Ancient-Origins.net

In the Renaissance, magic was a convergence of science, philosophy, and the mystical, reflecting the era's quest for knowledge and understanding of the world. Unlike today's clear demarcation between science and the supernatural, during the Renaissance era these realms were deeply intertwined. In this period people had both a renewed interest in ancient texts and with exploring the natural world, fostering a unique blend of empirical inquiry and mystical thought. Renaissance magic was not merely about the occult or esoteric practices but also seen a means of exploring and understanding the universe and its hidden forces.

Key figures in the study of Renaissance magic did not necessarily see themselves as magicians in a purely esoteric sense, but they also often saw their work as scholarly and philosophical – they were delving into the deeper truths of the cosmos. Their work in areas like natural magic, alchemy, and astrology sought to uncover the links between the earthly and the divine, often merging scientific investigation with mystical and theological elements.

Undoubtedly, this era's magic was a complex and multi-layered phenomenon, deeply embedded in the period's intellectual, religious, and social fabric. It reflected a world in which the boundaries of knowledge were constantly being expanded and the exploration of the natural world went hand in hand with a quest for spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

• Read Later 

The reasons for the decline and abandonment of the mighty Mesoamerican city-state of Teotihuacan in the seventh century AD have long remained a mystery.

• Read Later 

Egyptian blue, known in the scientific community as calcium copper silicate, has come to be recognized as a pioneering feat of human creativity.

• Read Later 

Ancient Rome had a very vibrant and complex society, where prostitution played a major role. It was legal, licensed, and very common. 

• Read Later 

Ancient Corinth, strategically positioned between Athens and Sparta, traces its roots to mythical narratives and archaeological evidence dating back to around 6500 BC

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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. 

• Read Later 

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. 

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later 

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,

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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.

• Read Later 

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

• Read Later