(THE CONVERSATION) The image of a witch flying on a broomstick is iconic, but it is not nearly as old as the idea of witchcraft itself, which dates to the earliest days of humankind. Several ...

Glass making originated in the Near East around 2000 BCE in the form of beads, seals and inlays. The earliest makers pressed glass into molds. Around 1500 BCE, finer vessels were being made in Egypt.

From water pumps to musical automatons, Ismail al-Jazari's extraordinary machines ranged from practical to playful, delighting farmers and kings alike. A miniature from al-Jazari’s Book of Knowledge ...

Eds: This story was supplied by The Conversation for AP customers. The Associated Press does not guarantee the content. Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University (THE CONVERSATION) The image of a witch ...