Archaeological Periods

Prehistoric Danish people continued to eat fish and hunt even after the rise of agriculture

New genetic evidence from Stajnia Cave reveals the oldest Neanderthal group reconstructed in Central-Eastern Europe

The study reconstructs the genetic profile of a small group of Neanderthals from Stajnia Cave, Poland, providing a coherent genetic picture of Neanderthals in this part of Europe. The discovery sheds light on the distribution of a particular Neanderthal maternal lineage in western Eurasia.

Tracking the footsteps of West Africa's prehistoric metalworkers

Researchers have discovered a remarkably well-preserved iron-smelting workshop in eastern Senegal that dates back to the 4th century BCE. The site, which was used for nearly eight centuries, provides new insights into late prehistoric metallurgical practices in Africa.

New research resets age of famous South American archaeological site

The Monte Verde archaeological site in southern Chile is now believed to be 4,200-8,200 years old, rather than 14,500 years old as previously thought. This new age estimate supports an initial interior migration into continental North America as a viable colonization hypothesis.

Maize may have more importance in pre-European Michigan than previously thought

Indigenous people in pre-European Michigan cultivated maize more prominently than previously thought. The researchers found that burial mounds were built near lakes that warmed later in spring and cooled later in fall, suggesting an extended maize-growing season and a greater cultural role for maize.

Ancient diets reveal surprising survival strategies in prehistoric Poland

Researchers reconstructed diets of prehistoric communities in north-central Poland, shedding light on how people adapted to changing environments and social landscapes. The study found that Corded Ware communities herded animals in forests and that millet consumption varied among groups, reflecting identity and group boundaries.

Retelling the Jomon story

Researchers used mitochondrial DNA from 13 Jomon skeletons to examine population changes over time, finding a significant increase in eastern Japan between 13,000 and 8,000 years ago. This study suggests regional factors, such as climate and food resources, played a role in shaping the Jomon population history.

New study uses Neanderthals to demonstrate gap in generative AI, scholarly knowledge

Researchers created a model using centuries of scientific theory and scholarly research to test the accuracy of chatbots in generating images and narratives about Neanderthals. The study found that accuracy rests on AI's ability to access source information, with many generated content referencing outdated research.

Unlocking the sacred landscape of Roman Nida

A newly uncovered Roman sanctuary in Frankfurt's Nida district will be studied for its significance in Roman Germania. The site features 11 stone buildings, 70 shafts, and 10 pits used for ritual depositions, yielding ceramic vessels and animal remains.

A new study refines the dating of human past on the Cantabrian coast 18,000 years ago

A new study refines radiocarbon dating of marine remains in the Cantabrian region of Spain, improving precision for reconstructing human past during the Magdalenian period. The research provides new correction values to accurately interpret site chronology and fine-tune the 'clock' used to reconstruct Palaeolithic human populations.

World’s oldest arrow poison – 60,000-year-old traces reveal early advanced hunting techniques

The discovery reveals early advanced hunting techniques and demonstrates that humans used arrow poison to increase hunting efficiency. Researchers found chemical residues of poison from the plant gifbol on 60,000-year-old quartz arrowheads in southern Africa.

Study models the transition from Neanderthals to modern humans in Europe

The study uses a numerical model to simulate encounters between Neanderthals and modern humans on the Iberian Peninsula. Climate fluctuations significantly influenced population dynamics, with mixing possible in certain regions. The research offers a broader explanatory framework for interpreting archaeological and genomic data.

Stone tool production in the African rainforest during the Late Stone Age likely remained stable for roughly 5,000 years and had no specific cultural affiliations, according to findings from Pahon Cave in modern day Gabon

Researchers discovered that stone tool production in the African rainforest during the Late Stone Age remained relatively constant over a period of 5,000 years. The findings from Pahon Cave in modern-day Gabon indicate that there were no specific cultural associations with this practice.

Scores of dinosaurs walked and swam along a Bolivian shoreline

A study published in PLOS One reports over 16,000 dinosaur footprints discovered at the Carreras Pampas tracksite in Bolivia. The footprints indicate that dinosaurs walked, ran, swam, and even performed sharp turns along an ancient shoreline.

Climate change: Major droughts linked to ancient Indus Valley Civilization’s collapse

A study suggests that prolonged droughts lasting over 85 years contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. The civilization, which existed around 5,000-3,500 years ago, was characterized by advanced cities and sophisticated water management systems.

First-of-its-kind 3D model lets you explore Easter Island statues up close

A team of researchers from Binghamton University has created the first-ever high-resolution 3D model of Rano Raraku quarry, revealing over 1,000 moai statues. The model allows users to zoom in and pan across various features, providing a detailed look at the island's quarries and challenging previous theories about its history.

Rats played major role in Easter Island’s deforestation, study reveals

Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.

The vast North American Phosphoria Rock Complex might be rich in silica because it was home to millions of sea sponges almost 300 million years ago, whose fossils were misdiagnosed until now

Fossils of millions of ancient sea sponges, discovered in the North American Phosphoria Rock Complex, suggest high silica content. The misidentification of these fossils could have significant implications for our understanding of the geological history of the region.

Ancient tombs reveal the story of Chinese history

A study published in PLOS One mapped ancient tomb distributions across China to identify patterns influenced by socioeconomic factors and geography. The research found that tombs from periods of relative stability were more common than those during times of war and instability.

Ancient stone tools trace Paleolithic Pacific migration

Researchers analyze stone tool technologies, revealing a coastal route from East Asia to the Americas around 20,000 years ago. The findings provide strong evidence for the global Paleolithic connection between North America and Northeast Asia.

Why Classic Maya cities rose and fell

Classic Maya cities rose due to climate downturns, intergroup conflict, and strong economies of scale, while deurbanization occurred when environmental degradation outweighed urban benefits. The study integrates population ecology theory and resolves the paradox of why agrarian populations would aggregate despite high costs.

Satellite images reveal ancient hunting traps used by South American social groups

Satellite images reveal ancient stone mega traps, known as chacus, built by hunters and pastoralists in northern Chile. The structures were likely used to capture vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca, and provide evidence of foraging populations that pre-date settled agricultural systems.

Earliest Neolithic communities were inclusive and open to newcomers

A team of researchers analyzed teeth from five archaeological sites in the Euphrates Valley, revealing that early farming communities were inclusive and open to newcomers. Women were found to be more likely than men to move between communities, possibly to avoid inbreeding.

Early humans butchered elephants using small tools and made big tools from their bones

A study published in PLOS One reveals that ancient humans in central Italy butchered elephants for meat and raw materials, with a consistent strategy used during warm periods of the Middle Pleistocene. The site of Casal Lumbroso features over 300 skeletal remains from a single straight-tusked elephant alongside more than 500 stone tools.

1,000-year-old gut microbiome revealed for young man who lived in pre-Hispanic Mexico

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of a 1,000-year-old mummy from Zimapán, Mexico, revealing specific types of bacteria present. The findings expand knowledge of ancient microbiomes and may provide clues to the individual's life, including their diet, health, and lifestyle.

Easter Island’s statues actually “walked” – and physics backs it up

Researchers used 3D modeling, field experiments to confirm how Rapa Nui people moved iconic moai statues. The team found that the statues were likely walked in a zig-zag motion along carefully designed roads using rope, with a physics-backed explanation.

12,000-year-old monumental camel rock art acted as ancient 'road signs' to desert water sources

Researchers discovered monumental camel rock art in northern Saudi Arabia, dated between 12,800 and 11,400 years ago. The engravings, including over 130 life-sized figures, likely marked water sources and movement routes, revealing insights into early desert communities' resilience and innovation.

An archaeological breakthrough will facilitate the mapping of underground spaces - The technology will enable 3D imaging of the subsurface for archaeological excavations.

Archaeologists can now map hidden voids such as tunnels and channels using muon tomography, a method that detects changes in soil penetrability to cosmic radiation particles. The technology was successfully demonstrated at the City of David archaeological site in Jerusalem.

How a 3000-year-old copper smelting site could be key to understanding the origins of iron

Researchers from Cranfield University discovered that ancient copper smelters at a 3000-year-old site in southern Georgia were using iron oxide as a flux to increase copper yield. This finding supports the theory that iron was invented by copper metalworkers, who experimented with iron-bearing materials in a metallurgical furnace.

Discovery expands understanding of Neolithic agricultural practices, diets in East Asia

Researchers uncover evidence of adzuki bean domestication in East Asia dating back to 9,000 years ago, expanding understanding of early Neolithic agriculture. The discovery reveals regional differences in bean size and utilization, highlighting the role of culinary practices in its domestication.

Early humans may have walked from Türkiye to mainland Europe, new groundbreaking research suggests

A groundbreaking discovery of Paleolithic tools in Ayvalık, Turkey, reveals that early humans may have used the northeastern Aegean coast as a route to enter Europe. The find provides valuable insights into early human presence, technological variability, and raw material preferences during the Pleistocene era.

The metals reveal: The Bronze Age was more connected than we previously thought

A new study has shed light on the metal trade in the Bronze Age, revealing that Sardinia was more connected to Scandinavia than previously thought. The research used a multi-proxy approach to analyze copper, tin, lead, and osmium isotopes, finding that bronzetti figures were primarily made from copper sourced from Sardinia.

New crocodile-relative “hypercarnivore” from prehistoric Patagonia was 11.5ft long and weighed 250kg

A new species of hypercarnivorous crocodyliform, Kostensuchus atrox, has been discovered in prehistoric Patagonia with a length of 11.5ft and weight of 250kg. This predator was likely one of the top predators in its ecosystem.

Study of now-submerged migration routes redraws map of how humans settled beyond Africa

A study published in Comptes Rendus Géoscience refines understanding of ocean levels, coastlines, and ancient migratory corridors in Africa and West Asia. The research uses improved glacial isostatic adjustment modeling and DNA data to explore alternative land and sea routes into and out of Africa.

What animal bones reveal about life on the medieval Liao frontier

The discovery of thousands of animal bones at a remote garrison site in northeastern Mongolia sheds new light on the lives of soldiers and civilians who lived along the medieval Liao Empire's long wall. The analysis suggests a largely self-sufficient pastoral economy, with evidence of herding, hunting, fishing, and seasonal climate var...

Early farmers in the Andes were doing just fine, challenging popular theory

A study in the Andes found that early farmers relied on consistent food resources and managed wild plants, contradicting the idea of an agricultural shift driven by hardship. The researchers analyzed ancient diets and found high proportions of plant material in the diet, supplemented by smaller amounts of meat.

Otago researchers help unlock ancient migration secrets

Otago researchers have recovered ancient genomes from Papua New Guinea, shedding light on the genetic diversity of pre-colonial coastal communities. The study reveals that cultural groups did not intermarry for some time, suggesting a complex tapestry of different cultures and peoples.

Researchers estimate that early humans began smoking meat to extend its shelf life as long as a million years ago

Researchers propose that early humans used fire to smoke and dry meat to preserve it for extended periods, safeguarding large game from predators and scavengers. This new hypothesis offers a fresh perspective on the origins of fire use in prehistoric humans.

Borders and beyond: Excavating life on the medieval Mongolian frontier

Archaeologists uncover evidence of permanent habitation, agriculture, and cultural exchange along the Medieval Wall System in Mongolia. The study reveals that these walls served not just military ends but also administrative and symbolic functions, challenging traditional perceptions of nomadic societies.

Oldest whale bone tools discovered

Researchers have uncovered evidence of humans using whale bones as tools from 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the marine ecology of the time and the role whales played in past ecosystems. The study identifies five species of large whales used by early humans.

The Roman massacre that never happened according to a new study of an iconic archaeological site

A new study by Bournemouth University reveals that the 'war-cemetery' at Maiden Castle did not die in a single event, but rather experienced lethal violence spanning multiple generations. The findings question the traditional narrative of Roman conquest and highlight the need for reevaluation of other archaeological cemeteries.

Reawakening ‘sleeping’ crops to combat today’s climate crisis

Researchers propose reawakening ancient native crops to address climate change, leveraging knowledge from Indigenous communities. The alternative approach combines food production and biodiversity protection, offering a low-input solution for adapting to changing climate conditions.

Study reveals vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts

Researchers analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts from the Templo Mayor, finding diverse sources of obsidian used for both ritual and everyday objects. The study suggests a complex economy that relied on conquest and active trade with rival polities.

Study reveals skeletal evidence of Roman gladiator bitten by lion in combat

The discovery of a skeleton in a Roman cemetery in York has confirmed the presence of human-lion combat in ancient Rome. The skeleton shows bite marks consistent with a lion attack, providing direct physical evidence of gladiatorial combat between humans and lions.

Ancient tools from a South African cave reveal connections between prehistoric people

Researchers analyzed ancient stone tools found in the Robberg caves, revealing specific methods of core reduction that indicate shared ideas among prehistoric people. The study suggests that these ancient humans were more connected than previously thought, with similar tool-making techniques found across different regions.

The "mega-village" of Valencina de la Concepción, a large sustainable and egalitarian community at the height of the Copper Age

A research team from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has analysed macrolithic tools from Valencina de la Concepción site, revealing a high level of economic sustainability based on cooperation and diversification. The community, occupied for a thousand years, had a diverse economy and maintained stability throughout the Copper Age.

Discovery of Quina technology challenges view of ancient human development in East Asia

A complete Quina technological system, used for making tools, was discovered in southwest China dating back 50,000 to 60,000 years. This finding disputes the widely held belief that development in China was sluggish during most of the Paleolithic period.

Ancient engravings shed light on early human symbolic thought and complexity in the levantine middle palaeolithic

A new study sheds light on intentional, symbolic engravings from Levantine Middle Palaeolithic sites, indicating advanced cognitive and symbolic behaviour among early humans. The findings provide key insights into the development of abstract thinking and cultural complexity of Middle Palaeolithic societies.

Human ancestor thrived longer in harsher conditions than previous estimates

Researchers found Homo erectus, a human ancestor, survived for over 1.5 million years in hyper-arid landscapes one million years ago. They adapted to diverse and unstable environments, challenging assumptions about early hominin dispersal limits.

Early humans adapted to harsh conditions more than a million years ago

Researchers from UCalgary and around the world have discovered that early humans, Homo erectus, were able to thrive in extreme environments, including hot and dry periods. This finding changes our understanding of human adaptability and suggests that ancient humans had a wider range of survival capabilities than previously thought.

New computational method uncovers surprising variability in Neolithic building practices

A recent study introduces a new computational approach to analyze architectural remains, uncovering insights that qualitative methods might overlook, including quantification of defined angles in structures as early as the Natufian period. The research highlights architectural diversity during the Natufian and early Neolithic period, s...

Barbarian warriors in Roman times used stimulants in battle

Archaeologists have found evidence that Roman-era barbarian warriors used stimulants before battle, including small spoon-shaped objects attached to their belts. The researchers believe that these stimulants may have been widely used throughout history to motivate soldiers and reduce stress and fear during warfare.

Wyoming research shows early North Americans made needles from fur-bearers

Archaeologists have discovered that early North Americans made needles from the bones of fur-bearers, including foxes, hares, and cats, which were likely used to create garments for warmth. The findings provide strong evidence for tailored garment production using bone needles and fur-bearing animal pelts.

Earliest fish-trapping facility in Central America discovered in Maya lowlands

A large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facility was discovered in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, dating back to the Late Archaic period around 2000-1900 BCE. The facility, which included a network of linear channels and ponds, would have yielded enough fish to feed up to 15,000 people year-round.

Healthy elbow room: Social distancing in ancient cities

Researchers found that mega-settlements in the Black Sea region practiced social distancing through clustered layouts to contain disease outbreaks. The pie-shaped clustering of houses at Nebelivka reduced the spread of early foodborne diseases, helping survival in early farming villages.

Fossils unveil how southern Europe’s ecosystem changed through Glacial-Interglacial Stages

Fossils from over 600,000 years ago show a shift in animal communities between warm and cold climate fluctuations. The Notarchirico site provides evidence of the emergence and disappearance of species such as cave lions, straight-tusked elephants, and red deer.

Unravelling an ancient European extinction mystery: Disappearance of dwarf megafauna on palaeolithic Cyprus

A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.