Amastris: A Persian Princess
Amastris (circa 340/39-285 BCE) was the niece of Persian King Darius III (reigned 336-330 BCE), being the daughter of Oxyathres.
Ancient Middle East
The Akkadian Empire: The World’s First Empire and Its Lasting Influence
The Akkadian Empire’s influence persisted long after its fall. Sargon’s model of centralized rule, military might, and economic integration became a template for future empires.
Zarathustra: The prophetic visionary behind Zoroastrianism
Zarathustra’s teachings stand as a monumental shift in the understanding of divinity, morality, and human agency.
Zoroastrianism: The ancient Persian faith
Today, Zoroastrianism remains a testament to ancient wisdom, moral clarity, and the enduring value of individual choice.
Ahura Mazda: Supreme deity in Zoroastrianism
Ahura Mazda’s legacy within Zoroastrianism and Persian history illustrates the enduring appeal of a deity who embodies wisdom, compassion, and justice.
Ahriman: The dark spirit in Zoroastrianism
Throughout history, Ahriman has remained a symbol of existential duality and the struggle between order and disorder
How Farming Shaped the Fertile Crescent
Agriculture in the Fertile Crescent & Mesopotamia represents a foundational chapter in human history
Adad Nirari I of Assyria
Adad Nirari I, ruler from 1307 to 1275 BCE, revitalized Assyria’s power with military might, bold diplomacy, and monumental building.
The Economic Transformation of Babylonia in the 1st Century BCE
This transformation was influenced by a combination of environmental improvements, state policies, and the evolving dynamics of trade and monetization.
Incredible Bronze Age Architecture from the Near East and Aegean
The Bronze Age, which spanned from approximately 3000 to 1200 BCE, was a time of significant technological and cultural advances in the Near East and the Aegean
The Purpose and Significance of Mesopotamian Ziggurats
Mesopotamian ziggurats were monumental structures that defined the ancient cities of the region for over two millennia.
The Achaemenid Empire
The Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE) was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world
The Mystery of the Sea Peoples and the Bronze Age Collapse
The Bronze Age, a period of thriving civilizations, crumbled around 1200 BCE, possibly due to the enigmatic Sea Peoples.
Ghosts in the Machine: Ancient PTSD and Mesopotamian Warriors
Ancient Mesopotamians believed ghosts caused illness, even affecting soldiers returning from war.
The Maccabean Revolt: Defying Oppression in Ancient Judea
The Maccabean Revolt, a pivotal uprising in ancient Judea, symbolizes the struggle for religious freedom against oppressive forces.
The Philistines: Ancient Sea People of the Eastern Mediterranean
Explore the history, culture, and influence of the Philistines, the ancient sea people known for their conflicts with the Israelites.
