The olive branch is both a symbol of peace and victory from ancient times, which is still associated with peace in modern Europe, the Arab world and the United Nations. Where did this symbol originate and how is it connected to ancient beliefs and how did the usage spread among ancient cultures?
Bastet was a local Kemetic deity, whose temple of worship was based in Bubastis, Lower Egypt. Who was Bastet and what is her relationship to Sekhmet and Ptah? And why is Bastet still so popular in modern times?
A pentagram inside a circle is called a pentacle and is commonly used by modern pagans today. A pentacle is a talisman used in magical evocation, and is commonly made of parchment, paper, cloth or metal. Is the pentacle a modern Wiccan symbol, where does it come from and what are the meanings of the pentacle?
Of all the officers and ranks of the ancient Roman Army, the centurion is probably the most famous. When did centurions first appear, how were they chosen and how many were there and who was at their command?
In Norse writings in the Edda, Fenrir is the nemesis of Odin and foretold to kill the wise leader of the Æsir. What is Fenrir, what does his name mean and why did he attack the only god he trusted?
Today dreamcatchers are more popular than ever, appearing in gift shops in various, but instantly recognisable forms throughout the world. But where do they originate from, what is their purpose and story behind them?
Japan, the land of the Rising Sun, has a long history of uniquely identifiable art going back nearly 12,000 years to the first settlements to the present day Manga art. Like China, Japan has had long periods of minimal contact with the outside world. What then makes Japanese art so unique, what methods were used and what are some examples of Japanese art?
The Spartans were unlike any other ancient Greeks. Rather than produce philosophers, artists or theatre players, all Spartan men were born to be warriors. What is the history of Sparta, how did they rise to power and what was their way of life like?
The uraeus is an emblem worn on the headdresses of pharaohs. What is this emblem, what does the word mean and who is it connected to? Apart from headdresses, what other examples of the uraeus have survived to this day.
Wikipedia states “The Celtic cross is a form of Christian cross featuring a nimbus or ring that emerged in Ireland and Britain in the Early Middle Ages.” Whilst this may be true, the actual origins of the Celtic cross go back much further and similar crosses are far more widespread. So what are the earliest examples of this ringed cross and what is its meaning?
The Valknut is a symbol that appears on ancient artefacts found throughout Germanic regions, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Anglo Saxon Britain. What does “Valknut” mean, what does it represent and who is associated with this symbol?
