Ancient Religions in the News: Ancient, But Still Making News
The religions we see today didn't pop out of nowhere - they evolved gradually from more ancient faiths which have largely, it not entirely, died away. What are some of these religions and how have their beliefs survived down through today? Here you can read about some recent developments, discoveries, and scholarship on ancient religious beliefs. These religions may no longer be active, but we continue to learn more about them and they continue to influence our culture.
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Iran's Pre-Islamic Past
Iran isn't an Arab nation and, unlike most Arab Muslim nations, it has a pre-Islamic past which is arguably grander and more important than its Islamic history. This has been a source of embarrassment to Iranian mullahs who believe that there is nothing of value outside of Islam, but it may becoming more appealing to Iran's huge youth population.
Iran isn't an Arab nation and, unlike most Arab Muslim nations, it has a pre-Islamic past which is arguably grander and more important than its Islamic history. This has been a source of embarrassment to Iranian mullahs who believe that there is nothing of value outside of Islam, but it may becoming more appealing to Iran's huge youth population.
Prostitution Rarely Punished in Ancient World
Religious moralizers today commonly inveigh against sexual "crimes," one of which is prostitution. Selling sex isn't legal in very many places today and it was condemned in the ancient world, but it turns out that while the ancients may have condemned it, they didn't often punish it.
Religious moralizers today commonly inveigh against sexual "crimes," one of which is prostitution. Selling sex isn't legal in very many places today and it was condemned in the ancient world, but it turns out that while the ancients may have condemned it, they didn't often punish it.
Looting History in Iraq
Iraq contains the cradle of civilization, but it's a cradle that is being robbed and destroyed. Iraqis are looting important sites in order to have enough money to eat. Americans have ruined sites in order to accommodate their heavy equipment. What has been lost or destroyed is priceless and irreplaceable.
Iraq contains the cradle of civilization, but it's a cradle that is being robbed and destroyed. Iraqis are looting important sites in order to have enough money to eat. Americans have ruined sites in order to accommodate their heavy equipment. What has been lost or destroyed is priceless and irreplaceable.
Ancient Art, Ancient Religion
It's been a century since Ice Age art on cave walls was first discovered and now researchers have had the opportunity to examine cave art from all over the world. The purpose of this art, however, has remained elusive. What were the artists trying to do? What were they trying to communicate? In some cases, there are reasons to think that the art had religious significance.
It's been a century since Ice Age art on cave walls was first discovered and now researchers have had the opportunity to examine cave art from all over the world. The purpose of this art, however, has remained elusive. What were the artists trying to do? What were they trying to communicate? In some cases, there are reasons to think that the art had religious significance.
Acre Finds to Open
Recently, sections of an 800-year-old section of the Crusader portion of Acre was uncovered; soon, tourists will be able to see this find as well. I certainly wish that I could go and visit...
Recently, sections of an 800-year-old section of the Crusader portion of Acre was uncovered; soon, tourists will be able to see this find as well. I certainly wish that I could go and visit...
Russia May Keep Trojan Treasure
At the end of World War II, Russia captured from Germany a large amount of treasure discovered at the site of ancient Troy by Hermann Schliemann. Germany would like it returned, but Russia refuses unless a large compensation is paid - and is preparing to declare the treasure the property of Russia.
At the end of World War II, Russia captured from Germany a large amount of treasure discovered at the site of ancient Troy by Hermann Schliemann. Germany would like it returned, but Russia refuses unless a large compensation is paid - and is preparing to declare the treasure the property of Russia.
Zeus Saves!
Christianity supplanted Greek paganism, but what if the Greek gods were real the whole time and Christianity a false religion? I'm sure that not many Christians would want to entertain that possibility, but Greek paganism is no more implausible than Christianity.
Christianity supplanted Greek paganism, but what if the Greek gods were real the whole time and Christianity a false religion? I'm sure that not many Christians would want to entertain that possibility, but Greek paganism is no more implausible than Christianity.
Egyptians Sold Fake Cat Mummies
Most people know that the ancient Egyptians created mummies and held cats in high esteem - even worshipping them, in some cases. Some people know that the Egyptians went so far as to mummify cats. Apparently, though, not all "cat mummies" are created the same: researchers have discovered that some cat mummies are fakes.
Most people know that the ancient Egyptians created mummies and held cats in high esteem - even worshipping them, in some cases. Some people know that the Egyptians went so far as to mummify cats. Apparently, though, not all "cat mummies" are created the same: researchers have discovered that some cat mummies are fakes.
7,000 Years of Religious Ritual in Mexico
One thing that hampers religious studies is the fact that we don't have detailed records of the very long-term development of many ancient religions. When we do have anything, it's usually self-reporting that has to be taken with a grain of salt. Things are turning out a little differently in Mexico.
One thing that hampers religious studies is the fact that we don't have detailed records of the very long-term development of many ancient religions. When we do have anything, it's usually self-reporting that has to be taken with a grain of salt. Things are turning out a little differently in Mexico.
Ramses II & the 10th Plague
If the Old Testament is literally true, then the first-born son of Ramses II may have been struck down in the Tenth Plague that hit Egypt. That's why many are interested in the discovery of American archeologist Kent Weeks. He may have found Ramses' oldest son - and he appears to have been struck down by the hand of man, not God.
If the Old Testament is literally true, then the first-born son of Ramses II may have been struck down in the Tenth Plague that hit Egypt. That's why many are interested in the discovery of American archeologist Kent Weeks. He may have found Ramses' oldest son - and he appears to have been struck down by the hand of man, not God.
Valley of the Kings Needs Protection
The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is probably the most popular graveyard in the world. Millions visit it every year but as with other ancient Egyptian sites, the crush of tourists is contributing to an increased rate of decay. If left unchecked, the tourism could destroy these sites permanently. Something needs to be done and Egyptian authorities are working on some radical plans.
The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is probably the most popular graveyard in the world. Millions visit it every year but as with other ancient Egyptian sites, the crush of tourists is contributing to an increased rate of decay. If left unchecked, the tourism could destroy these sites permanently. Something needs to be done and Egyptian authorities are working on some radical plans.
Ancient Coffins Shed Light on Greeks
Archaeologists have discovered two large limestone coffins in Ancient Corinth that could rewrite what is known about Greek technology. Around 3,000 years old and dating to the Geometric period (because of the style of artwork), the size of these coffins indicate much more sophistication than was previous thought in terms of how they were able to move around heavy objects.
Archaeologists have discovered two large limestone coffins in Ancient Corinth that could rewrite what is known about Greek technology. Around 3,000 years old and dating to the Geometric period (because of the style of artwork), the size of these coffins indicate much more sophistication than was previous thought in terms of how they were able to move around heavy objects.
Ramses II Had Arthritis?
Ramses II was one of the longest lived and most famous of Egyptian pharaohs. He built more temples, had more wives, and produced more children than probably any other pharaoh in Egypt's long history. It was once thought that he suffered from Ankylosing spondylitis, but now it is thought he had a common form of arthritis.
Ramses II was one of the longest lived and most famous of Egyptian pharaohs. He built more temples, had more wives, and produced more children than probably any other pharaoh in Egypt's long history. It was once thought that he suffered from Ankylosing spondylitis, but now it is thought he had a common form of arthritis.
Biblical Texts Dates to First Temple Period
In 1979 archaeologists working in the Hinnom Valley made a remarkable find in a burial cave: small silver amulets containing sheets of silver inscribed with what appeared to be biblical text. Recently the amulets were dated to the time of the First Temple, pushing the existence of these texts back much farther than currently assumed by most scholars.
In 1979 archaeologists working in the Hinnom Valley made a remarkable find in a burial cave: small silver amulets containing sheets of silver inscribed with what appeared to be biblical text. Recently the amulets were dated to the time of the First Temple, pushing the existence of these texts back much farther than currently assumed by most scholars.
Knossos Riddle
The cause of the destruction of Knossos has long puzzled archaeologists. What really happened to bring the Minoan culture on Crete to a crashing end 3,500 years ago. Is it true that the eruption of a volcano is to blame? Was it simply a series of earthquakes?
The cause of the destruction of Knossos has long puzzled archaeologists. What really happened to bring the Minoan culture on Crete to a crashing end 3,500 years ago. Is it true that the eruption of a volcano is to blame? Was it simply a series of earthquakes?
King Solomon's Tablet a Fake
Remember the James Ossuary? Responsible scholars declared that it was probably a fake, but many believers continued to insist that it was genuine. Oded Golan, the antiquities dealer who brought the Ossuary to light, also tried to sell a tablet reportedly about Solomon's Temple - and this led to the unraveling of a sophisticated forgery operation that preyed on the gullibility of believers.
Remember the James Ossuary? Responsible scholars declared that it was probably a fake, but many believers continued to insist that it was genuine. Oded Golan, the antiquities dealer who brought the Ossuary to light, also tried to sell a tablet reportedly about Solomon's Temple - and this led to the unraveling of a sophisticated forgery operation that preyed on the gullibility of believers.
Mummy Hairs Reveal Nicotine, Cocaine. Alcohol Use
Scientists already knew from studies of mummies that people in South America consumed cocaine and nicotine, but new research has revealed that they used alcohol as well. It may seem obvious that they would have done so, but this is the first direct evidence of it.
Scientists already knew from studies of mummies that people in South America consumed cocaine and nicotine, but new research has revealed that they used alcohol as well. It may seem obvious that they would have done so, but this is the first direct evidence of it.
Roman Venus Statue Found in Cologne
Construction workers digging a canal shaft in Cologne, Germany, and unearthed a priceless statue of Venus that dates back 1,600 years. Venus was the Roman goddess of love, beauty, fertility, procreation, sexuality, seduction, and harmony.
Construction workers digging a canal shaft in Cologne, Germany, and unearthed a priceless statue of Venus that dates back 1,600 years. Venus was the Roman goddess of love, beauty, fertility, procreation, sexuality, seduction, and harmony.
Animal Mummies Were Very Expensive
Aside from the pyramids, mummies are probably the most famous remains of ancient Egyptian religion and culture. Most mummies were of royalty and other important people, but there were also cases where animals were mummified - especially cats. Millions of mummified animals have been found and this was a serious act to take because even with animals, mummification was costly.
Aside from the pyramids, mummies are probably the most famous remains of ancient Egyptian religion and culture. Most mummies were of royalty and other important people, but there were also cases where animals were mummified - especially cats. Millions of mummified animals have been found and this was a serious act to take because even with animals, mummification was costly.
Nefertiti's Erotic Dances - And Violent End
Most people have heard of Nefertiti, a queen of Egypt whose legendary beauty and powers of seduction rank only second to those of Cleopatra in the history books. Even in death she has managed to bewitch the imaginations of men, especially through some of the artwork that remains of her - for example the bust to the right. What, though, happened to her?
Most people have heard of Nefertiti, a queen of Egypt whose legendary beauty and powers of seduction rank only second to those of Cleopatra in the history books. Even in death she has managed to bewitch the imaginations of men, especially through some of the artwork that remains of her - for example the bust to the right. What, though, happened to her?
Valhalla: Can You Take the Chance?
A common Christian argument says that one should believe in God because it's too much of a chance not to believe. It's a bad argument that some Christians recognize as bad, but far too many continue to use it. We can, however, turn it around: why take the chance that Valhalla doesn't exist? Is it really worth the risk?
A common Christian argument says that one should believe in God because it's too much of a chance not to believe. It's a bad argument that some Christians recognize as bad, but far too many continue to use it. We can, however, turn it around: why take the chance that Valhalla doesn't exist? Is it really worth the risk?
Zoroastrianism Facing Extinction
Zoroastrianism has had a significant impact on the major western religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Much that is part of those religions would be unthinkable without the prior influence of Zoroastrianism. It is, however, a religion that is dying out.
Zoroastrianism has had a significant impact on the major western religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Much that is part of those religions would be unthinkable without the prior influence of Zoroastrianism. It is, however, a religion that is dying out.
Followers of Ancient Gods Have Gripes
The Athens Olympics has helped shine a spotlight on ancient Greek beliefs, but those who still hold those beliefs aren't happy. Why? Because their beliefs haven't been treated with the respect and dignity they think is appropriate.
The Athens Olympics has helped shine a spotlight on ancient Greek beliefs, but those who still hold those beliefs aren't happy. Why? Because their beliefs haven't been treated with the respect and dignity they think is appropriate.
Greece Wants Elgin Marbles Back
The Olympics are over and the Greeks are sorry about one particular absence: the Elgin Marbles. Removed from the Acropolis at the beginning of the 19th century, the are priceless examples of ancient Greek religious art and the British Museum doesn't want to give them back.
The Olympics are over and the Greeks are sorry about one particular absence: the Elgin Marbles. Removed from the Acropolis at the beginning of the 19th century, the are priceless examples of ancient Greek religious art and the British Museum doesn't want to give them back.
John the Baptist's Cave Found?
British archaeologist Shimon Gibson is claiming to have discovered a cave used by John the Baptist. It's located near the village of Ain Karim, John the Baptist's birthplace according to traditions.
British archaeologist Shimon Gibson is claiming to have discovered a cave used by John the Baptist. It's located near the village of Ain Karim, John the Baptist's birthplace according to traditions.
Jordan: Bronze Age Temple Discovered
In Jordan archaeologists have come across a remarkable find: a temple from the Late Bronze Age, 3,500 years ago. This is important because very few structures from this era have survived intact to any real degree. This should, then, tell us some important things about the people and their religious worship.
In Jordan archaeologists have come across a remarkable find: a temple from the Late Bronze Age, 3,500 years ago. This is important because very few structures from this era have survived intact to any real degree. This should, then, tell us some important things about the people and their religious worship.
Ancient Relic Reveals Past Religious Battles
When Christianity took over from paganism, the process wasn't peaceful - Christian emperors routinely oppressed pagans and prohibited pagan worship while under Julian a pagan revival led to Christian retreats. Sometimes, archaeologists discover evidence of the conflict.
When Christianity took over from paganism, the process wasn't peaceful - Christian emperors routinely oppressed pagans and prohibited pagan worship while under Julian a pagan revival led to Christian retreats. Sometimes, archaeologists discover evidence of the conflict.
Essenes Didn't Write Dead Sea Scrolls?
Most people familiar with biblical history are aware of the Dead Sea Scrolls, written by the Essenes and hidden from the Romans during the first century. Or were they? New evidence suggests that they weren't written by the Essenes at all.
Most people familiar with biblical history are aware of the Dead Sea Scrolls, written by the Essenes and hidden from the Romans during the first century. Or were they? New evidence suggests that they weren't written by the Essenes at all.
Demythologizing the Early Olympics
The Olympics are typically seen as the pinnacle of athletic competition - something that should be maintained as pure and unsullied by professional athletes. Thus, people are often scandalized when news of corruption or cheating is revealed. In reality, though, that's the way they always were.
The Olympics are typically seen as the pinnacle of athletic competition - something that should be maintained as pure and unsullied by professional athletes. Thus, people are often scandalized when news of corruption or cheating is revealed. In reality, though, that's the way they always were.
Bronze Age Human Sacrifice: Not So Common?
Cuts on skulls and other bones have led archaeologists to believe that a fair amount of ritual human sacrifice might have gone on during the Bronze Age - but that view is being challenged.
Cuts on skulls and other bones have led archaeologists to believe that a fair amount of ritual human sacrifice might have gone on during the Bronze Age - but that view is being challenged.
Stone Age Origins for Wine?
Wine is very popular - and it might be very old, far older than has been generally believed up to now. Scientists are trying to determine just how old wine making is and so far it can be dated back to at least Neolithic times.
Wine is very popular - and it might be very old, far older than has been generally believed up to now. Scientists are trying to determine just how old wine making is and so far it can be dated back to at least Neolithic times.