Article archive
Research, stories and questions from the ancient world.
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Dragon Kings and River Spirits: Gods of Rain and Floods
Chinese Dragon Kings ruled rain and waterways in later tradition. Earlier myths of Yu, He Bo and Nüwa show how China understood floods and…
10 Ancient Roman Buildings You Can Still See in Rome
From the Theatre of Marcellus to Maxentius’ circus, these ten surviving Roman monuments reveal the city’s temples, baths, villas and tombs.
Ancient Greek vs Roman Clothing: Chitons, Togas and Status
Greek and Roman clothing shared tunics and draped cloth, but the peplos, stola and toga carried different meanings for work, citizenship, ritual and status.
Hel in Norse Mythology: Ruler and Realm of the Dead
Hel, Loki's daughter, rules a Norse realm of the dead. The Eddas describe her divided body, Baldr's fate and competing ideas about the afterlife.
When Did the Western Roman Empire Fall?
The Western Roman Empire is conventionally dated to AD 476, when Odoacer removed Romulus Augustulus. But Julius Nepos remained emperor until 480.
Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics: Kohl, Perfume and Beauty Rituals
Ancient Egyptians used mineral eye paints, scented oils and elaborate grooming tools. Archaeology reveals their recipes, rituals and health risks.
How Did Achilles Die? Paris, Apollo and the Heel Legend
Ancient accounts name Paris and Apollo in Achilles’ death, but disagree about the fatal arrow and the story of his supposedly invulnerable heel.
Aristotle’s Lost Works: The Dialogues and Research We No Longer Have
Aristotle's lost dialogues were celebrated in antiquity, while many research collections vanished. What survives, how it was transmitted and what scholars can reconstruct.
How Did Ötzi the Iceman Die?
Ötzi was shot in the back around 3300 BC. His arrow wound is certain, but 2025 forensic studies challenge the claim that he bled…
Socrates’ Execution by Hemlock in 399 BCE
In 399 BCE, Socrates drank poison after an Athenian court condemned him. Plato's account, hemlock toxicology and the trial reveal what we know.
How Was the Bible Written?
How was the Bible written? Follow its ancient authors and scribes, from Hebrew scrolls and the Dead Sea Scrolls to Greek Gospels and codices.
How Did Hannibal Die? Poison, Exile and His Last Words
Hannibal died in Bithynia, probably by poison, after Roman pressure on his protector. Ancient accounts disagree on the date, method and final words.
