Historic Eras
Historic eras—including prehistory, ancient and modern history—represent time viewed through the lens of human events
The Mystery of Bosnia's Ancient Pyramids
An amateur archaeologist says he's discovered the world's oldest pyramids in the Balkans. But many experts remain dubious
December 2009 |
By Colin Woodard
Nan Madol: The City Built on Coral Reefs
One of the oldest archaeological sites not on a heritage list, this Pacific state, like Easter Island, is an engineering marvel
November 03, 2009 |
By Christopher Pala
Looting Mali's History
As demand for its antiquities soars, the West African country is losing its most prized artifacts to illegal sellers and smugglers
November 2009 |
By Joshua Hammer
Trekking Hadrian's Wall
A hike through Britain's second-century Roman past leads to spectacular views, idyllic villages and local brews
October 2009 |
By Andrew Curry
Looking for Leonardo
Are figures in a Florentine altar panel attributed to Italian artist Andrea del Verrocchio actually by Leonardo da Vinci?
October 2009 |
By Ann Landi
Columbus' Confusion About the New World
The European discovery of America opened possibilities for those with eyes to see. But Columbus was not one of them
October 2009 |
By Edmund S. Morgan
UBI in the Knife and Gun Club
The secret language of doctors and nurses
October 2009 |
By Richard Conniff
Ancient Greece Springs to Life
Athens’ New Acropolis Museum comes to America in an exhibition highlighting treasures of antiquity
September 22, 2009 |
By Jamie Katz
Finding King Herod's Tomb
After a 35-year search, an Israeli archaeologist is certain he has solved the mystery of the biblical figure’s final resting place
August 2009 |
By Barbara Kreiger
Galileo's Vision
Four hundred years ago, the Italian scientist looked into space and changed our view of the universe
August 2009 |
By David Zax
Hominids’ African Origins, 50 Years Later
Before Mary Leakey’s discovery of hominid fossils in East Africa, many experts thought that human ancestors evolved in Asia
July 23, 2009 |
By Laura Helmuth
Galileo's Instruments of Discovery
With these various instruments, Galileo Galilei was able to look into space and change our view of the universe.
July 20, 2009 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Can Computers Decipher a 5,000-Year-Old Language?
A computer scientist is helping to uncover the secrets of the inscribed symbols of the Indus
July 20, 2009 |
By David Zax
Ben Franklin: Patriot, Foodie
American patriot Benjamin Franklin was a fan of food and helped France change their opinion on potatoes
July 02, 2009 |
By Smithsonian.com
Robot Babies
Can scientists build a machine that learns as it goes and plays well with others?
July 2009 |
By Abigail Tucker
Terra Cotta Soldiers on the March
A traveling exhibition of China's terra cotta warriors sheds new light on the ruler whose tomb they guarded
July 2009 |
By Arthur Lubow
A Salute to the Wheel
Always cited as the hallmark of man’s innovation, here is the real story behind the wheel – from its origins to its reinvention
June 18, 2009 |
By Megan Gambino
In Damascus, Restoring Beit Farhi and the City’s Jewish Past
An architect works to restore the grand palace of Raphael Farhi, one of the most powerful men in the Ottoman world
June 11, 2009 |
By Stephen Glain
1934: The Art of the New Deal
An exhibition of Depression-era paintings by federally-funded artists provides a hopeful view of life during economic travails
June 2009 |
By Jerry Adler
