What Did The Ancient Egyptians Actually Eat?

Ancient Egypt dominated the Mediterranean for three thousand years, from 3100 BCE until Alexander the Great arrived in 332 BCE. The Pharaohs of the Nile River established one of the oldest and most powerful empires of the ancient world. Along with their great political power, the Egyptians built a vibrant and distinct culture that, thanks to the determined efforts of archeologists, remains more accessible than any other ancient civilization. We know about their burial rites, ancient sex practices, and religious ceremonies. Western civilization, descended from the Greeks, has always been fascinated by the powerful and mysterious Egyptian culture and their seemingly strange behaviors. One of the things the Greeks were particularly interested in was the Egyptian diet. In fact, the Greek historian Herodotus spent an inordinate amount of time in his writings on Egypt tracing the exact dietary patterns of the ancient empire. So what did these people eat? What gave them the strength to build the pyramids, to spread out from the Nile, to forge one of the most influential empires the world has ever seen? The answers might surprise you.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2TiOPWJ

Robert Downey Jr. Discusses His Own Darkest Periods

These days, Robert Downey Jr. is perhaps best known for his on-screen representation of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role that has won him unprecedented earnings and critical praise. However, it wasnt all that long ago the actor had an entirely different reputation around Hollywood, one of a teen star turned notorious celebrity with a substance abuse problem. Born into stardom in 1965 as the son of notable performer Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey, RDJ began acting when he was a child and received his first starring role before the age of 20. Unfortunately, his habits also got an equally early start and stayed with him for much of his adult life. During his lowest of lows, it looked like he might never act again. Today, however, RDJ is sober, happy, and one of the best actors working. He is also one of the greatest actors to have never won an Oscar. For the Iron Man himself, its been quite a journey.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2tBqwVM

The Creepiest Things In Your Favorite Childhood Video Games

It's not hard to find scares in throwback video games, especially since spooky moments aren't always restricted to the horror genre. While people go into games like Resident Evil or Silent Hill knowing they're in for some chills, not even the scariest games of all time can hope to reproduce the shock of finding something terrifying in an otherwise lighthearted experience. This juxtoposition is part of what helped many classic video games make names for themselves. Taking risks and surprising players with something unexpected (and often horrifying) helped the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario World stick in players' minds. Other games like Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee lay the horror on thick the whole time, offering existential terror at every turn. Like it or not, the most distressing moments in games aimed at children stay burnt into memories to this day.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2GLzA2L

The 20 Best Female Characters From Sports Anime

Sports anime can feel like a total boys' club, but the genre actually has some great female characters who are also worth highlighting. Who are the best female characters in sports anime? That depends on your preferences, but there are some excellent choices. Some sports anime girls play supportive roles in male-centered stories - often appearing as managers, coaches, family members, or love interests. Gou Matsuoka of Free! and Miki Kanzaki of Yowamushi Pedal are examples of this trope. But others, like Ayano Hanesaki of Hanebado! are the heroes of their own athletic journeys. Let's celebrate these awesome girls and women from sports anime!

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2NtfsD4

The 20 Best Japanese Exclusive Anime Games Never Released In America

Today's anime fans have it made. Before the days of Toonami and Crunchyroll, anime fans of the late 80s had to jump through hoops, just to gain access to a hot new anime with fan-translated captions that often veered towards inaccurate. The same was said for video games. So many popular anime series like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Mobile Suit Gundam were the subject of so many great video games, but so many of them were exclusive to Japan. While Japanese exclusive games are rarer these days, there are still cases of great Japanese anime games not hitting North America. Sometimes its legal issues; other times it's because the anime series is to niche to guarantee success stateside. If you're a collector of Japanese exclusive games, here are 20 you should definitely put on your wish list. Make sure to vote up the Japanese anime games you want everyone to check out as well.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2GOiaCB

Real Genies Are Far More Horrifying Than Anything You've Seen In Movies

If the mythological beings who appear in movies to grant people wishes were jinn rather than genies, the person who rubbed their lamp might wish they hadn't. Jinn are the supernatural creatures who inspired the modern-day genie, but unlike the magical characters of I Dream of Jeannie and Walt Disney's Aladdin, these beings aren't interested in helping people and making friends. Tales of jinn go back long before the advent of Islam, but their inclusion in the Quran gave them the notoriety that has allowed them to permeate our modern culture. In some parts of the world, flesh-eating, malevolent jinn are lesser-known paranormal entities similar to lamp-dwelling genies. What is a jinn? There are different categories of jinn, and while not all are evil, the ones who are can be pretty scary. Some jinn may be content with playing pranks, but others are said to possess people, which can sometimes lead to exorcisms gone wrong. Since they live in a world parallel to humans, these beings can't be seen unless they reveal themselves. Like the creepy night hag, jinn simultaneously exist in their world and ours, and they do whatever they please.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2Nz7uso

The Craziest Themed Restaurants From The ‘90s Themed Restaurant Craze

The '90s were the era of tight-rolled jeans, grunge rock, and Beanie Babies, but the decade was also home to the themed restaurant craze. Many were short-lived enterprises, despite the presence of celebrity entrepreneurs. But a few still carry on today, even if they feel like something of a throwback to a different time. Theme restaurants, however, were not a phenomenon unique to the '90s. Modern eateries in this vein stem from the 1930s when establishments like Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's created an engaging Polynesian-inspired experience for patrons. And in the '70s, Hard Rock Cafe, arguably the most successful themed restaurant, began serving food and nostalgia. Though many contemporary chain restaurants, such as Applebee's, Bennigan's, and Chili's, share virtually identical decor and atmosphere, they're not generally considered themed restaurants since they lack an overarching immersive premise or experience. But themed restaurants didn't disappear with the '90s, as unusual ones still stand today.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2GNTv1k

Famous People You Never Realized Are British, Ranked By How Surprised You Were When You Found Out

Actors and even some musicians from across the pond seem to do exceptionally well in American pop culture, movies, and TV shows. In fact, certain actors like Idris Elba and Christian Bale have such great faux American accents it just seems strange when they speak with their natural British inflections. Whether they're showing their chops in intense method acting roles, portraying characters from the past, or rapping like Southern hip-hop aficionados, these Brits have mastered their craft. Did you know they weren't born in the States?

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2H5Zv4v

Portraits and Photos Of The U.S. First Children

Photos of the first families reflect the face of America throughout history. Although not every president has been married and not every presidential family includes biological children, the majority of the nation's leaders raised kids while simultaneously acting as commander in chief. Some presidents raised their kids to take on their legacy; John and Abigail Adams's first son, John Quincy Adams, became the sixth president of the United States. The Kennedy and Bush families both created American dynasties as well. Other first children served the country in battle, or stayed out of the spotlight completely. The following list features photos of presidents' kids, from George and Martha Washington's adopted family to Donald Trump's famous sons and daughters. Not every presidential child is highlighted, but the leaders' living descendants are occasionally still in the news.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2EwlLTu

Women Reveal What They Wish Their Fathers Did As They Were Growing Up

A girls relationship with her father can hold unprecedented influence over her life, especially as she makes the treacherous yet exciting transition from girlhood into adulthood. While many fathers are loving, encouraging, considerate, and would do anything for their children, others may practice behaviors that are discouraging, confusing, or even harmful. A dad's behavior prepares his daughter for how she should interact with other men in her life, often impacting her personal and social growth, even into adulthood. Reddit has weighed in on this sensitive issue, providing a mostly anonymous place where daughters describe things they wish their fathers had done for them. Some daughters' desires are simple, such as one who wishes that her father had taught her more basic life skills, while others are more complex, such as the woman who expressed resentment that her father regularly wrote off her emotions. These stories provide insight not only into what daughters want from their fathers, but also into patterns of paternal behavior that can potentially affect children for their entire lives. Vote below on which traits of father-daughter relationships are the most significant.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2T0ZqWZ

An In-Depth Look At Exactly How Ancient Egyptians Transported The Blocks To Build The Pyramids

Constructing the Pyramids of Giza would prove a difficult undertaking for modern engineers with advanced technology, so the question of how ancient Egyptians built the pyramids has long perplexed historians and archaeologists. Specifically, the puzzle of how ancient Egyptians moved the pyramid blocks - some of which weighed dozens of tons - from quarries to the build sites across miles of the desert has led to endless theorizing. While individuals with questionable scientific credentials have attributed the construction methods to supernatural forces, more serious Egyptologists have devised numerous theories that provide plenty of explanations - and a moderate amount of evidence - for how the pyramids were built. It appears the answer is not ancient aliens, but instead the inherent ingenuity of an ancient culture determined to leave their permanent mark on the world.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2NumG9T

People Reveal The Hidden Dangers You Never Really Noticed In Everyday Household Items

Welcome home, where hazards await anywhere there's a sharp corner or tile floor. Your house might seem like a sanctuary, but for all its coziness it probably also contains many potentially dangerous items. While the creepiest things ever encountered at home are generally pretty unusual, the scariest household hazards lurk in plain sight - they're dangerous because you probably use them every day, unaware of their potential harm. Sure, you know sharp knives are a precursor to an ER visit, but dull knives are treacherous too. Flour is more than a carbohydrate menace, and toilet paper stands? Watch out. People who have had unfortunate encounters with household items took to Reddit to share their mishaps. Learn from their misfortune, and sharpen your knives.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2BUwENe

Which Celebrity Moments Made Up The Most For The Hostless Oscars?

Many people were apprehensive about the 91st Academy Awards, the first hostless Oscars ceremony in three decades. The last time the Academy attempted a hostless Oscars was in 1989, and it nearly ruined the institution. Fortunately, the 2019 Oscars avoided disaster with some great presenters and comedic bits. Yes, some folks were upset when Green Book took home Best Picture, but the 2019 hostless Oscars also featured some fairly endearing and hilarious celebrity moments. From Olivia Colman's amazing Oscar acceptance speech to Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson's enthusiastic hug after the BlacKkKlansman helmer won Best Adapted Screenplay, here are the best celebrity moments from the 2019 Academy Awards.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2BWvT6p

Fan Theories About Patrick On 'SpongeBob SquarePants'

Patrick Star certainly isn't the smartest starfish under the sea. However, as the best friend of SpongeBob SquarePants, he's always around to buddy up and take on any adventure that comes their way. The show portrays him as being just as innocent as he is ignorant, but some fans suspect there's a dark side to Patrick Star. As one of Nickelodeon's most iconic kid's cartoons, SpongeBob SquarePants has sparked tons of fan theories. Many fans believe Patrick Star is harboring a secret identity under his soft, pink exterior. Patrick Star fan theories suggest there's much more to this goofy sea-creature than his dim wit and dumb demeanor. From secret identities to full-fledged brain swapping, these theories are a lot of fun for cartoon buffs. Decide for yourself which - if any - make the most sense.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2BQnUba

How Hollywood Royalty Looked At The Oscars Over The Decades

The Academy Awards have been celebrating accomplished stars in Hollywood since 1929. Each year the best of Hollywood royalty is granted an Oscar for their outstanding work in entertainment. Stars gather on the red carpet to show off the latest trends in high fashion, and the glitz and glamour of the event is immortalized in photographs and newspapers. From Lucille Ball's final public appearance to Audrey Hepburn's charming appreciation for her award to Sidney Poitier's well deserved win, these photos of Hollywood royalty at the Oscars encapsulate the most iconic looks of each decade.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2T5xykU

Stepparents Reveal How They Really Feel About Their Step Kids

The bonds stepparents form with their lawful progeny can be delicate. Not all stand-in authority figures are as wicked as the parents on TV, but even earnest stepmoms and dads struggle to relate to their significant others' children. Redditors talked about the ongoing adventure that is raising someone else's child. Some love their stepkids wholeheartedly; others wish they'd never joined the blended family. However, even in the darkest of situations, it's hardly possible to blame the users for their complicated emotions.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2T8RVgf

‘The Boxcar Children’ Series Was A Lot Darker Than You Might Remember

Do you remember The Boxcar Children? This series of children's novels by Gertrude Chandler Warner seems innocuous or even charming on the surface. But The Boxcar Children, initially published in 1924 and revised in 1942, is a truly terrifying series for kids. The books follow a family of four precocious orphans as they make their way through the world while living in a railroad boxcar and fending for themselves. Many of the plot points in the initial book and subsequent novels (more than 150 titles) are straight-up dark. Included in the storyline is a father who struggles with substance use and a possible zombie outbreak. So, dont let anyone tell you the Alden family (better known as the Boxcar Children) was ever entirely wholesome. This series has always included frightening undertones, and maybe that's part of the appeal to readers young and old.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2VoVzjz

Extremely Dark Plague Art You Weren't Shown In History Class

Between 1346 and 1353, an estimated 75-200 million people lost their lives in Europe due to the Black Plague. Men, women, and children were stricken ill by a calamitous bacterium, which caused boils, necrosis, and finally death, but neither prayers nor plague doctors could save them. The highly contagious disease had a great affect on European society; the rapid depletion of life, as well as people leaving urban centers to avoid the plague, caused a large population influx as well as social and economic change. This instance, though the worst, was not the only case of the plague; multiple waves hit medieval and early modern Europe, each with devastating affect. Each time the plague reappeared, people throughout Europe were stricken with fear, and its made obvious through the art. Plague artwork tends to portray the anguish of European society regardless of the century, and its obvious from medieval art about the bubonic plague that people had no idea what caused it and questioned their own sins or the sins of others. Did God abandon them as seen in the Largo Mercatello in Napoli during the Plague of 1656 by Dominico Gargiulo? Is He punishing humanity for their sins like in Arnold Bcklins The Plague? Or was it the sins of certain societal outsiders as seen in mile Schweitzers Pogrom of Strasbourg? Black Plague art shows us Medieval and Early Modern Europe's fears and uncertainties, as well as the morbid reactions to them.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2IA1lgI

The Internet Reacts To 'Green Book's Controversial Best Picture Win

Green Book had a pretty rocky awards season. Despite mostly positive reviews by critics, the film was marred with controversy after controversy. None of them stopped the Peter Farrelly-directed film from being nominated for an Oscar. Even when that happened, most prognostictors thought - or hoped - that the Academy wouldn't choose it as 2019's Best Film winner. The Oscars proved that's exactly how the Academy saw the film, however, and Twitter was immediately abuzz with shock. These represent a sampling of the internet's reaction to Green Book's Oscar win.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2H2DlR0

The Internet Reacts To Olivia Colman's Best Actress Win

To say the 2019 Oscars Best Actress category was stacked would be an understatement. Many thought Lady Gaga's tour de force in A Star Is Born was the surefire win, but on the awards circuit, critics spent the entire season showering Glenn Close with awards for her role in The Wife a strong sign she'd take home the gold on "Hollywood's Biggest Night." In the end, The Favourite's Olivia Colman came in with the trophy and the slight upset. Despite some fans of Gaga and Close being upset their choice didn't win, most of the internet was smitten by Colman both her performance and her charming acceptance speech stood out on an odd Oscar night.

from New on Ranker https://ift.tt/2H6KgZ4