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Material Culture
The ideology, economics, and psychology behind the modern world's draining of color from homes, cars, and everyday objects.
In "Dinner with King Tut," Sam Kean examines how a burgeoning field is recreating ancient tasks to uncover historical truths.
Claims circulating on the Internet — some from dentists' websites — suggest toothpaste isn't necessary for dental health. Is that true?
The study suggests that human ancestors expanded across Europe faster than previously thought.
Skilled hunters adapted to the changing landscape and left tantalizing clues to who they were.
Along with obsidian that dazzled scientists in Canada.
These astounding inventions show that civilizations of the past were a lot more advanced than we might have thought.
The stench of death is actually fairly pleasant.
The One Ring has its own agency and sentience — and it opens up a wonderful philosophy of things beyond our comprehension.
The design was as intricate as that of modern-day, factory-fabricated denim jeans, and just as durable. The ancients had fashion.
The arsons were no accident, archaeological evidence suggests.
They had the technology. So why didn't they use it?
Due to export controls from China, the Europeans had to invent their own forms of porcelain. One type involves dead cows.
On the menu: stews, cheese, and fermented drinks.
Wealthier in resources; poorer in time.
The cathedral is being explored as never before.
Some objects were softer than others.
"Spanish Stonehenge" contains 526 giant stones, three circular burial sites, a quarry, and four necropolises.
The ancient Maya enjoyed filling their teeth with gemstones. A new study reveals how the procedure was done and how it didn't kill them.
Paintings played an important role in these ancient civilizations. Unfortunately, pigment is not nearly as durable as marble.
The Assam stone jars were described as early as 1929. Almost a century later, archaeologists still puzzle over their placement and purpose.
In the shadow of the Shard, the mosaics help paint a picture of Roman London.
Haters and disrespect aside, fruitcake is still a robust American tradition.
In her 2020 book, "The Alchemy of Us," Ainissa Ramirez explores how important material inventions shaped the course of human experience.
If you thought that diamonds were the hardest things of all, this will have you thinking again. Carbon is one of the most fascinating elements in all of nature, with chemical […]