Ancient Civilizations
112 sourced historical stories, arranged by subject.
Ancient CivilizationsA small inlaid object depicted warfare and feasting
The Standard of Ur is an ancient inlaid object excavated in Mesopotamia. Images on its two sides show scenes including military processions, captives, and a banquet.
Ancient CivilizationsThe Statue of Liberty was a gift from France
France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States. Its surface is made of copper sheets, while an internal metal structure supports its enormous body and raised arm.
Ancient CivilizationsStonehenge took shape in several stages
Stonehenge in Britain was not built in a single project. Its ditch, stone circles, and other structures were created in different phases, and further prehistoric remains surround the site.
Ancient CivilizationsAn imperial garden brought lakes and hills into its design
The Summer Palace combines Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, palaces, covered corridors, and other buildings. Its landscape organizes routes and views while serving imperial residence and activities.
Ancient CivilizationsA sundial turns the Sun's position into time
A sundial indicates the time through a shadow cast in sunlight. The layout of its dial and pointer depends on the local latitude and its orientation, so it cannot simply be placed anywhere.
Ancient CivilizationsA ship buried in a Suffolk field revealed an Anglo-Saxon royal world
In 1939, excavation at Sutton Hoo revealed the impression of a large ship and a burial chamber filled with extraordinary objects. The Suffolk discovery transformed the picture of Anglo-Saxon wealth, craftsmanship, and connections across the North Sea, even though the ship’s wooden timbers had almost entirely disappeared.
Ancient CivilizationsWhite marble created a monumental space of remembrance
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum complex commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its white-marble main building is only one part of the full garden plan.
Ancient CivilizationsHeaven-worship architecture gave ritual ideas a physical form
Beijing's Temple of Heaven hosted rites such as sacrifices to Heaven by Ming and Qing emperors. Its circular buildings and layout carry symbolic meaning and reflect a specialized ritual system.
Ancient CivilizationsA planned metropolis rose around a monumental avenue
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico, which is located in the State of Mexico, 40 kilometers northeast of modern-day Mexico City. Although close to Mexico City, Teotihuacan was not a Mexica city, and it predates the Aztec Empire by many centuries.
Ancient CivilizationsThe Terracotta Army was once brightly painted
The Terracotta Army at Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum once carried painted colors. Their loss is connected with conditions underground and changes in the materials after excavation.
Ancient CivilizationsA rainforest city had towering stepped temples
Tikal is an important Maya city site, with tall stepped temples and plazas in a rainforest setting. They reflect the planning and power structures of the ancient city.
Ancient CivilizationsA highland city raised stone monuments beside Lake Titicaca
Tiwanaku is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca, about 70 kilometers from La Paz, and it is one of the largest sites in South America. Surface remains currently cover around 4 square kilometers and include decorated ceramics, monumental structures, and megalithic blocks.