In the February 2012 edition of Smithsonian Magazine, there is an excellent article on the beautiful “Fayum portraits,” dating from the Greco-Roman period of Egyptian history (c. 332 BCE–642 CE). Discovered between 1887 and 1889 CE, by the British archaeologist W. M. Flinders Petrie, these portraits are arguably some of the most exquisite portraits in the history of art. To read more about these portraits, please click here to read and access this article. Be sure to follow the links to view the gallery of accompanying images!

While corn was first domesticated in the valleys of central Mexico thousands of years ago, scientists and archaeologists now believe that popcorn originated from ancient Peru. According to a recent report from National Geographic, popcorn is over two thousand years old! Please click here to read the article in full.

Our history books inform us that the ancient Sumerians from the Fertile Crescent were the first to brew alcoholic beverages. Is this true though? Or did the Sumerians merely brew a very “low-alcoholic” drink?  The writers at Deutsche Welle review the evidence and make a judgment. Please click here to read this report.

Analyzing Caesar’s Motivations and Emotions on the Banks the Rubicon By Michael Sweet Published Online, 2006 Introduction: Gaius Julius Caesar is among the most famous men in human history. His cognomen… [continue reading]

From War Elephants to Circus Elephants: Humanity’s Abuse of  Elephants By Mike Jaynes Journal for Critical Animal Studies, Volume 7, Issue 1 (2009) Abstract: This paper examines the historical human… [continue reading]

As the Romans retreated from Britain at the dawn of the fifth century CE, various Germanic tribes invaded and subdued the Romanized Celtic inhabitants. Following conquest, they left behind impressive barrows in addition to hoards of gold, silver, and other precious metals. Recently, National Geographic Magazine featured an article on the spectacular discovery of a hoard of gold in Staffordshire. Yet a mystery remains: no one knows who buried it or why it was buried in the first place. Please click here to read this compelling article.

Wet-nursing in the Roman Empire: Indifference, efficiency and affection By Anna Sparreboom Thesis M-phil., VU University, Amsterdam (2009) Introduction: The introduction of artificial baby food in the western world… [continue reading]

Why does the same, bizarre Bronze Age structure appear across Ireland and the United Kingdom? Was it something purely ceremonial or something with more practical purposes? In this article, freelance writer Erin Mullally investigates the importance of these structures to historians and anthropologists alike, uncovering clues along the way. Please click here to read this article published through Archaeology Magazine.

Hygienic conditions in ancient Rome and modern London By Lord Amulree Medical History, Vol.17:3 (1973) Introduction: Edwin Chadwick, acting on first principles only, outlined a programme for the improvement in the health… [continue reading]