Rituals and Traditions
Mesoamericans May Have Drunk Tobacco During Rituals 1,000 Years Ago
New research reveals evidence of nicotine residue on vases unearthed in Guatemala
The World's First Cryonics Museum Finds a Perfect Home in Estes Park, Colorado
The town’s historic hotel magnifies its mastery of the macabre with a chilling new attraction
Ancient Iberians Ingested Red Dust Loaded With Mind-Altering Mercury
Bones in Spain suggest a mercury-rich mineral used for art and hallucinogenic trips poisoned a community 5,000 years ago
Archaeologists May Have Found Traces of a Viking Marketplace in Norway
Ground-penetrating radar found evidence of a trading hub buried near the island of Klosterøy's historic monastery
Algerian Officials Inaugurate the Largest Mosque in Africa
Spanning nearly 70 acres, the $898 million project faced years of delays amid political controversy
A Towering Statue of Atlas Emerges From the Ruins of Sicily's Ancient Temple of Zeus
In the fifth century B.C.E., 38 looming sculptures of the Titan stood guard at the structure
These Festive Photos Capture How the World Celebrates Carnival, From Rome to Rio de Janeiro
See shots of “the world’s biggest party” from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest
Archaeologists Unearth 'Incredibly Rare' Roman-Era Clay Figurine of the God Mercury
The excavations led to the discovery of a previously unknown ancient Roman settlement in England
Graves of Roman Family Held Jewelry, Coins and 'Exquisite' Vials for Storing Mourners' Tears
Archaeologists in Bulgaria unearthed the remains of three individuals interred with rare treasures dating to the third century
Archaeologists Were 'Amazed' to Find That a 1,700-Year-Old Chicken Egg Still Has Liquid Inside
Discovered in England, the egg is thought to be the only one of its kind—and analysis of its contents could shed new light on its origins
How This German Chocolate Shop Created a Sweet Way for Young Admirers to Pass Love Notes
For more than 150 years, Heidelberg locals and tourists have enjoyed the "Studentenkuss," or Student Kiss—a praline nougat on a waffle wafer covered in dark chocolate
A Brief History of How Carnival Is Celebrated Around the World
Here’s how Venice, Rio de Janeiro, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans, and Quebec City mark the pre-Lenten season
Is Kyrgyzstan the Next Adventure Travel Destination?
Breathtaking hikes, yurt stays and opportunities for cultural immersion are attracting trekkers from around the world
Are You Ready for Some Football? Prep for the Super Bowl With 15 Thrilling Photos of Americans Tossing the Pigskin
Celebrate the cherished American sport before the big game
Archaeologists Discover Rare Roman Funerary Bed Buried Beneath London
The wooden bed was likely dismantled IKEA-style before being buried alongside a high-status individual
A Lunar New Year Staple, Tang Yuan Are a 'Dose of Luck and Sweetness'
The chewy rice balls ooze with indulgent filling and layers of symbolism
Archaeologists Discover 1,700-Year-Old Jade Mask Inside the Tomb of a Maya King
Located in Guatemala, the tomb also held rare mollusk shells, carvings and other funeral offerings
This Eight-Day Festival Celebrates One of Alaska's Weirdest Worms
Welcome to the Cordova Ice Worm Festival, a quirky local tradition honoring the mysterious creatures that live in glacial ice
You Can Now Wear a Recreation of Scotland's Oldest Tartan
Fashion designers have created a fabric inspired by the Glen Affric tartan, which was discovered in a peat bog and dates to between 1500 and 1600
Everyone Thought This 4,000-Year-Old Tomb Had Been Destroyed. Then, an Archaeologist Found It
Billy Mag Fhloinn located the Altóir na Gréine, thought to have vanished in the 19th century, in southwest Ireland
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