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"A team of archaeologists from Brigham Young University has uncovered an Egyptian cemetery that may have upwards of 1 million graves. NPR's Scott Simon explains they were commoners - not pharaohs."

"Computer animator Steve K. Simons and Greek warfare expert Dr. Sonya Nevin work together to develop moving parts from the static images on Greek pottery, much of it in the extensive collection of the University of Reading's Ure Museum. They collaborate with ancient music experts to create soundtracks that wouldn't sound out of place in one of the symposia depicted on the vases. It's a full-spectrum historical immersion achieved through modern technology."

"In the 12th century, all of Mesopotamia blossomed. The Islamic Golden Age was a time of thriving science, scholarship and art, including bright and vivid Persian miniatures-small paintings on paper created to be collected into books."

"In ancient Egypt, the practice of mummifying animals became widespread in the first millenium B.C. Until the advent of Christianity, visitors to temples could buy animal mummy bundles as offerings to the gods. Wealthier pilgrims could also splurge on elaborate coffins shaped as creatures to hold these mummies, which ancient Egyptians probably believed represented the souls of the gods. Along with the sale of animal mummies, the production of lavish bronze and wooden coffins must have been an important source of revenue for temples."

"He then invited Cortés to climb the Templo Mayor to get a better view. Within two years of that moment, Moctezuma's great city was gone. Only now are archaeologists learning how much of it actually survived and is sitting beneath the paving stones and buildings that make up Mexico City today."

"New research has been analysing the text of the Iliad, and in particular how the Greeks and Trojans conducted assemblies for decision-making purposes. Joel P. Christensen has studied the text and come to some interesting conclusions which are published in the most recent edition of the journal Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies. Christensen believes this is an under-studied area which has the potential to reveal a huge amount about the Classical world."

"The victory of the Roman emperor Trajan over the Dacians in back-to-back wars is carved in numerous scenes that spiral around a 126-foot marble pillar in Rome known as Trajan's Column. It's a tale that reads like an ancient comic strip. Take Trajan's Column for a spin: Click the arrows at left for a guided tour, or explore on your own by dragging the images. (Trajan is highlighted in yellow.)"