Giovanni Battista Bugatti, better known as Mastro Titta, was the official executioner of the Papal States, a position he held with grim distinction from 1796 to 1864. Born in Senigallia in 1779, Bugatti began his career as an executioner at the age of 17 and went on to execute 514 people during his 68 years […]
The recent discovery of a 2,500-year-old mass grave in Himera, Sicily, has offered groundbreaking insights into the composition and dynamics of ancient Greek armies. Contrary to the traditional portrayal of Greek soldiers as noble defenders of their homeland, DNA analysis of the remains found in this mass grave has unveiled a more complex picture. Published […]
The Bisotun Inscription stands as a monumental achievement of ancient Persia, showcasing the grandeur and authority of King Darius the Great. Carved into a towering cliff in modern-day Iran, this inscription serves as a testament to Darius’s ambition and the vast reach of the Persian Empire. Commissioned around 520 BC, the inscription’s multilingual text reflects […]
In 1994, beneath a Dominican church in the town of Vác, Pest County, Hungary, archaeologists unearthed a remarkable discovery: several coffins containing remarkably well-preserved corpses. Among them, two mummies captured the attention of the researchers. These mummies belonged to a 38-year-old mother named Veronica Skripetz and her 1-year-old son, Johannes Orlovits. In April 2016, doctors […]
Roman crocodile armor, dating back to the 3rd century AD, represents a fascinating example of ancient protective gear crafted from the tough hide of Nile crocodiles. This unique type of armor likely emerged from the Romans’ exposure to and conquests in Egypt and other regions where crocodiles were prevalent. Origins and Craftsmanship The armor was […]
In the 1920s, British archaeologist Leonard Woolley embarked on a series of groundbreaking excavations at Ur, a city of immense historical significance in Mesopotamia. During these excavations, Woolley and his team uncovered a network of remarkably well-preserved drains beneath the city streets, dating back approximately 4,000 years. These ancient drains were not merely channels for […]
Indeed, the Lion Gate serves as an enduring testament to the Mycenaean civilization’s power, creativity, and architectural ingenuity. Its iconic imagery, featuring the imposing lionesses and the massive stone structure, resonates with visitors, offering a tangible connection to the rich history and culture of ancient Greece. As the gateway to the citadel of Mycenae, this […]
The Lion Gate of Mycenae is indeed a remarkable testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of the ancient Mycenaean civilization. Dating back to around 1250 BC, this imposing entryway is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the power and grandeur of Mycenae during the Bronze Age. The most striking feature […]
The discovery of an ancient Egyptian tunic dating back 4,500 years is indeed a remarkable event that promises to reshape our understanding of ancient Egyptian fashion and textile craftsmanship. The preservation of such a delicate artifact for over four millennia provides invaluable insights into the material culture and clothing traditions of ancient Egypt. This extraordinary […]
The discovery of 4,400 naturally preserved human brains in the archaeological record, spanning various historical periods and geographic locations, is a significant finding that sheds new light on our understanding of ancient civilizations and their practices related to death and burial. Forensic anthropologist Alexandra Morton-Hayward’s research, conducted at the University of Oxford, has unveiled a […]