Tracing the Evolution of Beauty Standards in Ancient China

In the vast tapestry of human history, few cultures can rival the allure and richness of ancient China. This ancient civilization captivates the imagination, from its intricate philosophies to its majestic dynasties. Among China’s many facets, one fascinating aspect lies in the beauty standards of its women, which have been shaped by centuries of tradition, ...

Viena Abdon

The four great beauties of China.

Ancient Technology: The Timekeeping Stone That Rings at Set Intervals

During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), in Guixi (now Guixi City, Jiangxi Province), a villager was plowing his field when he discovered the remains of an ancient city wall. Out of curiosity, the man started digging. As he dug further, he finally uncovered a beautifully colored stone. He decided to bring the ...

Tatiana Denning

Was there a timekeeping stone?

Dorothy Eady: A Woman Reincarnated as an Ancient Egyptian Priestess

Reincarnation is a fascinating idea that has fascinated people for a long time, no matter where they come from or what they believe. It’s the belief that souls can be born again in new bodies, such as the story of Dorothy Eady.  This mysterious concept has interested scholars, religious thinkers, and philosophers who have tried ...

Viena Abdon

The Temple of Seti I.

Ancient Tale: The Emperor’s Savior

Initially serving under Emperor Chai Shizong of the Later Zhou Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (known as Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty) was just an ordinary general. One day, he found himself embroiled in a deadly battle with the enemy. Zhao Kuangyin was in the thick of the fight when suddenly, an arrow struck his warhorse ...

Mikel Davis

Mural showing an ancient Chinese warrior with his horse.

Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Chinese Summer Cooling Methods

With the arrival of summer comes the goal of keeping cool and comfortable. Ancient Chinese society, for example, did not have access to conveniences like air conditioning. Nonetheless, the Chinese devised several summer cooling strategies to beat the summer heat and keep their homes comfortable.  This article will discuss some cooling strategies the ancient Chinese ...

Viena Abdon

The Beijing Summer Palace.

Well-Known Physicians of Ancient China (Part 3)

During the time of the Ming Dynasty, there lived many well-known physicians who had exceptional medical abilities. In fact, some were even considered to possess supernormal skills.  In the third article of our series, let’s continue exploring some of the famous physicians of ancient China.  Liu Bangyong: The predictor of lifespans Liu Bangyong was born ...

Tatiana Denning

All kinds of traditional Chinese medicines.

Learning From History: How the Ancient Chinese Responded to Plagues and Disasters

The recent pandemic is, without a doubt, one of the greatest catastrophes we have experienced in our lifetimes. Yet, in the long annals of Chinese history, numerous accounts exist of plagues and other calamities of similar scale. These instances from antiquity provide us with invaluable insights into how emperors and common folk alike managed to ...

Mikel Davis

Ancient Chinese observing a globe mechanism.

Well-Known Physician of Ancient China: Wang Sizhong (Part 2)

This is a three-part series; please go here for Part 1 In part one of this three-part series on Ming dynasty physicians, we discussed Imperial doctor Ge Lin. In Part 2, we’ll look at a well-known physician who could cure and diagnose diseases that other doctors could not — physician Wang Sizhong.  Born with an ...

Tatiana Denning

Chinese herbs, a pot, a mortar and pestle, and paper packets tied with string sit on a wooden surface.