Orichalcum is a semi-mythical metal that was most likely an early form of brass. Its name derives from the ancient Greek words for ‘mountain’ and ‘copper’. Orichalcum was mentioned in several ancient texts, including Plato’s Critias. Plato wrote of orichalcum as being second in value only to gold, but other writers centuries later used the […]
Real or Fake? Orichalcum, Ancient Metal of Mythical Origins Read More »
The Xoloitzcuintli, better known as a Xolo dog, is an ancient breed that has existed for over three thousand years. Still popular in modern Mexico, this hairless dog takes its name from the Aztec god Xolotl. Xolotl Xolotl was an important Aztec god who guided souls – and the sun – through the underworld. He
Ancient, Hairless Dog of the Gods: the Xolo Dog Read More »
Urban planning refers to the process of structuring and appropriating urban spaces to their highest potential. It sounds like a modern term, but you may be surprised to hear that urban planning was already being used 5,000 years ago. The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest in the world and the oldest in
Indus Valley Civilization: Urban Planning of 5,000 Years Ago Read More »
Who is the most famous power couple in history? Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Bill and Hillary Clinton? No, the answer is Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Each led one of the most powerful countries in the world. Their combined relationship represented an almost unmatched level of concentrated power. So how did these two historical figures end up
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In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, M’Baku (played by Winston Duke) delivers a line about the film’s antagonist, Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta). It was delivered in such a way that it stuck with the crowds who saw the film “They do not call him general, or king; they call him Kukulkan, the Feathered Serpent God.”
They Call Him Kukulkan: The Feathered Serpent God Read More »
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest is perhaps one of the most consequential battles in the history of the Western world. Also known as the Varian Disaster, the battle saw Germanic tribesmen led by a Roman-trained general decimate three legions of Roman soldiers. A group that the Romans deemed barbaric and uncivilized would use guerrilla warfare
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Bellerophon, whose original name was Hipponous, is a mythical Greek character. He became a great hero, equivalent to Hercules or Perseus. He was born of Poseidon and Eurymone, the daughter of the King of Megara. Eurymone also married King Glaukos, son of Sisyphus. This ties Bellerophon to another major character of Greek mythology. Sisyphus was
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Ancient weaponry certainly holds its own space in history. Each country and culture created specialized tools of great importance. The design and success of a culture’s weaponry signified a degree of wealth and status. Let’s take a closer look at one called the shotel. Origins of the Shotel The curved, sickle-shaped sword, called a shotel, originated
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The half-man, half-horse creature known as the Centaur is one of the most famous beings in Greek mythology. It is a creature whose lower body and legs are that of a horse. And their torso and upper body are that of a human. They represented the realm between humans and nature. Indeed, the Centaur was
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In the midst of the vibrant city of Istanbul stands a structure with a history so storied and at times controversial that it’s almost unbelievable. Both an architectural marvel and a location of religious significance for multiple religions, Hagia Sophia is more than just stone and mortar. It has been a place of inspiration and
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