At the 39th annual CAA conference, researchers will showcase their innovative approach to recording archaeological data using iPads, reducing time and improving accuracy. This 'Paperless' project utilizes digital technology to create a complete analysis of homes, shops, and businesses at Pompeii.
Researchers investigate links between wetland resources and city emergence, exploring archaeological sites from 5,000 B.C. to Islamic times. The study aims to understand the contributions of early-mid Holocene shoreline and marshes to Mesopotamian cities.
Researchers from the University of York and Manchester have extracted protein from a 600,000 year old mammoth fossil, providing a near complete collagen sequence. This breakthrough enables the identification of ancient fossils and opens up new possibilities for studying extinct animals.
Researchers explore why large, successful Maya communities were built near wetlands, finding that ancient environments and agricultural practices contributed to their success. The project sheds light on the Maya's 'edge farming' technique, which created fertile soils along the interface between uplands and swamps.
Recent UC research on ancient Maya agroforestry and water-management systems at Tikal reveals that the forests were insufficient to meet the needs of Late Classic Maya populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable management techniques. The study also sheds light on how the ancient Maya built their water management systems, u...
Archaeologist C. Michael Barton is revolutionizing the field of archaeological modeling by integrating new methods with a radical shift in thought. His research suggests that even small communities can experience significant environmental impacts from practices like shifting cultivation and grazing.
The world's first skyscraper, discovered in ancient Jericho, was likely built as an earthly element connecting residents with the heavenly element of the setting sun. Researchers propose that its construction was related to primeval fears and cosmological beliefs.
The newly discovered stone monument features a central figure with an elaborate headdress and ornate accessories, dating back to the Early Formative period. The sculpture's design suggests a connection between corn cultivation and religion, supporting the idea of an early association between the two.
A UT Knoxville historian is using a $50,000 NEH grant to study small village settlements in ancient Israel, which he believes were just as vibrant and dynamic as city-states.
Anthropologist Jane Desmond explores how Body Worlds exhibits tolerate the public display of human corpses, idealizing them as objects of scientific curiosity. The exhibitors promote the display as an advancement in anatomy studies, using de-emotional screens and depersonalization to create a universal experience.
Researchers investigate how ritual contributes to intergroup conflict and violence in various regions, including Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Nepal, and Colombia. The project aims to better understand the forces that drive human groups, informing conflict prevention and resolution efforts.
A recent study published in Genome Research found that certain regions of the human genome are more similar to those of orangutans than chimpanzees, contrary to previous assumptions. This suggests that humans and orangutans shared a common ancestor with high genetic diversity, while chimpanzees may have experienced a genetic bottleneck.
The discovery of an ancient wine production facility in Armenia has confirmed that humans were producing wine 6,100 years ago. The facility, dated between 4100 B.C. and 4000 B.C., included a wine press, fermentation vats, and storage jars, providing the oldest complete archaeological picture of wine production.
Researchers analyzed wine drinking cups used in ancient Athens, finding that changes in cup forms marked significant social and political shifts. The study reveals how the democratization of symposia led to equal consumption and loss of inhibitions among attendees.
Archaeologists have found evidence of Homo sapiens in the Qesem Cave in Israel dating back to 400,000 years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held theory that modern man emerged from Africa 200,000 years ago and may indicate significant evolutionary changes in human behavior during this period.
Researchers have uncovered two photographic images of native Americans from the Amazon region, which were taken by John Thomson in 1911. The images depict the subjects naked to the waist and are part of a broader tradition of imperial photography that sought to document human 'types'.
A Greek trade emporium on Egyptian soil thrived under the protection of powerful Eastern empires. The Greeks who inhabited Naukrtis formed a unique culture despite being from warring city-states, emerging with a national Greek identity. This arrangement enabled the exchange of art and culture between Greece and Egypt.
A new device can analyze samples thousands of years old in minutes, helping archaeologists determine ancient activities. It works by lifting off spectral fingerprints with infrared light and analyzing molecular peaks to tease out material origin differences.
A study reveals distinct brain development patterns between Neanderthals and modern humans, particularly after birth. The findings suggest that unique early brain development in modern humans may underlie cognitive differences.
A recent study found that the brains of newborn humans and Neanderthals are similar in size and appearance, but differ significantly in shape after birth. The differences reflect changes in brain circuitry and may underlie cognitive differences between the two species.
Researchers used fossil finger ratios to estimate the social behavior of early humans and their extinct relatives. The study found that Neanderthals and early members of the human species had lower finger ratios, indicating high levels of prenatal androgens and competitiveness.
A railroad bypassed the first black-founded town in the United States, New Philadelphia, Illinois, to avoid expensive iron rails. The town's location proved more favorable for a straight route, but a shallow creek required a curved detour that increased construction costs.
The project aims to create a comprehensive software framework that combines cyberinfrastructure, GIS, and spatial analysis and modeling capabilities to tackle complex problems in various fields. CyberGIS has the potential to advance scientific breakthroughs with broad societal impacts, particularly in disaster preparedness and response.
Researchers have uncovered a rare find of an ancient royal garden at Ramat Rachel, which dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. The dig has revealed intricate irrigation systems, stone-carved gutters, and elaborate waterfalls, providing valuable insights into power dynamics and water management in ancient times.
Researchers at the University of York found that Neanderthals exhibited deep-seated commitments to the welfare of others, including prolonged care for injured individuals. The study proposes a four-stage model for human compassion, with ancient humans developing empathy towards each other dating back six million years.
Researchers discovered that trampling animals can push artifacts up to 21 centimeters into the ground, potentially altering a site's interpretation. This finding suggests that archaeologists should reanalyze some previous discoveries due to the significant impact of animal trampling on artifact context.
A multidisciplinary project at the University of Leicester explores the role of historical diasporas in shaping Britain's population history. The study will examine cultural change mechanisms and legacy of early diasporas on the island.
A team of divers has been mapping freshwater pools in Cara Blanca, Belize, which were important to the ancient Maya. The divers found fossilized animal remains, bits of pottery, and an enormous underwater cave in the largest pool explored.
A University of Leicester archaeologist has discovered a bone belonging to a late 19th-century tortoise from Stafford Castle, providing the earliest archaeological evidence for pet tortoises. This find sheds light on the changing attitudes towards family pets in British society during the late 19th century.
Dr. Sandra Garvie-Lok, an anthropologist from the University of Alberta, analyzed human remains found in a tunnel in ancient Nemea, Greece, to determine the cause of death. Her findings suggest that the victim was likely an eyewitness to the Slavic invasion and died from injuries sustained during the event.
Researchers have discovered a link between radiocarbon dating and Egyptian historical chronology, which challenges traditional associations. The study suggests that the Minoan Santorini eruption occurred before the 18th Dynasty and during the Hyksos Period.
A diet rich in aquatic foods may have driven brain development in early humans. The discovery provides evidence that consistent amounts of fish were part of the human diet, around two million years ago.
A study combining genetic, archaeological, and linguistic data reveals that genetic variation in Africa is structured geographically and linguistically. The research provides a clearer picture of the continent's history and highlights the importance of independent lines of evidence in interpreting genetic and genomic data.
A new project aims to develop preservation strategies for heritage iron by measuring corrosion rates and assigning lifespans based on environmental conditions. The research team will test novel sensors and collaborate with museums and commercial sectors to optimize conservation, reducing energy expenditure and costs.
Researchers used computational modeling to simulate different land use practices in ancient societies, finding that a combination of shifting cultivation and grazing leads to more erosion runoff but also fertile farmland around tiny hamlets. The study sheds light on the importance of threshold effects when people alter landscapes for a...
Archaeologists Alice V. M. Samson and Bridget M. Waller argue that the bared-teeth motif, commonly linked to death and aggression, actually represents social affiliation and benign intent in pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures.
Researchers from the University of Central Florida used LiDAR technology to map the ancient Maya city of Caracol, detecting over 11,000 new structures and confirming its size. The technology revealed extensive agricultural terracing, showing the Maya were adept at 'building green' long before modern terminology.
A 150-million-year-old 'Dinobird' fossil has been found to contain remnants of the animal's original chemistry, including phosphorous and sulfur in its feathers. The discovery could revolutionize the field of palaeontology by providing a new avenue for learning about long-extinct creatures.
A team of paleontologists, geochemists, and physicists used X-ray technology to analyze the Thermopolis Archaeopteryx fossil, revealing half a dozen chemical elements that were part of the living animal itself. The study confirms that feathers in the fossil are actual fossilized feathers containing phosphorus and sulfur.
A new study reveals that modern-day Chinese pigs are directly descended from ancient pigs domesticated 10,000 years ago. The research found a difference between pig domestication patterns in Europe and East Asia, with no incorporation of wild boar into domestic stocks in China.
A study of Classic Maya homes in Belize reveals the commoners' method of recording their own history, not just family history, but also their place in the cosmos. The analysis found human remains, artifacts, and color symbolism used to signify important dates and the cyclical nature of life.
A cache of cuneiform tablets from the early 7th century BCE contains a largely intact Assyrian treaty that records a covenant between Esarhaddon and a secondary ruler. The treaty was confirmed at elaborate ceremonies in Nimrud, securing Ashurbanipal's accession to the throne and avoiding a political crisis.
A team of archaeologists has uncovered new clues about a prehistoric society that formed the foundation of urban life in the Middle East prior to the invention of the wheel. The site, Tell Zeidan, reveals evidence of trade, copper metallurgy, and pottery production.
Researchers like Eduardo Palacio-Pérez reinterpreted Palaeolithic art as having symbolic-religious significance, shifting away from purely decorative motives. This new perspective emerged in response to discoveries of paintings and engravings in caves, which were initially dismissed due to their naturalistic quality.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has conducted a six-week archaeological expedition to rural Andhra Pradesh in India to study the origins of high carbon steel-making. They recorded over 120 sites where iron and steel were produced, including those associated with the production of wootz steel.
Archaeologists from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona discover evidence of modern human presence between 34,000 and 32,000 years ago at Cova Gran site. The study reveals distinct tool-making techniques and materials used by different species, strengthening the hypothesis of no overlap or interaction.
The American Physical Society has released a report outlining concrete steps to help the US achieve its goals of downsize the nuclear arsenal, prevent the spread of atomic bombs, and keep the stockpile safe and secure. The report recommends technologies such as nuclear archaeology to validate nations' production of atomic material.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed a new calibration curve that extends radiocarbon dating back 50,000 years, providing valuable insights into human evolution and climate change. The INTCAL09 curve improves earlier parts of the calibration curve and will be used worldwide by archaeologists and earth scientists.
Researchers found a maternal East Asian ancestry in ancient mitochondrial DNA from 2,000-year-old bones in Italy. The findings indicate that at least one individual was of non-Italian descent, possibly a slave or worker from the Roman Empire.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered evidence of sophisticated human behavior dating back 750,000 years. The findings indicate a formalized conceptualization of living space, suggesting advanced social organization and communication skills.
Researchers have discovered that early Homo sapiens consumed wild sorghum and other pre-domesticated cereals around 100,000 years ago. This finding broadens our understanding of human evolution by showcasing the importance of dietary transformation through cereal consumption.
Archaeologists at Fernbank Museum of Natural History have discovered unprecedented evidence of De Soto's path in Georgia, including rare glass beads and metal artifacts. The findings suggest a probable stop near McRae, Ga., and provide a significant link to the infamous conquistador's journey through Native communities.
The University of Oklahoma has received over $10 million in federal stimulus grants to support 33 research projects across various disciplines, including archaeology, weather, and genetics. The funding will enable OU researchers to tackle important problems with practical benefits for Oklahoma and the nation.
Scientists studied primate finger ratios, finding a link between high prenatal androgen exposure and competitive social behavior. Great Apes showed lower androgen levels, which may explain their cooperative behavior and tolerance of males.
Researchers led by Williams College Professor Anne Skinner investigate the lifestyle of humans living near the Nile tributaries during the Middle Stone Age. The study focuses on water resources concentrated near riverbanks during seasonal dry periods, and the site may have been a refuge during climate stress.
Archaeologists at Tel Aviv University have uncovered clues about the development of communal meat-cutting habits in early humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that our ancestors shared meat differently than later periods.
A new research institute dedicated to the Bronze Age will be established at La Bastida archaeological site in Murcia, Spain. The project aims to shed light on European prehistory and cultural heritage through systematic research and scientific analysis.
A new study suggests Scandinavians are not direct descendants of hunter-gatherers who lived in the region during the Stone Age. The research uses DNA from ancient remains to investigate the spread of agriculture and livestock practices.
Researchers found ancient flax fibers in a Georgia cave dated to around 34,000 years ago, providing evidence of an early human invention. The discovery suggests that early humans used these fibers for clothing, ropes, and baskets to aid survival and mobility in harsh conditions.
Recent discoveries in Chinese archaeology are forcing scientists to reconsider the origins of ancient Chinese civilization, highlighting a more complex and diverse history. The findings also raise questions about the impact of looting and development on China's cultural heritage.