Archaeologists working to excavate a 2,400-year-old shipwreck off Cyprus have gained insights into the evolution of ancient boat-building technology in the Mediterranean, authorities said on Wednesday.

A contract signed by Karl Marx for the publication of the French version of Capital, his ground-breaking study of capitalism, sold at auction in Paris for a record 121,600 euros (US$138,145), five times the expected price.

Greek conductor Petros Karpathakis will lead a special Christmas concert at the HCM City Opera House on December 19.

While many people are choosing ornaments for Christmas trees and gifts for relatives and friends, their children have only one thing in mind: Santa Claus and the gifts he will bring.

Oscar winner and one of France's most recognised actresses, Juliette Binoche, will head the jury of next year's Berlin film festival, organisers said on Tuesday.

A viral video showing a gigantic python wrapping itself around an Indonesian villager has secured more than a million views, after locals wrestled with the serpent before successfully caging it.

The German Christmas Market will be held for the second time at Cửa Bắc Church, offering handicraft gifts and musical performances to local people from December 13-15.

Jurors of the "Khoảnh Khắc Vàng" (Gold Moment) photo contest will begin the process of choosing the best pictures from thousands of entries next week. It is the fifth time Vietnam News Agency has held the press photo contest for professional and amateur photographers from around the country and overseas.

As the year-end approaches, the spirit of Christmas can be seen across cities in Asia with stores putting up decorations, streets illuminated with colourful lights, people shopping for presents and Christmas songs hanging in the air.