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.
A new study by Greer Jarrett reveals that Vikings sailed farther away from Scandinavia and took routes farther from land than previously believed. The research identified a decentralized network of ports on islands and peninsulas that played a central role in trade and travel during the Viking era.
Researchers analyzed a skeleton with a severe knee injury to uncover the complexities of social attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in medieval Europe. The study found that despite negative cultural views, some individuals with disabilities received long-term care and prominent burials.
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.
Researchers analyzed personal names from archaeological findings to detect patterns of identity, openness, and change in ancient Hebrew societies. They found that the Kingdom of Israel had a more diverse naming landscape than Judah, indicating a more open and cosmopolitan society.
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.
Researchers analyzed over 1,700 ancient grape seeds to discover that grape cultivation in Italy began during the Late Bronze Age, with gradual domestication taking place over centuries. The study reveals that Italian wine heritage dates back to Western Europe's broader landscape.
Research reveals Nubian women from the Kerma culture (2500-1500 BCE) carried heavy objects and children on their heads daily, using techniques like head straps known as tumplines. This study supports a growing perspective that sees the human body as a biological archive of lived experiences.
A new study in PNAS examines the rise and fall of Piast Poland, identifying key factors that contributed to its collapse. The research highlights the importance of balancing capital accumulation with social connectivity for sustainable political systems.
The article highlights the vulnerability of US Gulf coast archaeological sites to climate change-induced sea level rise and extreme weather. The study calls for an integrated approach combining coastal ecosystem management with archaeological and historical resource preservation using Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.
A groundbreaking database of over 55,000 housing measurements from around the globe supports research on correlations between housing size and inequality. The study examines patterns of inequality and their social consequences in human society.
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.
A team of archaeologists and Indigenous scholars calls on museums to better care for animal remains, recognizing power imbalances and respecting Native American traditions. The approach emphasizes self-reflection, lifelong learning, and partnering with Indigenous groups to rethink catalogue, storage, and display methods.
Archaeologists reconstructed human land use and land cover over the past 12,000 years in South Asia, revealing hunter-gatherer practices as dominant across periods. The study provides critical information for modeling climate impacts of human populations.
Archaeologists and designers collaborated to recreate five historical outfits based on Faras Cathedral wall paintings. The reconstructed garments featured traditional dyeing techniques and natural pigments, showcasing the cultural heritage of medieval Nubia.
Researchers believe they have located Harold Godwinson's private power centre, a high-status house with latrine, at Bosham, West Sussex. The site is significant as it represents an Anglo-Saxon show-home and provides insight into the origins of aristocratic centres in England.
A newly discovered Tetrarchic boundary stone provides valuable historical insights into the sweeping tax reforms of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The inscription mentions two previously unknown village names, a new imperial surveyor, and reflects the socio-economic dynamics during the Tetrarchy period.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals Rujm el-Hiri's original alignment does not match celestial observations, casting doubt on its use as an astronomical observatory. The site's current orientation differs from its original position due to thousands of years of geodynamic shifts.
Humanity's presence on Mars leaves behind a valuable archaeological record, with scientists arguing that it deserves cataloging and preservation. Anthropologist Justin Holcomb advocates for considering the impact of human exploration on Martian sites and planning missions to minimize damage.
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...
A study analyzing DNA from skeletal remains in Pompeii casts reveals the cosmopolitan origin of the city's inhabitants, contradicting previous physical appearance-based assumptions. Genetic data also sheds light on ancestry, sex, and familial relationships, challenging traditional notions.
Researchers have used ancient DNA to corroborate a 800-year-old Norse saga about King Sverre Sigurdsson's military raid. The study reveals details about the 'Well-man,' including his likely blue eyes, blond hair, and ancestral origins in southern Norway.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a Preservation Assistance Grant to Texas A&M University's Anthropology Research Collections. The grant will help protect and improve access to the university's anthropological and archaeological materials, while also providing new learning opportunities for graduate students.
Researchers from UNH's Forensic Anthropology Lab worked with town officials to investigate and document the remains, which showed signs of hardship and health issues. The reburial ceremony marked a rare opportunity for closure and respect for the individuals buried in hasty unmarked graves.
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.
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.
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History are studying bagworms' unique life cycle and their potential to inform understanding of modern climate change. They'll also analyze fossils from ancient mammal communities affected by rapid warming, as well as use AI to model future disease outbreaks.