Ancient virus hunters: how we discovered sheeppox DNA hidden in medieval gospels

DNA can survive in parchment for well over a thousand years.

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The Conversation

The medieval world had its own ‘deepfakes’ – church officials cited a fake imperial decree for centuries

The forged document was used as leverage to try to expand papal control throughout the Italian peninsula.

Vanessa Corcoran, Director of Catholic Studies, Georgetown University·Sep 24, 2026

Hyperallergic

The Unsung Craftspeople Who Built Ancient Egypt

A new publication reflects a growing interest in the lives of the makers behind the civilization’s arts and crafts, long marginalized and erased by mythologized depictions of the ancient world.

Nageen Shaikh·Sep 23, 2026

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The Conversation

Emily Robinson wins The Conversation Prize for writers 2026 for her entry on the lost medieval island of Ravenser Odd

Emily Robinson from the University of Sussex and Alison Garden from Queen’s University Belfast are winner and runner up in The Conversation Prize for writers 2026.

Jo Adetunji, Executive Editor – Partnerships, The Conversation·Sep 23, 2026

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Literary Hub

The Independent Press Top 40 Bestsellers: Nonfiction

1. Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys Through Ancient Literature by Emily Wilson (Liveright) 2. The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State by Jill Lepore (Liveright) 3. Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World

Literary Hub·Sep 24, 2026

Nautilus

How a Horse Flu Outbreak Spurred an Early Animal Rights Crusade

In 1872, New York’s devastating epizootic gave the ASPCA’s young founder a powerful moral argument for animal protection The post How a Horse Flu Outbreak Spurred an Early Animal Rights Crusade appeared first on Nautilus.

Lee Alan Dugatkin·Sep 23, 2026

National Geographic

The Reconnaissance Plane That Helped Win World War II

Nimble and fast, Spitfire PR planes ran vital photo missions for Allied forces.

14 min read