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The Near East in 1135 CE
This map of the Near East in 1135 CE shows four Crusader States (marked with red crosses) in relation to other powerful kingdoms in the period between the first and second crusades.
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Fall of the East India Company
The British East India Company (1600-1874) was the largest and most successful private enterprise ever created. All-powerful wherever it colonised, the EIC's use of its own private army and increasing territorial control, particularly in...
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Roman Education
Roman education had its first 'primary schools' in the 3rd century BCE, but they were not compulsory and depended entirely on tuition fees. There were no official schools in Rome, nor were there buildings used specifically for the purpose...
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Agoge, the Spartan Education Program
The agoge was the ancient Spartan education program, which trained male youths in the art of war. The word means "raising" in the sense of raising livestock from youth toward a specific purpose. The program was first instituted by the lawgiver...
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Enki's Journey to Nippur
Enki's Journey to Nippur (c. 2000 BCE) is a Sumerian origin myth explaining the creation of the temple at Eridu by the god Enki and how musical instruments were ordained for use in festivals in ancient Mesopotamia. The poem formed part of...
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Traveling Classroom History Exhibit
The best way to learn ancient history is not by memorizing dates and facts but, rather, through critical thinking and analysis. When studying ancient history, the key is to make inferences, using empathy and evaluation to alter one's perspective...
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A Praise Poem of Lipit-Estar
A Praise Poem of Lipit-Estar is a Sumerian praise song honoring Lipit-Estar (also known as Lipit-Ishtar, r. c. 1870 to c. 1860 BCE), the fifth king of the First Dynasty of Isin, best known for his legal code written between the time of the...
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Aristotle Tutoring Alexander
Artist's impression of an ancient Greek scholar tutoring a young boy. It was common for wealthy Greek families to hire private tutors for their children, as there were no public schools. Famously, Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle...
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Roman School
A teacher with three discipuli, relief found in Neumagen near Trier, c. 180-185 CE. Photo of casting in Pushkin Museum, Moscow.
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English Horn-book
A 17th century CE horn-book, a commonly used teaching tool from the 16th century CE onwards. The text (here with the alphabet and an extract of the Lord's Prayer) is protected by a thin layer of horn. (British Museum, London)