Ancient History Stories

How much is lost to history and how much do we know? What did social and political structures look like before modern times? How were battles fought and over what? These stories explore what we do know about life in the ancient world. There’s a lot to unpack and the perfect starting point is right here.

1f5ec6bb3d7e-thearchive-tag-feature.png

Beware the Ides of March...

The Roman holiday was marked by religious observances before Julius Caesar's notorious murder.

Heinrich Schliemann and the Controversial Discovery of Ancient Troy

Was he a pioneer of archaeology or a con man who got lucky?

5 Cleopatra Books That Unveil the Woman Behind the Myth

Descended from a Macedonian line of rulers, Cleopatra VII was the last queen of Egypt before it fell to Caesar Augustus.

Explore China's Rich History with These Books

Nine books illuminate China's rich history from its ancient roots to the modern People's Republic of China.

7 Awe-Inspiring Books about the Prehistoric Era

What were early humans like before the invention of writing?

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Win A Man at Arms by Steven Pressfield

This immersive new historical fiction novel explores the ancient world.

Travel to an Unexplored Moment in History with A Man at Arms

Steven Pressfield's latest historical novel investigates the years after the death of Jesus.

10 Ancient Battles That Shook Civilizations

From brilliant victories to unpredictable military upsets, these conflicts stunned the ancient world.

Explore the Past with Today's Best History Podcasts

Hit rewind with the year's most engaging podcasts.

The Naples Underground Offers an Endless Timeline of Neapolitan History

Roman aqueducts, WWII shelters, art, and caches abound in the tunnels below the surface of Naples.

Germanicus: The Great Military Mind of Ancient Rome

Despite widespread adulation of Germanicus, many mysteries about the capable leader remain.

8 Fascinating Ancient History Books Whose Subjects Span the Globe

Witness the beginning of recorded history from Mexico to Mesopotamia.

Why Ancient Romans Built Statues Of Their Greatest Enemy

The statues were a sign of honor for their enemy and a symbol of the strength of the empire.