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Ancient China ‑ Stories

Ancient China gave rise to some of history's most powerful dynasties, such as the Tang Dynasty, the Han Dynasty and the Qin Dynasty, which began building the Great Wall of China.

When Did Humans Start Drinking Alcohol?

Evidence suggests that people were drinking beer as far back as 13,000 years ago, while distilled liquor arrived much later.

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5 Women Who Ruled the Ancient World

Cleopatra. Boudica. Queen Seondouk. Female rulers in antiquity were few and far between, but left powerful legacies.

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Ritual bronze vessel from the Shang Dynasty.

7 Everyday Objects From the Shang Dynasty

People living in this Bronze Age civilization crafted unique objects that shed light on life in ancient China some 3,200 years ago.

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HISTORY: Han Dynasty

10 Inventions From China’s Han Dynasty That Changed the World

The 400‑year rule of the Han Dynasty generated a slew of innovations in everything from agriculture to metallurgy to seismology.

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A shattered road after an earthquake.

The Deadliest Earthquake Ever Recorded

Estimates say it killed 830,000 people.

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The stone at the entrance to Newgrange showing the megalithic artwork in detail. (Credit: Michelle McMahon/Getty Images)

7 Little‑Known Wonders of the Ancient World

From an 11,000‑year‑old temple complex to a mystifying Irish megalith, here are seven lesser‑known world wonders that stand as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancients.

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7 Famous Border Walls

From an ancient Sumerian bulwark to the Berlin Wall, here are seven of history’s most influential manmade barriers.

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Golden Ornaments Decorate Tomb of Ming Dynasty Duchess

A five‑century‑old tomb found underneath a construction site in Nanjing, China, was the final resting place of a Ming Dynasty duchess.

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Chinese lute p'i-p'a, moon guitar yue-chin and table zither tchin; detail of a painting on silk of the Ming dynasty (1330-1644).', 1948. From Musical Instruments Through the Ages, by Dr. Alexander Buchner. [Spring Books, London, 1948]. Artist Unknown. (Photo by Print Collector/Getty Images)

7 Things You May Not Know About the Ming Dynasty

Check out seven surprising facts about the dynasty that made China a global power.

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