Discovery Channel

The Discovery Channel

Renaissance hospitals warm, comfortable environments

Submitted by Milica on Thu, 2007-05-03 19:33
John Henderson of the University of London wants readers to know that the hospital in the Renaissance was not the hellhole depicted in many histories but "a warm environment and specialized care, which they would not have found in the community."

Da Vinci's Mom May have been Middle Eastern

Submitted by Ursula on Thu, 2006-11-09 13:20
Analysis of a fingerprint left by Leonardo Da Vinci suggests the prototypical Renaissance man may have been the son of a Middle East-born slave woman.

Science Helps Understand "Ultramarine Sickness"

Submitted by Ursula on Thu, 2006-11-02 09:20
Two chemists have discovered the reason why the lapis-lazuli-based blue pigment prized by medieval painters fades so drastically over time. Ultramarine, more precious than gold, was often used for portrayals of the robes of the Virgin Mary, and Michelangelo used it in the Sistine Chapel.

Nano-Grecian Formula One?

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2006-10-14 09:38
New research by French scientists seems to suggest that the techniques used by Greeks and Romans to dye their hair had results in common with today's nanotechnology and were comparable to modern products.

Odyssey Written by a Woman?

Submitted by Milica on Tue, 2006-09-12 11:19
Bearded statues aside, one scholar now believes that the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey were probably written by a woman.

White Monks May Have Pursued Alchemy

Submitted by Ursula on Wed, 2006-05-24 20:25
An alembic found at a remote North Yorkshire monastery may be evidence that Cistercian monks were involved in the arcane quest to make gold from base metal.

Oldest Door in Britain

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2005-09-03 18:24
The battered door of London's Westminster Abbey has been named the oldest in Britain by English Heritage.

Missing Canterbury Manuscript Recovered

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2005-04-30 11:30
An 11th century gospel lectionary, missing from Canterbury Cathedral since the mid-16th century, has been recovered.

Michaelangelo Self Portrait Discovered

Submitted by Milica on Sun, 2005-04-24 16:11
A newly-discovered bas-relief may be the first known self-portrait of Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

Medici Child's Body Missing

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2005-04-16 16:13
Researchers working on the Medici crypt in Florence, Italy are puzzled. The tiny body discovered in the tomb of Filippino, the four-year-old son of Grand Duke Francesco I, was that of an infant.

Discovery Channel Looks at Medieval Tournaments

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2005-02-12 12:23
"What does it take to be a knight?" asks the Discovery Channel in its program The Medieval Tournament: The Making of a Knight.

Roman "Rest Stops" Captivate Historians

Submitted by Milica on Sat, 2004-12-11 15:57
Archaeologists working on a site near Neuss, Germany have discovered the remains of a Roman rest stop, including a service station, restaurant and a hotel.