Articles tagged with Prehistory
Research reveals how dogs developed specialized forms in response to human needs, such as compact sled dogs for Arctic regions and lean hunting dogs for tropical forests. Genetic adaptations also emerged to cope with oxygen-poor air at high altitudes, mirroring human populations' genetic traits.
A new study suggests that a global blanket of dust after the Chicxulub asteroid impact trapped and radiated enough heat to ignite worldwide wildfires, killing even the thickest-skinned animals. The intense heat pulse would have been 3.5 times more intense than without the dust blanket.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient human DNA on cave walls, even where bones or artifacts are absent. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying prehistoric human behavior without disturbing archaeological deposits.
Researchers found well-preserved bacterial communities in ancient middens, including species from human feces and animal hosts. The study suggests that these communities provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of Paleo-Inuit and old Norse, including their farming, seal hunts, and toilets.
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.
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.
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.
A remarkable prehistoric hammer made from elephant bone has been uncovered in southern England and analysed by archaeologists. The roughly 500,000-year-old tool provides an extraordinary glimpse into the ingenuity of early human ancestors who made it, likely either early neanderthals or Homo heidelbergensis.
A team of researchers led by Professor Hiroki Obata reconstructed the structure of prehistoric fishing nets from ancient pottery using X-ray CT. The study revealed a rich diversity in net-making techniques between regions and highlighted the importance of sustainability practices in ancient cultures.
Researchers uncover pierced shells and pigments from Châtelperronian period, indicating a genuine workshop for jewellery manufacture. The findings suggest long-distance trade networks or significant human mobility, shedding new light on cultural variability of the time.
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.
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.
The Philippine archipelago has been found to have a sophisticated ancient technology dating back over 30,000 years, with evidence of seafaring capabilities and specific fishing skills. The discovery highlights the region's significance in the narrative of human migration and adaptation in Island Southeast Asia.
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.
A new study led by Washington State University archaeologist Tim Kohler challenges traditional views that disparities in wealth emerged suddenly with large civilizations. The research found that wealth inequality started to increase roughly 1,500 years after the advent of agriculture, driven by population growth and competition for land.
A new study reveals significant shifts in prehistoric hunter-gatherer populations in Europe due to climate changes at the end of the last Ice Age. The population declined by half, but some areas in central Europe showed stability or even an increase in population size, indicating human migration towards the east.
A new study in PLOS One reveals over 130 dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye, providing insight into their distribution and behavior. The trackways suggest large theropods like Megalosaurus and sauropods like Cetiosaurus strolled through ancient subtropical lagoons.
A USC study has found a drastic increase in building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt, due to rising sea levels and seawater intrusion. The researchers used a three-pronged approach to assess the impact of shoreline changes on the city's buildings.
Researchers discovered signs of human remains being manipulated and dissected, indicating cannibalism among Late Ice Age societies in Central Europe. The findings suggest that cannibalism may have occurred due to conflicts over resources or territories, rather than necessity.
Researchers reconstructed past crop repertoires, showcasing how communities diversified their agriculture to ensure food security amidst changing environmental conditions. The study offers valuable lessons for modern agriculture, informing sustainable practices and policies in the face of greater climate variability.
A report by Tel Aviv University highlights the establishment of new museums in Muslim countries, including Indonesia, Dubai, and Albania, which showcase the Holocaust and heroism. These museums provide a counter-narrative to antisemitic propaganda and promote education and awareness about the Holocaust.
The discovery of ritual sun stone sacrifices coincided with a large volcanic eruption that made the sun disappear in Northern Europe. The eruptions had devastating consequences for Neolithic agriculture and populations, leading to significant cultural changes.
Researchers have uncovered clay tablets with ancient cuneiform writing, game boards, and large structural remains at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq. The study sheds new light on literacy, urban development, and social inequality in this Middle Bronze Age city.
Researchers at Cranfield University used drone mapping to uncover a 3000-year-old mega fortress in the Caucasus, which was found to be significantly larger than initially thought. The site's complex structure and landscape evolution provide new insights into Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age societies.
A new study combines science and history to uncover new insights into Greco-Roman medical practices. Researchers recreated Galen's 2nd-century CE dissections, clarifying discrepancies in the text and shedding light on the enduring influence of ancient medicine on modern thought.
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.
A team of researchers from over 5 countries found a Neanderthal structure in Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar, that matches theoretical studies on anoxic heating. The discovery suggests Neanderthals had advanced cognitive abilities, including organization and practice to extract resin.
Researchers created digital reconstructions of Aztec death whistles and found they produce unique air turbulence, creating a chilling sound. Listeners perceived the whistle's sound as natural and organic, similar to human voices or screams, suggesting a symbolic association with mythological entities.
Researchers from the University of Bologna identified correlations between ancient cylinder seal designs and proto-cuneiform signs in southern Iraq. The study, published in Antiquity, sheds light on the birth of writing and may help decipher unknown signs.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute collected and displayed Vesalius' anatomical manikins for the first time, showcasing their enduring influence on modern anatomic teaching. The display highlights the significance of these works in revolutionizing anatomical education and training.
Geneticists deciphered aurochs prehistory by analysing 38 ancient genomes from Siberia to Britain. The study highlights diverse wild forms and the impact of climate change and domestication on their evolution.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
Researchers at University of Göttingen studied Bronze Age spear combat using multi-stage experiments to understand fighting styles and mark formation on spearheads. The study provides insights into wear formation, trauma, and combat contexts, benefiting future research and museum curation.
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.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that prehistoric Europeans spent on small everyday expenses more often than large ones, consistent with modern Western economies. The researchers also discovered metal fragments circulated as money around 1,500 BC, supporting the idea of a market economy from an early stage.
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.
A new study suggests that the Cahokia exodus may have been due to external pressures rather than crop failure, finding no evidence of widespread drought impact. Researchers believe the society had the engineering skills to maintain crops and a diverse diet, leading them to gradually disperse rather than abandon their land.
A new study published in Science Advances documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neandertals, named 'Tina', and reveals that they provided extensive care for a young child with severe hearing loss. The discovery sheds light on the existence of true altruism among Neandertals.
Researchers discovered that the Dendra armour was flexible enough to permit full movement and resilient enough to protect the wearer from most blows. The findings shed new light on ancient warfare and its impact on the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Researchers recruited Hellenic Marine volunteers to test the Dendra armor's combat suitability. The experiment revealed that the armor did not limit a warrior's fighting ability or cause severe strain on the wearer.
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.
A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.
Research at Schöningen reveals sophisticated woodworking techniques used by early humans to process spruce and pine wood. The findings demonstrate the importance of wood as a raw material in human evolution, with evidence of extensive processing and recycling.
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 new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.
DNA analysis of ancient Bahraini remains shows the presence of a malaria-protective G6PD Mediterranean mutation in three samples, suggesting many people in ancient populations enjoyed protection from malaria. The discovery provides insights into human history and disease progression in the region.
Fallow deer were first introduced to Britain by the Romans, not the Normans, and have been repeatedly moved by humans as a symbol of colonial power. Their strong association with Greco-Roman goddesses has driven much of their movements around the Mediterranean.
A new study reveals that the mobility of Tibetan farmers and herders in prehistoric times influenced the settlement patterns and cultural connections across the plateau. The research found a strong correlation between the routes used for subsistence-oriented mobility and the social network of shared technologies and ceramic designs.
A new study published in PLOS ONE provides detailed insights into the timing of events in ancient Gezer, a city known from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Biblical texts. The radiocarbon dates suggest that some proposed correlations between the archaeological record and ancient texts are plausible.
Researchers found that Singapore's coasts were resilient during high sea-level rise rates due to high sedimentation rates. This study provides new insights into the interplay between rising sea levels and sedimentation.
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.
The study found that Iberian Copper Age communities produced goods with great variability and no signs of economic exploitation or social hierarchies. Researchers believe this 'cooperative affluent society' strategy generated material wealth without exploiting labor, challenging traditional thoughts on historical wealth production.
Research reveals human occupation in Charco Verde II site from 21,000 to 15,000 years ago, defying the idea that Upper Palaeolithic humans avoided inland Iberia due to its cold climate.
A team of scientists has discovered and analyzed the oldest direct evidence of basketry among hunter-gatherer societies and early farmers in southern Europe. The esparto grass objects from Cueva de los Murciélagos date back to the Mesolithic period, between 9,500 and 6,200 years ago.
A Texas A&M University team, led by historian Dr. Daniel Schwartz, is working to preserve the 2,000-year-old Syriac language, deemed endangered due to conflict and persecution in the Middle East. The project, Syriaca.org, aims to safeguard cultural heritage and make it accessible to expat communities worldwide.
Researchers found evidence of intentional post-mortem modifications to human remains, including fractures and scrapes, at a cave in southern Spain. These alterations suggest that the ancient humans reused and repurposed their own burial sites for practical purposes.
A recent study analyzing data from 63 foraging societies worldwide reveals that women hunt in at least 79 percent of these societies, targeting game of all sizes. Women's involvement in teaching hunting practices and employing diverse weapon choices also challenges the long-held perception of men as primary hunters.
Early Dalmatian farmers specialized in sheep husbandry, demonstrating a common animal economy across the region. Most births were concentrated in winter, indicating an annual agropastoral calendar.
Researchers have identified cut marks on a fossil leg bone that suggest butchery and likely cannibalism by humans' close evolutionary relatives around 1.45 million years ago. The analysis of 3D models revealed nine clear matches for stone tool damage, which was found to be located in areas suitable for removing flesh.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that periodic outbreaks of warfare can account for boom-bust patterns in population dynamics of early farming societies. The study suggests that social conflict played a crucial role in shaping the population dynamics of these societies, contrary to previous assumptions that climate chang...