Author: Jan Huisman
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MI5 created a fake nazi spy-network during WW2
The British secret service MI5 ran a large network of nazi-sympathizers in Britain during the Second World War. Hundred of people who were willing to spy for nazi Germany were exposed this way. Several secret intelligence documents revealing this were made public today. Secret agents got into contact with know nazi-sympathizers and persuaded them to…
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The hunt for Germany’s nazi-criminals continues: 6000 suspects await investigation
The leading executive of Germany’s center for nazi-crimes expects that about a dozen former concentration camp thugs are to be arrested. Chief attorney Kurt Schrimm told the Deutsche Presse Agentur (dap) the authorities are working on a list with all the guards at Auschwitz, 6,000 in number. Schrimm heads the center for nazi-crimes and he and 19 employees are on a frantic hunt for the last surviving…
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Smelly archaeology: world’s oldest cheese found in China
Remains of what appears to be cheese are found in China on an ancient burial site. The cheese is wrapped in cowhide and found on the necks and chests of Chinese mummies. Archaeologists estimate that the cheese is more than 3000 years old. Astonishing, since dairy products decay rather quickly. The extraordinary conditions off the grave, sited in the middle of…
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The forgotten culture of Eurasian warriors
The Polovtsians or Cumans roamed through Eastern Europe for centuries and left many statues, but they are mostly forgotten today. They originated from the heartland of China, near the Yellow River, and lead a nomadic lifestyle. Gradually migrating westwards, they entered Europe in the 11th century, clashing with the Kiev Rus on many occasions. As the Mongols invaded Eastern Europe…
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Should the Guillotine that was used to behead Hans and Sophie Sholl be exhibited?
A killing machine rouses German emotions. A Guillotine is found in a museum depot last January. It was used during the Third Reich and ended the lifes of many German resistance fighters, most notably Hans and Sophie Scholl’s. They were beheaded in February 1943, 61 years ago, only 4 days after their housekeeper told the authorities they were spreading anti-nazi leaflets. An art-historian found their…
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Ancient plaque gives insight into lost world
An international team of researchers discovered how they can use ancient plaque for modern research. With new techniques, they were able to preserve bacteria and microscopic particles of food from 1,000-year old plaque, taken from the teeth of skeletons. This discovery opens up a whole new range of research, and is already called ‘a microbial…
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Late-antique mass grave discovered in Florence
The skeletal remains of more than 60 people are found underneath the famous Uffizi Gallery, Florence, during construction work. Coins that were found in the grave date back to the 4th or 5th century AD, so it is likely the men and women died around that age. Since there is no physical trauma to the…