693 Items Tagged

Ancient

New research says humans began sculpting a small hill into a larger pyramid around 6,000 BC, and then building layers of sand and rocks on top of that.

Is the World's Oldest Pyramid Not in Egypt or the Americas, But in Indonesia?

Perhaps it’s not just an oddly shaped hill, after all.

Jennifer Billock November 8, 2023

Mawaki Site

The site of a prehistoric settlement spanning millennia, complete with a reconstructed timber circle.

After hosting months of events at Rice University, the Houston mudhif will be relocated to a permanent home at the end of the year.

Ordering Off a 5,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Menu

A community effort brings ancient flavors to modern Texas.

Andrew Coletti November 3, 2023

By the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC), both royals and non-royals were buried with dozens of figurines known as shabti, which would serve them in the afterlife.

In Ancient Egypt, Human Sacrifice and Shabti Figures Ensured an Afterlife of Servitude

Clay figurines and murdered retainers provided plenty of company—and a workforce—for the dead.

Nicky Nielsen October 17, 2023

Eguílaz, Spain

Dolmen of Aitzkomendi

A stone structure built thousands of years ago on the Iberian peninsula.

Elaborately inscribed false doors in tombs of the elite allowed family and friends to leave offerings that ensured the dead would want for nothing in the afterlife.

In Ancient Egypt, Soul Houses and False Doors Connected the Living and the Dead

Rich or poor, you could reach out to friends and family in the afterlife—and communication went both ways.

Nicky Nielsen October 10, 2023

This is not exactly how most animals react to an eclipse.

Six Stories to Illuminate the Upcoming 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse

The annular eclipse will make its way across the Western Hemisphere on October 14.

April White October 6, 2023

Each night during his journey across the netherworld, the sun god Ra's barque crosses the desert Rostau, realm of the falcon god Sokar, borne by snakes.

In Ancient Egypt, the Duat Was a Netherworld of Gods and Monsters

A guide called the Amduat helped pharaohs navigate the complex afterlife.

Nicky Nielsen October 3, 2023

Strada del Sole ('Road of the Sun')

A former millstone quarry in the Italian Alps is strewn with rocks bearing distinct round shapes.

Arrizala, Spain

Dolmen of Sorginetxe

An ancient stone structure that, according to legend, was built by witches.

Atlatls use leverage to launch spears faster and farther than hand-thrown javelins.

How Ancient Dart Launchers Changed the Game for Early Female Hunters

A female archaeologist is challenging the idea of men as hunters and women as gatherers, one throw at a time.

Roxanne Hoorn September 5, 2023

Pyramids of Caral-Supe

A 5,000-year-old city in Peru holds the remains of a stunning set of astronomically-aligned pyramids.

Mochrum, Scotland

Drumtroddan Rock Art

Carved between 3500 and 1000 B.C., the distinctive carvings at this site are poorly understood.

Fugoppe Cave Petroglyphs

One of the only two archaeological sites in Japan to feature petroglyphs, which some believe to be a long-lost writing system of the gods.

An ancient wall with a path running through it under a metal roof

Shimao Relics

A massive ancient Chinese city with stone walls and evidence of human sacrifices.

Bessans, France

Mont Cenis

From Carthage's Hannibal to riders of the Tour de France, many have crossed this scenic route through the Alps.

Tangier, Morocco

Roman Punic Necropolis

Ancient Phoenician and Roman tombs carved into the rock overlook the Moroccan coastline.

Podcast: The Complaint Tablet of Ea-Nasir

Turns out, beefing about bad service really is as old as time.

The Podcast Team July 12, 2023