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Göbekli Tepe just doesn’t make sense. The neolithic&nbsp;archaeological ruins were first uncovered in the '60s, but their significance wasn’t truly realized until 1994. The site&nbsp;is&nbsp;located in southeastern Turkey -&nbsp;although it predates the establishment of the country by a significant amount of time. In fact, Göbekli Tepe is so old&nbsp;and complex&nbsp;that it is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/archaeology-that-changed-history/nathan-gibson">rewriting our understanding</a> of not just Turkish history, but the entire history of humanity. Based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/archaeological-misunderstandings-and-mistakes/stephanroget">everything we know</a> about how modern&nbsp;civilization got its start, Göbekli Tepe should not exist. However, exist it does, and&nbsp;has for nearly 12,000 years.Archaeological study of Göbekli Tepe has been going on for quite some time - even though the modern political climate in Turkey has made matters slightly more difficult. Some sections are even in the process of being restored. The site has become a tourist attraction and a source of local pride, and there are&nbsp;plenty of good reasons for that. Göbekli Tepe is, after all, the oldest site of significance created by human beings, and that makes it one of the most important <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-peat-bog-bodies/laura-allan">archaeological discoveries</a> ever made.

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This Archaeological Site Is Rewriting Our Entire Understanding Of Human History

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15 Insane Facts About Göbekli Tepe That Everyone Should Know

Stephan Roget

In the year 79, in the Campagnia region of modern Italy, Mount Vesuvius positively blew its stack, releasing molten rock, ash, and 100,00 times the thermal energy of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki blasts at the rate of 1.5 million tons per second.

The Walls Kept Tumbling Down

Pompeii

In 79 CE, volcanic Mount Vesuvius erupted&nbsp;and buried Pompeii, Italy. Hidden from the world beneath&nbsp;pumice and ash, it was all but forgotten for nearly 1,500&nbsp;years. But that&nbsp;changed in 1738&nbsp;when excavation workers discovered the site preserved&nbsp;beneath dust and debris.In 1860, Italian archaeologist Giuseppe&nbsp;Fiorelli&nbsp;took charge of the site and began a proper excavation. Fiorelli recognized the soft ashes on the site were actually cavities <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-it-was-like-at-pompeii/setareh-janda?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">left from the dead</a>, and he&nbsp;is responsible for filling them with high-grade plaster. Thus, the preserved bodies of Pompeii were born. Nearly 150 years later, modern science revealed strange facts about the bodies thanks to&nbsp;CT scans.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/modern-archaeological-facts/zach-seemayer">Archaeological discoveries</a> like this are constantly refining our beliefs about the ancient world. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/science/archaeology-dna-pompeii.html">As recently as 2024</a>, scholars upended long-held beliefs the demographics at Pompeii and how adults and children, as well as men and women, interacted with each other.Among the many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-pompeii/theodoros-karasavvas">things most folks don't know about Pompeii</a> is&nbsp;that the bodies themselves, more than almost any other existing artifacts, provide archaeologists with vital information about what life was like in the ancient city.&nbsp;Take a look at these little-known Pompeii facts.

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15 Bizarre Things Most People Don't Know About The Bodies Preserved At Pompeii

15 Things You Didn't Know About The Bodies Preserved At Pompeii

Andy Miller

In appreciation of the action thriller franchise that follows a deadly assassin who comes out of retirement to seek [highly justified] personal revenge. 

Wick... John Wick

John Wick Franchise

Since the first&nbsp;John Wick film was released in 2014, the franchise has captured audiences' attention and revitalized <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-action-movies?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the action movie</a> genre.&nbsp;Perhaps most surprising of all&nbsp;is the thorough world-building&nbsp;of the first&nbsp;two films. A visual style reminiscent of graphic novels,&nbsp;mixed with an interesting mythology,&nbsp;helps the franchise stand out as something more impactful than another over-edited action fest.One potential - and surprisingly believable - theory&nbsp;claims&nbsp;the&nbsp;John Wick&nbsp;films are an adaptation of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/weirdest-greek-myths/laura-allan">Greek mythology</a>.&nbsp;

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How 'John Wick' Is Actually Eerily Similar To Greek Mythology

John Wick Is Actually An Adaptation Of Greek Mythology

Sarah P

A peek behind the scenes of our favorite high-octane action flicks.

Action Movies in the Making

Gladiator

Gladiator won the Academy Award for&nbsp;Best Picture in&nbsp;2001. If you&#39;ve seen the film, it makes sense. From the time of its release, the movie was critically acclaimed and embraced by audiences. Once you know some of the things that went on behind the scenes, that Oscar win seems less likely. It&#39;s nothing short of a miracle that this Ridley Scott-directed historical epic turned out&nbsp;as good as it did. The production was beset with problems that, by all measures, should have derailed it.

Of course, all movies have challenges, but this one had massive challenges. The script was barely written when filming commenced, star Russell Crowe nearly got mauled by a tiger, and, worst of all, one actor passed away mid-production. Somehow, cast and crew rallied together, overcoming these hurdles to create something that would continue to resonate two decades later (although, if you&#39;re looking for a truly accurate representation of ancient Roman life, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historical-errors-in-gladiator/setareh-janda" target="_blank">you might want to look elsewhere</a>).&nbsp;

Which of the following Gladiator behind-the-scenes stories will continue to&nbsp;echo in eternity? You get to decide with your votes.&nbsp;

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It Sounds Like The Set Of ‘Gladiator’ Was Actual Hell For Russell Crowe

14 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From ‘Gladiator’

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Military

Many of us have heard of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-spartan-life-was-like/aaron-edwards" target="_blank">unusual practices of Sparta</a>, the war-obsessed, ancient Greek society. Let&#39;s be real: many&nbsp;of us learned them from the notorious 2006&nbsp;film, 300.&nbsp;While the movie, and our history books, highlight some of the more impressive aspects of Spartan society, there are&nbsp;plenty of weird facts about Sparta&nbsp;that seem&nbsp;too extreme to be real.&nbsp;

For example, did you&nbsp;know Spartan&nbsp;teens participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/extreme-ancient-sports-that-sound-fake-but-are-true/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">yearly festival of exterminating&nbsp;slaves</a>&nbsp;to quash any thoughts of rebellion? Or that Spartan babies were dunked in wine to test their worthiness to live? Or that women of Sparta shaved their heads and dressed like men on their wedding nights?

So get cozy, grab your sword (if you have one),&nbsp;and read on to dive <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/christopher-mccandless-into-the-wild-true-story/colleen-conroy?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">into the wild</a>&nbsp;traditions of Sparta. Make sure to vote up the facts that seem too outrageous to be real.

Facts About Sparta That Sound Made Up - But Aren't

Emily Pogue

Exploring the folklore, stories, and teachings in different cultures around the globe and throughout history.

Mythology Around the World

Ancient History

For us mere mortals, mythology and the world of ancient Greece and the gods has been a fascinating subject for thousands of years. So it makes sense that filmmakers have been drawing inspiration from Greek mythology almost since the advent of the medium. Mythological stories tend to be rich with drama, action, and betrayal, none more so than Greek mythology where humans lived in harmony or discord with their gods.&nbsp;These interactions often led to grand adventures that make for great movies. Other films like Hercules in New York and Mighty Aphrodite take elements from Greek mythology and place them in modern settings. Ideas like these have also been the basis for many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-shows-about-greek-mythology/ranker-tv">TV shows about Greek mythology</a> as well.It’s really no wonder why popular directors like Zack Snyder, Oliver Stone, and the Coen&nbsp;Brothers have all made movies that bring the Greek mythos to the silver screen. But which one of these movies is the best? You get to help decide by voting up your favorite Greek mythology movies. The best part is that you can vote for more than one, you’ll be helping other fans find out what to watch next. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime, you can start watching a lot of these movies right now.

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The 35 Best Greek Mythology Movies Of All Time

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Looking closer at actors and actresses who have played the *exact* same role.

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Cleopatra

We’re ranking the best Cleopatra actresses of all time. As one of the most enigmatic and fascinating characters in antiquity, Cleopatra is often portrayed as being powerful, pragmatic, and sensual. Yes, she might have conquered Julius Caesar’s heart, but there’s still so much we don’t know about her. In fact, the mythos of Cleopatra has become so popular that it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.From the very first films, actresses have portrayed their own unique version of Cleopatra. While Vivien Leigh captured Cleopatra’s charm in 1945’s Caesar and Cleopatra, Sophia Loren brought the heat to the big screen in her breakout performance in 1954’s Due notti con Cleopatra, which translates to Two Nights with Cleopatra. Elizabeth Taylor also turned a few heads with her classic portrayal in 1963’s Cleopatra, and Monica&nbsp;Bellucci played Cleopatra in&nbsp;Asterix &amp; Obelix. Which actress is your favorite?Vote up the best Cleopatra actresses to see who tops the list.

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The Best Actresses Who Played Cleopatra, Ranked

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Ranking Every Actress To Play Cleopatra, Best To Worst

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Alligator wrestling, bull leaping, and carcass polo all sound like made-up sports. And yet people in Central America lined up to watch horsemen grab a headless goat carcass, Seminole Indians wrestled alligators, and ancient Minoans jumped over bulls.

When it comes to extreme historical <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/all-extreme-sports-list/reference" target="_blank">sports</a>, that&#39;s just the beginning. Venetians brawled with each other to claim control of a bridge, Egyptian fisherman tried to drown each other, and Greek wrestlers broke each other&#39;s bones to win games. In ancient Sparta, teenagers played a &quot;game&quot; called krypteia that involved massacring unarmed slaves, and ancient Mayans had to win their game or be sacrificed to the gods.&nbsp;

Unlike modern sports, where players have to follow rules, many of these extreme ancient sports were no holds barred. Vote up the ancient sports that are absurdly extreme.

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13 Extreme Historical Sports, Ranked By How Made-Up They Sound

13 Extreme Ancient Sports That Sound Made Up But Aren’t

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History

Many civilizations throughout history have erected enormous buildings and other structures to secure their place in both the present and posterity. Indeed, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-historic-landmark-facts/alby-thompson">these landmarks</a> are sometimes the only evidence left of past cultures - mute testaments to their greatness.&nbsp;Throughout the world,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ancient-monuments-still-standing/pierce-nahigyan"> impressive monuments from antiquity</a> still stand, and they are important not just as archaeological remains, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ancient-tourism-facts/jim-rowley">also for tourism.</a> Every year, more fascinating facts emerge from these constructions of stone, brick, and mortar,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-monument-facts/mallory-weiler">shedding important light</a> on the people who produced them, allowing those in the present to gain some insight into the aspirations of those who came before.

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Facts About 14 Ancient Monuments We Can't Believe We're Just Now Learning

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Thomas West

Whether tucked away between more modern structures built throughout their still thriving cities or standing alone amidst deserted landscapes, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-monument-ancient-facts/thomas-west">ancient landmarks</a> have the ability to inspire both excitement and intrigue. As gateways to the past, these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ancient-temple-facts/emily-mast">ancient temples</a> and monuments tell the unique history of civilizations who lived centuries before us - providing archaeological information where recorded written details of events are rarely found.&nbsp;Many of these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/oldest-buildings-in-the-world-still-standing/pierce-nahigyan">surviving ancient buildings</a> and ruins are well-recognized as world travel destinations and backdrops to Hollywood film scenes. Still, while we may easily identify these iconic structures, there are always more elements of new knowledge to uncover. Below are some seriously head-turning facts we just learned about ancient landmarks.&nbsp;

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12 Astonishing Facts We Just Learned About Ancient Landmarks

Surprising Facts About Ancient Landmarks

Facts We Just Learned About Ancient Landmarks

Lauren Glen

Watchworthy

The Roman Empire has captivated audiences for generations, so it comes as no surprise that filmmakers have often turned to this rich and storied past for inspiration. The resulting Roman war movies, often seen through the eyes of a Roman soldier, bring history to life in a grandeur that few other genres can match. This article, chiseled from the dense plaque of the past, is a carefully curated and expertly picked list filled with the best of the best when it comes to Roman Legion movies.Our roster of films presents an admirable gallery of Hollywood's exquisite grasp of the ancient era. They feature the ceaseless spirit of warriors, the electrifying chaos of battles, and the stratified society of one of the most influential civilizations in history. These films are timeless classics that have left an indelible print on the annals of film history, not only for critical acknowledgment but also because of their unwavering popularity among audiences.Movies like Gladiator speak to the grandeur and brutality of Roman life; Spartacus illuminates the tragic defiance of the downtrodden, while Ben-Hur enables us to experience the life course of a man betrayed and condemned. Other films like The Eagle and Centurion offer a unique vantage point of the Roman presence in British lands. Each of these films diligently unravels the tangled threads of history, giving us a taste of life as a Roman soldier during ancient times.To help make this historic journey lighter, we've included streaming options for each movie listed, with direct links to platforms such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+. Whether you're a cinephile wanting to soak up some Roman history or a history fanatic curious about Hollywood's rendering of the times, this selection is a Roman banquet you won't want to miss.Lastly, remember that your input matters to us. We encourage you to vote for your favorite movies from the list. Become a part of the conversation, weigh in with your thoughts, and make your voice heard. Prepare for a splendid immersion into the world of Roman legions on the silver screen.

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The Best Roman Legion Movies

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Few ancient civilizations are quite as famous as the Spartans. Even now, they are regarded as the pinnacle of military power and brute male strength, thanks in no small part to the 2006 film&nbsp;300.&nbsp;However, in order to become the fearsome military state that they were, the Spartans implemented a brutal system of punishment, both of those born free and those who were slaves. Within Sparta, free young men were put through what was known as the agoge, a particularly brutal training regimen. For their slaves, discipline - and life in general - was often cruel.It’s worth taking a closer look at some of the Spartans’ more brutal methods. Doing so allows for a far more nuanced - if at times unflattering - understanding of this ancient civilization than you might expect. As is so often the case with the ancient world, nothing is as cut and dry as those living in the present would like.

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All Of The Intense Ways The Spartans Maintained Discipline

How The Spartans Actually Disciplined People

History is full of unknowns but, once in a while, researchers think they find an answer to an enduring mystery. Then, decades later, new technology comes along and upends what everyone previously thought was true.This is what's happened when it comes to the death and remains of Cleopatra VII's (half) sister, Arsinoe IV. Arsinoe IV was a troublemaker who antagonized Cleopatra VII over and over again before being captured by Julius Caesar. Instead of being killed from the outset, Arsinoe IV was graciously sent into exile, only to be killed by another one of her sister's Roman lovers, Mark Antony.It was long believed that Arsinoe's remains had been located after archaeology evidence seemed to suggest they'd been found near where she was assassinated. Now an upended idea, where Arsinoe's body ended up is as mysterious as ever. But, even more interesting are the questions what DNA evidence revealed about the bones formerly attributed to her actually do reveal about the past.&nbsp;

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Cleopatra Definitely Had People Killed, But What Really Happened To Her Sister?

Melissa Sartore

Aliens

Ancient&nbsp;history is filled with impressive human&nbsp;achievements -&nbsp;the Pyramids of Giza, the Mayan Long Count Calendar, beer&nbsp;- or maybe that&#39;s just what &quot;they&quot; want you to think. Since the 1960s, a growing&nbsp;contingent of people believes ancient civilizations were contacted by extraterrestrial beings who provided humanity with the knowledge and skills needed to create civilization. According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/21/style/ancient-aliens.html" target="_blank">Ancient Astronaut Theory</a>, aliens built grand monuments,&nbsp;left behind&nbsp;artifacts, and may have even caused certain civilizations to disappear <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/full-cast-of-without-a-trace-cast-list-for-the-show-without-a-trace/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">without a trace</a>.

Historians and archaeologists have criticized the theory since it started to gain mainstream popularity with Erich von D&auml;niken&#39;s 1968&nbsp;best-selling book Chariots of the Gods? -&nbsp;but what do you think? Did these ancient civilizations create&nbsp;genuine&nbsp;human marvels or were they the benefactors of&nbsp;interplanetary encounters?

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What Ancient Civilizations Do You Believe Were Contacted By Aliens?

Brenden Donnelly

People have been living all around the world for literally thousands of years. Here are some of the most interesting things human beings have ever done (that we know about).

Fascinating Ancient History

Weird History

The 6th century boasted many exceptional&nbsp;events, people, and historical contributions. The exception, however, was&nbsp;one year that was particularly burdened with a level of tragedy and strife&nbsp;most historians say surpassed any other moment in history: 536 CE. This was the worst part of the Dark Ages.&nbsp;

Calling the medieval period the &quot;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/reasons-dark-ages-were-not-dark/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">Dark Ages</a>&quot; may seem to be a&nbsp;bit of an exaggeration to the period overall, but scientists and historians recently determined the worst time to be alive was, in fact, during one of these so-called dark years. Across the globe, from Europe to Asia to South America, civilization stalled as people dealt with hardships brought on by horrific natural events.

Plagues, famines, and natural disasters all contributed to the challenges of 536, as did messy political shifts and cultural upheavals. <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-life-was-like-in-medieval-castles/shanell-mouland" target="_blank">Living in medieval Europe</a> was anything but easy, and the 6th century appeared&nbsp;exceptionally difficult to survive.&nbsp;Don&#39;t worry, though - about 100 years later <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/how-did-humans-survive-536-ad-worst-year/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">everything recovered as best it could</a>.

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Historians Agree 536 Was The Worst Year To Be Alive - What Happened?

Reasons 536 CE Was The Worst Year To Be Alive

Rankings, theories, behind-the-scenes stories, and fun facts about the adventures of Indiana Jones, the archaeologist who can find anything—except the inner-strength to conquer his own fear of snakes.

X Never, Ever Marks the Spot

Indiana Jones

Since his debut in 1981, Indiana Jones has been doing his part to rescue relics and save history from unsavory characters who wish to use the artifacts for malicious means. Watching Indy save the day and the treasure is always a treat, but do you ever wonder if that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/american-buried-treasure-still-missing/emily-mast">treasure</a> actually existed, and if so, what it would be worth?&nbsp;We looked at the artifacts, treasures, and relics <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/harrison-ford-on-making-indiana-jones/natalie-jonah">Indiana Jones</a> saved and/or found over the years. By comparing them to real-world counterparts, or making real-world guesstimates based on the time period and materials used to create the relic, we came up with how much each treasure might be worth. From the ark of the covenant to the Eye of the Peacock, here are a few artifacts found by Indiana Jones and what they might be worth in the real world. Please vote up the rescued relics whose price tags could launch a crusade of their own.&nbsp;

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The Actual, Real World Value Of All The Artifacts Indiana Jones Finds

How Much Are The Ancient Artifacts In Indiana Jones Actually Worth?

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