archaeology

Recent research on early Bronze Age burials in Luxembourg and Britain has uncovered genetic evidence of familial relationships within prehistoric communities, indicating that children were buried with their biological mothers or close relatives. This study, highlighting the transition from collective to individual burial customs among Bell Beaker communities, emphasizes the significance of kinship in their burial practices and suggests a patrilineal descent system. The image above depicts the skeletal remains of an adult…

Human bone fragment from the new excavations at Ranis. Credit: Tim Schüler, TLDAA genetic study of a German archaeological site reveals that modern humans lived in Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, overlapping with Neanderthals, and altering our understanding of early human history in the region.A genetic analysis of bone fragments unearthed at an archaeological site in central Germany shows conclusively that modern humans — Homo sapiens — had already reached Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, overlapping with Neanderthals…

Researchers studying tomb epitaphs from medieval China’s Tang Dynasty have uncovered evidence that education significantly influenced social mobility, similar to its role in modern times. The Imperial Exam, or Keju, was identified as a key factor in promoting meritocracy over aristocracy, illustrating the long-standing impact of education on career advancement and social status. Credit: SciTechDaily.comDemographic information derived from Chinese tomb inscriptions from the 7th to the 10th centuries mirrors sociological…

A small obsidian artifact found in the Texas Panhandle provides compelling evidence of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s expedition across the area over 470 years ago. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comCould a family’s obsidian blade be a clue to the expedition’s trail?It’s a small piece of obsidian, just over 5 centimeters long, likely found on a hard-scrabble piece of ranchland in the Texas panhandle. But when SMU anthropologist Matthew Boulanger looks at it, he gets a mental image of Spanish explorer Francisco…

Police find bog body dated over 2,000 years in Bellaghy. Credit: Police Service of Northern Ireland Occasionally, police investigators find themselves announcing archaeological discoveries, rather than criminal findings. In 1984, for example, police oversaw the recovery of the Iron Age bog body (a naturally mummified corpse found in a peat bog) later called "Lindow Man" in Cheshire, UK. On January 25, 2024, the Police Service…

These images are of a tube-shaped bead made of bone that is about 12,940 years old. The bead was discovered at Wyoming’s La Prele Mammoth site by University of Wyoming archaeology Professor Todd Surovell and his research team. Credit: Todd SurovellProfessor Todd Surovell, an archaeologist at the University of Wyoming, along with his research team, uncovered a bone bead shaped like a tube, which is approximately 12,940 years old. This artifact, discovered at the La Prele Mammoth site in Converse County, represents the…

The stone tool was glued into a handle made of liquid bitumen with the addition of 55 percent ochre. It is no longer sticky and can be handled easily. Credit: Patrick SchmidtAnalysis of tools that are 40,000 years old has revealed a surprisingly sophisticated level of construction.A team of researchers has found that Neanderthals crafted stone tools using a sophisticated multi-component glue. This discovery, the oldest known example of such an advanced adhesive in Europe, indicates that these early human relatives…

A groundbreaking study analyzing ancient DNA has revealed instances of Down and Edwards syndrome in prehistoric human remains, dating back as far as 4,500 years. This research indicates that individuals with these conditions were valued and integrated members of their ancient societies, offering new insights into the treatment and recognition of chromosomal disorders in history. Above are the remains of individual “CRU001”, who the researchers discovered had Down syndrome. The remains were found at a site in Spain dating…

A new study highlights the discovery of the Mongolian Arc, a 405-kilometer wall system in eastern Mongolia, revealing its architectural significance and prompting questions about its construction, purposes, and impacts. This research, part of a larger project examining historical wall systems, offers fresh insights into ancient civilizations and their legacies. Above is a drone photo of Khaltaryn Balgas. Credit: AuthorsA recent study sheds light on the Mongolian Arc, a significant wall system extending over 405 kilometers…

Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the use of Stone Age tools by crafting replicas and using them in various tasks. Their findings reveal that specific macroscopic and microscopic wear patterns can indicate whether tools were used for wood-felling or other purposes. Credit: SciTechDaily.comUsed stone edges might help illuminate timber use by early humans.Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University crafted replica Stone Age tools and used them for a range of…