A groundbreaking study by Bar-Ilan University reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers relied heavily on plant foods, particularly starchy plants, for energy. The findings contradict the prevailing narrative of animal protein-based diets and offer new insights into early human processing methods and social behaviors.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds minimal environmental pollution resulting from ancient copper production in King Solomon's Mines, with pollution levels confined to smelting furnaces. Researchers also contradict previous claims of widespread industrial pollution, citing low levels of lead and other metals in soil samples.
A new research collaboration between the K’ómoks First Nation and Simon Fraser University highlights how Indigenous cultural heritage policies can protect archaeological sites threatened by development. The study found that the K’ómoks First Nation’s Cultural Heritage Policy provides a pathway to reconciliation and greater certainty fo...
Researchers find fossil evidence of two distinct human species, Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, living contemporaneously near Lake Turkana in Kenya. The discovery sheds light on human evolution, cooperation, and competition among early hominins.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong are pioneering the interactive application of digital 3D scientific data in archaeological sites. By wearing MR/AR headsets while digging, they can virtually see removed walls and compare sections of ancient architecture.
Researchers analyzed the House of the Greek Epigrams in Pompeii using VR-based eye tracking and GIS. They found that varying light conditions and dynamic movement affected participants' relationship with artworks. The study reveals a complex visual palimpsest made up of moving views, interconnected journeys, and comings and goings.
Researchers from Hebrew University have identified 12,000-year-old spindle whorls at the Nahal-Ein Gev II dig site, providing key insights into Natufian culture's technological advancements. The discovery predates previous textile tools by 4,000 years and marks an important stage in human innovation.
Researchers used cutting-edge drone-based lidar to map two newly documented trade cities in Uzbekistan, revealing unprecedented details of medieval urban structures and economies. The cities, Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, are among the largest ever documented in the mountainous parts of the Silk Road.
Researchers at SWPS University recreated five outfits from the murals of the Faras Cathedral, shedding light on the evolution of royal and clerical attire in medieval Nubia. The study highlights the blend of Byzantine and Muslim influences, as well as the practical considerations of garment construction and dyeing.
A recent study has uncovered a previously unknown farming society in Morocco, dating back to the Final Neolithic period. The site of Oued Beht reveals extensive evidence of large-scale agriculture and deep storage pits, providing significant insights into the role of North Africa in shaping Mediterranean prehistory. This discovery chal...
Researchers found that horseback riding can subtly alter the shape of the hip joint, but these changes are not definitive proof of horse domestication. Human remains from various time periods show similar skeletal changes due to other activities, casting doubt on the Kurgan hypothesis.
New research reveals ancient dingo fossils are most similar to Japanese dogs, 'singing dogs' of New Guinea, and highland wild dog of Irian Jaya. Modern dingoes have evolved to become larger and leaner over 3,000 years.
A new ERC grant will support research into the dietary practices of ancient people, revealing their identities and social connections. The study will analyze biomolecular samples from at least 150 ancient burials, combining methods to identify relations and uncover nuanced dietary data.
Researchers confirm Clovis people built a camp in southwest Michigan and traveled to it annually for up to five years. The team found tools and protein evidence showing a diverse diet including musk ox, caribou, deer, hare, and peccary.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University used modern technologies to challenge the long-held myth that the Roman siege of Masada lasted three years. The study found that the siege actually lasted no more than a few weeks, using precise measurements and 3D digital modeling to calculate the time it took to build the siege system.
Researchers from FAU and UPR will study cultural dimensions of ecological instability in South Florida and Puerto Rico, capturing nuanced ways communities respond to environmental disruptions. The project aims to develop strategies to mitigate harm and enhance adaptability.
A study published in Journal of Anthropological Archaeology reveals that interpersonal violence was more common in Norway, with higher rates of trauma on skeletons and the presence of weaponry. In contrast, Denmark experienced more controlled violence linked to official executions.
A new study published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology argues that an ancient structure known as the 'Christian building' was not a domestic house church, but rather a space renovated for worship. The findings suggest significant differences between the building's features and those of other domestic structures in Dura-Europos.
The research integrated zooarchaeological analysis with rock art depictions, showing a diverse diet and exploitation of various environments. The findings suggest that the artists did not just paint what they ate, but also represented complex mythology and supernatural connections.
A digital archive created by archivist Jeff Kramer highlights the contributions of Albanian laborer Emin Kani Barin to UC's historic excavation at Troy. Kani's impressive skills and work ethic earned him recognition from Carl Blegen, the expedition leader, who described him as the dig's most important worker.
Researchers developed a new method to study rock engravings, integrating technological and visual analysis to uncover the cultural significance of engravings in Timna Park. The approach provides comprehensive insights into the production processes and cultural context of ancient engraving practices.
A new study led by archaeologists at the University of Auckland has made connections between a rise in population, land demarcation, and social status in Sāmoan society. The discovery of ancient structures reveals insights into the origins of hierarchical societies in Polynesia.
Caroline Schuster and Catherine J. Frieman will succeed Laurence Ralph as co-editors of Current Anthropology on January 1, 2025. They are the first cross-disciplinary editorial team and first women to hold this role, bringing extensive editorial experience to the journal.
Researchers discovered a previously abandoned ancient village that surprisingly remained occupied and even thrived during the 8.2ka event, a period of global cooling and sea-level rise. The village's economy diversified from farming to include maritime culture and trade, allowing it to weather the climate instability.
Researchers have found tiny microplastic particles in archaeological soil samples dating back to the first century, potentially compromising preserved remains. The study suggests that preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate due to microplastic contamination.
A team of international partners has extended the earliest known human settlement of Curaçao by centuries, adding pieces to the puzzle of pre-Colombian Caribbean history. The study, published in the Journal of Coastal and Island Archaeology, places human occupation on the island as far back as 5735 – 5600 cal BP.
A study analyzing ancient DNA from 33 individuals found two separate farmer-associated ancestries in the region, connected to China's Yangtze River valley and Yellow River valley. The genetic results mirror cultural differences between regions, suggesting separate influence spheres and connections to distinct initial migration routes d...
Researchers found evidence of domesticated yak dating back 2,500 years in the southern Tibetan Plateau, revealing insights into animal domestication pathways and human adaptation to high-altitude environments. The discovery was made using a combination of ancient DNA sequencing and zooarchaeological analysis.
A new tool called dahliagram enables cross-disciplinary collaboration to study past and present human-environmental interactions. The tool allows researchers to analyze and visualize diverse data sources, promoting nuanced understanding and testing hypotheses.
Researchers discovered ancient shell beads stained with organic red pigment in an Israeli cave, dating back approximately 15,000 years. The findings represent the oldest known example of this type of coloration.
Researchers create practical way to implement superlensing with minimal losses, breaking through diffraction limit by nearly four times. The method allows scientists to improve super-resolution microscopy, advancing imaging in fields like cancer diagnostics and archaeology.
The ancient Maya built and maintained reservoirs that filtered and cleaned the water using aquatic plants, providing potable water for thousands of people. The Maya's approach to managing water quality could serve as a model for addressing today's water crises.
The study found a correlation between the emergence of sophisticated stone-knapping methods and a relative decrease in large prey quantities. Stone-tipped spears with Levallois technology allowed for more substantial wounds, increasing hunting success.
Researchers found specific epigenetic differences among Alaska Native participants who experienced intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses. Individuals with strong cultural identity reported better well-being. The study is the result of a close collaboration between scientists and members of two Alaska Native co...
A team of archaeologists has found evidence of intentionally crafted limestone spheroids at the Ubeidiya site, dating back 1.4 million years. The discovery challenges existing beliefs about early hominin capabilities and technological achievements, suggesting a desire for symmetrical shapes in stone.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a Roman road network spanning Devon and Cornwall using LiDAR scans and geographical modelling. The network, which connected settlements with military forts, reveals that North Tawton was a strategically vital connection point.
Researchers at UCL Institute of Archaeology discovered 800 stone artefacts, including giant handaxes, in deep Ice Age sediments. The tools are believed to have been used for butchering animals and cutting meat, with some exhibiting distinctive shapes and pointed tips.
Researchers in Tam Pa Ling cave in northeastern Laos found evidence of early human occupation dating back at least 70,000 years. The team used various techniques to date sediments and bones, revealing two distinct migration groups with unclear relationships.
Researchers have reconstructed the face of a 16-year-old woman buried near Cambridge with an incredibly rare gold and garnet cross, revealing she moved to England from Central Europe as a young girl. Analysis shows that her diet changed significantly after arrival, indicating a short and challenging life.
A team of researchers uncovered that the Neolithic Revolution in North Africa was a result of complex genetic and cultural exchange between European farmers and native hunter-gatherers. This discovery suggests that biological diversity played a key role in the success of Neolithization in the region.
A new study reveals Asian colobines living in colder regions underwent genetic changes and alterations to their social structure, forming larger, more complex societies. These adaptations allowed them to cooperate and survive in environments with low oxygen levels and extreme temperatures.
Researchers discovered that knapping is far more dangerous than previously understood, with severe injuries including bone piercings, tourniquet needed ankles, and eye damage. Injuries varied across body parts, including hands, feet, legs, and torso.
A recent study found that gorillas who survived past age 6 were largely unaffected by difficulties they encountered as infants or juveniles. In contrast, young gorillas who experienced multiple forms of early life adversity had a 70% reduction in the risk of death across adulthood. This suggests that gorillas may have a different biolo...
Researchers have developed a quantum lidar system that uses single-photon detection to acquire high-resolution 3D images underwater. The technology has the potential to inspect underwater installations, monitor submerged archaeology sites, and enhance security applications.
A revolutionary investigation has shed light on pioneering female migrants who arrived in Orkney during the Bronze Age. Ancient DNA analysis revealed a major influx of non-local people, dominated by women, challenging previous assumptions about the archipelago's influence during this period.
Researchers have found evidence of cheesemaking and curd-enriching dairy processing in Late Neolithic Poland using ceramic residues. The study reveals the use of multiple dairy species, contradicting widespread lactose intolerance in Europe during this period.
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
A new study by University of York researchers has found that Mediterranean hunter-gatherers 9,500 years ago had a strong coastal economy based on marine life. The discovery challenges traditional views on the diet of prehistoric Europeans and sheds light on the impact of humans on the environment.
A Flinders University-led research team will explore Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Limmen National Park using $800,000 ARC Linkage Funding. The project combines archaeological and anthropological data to understand Marra cultural history and inform the management of sensitive cultural heritage sites.
The discovery of stone tools and cut-marked animal bones at the Nyayanga site in Kenya offers new insights into the dawn of stone technology. The artifacts, dating back 2.9 million years, include hammerstones, cores, and flakes, which were used to process a wide range of materials and foods.
A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology reveals that Neanderthals regularly harvested large brown crabs from the nearby rocky coast, targeting adult animals and cooking them on coals. The findings add evidence to the notion that marine foods played a significant role in Neanderthal diets.
Researchers found solid scientific evidence that Vikings transported animals, including a horse and dog, across the North Sea to Britain. The analysis of human and animal remains from the Heath Wood cremation cemetery revealed that these animals originated from Scandinavia.
A new DNA-collection approach allows scientists to capture genetic information from wildlife without disturbing the animals. The protocol tested on elephant dung yielded enough DNA to sequence whole genomes not only of the elephants but also of associated microbes, plants, parasites and other organisms.
A new study links drought spells to the intensification of raiding activity by Hunnic peoples, who responded to climate stress by adopting new strategies and changing their social organization. The research suggests that extreme drought in the Carpathian Basin contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
An international survey of 419 early-career archaeologists found that only 21% believe they will find a permanent position, while 84% suffer from stress due to lack of career prospects. Despite this, many remain passionate about academia and value structured transition from graduate to permanent staff.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield used ancient DNA to reveal large-scale immigration in Early Bronze Age Orkney, contrary to popular belief. The findings also showed unusual female-dominated immigration during this period.
Researchers from the Bajo Laberinto Archaeological Project have used lidar technology to uncover a vast, complex urban sprawl beneath the Calakmul forest canopy. The study reveals dense apartment-style residential compounds, numerous temples and shrines, and extensive water management features.
A recently discovered shrine at the Berenike site in Egypt's Eastern desert has provided unprecedented discoveries linked to the presence of the Blemmyes, a nomadic people. The Falcon Shrine contains offerings such as harpoons and cube-shaped statues, as well as a stele with indications related to religious activities.
Researchers at Bangor University used multibeam sonar to positively identify the SS Mesaba, a merchant ship that sent an iceberg warning to the Titanic in 1912. The wreck was found in the Irish Sea, revealing new information about this infamous maritime event.
Sturt Manning's statistical analysis has narrowed the time range for the Thera volcano eruption to between 1609–1560 BCE with a 95.4% probability. This new timeline synchronizes Eastern Mediterranean civilizations and rules out ancillary theories, potentially rewriting history.