Welcome to the History of the Ancient World website. We are the home for news, articles, videos and great resources about Ancient History, focusing on the Ancient Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Chinese and other civilizations.
52,000 Roman coins discovered in England
A massive hoard of over 52 000 coins dating back to the third century AD have been discovered in a field near Frome in the English country of Somerset. Archaeologists believe the hoard, which sheds light on the economic crisis and coalition government in the 3rd century, will rewrite the history books.
Roman Theatre, Cistercian Monastery, win EU Conservation award
The Roman Theatre in Cartagena, Spain, and Le Collège des Bernardins in Paris, France were among two of the three Grand Prix winners at the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, which were held last month in Istanbul.
Archaeologists discover oldest written document found in Jerusalem
A tiny clay fragment – dating from the 14th century B.C.E. – that was found in excavations outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls contains the oldest written document ever found in Jerusalem, say researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
What do we really know about the crucifixion of Jesus?
The many different accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus find little support in historical sources. The reason is that antique sources generally lack descriptions of crucifixions, says Gunnar Samuelsson, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who recently finished his doctoral thesis on the topic.
4th century images of four apostles discovered in Rome
Italian archaeologists and art restorers have discovered paintings depicting the apostles Peter, Paul, Andrew and John in a catacomb underneath the city of Rome. These frescoes, which date from the late 4th century, are believed to be some of the oldest depictions of these Christian saints.
Sticky Rice used in Ancient Chinese construction
Scientists have discovered the secret behind an ancient Chinese super-strong mortar made from sticky rice, the delicious “sweet rice” that is a modern mainstay in Asian dishes. They also concluded that the mortar ― a paste used to bind and fill gaps between bricks, stone blocks and other construction materials ― remains the best available material for restoring ancient buildings.
Roman Gladiator cemetery discovered in England
English archaeologists have announced today that a cemetery discovered in 2004 is very likely to have been the final resting place of gladiators.
Cleopatra Exhibit Opens in Philadelphia
“Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt” opens its doors to the world for the first time at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia
Scaffolds Removed from the Parthenon
For the first time in nearly 30 years the Parthenon is free from scaffolding. The ancient Greek temple, which was built between 447 – 438 BC, has been undergoing extensive restoration work.
Chinese Archaeological Discoveries include tomb of General and a 2200 year-old Icebox
Chinese authorities have made two announcements of important archaeological discoveries in recent days
Damage to Rome’s Colosseum causes concern
The news that a small portion of Rome’s Colosseum has crumbled off the ancient structure is causing concern for Italy’s historical landmarks.
Archaeologists find mysterious 1000 pound lead coffin
In the ruins of a city that was once Rome’s neighbor, archaeologists last summer found a 1,000-pound lead coffin.
Ancient Historic Sites from the World Heritage List
Watch 18 videos of UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the Ancient World
Profile of Ancient History: The Colosseum
Click here to learn more about one of the most famous landmarks in the world, including videos and tourist information. The Colosseum today is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view the interior arena…Click here to read more.
Video: Life Away from the Nile: Exploring Kharga Oasis in Egypts Western Desert
Lecture by Salima Ikram on the archeological remains discovered as part of AUC’s North Kharga Oasis Survey (NKOS).
The Lexicon of Abuse: Drunkenness and political illegitimacy in the late Roman world
Mapping the Crisis of the Third Century
Disease and death in the ancient city of Rome
The presentation of gladiatorial spectacles in the Greek East
There’s Something Rotten in the State…Bad Smells in Antiquity
From the ‘Great Convergence’ to the ‘First Great Divergence’: Roman and Qin-Han state formation and its aftermath
Introduction to Ancient Greek History with Donald Kagan
Learn about Ancient Greeks through this series of 24 lectures from Yale University Professor Donald Kagan
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