2020 was the first time most of us experienced a global outbreak. The entire world seemingly ground to a halt. Despite the devastating loss of life, it wasn’t the first time that a pandemic threatened our global order. Human history is full of examples of diseases that have run amok, claiming innumerable lives and affecting […]
The Antonine Plague: The Illness That Conquered the Roman Empire Read More »
The discovery of the Altamura Man, an almost complete Neanderthal skeleton encased in limestone within a cave in southern Italy, is one of the most significant findings in paleoanthropology over the last 100 years. This rare and well-preserved specimen offers valuable insights into Neanderthal life. Yet, its extraction remains an elusive challenge, almost impossible due
Why the Most Complete Neanderthal Skeleton Ever Discovered Remains Locked in Stone Read More »
Cities developed alongside the invention of agriculture. Whenever enough human beings came together, division of labor increased and people were able to specialize in crafts and trades. This article delves into some of the most astonishing cities of the ancient world. Jericho Jericho may be the longest standing continually occupied city in the world. The
The greatest cities in human history Read More »
Many today may not know who Diogenes is, but they certainly know cynicism. Diogenes, the founder of Cynicism, was often thought of as mentally unstable. But it is hard to find proof of that when there are no official records of Diogenes’ life. So much of what people know about Diogenes today is based on
The Unconventional Life of Diogenes the Cynic Read More »
Throughout ancient history, the reigns of kingdoms and countries have predominantly been held by men. However, within this male-dominated landscape, there have been numerous women who rose to power. This article explores the lives and legacies of seven extraordinary women from the ancient world. These female rulers were selected based on their political influence, cultural
The 7 Greatest Female Rulers of the Ancient World Read More »
It’s not the typical kind of sweet honey you’re used to tasting in tea or eating with toast or fruit. It’s actually quite the opposite and can have dangerous effects if used excessively. And if you look throughout history, it had fatal consequences for some armies who were tricked into taking it. Mad honey, found
Mad Honey: One of history’s first biological weapons Read More »
The Roman Empire spanned from the Middle East, across Northern Africa, into Northern Europe. Buildings and roads constructed as part of the empire’s expansion have survived thousands of years due to advanced Roman engineering, and ruins can be found across dozens of countries. Here’s a list of 10 of the most interesting Roman ruins: Colosseum
10 Iconic Ancient Roman Ruins That Everyone Needs to Visit Read More »
Rats can be a real nuisance. They get into our food, our trash, and even our homes. But when applied in the right (or rather, wrong) ways, they can turn into something far more sinister: a form of torture so cruel that the very mention of it can be enough to compel someone to spill
Rat Torture: One Of History’s Most Barbaric Torture Methods? Read More »
The ancient Chinese method of execution known as lingchi (or ling chi), is perhaps better known by the more descriptive, “death by a thousand cuts.” As the name implies, this was a form of torture that involved slicing into the victim over and over again until they died. It was normally saved for the very
The History of Lingchi: Death by a Thousand Cuts Read More »
History is full of odd customs and practices that have not withstood the passage of time as a result of cultural and scientific advancements. One such practice revolved around the recycling of urine in Ancient Rome. Nowadays, human waste is recognized as a source of disease and is whisked away at the moment it is
The Shocking Role of Urine in Ancient Roman Life Read More »
