Spoken Past
The ancient world, made easier to explore.
Practical guides for historic sites, clear historical articles, and resources for independent study.
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Ancient site guides
Acropolis of Athens
Explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, ancient theatres and sanctuaries of the Acropolis with a free interactive map and researched historical guide.
Roman Forum
The political, religious and ceremonial heart of ancient Rome.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The civic and social center of classical Athens.
Athens Historic Sights
Explore 21 historic sights across Athens, from the Acropolis and ancient assembly hills to Byzantine churches, Roman monuments and modern Greek landmarks.
Articles
Latest articles
Why Did Ancient Egyptian Workers Go on Strike?
30 Oct • By Caiden Pannell
Unpaid grain wages drove Deir el-Medina’s royal tomb builders to stop work under Ramesses III, leaving a detailed record of their demands and protests.
Laufey: Loki’s Mother Who Barely Survives the Eddas
13 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
Laufey was Loki's mother in Norse mythology. The Eddas, her second name Nál, and a later Icelandic tale reveal what the sources actually say.
The Morrígan: Irish War Goddess, Shapeshifter, or Triad?
10 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
The Morrígan confronts Cú Chulainn as an eel, wolf and heifer. Irish manuscripts also make her a battle prophet, a crow and one of...
Peltasts: How Javelin Troops Defeated Spartan Hoplites
05 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
In 390 BCE, Iphicrates’ peltasts killed about 250 Spartan soldiers near Lechaeum. Xenophon explains how mobile javelin troops defeated unsupported hoplites.
Why Did Ancient Egyptian Workers Go on Strike?
30 Oct • By Caiden Pannell
Laufey: Loki’s Mother Who Barely Survives the Eddas
13 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
Laufey was Loki's mother in Norse mythology. The Eddas, her second name Nál, and a later Icelandic tale reveal what...
The Morrígan: Irish War Goddess, Shapeshifter, or Triad?
10 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
The Morrígan confronts Cú Chulainn as an eel, wolf and heifer. Irish manuscripts also make her a battle prophet, a...
Peltasts: How Javelin Troops Defeated Spartan Hoplites
05 Jun • By Caiden Pannell
In 390 BCE, Iphicrates’ peltasts killed about 250 Spartan soldiers near Lechaeum. Xenophon explains how mobile javelin troops defeated unsupported...
Categories
Explore by subject
Mythology
Myths, gods, heroes, and ancient epics from all different ancient civilizations, with clear retellings, context, and links to traditions.
Warfare
Battles, tactics, weapons, and commanders across the ancient world, from phalanxes and legions to sieges and naval wars, explained with context.
Culture
Work, family, food, trade, slavery, education, and everyday life in the ancient world, showing how people lived, made a living, and celebrated.
Art
Sculpture, temples, painting, mosaics, and design across Greece, Rome, Egypt, and beyond, with styles, techniques, and notable works explained.
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