Monte Testaccio, an ancient Roman garbage dump, stands as a reminder of the city’s consumption and trade practices. Located on the outskirts of Rome, this massive mound of broken pottery reaches the height of the Pantheon, towering over the warehouse district. The majority of the pottery shards that comprise Monte Testaccio are remnants of amphorae, specifically those used for transporting olive oil. An estimated 53 million amphorae were discarded here, with a significant portion originating from the province of Baetica in modern-day Andalusia, Spain. At Monte Testaccio, An Entire Mountain ..read more

The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century AD, was a period marked by the rise and fall of kingdoms, the spread of religions, and significant social and political upheaval. Amidst this backdrop, numerous secret societies emerged, each shrouded in mystery and intrigue. These organizations often operated in the shadows, their activities and members cloaked in secrecy. Some aimed to preserve ancient knowledge, others to influence political events, and a few to advance spiritual enlightenment. Here, we explore the top ten secret societies of the Middle Ages, delving ..read more

Ongoing investigations into the contents of the Tomb of Cerberus, discovered in October 2023 in Giugliano, Naples, led to the decision to open one of the two sarcophagi found there. The stone box had lain sealed and entombed for over 2,000 years. First a non-invasive investigation was made using a micro-camera directed into a small opening in the sarcophagus. It revealed a well-preserved burial featuring a supine body covered by a shroud, likely mineralized due to the unique climatic conditions of the burial chamber. Surrounding the body were various grave goods, including several unguentari ..read more

There has long been speculation about how the pyramids of Egypt were constructed. While there may be no single answer to this question, a new study provides evidence to suggest that at least one of Egypt’s ancient pyramids was built using a special type of hydraulic lift system. New Thoughts on Djoser Construction The structure that is claimed to have been constructed using hydraulics is the steppe Pyramid of Djoser, which is the oldest standing pyramid found in Egypt. It was constructed around 2,680 BC on the orders of the pharaoh Djoser, who ruled during the Third Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Ki ..read more

In the Middle Ages, alchemists were notoriously secretive and didn't share their knowledge with others. Danish Tycho Brahe was no exception. Consequently, we don't know precisely what he did in the alchemical laboratory located beneath his combined residence and observatory, Uraniborg, on the now Swedish island of Ven. Only a few of his alchemical recipes have survived, and today, there are very few remnants of his laboratory. Uraniborg was demolished after his death in 1601, and the building materials were scattered for reuse. However, during an excavation in 1988-1990, some pottery and gla ..read more

Even if the Bible has familiar stories known through cultural osmosis, there are many surprising elements within its pages that might be less well-known. Here are five astonishing things you might not believe are actually in the Bible. First, the Bible references an animal called the "re'em" nine times. The precise identity of this creature is unclear, as the text lacks illustrations. Theories range from antelope to rhinoceros, with some translations even suggesting a unicorn. This interpretation has persisted in some modern Christian circles, fueling debate over the re'em's true nature. Se ..read more

The ancient city of Rome has left an indelible mark on history, its influence extending far beyond the realm of politics and culture. One of the most modern areas where this legacy can be seen is in video game design and architecture. This exploration reveals how deeply intertwined ancient Rome's architectural marvels are with today's digital landscapes. From colossal amphitheaters to intricate temples, ancient Rome's architectural brilliance continues to inspire contemporary creations. Video game developers often draw from this rich heritage to create immersive worlds that captivate players ..read more

Konstantine Panegyres/The Conversation The first recorded victor at the Olympics was Coroebus of Elis. A cook by profession, Coroebus won the event called the “stadion” – a footrace of just under 200 meters, run in a straight line. Coroebus was victorious in the year 776 BC, but this was probably not the year of the first Olympic games. A few ancient writers, such as the historian Aristodemus of Elis (who lived in the 2nd century AD or earlier), believed there had been as many as 27 Olympic contests prior to 776 BC, but the results had never been recorded because peo ..read more

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered 63 mudbrick tombs and several simple burials containing a collection of gold foils from the 26th Dynasty of the Late Period. This correlates with the Ptolemaic era (305 BC-30 BC), with a number of bronze coins from the Hermetic period also found during the mission's excavations at the Tel Al-Deir cemetery in the new city of Damat. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Khalid, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that this discovery aligns with the directives of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities to prioritize Egyptian archaeological missio ..read more

In a bizarre find, a vacationer came across a Roman sarcophagus on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast near Varna. The find was reported to the local authorities, leading to a swift response by the Varna Archaeological Museum and the regional office of the Culture Ministry Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, who are now examining it. The discovery was made on Tuesday, by a former law enforcement officer who was holidaying at the Sts. Constantine and Helena resort. While enjoying the beach near a recently completed construction site, he came across the sarcophagus and imme ..read more