Numerous urban centers in the Bay of Naples were completely destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Pompeii and Herculaneum are the most famous of these, but other areas were also affected and are less understood, even today, because of their location underneath modern development. The villa complex of Oplontis is one […]

In ancient Egypt, there were many spells, materials, and rituals used to magically protect the deceased on his or her journey to the afterlife. Hieroglyphic spells were painted on tomb walls, magical amulets were placed among mummy bandages, and priests performed lengthy ceremonies to allow the deceased to breathe, to walk, and to be reborn […]