How the first Bible to include a map helped spread the idea of countries with borders

The map of the Holy Land in Christopher Froschauer’s 1525 Old Testament has the Mediterranean to the east of Palestine ...
National Geographic news

In 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalous

Fingers started wagging when 16th-century European women began wearing masks to protect their skin and hide their identities. Masked women on a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Laeken (now part of the ...
Newsweek

Project Hopes to Recreate Smells of 16th Century Europe

Scientists, historians and artificial intelligence experts are hoping to recreate the smells of old Europe, so we can gain a better insight into the past. From the strong smell of cigars to religious ...
Smithsonian Magazine

Why European Royals, From Henry VIII to Louis X, Loved Playing ‘Real Tennis,’ the So-Called Sport of Kings

Real tennis was played indoors, usually in a court with high windows, a sloping roof and a spectators’ gallery. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons In 1570, a Frenchman was arrested for smuggling ...
Yahoo

First evidence of familial embalming in Europe dates back to 16th century: Study

Embalming, once thought to be exclusive to ancient Egypt or South America, has now been identified in Europe. Recent study of the crypts found at Château des Milandes in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, ...
Palo Alto Weekly

Stanford professor pens children’s book about a 16th-century female painter

A spread of pages from Emanuele Lugli’s children’s art history book “Lavinia’s Wondrous Portraits,” showing illustrations by Chiara Palillo. Courtesy Emanuele Lugli. There was a time when a popular ...
Herald-Zeitung

SOPHIENBURG: Oak or Cedar Christmas Trees?

Christmas lights and decorations are going up all over town. I love all the green, the red, the shiny and the bright. Our ...
Forbes

Japan Society Commissions Sugimoto Photo Show Inspired By 16th Century Visit Of Japanese To Europe

To celebrate its 110 th anniversary, the Japan Society in New York has commissioned a new exhibition by the Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, ”Hiroshi Sugimoto: Gates of Paradise,” which ...
nerdist

This AI Replicates the Smells of 16th-Century Europe

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stroll down a street in 16th century Europe, immersing yourself in all of its flower- and manure-laden aromas, you may soon be in luck. Researchers are now ...