Were Neandertals and Modern Humans Just Ships in the Night?
Were Neandertals and modern humans just ships passing in the night? Some scientists are now making this claim.
Tag: archeology
One of the largest statues of an Egyptian pharaoh unearthed in Luxor
One of the largest statues of an Egyptian pharaoh ever found has been unearthed in Luxor.
Shipwreck of 60-foot, single-masted sloop, c1830, found in Lake Michigan
Shipwreck of 60-foot, single-masted sloop from 1830s found in Lake Michigan.
Ancient Books Uncovered in Jordan May Date to Start of Christianity
Ancient books uncovered in Jordan may date from the start of Christianity. Then again, they may be forgeries.
The books are currently the subject of a dispute between authorities, archeologists and an Israeli Bedouin who smuggled the books into Israel and hid them, claiming they were found by his great-grandfather, The Telegraph reports. Authorities in Jordan want the books returned, since under Jordanian law, they are property of the Kingdom of Jordan, according to the news release. Archeologists in Israel claim the books are forgeries, while British archeologists are committed to saving and studying the ancient scrolls.
Researchers have uncovered the oldest cremated human remains ever discovered in northern North America at a site in central Alaska
Scientists have uncovered the oldest cremated human remains ever discovered in northern North America at a dig site in central Alaska. Key quote:
Archaeologists discovered the remains last spring in a fire pit in an abandoned living area from 13,200 years ago and dated the child’s death to about 11,500 years ago.
Thousands of previously unknown tombs in Saudi Desert spotted from space
Thousands of previously unknown ruins in Saudi Desert spotted from space.
Arrest of tomb raider reveals location of Caligula’s tomb
The long lost tomb of the mad Roman emperor Caligula has been found, uncovered due to the arrest of a smuggler who had been raiding that tomb.
Archaeologists find 2,400 year-old bowl of soup in China
Archaeologists have found a 2,400 year-old bowl of soup in China. Key quote:
The liquid and bones in the vessel had turned green due to the oxidation of the bronze, it said. Scientists were expected to conduct further tests to confirm the liquid was indeed soup and to identify the ingredients.
Bulgarian Archaeologist Comes Across Ancient Rock Stove
More archeology news: A Bulgarian archeologist has discovered a rock stove, dating from the third or fourth century AD, cut into the rock wall of fortress.
A Bronze Age burial site has been uncovered at the planned location of the Highlands’ first Asda supermarket
A Bronze Age burial site has been uncovered at the planned location of supermarket and gas station in Scotland.
Dead Sea scrolls going digital on Internet
The custodian of the Dead Sea Scrolls is working with Google to put them on line for all to view.
Archeologists find 400,000 year old spears in coal mine
Archeologists have found 400,000 year old spears in what appears to have been an ancient lake shore hunting ground, suggesting that organized hunting occurred far sooner than previously believed.
The ruins above Machu Picchu
The less well known ruins above Machu Picchu in Peru.
Archeologists discover a sealed stone age home
Archeologists have uncovered a stone age dwelling site from 3500 BC, practically intact.
Listen to the sound of Babylonia
A researcher at the University of Cambridge is posting audio recordings on the web of Babylonian poetry, myths, and other texts, so that everyone can hear what the ancient languages sounded like. Key quote:
“In many cases [the works] are the equivalent of Old English tales like Beowulf,” Dr. Worthington added. “Through them, we meet gods, giants, monsters and all sorts of other weird and wonderful creatures. As stories they are amazing fun.”
An archeology dig on the grounds of Cambridge’s Newnham College has unexpectedly unearthed evidence of a large Roman settlement.
Historians identify early English scribes
Two University of York researchers have identified the scribes who first made copies of some of English literatures most important early works. Key quote:
The discoveries were the result of painstaking research in the London Metropolitan Archives, where the York scholars matched the handwriting of scribes copying important early English literary manuscripts with the hands of Guildhall clerks copying documents and custumals.
Robot to explore Egyptian pyramid
British engineers/scientists are about to send a robot into the Great Pyramid at Khufu in Egypt to find out what lies hidden behind the doors at the end of two 200 foot long shafts. Fun quote:
No one knows what the shafts are for. In 1992, a camera sent up the shaft leading from the south wall of the Queen’s Chamber discovered it was blocked after 60 metres [200 feet] by a limestone door with two copper handles. In 2002, a further expedition drilled through this door and revealed, 20 centimetres [8 inches] behind it, a second door.
“The second door is unlike the first. It looks as if it is screening or covering something,” said Dr Zahi Hawass, the head of the Supreme Council who is in charge of the expedition. The north shaft bends by 45 degrees after 18 metres [60 feet] but, after 60 metres, is also blocked by a limestone door.
Animal mummies
Want to know what museum holds that mummy of a fish found in Egypt in 1905? Check out Animal Mummies, the largest animal mummie database in the world.
Tunnel and tombs in Mexico
Archeologists have uncovered a previously unknown tunnel and several chambers under the Temple of Quetzacoatl north of Mexico City. Key quote:
Experts say a tomb discovery would be significant because the social structure of Teotihuacan remains a mystery after nearly 100 years of archaeological exploration at the site, which is best known for the towering Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun. No depiction of a ruler, or the tomb of a monarch, has ever been found, setting the metropolis apart from other pre-Hispanic cultures that deified their rulers.