Almost everyone has heard of Atlantis. The mythical tale of the fabled continent with its advanced civilization, lost beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Or of El Dorado, the legendary city of gold hidden deep within the South American jungles. Lost cities have long captivated our collective imagination. Yet, there is one lost city that gets overlooked. […]
Heracleion: The ancient Egyptian city lost to the sea Read More »
Morpheus is one of the lesser-known Greek gods. He was associated with sleep and dreams. Ovid The first surviving literary reference to Morpheus is found in Metamorphoses, the magnum opus of the Roman poet Ovid. The title translates to Transformations. Born Publius Ovidius Naso in the year 43 BC, Ovid dedicated decades of his life
Who was the Greek God Morpheus? Read More »
As long as humanity has existed, so have the shadowy corners of the human imagination. Some things terrify us on a primordial level, and in ancient times, these fears would sometimes morph into the forms of terrifying mythological creatures, ranging from child-snatching demons to the enemies of gods. Where there are people, there are mythological
The most terrifying mythological creatures in history Read More »
For thousands of years before the arrival of the nomadic Aztecs, other tribes, including the Olmecs and Toltecs, inhabited the Valley of Mexico in what is now Mexico City. The already-established neighbors of the Aztecs were sitting on arable land filled with nutrient-rich soil, leaving the Aztecs with less desirable land. To create a successful
Chinampas: The “Floating Gardens” of the 14th Century Aztecs Read More »
In a world of towering legends and larger-than-life characters, there was one colossal figure who stood tall, both literally and figuratively: Andre the Giant. Andrew was a wrestling icon and famed actor. He was a living spectacle of epic proportions. Both his immense size and his in-ring abilities left audiences awestruck. However, among his peers
Andre the Giant and His Larger-Than-Life Drinking Habits Read More »
For centuries, the name Ragnar Lodbrok struck fear into the hearts of people across Europe. The name conjures images of fearsome Viking warriors, their longships cutting through the waves as they set out to conquer new lands. Ragnar was more than just a warrior, however; he was a figure of legendary proportions. One whose story
The life of Ragnar Lodbrok, the legendary Viking leader Read More »
For centuries, the Mongols ruled an empire that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. It was the largest empire in the world, created through centuries of brutal warfare. Over time, the name Mongol became synonymous with the fearsome horsemen of the Eurasian steppe. Their exploits in battle – not to mention what came after –
5 Countries That Defeated the Mongol Horde Read More »
With a legacy of fierce battles, legendary expeditions, and a powerful lineage, Bjorn Ironside is easily one of the most captivating figures of the Viking Age. As the son of the great Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn was destined for greatness from birth. But it was his skill, courage, and cunning that made him a
Bjorn Ironside: The Son of Viking King, Ragnar Lothbrok Read More »
Cuneiform, the world’s first writing system, is a fascinating window into the lives of our ancestors. Developed over 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, cuneiform was used to record everything – including everyday transactions, personal letters, and epic poems, like the Epic of Gilgamesh. Today, it leaves historians and archaeologists with an invaluable source of information
Cuneiform: The World’s Oldest Writing System Read More »
For those who think Mardi Gras is a weeks-long celebration of debauchery, drunkenness, and nudity–you’re right. But only half right. At the heart of it, Mardi Gras is also a Christian holiday traced to pagan spring and fertility rites dating back thousands of years that has become a popular cultural phenomenon worldwide. And although Mardi
The Strange and Surprising History of Mardi Gras Read More »
