Inscriptions inside the ancient pyramids in Egypt show that part of the workers pay was in beer, onions, garlic and radishes. It is estimated that it probably took 20,000 to 30,000 men, setting stones at a rate of one every two minutes, approximately 20 years to set the 2.3 million Continue Reading
Ancient
Myth: Mary Magdalene was a prostitute
It is not mentioned in the Bible that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. The myth has arisen from the connection of a “sinner” who is forgiven by Jesus (Luke Chapter 7) and the introduction of Mary Magdelene; Mary of Bethany (John Chapter 11); and a Mary “…from whom seven devils Continue Reading
UFO Sighting in Ancient Egypt
In 1933, Alberto Tulli, the Director of the Vatican Museum (Egyptian Section) visited Cairo and found an interesting papyrus in an antique shop. He was unable to afford to purchase it but made a copy of the text which appears to describe the visitation of UFOs (fiery disks) in around Continue Reading
The Longest Word
The longest word in literature is the fictional dish described in Aristophanes’ comedy Assemblywomen, written in around 391 BC. λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιοκαραβομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοκεφαλλιοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερύγων which is the name of a dish compounded of all kinds of dainties, fish, flesh, fowl, and sauces. which, in the Roman alphabet is written as: Lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphioparaomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossyphophattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygo with a rough English Continue Reading
Pre-historic brain surgery
Skulls have been found that are at least 7000 years old showing evidence of trepanning, where holes are scraped or drilled into the skull, probably using flint tools. It may have been done to release “evil spirits” to escape but has also been used by civilisations such as the ancient Continue Reading
Why are months so weird?
Calendars throughout history have struggled to be logical and maintain synchronism between the lunar cycle (about 29.5 days) and the solar year (about 365.25 days). Most systems include a bodge factor or intercalary months or days to bring things back into line, with varying degrees of accuracy. Sumerian The ancient Continue Reading
Top Ten Empires
Largest Empires by Land Area: British Empire Land area: 35.5 million km2 Percentage of world land area: 23.84% (in 1920) Period: 16th to 20th century Mongol Empire Land area: 24.0 million km2 Percentage of world land area: 16.11% Period: 13th/14th century Russian Empire Land area: 22.8 million km2 Percentage of world land area: Continue Reading
Draconian Death
In the 7th Century BC, Draco became the first legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. His written laws were particularly harsh and it is from this that the adjective Draconian (referring to severe laws or rules) comes from. It is alleged he died after being suffocated by hats and cloaks Continue Reading
Roman Teeth Whitening
The Romans used human urine as a mouthwash and teeth whitener. This may seem somewhat disgusting but it was effective. However, even in Roman times, it was not universally popular, as an extract from a poem by Roman poet Catullus, who was not fond of Egnatius, reads: Egnatius, because he Continue Reading
Ramses the Great
Ramses the Great had 8 official wives and nearly 100 concubines. He was over 90 years old when he died in 1212 BC. He is one of the most popular candidates as the Pharaoh of the Exodus. In 1974 his mummy’s condition was rapidly deteriorating and it was flown to Paris Continue Reading