Top 10 Weekly Articles

The best Ancient Origins articles for this week. Enjoy! [logo4fixed] View this email [in your browser]( [Top10Banner]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [image?cs_ema...]( Eight Harsh But Hilarious Viking Nick Names and How They Came About [img3]( Before surnames became commonplace, a method was needed to differentiate between two or more people with the same name. Many surnames in the English language today are a result of this - John Smith, John Taylor, or John Farrier would all have been answers given to the question, “Which John?!” The three Johns may also have been known as John Williamson, Johnson... [Read more...]( Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts [img3]( The Celts were a distinct ethnic group made up of tribes spread across Europe. They shared similar languages, traditions, religions, and cultural practices and were known for their fierceness in battle and the fact the Romans perceived them as a culture of barbarians. Even the name given to them by the Romans (Galli) translates to barbarian. Although the first mentions of the Celts were in... [Read more...]( Artifacts Found In Rediscovered Sacred Cave Could Change Our Understanding of the Maya [secret-text]( The National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico has announced a remarkable discovery that will provide new insights into the Maya. Experts found a sacred cave where rituals were performed, filled with priceless artifacts. The find was made by archaeologists in a cave system in the Yucatan and it is hoped that they will allow scientists to have a better understanding of the reasons for the collapse and fall of the Maya. The find was made by a team of archaeologists who were looking for sacred wells in a cave system near the abandoned Maya city of Chichen Itza, in the Yucatan... [Read more...]( Challenge Accepted: 6 Months as a Medieval Hermit in Russia [img3]( In our crowded modern cities, there are some who wish that they could live by themselves in a remote wilderness area sometime in the past. They yearn for a time when life was, at least supposedly, simpler. Few, on the other hand, have actually tried to live this life. In 2013, however, as part of a historical re-enactment project, a 24-year-old Russian man spent 6 months living in a homestead which was... [Read more...]( Suggested Weekly Video [banner_0]( [banner_0]( First Ever Skull Fragments of Denisovans Have Been Confirmed Found in Russia [img3]( A breakthrough discovery has been made in Russia which will reveal more about an enigmatic early species of human . Paleo-archaeologists have now identified some skull fragments from the long-extinct species or subspecies of early hominins known as the Denisovans ( Homo denisova ). The find will add more to our knowledge of this ancient human and allow us to have a greater... [Read more...]( Adolf Frederick: The Swedish King Who Ate Himself to Death [alchemical]( Adolf Frederick was a Swedish king who lived during the 18 th century. Although Adolf Frederick ruled Sweden for almost 20 years, it was unremarkable and nothing of great note took place during his long reign. Instead, Adolf Frederick’s (dubious) claim to fame lies in the manner of his death. The Swedish monarch is often nicknamed ‘the king who ate himself to death’, as he is reported to have died after overeating. Adolf Frederick was born on the 14 th of May 1710, in Gottorp, Schleswig, Germany. His father was Christian Augustus of Holstein-Gottorp-Eutin, who belonged to the House of Holstein-Gottorp... [Read more...]( Uncovering the Truth Behind Matriarchal Societies in the Ancient World [img3]( A theme common amongst the mythology of ancient cultures is a belief in the existence of a Golden Age , when humans lived uncorrupted, in peace and harmony, experiencing prosperity and societal stability. While the theme is common, there is much variation in its form and detail across those cultures. Some scholars believe that the foundation of this Golden Age in human prehistory was... [Read more...]( [banner]( Mudlarking the Thames: How a Riverbed Became the World’s Biggest Archaeological Site [img3]( A mudlark is the name given to a person who scavenges in the foreshore of a river for objects that could be sold. This term applies specifically to those operating along the Thames River in London during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although mudlarking continues today along the Thames, it isn’t quite the same sort of activity that it was a century or two ago. For much of its history, the Thames was used by the people... [Read more...]( The Secret Life of an Ancient Concubine [img3]( In many ancient cultures and religious traditions, rulers and elite members of society not only had wives, they also had concubines. Concubines normally served a dual purpose – to increase a man’s prestige through his capacity to produce children and, of course, limitless opportunities to indulge in sexual desires. Most people associate concubines with ancient China where Emperors were known to have kept... [Read more...]( Ten Mythological Creatures in Ancient Folklore [infant-dna]( Mythical creatures, legendary beasts, and supernatural, mystical, and god-like beings have fascinated us since ancient times. They have filled folklore, stories, songs, and works of art. Sometimes living animals or fossils have inspired these mythological creatures. Even today, these beings, from the powerful dragon to the soaring phoenix, continue to thrill, terrify, entertain, and inspire us. Some, such as the Loch Ness Monster or Sasquatch, continue to be "sighted" and sought out. While the origins of fabulous creatures are varied, and often disputed, they have played significant roles in human society, and have... [Read more...]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [GooglePlus]( [YouTube]( [Pinterest]( [Tumblr]( [Instagram]( You Might Like [image?cs_ema...]( [image?cs_ema...]( [image?cs_ema...]( [image?cs_ema...]( [image?cs_ema...]( [image?cs_ema...]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Report spam]( You have received this email because you have subscribed to [Ancient-Origins.net](. Copyright © 2018 [Stella Novus Limited]( - [Ancient Origins]( Stella Novus Limited - Ancient Origins. 61 Saint Assam's Park, Raheny, Dublin 5, D05 W3C8, Ireland. 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