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In an unexpected twist of history, the famed London Bridge now stands proudly in the Arizona Desert. Its journey from the heart of London to the American Southwest

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Saladin, known as the "Conqueror of the Kingdom of Heaven," emerges from history as a figure of profound complexity and greatness. Born in 1137 in modern-day Iraq, he navigated the tumultuous political landscape of the 12th-century Islamic world. Little is known of his early years, but he likely received a comprehensive education in Quranic studies and religious sciences, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

• The Puzzling Death of Sultan Saladin: A 12th Century Medical Mystery Solved?
• Battlefield Where Richard the Lionheart Defeated Saladin Located

The loss of Jerusalem to the Crusaders ignited Saladin's fervor for religion and justice. Under the tutelage of his uncle Shirkuh, a distinguished military commander, Saladin honed his skills on the battlefield, notably demonstrating strategic brilliance in the Battle of Al-Babain.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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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