The 108-foot bronze statue known as the Colossus of Rhodes was both an ancient wonder and a proud monument. It was a tribute to the god Helios. It was destroyed in an earthquake just five decades after it was built. To see it standing over the harbors of Rhodes as ships sailed beneath it would […]
The Colossus of Rhodes: A Look at the Ancient Wonder Read More »
Judas Iscariot is infamously known as being the guy who ratted out Jesus and sent him to his death on the cross. He’s so well-known that even people who know nothing about the biblical story still know that anyone who’s a traitor can be called a “Judas.” But if Judas is so notorious, then why
The Death of History’s Notorious Traitor: Unraveling Judas’ Mysterious End Read More »
Among all the beautiful things built by the ancient Romans, few stood as magnificent as the Circus Maximus. Although the term circus is used to define an entertainment event these days, the Circus Maximus, Latin for “largest circus,” was actually a venue. But more than that, it was an architectural marvel. Used for everything from
Circus Maximus: Chariot racing in Ancient Rome Read More »
For centuries, the Gallic tribes of what is now France aided Rome’s enemies and threatened Roman expansion. Gauls fought with the Carthaginians in the Punic Wars. They were part of Hannibal’s army at Cannae which annihilated a Roman army in 217 BC. The Romans attempted to work around the Mediterranean through Spain. They were trying
Romano-Gallic War: A Clash of Empires in Ancient Times Read More »
The sweltering heat of the Parthian desert was a terrible place to die. Stricken with grief at the death of his son, and exhausted from battle, Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus met his end in that miserable place. Crassus’s death, as well as what happened to his body after death, is shrouded in mystery. Whether
Exploring the myths around Marcus Licinius Crassus’ death Read More »
In 1831, under a mountain of volcanic ash in the ancient city of Pompeii, a mosaic was uncovered. This mosaic, one of the most important pieces of art to ever be rediscovered, covered the floor of one room in the House of Faun. Dubbed the “Alexander Mosaic”, it was remarkably well preserved, and while parts
Becephalus: The legendary horse of Alexander the Great Read More »
In ancient Egypt, the gods could be fickle masters. Drought, death, and disease were often attributed not to natural causes, but to the displeasure of divine beings. To please the supernatural forces that governed life along the Nile, Egyptians learned to build temples, make sacrifices, and worship these all-powerful deities. One of the most important
Uncovering the Mysterious Sobek: the Crocodile God of Egypt Read More »
Do these ten historical figures really deserve to be as celebrated as they are? You be the judge. 1. Spartacus A gladiator who rose up against the mighty Roman Empire. An inspiration to oppressed peoples everywhere. This is how Spartacus is often remembered. Beginning in the summer of 73 BC, a Thracian slave named Spartacus
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From the ancient realms of Persian mythology to the captivating tales of One Thousand and One Nights. From the vibrant narratives of India to the expansive landscapes of Western literature, magic carpets have transcended geographical boundaries and permeated our myths and legends. With their ability to defy gravity and carry riders through the sky, magic
From Persian Mythology to Disney: Tracing the History of Magic Carpets Read More »
Amidst the many forgotten battles and long-lost heroes of history, a tale of extraordinary warriors emerges from the beautiful Mediterranean shores of the Balearic Islands. Picture a band of audacious, fearsome men armed with nothing more than a leather pouch. With a flick of the wrist, they unleash a tempest of stones with uncanny precision
Hannibal’s Secret War Weapon: The Balearic Slingers Read More »
