#1 My Great Grandpop's 1912 Olympic Medal. He Placed 8th In Pole Vaulting. This Medal Is Just For Participating
Despite the disparity in time, ancient history continues to have a perceptible influence on modern society. Lawyers, for example, still use Latin words from ancient times, while many landmark buildings still feature Roman architecture.
As the National Geographic Society points out, “it is no surprise that a once-booming empire was able to impact the world in so many ways and leave a lasting legacy behind.”
#4 The Sword Of Goujian Was Discovered Untarnished And Retains Sharp Edges After ~2500 Years
#6 Photographed In 1974, Freshly Excavated 2000 Year Old Terracotta Warriors Still Showing The Original Color Scheme Before Rapid Deterioration
Ancient Egypt also developed many concepts that continue to influence our lives today. The hieroglyphics, for example, are widely regarded as a foundational element of the modern alphabet. Mummification, meanwhile, has provided valuable insights into human health, disease evolution, and prevention.
“Today, they remind us that plenty of impressive inventions are rooted in the ancient past,” archeology journalist Sam Walters wrote in an article for Discover Magazine.
#7 The Claw Of A Moa, A New Zealand Bird That Went Extinct 600 Years Ago, Has Been Preserved
We often look at ancient history with fascination and awe, and these artifacts are a testament to that. However, many historians believe that these stories should be told as they happened, including the unsavory details.
University of Warwick professor Michael Scott points out how the Greek and Roman civilizations once normalized “a spectrum of misogynist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic, and homophobic ideas.”
#11 Axe With Intact Shaft Uncovered At Rødbyhavn, Denmark. Dates To The Stone Age, About 5,500 Years Ago
Scott believes modern-day classicists and ancient historians must challenge how stories about ancient civilizations are often presented, particularly as educational materials.
“[We must] highlight both the similarities and the differences between us and them, as well as pushing back the boundaries so that everyone can learn from the past,” he said in an interview with the University of Warwick online publication.
These artifacts and the snippets of information are bite-sized history lessons for everyone. Just by looking at them, we gain insight into how people lived their lives and how societies functioned.
Historian Stephanie E. Effevottu summed it up perfectly: “History is the study of both change and continuity.”
#17 12,000 Year Old Petroglyphs Discovered In India That May Hold Clues To A Previously Unknown Civilization
#18 Tipu's Tiger, Life-Sized Wooden Mechanical Organ From 1793
#19 The Roman Wine Of Speyer Is The Oldest Wine Of The World That Is Still Liquid. The Bottle Has Been Dated Between 325 And 350 Ad. It Was Found In 1867 In A Grave And Is Today In A Museum
#20 Mysterious Roman Dodecahedron That Has Been Found In England (More Than A Hundread Of These Have Been Found All Over Europe, But Nobody Knows What Are They For)
