HISTORY: Did Amazons Really Exist?
Were the Amazons of ancient Greek mythology — fierce female warriors said to have roamed a vast area around the Black Sea known as Scythia — real? Or were they … Read more
history
HISTORY: What Was Stonehenge For?
Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous of all the henges, vast circular monuments constructed from wood or stone that litter the British countryside. The prehistoric monument was most likely erected … Read more
Nine Cool Ancient Weapons Discovered in 2020
Ancient swords, elaborate daggers, even early artillery — 2020 turned up a number of intriguing ancient weapons that tell the story of the violence of the past. These discoveries cover … Read more
Queer Female Pirates Unerased From History
Two trailblazing female pirates who shared a tender same-sex romance have been commemorated with a striking new statue. Anne Bonny and Mary Read, born in the late 18th century, have … Read more
Was This Viking Warrior Gender Fluid?
An ancient Viking warrior who was given a hero’s burial may have been “transgender, non-binary or gender fluid”, according to researchers. Three years ago, the ornately dressed remains of a … Read more
Remains of a Warrior Woman Found in Siberia
Archaeologists in Siberia have unearthed a 2,500-year-old grave holding the remains of four people from the ancient Tagar culture — including two warriors, a male and female — and a stash … Read more
AI “resurrects” Roman Emperors
Ancient Roman emperors’ faces have been brought to life in digital reconstructions; the unnervingly realistic image project includes the Emperors Caligula, Nero and Hadrian, among others. The features of these long-dead rulers have … Read more
Newly Translated Christian Texts Discuss “Demon Circles” and “Wizard Battles”
Have you ever heard the story of a wizard battle that supposedly took place when an early church was constructed? Or how about the story of a border guard who … Read more
What Did People Use Before Toilet Paper?
Because inquiring minds want to know: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, toilet paper was nearly as hard to come by as personal protective equipment. Though toilet paper … Read more
Viking Laid to rest for Likely “Mirror Afterlife”
Archaeologists in Norway have unearthed the 1,100-year-old grave of a Viking warrior, whose steel sword was placed in an unusual spot: on his left side. Though the sword’s sinistral position … Read more