Ancient Civilizations
112 sourced historical stories, arranged by subject.
Ancient CivilizationsA tomb preserved an enormous set of bronze bells
The large set of bronze bells excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng provides evidence for Warring States music through its inscriptions and construction. Some bells can sound different pitches, demonstrating sophisticated knowledge of bell-making and musical tuning. Other objects in the tomb also reveal the period's ritual and musical life.
Ancient CivilizationsRoman soldiers left shopping lists and birthday invitations on wood
The Vindolanda tablets are some of the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain (antedated by the Bloomberg tablets from Roman London). They are a rich source of information about life on the northern frontier of Roman Britain.
Ancient CivilizationsOracle-bone inscriptions help reconstruct the Shang dynasty
Yinxu has yielded many oracle-bone inscriptions and bronzes. Divination texts record sacrifices, warfare, agriculture, and royal affairs, providing direct written evidence for studying Shang society.
Ancient CivilizationsCave art records Northern Wei Buddhist construction
The Yungang Grottoes near Datong, Shanxi, were principally built during the Northern Wei dynasty. Their monumental Buddhas and cave carvings combine Buddhist artistic influences from several regions.