Ancient Fashion: What Did Ancient Greeks Wear?

If someone asked what Greek people wore in ancient Europe, the first clothing item that probably came to mind was the toga. The toga originated from the Etruscans, an ancient civilization that predated the Romans. When the Romans conquered the Etruscan lands in northwest Italy, they adopted the toga, which later became a powerful status ...

Nathan Machoka

Ancient Greek clothing.

Divorce Requirements in Ancient China

In ancient China, if a man wanted to divorce his spouse, he could not do it on a whim; he had to fulfill the requirements for divorce. In the ancient divorce system, repudiation was the most typical form of divorce.  If the wife failed her responsibilities in one of the seven areas the ancients held ...

Helen London

Young Asian woman wearing a traditional red and gold kwan kwa wedding dress.

Lu Zongdao and Meng Xin: Stories of Unwavering Honesty in Ancient China

During the time when Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty was still the crown prince, Lu Zongdao played a crucial role as his tutor. Despite his esteemed position, Lu Zongdao faced the challenge of poverty, notably lacking in suitable wine vessels at home. This limitation led him to a humble yet creative solution: Whenever friends ...

Mikel Davis

AI-generated illustration of a Chinese scholar sitting in a garden studying an open book.

The Ancient Wisdom of Marital Karma: Timeless Stories of Virtue and Vice

In a world where the pursuit of personal happiness often overshadows traditional values, the ancients believed that true blessings come from good virtue. The ancients identified five blessings: longevity, wealth, health and peace, good morals, and an excellent end to one’s life. Marriage is absent from this list, suggesting that a content life does not ...

Max Lu

A lotus flower.

Understanding Ancient Wisdom: Predetermined Wealth in Your Destiny

Ancient wisdom states: “What is destined to come will come, and what is not cannot be forced.” The amount of wealth a person is destined to have is predetermined. Only through earnest effort and the accumulation of virtue can one’s destined wealth increase. Accumulating goodness for wealth Often, personal calculations are insignificant in the face ...

Mikel Davis

Stacks of coins getting progressively higher are lined up with an old-fashioned key.

 Haichunxuan Pagoda: Ancient China’s Architectural Technology

Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in ...

Emma Lu

Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Embracing Harmony and Tolerance: Wisdom From Ancient China

Tolerance, patience, generosity, and kindness are easily spoken of, but they are challenging to embody, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In interpersonal dealings, the ability to show tolerance is not just admirable, but is also instrumental in resolving conflicts. Stories from ancient China, steeped in traditional culture, offer insightful examples of how these virtues were ...

Mikel Davis

Huashan mountain in China.