The post 4 Fascinating Facts About the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>In the early 20th century, American explorer Theodore M. Davis found a number of royal and non-royal tombs in the Valley of Kings and mistakenly concluded that one of them was Tutankhamun’s tomb. This led Davis to claim in 1912 that the Valley of Kings “is now exhausted”, which was a decade before the actual discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Despite Davis’ claims, Egyptologist Howard Carter continued excavations in the Valley of Kings, but without much success. It wasn’t until one member of his expedition stumbled upon a carved stone. He noticed that the stone looked unusual, and after removing it, a passage to the tomb was discovered.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is considered the best-preserved tomb in ancient Egypt, as its hidden location prevented the looters from finding it. Still, after examining the tomb, archeologists concluded that it was robbed at least two times. Both lootings likely took place shortly after it was completed, with looters disturbing the tomb’s contents and stealing smaller objects.
Shortly after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, a story about its curse started to spread. Lord Carnarvon, who financed the expedition, died mysteriously one year after the tomb was found, while several other members of the team that took part in the excavation died in the following years. Carter himself also claimed that the tomb was cursed, not because he believed in that, but because he wanted to discourage people from disturbing it.
The post 4 Fascinating Facts About the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The ship, named Griffin, belonged to Danish King Hans and sank in 1495 after it caught fire. It was first discovered in the 1970s, with Södertörn University experts starting to research it in the early 2010s. The researchers knew about the existence of the armor chest but were not able to closely examine it until now.
The chest contains several different casting molds and lead plates, which are used to produce lead bullets for early handguns, according to Stockholm University’s press release.
“The contents of the weapon chest are undeniably one of the most important finds,” said the University of Stockholm’s maritime archeologist Rolf Warming in a statement. “It contains, among other things, several different molds and lead plates for the manufacture of lead bullets for early handguns.”
Besides the armor chest, maritime archeologists also discovered a number of other valuable artifacts, including mail armor fragments and cannon carriages.
The researchers will continue their efforts to learn more about the ship and its purpose.
The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Top 5 Fun Facts About Ancient Olympic Games appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The Greek city-states often engaged in wars, conflicts, and diplomatic disagreements. But that would all stop for the Olympics. Every participating city-state had to agree to a truce that lasted for one month.
Every man who had a status of a free citizen could take part in the Olympics. Women were not allowed to compete except as horse owners in chariot racing events. Women-only games, called Heraean Games in honor of goddess Hera, were established in the 6th century BC.
The first 12 Ancient Olympics only featured one event. The participants competed in “stade,” which was essentially a foot race. The number of events steadily increased later on, with up to 20 events being held at a single Olympics in later years.
Any actions that would give a competitor an unfair advantage were frowned upon. Those caught cheating would be severely punished by public whipping.
There could only be one winner of the event and there was no recognition for those coming second or third. The prize for the winner was an olive wreath made out of leaves and flowers taken from a sacred tree.
The post Top 5 Fun Facts About Ancient Olympic Games appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While Vikings are famous for their pillaging, their skills as craftsmen and traders are often overlooked. Vikings were adept at crafting high-quality goods such as jewelry and weapons. These tools were used both domestically and as valuable trade items.
Contrary to the typical image of a chaotic and barbaric lifestyle, Vikings had systems of governance that were remarkably democratic for their time. The Norse societies were organized around “Thing.” This was a general assembly in which all free men could participate. These assemblies allowed Vikings to make major decisions, settle disputes, and elect their leaders.
The stereotype of the wild and dirty Viking is far from accurate. Archaeological finds and historical texts suggest that Vikings placed a high importance on personal hygiene. Combs, razors, tweezers, and ear cleaners made from animal bones and antlers have been commonly found at Viking sites, indicating that grooming was a significant part of their daily routine.
The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Can You Guess the Oldest Board Games in the World? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>This game, unearthed from the royal tombs of Ur, holds the title of the oldest playable board game. Players race their pieces around the board using dice, and some squares even hold special meanings for fortune-telling! Thanks to a cuneiform tablet inscription deciphered in the 18th century, we can even understand the rules!
Images of Senet have been found on the walls of tombs in ancient Egypt, suggesting it was a popular pastime. The exact rules remain a bit of a mystery, but it likely involved moving pieces along a grid-like board and possibly even had a spiritual significance.
This strategy game, also known as Weiqi, is still played worldwide today. Simple in its concept, with black and white stones placed on a grid, Go includes a surprising depth of strategy and is considered one of the oldest abstract strategy games still in existence.
The post Can You Guess the Oldest Board Games in the World? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 4 Interesting Facts About the Life of Johannes Vermeer appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Most famous artists have been known to move around, looking for inspiration and better conditions for their creative practice. However, Vermeer spent his entire life living in the Dutch city of Delft. As a matter of fact, after moving into his mother-in-law’s house at the age of 21, he remained living there for 22 years until his death.
Vermeer’s father operated two inns while also being a renowned art dealer. After his father’s death, Vermeer inherited both businesses. This caused Vermeer to have less time for his painting, which resulted in his limited opus.
Vermeer married his wife Catharina Bolnes, daughter of the wealthy Gouda Thins family, in 1653. The two had 15 children together, with four of them unfortunately dying at a very young age.
At the time of his death in 1675, Vermeer was in large debt due to his unprofitable inkeeping business and the crash of the art market at the time. His wife needed to pay off most of his debt by selling his paintings, while his belongings were auctioned off.
The post 4 Interesting Facts About the Life of Johannes Vermeer appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 of the Most Incredible Neolithic Sites in Britain appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Arguably the most famous Neolithic site in Britain, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Wiltshire, England. This ancient stone circle, constructed over 4,500 years ago, continues to intrigue historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike with its enigmatic purpose and remarkable engineering. Comprising massive standing stones arranged in concentric circles and horseshoe shapes, Stonehenge is thought to have served as a ceremonial site, astronomical observatory, and burial ground. The monument’s alignment with the solstices and equinoxes suggests a profound understanding of celestial movements and the passage of time by its Neolithic builders.
Situated in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, Avebury is a vast Neolithic complex consisting of a massive stone circle, burial mounds, and avenues dating back over 4,500 years. Unlike Stonehenge, which is composed of standing stones, Avebury’s stone circle encloses the village of Avebury itself, making it one of the largest and most impressive megalithic monuments in Europe. The site’s exact purpose remains a mystery, but it is believed to have had ceremonial, religious, and astronomical significance for its Neolithic builders. Today, Avebury continues to be a place of wonder and contemplation, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its ancient beauty and spiritual aura.
Located on the remote Orkney Islands of Scotland, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Europe, dating back over 5,000 years. Discovered in the 19th century after a storm uncovered its remains, Skara Brae provides a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, with remarkably well-preserved stone-built houses, passages, and furnishings. The village is believed to have been inhabited by a close-knit farming community that thrived on the island’s fertile land and abundant marine resources. Skara Brae’s sophisticated construction, including stone furniture, hearths, and drainage systems, demonstrates the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its Neolithic inhabitants.
The post 3 of the Most Incredible Neolithic Sites in Britain appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post High-Octane Facts About Formula 1 Legend Ayrton Senna appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Senna was always a risk-taker. At 21 years of age, he decided to drop out of university and head to England to pursue a career in racing. Still, people in England insisted that Senna would not be able to become a driver if he didn’t have a wife to support him. He thus decided to marry his childhood sweetheart, Lilian de Vasconcelos Souza.
Brazilian Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet was a role model to Senna. Upon meeting him, however, Senna was disappointed after his hero snubbed him. The pair became rivals, with Piquet even launching a smear campaign against Senna. Still, Senna wasn’t about to take this lying down, instead choosing to respond via his performances on the track.
At 28 years old, Senna was a member of the McLaren driving team. There, he was partnered with world champion Frenchman Alain Prost. While teammates, Senna knew that he wanted to beat Prost in his quest to become the world’s best driver. At 28 years old, Senna achieved this goal, beating his teammate during his first year with McLaren.
The post High-Octane Facts About Formula 1 Legend Ayrton Senna appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Agatha Christie appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While growing up, Christie didn’t receive early formal education and was instead home-schooled. She first went to school as a 12-year-old and later attended a series of boarding schools.
When she initially started her writing career, Christie didn’t find much success. As a matter of fact, her first novel was rejected by six publishers and one literary agent. Her second novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, the first one to feature Hercule Poirot, was also rejected by several publishers before being picked up.
Wanting to explore other genres aside from detective works that made her famous, Christie published romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. These novels were well regarded among critics, although they never came close to matching the success of her Hercule Poirot books. Her pseudonym was detected after four novels, but she would go on to write two more under the same name.
In 1926, Christie disappeared from her home with her car found abandoned a few miles away. A massive manhunt ensued, but the author was nowhere to be found. Eleven days after her disappearance, Christie was spotted in a spa hotel. At the time, she claimed she had no recollection of events that happened between her disappearance and that moment.
The post 4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Agatha Christie appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Top 5 Most Expensive Items to Appear on “Pawn Stars” appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Asking Price: $750K
A guitar played by rock legend Jimi Hendrix appeared on the show in Season 9. Experts estimated the guitar to be worth up to $1 million, with the seller asking for $750K. Rick was only willing to go up to $500K, and the deal didn’t go through.
Asking Price: $ 1 million
In Season 3, the Pawn Stars crew was offered a chance to purchase mechanical dinosaurs. And while the “Robosaurus” was quite cool with its fire breathing and other features, Cory didn’t even make an offer after hearing an asking price of $1 million.
Asking Price: $1 million
Season 9 saw another important piece of music memorabilia making an appearance in Pawn Stars. The seller brought in the first contract that the members of The Beatles signed with their manager. Rick passed on the chance to buy it since the asking price of $1 million was well above the $500K estimate.
Asking Price: $1.5 million
Tupac Shakur, considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, was fatally shot in 1996 as a result of a drive-by. BMW 750iL sedan, the car that Shakur was shot in, made it to the show in Season 15 and was estimated at $200K by one expert and up to $1 million by another. The car wasn’t purchased as the seller’s asking price was too much for owner Rick.
Asking Price: $3 million – $2.5 million
The most expensive item to ever appear on the show is a suit owned and worn by the first president of the United States, George Washington. It was offered to Rick by an Americana collector, who wanted $3 million for it. Rick actually considered buying it, but his offer of $2 million wasn’t enough to get the deal done.
The post Top 5 Most Expensive Items to Appear on “Pawn Stars” appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 4 Fascinating Facts About the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>In the early 20th century, American explorer Theodore M. Davis found a number of royal and non-royal tombs in the Valley of Kings and mistakenly concluded that one of them was Tutankhamun’s tomb. This led Davis to claim in 1912 that the Valley of Kings “is now exhausted”, which was a decade before the actual discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Despite Davis’ claims, Egyptologist Howard Carter continued excavations in the Valley of Kings, but without much success. It wasn’t until one member of his expedition stumbled upon a carved stone. He noticed that the stone looked unusual, and after removing it, a passage to the tomb was discovered.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is considered the best-preserved tomb in ancient Egypt, as its hidden location prevented the looters from finding it. Still, after examining the tomb, archeologists concluded that it was robbed at least two times. Both lootings likely took place shortly after it was completed, with looters disturbing the tomb’s contents and stealing smaller objects.
Shortly after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, a story about its curse started to spread. Lord Carnarvon, who financed the expedition, died mysteriously one year after the tomb was found, while several other members of the team that took part in the excavation died in the following years. Carter himself also claimed that the tomb was cursed, not because he believed in that, but because he wanted to discourage people from disturbing it.
The post 4 Fascinating Facts About the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The ship, named Griffin, belonged to Danish King Hans and sank in 1495 after it caught fire. It was first discovered in the 1970s, with Södertörn University experts starting to research it in the early 2010s. The researchers knew about the existence of the armor chest but were not able to closely examine it until now.
The chest contains several different casting molds and lead plates, which are used to produce lead bullets for early handguns, according to Stockholm University’s press release.
“The contents of the weapon chest are undeniably one of the most important finds,” said the University of Stockholm’s maritime archeologist Rolf Warming in a statement. “It contains, among other things, several different molds and lead plates for the manufacture of lead bullets for early handguns.”
Besides the armor chest, maritime archeologists also discovered a number of other valuable artifacts, including mail armor fragments and cannon carriages.
The researchers will continue their efforts to learn more about the ship and its purpose.
The post Unique Armor Chest Discovered in a 500-Year-Old Shipwreck in Sweden appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Top 5 Fun Facts About Ancient Olympic Games appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The Greek city-states often engaged in wars, conflicts, and diplomatic disagreements. But that would all stop for the Olympics. Every participating city-state had to agree to a truce that lasted for one month.
Every man who had a status of a free citizen could take part in the Olympics. Women were not allowed to compete except as horse owners in chariot racing events. Women-only games, called Heraean Games in honor of goddess Hera, were established in the 6th century BC.
The first 12 Ancient Olympics only featured one event. The participants competed in “stade,” which was essentially a foot race. The number of events steadily increased later on, with up to 20 events being held at a single Olympics in later years.
Any actions that would give a competitor an unfair advantage were frowned upon. Those caught cheating would be severely punished by public whipping.
There could only be one winner of the event and there was no recognition for those coming second or third. The prize for the winner was an olive wreath made out of leaves and flowers taken from a sacred tree.
The post Top 5 Fun Facts About Ancient Olympic Games appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While Vikings are famous for their pillaging, their skills as craftsmen and traders are often overlooked. Vikings were adept at crafting high-quality goods such as jewelry and weapons. These tools were used both domestically and as valuable trade items.
Contrary to the typical image of a chaotic and barbaric lifestyle, Vikings had systems of governance that were remarkably democratic for their time. The Norse societies were organized around “Thing.” This was a general assembly in which all free men could participate. These assemblies allowed Vikings to make major decisions, settle disputes, and elect their leaders.
The stereotype of the wild and dirty Viking is far from accurate. Archaeological finds and historical texts suggest that Vikings placed a high importance on personal hygiene. Combs, razors, tweezers, and ear cleaners made from animal bones and antlers have been commonly found at Viking sites, indicating that grooming was a significant part of their daily routine.
The post 3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Vikings appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Can You Guess the Oldest Board Games in the World? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>This game, unearthed from the royal tombs of Ur, holds the title of the oldest playable board game. Players race their pieces around the board using dice, and some squares even hold special meanings for fortune-telling! Thanks to a cuneiform tablet inscription deciphered in the 18th century, we can even understand the rules!
Images of Senet have been found on the walls of tombs in ancient Egypt, suggesting it was a popular pastime. The exact rules remain a bit of a mystery, but it likely involved moving pieces along a grid-like board and possibly even had a spiritual significance.
This strategy game, also known as Weiqi, is still played worldwide today. Simple in its concept, with black and white stones placed on a grid, Go includes a surprising depth of strategy and is considered one of the oldest abstract strategy games still in existence.
The post Can You Guess the Oldest Board Games in the World? appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 4 Interesting Facts About the Life of Johannes Vermeer appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Most famous artists have been known to move around, looking for inspiration and better conditions for their creative practice. However, Vermeer spent his entire life living in the Dutch city of Delft. As a matter of fact, after moving into his mother-in-law’s house at the age of 21, he remained living there for 22 years until his death.
Vermeer’s father operated two inns while also being a renowned art dealer. After his father’s death, Vermeer inherited both businesses. This caused Vermeer to have less time for his painting, which resulted in his limited opus.
Vermeer married his wife Catharina Bolnes, daughter of the wealthy Gouda Thins family, in 1653. The two had 15 children together, with four of them unfortunately dying at a very young age.
At the time of his death in 1675, Vermeer was in large debt due to his unprofitable inkeeping business and the crash of the art market at the time. His wife needed to pay off most of his debt by selling his paintings, while his belongings were auctioned off.
The post 4 Interesting Facts About the Life of Johannes Vermeer appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 of the Most Incredible Neolithic Sites in Britain appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Arguably the most famous Neolithic site in Britain, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Wiltshire, England. This ancient stone circle, constructed over 4,500 years ago, continues to intrigue historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike with its enigmatic purpose and remarkable engineering. Comprising massive standing stones arranged in concentric circles and horseshoe shapes, Stonehenge is thought to have served as a ceremonial site, astronomical observatory, and burial ground. The monument’s alignment with the solstices and equinoxes suggests a profound understanding of celestial movements and the passage of time by its Neolithic builders.
Situated in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, Avebury is a vast Neolithic complex consisting of a massive stone circle, burial mounds, and avenues dating back over 4,500 years. Unlike Stonehenge, which is composed of standing stones, Avebury’s stone circle encloses the village of Avebury itself, making it one of the largest and most impressive megalithic monuments in Europe. The site’s exact purpose remains a mystery, but it is believed to have had ceremonial, religious, and astronomical significance for its Neolithic builders. Today, Avebury continues to be a place of wonder and contemplation, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its ancient beauty and spiritual aura.
Located on the remote Orkney Islands of Scotland, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Europe, dating back over 5,000 years. Discovered in the 19th century after a storm uncovered its remains, Skara Brae provides a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, with remarkably well-preserved stone-built houses, passages, and furnishings. The village is believed to have been inhabited by a close-knit farming community that thrived on the island’s fertile land and abundant marine resources. Skara Brae’s sophisticated construction, including stone furniture, hearths, and drainage systems, demonstrates the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its Neolithic inhabitants.
The post 3 of the Most Incredible Neolithic Sites in Britain appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post High-Octane Facts About Formula 1 Legend Ayrton Senna appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Senna was always a risk-taker. At 21 years of age, he decided to drop out of university and head to England to pursue a career in racing. Still, people in England insisted that Senna would not be able to become a driver if he didn’t have a wife to support him. He thus decided to marry his childhood sweetheart, Lilian de Vasconcelos Souza.
Brazilian Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet was a role model to Senna. Upon meeting him, however, Senna was disappointed after his hero snubbed him. The pair became rivals, with Piquet even launching a smear campaign against Senna. Still, Senna wasn’t about to take this lying down, instead choosing to respond via his performances on the track.
At 28 years old, Senna was a member of the McLaren driving team. There, he was partnered with world champion Frenchman Alain Prost. While teammates, Senna knew that he wanted to beat Prost in his quest to become the world’s best driver. At 28 years old, Senna achieved this goal, beating his teammate during his first year with McLaren.
The post High-Octane Facts About Formula 1 Legend Ayrton Senna appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Agatha Christie appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>While growing up, Christie didn’t receive early formal education and was instead home-schooled. She first went to school as a 12-year-old and later attended a series of boarding schools.
When she initially started her writing career, Christie didn’t find much success. As a matter of fact, her first novel was rejected by six publishers and one literary agent. Her second novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, the first one to feature Hercule Poirot, was also rejected by several publishers before being picked up.
Wanting to explore other genres aside from detective works that made her famous, Christie published romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. These novels were well regarded among critics, although they never came close to matching the success of her Hercule Poirot books. Her pseudonym was detected after four novels, but she would go on to write two more under the same name.
In 1926, Christie disappeared from her home with her car found abandoned a few miles away. A massive manhunt ensued, but the author was nowhere to be found. Eleven days after her disappearance, Christie was spotted in a spa hotel. At the time, she claimed she had no recollection of events that happened between her disappearance and that moment.
The post 4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Agatha Christie appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Top 5 Most Expensive Items to Appear on “Pawn Stars” appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Asking Price: $750K
A guitar played by rock legend Jimi Hendrix appeared on the show in Season 9. Experts estimated the guitar to be worth up to $1 million, with the seller asking for $750K. Rick was only willing to go up to $500K, and the deal didn’t go through.
Asking Price: $ 1 million
In Season 3, the Pawn Stars crew was offered a chance to purchase mechanical dinosaurs. And while the “Robosaurus” was quite cool with its fire breathing and other features, Cory didn’t even make an offer after hearing an asking price of $1 million.
Asking Price: $1 million
Season 9 saw another important piece of music memorabilia making an appearance in Pawn Stars. The seller brought in the first contract that the members of The Beatles signed with their manager. Rick passed on the chance to buy it since the asking price of $1 million was well above the $500K estimate.
Asking Price: $1.5 million
Tupac Shakur, considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, was fatally shot in 1996 as a result of a drive-by. BMW 750iL sedan, the car that Shakur was shot in, made it to the show in Season 15 and was estimated at $200K by one expert and up to $1 million by another. The car wasn’t purchased as the seller’s asking price was too much for owner Rick.
Asking Price: $3 million – $2.5 million
The most expensive item to ever appear on the show is a suit owned and worn by the first president of the United States, George Washington. It was offered to Rick by an Americana collector, who wanted $3 million for it. Rick actually considered buying it, but his offer of $2 million wasn’t enough to get the deal done.
The post Top 5 Most Expensive Items to Appear on “Pawn Stars” appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>