Archaeology

Historical DNA connects 1.3 million living relatives to 17th-century Maryland settlers and may have identified the colony’s second governor

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

Neanderthal dentists used stone drills to treat cavities nearly 60,000 years ago

The first domesticated horses: 6,000 years of a complex story

Extinct water buffalo met bird feathers: Paleoproteomics reveals an unexpected connection

Researchers found ancient Chinese water buffalo feather decorations contained multiple bird species, including hoopoe, black-headed grosbeak, and yellow-bellied whistler. They also identified the adhesive as water buffalo glue, providing insights into cultural connections and species origins.

Ice Age butcher’s tools are a sign of ancient humans’ creativity during hard times

The discovery of complex stone tools at the Lingjing archaeological site in China suggests that ancient humans were capable of advanced technological thinking and creativity. The tools, crafted by Homo juluensis, show a high level of organization and planning, indicating a deep understanding of stone properties and fracture mechanics.

New long-necked dinosaur found in Northeast Brazil was a close relative of a European species

A new species of long-necked dinosaur, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, was discovered in Northeast Brazil and found to be a close relative of a European species. The dinosaur is estimated to have been around 20 meters long and lived approximately 120 million years ago.

DNA matches identify four more sailors from Franklin expedition

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.

Above 2,000 meters: Cova 338 redefines Pyrenean prehistory

Researchers uncover evidence of recurrent high-mountain occupation and systematic exploitation of copper-rich minerals in Cova 338. The site provides new insights into the role of high mountain environments in Pyrenean prehistoric societies.

‘They weren’t burned by accident’: burned stone, child’s bones, and lost jewelry could reveal prehistoric mining camp high in the Pyrenees

Archaeologists uncover evidence of ancient copper smelting in a mountain cave, spanning over 2,000 years. Human remains and lost jewelry suggest the site may have been a burial ground, while fire played a deliberate role in processing the green mineral fragments.

After Rome: genomic insights from southern Germany on the formation of Central European societies

A study of ancient genomes found that individuals from northern Europe were buried in cemeteries in southern Germany during the late Roman period, suggesting regional mobility. The research team reconstructed family relationships and showed how new structures emerged as people adopted Roman ways of life.

Location, location, location: How the Nile helped an ancient Sudanese city thrive for centuries

The University of Michigan study reveals that Napata, an ancient city in Sudan, benefited from the Nile's relatively stable flow and deposits of clay and silt. This landscape feature reduced flood risk while maintaining access to water, allowing for successful settlement and cultural development.

Roman shipwreck reveals fascinating history of repairs throughout the Adriatic 2,200 years ago

Researchers analyzed pollen trapped in Roman shipwreck coatings to identify plant taxa present during construction and repairs. The study found evidence of four to five distinct batches of coatings, suggesting the ship was patched up successively at different locations throughout the Adriatic Sea.

Hanyang University ERICA researchers trace chicken domestication on the Korean Peninsula

Researchers analyzed bone collagen peptides from avian remains found at the Gungok-ri site in South Korea, identifying the presence of chickens and their management during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. The study's findings provide insights into Korean food culture, agriculture, and animal domestication.

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.

Stone age population collapse revealed by DNA study in France

A genetic analysis of 132 individuals buried in a megalithic tomb near Paris found a sharp reduction in the local population followed by the arrival of new groups from southern France and the Iberian Peninsula. The study detected ancient pathogens, including the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis.

Ancient charcoal sheds new light on how early humans fueled their lives

Early humans at the Acheulian site of Gesher Benot Ya'aqov relied on driftwood from lakeshore environments for fuel, suggesting a practical and efficient strategy. This approach may have been a decisive factor in their choice of location.

After 9,000 years of cultivation, rice has reached its thermal limit

Global warming poses a significant threat to rice production, which has historically been heat-loving but is now facing its limits. Rice can tolerate temperatures below 82°F and 104°F, but rising temperatures will accelerate beyond these thresholds.

Ancient burial practices and DNA research reveal that family goes beyond genetic relatedness

Researchers use ancient DNA and burial practices to show that family ties can be more than just blood-related. This challenges traditional views of kinship, highlighting the importance of cultural and anthropological perspectives in understanding family dynamics.

The UCO discovers an advanced mural painting technique never before seen in Roman Hispania

Researchers from UCO and IQUEMA laboratories analyze pigments in Domus of Salvius to reveal sophisticated understanding of materials and effects. The mixture of cinnabar and iron oxide was applied in a unique way, with a layer of goethite protecting the expensive cinnabar.

Neanderthals in Central Europe hunted pond turtles

Researchers found cut marks on turtle shell fragments suggesting Neanderthals carefully butchered and cleaned the shells, which may have been reused as small containers or scoop-like implements. The study sheds new light on Neanderthal ecological flexibility and survival strategies.

Men have eaten more meat than women for 10,000 years in Europe

A study of 12,281 adults from 673 European sites over 10,000 years reveals a male bias in high meat consumption deciles across all eras. The results highlight significant gender disparities in access to animal proteins, suggesting root causes in food taboos and social norms.

Native Americans were making dice, gambling, and exploring probability thousands of years before their Old World counterparts

Researchers found evidence of Native American dice making and use dating back 12,000 years, with binary lots crafted from bone featuring markings for counting sides. This discovery challenges traditional views on the origins of probability theory.

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.

Urban construction soils identified as hidden carbon source, with biochar offering a scalable climate solution

A new study reveals excavated urban soils as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. Biochar application and soil capping can dramatically reduce emissions by up to 96%, offering a practical climate solution for urban development.

Tides supercharge biochar’s carbon capture power in coastal wetlands

A field study found that adding biochar to estuarine wetlands increased sediment carbon storage while suppressing carbon loss. Tidal dynamics amplified the effectiveness of biochar as a climate solution by stabilizing carbon in sediments and reducing microbial activity associated with carbon decomposition.

Tasmanian tiger lives on in Arnhem Land rock art

Rock art discovered in northwest Arnhem Land reveals up to 14 new images of the Tasmanian tiger, challenging the theory that it became extinct around 3,000 years ago. The artwork, created using red ochre and white pipe clay, provides rare insight into the cultural importance of thylacines in everyday life.

Sacrifice before the cataclysm: the aromas of Pompeii’s household altars

Researchers discovered imported aromatic substances from Africa or Asia in Pompeii's incense burners, indicating a far-reaching trade network. The investigation also found evidence of grape products and native plants used in domestic cult practices.

Researchers find 3,500-year-old loom that reveals key aspects of textile revolution in the Bronze Age

A team of researchers from Spanish universities has found a remarkably well-preserved 3,500-year-old loom that provides new insights into the textile revolution during the European Bronze Age. The loom's wooden structure and components made from wood and plant fibers have allowed the researchers to accurately determine how it worked.

Can AI learn to read ancient pottery the way an archaeologist does?

A new deep learning model classifies Japanese Sue ware from 3D scans with high accuracy, using three-dimensional point clouds directly. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 93.2%, performing almost perfectly on visually distinct categories, while focusing on regions that may correspond to expert archaeologists' considerations.

Medieval DNA reveals trans-Saharan connections, rapid genetic mixing, and leprosy in Islamic Ibiza

A study from Stockholm University found a diverse population in medieval Ibiza connected to Europe, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa through trade and migration. Genetic analysis also identified the first confirmed case of leprosy in medieval Islamic Iberia.

Tropical archaeology: advanced dating method reveals age of Pacific coral architecture

A team of archaeologists used uranium–thorium dating to establish precise construction timelines for houses built out of coral in French Polynesia. The findings reveal previously hidden patterns of architectural development and cultural life in Pacific societies, challenging earlier theories about coral reuse.

Ancient DNA reveals earliest known dogs lived alongside Ice Age humans

A new study has uncovered the earliest genetic evidence of domestic dogs to date, finding that they were already living alongside Ice Age humans over 14,000 years ago. The research analyzed ancient DNA from archaeological sites in the UK and Türkiye, revealing a shared diet between early dogs and humans.

English history’s biggest march is a myth – King Harold sailed to the Battle of Hastings

Historians have long believed that King Harold marched 200 miles to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but new research from the University of East Anglia reveals this was a myth. The ships returned to London and remained operational throughout the year, challenging our understanding of the Norman Conquest.

New Themed Issue calls for urgent shift away from “Leaky Pipeline” metaphor as studies reveal systemic exclusion of women in Archaeology

The 'leaky pipeline' metaphor oversimplifies the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized scholars in archaeology. New research highlights multiple forms of inequity that diminish productivity, limit collaborations, and reduce future generations of archaeologists.

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.

The adoption of the bow and arrow in western North America

The bow and arrow replaced the atlatl and dart as primary hunting technology in western North America, debuting around 1,400 years ago, with rapid adoption across the region

The mixed Iberian, Mediterranean and North African ancestry of an individual buried in the Menga dolmen has been revealed

A medieval individual buried in the Menga dolmen in Andalusia has been found to have a mixed ancestry, with uniparental lineages typical of European populations and mitochondrial DNA shared with modern North African individuals. The study sheds light on the genetic diversity of Andalusian society during the Middle Ages.

First evidence that North Sea ‘Lost World’ had habitable forests during the last ice age

Researchers discovered temperate trees, including oak, elm, and hazel, in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago, revealing a surprisingly hospitable environment. The study suggests that Doggerland may have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding, shedding light on the region's ecological history and human settlement patterns.

Study reveals ancient needles and awls served many purposes

A study by McKenna Litynski reveals that ancient needles and awls enabled humans to survive in cold climates through tailored leather clothing and provided a range of purposes beyond clothing production. The research, published in PLOS ONE, shows that needles and awls were widely used for medical suturing, fishing, tattooing, and cerem...

Analysis of charred food in pot reveals that prehistoric Europeans had surprisingly complex cuisines

A study of charred food in pots reveals that prehistoric Europeans consumed a wide variety of plants, including grasses, berries, and leaves, alongside fish and seafood. The findings emphasize the importance of plants in early European diets and suggest that ancient cuisines were more complex than previously thought.

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.

ETSU professor earns national archaeology engagement award

Dr. Lindsey Cochran's work combines technical modeling with community conversation to protect cultural heritage sites along Florida's Apalachicola Bay. Her approach has earned a national honor and reflects ETSU's commitment to research that serves both academic inquiry and public need.

Life and death in Late Bronze Age Central Europe

A new interdisciplinary study provides detailed insights into the lives of people living in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age, revealing gradual changes in ancestry, dietary flexibility, and mortuary practices. The research suggests that communities participated in wider networks of interaction and incorporated change into exis...

From the Late Bronze Age to today - Old Irish Goat carries 3,000 years of Irish history

Researchers have discovered a 3,000-year genetic link between the Old Irish Goat and ancient goats living in Ireland during the Late Bronze Age. The study sheds light on the breed's remarkable continuity and highlights its importance as a living piece of Ireland's ancient heritage.

Six newly discovered Bronze Age mines in Spain may explain the origin of Scandinavian Bronze

Researchers have discovered six Bronze Age mining sites in southwestern Spain, revealing extensive metal extraction and trade networks. The findings provide a concrete archaeological context for previous studies on the origin of Scandinavian Bronze.

Stone Age deceased dressed in spectacular feather and fur headgear

A recent study examining microscopic remains of clothing and burial items from 7,000-year-old graves in Sweden reveals the use of bird skins, furs, and feathers. The analysis method provides a fresh vantage point on Stone Age attire, shedding new light on the significance of soft organic materials.

Signs on Stone Age objects: Precursor to written language dates back 40,000 years

Researchers found that Palaeolithic sign sequences are statistically comparable to the earliest proto-cuneiform script, dating back 40,000 years. The analysis of over 3,000 geometric signs on 260 objects revealed complex and informative systems used by early humans to convey information.

Study finds 1.9 million year out-of-Africa migration wave leaves its mark in the Jordan Valley

A new study has determined that the Ubeidiya site in the Jordan Valley dates back at least 1.9 million years, revealing a significant shift in our understanding of early human history. The discovery suggests that ancient pioneers were established in the Levant at the dawn of humanity's global expansion, using diverse stone tools.

Archaeologists identify elders in Iron Age Israel through household artifacts

A new study from Bar-Ilan University identifies the elderly in Iron Age Israel through household artifacts, revealing their social status, influence, and integration within family structures. The research advances beyond traditional methods of identifying the elderly, providing a fresh window into their lived experiences.

Fascinating archaeological find becomes a source of knowledge

A Bronze Age sword from Bavaria was analyzed at Berlin X-ray source BESSY II to gain insights into the region's material craftsmanship. The study provides valuable information on the tools and techniques used during the Middle Bronze Age in southern Germany.

Hunter-gatherers northwestern Europe adopted farming from migrant women, study reveals

A new study published in Nature found that hunter-gatherers in Belgium and the Netherlands adopted farming thousands of years later than elsewhere in Europe. The research suggests that migrant women played a pivotal role in introducing farming practices, bringing their knowledge and genes to the local communities.

Singapore’s first ancient shipwreck reveals record cargo of Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain

The Temasek Wreck, a maritime archaeological excavation in Singapore waters, has uncovered a significant collection of Yuan dynasty ceramics, including over 3.5 tonnes of ceramic shards and several intact pieces. The recovered blue-and-white porcelain weighs about 136 kg and exceeds that of any other documented shipwreck.

Rich medieval Danes bought graves ‘closer to God’ despite leprosy stigma, archaeologists find

Researchers investigated social exclusion based on illness in medieval Denmark and found that people with stigmatized diseases like leprosy were buried just as prominently as their peers. The study suggests that medieval communities were variable in their responses to debilitating diseases.

Bird poop powered the rise of the Chincha Kingdom, archaeologists find

A new study reveals that seabird guano was a driving force behind the Chincha Kingdom's sociopolitical expansion on Peru's coast. The nutrient-rich bird droppings boosted corn yields and supercharged agriculture, fueling the kingdom's economy, trade, population growth, and regional influence.

Bison hunters abandoned long-used site 1,100 years ago to adapt to changing climate

Researchers found that bison hunters stopped using a kill site in central Montana around 1,100 years ago due to severe droughts. The team's study suggests that environmental stressors, social and economic pressures, and the need for larger hunting operations drove the abandonment of the site.

New ‘URBank’ database enables comparative archaeological and historical urbanism

The URBANK database aggregates and analyzes urban data to overcome fragmentation and variability in archaeological record. It offers a multidisciplinary platform for studying cities as dynamic networks of connected elements.

Breathing in the past: How museums can use biomolecular archaeology to bring ancient scents to life

Recent advances in biomolecular archaeology enable museums to convert molecular data into accessible olfactory recreations. The Max Planck Institute research team developed a workflow for translating ancient chemical signatures into visitor-ready fragrances.

Windows into the past: Genetic analysis of Deep Maniot Greeks reveals a unique genetic time capsule in the Balkans

A new study found that the people of Deep Mani represent one of the most genetically distinctive populations in Europe, with many lineages tracing back to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman period. The research team discovered that present-day Deep Maniot men descend from a single male ancestor who lived in the 7th century CE.

CT scans unwrap secrets of ancient Egyptian life

Two Egyptian priests, Nes-Min and Nes-Hor, were scanned using CT technology to reveal details about their lifespans, health, and life experiences. The scans showed healed injuries, dental issues, and modern-day ailments, providing new insights into ancient lives.