Ancient History Encyclopedia

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Les Très Riches Heures
Definition

Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated manuscripts were hand-made books, usually on Christian scripture or practice, produced in Western Europe between c. 500-c. 1600 CE. They...
Featured Image
Samnite Gladiator Helmet
Image

Samnite Gladiator Helmet

A 1st century CE bronze gladiator helmet of the Samnite class. Roman gladiator helmets were richly decorated and plumed with ostrich or peacock feathers...

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Reconstructed Viking Village in Hofn, Iceland
Article

The Vikings in Iceland

The medieval sources on the discovery and settlement of Iceland frequently refer to the explorers as “Vikings” but, technically, they were...
Wooden Kachina Doll
Definition

Kachina Cult

The Kachina (also “Katsina”) cult refers to the specific religious practices centered on the kachina, which is a spiritual entity and divine...
Map of William the Conqueror's 1066 CE Campaigns
Article

William the Conqueror's March on London

William the Conqueror (r. 1066-1087 CE) was victorious at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066 CE, and Harold Godwinson, King Harold II of England...
Norse-Viking Meal
Article

Norse-Viking Diet

In many depictions of Vikings, whether in film or other media, a group is often seen gathered around a flaming pit while an animal of some type &ndash...
Scota and Goidel Glas (Illustration)
Definition

Scotichronicon

The Scotichronicon is a 15th Century CE legendary chronicle by Walter Bower (c. 1385 – 1449 CE) which recounts the history of Scotland and the...
Dog Mosaic
Article

Dogs in the Ancient World

Dogs have been a part of the history of human beings since before the written word. The ancient temple of Gobekli-Tepe in Turkey, dated...
Thesmophoriazusae, Red-Figure Krater
Definition

Thesmophoriazusae

The Thesmophoriazusae (also called The Poet & the Women or Women at the Thesmophoria) is a two-act comedy play written in 411 BCE by the...
Coronation of Harold Godwinson
Definition

Harold Godwinson

Harold Godwinson (also spelt Godwineson) reigned briefly as King Harold II of England from January to October 1066 CE, the momentous year which witnessed...

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