The Lure of Chichén Itzá Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracts millions of visitors each year. Nestled in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, this ancient Maya city offers more than just ruins—it promises a journey through time, wrapped in ritual, mystery, and monumental architecture. Yet for all its splendor,…
From Classical Studies to Persian Fortresses In 1962, a 24-year-old Ed Keall journeyed to Iran with little idea that this trip would launch a lifetime of exploration, scholarship, and discovery. What began as an opportunity to work alongside British and American archaeologists quickly evolved into a 50-year archaeological adventure, with a specific focus on a…
A Forgotten Tomb with Royal Echoes In the quiet countryside of Lazio, Italy, an ancient Etruscan tomb lies carved into the bedrock—a seemingly solitary monument, but one steeped in powerful legacy, mystery, and historical intrigue. Known as the Tomb of Grotte Scalina, this monumental grave stands just 1.55 km north of Musarna, an Etruscan settlement…
In the heart of ancient Pompeii, a dramatic scene has returned to life on the back wall of the peristyle garden in the House of the Ceii. Standing nearly two stories tall, this predatory fresco has been painstakingly restored—revealing a violent clash between big cats and their prey. This isn’t a tranquil pastoral vision; it’s…
Rethinking Ancient Medical Practices For decades, ancient medicine has often been dismissed as primitive or rudimentary. However, archaeological findings continue to challenge this narrative. One such discovery from Sweden, dating back to between 1260 and 1527, sheds new light on the advanced surgical capabilities of ancient practitioners. A human humerus bone with a copper plate…
Among the earliest known examples of prehistoric art from the American continent, the Sacrum Bone of Tequixquiac stands as a remarkable and mysterious relic. Carved between 14,000 and 7,000 BCE, this paleo-Indian sculpture—shaped like a canine—was discovered in Tequixquiac, Mexico, and remains one of the oldest known artistic expressions in the New World. Made from…
In 2016, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, located in modern-day Anatolia (Turkey): a beautifully crafted marble female figurine estimated to be around 8,000 years old. This artifact not only captured the attention of scholars but also reignited public interest in one of the world’s most significant prehistoric settlements. A…
When thinking of megalithic sites in Southeast Asia, the Plain of Jars in Laos often takes center stage. However, deep within Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, lies an equally enigmatic and ancient site—Bada Valley, home to hundreds of prehistoric megaliths, many of which remain largely unknown to the global public. These stone relics, believed to be over…
In the vibrant, artistic heart of 18th-century Venice, an extraordinary invention quietly emerged—sunglasses made of Murano glass. Long before the modern world understood the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Venetian artisans crafted green-tinted eyewear not just for fashion, but for function. Among the most celebrated examples are the Goldoni-type sunglasses featuring the Mocenigo family coat…
Among the artistic marvels of Ancient Egypt, the Cube with Relief of Nebnefer stands out as a unique and significant artifact. Dating from the reign of Amenhotep III (circa 1391–1353 BCE), this granodiorite sculpture is a fascinating glimpse into the religious, social, and artistic life of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Discovered at the Sobek Temple in…
