Ancient Origins Magazine

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From the lush Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the fiery forges of Asgard, Ancient Origins Magazine scours the planet to reveal the history of the ancient world.

Discover ancient technologies, lost civilizations, and strange mysteries that still puzzle us today. Experience the power and people, the weapons and wisdom of the ancient world. With boundary-breaking research, nothing is left out!

 

 

 

AO Magazine - July August 2024
AO Magazine - July August 2024

The articles in this issue delve into groundbreaking initiatives, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the study of our past. We’ve covered a spectrum of projects to give you a glimpse into the innovative work transforming our understanding of history.

The possibilities are seemingly endless. While AI and LiDAR are revolutionizing how archaeologists explore bygone eras, preserve their remnants, and decipher vital lessons for posterity, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' crowdfunding endeavors presented in this edition offer the chance to Adopt a Mammoth (fossil!).

Exclusive interviews provide a deep dive into efforts to understand and reconstruct stories from the past, and to discover valuable knowledge that can be applied in the future. These include our conversation with Ben Lamm and Beth Shapiro from Colossal Biosciences, whose captivating work in the realms of de-extinction could mean that we may soon see prehistoric creatures walking the Earth.

We also spoke with Cícero Moraes to discuss the fascinating world of forensic facial reconstruction. Meanwhile, the efforts of OurWorlds, Forensic Architecture, and the Associazione Incontro di Civiltà, all featured in this issue, demonstrate the crucial role of new technologies in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Each edition of Ancient Origins Magazine brings together a curated collection of unique articles and thorough investigations, embodying our steadfast dedication to uncovering the intricacies of past civilizations and bygone eras through meticulous research and scholarly insight. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support.


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AO Magazine - May June 2024
AO Magazine - May June 2024

Ancient Origins Magazine proudly presents its 50th milestone issue, a compendium of unique articles and in-depth investigation drawn from our extensive archives. This commemorative edition reflects our enduring commitment to exploring the complexities of bygone eras through rigorous research and expert analysis.

Spanning a wide spectrum of topics, including Maya mythology, divinely inspired monuments, and even some of our previously unknown hominid ancestors, each article offers a meticulous examination of pivotal historical phenomena. Furthermore, this edition discusses the enduring popularity of football, tracing its rich 2,000-year history. We also analyse the contentious realm of contemporary graffiti, uncovering the value and insights embedded within historic markings which can help us approach these matters in a new light.

Leading the charge in this issue are exclusive interviews with renowned figures such as Dr. Roberto Volterri, Elizabeth Semmelhack, and Ms. Jayshree Mungur. These insightful conversations delve into a myriad of subjects, ranging from contemporary efforts to reconstruct the enigmatic Baghdad Battery, to the extensive array of artifacts showcased at the Bata Shoe Museum, and even the captivating story of the extinct Dodo of Mauritius.

In celebration of our 50th Issue Special Edition, we decided to offer our readers the chance to win one of three timeless ancient board games from the Ancient Origins Store. Additionally, for those new to Ancient Origins, we included the story of our journey from humble beginnings to the present day. Thank you for your continued support in unraveling the mysteries of the past.


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AO Magazine - March April 2024
Murder in the Ancient World

Explore the sinister side of history, where ancient murderers, assassins, and serial killers fill tales of intrigue and malice. But this issue is not just a recount of historical darkness and the macabre, it also reflects our continuous quest to understand the human psyche.

Featuring an exclusive interview with Kathy Reichs, celebrated forensic anthropologist and author of the Bones series, we offer a modern lens on ancient crimes, highlighting how forensic advancements unlock secrets of the past. Our exploration spans from the origins of the true crime genre to the intricate narratives of power and morality encapsulated by the legendary hashshashins and France’s scandalous affair of the poisons.

You’ll read about some of antiquity's most notorious killers and the dark sacrificial rituals of past societies then see how Homo sapiens contrast with our evolutionary kin, as we ponder our unique capacity for both creativity, empathy, and cruelty.

This issue is not just a recount of historical darkness and the macabre, but a reflection on our continuous quest to understand the human psyche. Through the ancient lens, we seek to comprehend the shadowy side of human nature and, perhaps, learn lessons to shape a better future.


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AO Magazine January February 2024
AO Magazine January February 2024

The Renaissance - a time when art, science, and human curiosity sparked a cultural rebirth!

Imagine strolling through Florence, where every corner seems to echo with the clinks and clatters of creativity. Here, Michelangelo worked his magic on marble, while Leonardo da Vinci painted his masterpieces and thought up his innovative, and sometimes deadly, inventions. Witness the glory of the Spanish Golden Age, a time of artistic and literary genius, then head north where Copernicus turned his eyes to the stars, reshaping humanity’s perception of our place in the universe. However, the Renaissance wasn't just about art and science; it was also home to the mystical and the mysterious, a world where magic blended with the quest to explain the wonders of nature and the universe.

While for most women life in the Renaissance was entwined with the indoor realm, we share the stories of courageous female characters from this era who stand out for their contributions to the cultural and intellectual climate of their time, laying the groundwork for future developments. We also discuss the House of Borgia, waltzing through a maze of power plays, and look for the truth behind this family’s notorious reputation. Venice's Bridge Wars is another reminder that this era had its share of action-packed and violent drama.

The Renaissance is a time that still dazzles and challenges us to look beyond the horizon, proving that history is anything but dull!


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AO Magazine November-December 2023
AO Magazine November-December 2023

Examining and recreating the instruments our ancestors left behind, singing their songs, and exploring the locations where they performed gives us a much richer understanding of the past and brings their stories to life in a way quietly pondering archaeological sites as if they were silent places of worship cannot.

In this issue we explore the theme of ancient music through the ages and across the globe. You’ll read about prehistoric stones which seem to magically turn into instruments (if you know how to play them), the tradition of singer-storytellers known as griots, and the origins of flamenco. Discover how music and megalithic sites intertwine and why it’s probably best to never play Tutankhamun’s trumpets again! Finally, as the holiday season approaches, read about six unique winter holiday gift-bearers and discover the origins of Christmas carols, a cherished musical tradition that’s endured for generations.

So, the next time you are at an ancient site and the guide mentions that it’s a space where people held celebrations, remember that music is a vital component of festivities since time immemorial, and maybe hum a little song, tuning in to the music of the past.


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AO Magazine September October 2023
AO Magazine September October 2023

In a world often dictated by science and hard facts, we invite you to momentarily suspend disbelief, open yourself up to possibilities and wonder, and journey to the realm of paranormal phenomena. Grab your favorite brew and let’s investigate unexplained events, delight in eerie tales of ghosts and haunted houses, ponder the significance of psychics and magic, and consider the subject of UFOs.

As we delve into the underlying psychology of haunted houses and ghostly sightings, we attempt to unmask the truths that lie beneath the veil of the paranormal, offering a balanced sojourn that both questions and marvels at the unexplained. Amidst extraordinary tales, we've also carved out a sanctuary of science, a place where analytical minds can find solace while studying mysteries from the past. In this issue we’re joined by two experts. Jeremy Harte maps the borderlands where folklore meets landscape and the supernatural, and Dr. Neil Dagnall is an Associate Professor in Applied Cognitive Psychology involved with the teaching and researching of the anomalous for over 20 years.

So, join us as we travel through the haunting depths of Transylvania’s Hoia Forest, a place where the mundane meets the mystical, leaving adventurers with chills and more questions than answers. Then let your mind wander through historic haunted sites and stories of monarchs who dabbled in the occult, as the echoes of the past continue to rouse our imagination.

From uncovering the secrets behind spirit doubles that have inspired awe and dread in equal measure, to exploring the tantalizing possibility that ancient artists and writers were witnesses to phenomena beyond earthly comprehension, this unique issue invites you to not only read, but contemplate mysteries that have bewitched humanity for centuries.

May this issue entertain you and spark the luminous ember of wonder that resides within us all!


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AO Magazine July August 2023
AO Magazine July August 2023

Step into a world where fashion transcends time and history is woven into every garment. In this issue, we explore the captivating realm of beauty, style, and fashion throughout history. From extreme practices of traditional body modification to the opulent (and sometimes dangerous) choices of style icons such as Elizabeth I, the history of fashion reveals its complexities to us. Whether you see these styles and concepts of beauty as alluring, bizarre, or even gruesome, they’re never boring!

We expose the ways rulers and cultures have controlled access to certain clothing items, such as purple togas and the use of veils, and showcase ten unique fashion choices from history. You’ll discover the intricate hair rituals of the Himba people, in which every hairstyle carries significance and provides clues to a person’s identity, and be amazed by how people used to perceive plastic surgery.

Dive deep into fascinating fashion trends with our in-depth interviews with historical fashion experts Judith Arnopp and Elizabeth Semmelhack, as they discuss what it takes to dress like a Tudor and the remarkable history and cultural significance of shoes, respectively. Unlock the secrets of timeless beauty with our ancestors’ favorite natural skin and hair care treatments and immerse yourself in the strange and wonderful stories that the world of ancient fashion has to tell.


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AO Magazine May June 2023
AO Magazine May June 2023

In a world where so much of our life is spent indoors, staring at screens, there is something truly exciting about stories of great exploration. The idea of venturing into the unknown, facing danger, and discovering something new has captivated people for centuries. From the great sea voyages of the Age of Discovery to the exploration of the polar regions and beyond, the exploits of famous explorers have captured our imagination and inspired us.

In this issue we cover some of these amazing journeys. You’ll see familiar names such as Leif Erikson, Zheng He, and Ibn Battuta, alongside less-familiar faces like Jeanne Baret (the first woman to circumnavigate the globe), Pytheas of Massalia (an ancient Greek who travelled to the Arctic Circle and back), and a list of modern day adventurers following in the footsteps of explorers from the past.

These stories show us that there is still so much to discover around the world and, perhaps most importantly, they remind us of the power of the human spirit. No matter how difficult a challenge may seem, we are capable of achieving incredible things if we set our minds to it and take a leap to create the lives and stories we want to be remembered for!


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AO Magazine March April 2023
AO Magazine March April 2023

For centuries, tomb raiders have been on a mission to plunder valuable artifacts from tombs and other cultural sites, often leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The impact of these heinous acts is immeasurable, as the loss of cultural heritage and historical context cannot be undone. What's worse is that these nefarious raiders are willing to exploit the dead for their own financial gain, raising serious ethical and moral concerns.

This issue takes a closer look at the harrowing reality of tomb raiding, with real-world examples of the lengths to which these criminals will go. From the desecration of graves in the Nazca desert to the use of explosives and bulldozers by tomb raiders, the scope of damage is alarming. Then the looted treasures have been whisked away to collectors or museums, often without a thought for their sacred significance to the cultures they were taken from.

But what about the artifacts we see in museums and other institutions today? How did they get there in the first place?

The answer to those questions is complicated, and it's one that's being brought to the forefront of the global conversation on repatriation and the ongoing impact of colonialism. As more countries demand the return of their artifacts, museums, universities, and private collectors are facing mounting pressure to right historical wrongs. In this issue, we delve into the themes of repatriation and the decolonization of museums with an interview and the debates surrounding artifacts such as the Elgin Marbles and the Benin Bronzes. But the problem doesn't end there. We also examine how social networks and technology are both aiding and hindering the activities of modern-day tomb raiders.

Despite the challenges we face, there are success stories to be found. We highlight stories like the stolen Orpheus mosaic that was returned to Turkey, the cherished moai statue that was welcomed back to Easter Island, and the crown jewels that were confiscated from a 17th century thief.


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AO Magazine January February 2023
AO Magazine January February 2023

Many people expect their heroes to be perfect, but even heroic people have flaws. Our ancestors knew this, and the heroic protagonists of their legends weren’t infallible. By bringing their heroes down to a more human level, the idea of doing heroic acts also became more attainable. Courageous acts and noble qualities weren’t just for gods and goddesses, real people did brave things and had morals and virtues as well.

Discover new perspective on the stories of familiar names such as Joan of Arc, King Arthur, and Alexander the Great. Were the voices that Joan of Arc heard of divine or neurological origin? Was King Arthur’s story elevated to the extent that he became a British messiah? We also question whether the famous Alexander was really so great. Times and cultures change and evolve, and, as we find out in this issue, sometimes a hero becomes a villain.

Finally, we explore two amazing ancient sites; one with a tragic story and the other a story of hope and revival. Read the tale of the Peking Man site filled with political drama, international alliances, and mysterious deaths and disappearances. Then discover the amazing past and bright future for the ancient Mesopotamian site of Girsu with an exclusive interview with Dr. Sébastien Rey, the curator for ancient Mesopotamia at the British Museum and director of the Girsu Project in Iraq.


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AO Magazine November December 2022
AO Magazine November December 2022

There are many reasons people become fascinated by Egypt. It truly is a land of wonders - so ancient and sacred but also vibrant and full of modern life. It’s been a couple years since I was there, but this issue brought back all the wonderful memories – venturing into the Great Pyramid of Giza, watching a sunrise while standing beside the Sphinx, marvelling at the immensity and intricacy of the temples and tombs.

We open this issue with an extraordinary timeline of the ancient Egyptian civilization – it’s the kind of article you’d like to print off and share with people studying ancient Egypt. From there we discover the secrets of life and death in ancient Egypt through articles on medicine, magic, and the false doors incorporated into elaborate tombs. We see how both deserts and wars shaped Egyptian society and ponder what their lost labyrinth would have looked like. Our exclusive interviews with Ted Loukes on his travels through Egypt and Michael E. Habicht, an Egyptologist whose work includes facial reconstructions of ancient mummies using modern technology, bring the stories of Egypt’s past and present together.

November 4, 2022 marked the centennial of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, so we couldn’t let this issue go by without discussing the discovery, treasures, and controversies surrounding one of the greatest finds in modern history. Finally, this is also the time of year when people begin to prepare for the December holiday season, so we explore the origins of two of the major celebrations: Hanukkah and Christmas.


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AO Magazine September October 2022
AO Magazine September October 2022

Travel back in time to the rise of civilization among the lush, green lands between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. For more than 3,000 years Mesopotamia flourished with its complex urban societies and powerful kings who expanded their empires with warfare and diplomacy. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians all called this region home.

Ancient Mesopotamia is notable for its role in many of humanity’s firsts - written language, the wheel, our concept of time, math, maps, and law codes - these developments set it apart from other civilizations rising around it. This was also a land rich in magic and mystery, so we reveal the legend of the world’s first shaman, how exorcisms, witchcraft, and the gods permeated life, and how lullabies were much more than songs to soothe babies.

Join us as we bring the ruins of ancient Mesopotamian cities up from the sands and animate them by telling their stories. Witness the beauty of the Ishtar Gate and Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but also discover the surprising tale of treasures and sacrifice at the Great Death Pit of Ur. See how experts continue to bring this ancient civilization to life by recreating its beer and culinary wonders. If that’s not enough, you’ll also finally learn the reason why reggae music makes reference to Babylon!


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