Stunning Discovery: Ancient Mayan City Unearthed with Palaces, Pyramids, and Plazas

Stunning Discovery: Ancient Mayan City Unearthed with Palaces, Pyramids, and Plazas

Archaeologists in Mexico have made a remarkable discovery: the ruins of a previously unknown Mayan city — complete with palaces, pyramids, and ceremonial plazas — were uncovered during construction work for a new industrial park near Mérida, on the Yucatán Peninsula.

The newly discovered site, named Xiol, features architectural elements characteristic of the Puuc style, which is more commonly found in the southern part of the peninsula. According to researchers, such well-preserved structures are rare this close to Mérida.

Xiol, ciudad maya con vestigios de tipo palacio de tipo Puuc

En el transcurso de cuatro años, los recientes hallazgos han convertido a la zona arqueológica de Xiol en una ciudad precolombina que albergó a más de cuatro mil personas.

Conoce más 👉🏼 https://t.co/8uCkMJ6YNq pic.twitter.com/Mo9XyaNMUZ

— Yucatán Ahora (@yucatanahora) May 26, 2022

“We estimate that more than 4,000 people lived in and around this city,” said archaeologist Carlos Peraza, one of the lead researchers involved in the excavation. The site is believed to have been inhabited between 600 and 900 CE, during the Late Classic period of the Mayan civilization.

Burial Sites and Daily Life

In addition to the urban ruins, researchers discovered nearby burial grounds for both adults and children. Among the graves were personal items, ceremonial offerings, and tools made from obsidian and flint — materials commonly used by the Maya.

Interestingly, remnants of marine life found at the site suggest that the city's inhabitants engaged in coastal fishing, taking advantage of their proximity to the sea.

Discovery Amid Development

Xiol was uncovered only after work had already begun on the industrial park. Construction will continue, but the archaeological remains will be preserved, according to the site’s developers.

“Urban sprawl in this area has led to the destruction of many ancient sites over the years,” Peraza noted. “Even as archaeologists, we didn’t expect to find a site in such an excellent state of preservation.”

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the ancient Maya in northern Yucatán but also highlights the delicate balance between modern development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Mystery of Mollusks Found in Minoan Bricks: Why Ancient Cretans Used Them in Construction

A recent study has shed new light on the construction techniques of the Minoan civilization, offering a fascinating glimpse into how ancient Cretans may have used marine life — specifically mollusks — as part of their architectural practices.

Led by Rena Veropoulidou from the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki and Maud Devolder of Ghent University, the research revealed an innovative method of identifying decayed mud bricks by examining mollusk remains found in archaeological layers.

Reconstructing Bronze Age Architecture Through Shells

The architecture of the Aegean Bronze Age, especially on Crete, is known for its fragility. Many structures were built using sun-dried mud bricks, materials that have largely disappeared over time due to environmental degradation. What often remains are only the stone foundations, making it difficult for archaeologists to reconstruct the original buildings accurately.

This challenge has led researchers to explore alternative ways of detecting traces of these now-vanished materials. One recent and promising approach involves analyzing the presence of mollusk shells — particularly species that thrive in seagrass meadows, such as those of Posidonia oceanica.

These marine plants, often gathered and added to the clay mix in brick-making, harbored small mollusks whose shells have survived in the archaeological record. Their presence serves as a biological fingerprint of the original construction material.

A Case Study from Malia

Photo: M. Devolder / S. Déderix / IMS-FORTH

The study focused on Malia, a key Minoan settlement on Crete’s northern coast. Researchers collected soil samples from Early and Middle Bronze Age layers. Using flotation — a technique that separates light organic remains from soil — they recovered numerous mollusk shells.

Analysis revealed a range of mollusk species that are native to Posidonia seagrass meadows. Their presence strongly suggests that the seagrass was used as a tempering agent in the production of mud bricks, likely carried inadvertently along with the mollusks during collection.

Traces of decayed mud and impressions of Posidonia roots found on the site further support the hypothesis. Beyond being filler material, the marine plants may have enhanced the bricks' thermal insulation, fire resistance, and durability — a smart use of local, sustainable resources.

Malia: A Natural Laboratory for Ancient Technology

Malia stands out as a natural laboratory for examining these ancient techniques. From domestic houses to monumental palace buildings, mud bricks were essential to Minoan construction. The discovery of mollusk shells embedded within these materials not only reveals how the bricks were made but also illustrates the deep interaction between the island’s inhabitants and their marine environment.

Photo: M. Devolder / Ministry of Culture of Greece

By studying mollusks as indirect markers of decayed building materials, archaeologists are pioneering a new approach to understanding the perishable elements of ancient architecture. This method also highlights the value of interdisciplinary research in archaeology — combining biology, geology, and cultural studies.

Broader Implications Across the Mediterranean

The findings from Malia could reshape how researchers study other ancient Mediterranean landscapes. Marine plant and mollusk remnants may offer clues to architectural practices and resource use in other coastal societies — providing a richer picture of daily life and environmental adaptation in the ancient world.

Looking forward, the researchers stress the importance of modern comparative studies to better understand the connections between mollusks, marine ecosystems, and ancient building methods. They also advocate for the widespread use of systematic sampling protocols in future excavations to expand the database of ancient mollusks — allowing for even more reliable interpretations.

Health Scare at Eflatunpınar: Alleged Sewage Contamination Threatens Visitors at Historic Hittite Water Monument

Source: Anatolian Archaeology | Original reporting by Muhammet Kürşat Ercan / BBN

Credit: Anatolian Archaeology

A concerning claim has emerged about the Eflatunpınar Hittite Water Monument in Konya’s Beyşehir district — one of Türkiye’s most remarkable archaeological landmarks. The monument, visited by thousands who believe in the healing power of its waters, is reportedly at risk due to possible contamination from nearby sewage.

Nestled on the western edge of Lake Beyşehir at the base of an ancient volcanic mountain, the Eflatunpınar Monument dates back to the 13th century BCE, during the reign of Hittite King Tuthaliya IV. With its striking stone reliefs of deities and its associations with ancient water cult rituals, the site offers both historical and spiritual allure. It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2014.

Yet today, this iconic site faces a potential public health crisis.

Contamination Concerns: Sewage May Be Seeping Into the Spring

Ramazan Toptaş, a retired agricultural engineer from the region, has raised alarms over a possible leakage from the septic system of nearby Sadıkhacı Village — located just two kilometers from the spring that feeds Eflatunpınar. According to Toptaş, waste may be infiltrating the groundwater and mixing with the monument’s source.

“Eflatunpınar is known for its healing water, and many people come here for this reason,” Toptaş told BBN. “But now, there's a real danger that sewage water may be mixing in. This could pose a serious health threat.”

Credit: Anatolian Archaeology

Agricultural engineer Ramazan Toptaş

E. coli Risk: A Potential Outbreak?

Toptaş highlighted that the primary danger lies in the possible presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium commonly found in sewage. If present in high concentrations, it could lead to serious illness or even spark an epidemic.

“Authorities must act without delay,” Toptaş urged. “Water samples should be taken immediately for analysis. Public health must be prioritized.”

So far, there has been no official response from relevant authorities, but local residents and frequent visitors to Eflatunpınar are demanding immediate investigation and transparency.

What’s at Stake?

The implications of this claim go far beyond environmental concern. They touch on tourism, cultural heritage, and — most importantly — public health. As thousands continue to visit the site for its natural beauty and historical significance, many now wonder: is the water still safe?

NASA Discovers Striking Rock on Mars — and Has No Idea Where It Came From

Once again, NASA's Perseverance rover has stumbled upon something remarkable on Mars. During an expedition through Jezero Crater, the rover encountered a dark, angular rock unlike anything else previously seen on the planet. Its origin? Still a mystery.

Scientists have dubbed the unusual find “Skull Hill.” Discovered in the Port Anson region, it sits on the lower slope of Witch Haze Hill — a location that’s more significant than it sounds. This is where two very different types of Martian terrain meet: dark and light rock formations.

What makes Skull Hill truly stand out is its stark contrast against the pale backdrop. Even more intriguing is how sharply defined the rock appears. This suggests it didn’t form where it currently lies but was instead transported there — possibly by dramatic natural forces, such as a meteor impact or a mudslide.

Skull Hill: Meteorite or Volcanic Rock?

While NASA's Curiosity rover has identified multiple meteorites on Mars in the past, Skull Hill seems to defy that trend. Its composition doesn’t align with that of typical meteorites, which are usually rich in iron and nickel and have a dense, metallic sheen.

Initial data from Perseverance’s SuperCam indicates that Skull Hill may, in fact, be volcanic in origin. Still, more testing is required before researchers can draw any firm conclusions.

The big question now is: what exactly is this rock? It might seem like a minor detail, but such findings are key to unlocking Mars’ geological history. Skull Hill could provide valuable insights into the Red Planet’s ancient volcanic activity, past collisions, or the broader evolution of its landscape.

Symbols of Origin: How Cave Paintings Help Define Who We Are Today

In 2018, the discovery of the oldest known cave painting on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi shattered the long-standing European belief that the earliest artistic expressions emerged solely from Southern Europe.

This remarkable find — a depiction of a wild boar alongside human-like figures — was dated to around 50,000 years ago, challenging the idea that iconic European sites like the Lascaux and Niaux caves in France held the oldest examples of figurative art.

But the significance of this discovery goes far beyond reshaping the timeline of prehistoric art. It offers powerful evidence that early humans were capable of narrative thinking and visual communication — core skills that remain essential in art to this day.

Why Cave Art Belongs in the History of Art

Although cave paintings are primarily studied by archaeologists and anthropologists, many art critics argue that they deserve a central place in the history of art itself.

These early depictions of animals, humans, and landscapes represent the first known instances of visual storytelling — a practice that continues today in painting, film, comics, and beyond. They reveal not just what early humans saw, but how they thought and interpreted the world around them.

Professor Maxime Aubert of Griffith University in Australia has emphasized that these creations demonstrate abstract thinking, underscoring their importance in the development of the human mind.

Storytelling, which today takes the form of literature, theater, and cinema, was just as vital for our prehistoric ancestors as it is for us now. Through these early images, they communicated ideas, fears, beliefs, and knowledge — passing them from one generation to the next.

The True Legacy of Human Creativity

Art is not — and never has been — an exclusively European phenomenon. Expressiveness, the use of color, and the pursuit of perspective are not Western inventions; they are intrinsic to the human spirit.

From the cave paintings of Indonesia and Africa to the vibrant murals of the Aztecs and the intricate sculptures of the Chinese dynasties, art has always been a global language — one deeply entwined with what it means to be human.

By recognizing the value of non-European art traditions, we not only enrich our understanding of human history, but also give due respect to the cultural roots shared by all of humanity.

The Eye of the Sahara: A Geological Marvel in Mauritania That’s Visible from Space

A timeless mystery at the heart of the desert

Hidden among the vast sand dunes of the Sahara and invisible to the naked eye from ground level, yet clearly visible from space, lies one of Earth’s most striking and mysterious geological formations — the Richat Structure, more famously known as the Eye of the Sahara.

From the desert floor, it might appear as just another forgotten stretch of barren land. But from above, a stunning spiral emerges — a circular formation spanning 40 to 50 kilometers in diameter, resembling an ancient fossil or perhaps even an alien construct.

This mesmerizing natural wonder in Mauritania has intrigued scientists, explorers, and travelers for decades. Once thought to be the result of a meteorite impact, the Eye of the Sahara is now understood to be a deeply eroded geological dome, formed from layers of sedimentary rock that have been gradually laid bare by the persistent forces of wind and water. While science may explain its origin, its striking appearance and the many theories surrounding its possible ancient uses continue to feed the imagination.

Discovering the Richat Structure

When it comes to natural wonders, the Richat Structure stands out as a true gem of the desert. With its vast circular shape and complex pattern of concentric rings, it’s a breathtaking sight — so massive it can even be seen from space. These swirling geological layers are a powerful testament to the Earth-shaping forces that sculpted our planet over millions of years.

Far from being a crater, the formation is actually an uplifted dome of sedimentary rock, slowly worn away to reveal its inner structure. The alternating bands of rock types tell a silent story of geological time, offering scientists a unique window into Earth’s distant past. For geologists and nature enthusiasts alike, it’s a fascinating case study in natural history.

Unraveling the Mystery

While the geological explanation for the Richat Structure is well-established, the role it may have played in ancient times remains a subject of speculation and debate. Some researchers suggest it may have served as a landmark for navigation across the desert, a site for ceremonial rituals, a hub for early trade routes — or even an ancient astronomical observatory.

The absence of definitive archaeological evidence only deepens the mystery and allure of the Eye of the Sahara. Its enigmatic presence in the middle of a remote and arid landscape continues to inspire wonder, inviting us to imagine the stories it might hold and the civilizations that may have once gazed upon it with the same awe we feel today.

Schopenhauer on the Meaning of Life: “As We Grow Older, We Live With…”

There comes a quiet, almost imperceptible moment when one begins to suspect that the world is not the grand, pulsating drama it once seemed to be. That the parade of human affairs—with all its noise and spectacle—resembles not so much a Shakespearean tragedy, but more a puppet show. Arthur Schopenhauer, with his signature blend of sharp prose and philosophical insight, directs our attention precisely to this disillusionment.

In this slow unraveling of illusion, in the thinning of the veil of meaning, and in the strange tranquility that accompanies it, we encounter the essence of Schopenhauer’s worldview.

Excerpt from: Arthur Schopenhauer – The Art of Surviving, Gnosi Publications

“Every gifted individual—anyone not belonging to the unfortunate five-sixths of humanity that are, by nature, inferior—finds it difficult, once past forty, not to display some signs of misanthropy.

Having judged others through himself, he realizes that in both mind and heart—often in both—he has reached a level others simply cannot attain. And so, he avoids their company.

For the same reason, people either love or hate their solitude—meaning their own company—depending on how much they are worth.

When we are young, no matter what anyone tells us, we think life is endless. We waste time recklessly. But as we grow older, we become frugal with it. Near the end of life, each day begins to feel like a step toward the gallows—a sensation akin to that of a condemned man on his final walk.

The more we live, the fewer events seem worth remembering. Little strikes us as significant enough to lodge in our memory, so once something passes, we forget it. Time, then, flows without leaving traces.

As we age, we live with decreasing awareness. Things come and go without making an impression—like a work of art we’ve seen a thousand times. We go through the motions, then can’t recall if we’ve done them or not. And as life becomes more automatic, our general awareness fades further, causing time to fly even faster.

One might say that the first forty years of life provide the text, and the following thirty the commentary. Only then do we begin to truly grasp the meaning, the allusions, the moral lessons, and the subtle nuances of that text.

Near the end of life, something happens that resembles the conclusion of a masquerade ball: the masks come off. Suddenly, you see clearly who you’ve really been dealing with all these years. The true nature of people is finally revealed. Actions have borne fruit, accomplishments are properly recognized, and all illusions crumble.

There’s no doubt that youth, despite its vitality, is often tinged with melancholy and sorrow. Old age, on the other hand, tends to bring a kind of cheerfulness—not because of circumstance, but because the young are constantly tormented by a demon that never lets them rest.

That very demon is at the root of almost every form of misery that afflicts or threatens mankind. The elderly, however, resemble someone who has finally been released from bondage after many years—they move freely, with lightness and peace.

That said, we must also acknowledge a sobering truth: when the sexual instinct fades, the true core of life disappears with it, leaving only the shell. Life becomes like a comedy that starts with real actors but ends with puppets, dressed in human clothes, continuing the show until the curtain falls.”

2,500-Year-Old Tombs Discovered in an Unexpected Location – Shedding New Light on Ancient Cultures

An extraordinary archaeological discovery has come to light in Gdynia, Poland, where a routine infrastructure project unearthed something no one expected: prehistoric burial mounds dating back more than 2,500 years. Found during the construction of a bypass road near the Witomino area, the site revealed three burial mounds (known as kurgans) containing seven tombs associated with the Lusatian and Pomeranian cultures, which thrived during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

This marks the first systematic study of such funerary structures within the city limits, offering rare insights into ancient human activity in the area. The discovery was made as part of a salvage excavation effort, since the roadwork was intersecting known archaeological zones.

Archaeologists identified a variety of burial types, including stone-lined cist graves, cremation pits, and other funerary constructions — each shedding light on the burial practices of early European societies.

What the Excavations Revealed

In one of the mounds, researchers uncovered a stone tomb containing an urn burial, a hallmark of the Lusatian culture, which flourished from around 1300 to 500 BCE. This culture is known for its urnfield cemeteries and fortified settlements.

Interestingly, a second cremation burial was found directly above the original grave, indicating that the mound had been reused centuries later by a different group — a practice that suggests the site retained spiritual or cultural importance over a long period of time.

The second mound yielded more graves attributed to the Pomeranian culture, which followed the Lusatian and was active between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. Among the most striking finds was a face-shaped funerary urn, a ceramic vessel with human-like features — a distinct element of Pomeranian funerary tradition.

In the third mound, archaeologists uncovered additional ceramic fragments and cremated human remains. Excavations are still ongoing.

Outside the mounds, the team also found a bronze axe, likely part of a ritual offering, adding to the significance of the discovery.

Cultural and Historical Context

Experts believe these burial mounds reflect a continuity of sacred practices across cultural transitions. The reuse of the same site by successive groups suggests it held enduring spiritual or ceremonial significance.

Maciej Stromski, the lead archaeologist overseeing the excavation, emphasized:

“The stratified burial layers from different periods show a profound respect for these sites. Beyond their role as cemeteries, they were sacred spaces — likely linked to local beliefs about continuity, memory, and connection to the past.”

The Lusatian culture, which spanned large parts of present-day Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, is noted for its advanced metallurgy and organized social structures. Its successor, the Pomeranian culture, preserved many of the same burial traditions but also introduced new symbolic forms — such as anthropomorphic urns.

Ongoing Archaeological Work

Construction on the portion of the bypass intersecting the burial site has been temporarily halted to allow for further excavation and documentation. Archaeologists estimate that work will continue for another two to three weeks, with the area currently under official protection to prevent disturbance.

Local authorities have expressed support for the archaeological efforts and confirmed that measures are being taken to preserve the most important findings. A representative from the Gdynia municipal council noted that select artifacts may be exhibited in local museums or used in educational programs aimed at promoting the region’s early history.

Meanwhile, construction on other sections of the bypass — which is designed to ease traffic congestion — will proceed as planned.

Why This Discovery Matters

This find adds to a growing list of prehistoric archaeological sites in northern Poland, a region rich in history but increasingly constrained by urban development. It also highlights the importance of integrating archaeological assessments into infrastructure projects, ensuring that heritage preservation and modernization can go hand-in-hand.

The burial mounds unearthed in Gdynia offer a rare window into the funerary traditions of early European cultures, connecting the modern city to a distant and spiritually rich past. The artifacts associated with the Lusatian and Pomeranian peoples don’t just illustrate ancient rituals — they reflect a deeper cultural continuity and reverence for sacred places.

As analysis and conservation continue, researchers hope to gain a fuller understanding of the people who once lived here — their cultural practices, their beliefs, and how they shaped the historical landscape we see today.

Ritual Closure of Monuments and Symbolic Respect for Space: The Cases of Lerna and Sissi

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By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

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Deconstructing Theories of External Imposition

The recent study of the cemetery at Sissi in Crete reveals a unique ritual practice of the Minoans, interpreted as the symbolic "death" or closure of their tombs. Instead of gradually abandoning the communal graves, the inhabitants of Sissi, around 1700 BCE, undertook a deliberate and ritualized process marking the end of an era.

Specifically, the last dead were buried in small pits or ceramic vessels. Afterwards, they carefully dismantled the tomb walls, crushed some bones to blend with the soil, and celebrated with a large communal feast. The findings include thousands of pottery fragments, remains of cups, and kitchenware, all dated to the same period. These elements suggest a collective ceremony that signaled the final use of the burial grounds.

Figure 3. The archaeological site of Sissi, seen from the north. The white dotted line indicates the limits of the cemetery (Zones 1 & 9) (© Belgian School at Athens, N. Kress).

Finally, participants covered everything with a layer of soil and stones, sealing the site forever. Remarkably, centuries later, when burials resumed in the area, this specific location remained untouched, indicating a lasting respect for this ritual closure. This practice reflects a profound cultural transition and a conscious effort by the Minoans to close a chapter of their history with reverence and ritual significance. The discovery offers valuable insights into the social and religious perceptions of the time and enriches our understanding of Minoan civilization.

The practice of ritually "closing" significant spaces through careful burial and continued respect for tomb or building grounds is also observed in the prehistoric Aegean world. The case of the House of the Tiles at Lerna and the recent discoveries at Sissi in Crete demonstrate the same symbolic logic: the need for a conscious transition and an honorable disengagement from a past charged with social and sacred meaning.

Figure 1. Distribution of Prepalatial and Protopalatial tombs, with the location of the main cemeteries mentioned in the text (S. Déderix).

At Lerna, after the destruction of the House of the Tiles around the end of Early Helladic II (ca. 2400–2200 BCE), the inhabitants carefully emptied the building, set it on fire, and then erected a mound (tumulus) of 19 meters in diameter over its remains. This tumulus was demarcated with a stone ring, and for a significant period during the Early Helladic III phase, no new structures were built atop it—testifying to a profound respect for the space and the historical memory it embodied. A similar ritual strategy, with many parallels, is evident at Sissi.

This analogy suggests that both in mainland Greece and Minoan Crete, the societies of the Late Early Bronze Age did not experience change through violent external impositions but through internal processes of renewal, deeply rooted in a ritual understanding of time, memory, and space. This organized and respectful treatment of earlier monumental architecture stands in contrast to the traditional image of violent invasions or external elite dominance, once assumed by older theories regarding the arrival of the "Proto-Greeks" (in the case of mainland Greece).

Instead, it indicates that the local communities themselves chose to manage the end of an earlier social and political phase through conscious, ritualized closure. Building and maintaining the tumulus can be seen as a way for the community to remember their past and show their pride, without any signs of new power being forced upon them from outside.

Caskey, J.L., Blackburn, E.T., Lerna in the Argolid. A Short Guide, American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Athens, 1977. © American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Furthermore, the collapse of the "Corridor House" system was not immediately followed by the rise of new, stronger elite centers, but rather by a phase of social simplification and fragmentation, as indicated by the emergence of apsidal buildings and changes in burial practices. This gradual and endogenous transformation better aligns with scenarios of internal social evolution rather than models of abrupt external domination.

Thus, the cultural changes observed at the end of the third millennium BCE appear to be more closely tied to transformations in local economic, social, and ritual practices rather than to the arrival of foreign populations or imposed systems. The Early Helladic III culture, although distinct from its predecessor, nonetheless shows strong elements of continuity, reshaping and integrating the past through internal processes.

The situations in Lerna and Sissi help break down ideas about quick takeovers or outside influences and improve our understanding of prehistoric communities as active participants in deliberate local cultural changes, where managing space and memory was very important.

New genetic data reveal a strong Greek genetic footprint in Carthage

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By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

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How and when did the first populations move into North Africa? What is the significance of the detected "Aegean/Greek DNA"? How did the Carthaginians maintain their cultural dominance? (9-minute read)

Carthage was founded in the late 9th century BCE (traditionally 814 BCE) as a colony of Tyre, at a time when Tyre was a thriving commercial center. Therefore, the first inhabitants were Phoenician settlers — Semitic populations from the Levantine coasts, descendants of the ancient Canaanites. However, from the very foundation of the city, it is likely that local Berber (Libyan) populations of North Africa coexisted in the area, with whom the Phoenician settlers interacted and possibly intermarried. The very name of the city (Qart-Ḥadašt, meaning "New City") denotes a new settlement in foreign territory, but its development was closely tied to the local environment. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that Carthage quickly evolved from a small trading post into a prosperous city-state with its own "Carthaginian" civilization. This civilization was clearly Phoenician (Semitic language, religion, customs), but the ancestry of the city's population was not purely Phoenician.

A recent paleogenetic study shed the first light on the biological composition of the early Carthaginians. The so-called "Young Man of Byrsa"—a man from the late 6th century BCE discovered in a burial chamber at Byrsa Hill in Carthage—revealed through ancient DNA analysis a maternal lineage (mitochondrial haplogroup U5b2c1) that is rare and European, originating from prehistoric populations in the northern Mediterranean. Specifically, this mtDNA links the individual's ancestry to regions such as the Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean islands, or the northern Mediterranean coasts. The discovery constitutes the first direct evidence suggesting that even the early inhabitants of Carthage could have mixed ancestry, including European elements. In other words, the presence of such an ancient European genetic marker (U5b2c1) in North Africa indicates that Phoenician settlers had incorporated individuals from earlier Mediterranean populations (e.g., from Sicily, Sardinia, or Iberia) into their communities. This initial genetic diversity aligns with the historical image of a port city open to various ethnic groups. Although Carthage may have been founded by a few dozen or hundreds of Phoenician settlers, within a few generations its population expanded through admixture with local and other northern Mediterranean peoples. Truthfully, we have long understood that the Phoenicians' cultural dominance in Carthage did not imply absolute demographic dominance. Many ancient Greek colonies also observed the same phenomenon.

This reality became even clearer in a recent large-scale study of 103 ancient genomes from Carthage itself and other Phoenician/Carthaginian sites. Researchers identified a recognizable "Carthaginian" genetic profile, but it bore minimal relation to the populations of ancient Phoenicia. Instead, it was primarily composed of European (Greek/Aegean and Sicilian) and North African genotypes.

The First Neolithic Expansions—Prehistoric Population Flows into North Africa

To understand how European genetic elements appeared in North Africa long before Carthage's founding, we must examine population movements during the Neolithic period. The transition from hunter-gatherer economies to farming and animal husbandry occurred in North Africa approximately 7,500 years ago. Two main theories exist: either that local Mesolithic populations gradually adopted Neolithic innovations or that incoming farmers migrated into the area, bringing their way of life. Ancient DNA now clarifies this process. Furthermore, recent genome studies of prehistoric skeletons in the Maghreb revealed clear ancestry shifts during the Neolithic transition: the earliest Neolithic burials in Northwest Africa primarily show European Neolithic ancestry. The evidence implies that the initial farmers who emerged in Morocco and Algeria were predominantly descended from Neolithic populations from southern Europe. Researchers conclude that migrant European farmers introduced agriculture to Northwest Africa, which then rapidly disseminated among local groups.

This pattern fits into the broader wave of Neolithic farmer expansions from the Near East into Greece and Europe. It is well known that early farmers began in Anatolia and the Levant, spreading gradually westward via coastal Mediterranean routes to the Balkans, the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Sardinia, and Iberia. Archaeologically, the spread of Impressa/Cardial pottery along coastal zones reflects the so-called "Mediterranean route" of Neolithic expansion. Notably, the appearance of agriculture in northeast Africa (e.g., the eastern Rif in Morocco) is nearly synchronous with its emergence in southern Spain, around 5500 BCE, suggesting maritime transfer of people and ideas. Thus, the wider agricultural dissemination led to a significant expansion of Neolithic populations from Europe into North Africa.

Note that a single migratory stream did not limit the genetic history of North Africa during the Neolithic. In addition to the European Neolithic influx, later contributions from the Near East are detectable. During the Middle Neolithic period, around 5000 BCE, the Maghreb genetic profile shows the introduction of a Levantine element, coinciding with the arrival of pastoralism (cattle, sheep, goats) in the region. This finding suggests that groups of herders possibly migrated westward from the eastern Mediterranean or the Nile Valley, bringing new genetic influences. Ultimately, by the end of the Neolithic, populations of the Maghreb exhibited a mixed genetic profile, combining local Paleolithic/Mesolithic heritage, European Neolithic farmer ancestry, and Near Eastern admixture. This prolonged prehistoric admixture explains why certain ancient European haplogroups (such as U5) or "Sardinian-type" genetic elements later appear among North African populations.

Regarding specifically Mycenaean, Sicilian, or Sardinian populations and their connection to North Africa, the data are fragmentary but indicative. There is no documented direct mass migration of Mycenaeans into North Africa during the Bronze Age. However, the presence of Mycenaean artifacts in Egypt and possible contacts with Libya suggest some level of interaction. After the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization (~1200 BCE), groups from the Aegean participated in the so-called "Sea Peoples," who reached as far as Egypt. Among them were the Sherden (possibly from Sardinia) and the Shekelesh (perhaps from Sicily). Although these groups clashed with Egypt, some may have settled in Libya or Canaan. These late-Chalcolithic or early Iron Age movements may have had a limited impact on western North Africa, though a minor genetic contribution from Aegean/European Bronze Age populations cannot be ruled out.

Moreover, the genetic landscape of the Carthaginians later exhibits strong affinities with ancient Greek populations, possibly linked to these early European movements or to Greek colonies established in Africa.

As for Sicily and Sardinia, these two major Mediterranean islands acted as bridges for population movements. Especially Sicily, due to its proximity to the Tunisian coast, served as a natural channel: early Neolithic settlers could have crossed in either direction between Tunisia and Sicily. During the 3rd millennium BCE (the Bronze Age), Sicily received influences from the Aegean world (e.g., Mycenaean finds) and later from Phoenician and Greek settlers. Sardinia, on the other hand, remained relatively genetically isolated for millennia (modern Sardinians preserve a high proportion of ancient Neolithic ancestry). Nonetheless, the Sherden people's history suggests some early contact with the eastern Mediterranean. In historic times, Carthaginian expansion led to the establishment of Phoenician colonies in Sardinia (e.g., Tharros), prompting some local population movements. Overall, we can say that the genetic impact of Sicilian and Sardinian populations on North Africa is detectable indirectly: either through early Neolithic dissemination (European farmers reaching the Maghreb) or through later historical interactions (e.g., integration of Sicilians into the Carthaginian network).

Phoenician Expansion and Genetic Interactions in the Western Mediterranean

During the Iron Age (1st millennium BCE), the Phoenicians expanded their maritime trading network, establishing numerous outposts and colonies throughout the western Mediterranean. By the 11th–10th century BCE, Phoenician settlements appeared in Spain (e.g., Cádiz), the Balearic Islands, Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, and beyond. The genetic contribution of these Semitic settlers to local populations had long been an open question. Traditionally, it was believed that the "Punic" populations (i.e., the western Phoenician colonies such as Carthage) would exhibit a strong Phoenician (Levantine) genetic signature. However, large-scale ancient DNA analyses have overturned this assumption. Researchers discovered that populations in the western Mediterranean received limited direct genetic input from Phoenician mother cities (Tyre, Sidon, etc.).

Despite their intense cultural, economic, and linguistic influence, the original Phoenician cities contributed minimal direct DNA to the Punic populations of the central and western Mediterranean. The spread of Phoenician culture thus occurred not through mass migration but primarily through the diffusion of cultural models and the integration of local communities.

Specifically, every Phoenician-Carthaginian site studied shows remarkable heterogeneity regarding its inhabitants' origins. Researchers detected an "extremely heterogeneous" genetic profile in ancient skeletons from these sites. In almost all Punic communities — from Carthage itself to colonies in Iberia, Sicily, Sardinia, and North Africa — the majority of individuals exhibited ancestries similar to those of ancient Sicilian and Aegean populations (southern Europe), while a significant portion had North African ancestry. In contrast, direct Near Eastern/Semitic genetic input was minimal. This practically means that in Phoenician colonies, people of diverse backgrounds lived together: individuals of local North African descent alongside others of predominantly European (Sicilian/Greek) origin. The different Punic communities were connected via maritime "kinship networks." For instance, a pair of distant relatives (approximately second cousins) were found: one buried in a Phoenician city in North Africa, the other in a Phoenician settlement in Sicily. Such findings illustrate the cosmopolitan character of the Carthaginian network, where movement and intermarriage across different regions were common.

This theory also explains how Phoenician settlers, initially a demographic minority, eventually genetically assimilated local populations rather than replacing them. As geneticist Pierre Zalloua aptly put it, "The Phoenicians were a civilization of integration and assimilation — they settled wherever they traveled." Despite their broad and diverse biological ancestry, these mixed populations transmitted their cultural identity (language, religion, and technical knowledge).

The case of Carthage shows that a group can be very influential in trade and culture even if they are not the largest population, similar to some theories about how Indo-European languages spread, but the history, society, and population of northern Africa at that time were quite different.

In summary, the Carthaginian rulers spoke the Phoenician language and worshipped Phoenician gods, but their subjects and allies came from various Mediterranean nations. In the end, the genetic background of the Carthaginians in the western Mediterranean is spread out and varied, showing a blend of European and African genes with some small Semitic influences, instead of a clear "Phoenician" genetic identity. This conclusion aligns perfectly with historical accounts of the multiethnic societies of the western Mediterranean and highlights how population movements are inextricably linked to cultural interactions.

2,500-Year-Old Tombs Discovered in the Most Unexpected Place — A Rare Glimpse into Ancient Burial Practices

During routine roadworks in northern Poland, a remarkable archaeological discovery took everyone by surprise: 2,500-year-old prehistoric tombs unearthed just outside the city of Gdynia. What was meant to be the construction of a bypass road turned into a significant dig site, revealing three burial mounds containing seven tombs linked to the Lusatian and Pomeranian cultures.

An Accidental Find Turns into a Historic Breakthrough

The discovery was made near the Witomino district, where construction workers called in archaeologists after encountering unusual earth formations. Upon excavation, experts uncovered three burial mounds (known as kurhany), shedding light on human activity in the region during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

This marks the first systematic study of such burial structures within Gdynia's urban boundaries, offering rare insights into the city’s prehistoric past. The find came as part of a rescue excavation effort prompted by construction intersecting with known archaeological zones. The team uncovered a variety of burial types, including stone cist graves, cremation pits, and stone-lined tombs.

Inside the Mounds

One of the burial mounds contained a stone-built tomb with a unique urn burial believed to be linked to the Lusatian culture, which flourished from around 1300 to 500 BCE. This culture is known for its urnfield cemeteries and fortified settlements. Fascinatingly, a second cremation burial was found above the primary tomb, suggesting that the site was reused centuries later by another community.

The second mound revealed additional burials attributed to the Pomeranian culture, which succeeded the Lusatians and was active during the 7th to 5th centuries BCE. Among the grave goods, archaeologists discovered a face urn — a ceramic vessel with human facial features, a hallmark of Pomeranian funerary traditions.

The third mound yielded more ceramic fragments and cremated human remains, and excavation efforts are ongoing.

In the surrounding area, archaeologists also found a bronze axe, likely part of a ritual offering, further enriching the site’s significance.

Cultural Context and Spiritual Continuity

Experts believe these burial mounds reflect the spiritual continuity of sacred practices across different cultural periods. The reuse of the same sacred space by successive groups suggests a long-standing reverence for the site.

Dr. Maciej Stromski, the lead archaeologist overseeing the excavations, stated:

“The overlapping burials from different time periods reveal the deep respect these communities had for the site. These were not just graves — they were sacred spaces tied to collective memory and ancestral connection.”

The Lusatian culture, which spanned much of modern-day Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, is renowned for its advanced metalworking and well-structured societies. Its successor, the Pomeranian culture, preserved many burial traditions but introduced new symbolic forms, such as anthropomorphic urns.

Balancing Infrastructure and Heritage

Construction on the portion of the bypass road crossing the burial site has been temporarily halted to allow archaeologists time to fully document and analyze the findings. Work is expected to continue for another two to three weeks, and the area is currently under protection to prevent any disturbance.

City officials have expressed full support for the excavation efforts. A Gdynia municipal spokesperson confirmed that key artifacts may be put on display in local museums or incorporated into educational programs to highlight the region’s ancient heritage.

Construction on other parts of the bypass — which is intended to ease traffic congestion — will proceed as planned.

A Glimpse into Poland’s Prehistoric Past

This discovery adds to a growing list of prehistoric sites uncovered in northern Poland — a region known for its rich archaeology. However, ongoing urban development often limits access to untouched land, making finds like this increasingly rare and valuable.

The burial mounds of Gdynia offer a unique window into the funerary customs of early Northern European cultures. The artifacts unearthed, from urns to ritual tools, not only reflect spiritual continuity but also establish tangible links to a distant past.

With further analysis and conservation efforts underway, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs, traditions, and social practices of the people who once lived in this land — and how their legacy shapes the cultural landscape we see today.

The 444-Million-Year-Old “Inside-Out” Fossil Mystery — The Shell Vanished, the Guts Remain Intact

A bizarre fossilized creature from 444 million years ago has left scientists scratching their heads for over two decades. Discovered north of Cape Town in South Africa, this ancient arthropod stood out for a strange reason: it was preserved inside out.

Nicknamed “Sue” (officially Keurbos susanae), the newly identified species baffled paleontologists until Dr. Sarah Gabbott from the University of Leicester uncovered its secret — a discovery she details in a study published in the journal Paleontology.

“Sue’s innards are like a fossilized time capsule — muscles, tendons, even intestines preserved in astonishing detail. And yet, her tough outer shell, legs, and head are completely gone, lost to decay some 440 million years ago,” Gabbott explains.

The fossil was found in a low-oxygen (anoxic) marine environment — a crucial condition for fossilization. However, the surrounding water also contained hydrogen sulfide, which scientists believe may have dissolved the exoskeleton, as reported by Popular Mechanics.

Ironically, while Sue’s tough outer shell decomposed, her internal organs were preserved in extraordinary detail by calcium phosphate — the same mineral that makes up human bones and teeth. Gabbott is still working to unravel the exact chemical process that allowed this “inside-out” fossilization to occur.

A Place in the Tree of Life?

Paleontologist Sarah Gabbott at the site where she discovered the fossil
University of Leicester

The site where Sue was found was once the floor of a prehistoric sea, dating back to a time when a mass glaciation wiped out around 85% of all species on Earth. Although the fossil offers an unprecedented glimpse into the soft anatomy of an ancient marine arthropod, placing Sue within the evolutionary tree has proved challenging — even 25 years after Gabbott’s initial discovery.

“This has been a research ultramarathon. Because the fossil is so beautifully preserved, there’s a vast amount of anatomy to interpret — layers of intricate detail stacked on top of each other.”

Today, arthropods make up about 85% of all animal species on the planet, from shrimp and spiders to mites and centipedes. But Sue’s unusual anatomy and unique preservation continue to set her apart, offering scientists a rare and valuable puzzle piece in the story of life on Earth.

Artificial Intelligence Solves One of Archaeology’s Greatest Mysteries

AI Unlocks the Secrets of the Nazca Lines, Revealing 303 New Geoglyphs in Just Six Months—and Reshaping the Future of Archaeology

For over a century, the mysterious Nazca Lines in Peru have puzzled archaeologists. These vast geoglyphs—crafted by the Nazca people between 200 BCE and 650 CE—stretch across the desert, forming intricate images of animals, plants, and tools. Many are so large and precise, they can only be fully appreciated from the air, and their purpose has long remained elusive.

Now, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between archaeologists and artificial intelligence, researchers have identified 303 previously unknown geoglyphs in just six months—effectively doubling the number of known figures. As reported by Science Focus, this remarkable achievement marks a major leap forward in solving one of archaeology’s most enduring enigmas.

The Power of AI in Archaeological Discovery

The project brought together researchers from the Nazca Institute at Yamagata University in Peru—led by Professor Masato Sakai—and IBM scientists. Their mission: to train AI systems to analyze vast aerial images and detect geoglyphs that had remained hidden to the human eye.

This AI-assisted approach drastically accelerated the process. As Sakai explains, “The ability to carry out this research in such a short time was only possible thanks to artificial intelligence.”

But the implications go far beyond the Nazca desert. AI is not only helping archaeologists find more geoglyphs—it’s transforming how ancient cultures are studied. By processing massive sets of aerial photographs, AI can detect patterns that humans might miss, offering a faster, more precise method of mapping and interpreting historical sites.

This success in Nazca is just the beginning. The same technology is already being applied to burial mounds, shipwrecks, and other archaeological locations around the globe.

Revolutionizing the Study of Ancient Civilizations

The Nazca Lines are among the first archaeological sites where AI has made such a significant impact. These figures—created by scraping away the top layer of soil to expose lighter-colored sediment beneath—demonstrate the Nazca people’s sophisticated understanding of geometry and spatial design.

German mathematician and astronomer Maria Reiche spent decades studying the lines, marveling at their near-perfect proportions. Now, artificial intelligence is helping uncover even more of these figures, offering new insights into their meaning and purpose.

Traditionally, archaeologists relied on manual surveys, ground photography, and mapping to study ancient sites. But as Dr. João Fonte of ERA Arqueologia notes, “Archaeology is now at the forefront of innovation” thanks to its adoption of digital tools.

In addition to AI, technologies like photogrammetry and remote sensing are enabling researchers to explore large areas more efficiently and with greater accuracy.

Shedding Light on Sacred Rituals

One of the most fascinating aspects of this AI-led discovery is the growing understanding of why the Nazca people created these figures. Sakai’s team suggests that many of the newly identified geoglyphs were part of ritual walkways—paths along which individuals would move in ceremonial processions to connect with the landscape and communicate with the divine.

The AI’s ability to locate and contextualize these figures supports the idea that the Nazca Lines were not just artistic expressions, but deeply symbolic and spiritual landmarks.

By analyzing the layout and distribution of the geoglyphs, researchers are also uncovering evidence of the Nazca culture’s advanced knowledge of spatial planning and possibly astronomy—clues that deepen our understanding of their connection to the land and cosmos.

AI and the Future of Archaeology

While its role in the Nazca project is already groundbreaking, artificial intelligence holds even greater potential for the future of archaeology. Dr. Alexandra Karamitrou, an AI and archaeology expert at the University of Southampton, is developing tools that could help locate a broader range of historical sites.

Her work shows that AI can do more than detect visible patterns like geoglyphs—it can also interpret complex relationships between ancient sites and environmental factors, such as proximity to water or elevation.

Beyond ancient art, AI has already proven useful in other fields of archaeological research. In 2023, researchers in the United Arab Emirates used AI to analyze satellite data from Saruq Al Hadid, a major copper-smelting center dating to 1270–800 BCE. The system revealed artifact distribution patterns and helped prioritize excavation zones.

AI also has the potential to aid in studying submerged shipwrecks, buried cities, and even tracking the impact of climate change on ancient settlements.

Challenges and Cautions

Despite its promise, AI is not infallible. Sakai’s team had to manually verify the AI’s predictions—reviewing dozens of candidate locations for each newly suggested geoglyph. “AI is not perfect, especially in archaeology,” notes Dr. Karamitrou. “But within a few years, we may have algorithms with impressive accuracy—saving researchers time, energy, and resources.”

As AI technology advances, its precision will continue to improve, allowing archaeologists to explore more ground with fewer resources. Automating the identification of archaeological features could dramatically accelerate research, unlocking secrets of ancient civilizations that have been buried for centuries.

While we still rely on human expertise to interpret and verify discoveries, artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful ally—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in archaeology and helping us see the past with fresh eyes.

Sealing the Past: A 4,000-Year-Old Funeral Rite Unearthed in Crete

Archaeologists working at the Sissi site in northern Crete have uncovered compelling evidence of a 4,000-year-old ritual that marked the symbolic end of a burial ground—and possibly, the community’s way of life as they knew it.

The discovery comes from a section known as Zone 9, where researchers found signs of an elaborate ceremony involving the final burials, destruction of tombs, and a massive communal feast. This ceremony, archaeologists believe, wasn’t just about honoring the dead—it was about closing a chapter of collective memory.

A Last Celebration in the Cemetery

In this final act of funerary ritual, the people of Sissi buried their last dead in small pits and ceramic vessels. Then, in what appears to be a deliberate and symbolic gesture, they dismantled the walls of the tombs, broke some bones to level the remains with the earth, and hosted what can only be described as a large communal feast.

The evidence? A thick layer of soil littered with thousands of ceramic fragments, including cup and plate shards, all dated to around 1700 BCE. According to researchers, these weren’t trash or random refuse. They were remnants of a carefully staged ritual meal, a way for the community to say farewell—not just to their dead, but to the era of communal burials itself.

After the celebration, the area was sealed with a layer of earth and stones, effectively closing the cemetery. Interestingly, when burials resumed in the area centuries later, the space was treated with unusual reverence, almost as if it had become sacred or forbidden.

Why Were the Tombs Destroyed?

Room 9.6, containing clay vessels FE147, FE148, and FE149 (left), and details of the clay vessels during excavation (right). Photo: N. Kress, A. Schmitt / Belgian School at Athens.

This wasn’t an act of neglect or vandalism—it was a response to profound social and cultural shifts, say archaeologists. Around the same time, the first Minoan palaces, like that of Knossos, began to rise, signaling a transition to more centralized political and religious systems.

Traditional communal tombs, often tied to clans or extended families, began to lose their significance. In their place, new ceremonial spaces emerged, such as mountain sanctuaries and sacred caves.

By ritually “burying” their own cemetery, the people of Sissi weren’t rejecting their past—they were honoring it, embedding it in collective memory. As the researchers put it, their message was clear: “This way of burial no longer defines us—but we won’t forget it.”

A Broader Minoan Practice?

Sissi isn’t the only site where similar practices have been found. In southern Crete, at Moni Odigitria, a circular tomb was emptied, its contents reburied in a pit alongside hundreds of broken cups. At Kefala Petras, some tombs were filled with stones, a practice archaeologists interpret as a symbolic ‘killing’ of the tomb.

However, not all Minoan cemeteries were closed this way. Some simply fell out of use, while others remained active as ritual spaces rather than burial sites. This variation suggests that each community responded differently to the same sweeping cultural changes.

A Ritual for the Living, Too

What makes the Sissi discovery so exceptional is the level of detail preserved. Using modern techniques—such as bone analysis and stratigraphy—archaeologists were able to reconstruct the sequence of events: from the last burials, to the final feast, to the moment the cemetery was sealed forever.

In the past, many Minoan cemeteries were excavated quickly, with limited documentation. Now, thanks to meticulous fieldwork, it’s becoming clear that farewell rituals were likely far more common than once thought.

These ceremonies weren’t only for the deceased. As archaeologists point out, they were also deeply meaningful for the living—a way to come together in times of uncertainty and declare:
“This is who we are now.”

Treasure of an Ancient Nomadic Elite Unearthed in Chechnya: Who Were the Alans?

A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light in the Alkhan-Kala necropolis, located west of Grozny, Chechnya. Excavations revealed an intact burial mound belonging to a high-ranking member of the Alanian aristocracy, shedding new light on a powerful yet little-understood ancient culture.

The dig was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Azamat Akhmarov of the Academy of Sciences of the Chechen Republic, and it offers valuable insight into a group whose historical influence far outweighed the limited documentation left behind.

Who Were the Alans?

The Alans were an Iranic-speaking nomadic people, descendants of the Sarmatians, who gradually settled in the North Caucasus and later spread across parts of Europe and Africa. First mentioned in Roman sources during the 1st century AD, they eventually became integrated into Attila the Hun’s army, and some even allied with the Vandals in Gaul and the Iberian Peninsula.

The Alkhan-Kala Burial Mound

The archaeological site of Alkhan-Kala has been known since the 19th century, when Count A. Bobrinsky, then president of the Imperial Archaeological Commission, led the first excavations in the area.

The recently uncovered burial mound dates from between the 2nd and 5th centuries BC, marking the early phase of Alanian presence in the region. The tomb contained a range of grave goods that not only highlight the social status of the deceased—likely a tribal elite—but also demonstrate the artistic and technical sophistication of the time.

Grave Goods: Symbols of Wealth and Power

Among the findings were:

• Elaborate horse harnesses adorned with tourmalines

• Three swords

• Imported metal vessels

• Garnets and other valuable items

According to archaeologists, the wealth and craftsmanship of these objects point to active trade networks reaching well beyond the Caucasus and reflect a highly stratified society with a strong warrior class and aristocratic elite.

A Rare and Valuable Find

Dr. Akhmarov emphasized the rarity of such a discovery, noting that most elite Alanian tombs have been looted over time. “This undisturbed burial offers a unique window into an era we know very little about,” he explained. “It allows us to better understand the social structure, burial practices, and cultural connections of the Alans.”

The discovery is expected to advance research into the Alans’ historical presence and cultural influence across Eurasia, and to contribute significantly to our understanding of the development of Iranic nomadic civilizations.

Unearthed Legacy: Rare Elite Alanian Tomb Discovered in Chechnya

Archaeologists excavating near the village of Alkhan-Kala, west of Grozny in Chechnya, have uncovered a remarkable and undisturbed burial mound believed to contain the remains of an elite figure from the ancient Alanian culture. This rare find offers a captivating glimpse into the craftsmanship, hierarchy, and burial practices of a once-powerful nomadic people.

The Alani were Iranic-speaking pastoralists, originally part of the broader Sarmatian tribal confederation that roamed the Pontic–Caspian steppe. Emerging as a dominant group in the 1st century AD, they appear in Roman records and the inscriptions of Vologases. Over time, many Alani were absorbed into Attila’s Hunnic Empire, while others migrated westward into Gaul and Spain, integrating with tribes such as the Vandals.

Image Credit : Academy of Sciences of the Chechen Republic

The Alkhan-Kala necropolis, a burial ground comprised of ancient kurgans (mounds), was first excavated in the 19th century by Count A. Bobrinsky, then chairman of the Imperial Archaeological Commission. More than a century later, a new archaeological mission—led by Azamat Akhmarov of the Academy of Sciences of the Chechen Republic—has revealed one of the most significant Alanian finds to date.

The recently excavated tomb, dating to the early Alanian period (2nd–5th century BC), was found completely intact. Inside, archaeologists discovered a lavish collection of grave goods, including decorative horse harnesses inlaid with tourmalines, an intricately crafted bridle, three bladed weapons, garnets, and several imported metal vessels—all indicative of the high status of the individual buried there.

According to experts, the exquisite quality of the objects highlights the advanced metalworking and decorative skills of Alanian artisans. The richness of the tomb further suggests that the deceased held a significant social or military position within their community.

Akhmarov emphasized the rarity of such discoveries, noting that most Alanian tombs in the region have been looted over the centuries. The preservation of this site offers an unprecedented opportunity to better understand Alanian society, its structure, and its ceremonial practices.

This extraordinary find not only enriches our knowledge of nomadic cultures of the ancient Caucasus but also reinforces the Alani’s place in the broader story of Eurasian history and migration.

Ancient Garden Discovered at Jesus Christ’s Burial Site, Supporting Biblical Account

Archaeologists excavating beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have uncovered compelling evidence that supports a key detail from the New Testament: the presence of a garden near the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial. The discovery offers strong validation of John 19:41, which reads:

“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.”

Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla from Sapienza University of Rome, the excavation team unearthed botanical remains—olive trees and grapevines—dating back roughly 2,000 years. These remains, identified through archaeobotanical analysis of soil samples taken from beneath the church’s stone floor, provide rare physical evidence of cultivated land at the site.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Credit: Gerd Eichmann

“The archaeobotanical findings have been especially interesting for us, in light of what is mentioned in the Gospel of John,” Stasolla told the Times of Israel. “The Gospel mentions a green area between Calvary and the tomb, and we identified these cultivated fields.”

A Rare Glimpse Into First-Century Jerusalem

The alleged tomb of Jesus, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Credit: adriatikus

The excavation, which began in 2022, is the most extensive archaeological exploration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in nearly two centuries. It forms part of a larger restoration project authorized by the Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate, with oversight from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

According to Stasolla, the site where the church stands today evolved over time: once a quarry, it became cultivated land, and by the 1st century CE, was used as a burial ground.

In addition to botanical evidence, archaeologists uncovered pottery shards, oil lamps, fragments of glass, and stone garden walls, some of which date as far back as the Iron Age. These findings point to continuous human activity and pilgrimage in the area across multiple historical periods.

Technology Meets Theology

The tomb of Jesus Christ with the rotunda is seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Credit: Jlascar

While early evidence suggests the garden dates to the early Roman period, radiocarbon dating is still in progress to confirm the exact age of the remains. The excavation has temporarily paused to accommodate the arrival of Christian pilgrims during Holy Week and Easter, but will resume shortly after the celebrations. The team is also using advanced techniques like 3D mapping and ground-penetrating radar to digitally reconstruct the ancient landscape beneath the church.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: A Sacred Landmark

Built in 335 CE by Roman Emperor Constantine I, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally believed to be the site of both Golgotha—where Jesus was crucified—and the tomb where he was laid to rest. Historical records from Constantine’s era mention the discovery of an ancient tomb during construction, which many identified as Jesus’ burial place.

Adding another layer of mystery, archaeologists recently found a circular marble base beneath the Edicule—the small shrine that houses the tomb—which is currently being studied to determine its origin and significance.

While theological debates continue regarding the exact location of Jesus’ burial, this latest archaeological discovery marks a significant step forward in confirming the physical setting described in the Gospels.

What Lion Bite Marks Revealed About Roman-Era Gladiators

Bite marks found on the remains of a man buried near the ancient Roman city of Eboracum — now known as York — are shedding new light on the brutal reality of life (and death) in the Roman Empire.

The marks, made by a lion, were discovered on the skeleton of a man estimated to be between 26 and 35 years old at the time of his death, around the 3rd century AD. At that time, Eboracum was a major Roman military base and urban center in what is now northern England.

These bite marks — uncovered during excavations just outside modern-day York — represent the first physical evidence of man-versus-beast combat in Roman Britain, according to a new study published in PLOS One.

A Rare Glimpse Into Gladiatorial Combat

While ancient texts and mosaics have long depicted dramatic battles between humans and wild animals like lions and bears, until now, no direct archaeological evidence had ever confirmed these events actually took place in the Roman provinces.

“This is the first time we have tangible proof of gladiators fighting large animals like lions in the Roman Empire,” said Tim Thompson, a biological anthropologist and lead author of the study.

Upon examining the man's injuries, Thompson described clear signs of “puncture wounds” from “large teeth piercing the bone.” However, he added, “We don’t believe this was the fatal injury. It more likely indicates that the individual was already incapacitated when the animal attacked.”

He noted that big cats typically kill by biting the head or neck, suggesting the man may have already been dying — or dead — when he was mauled.

Gladiator Graveyard

Reuters

Excavations in the area began more than 20 years ago and have since uncovered around 80 decapitated skeletons. Most of the remains belonged to young men who showed clear signs of brutal violence, leading researchers to believe they had stumbled upon a gladiator cemetery.

Historical records suggest that wild animals were sometimes used not only for combat spectacles but also for the execution of prisoners and criminals — adding a layer of grim reality to this new evidence.

The lion-inflicted wounds on this individual now serve as a haunting reminder of the savage entertainment culture that thrived under the Roman Empire — and the real human cost behind the spectacle.

Iron Age Necropolis Unearthed: Intricate Swords and Jewelry Found, But No Human Remains

Why weren’t any skeletons preserved? The soil holds the answer.

Archaeologists have uncovered a large Iron Age necropolis, rich in swords, jewelry, and other artifacts that reveal the burial customs and social hierarchies of the time — despite the complete absence of human remains.

The discovery was made at the archaeological site of Creuzier-le-Neuf, in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, by a team from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap).

A Burial Ground Without Bones

One of the tombs contained a sword (Photo: V. Georges / Inrap).

Spanning approximately 650 square meters, the burial site is enclosed by a wide, square-shaped ditch. Inside, archaeologists documented more than 100 graves, most aligned along a north-south axis. While the acidic soil has completely destroyed all skeletal remains, the site still offers a wealth of information thanks to the exceptional preservation of metal grave goods and ceremonial objects.

The layout and structure of the necropolis mirror similar Iron Age burial grounds found in Champagne, the Paris Basin, and Burgundy, suggesting shared cultural practices and social structures among Gallic communities prior to the Roman conquest.

Objects of Power and Prestige

Although human remains are absent, the funerary objects found — ranging from weapons to finely crafted jewelry — provide insights into the status and roles of those buried.

One standout grave contained a cremation burial, distinguishable by its ritual practices and elaborate offerings. Among the ashes, archaeologists found a small, intricately decorated vessel, adorned with perforated patterns alternating with painted bands — a sign of the community’s ritualistic sophistication and the diversity of funerary customs practiced at the site.

Nearly half the graves contained decorative metal items, highlighting the importance of status symbols in Iron Age burial rites. Bracelets made of bronze alloy were found in abundance — some simple and spiral-shaped, others finely crafted with concentric circles, “eye” motifs, and concealed fastenings that speak to the artisan’s high skill level.

One grave yielded a perfectly preserved pair of bracelets decorated with classic Celtic designs — repeating curved lines and concentric eye-shaped marks.

Brooches and Jewelry Set With Gemstones

Archaeologists also recovered 18 brooches and pins, once used to fasten garments. Though heavily corroded at the time of discovery, careful restoration at the CREAM lab in Vienna brought them back to life. One brooch features a design similar to that on the bracelets, indicating stylistic continuity.

Another piece stands out for its luxurious craftsmanship — a brooch set with a gemstone resembling a polished pebble, and decorated with a repoussé silver disk in low relief. Based on its features, this brooch dates to between the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BCE.

The Swords: Symbols of Warrior Elites

Short sword, fully decorated, with an antenna hilt, found in burial 782. (Source: Flore Giraud / Inrap).

The most spectacular finds, however, are two fully preserved swords, still encased in their scabbards. The first, found in Grave 782, is a remarkable weapon. Its scabbard is richly adorned with spiral patterns and eye motifs, and was designed to be worn at the side. The handle and front plate, made from bronze alloy, feature embedded stones and decorations — including swastika-like motifs and possibly fragments of glass paste.

X-ray analysis revealed additional symbols on the blade tip — a circle and a crescent moon, separated by fine details — suggesting the sword was crafted in the early 4th century BCE.

The second sword, found in Grave 990, features straps designed for close-body wear. While less elaborate, with only a pair of eye motifs at the top of the scabbard, it preserves traces of textile fibers fused to the oxidized metal — possibly remains of the deceased’s clothing or a burial shroud. Its shape and construction also place it firmly in the 4th century BCE.

The excavation was conducted under the scientific direction of Benjamin Oury and Vincent Georges of Inrap, as part of a broader archaeological initiative led by Vichy Communauté and overseen by the regional archaeological authority.

How Do Archaeologists Know Where to Dig Without GPS?

Before the days of GPS, satellite imagery, and ground-penetrating radar, archaeologists had to rely on something a little less scientific — myths, local legends, intuition, and sometimes a good chat at the village café.

When we hear about the discovery of Troy, Pompeii, or Mycenae, it’s easy to overlook a fundamental question: How did they know where to dig? There were no maps, no coordinates — often not even ruins visible above ground. And yet, some people set out with little more than a dream, a story, and a stubborn obsession.

Archaeologists: The Original History Detectives

The earliest archaeologists were less like scientists and more like detectives. They pieced together clues from ancient myths, village lore, and the travel notes of explorers who had passed through “somewhere around here” a few centuries earlier. Then, with a mixture of boldness and gut instinct, they launched full-scale expeditions based on educated guesses.

Take Heinrich Schliemann, the man who set out to find the legendary city of Troy. He carried Homer’s Iliad in his pocket like a guidebook, using its poetic descriptions to match the landscape of Asia Minor. When he came across a hill that matched Homer’s clues — near the sea and overlooking a plain — he dug. And he struck gold. Literally.

Names, Memories, and Serendipity

Sometimes, the clues were hidden in plain sight. If a modern village bore a name like “Ancient Corinth,” there was a good chance that, beneath it, you’d find… Ancient Corinth. But the savviest archaeologists also considered how ancient names might have changed over centuries, tracing linguistic transformations to uncover forgotten cities.

Monks, travelers, and early explorers of the 18th and 19th centuries left behind diaries, sketches, and notes — the breadcrumbs of history. These relics were tracked down in libraries, archives, and monasteries and became a kind of primitive GPS for the archaeologists who followed.

And then there were the locals — the living memory of the land. They were the Google Maps of the past. Grandfathers in villages would say, “There are some old stones over there,” or “When we dug a well, we found broken pots.” One casual comment over coffee could launch an entire excavation.

Today’s Tools and Yesterday’s Instincts

Today, technology plays a vital role in archaeology. Satellite images, LIDAR scans, and geophysical surveys can pinpoint promising dig sites with incredible precision. But even with all the tools at their disposal, the first step in every excavation remains the same: someone gazes across a landscape and wonders aloud —
“What if it’s there?”

Because sometimes, the most powerful archaeological tool of all… is curiosity.