
Ancient civilizations and cultures spark the modern imagination in so many ways. Thousands of years ago our ancestors around the globe solved immense problems that we today use computers to address. Ancient peoples drained swamps, built cities in remote, desolate locations, paved road systems, and brought order to multitudes of chaotic tribes and clans.
Fans of science fiction and fantasy have long relished the distant, fantastic imagery and motivations of ancient peoples. Hardly a science fiction movie or fantasy television show today can be produced without some reference to ancient civilizations and tribes.
Our fascination with ancient history goes well beyond the crude icons of barbarians and conquerors, however. Modern science traces its roots back to the cunning innovations ancient peoples contrived to satisfy every day needs. Had Archimedes not run naked down the street yelling "Eureka!", we might not today benefit from the hydraulic systems that operate the buildings and vehicles we are so familiar with.
Ancient History Forum
Ancient History: Alexander's army used laminated linen armor
Ancient History: Archaeologists confirm slaves did NOT build pyramids
Ancient History: Assyrian tablets decoded
Ancient History: Dutch Batavians found to be very Romanized
Ancient History: Archaeologists digging up ancient Roman port
Ancient History: Roman statues found in blue grotto cave
Ancient History: Michael mas
Ancient History: painted Parthenon
Ancient History: Big Jigsaw puzzle...
Ancient History: New inscription
Ancient History: Remnants of an ancient Sicilian battle