Ancient-Origins.net

During the development of a social housing residence in Rue de Beaucaire in Nîmes, archaeologists have uncovered a series of ancient structures including tombs and funeral pyres.

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Lorenzo de' Medici, also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, stands as one of the most prominent figures in the history of Florence and the Italian Renaissance, and the foremost member of the powerful Medici family.

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Archaeologists in Switzerland have discovered a large Roman settlement in Gebenstorf in the Canton of Aargau.

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The discovery of the Tollund Man, a 2,400-year-old bog body, presents a fascinating tale of ancient mystery. In 1950, Danish peat cutters stumbled upon his remarkably preserved remains in a bog outside Silkeborg, Denmark.

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A new discovery off the northwestern coast of Australia has rewritten the history books. Up until now the academic consensus was that pottery was introduced to Australia by Europeans. This has now been proven wrong.

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The Medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th centuries AD, was a time of profound artistic expression that laid the groundwork for the Renaissance to follow. 

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Archaeologists in Poland working on the excavation of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Krakow have found something new, described as the first discovery of its kind in the country. 

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During explorations on the Danish Island of Zealand, a pair of amateur archaeologists unearthed a small but remarkable artifact. While using metal detectors to search for coins or other items at a site near the city of Ringsted

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The Colosseum, an architectural marvel in Rome, is renowned for its unique features that set it apart from other ancient structures. Its oval design, accommodating over 50,000 spectators,

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Was Man’s Best Friend a fox? For hunter gatherers in Patagonia 1,500 years ago, that may well turn out to be true. A team of archaeologists excavating the intriguing Cañada Seca site

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From time immemorial, people had the need to venerate objects of great significance: religious relics, mythical symbols or depictions of holy figures.

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A spectacular banqueting room with elegant black walls, decorated with mythological characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan War

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The fear of witchcraft led to centuries of persecution and executions across Europe. While there were an estimated 500 executions in England, and between 3,000 and 4,000 killings in Scotland, only five people were hanged for witchcraft in Wales.

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Living in medieval cities exposed residents to a myriad of afflictions stemming from unsanitary conditions and limited medical knowledge. Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, was a widespread concern during this era. Historical records indicate that leprosy was prevalent in both the Byzantine Empire and Western Europe from the 12th century onwards. The establishment of leper hospitals outside city centers, such as those in France and the Low Countries, illustrates the severity of the problem and the societal response to it.

• Uncovering the ancient roots of leprosy
• Mummified Bishop Reveals the Ancient Origins of Tuberculosis

The Black Plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, remains one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It swept through Europe during the mid-14th century, resulting in millions of deaths. Eyewitness accounts from the time describe the widespread fear and devastation caused by the disease, with entire communities being decimated and mass burials becoming commonplace.

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An interesting new study has challenged the previous estimations surrounding a beautiful bronze lamp unearthed in a ditch near Cortona, central Italy.

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In a fortunate turn of events, a routine carrot harvest in Fife, Scotland, led to the remarkable discovery of a hoard of ancient coins dating back 500 years.

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In the pursuit of beauty, ancient women employed unconventional methods, challenging modern notions of glamour. Foot binding, prevalent in 10th-century China, exemplifies the extremes sought for aesthetic perfection. 

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Recent research has unearthed chilling evidence of ritual sacrifices in Neolithic Europe, a practice that involved the gruesome method of "incaprettamento" - tying victims' necks to their bent legs, leading to self-strangulation. 

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The city of Acte had not formally been bestowed with divine protection. However, its king, Cecrops, ushered a golden period so remarkable that the city was then renamed Cecropia and the gods acknowledged its splendor. 

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A new study has offered a fresh perspective on the enigmatic petroglyphs discovered at Toro Muerto in the Peruvian coastal desert. The site contains intricate designs and petroglyphs, etched onto over 3000 volcanic rocks, dating back to the Wari Culture of the Middle Horizon era (500-1000 AD). These have long puzzled archaeologists due to their unique blend of anthropomorphic figures, geometric motifs, and enigmatic symbols, but some light might have been shed on this marvel now, suggesting a connection to the afterlife!

• Study Reveals Rare Aboriginal Rock Art’s Link with Sorcery and Magic
• Psychedelic-Induced Mystical Experiences Throughout History

Toro Muerto, meaning "dead bull" in Spanish, is a significant rock art complex located southern Peru, nestled within a desert gorge near the Majes River Valley. Encompassing an expansive area of approximately 10 square kilometers (3.86 sq mi), this site holds around 2,600 volcanic boulders, each adorned with ancient petroglyphs. These petroglyphs vary in size and complexity, ranging from small stones featuring single motifs to massive boulders adorned with intricate arrays of multiple images.

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