Archaeology on ZME Science

The Romans used an infamous narcotic plant — but was it for painkilling or for pleasure?

Archaeologists have finally proven that Romans used black henbane. But how did they use it?

The Gruesome 18th-century Pirate Medical Devices found on Blackbeard's Ship

The notorious Blackbeard's sunken flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, offers more than just tales of piracy—its treasures expose the desperate measures taken to maintain a crew's health in a perilous era.

What's the deal with Easter Island's mysterious statues?

For centuries, hundreds of oversized heads have looked over this small speck of land. But to what purpose?

The frozen poop knife: debunking a popular myth

Inuits are undeniably resourceful and capable, but something about this story smells.

Derinkuyu: the ancient underground city, once home to 20,000 people

The maze-like underground city resembles an ant colony.

World's biggest pyramid isn't in Egypt - it's hidden under a hill in Mexico

You'd think the world's biggest pyramid is in Egypt - after all, they do call it The Great Pyramid.

What was the Indus Valley Civilization: the forgotten superpower of the ancient world

One of the most advanced civilizations on Earth at its time, the Harappans tragically never made it out of Antiquity.

Vintage Files: The Curious Case of the Roman Dodecahedra

A big archaeological mystery which will likely never be solved.

Ancient recipes: Pullum Numidicum (Numidian Chicken)

Perhaps one of the most underappreciated aspects of archaeology is cooking. We know surprisingly little about how people used to cook in ancient times, although a few delicious recipes managed to slip through the cracks and remain recorded. Such is the case with Pullum Numidicum (Numidian Chicken), a simple, delicious and authentic Roman recipe. The dish […]

Disappointed Babylonian trader writes oldest complaint letter 3,766 years ago

It tells the story of a disappointed Babylonian customer who was shipped low-quality copper ore. The letter, written in cuneiform on a clay tablet, is nuanced with very detailed accounts of the trade, but also threats of ceasing business relations. Not all that different from the complaint e-mails we send nowadays when we're serviced badly.

Colossus of Rhodes could stand again: bigger, unshakable and self-sufficient

If the project can find $280 million in funding.

These mind-boggling artifacts will change the way you see China

Throughout history, Chinese culture has rivaled and many times surpassed other, more famous empires — but many of their achievements are less known, at least in “the West”. You may very well be familiar with some of their achievements (for example papermaking, compass, gunpowder, printing, and many others) but these unusual artifacts will definitely change […]

The Sword of Goujian - still untarnished after 2700 years

The Sword of Goujian is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.