Nearly two thousand years after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, destroying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, scientists have uncovered a hauntingly rare phenomenon—a man’s brain turned into black glass.
Archaeology
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. has returned 11 antiquities valued at nearly $1 million to Greece. The artifacts, seized during investigations into antiquities trafficking, including a probe into convicted London-based trafficker Robin Symes, were handed over at a repatriation ceremony with Greece’s Minister of Culture Dr. Lina Mendoni. This latest action is part of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit’s broader effort, which has recovered over 2,225 stolen items valued at $250 million during Bragg’s tenure.
Archaeologists in Montaione, Italy, have unearthed a rare 1,700-year-old Roman statue of Hercules, standing just 1.64 feet tall. Despite its small size and missing head, the marble figure—complete with a club, lion’s skin, and a bull’s head at its feet—offers a unique depiction of the Greek demigod’s seventh labor, thrilling experts and proving that size doesn’t diminish significance in this exceptional find
The British Museum has just unveiled the winning design in an international architectural competition for…
A remarkable 2,300-year-old Hellenistic courtyard and building have been unearthed on Failaka Island, Kuwait, by a joint Kuwaiti-Italian archaeological team. This significant discovery at the Al-Qurainiya site reveals new insights into the island’s rich history and the extent of Hellenistic influence in the region. The find includes pottery, structural remains, and evidence of continuous habitation spanning multiple historical periods.
Discover what Alexander the Great might have looked like through AI-generated images based on ancient descriptions and artistic representations. This article combines historical accounts, such as those from Plutarch and Arrian, with modern AI technology to recreate the iconic leader’s appearance. From his hair color to his height and unique features, explore a visual journey into the face of one of history’s most legendary figures.
Ancient Tombs Unearthed in Padula, Including Diobol Minted in Tarentum Featuring Athena and Hercules
In Padula, Campania, the discovery of nineteen ancient tombs has uncovered valuable artifacts, including a rare diobol coin minted in Tarentum between 380 and 325 BC, depicting the goddess Athena on one side and Hercules slaying the Nemean lion on the reverse. The findings provide key insights into the region’s rich cultural history.
Archaeologists from Ondokuz Mayıs University are embarking on a significant excavation project to uncover the ancient city of Sebastopolis. Located in Turkey’s Sulusaray district, Sebastopolis was a crucial trading hub through various historical eras. The project focuses on uncovering key structures like a Roman Bath and a Byzantine Church, with hopes of revealing other significant public buildings. The excavation presents both logistical and financial challenges due to the city’s location beneath modern Sulusaray and its embedding in deep silt and soil layers.
For the first time in two millennia, a Roman scroll charred by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption is being read using advanced X-ray imaging and machine learning. Known as PHerc. 172, this Greek-written scroll is part of 1,800 others recovered from an ancient villa in Herculaneum. Through the Vesuvius Challenge, researchers are uncovering its text, revealing connections to Epicurean philosophy.
The placement of ancient Greek temples was no accident. Geodetic triangulation theory suggests that their locations formed intentional geometric patterns, such as equilateral and isosceles triangles. These alignments are believed to reflect the movements of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and planets. The orientation of temples also had a practical spiritual purpose—aligning with the sunrise on the god’s feast day to illuminate the central statue, connecting the divine with the cosmos.
Visitors to Greece can explore the country’s rich history for free this Sunday, February 2nd, at all state-owned archaeological sites, historical locations, monuments, and museums operated by the Ministry of Culture.
Greece is transforming a former airport into a €7.5 billion futuristic city called Ellinikon. This ambitious project will feature Greece’s first skyscraper, a massive shopping mall, a sprawling sports park, and luxury residences, all while prioritizing sustainability and coastal views. Expected to be completed by 2037, Ellinikon aims to boost Greece’s economy, attract a million new tourists annually, and create 80,000 jobs.
ATHENS, Greece (GCT) — Authorities in Greece said Friday they have arrested a suspect accused…
Ancient Greek treasures journey to China and Australia in 2025! Explore the “Dawn of Civilization” and the “Glory and Grandeur” of ancient Greece through artifacts, replicas, and captivating narratives in two major exhibitions. Discover the “Rituals – Gifts to the Gods” in Melbourne and delve into the timeless connection between humanity and the divine.
New research suggests that human-caused lead pollution in the Aegean Sea began 5,200 years ago—1,200 years earlier than previously thought. A study analyzed sediment cores from land and sea, linking lead contamination to historical human activity. The findings reveal a major pollution surge around 2,150 years ago, coinciding with the Roman Empire’s expansion into Greece and intensified gold and silver mining. This marks the earliest recorded marine lead pollution, highlighting the environmental impact of ancient societies.
The Ministry of Culture is progressing with a restoration initiative at Ancient Olympia to enhance Roman-era structures, including the Cladeus Bath complex. This project aims to integrate these monuments into the accessible archaeological site, offering visitors a broader historical perspective.
This figure, dating from the early 5th century BCE and originating from Boeotia, Greece, depicts…
Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed around 2,000 pieces of bronze statues in an ancient scrapyard in Metropolis, now known as Izmir. This discovery highlights the early recycling practices of the Late Antiquity period, revealing a treasure trove of disassembled bronze parts likely intended for reuse.
A Hellenistic-era statue was unexpectedly discovered in a garbage bag near a trash container in Thessaloniki, Greece, prompting an investigation into its origins.
Ancient Roman Statue of Athena Emerges After 260 Years in HidingWrightwood 659, the foundation invites the public to see a work which has been largely out of general public view for nearly three centuries,” said Karen Manchester, the foundation’s curator, in a statement. “Now, scholars, students, and visitors will be able to study the statue of Athena closely and interpret it from many perspectives, including those of art history, restoration practices, and gender studies..