Archaeology
- 💎 Diamond Archaeology: Open venues for publishing, reviewing and curating archaeological researchdiamond.open-archaeo.info 💎 Diamond Archaeology
Open venues for publishing, reviewing and curating archaeological research
- Archaeologists use AI to discover 303 unknown geoglyphs near Nazca Lineswww.theguardian.com Archaeologists use AI to discover 303 unknown geoglyphs near Nazca Lines
Newly discovered figures dating back to 200BCE nearly double the number of known geoglyphs at enigmatic site
The use of AI combined with low-flying drones revolutionised the speed and rate at which the geoglyphs were discovered, according to a research paper published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The paper said while it “took nearly a century to discover a total of 430 figurative Nazca geoglyphs”, using an AI system covering the entire Nazca region it “took just six months to discover 303 new figurative geoglyphs”.
- 'We were anything but primitive': How Indigenous-led archaeology is challenging colonial preconceptions
cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/3519681
> >"It was different because there wasn't a lot of education [about] our people," she said. "So I only learned my history through my family members." > > >Years later, Tenasco is learning much more about her culture and her ancestors at a different kind of school — a federally-funded Indigenous archeological field school called Anishinabe Odjibikan. > > >The school brings together young members of the Algonquin communities of Kitigan Zibi in Quebec and Pikwakanagan in Ontario to dig up, clean and sort items used by their ancestors thousands of years ago. > > >Tenasco and her fellow Anishinabe Odjibikan participants learn how to document layers of earth and rocks, identify materials and determine if they're local to the area, use surveyor's tools and clean and reassemble pottery pieces found at a dig site. > > >Anishinabe Odjibikan is part of a growing trend in archaeology of involving the Indigenous peoples whose lands are being excavated — with the work either being led by Indigenous people, done collaboratively or carried out with their consent. > > >According to Cree/Métis archaeologist Paulette Steeves, the last century of archaeology has invalidated the pre-contact history of the Americas — and the people who lived there for thousands of years. > > Full Article
- Researchers document Russian destruction of Ukrainian archaeological sitesphys.org Researchers document Russian destruction of Ukrainian archaeological sites
As Russian missile strikes and heavy assaults by ground troops pace deadly attacks on Ukraine, a new report by University of Virginia researchers reveals another destructive facet of Russia's invasion.
As Russian missile strikes and heavy assaults by ground troops pace deadly attacks on Ukraine, a new report by University of Virginia researchers reveals another destructive facet of Russia's invasion.
Using commercial satellite imagery and other open-source information, associate professor of sociology Fiona Greenland and other researchers with UVA's Cultural Resilience Informatics and Analysis, or CURIA, Lab determined that multiple ancient Ukrainian burial mounds have been damaged in two locations currently occupied by Russian troops—a potential violation of international law.
These historically significant burial sites, called "kurgans," were constructed by the ancient peoples of the Ukrainian steppe. The mounds, up to 65 feet tall, contain human remains and artifacts dating back as far as 3000 B.C.E.
- French dig team gets 200-year-old note from archaeologistwww.bbc.com French dig team gets 200-year-old note from archaeologist
A team of volunteer archaeologists in Normandy has had a surprise communication from the past.
A team of student volunteers on an archaeological dig in northern France has had a surprise communication from the past.
- The First Horse Domestication Was Later Than We Thoughtwww.atlasobscura.com The First Horse Domestication Was Later Than We Thought
Where and when did horses become our helpers? Science has some new and surprising answers.
- Old Easter Island genomes show no sign of a population collapsearstechnica.com Old Easter Island genomes show no sign of a population collapse
Native American DNA in the genomes dates to roughly when Rapa Nui was settled.
Every day, my distaste for Jared Diamond ages like a fine wine.
- Clovis people used Great Lakes camp annually about 13,000 years ago, researchers confirmphys.org Clovis people used Great Lakes camp annually about 13,000 years ago, researchers confirm
The earliest humans to settle the Great Lakes region likely returned to a campsite in southwest Michigan for several years in a row, according to a University of Michigan study.
The earliest humans to settle the Great Lakes region likely returned to a campsite in southwest Michigan for several years in a row, according to a University of Michigan study.
Until recently, there was no evidence that people from the Clovis period had settled the Great Lakes region. The Clovis people appeared in North America about 13,000 years ago, during the geologic epoch called the Pleistocene. During the Pleistocene, sheets of glaciers covered much of the world, including Michigan, making the land inhospitable for human settlers. But a 2021 U-M study confirmed that Clovis people built a camp, now called the Belson site, in southwest Michigan.
- 'Sensational discovery' of 2,000-year-old Roman military camp found hidden in the Swiss Alpswww.livescience.com 'Sensational discovery' of 2,000-year-old Roman military camp found hidden in the Swiss Alps
Researchers used lasers to find the Roman military camp, which was "strategically" located overlooking a battleground.
- Analysis of Greek prehistoric combat in full body armour based on physiological principles: A series of studies using thematic analysis, human experiments, and numerical simulationsjournals.plos.org Analysis of Greek prehistoric combat in full body armour based on physiological principles: A series of studies using thematic analysis, human experiments, and numerical simulations
One of the oldest complete suits of European armour was discovered in 1960 near the village of Dendra, in Southern Greece, but it remained unknown whether this armour was suitable for extended use in battle or was purely ceremonial. This had limited our understanding of the ancient Greek–Late Bronze...
- Bison Licking Insect Bite: A 14,000-year-old lifelike figure carved from a weaponwww.livescience.com Bison Licking Insect Bite: A 14,000-year-old lifelike figure carved from a weapon
The small carving was made 14,000 years ago by a group of hunters.
This prehistoric carving, discovered inside a cave in France, depicts a steppe wisent (Bison priscus), a now-extinct species of bison. It was crafted from a piece of reindeer antler that was previously used as a spear thrower for hunting, according to the Bradshaw Foundation.
Despite its small size — roughly 4 inches (10.5 centimeters) wide — the figurine contains a wealth of meticulous details, including finely carved individual hairs across the animal's body and a pair of horns jutting from its head, giving the piece a lifelike quality.
- Stone Age builders had engineering savvy, finds study of 6000-year-old monumentwww.nature.com Stone Age builders had engineering savvy, finds study of 6000-year-old monument
A survey of the Dolmen of Menga suggests that the stone tomb’s Neolithic builders had an understanding of science.
The Neolithic farmers and herders who built a massive stone chamber in southern Spain nearly 6,000 years ago possessed a good rudimentary grasp of physics, geometry, geology and architectural principles, finds a detailed study of the site.
Using data from a high-resolution laser scan, as well as unpublished photos and diagrams from earlier excavations, archaeologists pieced together a probable construction process for the monument known as the Dolmen of Menga. Their findings, published on 23 August in Science Advances1, reveal new insights into the structure and its Neolithic builders’ technical abilities.
- Archaeologists find 4281-foot-long secret tunnel beneath ancient Egyptian templel.smartnews.com Archaeologists find 4281-foot-long secret tunnel beneath ancient Egyptian temple (Good)
Archaeologists find 4281-foot-long secret tunnel beneath ancient Egyptian temple For more than two de...
- To kill mammoths in the Ice Age, people used planted pikes, not throwing spears, researchers sayphys.org To kill mammoths in the Ice Age, people used planted pikes, not throwing spears, researchers say
How did early humans use sharpened rocks to bring down megafauna 13,000 years ago? Did they throw spears tipped with carefully crafted, razor-sharp rocks called Clovis points? Did they surround and jab mammoths and mastodons? Or did they scavenge wounded animals, using Clovis points as a versatile t...
How did early humans use sharpened rocks to bring down megafauna 13,000 years ago? Did they throw spears tipped with carefully crafted, razor-sharp rocks called Clovis points? Did they surround and jab mammoths and mastodons? Or did they scavenge wounded animals, using Clovis points as a versatile tool to harvest meat and bones for food and supplies?
UC Berkeley archaeologists say the answer might be none of the above.
Instead, researchers say humans may have braced the butt of their pointed spears against the ground and angled the weapon upward in a way that would impale a charging animal. The force would have driven the spear deeper into the predator's body, unleashing a more damaging blow than even the strongest prehistoric hunters would have been capable of on their own.
- Ice Age Europeans: Climate change caused a drastic decline in hunter–gatherers, fossil study showsphys.org Ice Age Europeans: Climate change caused a drastic decline in hunter–gatherers, fossil study shows
A large-scale study of fossil human teeth from Ice Age Europe shows that climate change significantly influenced the demography of prehistoric humans.
A large-scale study of fossil human teeth from Ice Age Europe shows that climate change significantly influenced the demography of prehistoric humans.
Using the largest dataset of human fossils from Ice Age Europe to date, an international research team shows how prehistoric hunter–gatherers coped with climate change in the period between 47,000 and 7,000 years ago.
Population sizes declined sharply during the coldest period, and in the West, Ice Age Europeans even faced extinction, according to the study published August 16 in the journal Science Advances.
- When did humans start cooking food?www.livescience.com When did humans start cooking food?
When did humans first roast food over a fire? Archaeology and biology can shed light on this mystery.
Cooking is important — in fact, some researchers believe it's what allowed our human ancestors to unlock the extra calories needed to grow larger brains. So when was cooking invented?
The timing is uncertain, but evidence suggests people were cooking food at least 50,000 years ago and as early as 2 million years ago. This evidence comes from two fields: archaeology and biology.
One piece of archaeological evidence for cooking is cooked starch grains found in dental calculus, or hardened dental plaque. "People can find it in teeth that are 50,000 years old," said Richard Wrangham, a retired professor of biological anthropology at Harvard University and the author of "Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human" (Basic Books, 2009).
But earlier than that, the evidence is less clear. Generally, scientists look for evidence that people were controlling fire. But evidence of controlled fire isn't necessarily evidence of cooking; — people could have used that fire for heat or to make tools, for example.
- Impact of 700 years of Inuvialuit subsistence hunting on beluga whaleswww.sciencedaily.com Impact of 700 years of Inuvialuit subsistence hunting on beluga whales
An international team of researchers analyzed beluga whale bones retrieved from archaeological sites in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada, to shed light on the sustainability of centuries of Inuvialuit beluga whale subsistence harvests.
'Since Inuvialuit ancestors arrived in the Mackenzie Delta around 800 years ago, beluga whales have been central to their livelihood and culture,' said archaeologist and co-senior author Professor Max Friesen from University of Toronto.
'However, little is known of the impact of centuries of sustained subsistence harvests on the beluga population'.
Integrating paleogenomics, genetic simulations, and stable isotope analysis of 45 zooarchaeological beluga remains, and comparing the findings with contemporary data from tissue samples provided by Inuvialuit hunters from their beluga subsistence hunts, the team characterised the effect of 700 years of subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology.
- Jamestown DNA helps solve a 400-year-old mystery and unexpectedly reveals a family secretphys.org Jamestown DNA helps solve a 400-year-old mystery and unexpectedly reveals a family secret
An ancient DNA (aDNA) study at the 17th-century English colony of Jamestown, Virginia, has identified two of the town's earliest settlers, and revealed an unexpected family secret.
An ancient DNA (aDNA) study at the 17th-century English colony of Jamestown, Virginia, has identified two of the town's earliest settlers, and revealed an unexpected family secret.
Founded in AD 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Excavations at the site discovered human remains in the 1608–1616 church.
As such, it was thought that they were the bodies of some of the original colonists.
"These graves were purposely buried near the altar in the Church Chancel," says co-author of the research Dr. William Kelso, Emeritus Director of Archaeology at Jamestown Rediscovery. "This prominent location suggests the graves contained the remains of high-status individuals."
- Washington State Solar Project Paused Amid Concern About Native Cultural Siteswww.propublica.org Washington State Solar Project Paused Amid Concern About Native Cultural Sites
The decision comes after an investigation by High Country News and ProPublica found that a land survey funded by the developer omitted more than a dozen sites of archaeological or cultural significance.
A company developing an industrial-scale solar panel array on Badger Mountain in Eastern Washington has paused permitting activities on the project amid concerns about impacts to Indigenous cultural sites.
The decision comes on the heels of an investigation by High Country News and ProPublica this year, which found that a land survey funded by the developer, Avangrid Renewables, had omitted more than a dozen sites of archaeological or cultural significance on the public parcel included in the project area. This survey is required by the state before it can permit the project so construction can begin.
In a June 27 letter to the state agency responsible for approving the project, Avangrid wrote that it will be pausing project planning for two to three months “while we re-evaluate public comments, including from our project landowners and affected tribal nations.”
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have objected to the Badger Mountain solar project for years, according to tribal business councilmember Karen Condon. They officially registered their opposition in May 2023, citing the foods, medicines, archaeological heritage sites and other cultural resources found on the mountain. They were joined shortly after by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Both tribal nations have the right to access and use public lands in their ancestral territory, which includes the state-owned parcel on Badger Mountain.
- Features - Ancient DNA Revolution - Archaeology Magazine - September/October 2024archaeology.org Features - Ancient DNA Revolution - Archaeology Magazine - September/October 2024
How the rapidly evolving field of archaeogenetics is unlocking secrets of the past
- [SciShow] An Ancient Roman Shipwreck May Explain the Universe
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cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/23469886
> A 31 minute SciShow video on how lead ingots which were recovered from a Roman shipwreck enabled the CUORE experiment's search for neutrinoless double beta decay, and the challenges of ethically sourcing "low background material". > > Has anyone set aside lead (and other materials) as a stockpile of low background material for future generations of physicists? Seems like something The Long Now Foundation might do.
- Research suggests Egyptian pyramids were built with water - YouTube
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Summary: > According to the video, a new study suggests that ancient Egyptians may have used hydraulic force to build the step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser. The pyramid is the oldest of the seven monumental pyramids in Egypt and was the largest structure at the time, with stones weighing more than 600 pounds. Researchers believe that a nearby structure may have functioned as a dam, and that water could have flowed into shafts inside the pyramid, raising a float that carried the stones like a water elevator. However, some experts are skeptical of this theory, as there is no evidence that the Egyptians had the technology to use water pressure in this way. More research is needed to determine if this theory is correct.
- ‘World’s oldest calendar’ found carved onto ancient monumentwww.independent.co.uk ‘World’s oldest calendar’ found carved onto ancient monument
The timekeeping system was unearthed at the Gobekli Tepe site in Turkey.
- Archaic human 'hobbits' were even shorter than we thought, 700,000-year-old teeth and bone revealwww.livescience.com Archaic human 'hobbits' were even shorter than we thought, 700,000-year-old teeth and bone reveal
A new analysis of teeth and a bone found on an Indonesian island reveal that "hobbits" were more than 2 inches shorter than we thought.
Early hominins known colloquially as "hobbits" may have been shorter than scientists thought, a new analysis of teeth and bones has revealed.
The 700,000-year-old fossilized remains belonged to Homo floresiensis, an extinct species of exceedingly small humans that once inhabited Flores, an island south of mainland Indonesia, according to a study published Tuesday (Aug. 6) in the journal Nature Communications.
The new research may shed light on when H. floresiensis first evolved its diminutive height.
"Acquiring a large body and large brain and becoming clever is not necessarily our destiny," lead author Yosuke Kaifu, a professor at the University Museum at the University of Tokyo, told Live Science in an email. "Depending on the natural environment, there were diverse ways of evolution not only for animals in general but also for humans."
- Uncovered Euripides fragments are ‘kind of a big deal’www.colorado.edu Uncovered Euripides fragments are ‘kind of a big deal’
CU Boulder Classics scholars identify previously unknown fragments of two lost tragedies by Greek tragedian Euripides.
- Seeking rock art!
Heyo!
I'm looking for some rock art. I've been familiarising myself bit by bit but I'd really appreciate being pointed to some sites by the following criteria (in order of importance):
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the best-preserved rock art, a la Lascaux & such (and/or the most striking--which is not quite the same thing! emphasis on the former since the latter is more subjective :))
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especially which depicts non-human life (other animals & so on) or part-humans (but the less anthropocentric the more it appeals to me)
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and especially anything from the neolithic or (bonus points!!) before! Paleolithic is my main interest, I'm not really interested in anything after literacy :)
Thank you SO much!! Any advice on specific sites or where/how to search under this criteria super appreciated!!
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- Britain's oldest chalk figure restored to former gloryarchaeologymag.com Britain's oldest chalk figure restored to former glory
In Oxfordshire, England, an iconic prehistoric chalk figure known as the Uffington White Horse has been meticulously restored after showing signs of significant wear.
- 5 New Archeological Discoveries Of 2024 - YouTube
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Summary > Here is a summary of the YouTube video 5 New Archeological Discoveries Of 2024 by Sideprojects: This video covers five archaeological discoveries made in 2024: > > * The Apano Valley Sites in Ecuador: Archaeologists have discovered remnants of numerous ancient urban environments in the Amazon rainforest, home to an estimated population of 15,000 to 30,000 people. These settlements, dating back to between 2,500 BCE and 500 CE, feature distinctive mound-dweller designs and intricate agricultural systems. The cause of the abandonment of these sites remains a mystery, with possible explanations including volcanic activity, climate change, or conflict. > * The Lost Villa of Pliny the Elder: Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman villa in Poli, Italy, which they initially believed to be the lost villa of Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman philosopher and naturalist who perished in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. However, further investigation revealed that this was likely not the case, as there were many similar villas in the area. > * The Black Room in Pompeii: Archaeologists have discovered a lavishly decorated room in Pompeii, featuring black walls adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The room is believed to have been used for private parties and entertainment. > * The Breton War of Succession: This complex and confusing conflict involved a struggle for the Duchy of Brittany between two women named Joan, as well as their respective families and allies. The war lasted for several decades and had significant repercussions for the region. > * The Shadow of Vitré: This medieval castle in France was built by John IV, Duke of Brittany, in the late 14th century. The castle played a role in the Hundred Years' War between England and France. > > These discoveries offer valuable insights into the lives and cultures of ancient civilizations, shedding light on their history, beliefs, and practices.
- Divers Discover Mesmerizing Roman Mosaic Beneath the Seawww.smithsonianmag.com Divers Discover Mesmerizing Roman Mosaic Beneath the Sea
Found near Naples, the marble slabs once adorned a villa in a city known as the Las Vegas of the Roman Empire
- What did Bronze Age people do with all that bronze? New research revives old arguments about the nature of moneytheconversation.com What did Bronze Age people do with all that bronze? New research revives old arguments about the nature of money
Did Bronze Age Europe have a market economy? New research suggests “hoard piles” could be linked to the exchange of small pieces of metal – much like money changes hands today.
- Want to cook like a Neanderthal? Archaeologists are learning the secretsarstechnica.com Want to cook like a Neanderthal? Archaeologists are learning the secrets
There were distinct patterns of cut marks, bone breakage in cooked vs. uncooked birds.
Archaeologists seeking to learn more about how Neanderthals prepared and cooked their food conducted a series of hands-on experiments with small fowl using flint flakes for butchering. They found that the flint flakes were surprisingly effective for butchering the birds, according to their new paper published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology. They also concluded that roasting the birds damages the bones to such an extent that it's unlikely they would be preserved in the archaeological record.
- Lost Schoolgirl Paper Cuttings from the 17th century Found at Sutton House | Londonwww.nationaltrust.org.uk 17th century at Sutton House | London
Rare survivals of decorative paper cutting by schoolgirls nearly 350 years ago have been found under floorboards at Sutton House.
- Neanderthals didn't truly go extinct, but were rather absorbed into the modern human population, DNA study suggestswww.livescience.com Neanderthals didn't truly go extinct, but were rather absorbed into the modern human population, DNA study suggests
Modern human DNA may have made up a surprisingly large amount of the Neanderthal genome, a new study finds.
- Mystery over 4,000-year-old axe-heads sent to Irish museumwww.bbc.co.uk Mystery over 4,000-year-old axe-heads sent to Irish museum
The Bronze Age artefacts arrived at a museum packed in foam and accompanied by an anonymous note.
- One more way to die: Tremors when Vesuvius erupted collapsed shelter wallsarstechnica.com One more way to die: Tremors when Vesuvius erupted collapsed shelter walls
Two male skeletons showed signs of severe fracture and trauma injuries.
Two male skeletons showed signs of severe fracture and trauma injuries.
Archaeologists have hotly debated the precise cause of death of those who perished in Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. Did they die of asphyxiation, from the extreme heat, or from a combination of factors? A new paper published in the journal Frontiers in Earth Science examines the complicating effects of earthquakes that occurred just prior to and concurrently with the eruption. Of most interest was the discovery of two skeletons of people who likely died when their shelter collapsed around them, weakened by the seismic tremors.
- Frozen mammoth skin retained its chromosome structurearstechnica.com Frozen mammoth skin retained its chromosome structure
Features as small as 50 nanometers preserved in a 50,000-year-old sample.
- Apex: Largest stegosaurus skeleton ever found to fetch millions at auction | Newswww.aljazeera.com Apex: Largest stegosaurus skeleton ever found to fetch millions at auction
Sale of the 150-million-year-old fossil could draw criticism from scientists who want them to be preserved in museums.
- Which Hominin Are You? A SAPIENS Quizwww.sapiens.org Which Hominin Are You? A SAPIENS Quiz
We humans have a large and ancient family tree. Take this quiz to find out which relative you are most alike.