Showing posts with label archaeology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label archaeology. Show all posts


Unveiled: Ancient UAE Hunting Techniques from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B Era

AMMAN — Early in 2022, archaeologists uncovered eight habitation areas in southeastern Jordan. These locations are closely linked to eight large-scale hunting installations known as desert kites. The dating evidence indicates that both the settlements and these hunting structures can be traced back to the late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period.

The archaeological finds, primarily consisting of numerous stone tools, exhibit remarkable uniformity and consistency across all locations.

"Based on the distinctive features of the complete stone tool collection, a new regional technological complex named 'Ghassanian' has been identified for these desert fringes of the Fertile Crescent," stated French archaeologist René Cressard.

Cressard mentioned that a significant number of arrowheads were found across all occupational strata at sites JKSH F19, P52, and F15. These arrowheads were crafted from tiny, high-quality flint blades; some might have been brought in through trade, with others being fashioned out of quartzite.

The archaeologist mentioned that the debris from small, finely grained chert and quartzite blades appears to be predominantly used for this particular manufacturing process.

During the preform stage, blanks are modified using direct, inverse, or bifacial retouch with a soft stone hammer. They are later refined through pressure flaking, followed by final invasive retouch to complete the tool.

As seen from a typological perspective, these artifacts found at the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites share similarities with those recognized in the Southern Levant during the Final PPNB period, particularly regarding single-stemmed blades like the Jericho, Byblos, and Amuq varieties," Cressard noted. "They also resemble items from the Late Neolithic era characterized by unifacial or bifacial single-stemmed or barbed and stemmed tools, including examples like the ha-Parsa, Nizzanim, and Herziliya types.

Various kinds of arrowheads discovered at the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites might represent another significant feature of these collections and the identified technological complex.

A deeper analysis of the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites will provide essential insights into the regional chronology and typology, as well as facilitate comparisons with other parts of the Levant from the same era," Cressard observed, noting additionally that the flint utilized for making blades is locally sourced and appears as medium-sized slabs scattered across the present-day regolith.

At the JKSH P52 location specifically, numerous small, blade-like daggers were discovered clustered in the outer area of the settlement, closely associated with substantial amounts of flakes resulting from bipolar flaking techniques.

Cressard explained that these daggers went through various phases of production, with many appearing to be completed. He also mentioned that some may have fractured during manufacturing, possibly in a designated workroom designed for such tasks.

It would be useful to examine potential signs of usage on both the bifaces and the blades to determine if particular functions can be linked to each type of tool.

"As evidenced by their association with faunal remnants, the utilization of either or both seems quite plausible. Specifically, curved maces represent a distinct category of tools within the settlement of Jibal Al Khashabiyeh during this period. These items appear to have been used alongside kite structures, and currently, no similar examples are documented across the Near East," emphasized Cressard.

The archaeologist observed that this level of detail might indicate a specific use for these tools, particularly in handling items obtained from hunts.

The initial findings from the microscopic wear analysis of the chipped stone tools at site JKSH P52 offer promising avenues for further investigation into how we understand the inhabitation of this location and the societal as well as economic structure of the hunter groups linked to desert kites, according to the researcher.

So far, initial findings indicate that within the wide range of activities depicted, the numerous processes involved in handling animal products seem to be notably prominent.

"The ongoing research aims to achieve several objectives: 1) outline the complete range of functions and technical procedures performed using this gear; 2) deepen our comprehension of how animal remains were processed onsite, particularly concerning specialized gazelle hunting activities such as butchering and leatherworking; 3) ascertain if distinct areas for specific tasks can be distinguished both inside and across various sections," Cressard stated.

Furnished by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Excavation Unearths Islamic-Period Mint in Jerash: Clues to the City’s Economic Past

AMMAN — Researchers working on the excavations in Jerash, known as ancient Gerasa, have uncovered an Islamic-era mint within the city. Coins made of copper were produced during two distinct phases: before and after reforms took place.

Professor Alan Walmsley from Macquarie University in Australia stated, "This apparently simple finding, which was disregarded because of how closely Jerash coin types resembled those produced in far greater numbers at Beit She’an, represented a crucial advancement in recognizing Jerash’s substantial significance during the Islamic era."

The professor mentioned that the production of coins indicated broader administrative and geopolitical plans, suggesting a likely extensive urban development program consistent with the city plan of Anjar.

Jerash produced coins following the same design as the abundant copper pieces from Baysan/Scythopolis since Baysan served as a significant center during the early Islamic period, featuring a hilltop residence for its governor.

The pre-reform coinage styles adhere closely to the robust design patterns found in the Justin II and Sophia Byzantine collection. These coins were evidently quite popular within the region long after they were distributed, continuing alongside the initial releases from the Umayyad era.

Walmsley suggested that the preference for two images on the copper coins might have resulted in a short period of minting an uncommon "Double Standing Caliph" design in Jerash, which is frequently discovered there.

The professor mentioned that after the reforms, the issues became stylistically more consistent, even though they remained relatively substantial in size. It wasn’t until the conclusion of the Umayyad era that a level of uniformity in coin production was attained across Bilad Al Sham.

"The reasons behind certain district towns being permitted to mint coins while others weren’t remain unclear. Additionally, some coin issuances did not specify an urban origin, yet this discrepancy likely reflects differing degrees of administrative authority, societal status, and community affiliations," explained the researcher.

Considering the historical and numismatic materials discussed earlier, along with productive conversations with our Jordanian counterparts, they view this mysterious coin as representing an issuance from AD 685 marking succession. On it, one figure depicts Abd Al Malik Ibn Marwan as the caliph, while his brother, Abd Al Aziz, is shown as the appointed heir.

As Walmsley asserted, The Islamic Jerash Project aimed to go beyond the mosque and integrate it into other aspects of Late Antique urban life, including streets, marketplaces, bathhouses, palaces, churches, and residential areas.

The professor emphasized that the aim was not merely to dig up a mosque independently, as had often been done with previous church and Roman-era monument excavations at Jerash. Instead, their objective was to understand the structure’s role within the broader urban landscape throughout history.

“To reach our objective, we needed to examine not just what existed beneath the mosque but also what surrounded it — in other words, from a horizontal perspective — and connect both the 'below' and 'surrounding areas' using stratigraphic and chronological correlations,” explained the professor.

Walmsley emphasized that the aim was to create a settlement history for downtown Jerash, which, by using the principles of archaeological and architectural stratigraphy, covered several centuries.

Discussing the souks from the Islamic era, the academic highlighted an important finding: a line of stores bordering the east side of the Phase-2 mosque. Within these outlets were numerous marble slabs inscribed with records kept meticulously in Arabic by merchants. This underscores how pivotal the mosque was in managing day-to-day activities at the market.

From this evidence, it was evident that the Jerash mosque was intentionally placed in the bustling center of the town. This layout echoed arrangements found in other early Islamic cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Al-Fustat, and eventually Fatimid Cairo,” explained Walmsley.

The professor mentioned that they had chosen to explore this region with greater depth, along with investigating the shops near the mosque. Additionally, excavation work was carried out on a line of stores located opposite, specifically on the eastern side of the road.

Walmsley noted that the modifications in Jerash respected the initial city layout and boosted business activities in the downtown area. Despite previous beliefs suggesting an overall downturn socially and economically following the advent of Islam, he pointed out that these aspects thrived in Jordan post this period.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Ancient "Vehicles" Traced Back 20,000 Years Found in New Mexico

A recent study indicates that the first known inhabitants of North America utilized wooden contraptions for transporting goods—and potentially humans—over 20,000 years ago.

Scientists found drag marks resembling those of a sled next to ancient footprints at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, which could be oldest human footprint site in North America.

The Indigenous participants involved in the research indicated that the markings were likely created using a travois, which consists of a wooden structure formed by two poles tied together, as stated in the study released in the January issue of the journal. Quaternary Science Advances .

The Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, which encompasses portions of present-day New Mexico, utilized travois dragged by canines (later substituted with equine species) for transporting their dwellings, household items, and personal belongings during initial interactions with European settlers roughly five centuries ago. According to research findings, young individuals and elderly females were known to travel within these structures as well. The investigators inferred from the dimensions and arrangement of historic foot impressions discovered adjacent to the trail marks that adult members probably hauled the travois, trailed closely behind by younger ones.

" numerous individuals might recognize the experience of maneuvering a shopping cart through a grocery store, shifting from one area to another with kids clinging onto it," according to the study’s lead author. Matthew Bennett , a professor specializing in environmental and geographical sciences at Bournemouth University in the UK, stated in an interview statement This seems to be the early version, though lacking wheels.

Related: The first Americans turned out to be different from what we believed.

Bennett observed that researchers understand our forebears had to use some method for transporting their belongings during global migrations; however, such wooden devices have long decomposed over time. These newly found scrape marks offer the initial evidence of how ancient humans shifted bulky items. before wheels , he said.

In 2020, researchers initiated the excavation of the drag marks site at White Sands. Here, trackways are embedded within layers of ancient dried mud that lie underneath sediments. Thousands of years ago, humans walked across this area. trudged through this landscape beside woolly mammoths, enormous ground sloths, camels, and numerous other species ice age creatures.

The scrape marks include lines in the soil stretching over 165 feet (50 meters) upwards. These marks sometimes consisted of individual lines, potentially created by two poles tied together at one end forming an A-shape. Alternatively, some instances featured two parallel lines, presumably resulting from two poles intersecting in the center to form an X-shape, as stated in the report.

The Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains commonly employed an A-frame structure featuring wooden beams connected either by crossbars or woven baskets designed to secure items, as indicated by the research. Investigators posited that early inhabitants of this area utilized similar contraptions. In order to validate their hypothesis, they constructed travois using wood poles and pulled these structures across muddy flats in the United Kingdom and coastal areas of Maine for testing purposes.

"In our experiments, the imprints and mud trails from the poles looked identical to the fossilized specimens we discovered in New Mexico," Bennett stated.

Bennett and his colleagues previously dated The human footprints found at White Sands date back approximately 21,000 to 23,000 years ago—this challenges the earlier belief that humans first arrived in North America between 13,000 and 16,000 years ago. While not all scholars concur with this timeline for the site, the study’s authors emphasized that regardless of the exact timing, these recently discovered traces highlight early Indigenous activities. Any discussions about the dates should not overshadow the significance of uncovering evidence related to ancient Native American traditions.

Each finding we reveal at White Sands enhances our knowledge about the individuals who were among the earliest inhabitants of the Americas, according to the co-author of the recent research. Sally Reynolds A mammalian paleontologist at Bournemouth University stated in the release, “These individuals were the initial explorers to journey to North America. Gaining insights into their movements is crucial for accurately narrating their history.”



Excavation Unearths Islamic-Period Mint in Jerash: Clues to the City’s Economic Past

AMMAN — Researchers working on the excavations in Jerash, known as ancient Gerasa, have uncovered an Islamic-era mint within the city. Coins made of copper were produced during two distinct phases: before and after reforms took place.

Professor Alan Walmsley from Macquarie University in Australia stated, "This apparently simple finding, which was disregarded because of how closely Jerash coin types resembled those produced in far greater numbers at Beit She’an, represented a crucial advancement in recognizing Jerash’s substantial significance during the Islamic era."

The professor mentioned that the production of coins indicated broader administrative and geopolitical plans, suggesting a likely extensive urban development program consistent with the city plan of Anjar.

Jerash produced coins following the same design as the abundant copper pieces from Baysan/Scythopolis since Baysan served as a significant center during the early Islamic period, featuring a hilltop residence for its governor.

The pre-reform coinage styles adhere closely to the robust design patterns found in the Justin II and Sophia Byzantine collection. These coins were evidently quite popular within the region long after they were distributed, continuing alongside the initial releases from the Umayyad era.

Walmsley suggested that the preference for two images on the copper coins might have resulted in a short period of minting an uncommon "Double Standing Caliph" design in Jerash, which is frequently discovered there.

The professor mentioned that after the reforms, the issues became stylistically more consistent, even though they remained relatively substantial in size. It wasn’t until the conclusion of the Umayyad era that a level of uniformity in coin production was attained across Bilad Al Sham.

"The reasons behind certain district towns being permitted to mint coins while others weren’t remain unclear. Additionally, some coin issuances did not specify an urban origin, yet this discrepancy likely reflects differing degrees of administrative authority, societal status, and community affiliations," explained the researcher.

Considering the historical and numismatic materials discussed earlier, along with productive conversations with our Jordanian counterparts, they view this mysterious coin as representing an issuance from AD 685 marking succession. On it, one figure depicts Abd Al Malik Ibn Marwan as the caliph, while his brother, Abd Al Aziz, is shown as the appointed heir.

As Walmsley asserted, The Islamic Jerash Project aimed to go beyond the mosque and integrate it into other aspects of Late Antique urban life, including streets, marketplaces, bathhouses, palaces, churches, and residential areas.

The professor emphasized that the aim was not merely to dig up a mosque independently, as had often been done with previous church and Roman-era monument excavations at Jerash. Instead, their objective was to understand the structure’s role within the broader urban landscape throughout history.

“To reach our objective, we needed to examine not just what existed beneath the mosque but also what surrounded it — in other words, from a horizontal perspective — and connect both the 'below' and 'surrounding areas' using stratigraphic and chronological correlations,” explained the professor.

Walmsley emphasized that the aim was to create a settlement history for downtown Jerash, which, by using the principles of archaeological and architectural stratigraphy, covered several centuries.

Discussing the souks from the Islamic era, the academic highlighted an important finding: a line of stores bordering the east side of the Phase-2 mosque. Within these outlets were numerous marble slabs inscribed with records kept meticulously in Arabic by merchants. This underscores how pivotal the mosque was in managing day-to-day activities at the market.

From this evidence, it was evident that the Jerash mosque was intentionally placed in the bustling center of the town. This layout echoed arrangements found in other early Islamic cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Al-Fustat, and eventually Fatimid Cairo,” explained Walmsley.

The professor mentioned that they had chosen to explore this region with greater depth, along with investigating the shops near the mosque. Additionally, excavation work was carried out on a line of stores located opposite, specifically on the eastern side of the road.

Walmsley noted that the modifications in Jerash respected the initial city layout and boosted business activities in the downtown area. Despite previous beliefs suggesting an overall downturn socially and economically following the advent of Islam, he pointed out that these aspects thrived in Jordan post this period.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Mammoths, Bison, and Rhinos: Hidden Prehistoric Masterpieces of French Cave Art Revealed

Hundreds of depictions of ancient creatures and females adorn the walls of a cavern in southwestern France. Each year, for four weeks, scientists are granted access to document this site.

In the depths of a winding cave located in southwestern France, early humans from approximately 30,000 years ago etched images of horses, mammoths, and rhinoceroses onto the walls, revealing an extraordinary collection of Ice Age creatures seldom witnessed before this point.

Found in 2000 by an amateur spelunker, the Grotte de Cussac located within the Dordogne region houses old human remains, remnants of extinct bears, along with delicate and remarkable artwork which those who protect this site strive diligently to safeguard.

Usually, the French authorities limit entry to the cave for researchers, who are permitted to access it only during a four-week period each year.

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The authorities are eager to prevent a recurrence of the damage inflicted on France. Lascaux caves By microorganisms carried in by visitors.

The Lascaux caves, situated in Dordogne as well, have artworks believed to be several millennia more recent than those found at Cussac. They were shut off from the public in 1963 to preserve their valuable murals.

The Cussac cave is accessed via a narrow passage through boulders that have closed off its inner chambers for thousands of years.

Guided by the beams from their headlamps, tourists traverse expansive caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites, treading the same slender route as Marc Delluc, the late amateur spelunker who unearthed this grotto in September 2000.

In 2017, Delluc passed away after noticing an air current emanating from the crevices in the stones. He navigated through the limestone and discovered a pathway approximately 100 meters (110 yards) long that led to the carvings.

It was likely sealed shortly after being inhabited, thereby safeguarding the soil and remnants within.
Emeline Deneuve from the cultural affairs division of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

He recounted the "surge of excitement" he experienced upon spotting the curved shapes and outlines etched into the stone above him.

He mentioned how he recognized the privilege bestowed upon him, allowing access to a site sanctified since antiquity.

The cave, extending for 1.6 kilometers (1 mile), features over 1,000 carvings of various creatures and abstract female shapes.

Researchers have determined their age to be between 26,000 and 35,000 years old, corresponding to the era of the ancient Gravettian culture in Europe.

The Grotte de Cussac stands out due to its excellent preservation. It likely became sealed shortly after being inhabited, thus safeguarding the contents within from disturbance,” stated Emeline Deneuve, who leads heritage conservation efforts at the cultural affairs division of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region’s government.

Scratch marks and indications of digging suggest that it was also utilized by cave bears, which were prehistoric ancestors of the brown bear.

Within their cryopreservation pods, scientists discovered the remnants of six human bodies, which date back to the same era as the carvings.

According to Jacques Jaubert, the site’s lead archaeologist, this is the sole known instance where a cave was utilized by ancient humans for both interments and artwork.

He stated that the location served as a "safe haven" rather than a place of residence. The collective chose to live outdoors, either in exposed areas or beneath rock formations for shelter.

Jaubert believes the cave might have served as a site for initiation rituals, "a transition ceremony for teenagers to enter adulthood," which is a custom frequently seen among early hunter-gatherer communities.

He mentioned that it would also be viewed as "a transitional space between the realm of the living and the domain of the deceased".

The carvings, referred to as "pieces of folklore" by him, were created using materials like flint, wood, and bone.

They portray bison, ibex, geese, and various other creatures, along with women who are frequently shown with oversized heads and minuscule feet.

"Following the examination of the cave’s walls, where he left marks using his fingertips, the artist etched initial depictions of animals. These were later supplemented with additional layers of images," explained researcher Valerie Feruglio, who employs 3D imaging techniques to analyze these works of art, aiming to unravel their narratives.

The cave remains unexplored to this day.

However, the authorities are very careful about safeguarding the location, designated as a historic monument back in 2002.

"Deneuve, who leads conservation efforts, stated, 'We are the custodians tasked with safeguarding and recording this site,' " he mentioned.

We back the research conducted there, provided it aligns with conservation and heritage standards. Our aim also includes documenting the cave and creating a 3D digital version to make it accessible to everyone.

In October, a complimentary exhibition showcasing the cave was unveiled in Buisson-de-Cadouin, a commune located in France’s Dordogne region, featuring replicas of its artistic wonders.

However, officials state that there are currently no intentions to make the cave accessible to the general public.

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Unveiled: Ancient UAE Hunting Techniques from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B Era

AMMAN — Early in 2022, archaeologists uncovered eight habitation areas in southeastern Jordan. These locations are closely linked with eight large-scale hunting installations known as "desert kites." The dating evidence indicates these related sites fall within the late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period.

The archaeological materials from various sites primarily consist of numerous stone tools, displaying remarkable consistency and uniformity across them all.

"Given the distinctive features of the complete stone collection, a novel regional technological complex named 'Ghassanian' has been identified for these arid zones at the edge of the Fertile Crescent," stated French archaeologist René Cressard.

Cressard mentioned that numerous arrowheads were found across all occupational levels at sites JKSH F19, P52, and F15. These arrowheads were crafted from small, finely grained chert blades; some may have been brought in through trade, with others being made of quartzite.

The archaeologist mentioned that the debris from small, finely grained chert and quartzite blades appears to be predominantly used for this particular manufacturing process.

During the preform stage, blanks are modified using direct, inverse, or bifacial retouch with a soft stone hammer. Later, they undergo pressure flaking followed by final invasive retouch to complete the tool.

As seen from a typological perspective, these findings from the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites share similarities with those recognized in the Southern Levant during the Final PPNB period, particularly concerning single-stemmed blades like the Jericho, Byblos, and Amuq varieties," Cressard noted. "They also align with artifacts from the Late Neolithic era, including unifacial or bifacial tools characterized as single-stemmed or barbed and stemmed, akin to examples such as ha-Parsa, Nizzanim, and Herziliya.

Various kinds of arrowheads discovered at the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites might represent another significant feature of these collections and the identified technological complex.

A deeper analysis of the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites will provide essential insights into the regional chronology and typology, as well as facilitate comparisons with other parts of the Levant during the same era," Cressard pointed out, noting additionally that the flint utilized for making blades is locally sourced and appears as medium-sized slabs on the present-day surface of the region.

At the JKSH P52 location specifically, numerous small, blade-like daggers were discovered clustered together outside the living area, closely associated with substantial amounts of flakes resulting from two-sided tool modification.

Cressard explained that these daggers went through various stages of completion, with the majority appearing to be finalised. He also mentioned that many might have broken during production, presumably taking place in a specialized workshop section.

It would be useful to examine potential signs of usage on both the bifaces and the blades to determine if particular functions can be linked specifically to each kind of tool.

"As evidenced by their association with faunal remnants, the utilization of either or both seems like a plausible theory. Specifically, curved maces represent an exclusive category of tools during the period when Jibal Al Khashabiyeh was inhabited. These were connected to the application of kite structures, and currently, no similar examples have been identified within the broader region of the Near East," emphasized Cressard.

The archaeologist observed that this level of detail might indicate a specific purpose for these tools, possibly related to handling items from hunts.

The initial findings from the microscopic wear analysis of the chipped stone tools at site JKSH P52 offer promising avenues for future research regarding how we comprehend the inhabitation of this location and the societal as well as economic structure of the hunter groups connected to desert kites, according to the researcher.

So far, initial findings indicate that within the wide range of activities depicted, the numerous processes involved in handling animal products seem to be notably prominent.

The ongoing research aims to achieve several objectives: first, to outline the complete range of functions and technical procedures performed using this equipment; second, to deepen our comprehension of how animal remains were processed at the site, particularly in relation to targeted gazelle hunts (including butchering and leatherworking); third, to ascertain if distinct specialized areas can be distinguished both internally and across various sections,” Cressard stated.

Furnished by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Archaeologists Unveil 3,000-Year-Old Section of China's Ancient Great Wall

Archaeologists have uncovered what is thought to be the earliest known part of the structure. Great Wall of China , with roots extending about 300 years further back than initially believed. This significant discovery was made in the Changqing District of Jinan City, situated in China’s Shandong Province. It is dated to the latter part of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE–771 BCE) and the beginning of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE–476 BCE).

As reported by 'Archaeology News', the excavation Conducted by the Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology from May to December 2024, this excavation spanned approximately 1,100 square meters in the north section of Guangli Village. It represents the first comprehensive dig of the Qi Great Wall following numerous previous surveys.

The Qi Great Wall, an earlier version of the renowned Ming Dynasty wall, was erected by the State of Qi during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). Anticipating the Ming-era structure by over a thousand years, this fortification extends for more than 600 kilometers through Shandong province. It was designed as a defensive measure against incursions, notably those originating from the State of Chu.

The research group employed a combination of conventional artefact Analysis and cutting-edge techniques such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating revealed proof of sophisticated engineering practices. Built using tamped earth, stones, and various other materials, the structure exemplifies the military prowess of the Qi state well before China was unified under the Qin Dynasty.

The team likewise pinpointed the old settlement of Pingyin City, situated roughly 1.5 kilometers north of the Qi Great Wall. Ancient documents like the 'Zuo Zhuan' and 'Water Classic Commentary' depict Pingyin as an essential bastion for the Qi State. This city was vital for protecting trade paths and maintaining frontier safety.



Photos Unveil the Face of a Million-Year-Old Human Discovered at Ancient Site

Archaeologists have discovered what might be the earliest known human face in Western Europe. Estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old, these bone pieces bear a similarity to those of an extinct species. Homo erectus and was discovered near animal bones bearing cut marks from stone instruments.

This week, Professor Rosa Huguet from Rovira i Virgili University reminisced about the instant her team unearthed the fossilized remains. She conveyed that they felt an overwhelming sense of "tremendous excitement" coupled with the duty to meticulously study their discovery.

"Where it was found was extremely old. Afterward, once we recognized it as a face and conducted our paleoanthropological analysis, we realized this find wasn’t just significant; it was revolutionary for understanding human evolution," she explained to Yahoo News.

Related: Artifact from a 12,000-year-old curse discovered in a cave

The pieces, collectively referred to as ATE7-1, were discovered at the Sima del Elefante excavation site in northern Spain in 2022. These remnants originally belonged to an early human's maxilla and zygomatic bones, which make up the upper jaw, the palate, and parts of the eye sockets and nasal area. The research was documented in the esteemed journal. Nature overnight.

It is believed that humans began settling in Eurasia approximately 1.8 million years ago, which is supported by the discovery of early stone tools from that era. Fossils of bone fragments are far less prevalent.

In her email to Yahoo, Huguet outlined the environment where ATE7-1 probably resided. She mentioned, "The paleoecological evidence indicates an open, damp woodland setting featuring trees, bushes, and streams near the location."

When examining the facial bones of an adult, it's not possible to determine details about their looks, gender, or even what species they belong to. It has been temporarily designated as Homo aff. erectus , suggesting a connection to Homo erectus , pending further evidence.

The additional items discovered around the area provide greater insight into the individual’s life and living conditions.

"We've retrieved a modest assortment of tools, encompassing cobbles and flakes crafted from quartz and flint—both locally available materials. This indicates that the stone tool resources were obtained from sites close to where they were found," explained Huguet.

Analysis of wear patterns on these tools suggests they were primarily used for butchering animal flesh. Furthermore, we found a rib bone from an elk-like creature at the location, exhibiting distinct cut marks, thus demonstrating that these early humans had the capability to secure sustenance through meat acquisition.

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Huguet aims to discover additional fossils at Sima del Elefante, which would enable her team to gain deeper insights into this newly identified species that inhabited Europe over one million years ago.

"It will surely be difficult, yet not unachievable. If [Sima del Elefante] has taught us anything, it’s that every outcome remains within reach and all possibilities are open," she stated.

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The article initially appeared on Yahoo News Australia. https://au.news.yahoo.com/photos-reveal-face-of-million-year-old-human-unearthed-at-ancient-site-160148879.html


New Study Suggests: Ancient Britons Were Predominantly Black 5,000 Years Ago

A study suggests that the individuals behind the construction of the famous Stonehenge may have been Black people.

Scientists from the University of Ferrara have reconstructed data from 348 ancient genomes collected throughout Eurasia. Italy Which indicates that nearly all Europeans had dark skin up until approximately 3,000 years ago.

Near Stonehenge, just outside the town of Glastonbury , estimated to be built about 5,000 years ago, experts suggest we can infer that the constructors likely had dark complexions.

Up until about 1,700 years ago, most Europeans had dark complexions, according to the researchers behind the study. They also noted that many ancient Greeks and Romans as well as the Britons who constructed Stonehenge possessed dark skin, eyes, and hair.

The research indicates that the transition towards lighter skin, due to population movements toward higher latitudes and increased consumption of vitamin D, occurred at a pace slower than earlier estimates suggested.

Specialists remain baffled as to why the transition from dark to fair skin progressed at such a sluggish pace.

Nevertheless, researchers think that farmers might offset vitamin D deficiencies in their diet through readily available sources like milk and meat.

Specimens for the research were collected from the British Isles and continental Europe. Russia , central Asia and the Middle East.

Dr. Silvia Ghirotto, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Ferrara in Italy, who headed the research, shared her insights. The Telegraph By examining the ancient DNA from 348 people over a period of 45,000 years, we pieced together a complex scenario where pale skin color appeared intermittently during the early stages of human habitation in Europe.

'Till quite recently, our forebears possessed dark skin.'

'Since Stonehenge was constructed during the shift from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age, and considering the frequent occurrence of dark-skinned individuals we identified throughout this period—even in Northern Europe—it is probable that the people who erected Stonehenge had darker complexions.'

Stonehenge is a significant element of British heritage. Although mostly cordoned off for protection, tourists can still stroll around the ancient structure from a close proximity, even though direct contact with the stones is now prohibited.

The entire structure, currently in ruins, is oriented toward the sunrise at dawn and the sunset during the winter solstice.

During the solstice times, large gatherings often occur at the monument because it serves as a place of worship for Neo-Druids, Pagans, and various other earth-centered or ancient faiths.

Nonetheless, English Heritage allows entry during the summer and winter solstices as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Read more


Mysteries Unearthed: Ancient Structures Discovered Near the Great Pyramid of Giza

Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza Perhaps one of the most recognizable monuments on Earth, yet hidden under its encompassing dunes, numerous undiscovered mysteries remain.

Currently, archaeologists have discovered an enigmatic L-shaped construction situated next to the historic site, which they think was erected contemporaneously approximately 4,500 years back.

What's perhaps even more astonishing is that underneath this L-shaped structure, another anomaly has been detected. This implies that the initial feature may have served as a passageway to an underlying space.

The global team of scientists, hailing from various countries, is stationed in Japan and Egypt , uncovered the enigmatic structures by using ground-penetrating technology to scan the surface of Giza’s Western Cemetery.

This cemetery was designated exclusively for the royal kin of King Khufu—the sovereign for whose rule the Great Pyramid was constructed—as well as prominent nobles interred in raised rectangular structures called "mastabas" which feature level tops.

Nevertheless, there is a space in the center of the graveyard, enclosed by these mastabas, that appears surprisingly bare.

This led the researchers to employ a method known as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), alongside ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to explore what lies underneath the surface at greater depths.

ERT delivers electric currents into the soil to gauge resistance levels, which helps identify subsurface elements, whereas GPR transmits radar waves underground; it analyzes the reflections to create images of what lies beneath.

A thorough examination of the region, carried out from 2021 to 2023, revealed the initial irregularity about two meters (6.5 feet) below ground level.

In their research report, which was published in the journal Archaeological Prospection , The team indicated that it seemed to be an L-shaped formation with dimensions of at least 10 meters (33 feet) in length.

According to their readings, the scientists inferred that it "appears to have been filled with sand," indicating that it was filled in after construction.

They mentioned that the underlying formation was a "strongly resistant anomaly," suggesting it might consist of a combination of sand and gravel or possibly an empty space.

The researchers additionally observed that: "The feature responsible for the irregularities might consist of vertical limestone walls or tunnels pointing towards a potential burial site."

Nevertheless, they admitted: "A more comprehensive survey would be needed to verify this possibility."

They included: "We think that maintaining the connection between the shallow features and the deeper major structures is crucial."

The initial excavations aimed at uncovering the exact nature of the L-shaped structure have commenced, as stated by Motoyuki Sato, who is the lead author of the study from Japan’s Tohoku University. Live Science .

Sato expressed his confidence that the structure is not a natural occurrence, stating "the form is too defined."

Peter Der Manuelian, a professor of Egyptology at Harvard University who wasn’t involved in the study, explained why it’s taken so long to make the potentially groundbreaking discovery.

He told Live Science Despite being considered an "intriguing region," this seemingly empty part of the Western Cemetery has remained unexplored because it lacks visible structures above ground.

Manuelian also highlighted that although we are aware of L-shaped structures in Giza—such as offering chapels—they are generally located aboveground.

“I’m still uncertain about what exactly this anomaly signifies," he confessed. "However, it definitely merits additional investigation.”

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Mystery Unveiled: Ancient Pearls Discovered in Cave for First Time Ever

A one-of-a-kind assembly of 'pearl caverns' housing archaeological relics has been discovered within an old passageway.

The pearls belong to the category of 'speleothems' – these are mineral formations found in caves that result from flowing water.

In contrast to widely recognized formations like stalactites and stalagmites, cave pearls typically have a round form and usually aren’t attached to floors, walls, or ceilings.

Typically narrower than 30 centimeters, these formations occur in small puddles within limestone caverns. They develop as layers of calcite accumulate around a central core, frequently consisting of a rock shard or clump of dirt.

A recent study in Archaeometry reveals that researchers discovered 50 cave pearls within an ancient passageway located in the Jerusalem Hills. Israel .

The most thrilling aspect of this discovery is that 14 out of the collected pearls include cores made from pottery fragments—two of these seem to originate from ceramic lamps—while two more pearls have cores composed of plaster material.

For the first time, researchers have recorded discovering archaeological items within cave pearls, as stated in the study.

'Till the present investigation, cave pearls had not been discovered within an archaeological setting or utilized for such studies,' stated the researchers who conducted the study.

The team discovered the cave pearls whilst exploring the Jwoeizeh spring tunnel in the Jerusalem Hills, according to reports. Newsweek.

A spring tunnel is an old artificial structure created to access water from perched aquifers (an underground layer of rock that holds water).

The southern Levant features one of the most extended and ancient spring systems in the region, believed to originate from the early 7th to the 8th centuries BCE.

It could have been part of a regal residence.

The research team was not looking for cave pearls when they stumbled upon an entrance to a concealed part of the tunnel during their exploration in 2017.

In this section, approximately 23 feet in length and filled with dirt and rubble, they discovered the pearls along with an undamaged oil lamp believed to be from the 3rd-4th centuries AD.

The majority of these pottery fragments have been traced back to either the Hellenistic era (333-63 BC), or the subsequent Roman through Byzantine times, spanning from 63 BC up to the seventh century AD.

In the meantime, the plaster samples were determined to date back to approximately the Hellenistic era.

However, one of the pottery samples is believed to be even more ancient, potentially originating from the Persian period (535-333 BC), the Babylonian era (586-535 BC), or perhaps as far back as the Iron Age.

The research indicates that the tunnels were renovated during the Hellenistic era, utilizing oil lamps for illumination.

However, they also offer proof regarding the tunnels' beginnings.

The primary researcher, Azriel Yechezkel, who works at the Institute of Archaeology located at Tel Aviv University, shared this information with Newsweek 'Our study reinforces our belief that the tunnel was initially built during the Iron Age [approximately the 8-7th centuries B.C.].'

'Additionally, this offers the initial analytical dating of artifacts discovered within the pearls... indicating that the tunnel underwent a reconstruction phase during the Hellenistic period.'

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Scientists Unveil Ancient Child's Remains, a Mysterious Link Between Humans and Neanderthals

NEW YORK (AP)—Scientists have determined the age of an ancient child’s remains that initially garnered attention due to their combination of characteristics from both species. humans and Neanderthals .

Twenty-seven years ago, the remains of a child were found in a rock shelter known as Lagar Velho located in central Portugal. The almost fully intact skeleton had a reddish hue, leading researchers to hypothesize that it might have been covered with an animal hide dyed red prior to being buried.

Upon discovering the human-like child, scientists observed that certain features—such as body proportions and jawbone—resembled those of Neanderthals. The research team proposed that this individual had ancestors who belonged to populations with these characteristics. Humans and Neanderthals interbred and hybridized. That was an extreme idea back then, however advancements in genetic research have subsequently confirmed the existence of those populations—and People nowadays still have Neanderthal genetic material within their DNA. .

However, determining precisely when the child lived has proven challenging. Tiny roots had penetrated the skeletal remains, and contamination from various sources—including vegetation—rendered conventional carbon dating ineffective for assessing the child’s age. Instead, researchers relied on radiocarbon analysis of nearby charcoal and animal bones, which indicated dates ranging from 27,700 to 29,700 years ago.

Methods have advanced, and scientists reported on Friday in the journal Science Advances that they managed to determine the age of the skeletal remains by assessing a specific protein predominantly present in human bones.

Inspecting a portion of a damaged arm, they confirmed that the previous estimation was quite accurate: the remains dated back to around 27,700 to 28,600 years ago.

"Successfully dating the child felt as though we were returning a small fragment of their narrative, which is quite an immense privilege," stated Bethan Linscott, a study co-author currently with the University of Miami, via email.

She observed that the initial find included more than just a skeleton—it was also the final resting place of a young child. While determining the age of the remains, she found herself pondering over who had cherished the child, what brought joy to their life, and how they experienced the brief span of only four years on Earth.

Paul Pettitt, an archaeologist from Durham University in England who did not participate in the new research, commented in an email that the study demonstrates how dating techniques are improving and aiding scientists in gaining a deeper understanding of history.

Studying human origins is crucial "because we preserve pictures of our ancestors," noted study author João Zilhão from the University of Lisbon.

“He mentioned that it’s a method of recollection.”

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The Associated Press' Health and Science Division is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, the AP maintains full responsibility for all editorial content.



First Glimpse of Ancient Humans Found in Massive Lava Tube Cave

Researchers have discovered an abundance of proof indicating that people once inhabited a cave in Saudi Arabia created by lava flow, illuminating the captivating past of human existence in the area.

The discoveries recorded by the international team of researchers include rock art and animal bones, revealing both how people used the cave network and what their diets were made up of while they were there.

The age of these discoveries suggests that the cave, known as Umm Jirsan, was consistently utilized as a living space starting around 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic for at least 7,000 years, potentially extending back into the Bronze Age.

Although subterranean sites hold global importance in archaeological studies, Quaternary science our research marks the first thorough investigation of this nature in Saudi Arabia, says Archaeologist Michael Petraglia, who works at Griffith University in Australia.

Specialists have previously documented findings at Umm Jirsan, where they discovered a few scattered human bones amidst an immense collection of animal remains believed to have accumulated there. by scavenging hyenas In this study, the researchers concentrated on human activities within the cave, which extends for 1.5 kilometers (nearly a mile).

In this recent study, remnants of fabric, crafted wooden elements, incomplete stonework constructions, and shards of rocks potentially utilized as tools were discovered at the site. lava tube Along with additional animal remains, some of these findings were discovered within spoil heaps, whereas others were unearthed from a pit.

Even though the researchers are reluctant to label the stone fragments as 'tools,' their consistent forms indicate that these were intentionally created and might have served as scrapers.

A study of the human remains discovered by the team's previous investigation suggests that they sustained themselves on a high-protein diet for thousands of years, showing a gradual rise in their intake of proteins. certain types of plant associated with oasis settlements.

These discoveries add to earlier research proposing that these caves offered shelter to animal herders escaping the harsh desert climate as they traveled between oases, potentially facilitating interactions and trade of goods.

The discoveries at Umm Jirsan offer a unique window into the past of Arabian civilizations, highlighting successive periods of habitation and illuminating the pastoral practices that were prevalent in this region long ago, says Archaeologist Mathew Stewart, who hails from Griffith University.

The recently discovered carvings etched into the rocks near Umm Jirsan show images of animals such as cows, goats, and sheep in what appears to be pastoral settings along with depictions of humans. This reinforces the theory that these cave systems were utilized by animal herders.

Caves such as Umm Jirsan can be goldmines of material For archaeologists, these containers offer protection against wind, intense sunlight, and other types of erosion – conditions which tend to be quite severe in this region.

These discoveries highlight the significant opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in caves and lava tubes, providing an exceptional glimpse into Arabia’s distant history, says Petraglia.

The study has been released in PLOS ONE .



Lost City Unveiled: The Real Atlantis Found Off Greek Coast

The legendary land of Atlantis while getting all the attention, another still remains. sunken city That is much older than its mythical equivalent.

It is believed that Pavlopetri dates back about 5,000 years; however, it remained undiscovered until the 20th century, and specialists continue to unravel its mysteries and riches.

The Bronze Age The town was initially recognized offshore from the coast. Greece In the southern Peloponnese region of Greece in 1904, it was discovered by a geologist named Folkion Negris.

Nevertheless, it remained largely uncharted until 1967 when Nicholas Flemming from the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Southampton revisited the location.

The next year, Fleming journeyed with a team of archaeologists from the University of Cambridge to spend six weeks exploring the sunken city, located beneath approximately three to four meters (10 to 13 feet) of water. IFL Science reports.

The researchers subsequently outlined the layout of the old town, featuring a minimum of 15 distinct structures along with courtyards, roads, and burial sites.

They additionally retrieved several artifacts from the ocean floor, such as ceramics, knives, and a miniature bronze statue, which they traced back to the period between 2800 and 1180 BC. Nonetheless, the structures within the city itself were determined to have originated sometime between 1650 and 1180 BC.

You could assume that finding an ancient submerged city would create considerable excitement. However, surprisingly, it wasn’t until four decades later that the Pavlopetri site garnered additional interest.

In 2009, an international group of specialists from the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Hellenic Centre for Maritime Research, and the University of Nottingham initiated a five-year endeavor aimed at thoroughly investigating and documenting the details of this ancient town through excavation and exploration efforts.

In the course of their investigation, the team uncovered an additional 9,000 square meters (97,000 square feet) of new constructions, featuring a sizable rectilinear hall along with edifices bordering a formerly concealed thoroughfare. IFL Science notes.

They additionally discovered pottery that verified the existence of this city throughout the Mycenaean era—the final part of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece—along with indications pointing towards continuous habitation from approximately 3000 BCE until about 1100 BC. During this time span, the settlement likely housed between 500 to 2,000 inhabitants.

The exact reason why Pavlopetri ended up at the bottom of the sea remains a mystery. However, certain specialists think it might have been submerged due to an earthquake happening circa 1000 BC or 375 AD.

However, since the city existed before Plato’s metaphorical tale of Atlantis, some people have enthusiastically proposed that Pavlopetri served as the actual model for the dazzling "vanished" landmass that continues to captivate us even now.

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Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Temple Secretly Hiding Inside a Clifftop

  • Researchers discovered an old Egyptian temple embedded within a cliff side.
  • The website—which was probably devoted to a lion-headed fertility deity called Repit—included an impressive entryway.
  • Although large parts of the temple have crumbled, the team managed to discover concealed chambers near the primary entrance gateways.

The cliffs of Athribis remain Egypt have uncovered an age-old marvel: a concealed shrine.

This recent discovery is part of an continuous excavation led by specialists from the University of Tübingen and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, who have been working on the site. since 2012 on excavations In the region's extensive temple district, the structure was initially uncovered in 2022, and from then on, archaeologists The team has meticulously uncovered the long-hidden monument along with its associated relics, gaining insights into the recently found stone temple. They now believe that an extensive structure might lie beyond the entryway, hidden beneath undisturbed heaps of debris.

While only about 16 feet of the entrance pillars remain today, there was once enough space in this temple complex to hold hidden rooms And with its stairways, it might be concealing additional ancient treasures. "The smoothly finished limestone blocks on a vertical rock face may indicate the presence of a rock sanctuary," Professor Christian Leitz from the Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations at the University of Tübingen stated in an official release.

Excavations at the northern tower located at the entryway of the site revealed temple The district has already showcased a variety of decorations, which include reliefs linked to Ptolemy VIII from the era. nd In the era of the century B.C., within the depictions, a ruler is seen performing offerings to the lion-headed deity of fertility, Repit, along with her offspring, Kolanthes. The recently unearthed hieroglyphic writings indicate that Ptolemy VIII may have been the sovereign behind the establishment of this region.

As an unexpected twist, the team stumbled upon an undiscovered room within the northern turret. Employing an air cushion, timber scaffolding, and rollers, they managed to shift a massive 20-tonne section of the ceiling, thereby unveiling this hidden space. chamber , which was probably utilized as a storeroom for temple implements and amphora jars.

The chamber connects to the tower pylon through a passageway, allowing external access. Within this entry zone, scholars have uncovered numerous additional carvings and hieroglyphs, where Repit features prominently in many depictions. Opposite the recently unearthed portrayal of Repit, one can see the fertility deity Min alongside two seldom-represented decans on the doorway frame. mythical creatures are designed to serve as celestial markers for nighttime timekeeping and have anthropomorphic forms with animal heads. In the newly discovered depictions, one decan possesses a falcon head, while the other sports an ibis head.

Adding to the uniqueness of the architecture of this Egyptian temple, the façade of the pylon features a second door leading to a previously unknown staircase that originally went up at least four flights to the upper floor. Though it is now destroyed, this high level likely once held storage rooms.

Excavations are now focused on finding more information about the temple beyond the entrance. The pillars and decorations typical of the upper end of a temple indicate that there could even be yet another door behind it all.

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