Ancient History
Ancient civilizations laid the foundation for our modern world. From the majestic Egyptian pyramids to the sophisticated cities of the Maya, discover the innovations, cultures and daily life of some of history's earliest and most influential societies.
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For millennia, ancient Egyptian doctors were trailblazers—and evidence detected on skulls suggests its doctors may have even attempted to treat cancer.
The Romans were prodigious builders and expert civil engineers, and their thriving civilization produced advances in technology, culture and architecture that remained unequaled for centuries.
Around A.D. 250, the Maya built flourishing cities. What triggered their decline?
Despite the best efforts of amateur and professional archeologists, the ancient world has retained many of its secrets.
8 Ancient Empires
8 Ancient Empires You’ve Never Heard Of
Grab your fedora and bullwhip as we unearth eight amazing yet obscure ancient empires in this episode of History Countdown.
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Mesopotamia, a region of southwest Asia in the Tigris-Euphrates river valley, is in the Fertile Cresent and "the cradle of civilization."
The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written legal codes, was established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi, who reigned 1792—1750 B.C.
The challenge lies in defining what qualifies as a civilization.
Frogs, cows and the positions of the planets all played a part in weather folklore.
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Completed circa 128 A.D., the structure features a rotunda with a massive domed ceiling.
Queen Amanirenas commanded soldiers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush and successfully resisted Roman rule.
The famous Roman writer was also a military commander who sailed across the Bay of Naples during the disaster.
Pompeii and Herculaneum were flourishing resorts on the coast of Italy until Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79.
Ancient Romans blamed the deadly 'breath of Cerberus' for the mysterious deaths at Pluto’s Gate.
Felines served a useful purpose in ancient Egyptian households and were eventually associated with deities.
These ancient landmarks offer insight into the civilizations of North and South America.
“His death may be the most famous case of pseudothanatos, or false diagnosis of death, ever recorded.”
The most massive symbol of Chinese culture hasn’t always served the same purpose—and no one person can take the credit.
The Great Wall of China was conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century B.C. and eventually spanned more than 13,000 miles across northern China.
The iconic Roman structure stood as the largest and most complex permanent amphitheater in the ancient world.
Built in 70 A.D., Rome's Colosseum has been the site of celebrations, sporting events and bloodshed. Today, the amphitheater is a major tourist attraction, playing host to 3.9 million visitors each year.
