The Ancient History Encyclopedia wishes to share resources which contribute to a better understanding and appreciation for the ancient world to user, visitor, and researcher alike. With that being said, we wanted to alert you to another great documentary film website where you can watch select titles for free. In the past, we informed you of the usefulness of Top Documentary Films and now we would like to introduce you to SnagFilms. They have a great history section–check it out by clicking here.

We wanted to alert our readers and contributors to a phenomenal resource filled with unique articles and research from a variety of perspectives. UNESCO Courier Magazine is the bimonthly publication of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). By accessing the archive section, you can find articles and research on just about any topic. There are a good number of articles about historical preservation and excellent feature articles on topics related to the ancient world. With more than 700 issues and articles available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and now Portuguese, we think you would be foolish not to check it out!

USAToday is reporting that archaeologists are an increasingly common presence in Iraq. After nearly thirty years of war, rebellion, and governmental transition, archaeologists from the United States and Europe are returning to Iraq in droves. Now with new technologies and scientific advances at their disposal, archaeologists expect a great wave of new discoveries in the heartland of human civilization. Please click here to access the article.

For centuries, the forests of Guatemala have hidden an impressive Mayan city until recently: “El Mirador.” In its day, it was the rival of the famous city of Tikal and one of the most powerful Mayan-city states in the Yucatan. Dating back more than 2.500 years, it is also one of the oldest Mayan cities ever found. Now, scholars and archaeologists are just beginning the daunting process of exploring this massive city. Smithsonian Magazine ran an intriguing feature article on “El Mirador” last May and you click here to read it.

Le Musée d’Arles, in Arles, France, is the site of an unprecedented exhibition, exploring the submerged wonders of Roman antiquity from beneath the Rhône River. From March 9 to June 25, 2012, Le Musée d’Arles will bring Roman Arles (“Arelate”) alive through the presentation of reconstructed models, artifacts, bronzes and silvers, and architectural pieces. Other objects will be on loan from the Louvre, Le Musée Calvet d’Avignon and the Museo di Antichità of Turin, Italy. Please click here to read more about this exciting exhibition.

While ancient sites around Greece have suffered because of the protracted economic crisis, ANSAmed reports that one major site has recently been given funds for restoration and protection. Yesterday, the Central Archaeological Council of Greece approved a measure to restore the famed theatre of ancient Delos. Built originally of marble and completed in 250 BCE, the theatre was massive, equipped for nearly 7.000 visitors. Although it abandoned in 88 BCE, following an invasion of the island by Mithridates VI of Pontus (r. 120-63 BCE) during the The First Mithridatic War (89-85 BCE), it has long been admired and even imitated. Please read more about this restoration project by clicking here.

Google has just sent me an email to let me know that Ancient History Encyclopedia is now a featured education app in the Chrome Web Store! For all those Chrome users who haven’t got our app yet, go ahead and install our app, to always have it easily accessible in your browser! And for those who aren’t using Chrome yet… you should! 😉

Australia has more than 100.000 rock art sites with more being discovered every year. Not surprisingly, Australia has the most rock art in the world. Academics and archaeologists face the daunting task of preserving and recording these ancient treasures–some of which date back more than 9.000 years! The Australian recently ran this article about a new initiative from the University of Western Australia on the topic. Please click here to access it.

Japanese archaeologists have uncovered more than six terracotta figures dating from c. 400 CE in city of Matsue in Chogoku region of Japan. The figures include warriors, sumo wrestlers, and finely crafted horses. The clay figures or “haniwa,” in Japanese, were used for burial rites and as funerary pieces. This particular discovery has caused quite a stir in Japan as the figures seem to reflect the influence of the nearby Izumo region (presently the Shimane Prefecture), which had close relations with the Korean peninsula in ancient times. Please click here to read more about this discovery from Press TV.

The free-to-play browsergame Remanum has launched in English. In this massively multiplayer game the player takes the role of a Roman merchant who accumulates wealth and power, with the goal of becoming Roman Emperor. The game features a simulation of supply and demand in 20 historically important cities around the Mediterranean. Jan van der Crabben (the founder of Ancient History Encyclopedia) was lead designer on this game, so please give this free game a try!