collective effort. Around 140 undergraduate and postgraduate students have contributed so far,” explains Professor Konstantinos Kopanias of NKUA, the program’s creator and coordinator. “We deliberately developed it on a volunteer basis and with a zero budget. As a public university, we wanted to offer a free service with open data accessible to all—which we consider vital. This also ensures the project’s continuity, since it doesn’t rely on short-term funding programs.”

PERIPLUS is part of ArchaeoCosmos, a collaborative platform hosted by NKUA’s Department of History and Archaeology. ArchaeoCosmos focuses on the historical geography of the Mediterranean and the Near East from Prehistory through Late Antiquity and is supported by the university’s Digital Humanities Research Center, directed by Professor Dimitrios Plantzos.

“It all started during the pandemic,” recalls Professor Kopanias. “Since fieldwork and excavations were suspended, I began collecting data on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East for use in my publications and lectures. Once I had mapped those areas, I realized much of the world was still blank. It felt like leaving a puzzle half-finished—so I kept going.”

The result is a fully developed map covering everything from Ireland to India and from Scandinavia to Africa, reflecting how the ancient world was perceived. “The geographic knowledge of the ancients is truly remarkable,” he adds.

PERIPLUS stands out as a unique resource in its field. While another major project, Pleiades (https://pleiades.stoa.org/), is also highly valuable, PERIPLUS addresses key limitations:

1. Pleiades only shows individual ancient sites without surrounding context—no neighboring towns, rivers, or mountains.

2. It lists names in Latinized form only, which can obscure their original spelling and pronunciation.

PERIPLUS, by contrast, includes many names in ancient polytonic Greek, while also offering Latinized and modern versions. Importantly, it records all known name variants for each place—helping users identify locations mentioned under different names in ancient texts.

A central ambition of PERIPLUS is to gradually annotate and translate around 1,200 ancient Greek texts into English and Modern Greek—openly and freely accessible. The first such work is the “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea”, a 1st-century CE geographical treatise translated into Modern Greek by Professor Plantzos.

“It’s a relatively obscure and difficult text, rich in geographic references that are hard to follow without a map. Yet it offers a wealth of information,” says Professor Kopanias.

This text is included in the first full version of PERIPLUS, covering the known world from the beginning of the 1st millennium BCE to the 5th century CE. The next steps involve expanding into prehistoric periods by including relevant sites—highlighting patterns of habitation—and incorporating archaeological monuments.

Next in line for integration are the “Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax” and Strabo’s “Geographica”—a brilliant but notoriously complex work. “Our aim is to make these texts more accessible to the public, especially when paired with an interactive map. As we annotate each text, we also enrich the map,” explains Kopanias. Later additions will include works by well-known authors like Herodotus, Homer, Thucydides, and Xenophon—bridging literature, history, and geography for students, educators, and antiquity enthusiasts.

“Ultimately, we want to create a digital tool that connects ancient texts with archaeological sites—some of which are little-known. That’s our real goal: not just to present texts, but to help users discover the physical remains of the past,” he concludes.

PERIPLUS is divided into three main components:

1. Periplus Atlas
   The most comprehensive digital map (https://periplus.arch.uoa.gr/map_gr.html) of the ancient world to date, covering the period from historical times to Late Antiquity and the geographical expanse from Ireland to India. Users can explore ancient cities, mountains, rivers, islands, lakes, and regions. Each site includes detailed information, alternative ancient names in Greek and Latin, chronological data, and links to related resources like Wikipedia. The map also features a powerful search tool for exploring specific regions.

2. Periplus Logos
   This module includes texts from ancient Greek literature, with geographic terms gradually annotated. Every geographic term is a clickable hyperlink that directs the user to the corresponding location on the digital map.

3. Periplus App
   A Python and JavaScript-based tool (coming soon) that allows users to extract geographic (and other) terms from any text, in any language and from any period. It automatically creates web pages for these terms, enabling users to publish annotated texts online.

PERIPLUS is an open-access repository.
Users are free to use the Periplus App to annotate their own texts and generate custom digital maps (Web Maps) that can be embedded in educational, research, or even recreational websites—completely free of charge.

Eight Ancient Greek Inventions Still in Use Today

Many of the things we use in our daily lives have origins far older than we might expect. You may be surprised to learn that several modern conveniences actually trace back to ancient Greek ingenuity. While these early inventions were far from perfect, they laid the groundwork for the technologies and comforts we enjoy today.

Who would have thought that the alarm clock was first conceived in antiquity, or that the first robot served wine to ancient Greeks? Below are eight remarkable ancient Greek inventions that are still used in some form today—and that helped shape the modern world.

1. The Alarm Clock

An invention essential to modern society, the alarm clock first appeared in ancient Greece during the 3rd century BCE. While today we rely on phones and digital devices, the basic concept dates back over two millennia. The engineer and inventor Ctesibius (285–222 BCE) designed a water clock with a dial and pointer to display time and added a sophisticated alarm system that used pebbles dropping onto a gong.

Even the philosopher Plato (428–348 BCE) reportedly owned a large water clock that emitted a sound similar to a water organ as a wake-up signal.

2. Automatic Doors

What we consider a modern convenience—automatic doors—was first developed in ancient Greece by Heron of Alexandria, a brilliant engineer. In his design, a fire lit on an altar would heat water in a hidden vessel. The expanding steam would push water into a connected tank, causing it to tip a system of weights that opened temple doors.

Heron didn’t stop there—he also invented a coin-operated vending machine and an early syringe!

3. The Odometer

Used widely today to measure travel distances, the odometer was first employed in ancient Greece around 27 BCE. Though the Roman engineer Vitruvius attributed the invention to Heron, evidence suggests that Archimedes of Syracuse (287–212 BCE) was the true pioneer. A mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor, Archimedes created a device that revolutionized road-building by allowing for accurate distance measurements.

4. The Lighthouse

While no longer as vital as a century ago, lighthouses were crucial navigational aids for millennia. The first known lighthouse was built in Piraeus, Athens’ port, during the 5th century BCE, likely commissioned by Themistocles. It was a simple stone tower with a fire lit at the top.

Later, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, constructed under Ptolemy II (280–247 BCE), became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood over 100 meters tall and used a furnace at its summit to project light. Though primarily built from limestone, the towering height raises questions about its structural stability.

5. Philon’s Automatic Servant (The First Robot)

The first known robot in human history was created by the Greeks in the 3rd century BCE: a mechanical servant designed by Philon of Byzantium. This robot held a wine jug and could pour drinks with remarkable precision.

Here’s how it worked: the user placed a cup in the servant's hand, triggering a mechanism that allowed air to enter a hidden compartment, letting wine flow into the cup. As the cup filled and became heavier, the airflow was redirected to a water container, mixing wine with water—just as drinkers preferred it.

6. Plumbing and Showers

The Minoans of ancient Crete were pioneers in plumbing, using underground clay pipes for drainage and water supply. Excavations in Olympia and Athens have revealed complex systems for baths, fountains, and even personal hygiene.

Lead piping fed water to showers, which were used in gymnasiums and public baths. A particularly striking depiction appears on a vase showing an athlete using a shower, and remains of a multi-nozzle shower complex were found in a 2nd-century BCE gymnasium in Pergamon.

7. The First Analog Computer – The Antikythera Mechanism

In 1901, sponge divers off the coast of Antikythera discovered an ancient shipwreck containing statues, coins, glassware—and a mysterious device later known as the Antikythera Mechanism.

Originally dismissed as a curiosity, it wasn't until 1951 that British historian Derek de Solla Price recognized its significance. Using X-ray and gamma imaging, he and later researchers uncovered its complexity: the mechanism had 82 components and could model celestial movements.

About the size of a mantel clock, the device had a circular face with rotating dials. A side knob wound the mechanism, activating interlocking gears that moved at least seven hands—each representing celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and the five visible planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). A black-and-silver rotating sphere showed lunar phases, and internal inscriptions explained which stars would rise or set on given dates.

Roman writer Cicero claimed similar devices were built by Archimedes, though some believe Hipparchus, an astronomer from Rhodes, may have been behind it—merging Babylonian and Greek astronomical knowledge.

On the back, spiral-shaped dials with pins (much like a record player needle) displayed a calendar and predicted lunar and solar eclipses.

Conclusion
These ancient Greek inventions were not just technological marvels of their time—they were foundational. From automation to astronomy, the Greeks laid the intellectual and mechanical groundwork for many modern systems. Their legacy continues to shape our world in subtle and profound ways.

Fish on the Ancient Greek Table: A Timeless Love for the Sea

The sea has always been a generous provider for the people of mainland and island Greece, offering a rich and diverse bounty. With the country’s extensive coastline, shallow and crystal-clear waters, and the abundance of fish, mollusks, and shellfish—especially in ancient times—it’s no wonder that seafood held a special place in the hearts (and diets) of the ancient Greeks.

A Sea of Sources

Ancient texts offer a wealth of information on the varieties of seafood consumed, as well as fishing techniques and cooking methods. Specialized treatises on the topic existed, such as On Fish by Aristotle, Fish by Archippus, On Fish by Dorian, Fishing by Numenius, On Salted Foods by Euthydemus, and Fishing Expedition by Antiphanes.

Both literary sources and visual representations—especially on pottery—along with archaeological finds, show that many ancient fishing methods and tools have remained virtually unchanged through the centuries. Bronze hooks were tied with lines made of animal hair or plant fibers, and lead sinkers were used to submerge the hooks. Net fishing was common, with nets tailored to the type of fish and fitted with floats and weights. Spears (kamax or trident) and fish traps made of woven twigs were also employed. The best times for fishing were believed to be dawn and dusk, though nighttime fishing using torchlight was also practiced.

Fishing: An Economic Pillar

Fishing played a vital economic role in coastal cities. Some, like Cyzicus on the Propontis (Sea of Marmara), owed much of their wealth to the plentiful local catch. This is reflected in the city's coinage, which often depicted tuna—one of its most famous fish—as well as octopus, which appeared on coins from Eretria.

Salted and Savored

The trade in salted fish, known as tarichē, flourished particularly during the Classical period. Salted sardines (aphyae) were imported to Athens from the Black Sea and elsewhere, though the fresh sardines from Phaleron and Rhodes were especially prized. Other popular preserved fish included temachē—salted cuts of large fish like mackerel (skombros) and tuna (thynnos). Salted fish, being cheap and widely available, was a staple for the average Athenian. The wealthy, however, often dismissed it as food for the poor—a view not shared by inland populations, who valued it highly due to limited access to fresh fish.

Athens also imported the famous avgotaracho (roe) from the Danube Delta, known as tarichos antakaion, made from the eggs of the large local fish called antakaios. The ancient Greeks had detailed knowledge of marine life, including habitats, breeding seasons, and hundreds of fish and seafood names, demonstrating their deep connection with the sea.

A Language of the Sea

Fish names preserved in ancient texts reveal the extent of Greek familiarity with sea life: atherina (sand smelt), galeos (dogfish), thynnos (tuna), kephalos (mullet), kolios (mackerel), karcharías (shark), labrax (sea bass), melanouros (black seabream), mormyros (striped seabream), xiphias (swordfish), orkynos (young tuna), orfos (grouper), pilamys (bonito), perke, rine (stingray), skaros (parrotfish), sparos, skorpios (scorpionfish), sargos, salpa, synagrís, trigle (red mullet), phagros (red porgy), and channē (a wide-mouthed fish), to name just a few. Fishing tools were also described in detail, and the terminology remains remarkably consistent to this day—so much so that an ancient and a modern Greek fisherman could likely still understand each other.

Insatiable Appetites

Notable figures in antiquity, including Aristotle, were known fish lovers. Aristippus, a student of Socrates, was once scolded by Plato for buying too many fish. He retorted that they had cost him just two obols. “Well,” said Plato, “for that price, I would’ve bought them too.” Aristippus replied, “Then it’s not I who am a glutton, Plato, but you who are stingy.”

Sometimes, this passion bordered on obsession. The 1st-century BCE writer Dorian once beat his servant for failing to bring fish home and, in his anger, forced him to list fish names aloud—only to scold him when he mentioned ones like grouper or sea bream, exclaiming, “I asked for fish, not gods!” At a symposium, a man named Demylos spat on a large fish to keep others from eating it. Another man, Diocles, reportedly sold his land just to indulge in seafood. Some parents even named their children after marine life: Ichthyas, Ichthyōn, Karavos (crayfish), and Kōbios.

In Athens, the word opsón, which once referred broadly to anything eaten with bread, came to mean specifically fish. Its diminutive, opsárion, evolved into psári, the modern Greek word for “fish.”

Freshwater Fare and Sacred Cephalopods

Although freshwater fishing also took place, its catch was generally less appreciated—except for the eels of Lake Copais, a delicacy in Athens, and the famously plump eels from the Strymon River. In Arcadia, fish from the Aroanius River were said to chirp like thrushes!

Cephalopods and shellfish were also treasured. Octopus (polypous), cuttlefish (sepia), squid (teuthis), crayfish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, sea urchins, scallops, mussels, limpets, oysters, and various clams were commonly consumed. Their reputed aphrodisiac properties were already noted in antiquity.

Thasos and Corfu were famed for their large octopuses. In Troezen, octopuses were considered sacred and fishing them was forbidden. Legends claimed they sometimes came ashore to wrap themselves around olive and fig trees, even feeding on figs. Fishermen used olive branches underwater to attract and trap them.

Philoxenus of Cythera was so obsessed with seafood that he once consumed nearly an entire two-cubit-long octopus (almost a meter), leading to a serious case of indigestion. When a doctor warned him he was dying and should settle his affairs, Philoxenus reportedly replied, “Then bring me what’s left of the octopus!” The Cynic philosopher Diogenes, however, wasn’t so lucky—he is said to have died from eating raw octopus.

Female cuttlefish were said to be defended by males when attacked, while the reverse was not true. Smyrna was known for its large shrimp and Alexandria for its massive lobsters—delicacies fit for the elite. One Spartan, unfamiliar with sea urchins, once bit into one whole—spines and all—so as not to seem cowardly by spitting it out.

Simplicity, Skill, and Sea Flavors

Seafood was usually grilled over coals on special fish grills (eschárai ichthyoptídes), boiled, or fried. While the cooking methods were simple, true culinary skill was shown in the sauces—often flavored with herbs, spices, and cheese.

Even Homer described the availability of fish as a sign of a land’s prosperity. For the ancient Greeks, seafood was not only abundant, delicious, and healthy—it was also an essential part of their culinary identity. Their refined palate and deep knowledge of nutrition made them discerning seafood lovers. That bond with the sea has remained strong over the centuries.

Today, in the face of food safety concerns, this ancient tradition of ichthyophagy (fish-eating) gives us even more reason to cherish and protect our marine life from overfishing and pollution—and to continue enjoying the timeless pleasures of the sea.

The Perfection of the Number 7: Why the Ancient Greeks Considered It “Magical”

The number 7 has held a special place in human history for millennia—and nowhere more so than in Ancient Greece. Revered as a symbol of mystery and perfection, it appears time and again in mythology, science, philosophy, and religion. Let’s explore why the number 7 captivated the minds of the ancient Greeks and continues to fascinate us today.

7 in the Ancient World

• The Seven Wonders of the World: Of the original seven wonders, four were located in ancient Greek territories, while the remaining three stood beyond. The choice wasn’t random—the numbers 3 and 4 also held deep symbolic meaning, representing harmony and balance. Together, they form 7, a number seen as complete and powerful.

• The Seven Seas: According to the Greeks, the world’s waters were divided into seven seas: the Aegean, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black, Red, Caspian, and the Persian Gulf.

• A Perfect Number: For the Pythagoreans, 7 was perfect—a sum of 3 (the triangle, symbol of spirit) and 4 (the square, symbol of matter). They believed it united heaven and earth.

• Geometric Mystery: Geometrically, 7 was fascinating. For instance, placing 7 points in a circle doesn’t produce a symmetrical shape—highlighting its inherent enigma.

Symbolism in Myth and Literature

• Seven Against Thebes: Aeschylus’s famous tragedy tells of seven Greek kings who marched against the city of Thebes, itself said to have seven gates.

• Mythological References:

  • Apollo’s lyre had 7 strings.

  • Odysseus was stranded on Calypso’s island for 7 years.

  • The Pleiades—7 daughters of Atlas—were immortalized in the star cluster of the same name.

• Homer’s Apollo: The god was said to have herded 7 flocks of cattle.

The Number 7 in Ancient Life

• Education in Sparta: Spartan boys began their rigorous training at age 7.

• Metals of Civilization: The ancient world recognized 7 key metals: gold, copper, lead, tin, mercury, silver, and iron—foundations of early technological progress.

• Known Planets: The 7 celestial bodies known to ancient astronomers were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and the Moon.

• Anatomy: Greeks divided the human body into 7 major parts—head, chest, abdomen, two arms, and two legs.

7 Across Cultures and Religions

• Christianity: The number appears frequently—7 virtues (compassion, humility, purity, brotherly love, gentleness, kindness, diligence), and 7 pairs of birds saved by Noah.

• Islam: According to some interpretations, men are permitted to have up to 7 wives.

• The Bible: The number 7 is mentioned over 70 times in the Old Testament. The 7th day of creation is the day of rest—symbolizing completion.

• Vatican City: It became an independent state on 7/7/1929.

• Buddhism and Eastern Beliefs:

  • Traditional Chinese philosophy identifies 7 fundamental elements: air, water, metal, ether, fire, wood, and earth.

  • In Chinese folklore, the 7th day of the lunar new year is celebrated as the "birthday of humanity."

• Body and Energy: Many spiritual systems, including yoga, recognize 7 chakras or energy centers aligned along the spine.

• Jewelry and Adornment: Across many cultures, 7 parts of the body are traditionally adorned: head, neck, hands, feet, ears, nose, and waist.

In Nature and Beyond

• The Moon: Each lunar phase lasts approximately 7 days.

• The Rainbow: It consists of 7 colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

• Music and Language:

  • Byzantine music features 7 distinct notes: PA, VOU, GA, DE, KE, ZO, NI.

  • The mind can instantly recognize and count up to 7 items at a glance—an idea supported by modern psychology.

• Geography:

  • The Ionian Islands are traditionally counted as 7: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Lefkada, Kythira, and Paxos.

  • Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) has been known by 7 different names, including Byzantium, New Rome, and Istanbul.

In Modern Times

The enduring symbolism of the number 7 even finds its place in modern culture, from the 7-book Harry Potter series to spiritual practices and scientific theories. Its presence from ancient civilization through to the present day reflects its powerful, mysterious, and universal appeal.

So, what makes the number 7 so special?
Whether in myth, science, religion, or culture, 7 continues to represent perfection, mystery, and completeness—a truly timeless number woven into the fabric of human understanding.

Coming Soon: The World’s First Handbag Made from T-Rex Leather

A new era of luxury fashion is on the horizon—one that dates back millions of years. A groundbreaking collaboration between creative agency VML, biotech pioneers The Organoid Company, and sustainable materials firm Lab-Grown Leather is set to produce the world’s first handbag made from Tyrannosaurus rex leather, created using reconstructed DNA from the extinct predator.

The T-Rex, a towering apex predator of the prehistoric world, is now at the heart of a futuristic material revolution. This ambitious project aims to produce a high-end, cruelty-free, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional leather, with the first product expected to launch by the end of the year.

“This is a powerful example of what’s possible at the intersection of genome science and material innovation,” said Thomas Mitchell, CEO of The Organoid Company. “By reconstructing ancient protein sequences, we’re able to design and grow a biofabricated leather inspired by the T-Rex.”

How It Works: Turning Ancient DNA into Leather

At the core of the project is collagen—a protein found in bones, skin, and connective tissue. While scientists once believed DNA couldn’t survive for millions of years, recent discoveries have unearthed preserved collagen in dinosaur fossils, including one from an 80-million-year-old T-Rex.

Using this preserved collagen as a blueprint, researchers have recreated the complete collagen sequence of the T-Rex. This sequence is encoded into DNA and inserted into lab-grown cells developed by Lab-Grown Leather. These cells then grow into a collagen-rich tissue mimicking animal skin—without the need for an actual animal.

What makes this method stand out is its “scaffold-free” approach. Unlike other biotech firms that rely on support structures to shape their materials, Lab-Grown Leather’s cells are encouraged to grow and organize independently, resulting in a more natural leather-like texture.

Sustainable, Luxurious, and Biodegradable

If successful, this bioengineered leather could change the way we think about luxury materials. T-Rex leather is expected to be strong, self-repairing, biodegradable, and possess the rich texture and durability associated with premium leather goods.

Its environmental credentials are equally compelling. Traditional leather production is often linked to deforestation, excessive water use, and toxic chemicals. In contrast, lab-grown T-Rex leather eliminates animal cruelty and dramatically reduces the environmental footprint.

VML plans to debut the T-Rex leather in a flagship accessory item, set to launch in late 2025. Future applications could include furniture, fashion, and even automotive interiors.

This isn’t the first time VML has dabbled in ancient biotech. In 2023, the agency made headlines with its Mammoth Meatball project, using DNA from the extinct woolly mammoth to create lab-grown meat.

“With T-Rex leather, we’re blending ancient biology with modern innovation,” said Bas Korsten, VML’s Global Chief Creative Officer. “It’s about reimagining the materials of the future using the wonders of the past.”

2,000-Year-Old Ancient Computer That “Shouldn’t Exist” Once Deemed Impossible

A device so advanced it was once considered impossible for its era has puzzled scientists for more than a century.

The Antikythera Mechanism, often described as the world’s first computer, is a 2,000-year-old astronomical calculator that has reshaped our understanding of ancient technology. Discovered in 1901 among the wreckage of a ship off the coast of Greece, this intricate mechanism was centuries ahead of its time, prompting serious questions about the capabilities of ancient Greek engineers.

Crafted from bronze and containing a complex system of interlocking gears, the Antikythera Mechanism was built to track celestial movements and predict astronomical events such as eclipses and planetary alignments.

The sheer precision of its design reveals an advanced knowledge of mathematics and mechanics—levels of sophistication once thought to be far beyond the reach of early civilizations.

As described in a video by Fern (around the 10:35 mark), the mechanism is a “complex simulation of the cosmos.” It could, for any given day, show “where the world stood, which constellation was rising, or when the next eclipse would occur”—all contained within a wooden case no larger than a book.

For decades, experts struggled to decipher how the device worked. With only about one-third of the original mechanism surviving, much of its inner workings remained a mystery. Earlier studies managed to interpret the back panel, which included inscriptions explaining the device’s purpose, but the elaborate front gear system continued to baffle scientists.

That changed in 2021, when researchers at University College London (UCL) made a major breakthrough. Using advanced 3D modeling techniques, they successfully reconstructed the front panel of the mechanism. Their model revealed a sophisticated display capable of mapping the movements of the Sun, Moon, and the five known planets of the time.

Published in Scientific Reports, the study showed the most accurate reconstruction of the device to date, closely aligning with inscriptions found on the original artifact.

Lead researcher Professor Tony Freeth described the mechanism as a “tour de force of ancient Greek brilliance,” noting that the model is the first to fully match the surviving physical evidence. The team now plans to build a full-scale replica using modern materials to further explore how it operated.

Today, the remains of the Antikythera Mechanism are housed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where it continues to fascinate visitors and scholars alike.

What makes the device so extraordinary is how far ahead of its time it appears. Nothing approaching its mechanical complexity would appear again until the invention of clockwork mechanisms in the Middle Ages—more than a thousand years later. This has led to speculation that the knowledge behind its creation may have been lost, or that other similarly advanced devices are still waiting to be discovered.

Ultimately, the Antikythera Mechanism has changed how we view ancient civilizations. It offers striking evidence that some individuals in the ancient world were far more technologically advanced than previously assumed. As researchers continue to uncover its secrets, this astonishing artifact serves as a powerful reminder: history still holds many surprises.

The Great Solar Storm of 5259 BC Solves Mystery of an Ancient Greek Settlement — The Trees “Spoke”

Researchers from the University of Bern have achieved a groundbreaking feat by precisely dating a prehistoric agricultural settlement in Northern Greece, believed to be over 7,000 years old.

By combining annual tree-ring growth data from wooden construction elements with a sudden spike in cosmogenic radiocarbon dated to 5259 BC, they have established a reliable chronological benchmark for numerous archaeological sites across Southeastern Europe.

Why Dating Archaeological Finds Matters

Accurately dating archaeological discoveries is crucial to understanding the timelines of human history. Only in recent decades has it become possible to determine the age of a tomb, settlement, or specific artifact thanks to two primary methods: dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) and radiocarbon dating.

Until now, the prehistoric settlement of Dispilio in Northern Greece had not been precisely dated. But researchers have now placed its human activity between 5328 and 5140 BC. Their results, published in Nature Communications, rely on high-energy particles from space — particularly from a known cosmic event in 5259 BC — to provide an absolute chronological anchor.

Tree-Ring Dating, Radiocarbon Dating — and the Problem They Faced

Dendrochronology is based on distinct patterns of wide and narrow annual rings in wood, which reflect climatic conditions. By comparing these patterns with established regional chronologies, researchers can estimate an object’s age. However, this method isn’t universally applicable — especially in the Mediterranean, where a consistent chronological sequence is lacking.

As a result, tree-ring chronologies in this region are considered “floating” and must be linked to radiocarbon dating. Trees absorb Carbon-14 (14C) from the atmosphere during their life through photosynthesis. When a tree dies, it stops absorbing 14C, which then begins to decay at a known rate (half-life of 5,730 years).

By measuring the remaining 14C in a specific ring, scientists can estimate the year of the tree’s death — but only within a margin of several decades. That’s where the challenge lay.

A Breakthrough: The Miyake Events

In 2012, Japanese physicist Fusa Miyake discovered a potential solution. A massive burst of cosmic rays, likely caused by solar flares, can trigger a sharp spike in atmospheric 14C, which becomes embedded in the tree rings of that specific year.

These spikes — now called Miyake Events — can be dated precisely and serve as global chronological anchors. Around a dozen such events are now known, with two major ones in 5259 BC and 7176 BC, the latter discovered in 2022 by researchers from ETH Zurich.

The team from the EXPLO project at the University of Bern constructed a 303-year-long tree-ring chronology ending in 5140 BC by analyzing 787 wood samples from the Dispilio archaeological site on Lake Orestiada (modern-day Lake Kastoria).

The settlement phases identified reveal construction activities spanning 188 years, from 5328 to 5140 BC — made possible by the anchoring provided by the Miyake Event of 5259 BC.

When the Trees Confirmed the Timeline

Researchers at ETH Zurich detected a significant radiocarbon spike during this period by dating several individual tree rings. This same spike was found in the Dispilio wood sequence, matching the global 5259 BC anchor point.

Thanks to this match, the Balkans have become the first region to benefit from this new chronological standard, allowing for absolute dating without relying on a continuous calendar.

"The Dispilio Chronology"

Andrej Maczkowski, lead researcher, hopes that more regional chronologies from the same period will soon be aligned with the “Dispilio Chronology,” opening the door to developing a regional tree-ring record for the southern Balkans.

This region, home to Europe’s oldest lakeside settlements, dating back to just after 6000 BC, played a pivotal role in the spread of agriculture across the continent.

NASA Discovery May Reveal the Exact Date of Jesus’ Crucifixion – With a Lunar Eclipse Connection

A surprising discovery from NASA may have pinpointed the precise date on which Jesus Christ was crucified — and it all comes down to a lunar eclipse.

Whether or not you believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible, there’s no denying that certain events described in religious texts have fascinating real-world parallels. From the mysterious Shroud of Turin — believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus — to geological theories supporting the biblical flood of Noah, science continues to intersect with faith in unexpected ways.

Now, a new chapter in that intersection may be unfolding.

A Date Long Believed — Now Scientifically Backed?

NASA has revealed the exact date Jesus died (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / Stringer / Getty)

For centuries, Christian tradition has held that Jesus died on Good Friday, specifically on April 3, 33 AD, around 3:00 PM, just hours before the start of the Jewish Passover and the Sabbath.

What’s remarkable is that this date, long accepted by biblical scholars, is now supported by NASA's astronomical data.

According to records from the U.S. space agency, a lunar eclipse occurred on Friday, April 3, 33 AD — aligning perfectly with biblical descriptions of the sky darkening during Jesus’ crucifixion.

“Darkness Over the Land”

The link comes from Matthew 27:45, which says:

“From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over all the land.”

While many have interpreted this passage metaphorically or as a divine event, some scholars and scientists suggest it may have referred to a natural phenomenon — such as a lunar eclipse, during which the moon takes on a blood-red hue.

In fact, NASA noted in the 1990s that early Christian texts mention the Moon turning to blood after Jesus’s death, which fits the description of a total lunar eclipse.

Backed by Biblical Scholars

Oxford University researchers Colin Humphreys and W. Graeme Waddington also explored this connection. They cited Joel’s prophecy in the Old Testament:

“The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”

This passage has often been linked to the crucifixion event and now appears to align with historical astronomical data.

Using a combination of biblical references, the Jewish calendar, and lunar cycle reconstructions, the team was able to trace the eclipse to April 3, 33 AD — lending further weight to the longstanding theory about the timing of Jesus’ death.

What NASA’s Website Says

A section of NASA’s own site on historical eclipses notes:

“Christian texts mention that the Moon turned to blood after Jesus’s crucifixion – potentially referring to a lunar eclipse… Using this textual source, scholars narrowed down a possible date of crucifixion to Friday, April 3, 33 C.E. because a lunar eclipse occurred that day.”

So while the mystery of Jesus’ life and death still inspires debate, science has now added a new layer to the conversation — one that grounds a pivotal biblical moment in a cosmic event visible from Earth nearly 2,000 years ago.

Whether coincidence or confirmation, it’s a remarkable overlap between faith and science.

Scientists Finally Solve the Chilling Mystery of Why the Mayans Disappeared After Thousands of Years

The ancient Maya civilization has long captivated researchers and the public alike — known for its sophisticated hieroglyphic writing, advanced agricultural techniques, and of course, the famous calendar that sparked 2012 apocalypse theories.

At their peak around A.D. 250, the Maya thrived across Central America. They built bustling cities, towering temples, and ornate palaces. But by around A.D. 900, something dramatic had changed: nearly all of the major Maya urban centers had been abandoned.

So, what happened?

The Maya Didn’t Vanish — But Their Cities Did

Anton Petrus / Getty

Before diving into theories of extinction, it’s important to clarify a common misconception: the Maya people didn’t disappear.

As Lisa Lucero, professor of anthropology and medieval studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, puts it:

“It was the Maya political system that collapsed, not [their] society.”

“The over 7 million Maya living today in Central America and beyond attest to this fact.”

Drought — And Something More

For years, scientists believed drought was the leading cause behind the Maya collapse. NASA researchers supported this theory, noting that decreased rainfall would have severely disrupted canoe-based trade — a vital part of the Maya economy.

“Less rain meant lower water levels, which meant fewer trade routes,” Lucero explained.

But while drought played a role, a deeper — and more troubling — reason has emerged.

A Man-Made Environmental Disaster

In his book Collapse, historian and author Jared Diamond argued that the Maya were ultimately victims of their own environmental mismanagement — a warning that feels particularly relevant today.

To fuel the construction of their massive monuments, the Maya cut down hundreds of thousands of trees. In fact, just one meter of building material required the burning of around 20 trees.

According to recent computer simulations, this deforestation had a devastating impact on the environment. Without tree cover, the land absorbed more solar radiation, reducing the ability of water to evaporate. This not only raised temperatures, but also led to 5–15% less rainfall over the course of a century.

The cascading effects were severe:

• Failed crops

• Widespread famine

• Collapse of trade routes

• Mass migration in search of food

All of this was made worse by internal conflict, disease, and social unrest.

Maya Culture Lives On

Despite the collapse of their ancient cities, the Maya people and culture are far from gone. Today, their descendants continue to live across Yucatán, Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco in Mexico, as well as throughout Central America.

Their traditions, language, and identity have survived — a testament to their resilience in the face of both environmental catastrophe and centuries of colonialism.

Biotech CEO Working to Revive the Woolly Mammoth and Dodo Pushes Back Against Jurassic Park Comparisons

A biotech entrepreneur is pursuing what many once thought impossible: bringing the woolly mammoth back to life. But while the idea may sound like it’s straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, the man behind the project insists it’s no Jurassic Park.

Ben Lamm, founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, leads a pioneering effort to resurrect extinct species such as the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird.

And although the premise of reviving long-lost creatures has drawn inevitable comparisons to Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1993 film, Lamm isn’t buying into the narrative.

Speaking to UNILAD Tech, he said:

"Jurassic Park was a super entertaining, super interesting movie — but it wasn’t real.
People say, ‘Didn’t they see Jurassic Park?’ Yeah, I also saw Blade Runner, I saw Dune, I’ve seen a lot of other things that aren’t real."

Still, he acknowledges the impact the movie had on science education and public imagination:

“One of the great things about Jurassic Park was Mr. DNA — it taught kids and adults that DNA exists, that it’s made up of letters, and that we now have tools to edit and manipulate it. That inspired people.”

In fact, Lamm says, some of the scientists he collaborates with were first drawn to genetics because of that very film — not because they wanted to bring back dinosaurs, but because it sparked their curiosity and excitement about science.

From Mammoths to Mice

The biotech firm hope that the woolly mammoth will one day walk the Earth again (MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)

Rather than resurrecting dinosaurs, Colossal Biosciences has focused its efforts on more recent extinct animals — starting with the woolly mammoth.

Lamm has previously stated that his team aims to have a living mammoth walking the Earth by late 2028. As part of that effort, they’ve recently engineered a significant milestone: the creation of a “woolly mouse.”

No, they didn’t just plug a mammoth gene into a mouse. Instead, the team isolated specific mammoth traits — like woolly hair and thicker fat layers — and introduced those traits into lab mice. The result? A genetically modified mouse with mammoth-like features.

These “woolly mice” serve a scientific purpose: helping researchers pinpoint the right gene combinations needed to eventually produce a living mammoth.

But Colossal isn’t stopping there. The company also has its sights set on reviving the dodo and the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger.

A Bigger Mission: Conservation

The team of scientists have created the 'woolly mouse' as part of their de-extinction project (Colossal Biosciences)

While the media spotlight often shines on de-extinction, Lamm emphasizes that Colossal’s mission goes far beyond reviving the past.

“Don’t get me wrong, the woolly mouse is pretty damn cute and mammoths are amazing,” Lamm said.
“But people mostly want to talk about de-extinction. The truth is, we’re doing more work in species conservation and preservation than in de-extinction.”

One example is the company’s research into elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) — a disease that kills 20% of elephants annually. Colossal is also working on efforts to help save the Northern White Rhino, and several other projects around the globe have already yielded promising conservation results.

According to Lamm, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“We’re in an extinction crisis. We’re living through the sixth mass extinction, and it’s caused by humans,” he warned.
“We could lose up to 50% of the world’s biodiversity by 2050.”

That’s why Lamm believes the work his team is doing — whether it’s reviving extinct species or protecting endangered ones — is critical.

“We need to build new tools and technologies. We just want to be one small part of the solution.”

Scientists Believe Groundbreaking 5,000-Year-Old Discovery May Be the Real Noah’s Ark

A team of scientists in Turkey believe they’ve made a remarkable discovery that could provide compelling evidence for the historical basis of Noah’s Ark.

If you grew up attending primary school in the UK, chances are you sang the nursery rhyme about Noah’s Ark. But if, by some chance, you’re unfamiliar with one of the world’s oldest stories, here’s the gist: God commanded Noah to build a massive ark to save his family—and two of every kind of animal—before flooding the Earth.

For years, scientists have speculated that the Durupınar formation, a 538-foot-long geological structure in eastern Turkey, might be linked to this ancient tale. Located near the Turkish-Iranian border, the formation closely matches the dimensions of the ark as described in the Bible.

In a major breakthrough late last year, researchers managed to decipher an ancient Babylonian artifact housed at the British Museum. They believe the clay tablet is essentially a map—a record of how Christians believe the world was created. It includes a Mesopotamian poem referencing a man (possibly Noah) who preserved life aboard an ark that landed safely with his family.

Now, this latest development adds further weight to the theory. Scientists collected rock and soil samples from the Durupınar site and sent them to a lab in Istanbul. Analysis revealed traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits, and even remnants of sea creatures—including mollusks.

Noah's Ark painted in a Milan church (Getty Images/Robtoz)

If Noah really did manage to gather two of every species, then even the humble mollusks would have had their place aboard the ark. Though, to be fair, they were probably small enough to sneak on without anyone noticing.

Woman Left Terrified After Creepy Discovery in Her House Wall Reveals Disturbing Truth

A woman was left shaken after uncovering a chilling secret hidden in the walls of her 16th-century farmhouse—one that pointed to a dark, long-forgotten practice.

Emmie Brookman, 28, bought the historic three-bedroom home in 2023 with her fiancé and soon realized that it needed major renovation due to pink mold creeping through the walls.

After receiving a quote of over £17,000 (more than $22,000) from professionals to remove the house's outer render, the couple decided to do the work themselves—an effort that led to a startling discovery. While chipping away at the wall, Emmie found what appeared to be a bone lodged inside.

The couple purchased the UK property in February 2023 (SWNS)

Initially spooked by the eerie find, Emmie soon learned that placing bones within walls was a ritual once used to ward off evil spirits—a superstition dating back to the 1500s.

In total, the couple discovered four bones embedded in the exterior walls and two more inside the house. Emmie believes that while most are animal bones, one may be a human finger bone.

"We were taking off the old render near the front door when something fell out of the wall. It was obviously a bone," Emmie explained. "It really creeped me out. What do you even do when you find bones in your wall?"

At first, the couple feared they might uncover an entire body. Emmie, who co-owns a homeware business in Barrowford, Lancashire, had fallen in love with the property's “character and quirks” and purchased it in February 2023 for £311,000 ($417,000). She initially thought the place only needed some new carpets and a coat of paint. But it soon became clear the issues ran much deeper.

Emmie opted to remove the rendering herself after being quoted £17k by professionals (SWNS)

"There was pink mold growing on the walls, it smelled musty, and even our paperwork would get soggy," she said.

They later discovered that the house had been coated with the wrong kind of render, which was trapping moisture and damaging the old stone underneath. Renovations began in August 2024, and it wasn’t long before the bone discoveries started.

Among the strange items they unearthed was a small green bottle filled with ashes and herbs—another possible remnant of old folk practices.

"We read an article about old magical beliefs in Kendal," Emmie said. "People back then genuinely believed in witches. They’d hide bones and herbs in the walls to protect themselves from evil. That’s what they thought would keep them safe."

The couple have now found bones in nearly every room. “One flew out at me. I’m convinced one of them is a finger,” she added.

The young woman made a creepy discovery in the walls of her home (SWNS)

Rather than disposing of the bones, Emmie has decided to preserve their spooky history. Some will go on display, while others have been returned to the walls, as she sees them as part of the home’s story.

And as if the bones weren’t eerie enough, a little research into the property’s past revealed that a convicted murderer, James Hargreaves, once lived right next door. He had attacked his housekeeper and later shot a young legal clerk who had come to serve him court papers.

Experts Stumble Upon Unexpected Find After Rare ‘Twilight Zone’ Fish Washes Ashore

It’s not every day that a creature straight out of a deep-sea nightmare washes up on the beach — but that’s exactly what happened recently on the Oregon coast.

According to the team at Seaside Aquarium, a rare and intimidating deep-sea predator, commonly referred to as a "Twilight Zone" fish, mysteriously appeared on shore, sparking both excitement and curiosity among marine enthusiasts.

The fish, later identified as a longnose lancetfish, is not only rarely seen near the Oregon coast but is also notable for its razor-sharp, fang-like teeth and serpentine body. Although the aquarium staff were familiar with the species, sightings this far north — and in such excellent condition — are highly uncommon.

A Shocking Discovery

The story began when a visitor walked into the aquarium’s gift shop holding a photo of the strange carcass he’d found along the shore. He hoped the experts could help identify it.

“When he showed us the picture, it was such a fresh, great specimen that we were like, ‘Sweet, we’re gonna go pick it up,’” said Tiffany Boothe, assistant manager at Seaside Aquarium.

The fish, which measured about five feet in length, had washed ashore in remarkable shape — a rarity, Boothe noted, as most lancetfish are badly decomposed by the time they’re found.

“We see maybe half a dozen in our area each year,” she added. “It’s not the kind of fish you’d want to meet alive — I definitely wouldn’t touch it.”

A Deep-Sea Predator from the "Twilight Zone"

The longnose lancetfish can grow to a whopping seven feet

Lancetfish usually swim at extreme depths, often more than a mile beneath the ocean’s surface. They favor warmer waters, but migrations as far north as the Bering Sea have been documented, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

One unusual trait of the species is its gelatinous flesh, which Boothe said local seagulls go wild for. But the real scientific goldmine lies inside the fish — its unusually slow digestion offers a rare look into the deep-sea food chain.

Once the aquarium team recovered the specimen, they immediately examined its stomach contents — and what they found was remarkable.

Inside were several squid and octopus remains, along with at least three whole fish — providing a snapshot of the predator’s most recent meals.

A Glimpse into a Hidden Ecosystem

The longnose lancetfish, which can grow up to seven feet long and weigh around 20 pounds, is a predator shrouded in mystery. It’s rarely observed in the wild, and its habits are still being studied.

In a Facebook post, the Seaside Aquarium team described the fish as “barracuda-like,” adding:

“Its beautiful large eyes, sharp fang-like teeth, and snake-like body set it apart from other fish in the Pacific Northwest. While little is known about the longnose lancetfish, we know they inhabit waters from the southern Bering Sea to Chile, ranging from the surface down to depths of 6,000 feet.”

Their diet is as diverse as it is gruesome — studies have shown that they feed on over 90 species of marine life, including other lancetfish, and even plastic waste.

“By studying what lancetfish eat, scientists can track how the ocean food web is evolving — particularly in response to events like El Niño and La Niña,” the aquarium noted.

From the Depths to the Shore

Because of their habitat in the ocean’s mesopelagic zone — commonly called the “Twilight Zone” — lancetfish are rarely encountered by humans. The fish’s scientific name, Alepisaurus, meaning “scaleless lizard,” only adds to its prehistoric mystique.

While unsettling to look at, the lancetfish provides a rare and valuable glimpse into one of Earth’s least-explored frontiers — and a stark reminder of the fragile balance in our oceans.

Stunning Discovery: Ancient Mayan City Unearthed with Palaces, Pyramids, and Plazas

Stunning Discovery: Ancient Mayan City Unearthed with Palaces, Pyramids, and Plazas

Archaeologists in Mexico have made a remarkable discovery: the ruins of a previously unknown Mayan city — complete with palaces, pyramids, and ceremonial plazas — were uncovered during construction work for a new industrial park near Mérida, on the Yucatán Peninsula.

The newly discovered site, named Xiol, features architectural elements characteristic of the Puuc style, which is more commonly found in the southern part of the peninsula. According to researchers, such well-preserved structures are rare this close to Mérida.

Xiol, ciudad maya con vestigios de tipo palacio de tipo Puuc

En el transcurso de cuatro años, los recientes hallazgos han convertido a la zona arqueológica de Xiol en una ciudad precolombina que albergó a más de cuatro mil personas.

Conoce más 👉🏼 https://t.co/8uCkMJ6YNq pic.twitter.com/Mo9XyaNMUZ

— Yucatán Ahora (@yucatanahora) May 26, 2022

“We estimate that more than 4,000 people lived in and around this city,” said archaeologist Carlos Peraza, one of the lead researchers involved in the excavation. The site is believed to have been inhabited between 600 and 900 CE, during the Late Classic period of the Mayan civilization.

Burial Sites and Daily Life

In addition to the urban ruins, researchers discovered nearby burial grounds for both adults and children. Among the graves were personal items, ceremonial offerings, and tools made from obsidian and flint — materials commonly used by the Maya.

Interestingly, remnants of marine life found at the site suggest that the city's inhabitants engaged in coastal fishing, taking advantage of their proximity to the sea.

Discovery Amid Development

Xiol was uncovered only after work had already begun on the industrial park. Construction will continue, but the archaeological remains will be preserved, according to the site’s developers.

“Urban sprawl in this area has led to the destruction of many ancient sites over the years,” Peraza noted. “Even as archaeologists, we didn’t expect to find a site in such an excellent state of preservation.”

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the ancient Maya in northern Yucatán but also highlights the delicate balance between modern development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Mystery of Mollusks Found in Minoan Bricks: Why Ancient Cretans Used Them in Construction

A recent study has shed new light on the construction techniques of the Minoan civilization, offering a fascinating glimpse into how ancient Cretans may have used marine life — specifically mollusks — as part of their architectural practices.

Led by Rena Veropoulidou from the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki and Maud Devolder of Ghent University, the research revealed an innovative method of identifying decayed mud bricks by examining mollusk remains found in archaeological layers.

Reconstructing Bronze Age Architecture Through Shells

The architecture of the Aegean Bronze Age, especially on Crete, is known for its fragility. Many structures were built using sun-dried mud bricks, materials that have largely disappeared over time due to environmental degradation. What often remains are only the stone foundations, making it difficult for archaeologists to reconstruct the original buildings accurately.

This challenge has led researchers to explore alternative ways of detecting traces of these now-vanished materials. One recent and promising approach involves analyzing the presence of mollusk shells — particularly species that thrive in seagrass meadows, such as those of Posidonia oceanica.

These marine plants, often gathered and added to the clay mix in brick-making, harbored small mollusks whose shells have survived in the archaeological record. Their presence serves as a biological fingerprint of the original construction material.

A Case Study from Malia

Photo: M. Devolder / S. Déderix / IMS-FORTH

The study focused on Malia, a key Minoan settlement on Crete’s northern coast. Researchers collected soil samples from Early and Middle Bronze Age layers. Using flotation — a technique that separates light organic remains from soil — they recovered numerous mollusk shells.

Analysis revealed a range of mollusk species that are native to Posidonia seagrass meadows. Their presence strongly suggests that the seagrass was used as a tempering agent in the production of mud bricks, likely carried inadvertently along with the mollusks during collection.

Traces of decayed mud and impressions of Posidonia roots found on the site further support the hypothesis. Beyond being filler material, the marine plants may have enhanced the bricks' thermal insulation, fire resistance, and durability — a smart use of local, sustainable resources.

Malia: A Natural Laboratory for Ancient Technology

Malia stands out as a natural laboratory for examining these ancient techniques. From domestic houses to monumental palace buildings, mud bricks were essential to Minoan construction. The discovery of mollusk shells embedded within these materials not only reveals how the bricks were made but also illustrates the deep interaction between the island’s inhabitants and their marine environment.

Photo: M. Devolder / Ministry of Culture of Greece

By studying mollusks as indirect markers of decayed building materials, archaeologists are pioneering a new approach to understanding the perishable elements of ancient architecture. This method also highlights the value of interdisciplinary research in archaeology — combining biology, geology, and cultural studies.

Broader Implications Across the Mediterranean

The findings from Malia could reshape how researchers study other ancient Mediterranean landscapes. Marine plant and mollusk remnants may offer clues to architectural practices and resource use in other coastal societies — providing a richer picture of daily life and environmental adaptation in the ancient world.

Looking forward, the researchers stress the importance of modern comparative studies to better understand the connections between mollusks, marine ecosystems, and ancient building methods. They also advocate for the widespread use of systematic sampling protocols in future excavations to expand the database of ancient mollusks — allowing for even more reliable interpretations.