Ancient History
What history can really teach us
History is too intricate to teach simple lessons, but studying it helps in understanding the complexities of the present says a University of Melbourne expert
The history of paper
Paper was invented in China before it spread through Central Asia and Europe, but how did paper evolve to become our modern-day office paper?
Lucky discoveries of lost ancient history
Chance discoveries have been key to our understanding of ancient times. Here, University of Melbourne experts tell the stories of some of these important finds.
Rome’s Augustus and the allure of the strongman
The Roman emperor Augustus is often held up as a model statesman, but a University of Melbourne expert warns admirers should be careful what they wish for.
A pressing matter: Ancient Roman food technology
University of Melbourne researcher finds Ancient Roman text has long been misinterpreted, shedding new light on how oil and wine press technology developed
Cross-examining western thinking
The notion of ‘western civillisation’ has divided modern historians; a University of Melbourne expert says we need to explore and question ‘western thinking’.
Virtual reality brings the past to life
Ever wanted to wander round a Roman city as it was 2000 years ago? Now you can, thanks to technology that allows us to explore historic sites in 3D.
Finding the Hidden Hellenism in Melbourne
From the Hoddle Grid to the State Library of Victoria, tour Melbourne through a Greek lens and discover how Hellenic culture has shaped the city.
Brought to life, 2000 years later
Modern technology and research has restored an ancient Egyptian woman, Meritamun, creating a unique teaching tool for medicine and health science.
The not-so-plain Nullarbor
The Nullarbor Plain, one of Australia's driest spots, was once a forest packed with gums and banksias as little as 3.5 million years ago, research shows.