Articles tagged with Archeology
Researchers found the woman was embalmed with costly imported ingredients, contradicting traditional beliefs about mummification. The study also revealed she suffered from arthritis and had a unique facial expression that may be attributed to a cadaveric spasm caused by intense pain.
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 collection of French fashion engravings offers new insights into Samuel Pepys' life, revealing his fascination with French style and internal conflict. The prints show Pepys' efforts to demonstrate his knowledge of style within his means, despite being a moral dilemma due to English concerns about Popery and French influence.
Researchers have discovered evidence of human occupation on the Tanimbar islands in Indonesia dating back 42,000 years. The discovery provides fresh clues about the route taken by early humans to arrive in the region and suggests advanced maritime technology was developed by around 42,000 years ago.
Researchers found two male skeletons with severe fracture and trauma injuries, suggesting earthquakes triggered building collapses during the 79CE eruption. The study provides new insight into the destruction of Pompeii, shedding light on the complex interplay between volcanic and seismic phenomena.
Early Neolithic groups applied innovative methods to taxonomically identify animal species used in bone artifact production. Deer bones were chosen for projectile tips, while sheep and goats were used for vegetable handling tools.
Scientists at the University of Malaga have uncovered a natural quicksand trap in the 'elephant graveyard' of Orce, dated to over 1.4 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into human presence in Western Europe and competition with large carrion hyenas for meat resources.
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.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports identified degenerative joint changes in the skeletal remains of 30 adult male scribes buried between 2700 and 2180 BCE. These changes were more common among scribes compared to men with other occupations, suggesting prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks may have led to their degeneration.
A revised radiocarbon calibration curve for the period between 433-250 BCE has been established, allowing for improved date estimates on Greek shipwrecks. The study confirms the Kyrenia Ship's final voyage around 280 BCE, slightly later than previous estimates.
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.
The Temple of Bel in Palmyra faces significant damage after ISIS bombing, highlighting the need for its preservation and the return of the local population. The site's history and archaeological importance are crucial to stabilize, ensuring global cooperation and a shared ambition to protect the monument.
Researchers found that Rapa Nui's population remained stable and small, with a sustainable food system based on rock gardens where sweet potatoes were grown. The study challenges previous estimates of high population sizes and highlights the islanders' resilience in coping with limited resources.
Researchers used modern technology to estimate the number of rock gardens on Easter Island and food production, revealing that the island couldn't sustain a large population. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion of an ecological catastrophe and instead suggest a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Researchers discovered direct evidence of dairy product consumption and processing in the Pyrenees during the earliest stages of the Neolithic. Organic residues on ceramic vessels revealed a mixed economy with integrated agriculture and livestock farming.
Researchers analyzed ancient plant and animal remains to study historic food chains in ancient Syria. The analysis revealed a diet rich in grains, olives, grapes and dairy products, similar to the modern Mediterranean diet.
A Bronze Age purple dye workshop has been found on the Greek island of Aegina, featuring tools, ceramics, and snail shells that reveal the production process. The site provides insights into Mycenaean culture and trade during the Late Bronze Age.
A new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, has been identified from the Hammerschmiede fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species is estimated to have weighed around 10kg and had a distinct lifestyle from the larger-bodied Danuvius, allowing for cohabitation without resource competition.
Researchers are using a hyper-diverse group of herbs called bellflowers to understand relationships between species, origins, and human activity. The project combines genetic data, archaeological records, and computer modeling to create a playbook for answering similar questions in other regions.
Researchers uncovered evidence of ancient Mongolian cuisine using protein analysis on Bronze Age cauldrons. The study revealed that nomads collected animal blood for sausage production and fermented yak milk, providing insights into the traditions and diet of Bronze Age nomads.
A research team studying the remains of 25 medieval warriors, including a woman, found evidence of violent death and a diet typical of medieval high society. The discovery provides new insights into the lives of these knights, who were part of the Order of Calatrava.
Researchers analyzed two ancient skulls and found cutmarks suggesting surgical interventions related to cancerous cells. The study provides new insights into the limitations of ancient Egyptian medical knowledge, highlighting their efforts to explore cancer treatments.
A study of Neanderthal and Palaeolithic human teeth reveals that the two species experienced childhood stress at different developmental stages. Neanderthal children faced increased stress post-weaning, while Palaeolithic humans were less stressed after weaning.
A groundbreaking study in PLOS ONE analyzed fat residues trapped in pottery vessels to uncover the prehistoric culinary traditions of central Germany. The results show a diverse range of food sources, including dairy products, meat, and plant-based foods, with significant changes occurring between the Early Neolithic and Late Bronze Age.
An OSU study found evidence of intentional camas harvesting dating back 3,500 years, contributing to Traditional Ecological Knowledge research. Indigenous groups selectively harvested camas bulbs when plants were four or five years old and had reached sexual maturity, likely to maintain sustainable populations.
The discovery of charred stable remains at Tossal de Baltarga has provided a glimpse into the economic patterns of inhabitants who lived in the Pyrenees during the Iron Age. The finds suggest a complex economy involving farming, agriculture, forest management and mining activities.
Researchers found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus around 14,257 to 13,182 years ago, suggesting the island was attractive for early human habitation. The rapid expansion of the population coincided with increased temperature, precipitation, and environmental productivity.
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.
A recent study reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers in Morocco consumed a significant amount of plant foods, including Mediterranean species, which predates the advent of agriculture in the region. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution and subsistence strategies.
Researchers discovered evidence of ceremonial plant offerings beneath a ballcourt in Yaxnohcah, Mexico. Environmental DNA analysis revealed the presence of plants with religious and medicinal significance, indicating a possible blessing ritual during construction.
A new study identifies Anqa as a near mirror image of Dura-Europos, sharing similar composition and strategic importance. Located just across the Syrian border from Dura-Europos, Anqa's remains offer a unique window into the ancient Middle Euphrates region.
A newly described species of ichthyosaur, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, is believed to be the largest known marine reptile, with estimates suggesting it could have reached up to 82 feet in length. The discovery was made from fossilized jawbone fragments found in Somerset, UK.
A three-year research project at the University of Oldenburg examines the resettlement history of Hazor, a Bronze Age megacity in eastern Mediterranean, and its impact on early Israelite identities. The team aims to uncover how narratives about these events influenced the shaping of early Israelite cultures.
A new study on the Etruscan bronze lamp of Cortona reveals it is a cult object linked to the mystery cult of Dionysus, dating back to 480 BCE. The lamp's decorations depict the Dionysian thiasus, an ecstatic retinue of revelers, challenging earlier interpretations.
The study reconstructed feeding practices of first Neolithic communities in the Cueva de El Toro cave site. Researchers found different breeding patterns and varied feeding schedules for animals, indicating adaptability to local resources and climate conditions.
A study found that early Mesozoic animals, including dinosaurs, grew quickly around 230 million years ago. This feature is not unique to dinosaurs but was shared by several non-dinosaur reptiles as well.
Archaeologists and biomolecular scientists found evidence of chicken domestication in Central Asia, dating back to 400 BCE. The study suggests that chickens were widely raised for egg production and lost their seasonal egg-laying ability, driving dispersal across Eurasia.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
Researchers used isotope analysis to identify the origins of elite horses in medieval London, finding half had diverse international origins. The horses, used in jousting tournaments and status symbols, were sourced from Europe specifically for their height and strength.
Researchers identified traditional Polynesian and South American crops, such as breadfruit and yam, at early Rapa Nui settlements through starch analysis. These findings provide insight into the island's early agriculture and cultural exchange with South America.
A new study has compiled a global archive of preserved human brains, challenging the notion that brain preservation is extremely rare. The archive reveals that nervous tissues persist in much greater abundances than traditionally thought, with many brains up to 12,000 years old and found in diverse environments.
Researchers discover 'blueprint' for prehistoric Fenfolk's home interiors and daily routines in Must Farm site. The settlement revealed surprisingly comfortable lifestyles with modern-style homes, honey-glazed venison meals, and fine linen clothes.
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.
Archaeological excavations suggest Rabana-Merquly was a site of worship for the ancient Persian water goddess Anahita, with architectural structures and remains of a possible fire altar near a natural waterfall. The findings provide insight into regional sacral and geopolitical interconnections during the Parthian era.
A team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester has rediscovered over 50 lost archaeological sites at the Eastern Sovereign Base Area in Dhekelia, Cyprus. The sites, dating back to the Bronze Age and spanning multiple periods, were found using a combination of GIS mapping and surveying techniques.
Anemia affects about 2 billion people worldwide and has been a significant health concern since its recognition as a blood condition in the 1800s. The new method uses microscopic gaps between bone layers to diagnose anemia in both living and dead subjects.
The study reveals unprecedented insights into Philistine cultic rituals and beliefs, connecting them with broader Mediterranean religious traditions. The discovery of plant species with psychoactive and medicinal properties underscores the significance of nature in Philistine spirituality.
Researchers found that Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown overcame economic barriers by raising pigs and distributing pork, a practice similar to traditional South China pig husbandry. The study analyzed dental calculus on pig teeth, revealing rice as the primary food source.
The study reveals that a limited number of exceptional fossil preservation sites can significantly impact the global availability of phylogenetic data. This distortion can affect our understanding of bird, scaly reptile, and dinosaur evolution.
Vittrup Man's genetic signature was distinct from local skeletons, suggesting a non-Scandinavian origin. His tooth enamel isotopes revealed a shift from coastal to farm food in late teens, indicating a transition to farming society in Denmark.
A study of human-animal co-burials from ancient Italy suggests that the practice may have been related to enduring companion relationships or religious beliefs. Researchers found that the people buried with animals did not share common traits, leaving multiple interpretations for this phenomenon.
A new oviraptorosaur species was found in the end-Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of North America. The dinosaur weighed approximately the same as an average woman, providing valuable insights into its biology and ecosystem.
Archaeologists have discovered that early human diets in the Andes Mountains were composed of 80 percent plant matter and 20 percent meat. This finding updates our understanding of earliest forager economies and the pathway to agricultural economies in the region.
A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology highlights the importance of ancient cities in understanding contemporary urban challenges. The research provides numerical datasets on road lengths, building types, population sizes, economic output, and environmental impacts to inform urban planning and policy.
Researchers unveil a monumental earthen wall, trench, and 34 structures spanning 405 kilometers. The study contributes to understanding medieval wall systems, raising questions about motives, functionality, and socio-political implications.
Researchers analyzed animal remains and isotopes to understand livestock practices in high mountain regions during the Early Neolithic. The study found that flocks were small and used for meat and milk production, with pigs gaining economic importance during this period.
New research reveals archery technology in the Andes dates back 5,000 years, coinciding with social complexity and village growth. The study analyzed over 1,000 projectile points and found a significant decrease in size around 5,000 years ago, suggesting a shift from spear-throwing to bow-and-arrow technology.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.
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.