World History

Human survival looks inevitable only because we are here to tell the story. For most of prehistory, small populations faced dramatic climate changes, unfamiliar environments, predators, disease, food shortages, and competition from other humans. Archaeology and genetics increasingly show that our ancestors survived repeated crises, although scientists still debate exactly how they managed it.

Discover ancient artifacts found thousands of miles from where they were made, from Roman glass in Japan and African ivory in England to a Buddha unearthed in Sweden and Indian gems buried at Sutton Hoo.

Archaeologists in Bulgaria unearthed a significant historical treasure hidden in the sewer system below an ancient city—but its discovery is not what’s making history.

A 59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth from Siberia may reveal the earliest known invasive dental treatment, with stone-tool marks suggesting ancient humans deliberately treated severe tooth decay long before modern dentistry existed.

Most museum pieces sit quietly behind glass, harmless and historical. Then there are the others. Objects that carried weight in their time and somehow still do. Ancient cultures left evidence of their darkest beliefs.

Flight attendants once faced bizarre hiring rules, strict beauty standards and surprising onboard duties that passengers today wouldn't believe.