The ancient world was a fascinating place full of history and incredible stories. From the great pyramids of Egypt to the mysterious lost city of Atlantis, the ancient world has been a source of excitement and intrigue for centuries. Weβll explore ten amazing facts about the ancient world that will help you learn more about this fascinating time period. From the Ancient Egyptians to the earliest human fossil, these facts will give you a unique insight into the world of the ancients. So, letβs take a journey back in time and explore the top ten facts about the ancient world!
1. There is an early human fossil called ‘Lucy’.
The famous early human fossil βLucyβ was named after the song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles.
It was playing in the car when archaeologists found the fossil!
2. Neanderthals were shaped like professional wrestlers.
Neanderthals were very much like us but there were a few differences.
They had slightly different skulls from us.
Their bodies were a bit shorter and wider!
They looked a bit like professional wrestlers.
3. Archaeologists have found Ice Age flutes made from bird bones.
Prehistoric people were very creative and inventive.
They used to play music.
We know this because archaeologists found ancient flutes.
They were made from bird bones!
4. The oldest complaint ever found is almost 4,000 years old.
The oldest complaint letter ever found is almost 4,000 years old!
It was written by a Mesopotamian man called Nanni.
He was unhappy with some copper he had been sold.
5. Archaeologists found public toilets in Pompeii.
Archaeologists found public toilets in Pompeii.
They had 20 seats in a row and no walls between them.
People would even share the same brush to wipe their bums!
6. New Nazca Lines have been found in the Peruvian desert.
Around 2,000 years ago there were people called the Nazca.
They lived in the desert in Southern Peru.
The Nazca scratched huge images of wild animals into the desert rocks which can still be seen today.
New Nazca Lines have been found in the Peruvian desert using drones and artificial intelligence!
7. The Stonehenge stones almost weigh the same as a blue whale!
Have you ever visited Stonehenge? Maybe you’ve driven past it!
The stones have always been a bit of a mystery. How did they get there?
They are very heavy. In fact, each one weighs around the same as a blue whale.
8. Ancient Egyptians worshipped over 2,000 Gods and Goddesses.
Ancient Egyptians worshipped lots of Gods and Goddesses.
They mainly had a human body with an animal head!
Some of the most well-known ones are:
Osiris β The King of the Living
Thoth: God of Knowledge and Wisdom
Ra: God of the Sun and Radiance
9. A preserved poo is called a coprolite.
Imagine if your poo was discovered in thousands of years time! How embarrassing…
It would be called a coprolite.
Well, that’s exactly what happened to a Viking.
A new bank was being built in York in 1972. Archaeologists went digging to see what they could find before the building could begin.
One of their most exciting finds was a poo!
It sounds a bit disappointing but it tells us a lot about how the Vikings lived including their diet and if they had any health problems.
10. The Mayans had a writing system.
The Mayans had a writing system where they used hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics are signs that make up sounds and words.
There were up to 800 glyphs in their writing system.
Send us your favourite facts!
Is there something we've missed? Got a fact you're dying to tell us? Submit it below and we could use it on a future Top 10 Facts page!Β
Remember to always ask an adult before filling out forms online.
Top 10 Facts
From the Tudors to rocks to fish, we have all the best facts right here!
More From Top 10 Facts
