1. Hook Swords A rather well-known tool used by the Shoalin monks of northern China, the crescent shaped hook sword was an excellent weapon for blocking blows as well as slashing those who got too close. Most of their usage came from civilians, as the Chinese military...
Why is it that ISIS continues to destroy all record of the past? "All attacks on archaeological sites and artifacts are brutal assaults on our collective human memory," says Sturt Manning of CNN. "They deprive us of the evidence of human endeavors and achievements" So...
With Game of Thrones on all of our minds, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the most powerful swords in the game! When it comes to this fiction time period, Valyrian steel was the metal of choice. Valyrian steel is a form of metal...
Understanding the basic diet of the ancient world helps in understanding the cultural values of the various civilizations. The basic ancient diet consisted of cereals, legumes, oil, and wine, supplemented by vegetables, meat or fish, and some other items, like salt and honey. There are some ideas...
In honor of Women's History Month, we'd like to honor the women of our past who've helped us to uncover history and who devoted their lives to the knowledge and education. Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) Also known as the "Mother of Mesopotamian Archaeology," Gertrude Bell was known for incredible achievements...
Cave Paintings are paintings on cave walls and ceilings, usually dating to prehistoric times. Learn more about some of the world most mysterious and famous cave paintings. Altamira Cave Paintings: As Picasso famously exclaimed, "after Altamira, all is decadence." The caves of Altamira are located near Santilliana del...
ATTENTION HISTORY BUFFS AND ANCIENT ART-SEEKERS! Check out these photos from the Yancey Richardson Gallery x-ray vision exhibit. It was titled "History's Shadow," and presented an x-ray view of artifacts of the art world. This abstract exhibit came to us from renown photographer David Maisel. Maisel is well known...
In honor of Black History Month, we'd like to recognize some of the incredibly influential black civilizations of the past and all of their accomplishments. ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA Mesopotamia was the Biblical land of Sumer, which sprung up around 3000 B.C. After decrypting the cuneiform script of ancient Mesopotamia for many...
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was recently recreated at Sydney University’s Nicholson Museum...