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The Instructions of Shuruppag
The Instructions of Shuruppag (c. 2000 BCE) is the most famous work of the genre of Sumerian wisdom literature whose purpose was to encourage proper behavior in conformity with cultural values and standards. It is among the oldest works of...
Article
The Life of Diogenes of Sinope in Diogenes Laertius
Diogenes of Sinope (c. 404-323 BCE) was a Greek Cynic philosopher best known for holding a lantern to the faces of the citizens of Athens claiming he was searching for an honest man. He was most likely a student of the philosopher Antisthenes...
Video
How writing got civilized - History of Writing Systems #3 (Logographs)
Watch prehistoric pictures turn into written words as ancient civilizations around the world learn to write for the very first time! You took Thoth's Pill. Now your journey continues. Leave the cave days behind and take a leap into history...
Interview
Interview: Rome Strategy of Empire by James Lacey
In this interview, World History Encyclopedia sits down with author James Lacey to chat about his new book Rome: Strategy of Empire published by Oxford University Press. Kelly: Can you tell us a little bit about your background...
Article
Ten Facts You Need to Know about the Inca
The Inca civilization (c. 1400-1533 CE) is among the most vital of South America in terms of its cultural influence and legacy. The Inca began as a small tribe who steadily grew in power to conquer other peoples all down the coast from Columbia...
Image
Giovanni Boccaccio & Florentines Who Have Fled from the Plague
Illustration from a medieval manuscript Giovanni Boccaccio, Le Decameron. Translated from the Italian by Laurent de Premierfait Bruges, Master of 1482 and follower (illuminators); c. 1485 CE Manuscript reference: The Hague, KB, 133 A 5...
Image
Poppaea and Nero Have the Head of Octavia Brought Forward to Them
Poppaea Sabina and Nero Have the Head of Octavia Brought Forward to Them, oil on canvas by Giovanni Muzzioli, 1876.
Civic Museum of Modena.
Article
Ten Ancient Mesopotamia Facts You Need to Know
Mesopotamia is the ancient Greek name (meaning “the land between two rivers”, the Tigris and Euphrates) for the region corresponding to modern-day Iraq and parts of Iran, Syria, and Turkey. It is considered the “cradle of civilization” for...
Article
Ten Native American Legendary Creatures You Need to Know
Native American lore features many legendary creatures and supernatural entities that were understood as beneficial to humanity but just as many that posed serious threats to be avoided. These beings, although frightening, often served an...
Article
Ten Ancient LGBTQ Facts You Need to Know
Issues in the modern-day regarding gender identity and civil rights for members of the LGBTQ community are a relatively recent phenomenon as are the terms 'homosexual' and 'heterosexual'. In ancient societies, there was no distinction made...