Article archive
Research, stories and questions from the ancient world.
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Mount Vesuvius in AD 79: The Eruption That Buried Pompeii
In AD 79, Vesuvius buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pliny’s eyewitness letters, volcanic deposits and new excavations reveal how the disaster unfolded.
Why Ancient Egyptians Mummified Millions of Animals
Egyptians buried millions of cats, dogs and ibises as offerings to the gods. Saqqara’s catacombs and new scientific studies reveal how the practice worked.
How Did Cleopatra Die? The Snake Bite and the Ancient Evidence
Cleopatra died in Alexandria in 30 BCE, but ancient writers disagreed over whether a snake, poisoned ointment or concealed implement killed her.
Did Romans Really Give Gladiators a Thumbs Down?
Roman writers describe a turned or hostile thumb in gladiatorial games, but never specify its direction. What did the signal mean, and how did…
Did Typhoons Stop Kublai Khan’s Invasions of Japan?
Kublai Khan invaded Japan in 1274 and 1281. Storms wrecked his fleets, but samurai resistance and archaeology tell a more complicated story.
Colosseum Water Battles: Did Romans Really Flood the Arena?
Roman writers describe naval battles in the Colosseum, but the engineering is disputed. What do the ancient accounts and archaeology establish?
The Moche Sacrifice Ceremony: What Painted Vessels Reveal
Moche painted vessels depict captive warriors, ritual blood offerings and powerful priests. Excavations at Sipán and Huaca de la Luna reveal what was real.
The Sibylline Books: Rome’s Secret Oracles in Times of Crisis
Rome’s Sibylline Books guided public rituals during plague and war, shaped the arrival of foreign gods, and became entangled in political disputes. The original…
Trajan’s Column: Victory, Propaganda, and Dacia
Trajan’s Column in Rome records two Dacian wars in marble. Learn how its reliefs, inscription, engineering and imperial message shaped the memory of conquest.
The Battle of Zama: How Scipio Defeated Hannibal
At Zama in 202 BCE, Scipio defeated Hannibal through infantry discipline, Masinissa’s cavalry and a battle far harder fought than the familiar elephant story.
What Rituals Took Place in a Mithraeum?
Roman mithraea hosted sacred meals, offerings and initiations. Archaeology shows what worshippers did and why the famous bull-killing image misleads.
Hades Was Not Hell: What Ancient Greeks Believed About Death
Hades was the Greek realm of the dead, not a universal place of torment. Homer, graves, mystery rites and Plato reveal changing beliefs about…
