The subterranean city of Derinkuyu, located in Cappadocia region of Türkiye 🇹🇷, an extraordinary historical site with the capacity to house an estimated 20,000 to 60,000 people, including their livestock and supplies. Its discovery occurred unexpectedly in 1963 when a homeowner accidentally broke through a wall in his basement, unveiling an ancient and intricate underground structure hidden for centuries.

Derinkuyu is an impressive multi-level complex, descending over 200 feet below the surface and consisting of at least 18 levels, though only a portion of it has been fully excavated. The city features an array of functional spaces, including living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, wine and oil presses, stables, and even chapels and schools. Ventilation shafts and a sophisticated water system ensured the city's inhabitants could survive underground for extended periods. Defensive mechanisms, such as heavy stone doors that could be rolled into place, protected the city from invaders.

Historians and archaeologists believe Derinkuyu was initially constructed by the Phrygians or Hittites in the early centuries BCE, though it was later expanded and used by various groups, including early Christians, as a refuge from persecution or attacks. Its design reflects the ingenuity and resilience of the civilizations that relied on such cities for survival during times of conflict or environmental challenges.

The discovery of Derinkuyu has spurred interest in Cappadocia's extensive network of underground cities, many of which remain unexplored. These ancient marvels continue to captivate researchers and visitors alike, shedding light on the innovative ways humans adapted to their environment and safeguarded their communities.

Funerary Bronze Illyrian-Style Helmets with Gold Attachments (6th Century BC) :

These funerary bronze helmets, of the Illyrian type, date back to 6th Century BC and were discovered in the Archontiko necropolis in northern Greece 🇬🇷. Now housed at the Archaeological Museum of Pella, these helmets are notable for their exquisite craftsmanship and rich ornamentation. They are made of bronze, with intricate gold attachments that adorn the helmets, reflecting the high status of the individuals they were meant to honor.

The Illyrian-style helmet, which features a high crest and protective cheek guards, was a common form used by warriors during this period. These helmets not only served as protective gear but also as ceremonial objects, symbolizing the warrior’s status and strength. The fine gold detailing adds a touch of grandeur, showcasing the artistry and wealth of the elite in ancient Greece. This set of helmets provides a glimpse into the funerary practices of the time and the military culture that shaped the region.

In 1945, legendary Mexican painter Diego Rivera was photographed standing next to a massive Olmec head, a powerful symbol of Mexico's rich indigenous heritage. Rivera, known for his murals that often depicted Mexico’s history and culture, was deeply influenced by ancient civilizations, particularly the Olmec, considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. The Olmec heads, carved from large basalt stone, are among the most remarkable artifacts from this ancient civilization, with some heads weighing several tons and measuring over nine feet tall.

Rivera’s connection to the Olmec culture and their monumental sculptures was more than artistic admiration; he saw in them a connection to Mexico’s deep roots and the indigenous people who were often overlooked in the country’s national narrative. His interest in the Olmec heads was reflected in his mural work, where he celebrated Mexico’s indigenous heritage while exploring themes of identity, social justice, and the strength of the Mexican people. The 1945 photograph captures a moment where Rivera is physically linked to this ancient legacy, underscoring the importance of preserving and honoring the cultural past.

The Olmec heads, which were originally thought to represent rulers or important figures, have become iconic symbols of Mesoamerican history. Rivera’s embrace of these artifacts highlights his role as an artist and social commentator, bridging the ancient and the modern to create a more inclusive vision of Mexico’s cultural heritage. His artistic exploration of Mexico’s pre-Columbian civilizations, alongside his powerful murals, has left a lasting influence on the country’s artistic and historical discourse.

In 19th Century, the warriors of Kiribati 🇰🇮 donned an extraordinary piece of headgear known as te barantauti—helmets fashioned from the dried skins of porcupinefish.

These unique puffer fish, adorned with their formidable spikes, transformed into natural armor, imbuing the helmets with both protection and a striking presence.

It is fascinating to witness how the ingenious people of Kiribati harnessed the resources of their environment, blending practicality with the inherent defensive traits of local wildlife to create such formidable designs.

The jewel-encrusted skeletons of Roman martyrs, discovered in the ancient underground catacombs of Rome, offer a haunting yet awe-inspiring glimpse into early Christian burial practices. These remarkable remains, adorned with precious stones, gold, and intricate jewelry, reflect the reverence and devotion early Christians held for their martyrs. The jewels were not merely decorative but also symbolized the spiritual importance of these individuals, honoring their sacrifice and steadfast faith during a time of persecution.

The catacombs themselves, a network of underground burial sites, have long been central to understanding the history of early Christianity. Many of the martyrs buried there were martyred for their beliefs during the Roman Empire’s oppressive reign over Christians. The elaborate grave goods, including rings, necklaces, and other adornments, indicate a deep sense of respect for the martyrs, who were seen as holy figures by the Christian community. These jewels not only showcased wealth but also served as powerful symbols of divine protection and eternal life.

Today, photographs of these jewel-encrusted skeletons provide a rare opportunity to study the intersection of early Christian faith, art, and burial rituals. As one of the most significant finds from Rome's ancient catacombs, these images offer a fascinating window into the customs of early Christians and the ways they memorialized their martyrs. They stand as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the early Christian community, whose faith ultimately shaped the course of history.

Uruk - the initial city of human civilization that changed the world with its advanced knowledge :

The cuneiform tablets discovered at Nineveh include fascinating information about giants, weird beasts, and enigmatic flying ships.
Of all these, most striking is that of Gilgamesh, considered oldest epic of mankind. A 5000 years ago, he ruled Uruk despotically, and that certain historical texts show him as someone who really existed, but with a fantastic and unknown origin. Unfortunately, its complete history has not survived over time, but what can be perceived in the rest of the tablets found, shows a history of struggle, life and death. Sumerians considered Gilgamesh to be “the man (entity or being) for whom all things were known (unlimited knowledge)”. They said it was a hybrid between gods “who came from heaven” and humans.

Uruk continues to hold many human mysteries, shocking traditional archaeology with each new dig with stories that have been concealed from us for decades. Uruk is a clear example of this, along with his stories about gods that make us wonder if there really was no “influence” beyond what we know.

Uruk was a city that flourished south of the river valley, on the banks of the Euphrates, and its civilization expanded throughout Mesopotamia to become the world’s earliest and most significant metropolis. Cradle of mythical rulers such as Gilgamesh.

A God who was far far from what we recognise as “human” and more akin to a mystery creature. But, before we get to Gilgamesh, we must first discuss the beginnings of one of antiquity’s most mysterious civilizations. It was discovered in 1849 thanks to William Loftus, despite the fact that the most renowned archaeologists did not reach it until the following century; 1912-1913. Julius Jordan together with the East German Society discovered the Ishtar temple at that time, surprising it with its adobe mosaics and bricks. But what surprised him most were the ruins of the ancient wall that covered the entire city for more than 3,000 years BC, which, according to later studies, reached more than 15 meters in height and was more than 9 kilometers long wall built by King Gilgamesh.

In 1950s, Heinrich Lenzen found some tablets written in Sumerian dialect and dated 3300 BC and that described Uruk as first urban center that used writing as a common means of communication in everyday life. All of these discoveries demonstrated, quite contrary to what everyone believed at the time, that Uruk became, not only first urban human settlement, but also nucleus of society, with a flourishing economic power superior to anyone. In addition, it stands out in the succession of temples crowned in ziggurats and palaces, at least 80,000 inhabitants, making it the first city on the planet.

Throughout its history, Uruk has also lived through different stages, its foundation being a Neolithic settlement around 5000 BC, making it a powerful city, significantly advanced and considerably influential between 4000-3000 BC, until its fall after 700 AD. Even so, Uruk’s influence was so powerful, that it takes a period of time to bear his name, making it most influential metropolis of human societies. However, it is not yet known how Uruk came to be the epicenter of society and had so much dominance. His economic power was known, the perfect lands that existed in the valley of the two rivers, which certainly made him grow the best food in the region.

Possibly this attracted more people who joined urban planning, creating business with different regions, making people not need to fight for their livelihood, giving them the opportunity to dedicate themselves other tasks, creating all kinds. But it is also believed in theoretical circles (theorists of ancient astronauts, alternative theorists and others who do not believe in history as we were told) that he had a “divine” influence, which did not belong to this planet.

In an extraordinary archaeological discovery at Téviec, France 🇫🇷, scientists uncovered the graves of two women dating back to between 6740-5680 BC. Despite the violent nature of their deaths, the women were buried with exceptional care and respect. Their skeletons, showing evidence of trauma, were placed beneath a "roof" made of antlers, and they wore hand-strung shell necklaces, suggesting their significance within their community.

The burial site was meticulously excavated by archaeologists to preserve the arrangement in its entirety, and the findings are now displayed at the Muséum de Toulouse. This rare and poignant discovery provides valuable insights into ancient burial customs, as well as potential social and spiritual roles that the women may have held. The care taken in their burial contrasts with the violent circumstances of their deaths, raising intriguing questions about their identities and the society they belonged to.

At around 9,000 years old, this find offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these ancient individuals. It invites further exploration into the mysteries of their deaths and the social dynamics of their time, offering an enduring connection to human history.