Heritage

In pictures: Some of the first coins used by Muslims in 7th century Arabia

Five rare coins tell the history of Islam's expansion from the Arabian Peninsula and provide vital historic evidence for the birth of a purely Islamic coinage

Case closed: Mystery behind Egyptian mummy's death unveiled

Cats, lion cub mummies feature in huge ancient Egypt find

British Museum set to return ancient Greek statue looted from Libya

This olive tree in Bethlehem has stood for 5,000 years - and this man is defending it

In pictures: Thirty ancient coffins discovered in Egypt

Who reached America first – Columbus or the Phoenicians?

This 12,000-year-old town could soon be under water

Kissing in Babylon: The ancient site giving young Iraqis their freedom

Mystery of the stones: How Lebanon’s Baalbek ruins are a site for the gods

Tutankhamen head sells for $6m at London auction despite Egypt's ire

In pictures: How Iran's mosques have shaped its cities

Cold War and ancient cities: How US spy planes revealed the history of the Middle East

Echoes of al-Andalus: The Portuguese town celebrating its forgotten Islamic past

Stolen treasure: How Iraq is hunting for ancient relics looted from its museums

The hidden Islamic history of Madrid revealed

The heritage of Notre Dame – less European than people think

Diana Darke

Egypt unveils Fifth Dynasty tomb adorned with colourful reliefs

Inside the medieval castle that survived a 21st century war

Lost words: Turkey's disappearing languages

Egypt rescues 2,000-year old catacombs from rising water