Giovanni Battista Bugatti, commonly known as "Il commendatore," was an Italian executioner who served from 1796 to 1865, primarily in Rome. He is infamous for his meticulous records of executions, which provide significant insight into the practices and attitudes towards capital punishment in 19th-century Italy. Bugatti became a notable figure in his time, often described as a professional who took pride in his work; he even authored a memoir detailing his experiences, reflecting the complexities of his role in society. His legacy is a mix of morbid fascination and historical documentation of judicial practices during that era. Read More »

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Traces of cocaine discovered in mummified brain tissue reveal that Europeans were chewing coca leaves — possibly for medical or recreational purposes — in the 17th century, two centuries before the earliest known documented use of the New World plant in the Old World, a new study finds.

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed the 3,200-year-old remains of a military barracks containing a wealth of artifacts, including a sword with hieroglyphs depicting the name of Ramesses II.

Image credit: Courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The structure contains a series of storerooms used to hold grain and ovens for baking. The team also found the remains of pottery containing the bones of animals, including fish. Multiple cow burials were also unearthed at the site, Ahmed El Kharadly, an archaeologist with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities who led excavations at the site, told Live Science in an email. Read More »

The 16th century, spanning from 1501 to 1600, was a transformative period marked by significant events such as the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Age of Exploration. This era witnessed the flourishing of arts and literature, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci and William Shakespeare emerging. The Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church's authority, while explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan expanded European knowledge of the world, paving the way for colonialism. The century also saw advancements in science and technology, influencing culture and society in profound ways. Read More »

The throne found in the tomb of

is considered one of the most important archaeological pieces in ancient Egyptian history. Also known as the "Golden Throne," it is made of pine wood covered in gold, silver, and precious stones. It is believed to have been used in the coronation ceremonies of the king.

During more than a decade of American alcohol prohibition, the black economy grew stronger through alcohol smuggling. Secret revelries were opened, and the poorer social strata produced the drinks, which were often of poor quality and dangerous to health, for themselves.

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Sailors jump from the hull of HMS Barham as she capsizes and her magazines explode.

Reposted from moods