Norwegian archaeology find of the year: "So well preserved that they appear to have been made yesterday"

The remarkable find was voted 'find of the year' by Norwegian archaeologists.

Antlers bearing cut marks were the archaeologists' most important clues to what the facility was used for.

During the autumn, archaeologists from the University Museum of Bergen have been excavating a 1,500-year-old reindeer mass-trapping site on Aurland Mountain.

Until now, the existence of this complex trapping system had been unknown. More details about the discovery can be found here.

On November 15, the find was honored as “Find of the Year” at the Norwegian Archaeology Meeting in Tromsø, highlighting its significance in understanding early reindeer hunting practices.

Archaeologist Leif Inge Åstveit is the project leader for the excavation of the mass trapping facility.

“It’s been incredibly busy,” project leader Leif Inge Åstveit told Science Norway. “It feels fantastic that our excavation was named Find of the Year.”

Åstveit acknowledged that Norway has seen numerous remarkable discoveries this year, making the competition for the award especially strong. However, their site ultimately won by a clear margin.

“This discovery is truly exceptional,” he said. “The level of preservation is unlike anything we normally encounter, which makes it remarkable.”

He added that the find has attracted massive attention. “It’s been a whirlwind. We receive multiple inquiries every day, both from within Norway and internationally. The experience has been very unusual,” Åstveit said.

Archaeologists also found a wooden oar decorated with carved ornamentation.

A one-of-a-kind discovery

Archaeologist Erik Kjellmann, who led this year's Norwegian Archaeology Meeting (NAM), believes the find won the award because of its exceptional nature.

“Never before in Norway have such well-preserved remains of what appears to be a wooden trapping facility been uncovered,” he said.

Kjellmann emphasized that the materials already recovered offer enormous potential for new insights, and that the remaining ice likely conceals even more discoveries.

“Finds like this capture the imagination and excitement of archaeologists, which probably contributed to its recognition,” he explained.

He also highlighted the extraordinary state of preservation. “The objects displayed at NAM looked as if they were made yesterday. Wood usually doesn’t survive well in soil, but ice creates near-perfect conditions for preserving materials over thousands of years,” Kjellmann said.

The road ahead

Project leader Leif Inge Åstveit shared that the team plans to continue with a dating program, analyzing tree rings in the wood to determine the exact age of the facility and the season when the trees were felled.

“Other trapping facilities have been found in the mountains before, but they were all built from stone, leaving very little for archaeologists to study. Finding organic material like this opens up an entirely new set of possibilities,” he said.

Archaeologists Found 6,000-Year-Old Artifacts Under One of England’s Most Hallowed Buildings

This stuff is older than Stonehenge.

What You’ll Discover in This Story:

Archaeologists working at the Palace of Westminster have uncovered artifacts spanning 6,000 years of history.

The team found stone tools dating back to around 4300 B.C.E., suggesting the area was once home to a community of hunters and fishers. More than 60 flint tools were recovered, including one carefully shaped item that may date to the late Mesolithic period.

The Palace of Westminster, one of London’s most iconic buildings and home to the Houses of Parliament, sits atop this historically rich site. The discoveries were made as part of a three-year archaeological investigation led by the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority. Researchers drilled 14 trial pits and 10 geoarchaeological boreholes, including in areas historically used for industrial activity.

Artifacts found across the site cover multiple periods: a medieval leather boot and shoe soles about 800 years old; fragments of elaborately decorated clay tobacco pipes likely used by stonemasons after the 1834 fire; a Roman altar piece more than 2,000 years old; a 14th–15th-century lead badge shaped like a flowering heart, commonly used as a seal or on wedding rings; a 19th-century five-pint beer jug; a medieval floor tile; and a stone crucible used to heat lead, possibly for crafting window frames in the medieval palace.

These discoveries reveal the rich, layered history beneath one of London’s most famous landmarks.

National Trust seeks funds for site of Britain’s largest chalk figure

The National Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to secure £330,000 for the purchase and ongoing care of a 138-hectare site surrounding the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset.

Covering an area roughly equivalent to 190 football pitches, this acquisition would allow the conservation charity to take full ownership of the landscape around Britain’s largest chalk figure, which it has managed since 1920.

More than £2 million has already been raised through grants and bequests, with the remaining funds being sought from public donations to complete the purchase.

The Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset.

The acquisition aims to ensure the long-term care of Giant Hill and its surrounding landscape, which contains several nationally significant monuments.

Hannah Jefferson, General Manager for West Dorset & Cranborne Chase, explained: “Research indicates the Giant dates back to the Early Medieval Period (770–1100 AD), while the surrounding area has been significant to humans for thousands of years, with activity traced as far back as 4300 BC.”

The site includes The Trendle, mysterious earthworks of unknown origin and purpose, as well as a Bronze Age burial mound and Iron Age settlement features, including house platforms.

Archaeologist Steve Timms said the acquisition “will allow us not only to manage the land appropriately, but also to explore the development of settlement and ritual activity across the area over several millennia.”

Jefferson added: “There is potential to create new walking routes, play spaces, and interpretive experiences that connect the monuments here, inspired by the unique character of the place. We want to collaborate with organizations and people who care about the Giant, beginning by understanding what the local community wants from the landscape.”

The appeal is supported by Sir Stephen Fry and National Trust Ambassador Sean Fletcher. A Crowdfunder prize draw offers ten donors and their guests the chance to take part in the Giant’s re-chalking event in 2026, with the first 500 entries receiving a limited-edition pin badge.

The fundraising campaign runs until the end of January 2026. Donations received after this date or after the target is met will go toward habitat creation, site enhancements, and improved access, developed in consultation with the local community.

In Turkey, ancient carved faces shed new light on Neolithic society

On the windswept hills overlooking Turkey's vast southeastern plains, new archaeological discoveries are revealing how life might have looked 11,000 years ago when the world's earliest communities began to emerge.

The archaeological site of Karahan Tepe in southeastern Turkey is shedding new light on our understanding of the earliest human settlements.

Neolithic Insights from Karahan Tepe Excavations

Recent discoveries at Karahan Tepe include a stone figurine with stitched lips, carved stone faces, and a black serpentinite bead featuring expressive faces on both sides. These artifacts provide new clues about Neolithic beliefs and rituals.

“The growing number of human sculptures reflects the shift toward settled life,” said Necmi Karul, the lead archaeologist at Karahan Tepe. “As communities became more sedentary, people gradually distanced themselves from nature, placing the human figure and human experience at the center of their worldview.” He highlighted a human face carved onto a T-shaped pillar as a key example.

The excavation is part of Turkey’s government-backed “Stone Hills” project, launched in 2020 across 12 sites in Şanlıurfa province. Culture Minister Nuri Ersoy has described the region as “the world’s Neolithic capital.”

The project also includes the UNESCO World Heritage site Göbekli Tepe—known as “Potbelly Hill” in Turkish—which contains the oldest known megalithic structures in Upper Mesopotamia. Excavations at Göbekli Tepe were first initiated by the late German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in 1995.

Lee Clare of the German Archaeology Institute, commenting on some of the new finds displayed at Karahan Tepe’s visitor centre, said the discoveries challenge long-held assumptions about humanity’s transition from nomadic hunter-gatherers to early settlements. “Every building we study offers a glimpse into someone’s life. Each layer we excavate brings us closer to understanding an individual—we can almost connect with them through their remains. These finds provide insights into their belief systems,” he explained.

A pillar and a human statue are among the artifacts offering clues about Neolithic life.

Understanding Prehistoric Life at Karahan Tepe

Over the past five years, excavations at Karahan Tepe and other sites have produced “a remarkable amount of data,” according to archaeologists involved in the project.

However, fully understanding these prehistoric societies remains challenging. “We don’t have any written records, obviously, because it’s prehistory,” said Lee Clare, who has worked at Göbekli Tepe since 2013.

Identifying the individuals represented by statues or figurines is likely impossible, given they date to “a period before writing, around 10,000 years ago,” explained Necmi Karul, who also leads the dig at Göbekli Tepe and coordinates the Stone Hills project. Nevertheless, as the number of discoveries grows and archaeologists learn more about the contexts in which they appear, it becomes possible to perform statistical analyses and make meaningful comparisons.

The settlements began emerging after the last Ice Age, Karul added. “The changing environment created fertile conditions, allowing people to feed themselves without constantly hunting. This, in turn, supported population growth and encouraged the development and expansion of permanent settlements in the area,” he said, pointing to the early signs of a highly organized society.

Once communities started producing surpluses, there was wealth and poverty a 'slippery slope' leading toward the modern world, says Lee Clare of the German Archaeology Institute.

Emerging Social Structures in Neolithic Communities

As settlements became more permanent, new social dynamics began to take shape, explained Lee Clare. “Once people produced a surplus, distinctions between rich and poor appeared,” he said, highlighting early signs of social hierarchy. “What we are seeing here marks the beginning of that process. In many ways, it’s a step along the path toward the modern world.”

The ongoing excavations are reshaping our understanding of the Neolithic period, with each site contributing uniquely to the scientific record. Emre Guldogan of Istanbul University, lead archaeologist at the nearby Sefer Tepe site, noted that Karahan Tepe and the broader Stone Hills project reveal “a highly organized society with its own symbolic world and belief systems,” challenging older notions of a “primitive” Neolithic era.

“These communities shared certain traits, yet they also developed distinct cultural differences,” Guldogan added, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of early settled life.

Archaeologists say they are seeking to better understand the finds, which date to a period before writing, around 10,000 years ago.

Human and Animal Symbolism Across the Stone Hills

At Karahan Tepe, human symbolism is prominent, whereas at Göbekli Tepe, animal imagery dominates. Archaeologists suggest that these differences reflect how each community chose to represent their living environments.

“Every new discovery raises fresh questions about the people behind these creations,” said Emre Guldogan.

The recent finds have also increased the region’s appeal beyond its traditional religious significance. Previously known mainly as the area where Abraham is believed to have settled a figure revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam the Stone Hills sites now attract a broader spectrum of visitors.

“Before excavations began at Karahan Tepe and other sites, the area mainly drew religious tour groups,” explained tourist guide Yakup Bedlek. “Now, with the emergence of new archaeological zones, a more diverse mix of tourists is visiting the region.”

Traces of Tlatelolca remains unearthed in Mexico City

Aztec-Era Domestic Structure Unearthed in Tlatelolco

Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have uncovered a domestic structure containing three human burials, a stone tlecuil, and a significant collection of Aztec III–style ceramics. The findings are associated with Late Postclassic Tlatelolca settlements dating from 1325 to 1521.

The Tlatelolca were a Nahuatl-speaking group originally part of the Mexica who settled in central Mexico in the 13th century. They later separated from the Mexica and established Mexico-Tlatelolco as an altepetl, or city-state. After the Battle of Tlatelolco in 1473, the city was incorporated into Tenochtitlan and required to pay tribute every eighty days.

The domestic structure was excavated along Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas in the Guerrero neighborhood, near the Tlatelolco Archaeological Zone.

Project director Jimena Rivera Escamilla noted that studies have identified evidence of three distinct periods of Mexica and Tlatelolca occupation at the site. One of the most notable findings is the absence of lakebed deposits in the area, which provides new insights into the local environment during the period of settlement.

Insights into Ancient Tlatelolco Settlement and Burial Practices

The findings indicate the presence of stable ground during the Late Postclassic period, providing valuable clues about the boundaries of the ancient islet and the settlement zones between Tlatelolco and Tenochtitlan.

To study the area’s stratigraphy, archaeologists opened nine exploratory trenches, each measuring two metres per side, along with a test pit and a 3.85-metre-deep well. These investigations revealed 24 distinct layers of clay, reflecting multiple phases of human occupation and terrain modification.

The three burials correspond to the most recent occupation phase, while earlier layers contained traces of walls, floor fragments, and the stone tlecuil.

Archaeologists note that the tlecuil, together with spindle whorls, bowls, multicoloured obsidian blades, figurines, and a seal depicting a monkey associated with the wind god Ehécatl, indicates that the structure functioned as a domestic household for a family of moderate social standing.

The burials themselves are notable: one is a young infant, placed face-up in an oval pit with offerings including a Texcoco-style biconical cup and animal bones; the second is a newborn; and the third is a young adult positioned in a foetal posture.

Major dig at Poland’s new airport unearths trove dating back 7,000 years

7,000-Year-Old Archaeological Finds Discovered at Poland’s New Airport Site

Archaeologists excavating the greenfield site for Poland’s new international airport, located west of Warsaw, have uncovered a wealth of artifacts dating back as far as 7,000 years.

Among the discoveries are flint and stone tools from the Neolithic Age (c. 5200–1900 BC), as well as ceramic vessels, elaborate metal ornaments, weapons, household items, and coins spanning the Bronze Age (c. 2300–700 BC) through the Middle Ages.

The team has also uncovered semi-sunken dwellings, refuse pits, furnaces, and hearths, offering a detailed glimpse into the everyday life of past communities.

The excavation, which began in October 2023, is scheduled to continue until the end of 2026, when large-scale land leveling will commence for the airport.

The new airport will serve as the central hub of Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), Poland’s ambitious multi-modal transportation overhaul, which includes roads and 2,000 km of high-speed railways.

Archeologists found flint and stone artefacts from the Neolithic Age and ceramic vessels, metal ornaments, weapons, household items, and coins from the Bronze Age (c. 2300–700 BC) through to the Middle Ages.

Poland’s New Airport Site Reveals Rich Archaeological Finds

Archaeologists working at the greenfield site for Poland’s new international airport have uncovered flint and stone artifacts from the Neolithic Age, along with ceramic vessels, metal ornaments, weapons, household items, and coins dating from the Bronze Age (c. 2300–700 BC) through to the Middle Ages.

The airport, located approximately 50 km west of Warsaw, is part of a major infrastructure project designed to ensure that all major Polish cities are no more than 2.5 hours away by travel. The facility is scheduled to open in 2032.

“This is an exceptional area in archaeological terms,” said Joanna Gawrońska, Senior Inspector at the Mazovian Provincial Heritage Protection Office in Warsaw. “Research areas are being opened here and often extended due to the large number of finds. This is an important field of scientific study for us.”

Dariusz Kuś, a member of the CPK management board, added: “We make every effort to examine all areas where traces of human activity may still exist before major construction begins. All finds are part of our national heritage.”

Scheduled to open in 2032, the Foster + Partners and Buro Happold-designed airport will anchor the broader CPK project, which aims to overhaul transportation in Poland with the airport, highway upgrades and 2,000km of high-speed rail.

Preserving History at Poland’s New Airport Site

“Looking to the past is not only about recovering fragments of centuries-old pottery, but above all about uncovering fascinating stories and protecting our shared legacy,” said officials involved in the excavation.

The artifacts will undergo a range of interdisciplinary analyses, including dendrochronology, X-ray imaging, radiocarbon (C14) dating, and anthropological research. Conservation treatments will also be applied to preserve the objects.

Following these studies, the finds will be transferred to museums as directed by the Mazovian Provincial Heritage Conservator, ensuring their protection and accessibility for future generations.

Wildcat in the Burren: Prehistoric feline find is first for Ireland

5,500-Year-Old Wildcat Discovery Sheds Light on Ireland’s Prehistoric Wildlife

The recent discovery of a 5,500-year-old wildcat in a cave in Co Clare provides new insights into Ireland’s prehistoric animal populations. While archaeologists have long believed wildcats were present in Ireland in prehistoric times, it is only now that definitive evidence has been found.

The bones, dating to the Neolithic period, were uncovered during excavations in Glencurran Cave, located in the Burren region of Co Clare. Atlantic Technological University’s Dr. Marion Dowd explained on an ATU podcast that the cave has been a hub of human and animal activity for thousands of years. During the Bronze Age, the site was used as a ritual space where people left offerings. Bears also lived in the cave at one point, and around a thousand years ago, humans inhabited it. Even today, goats continue to live there.

Over several years of excavation, the research team led by Dowd uncovered more than 35,000 animal bones, including those from bears, wolves, cattle, foxes, pigs, ducks, dogs, and cats. Zooarchaeologist Margaret McCarthy oversaw the analysis of the animal bones to identify different species.

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast radiocarbon dated the 39 cat bones discovered and confirmed they are over 5,500 years old. “Little by little we started radiocarbon dating some of the bones and when we radiocarbon dated the cat, we were really surprised to get such an early date. That was very exciting,” said Dowd.

Marion Dowd.

Ancient DNA Confirms European Wildcat in Prehistoric Ireland

The research team initially suspected the cat bones belonged to a wildcat but needed ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis for confirmation. Professor Claudio Ottoni and his team at the University of Rome Tor Vergata conducted the sequencing and verified that the Glencurran cat was a European wildcat, distinct from modern domestic cats (Felis catus) and Near Eastern wildcats (F. lybica lybica).

The analysis revealed that the Glencurran wildcat was a male and part of an ancient European lineage, closely related to wildcats from Italy and Spain, rather than the modern Scottish population. “This is the first time we can say with certainty that European wildcats lived in prehistoric Ireland. It transforms what we thought we knew about Ireland’s ancient wildlife,” said Dr. Marion Dowd.

According to Dowd, the Glencurran wildcat represents a much older, wilder lineage than today’s domestic cats. While similar in size and appearance to domestic cats, European wildcats are a distinct species. They favor forest habitats, are mostly solitary and nocturnal, and were once widespread across Europe. Populations declined sharply from the 1700s onward due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic cats.

The discovery raises questions about how wildcats first arrived in Ireland. Were they brought by early Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, or did they come later with Neolithic farmers? How long did they survive before going extinct, and why are prehistoric cat remains so rare? “We simply don’t know when wildcats arrived in Ireland or when they vanished,” said Dowd.

Medieval writers mention wildcats in Ireland, though these may have been feral domestic cats, and confusion with the pine marten known in Irish as cat crainn, or “cat of the trees” is common. Dowd emphasized that radiocarbon dating and analysis of cat bones from other prehistoric Irish sites are needed. Studying all available remains could reveal how wildcats reached Ireland, how they lived, and when and why they disappeared from the landscape.

Hidden Engineering Beneath the Minoan World: Archanes Palace Reveals a Landslide Defense System 3,700 Years Ahead of Its Time

Minoan Engineers Built Secret Wall to Protect Palace from Landslides

During the 2025 excavation season at the Palace of Archanes—one of Crete’s most intriguing Minoan sites—archaeologists made a surprising discovery. A peculiar, slanted wall in the palace’s central courtyard, long considered a mere architectural curiosity, was revealed to be part of a sophisticated protective system designed to shield the complex from potentially devastating landslides.

The Greek Ministry of Culture announced the find, highlighting the advanced engineering skills of the Minoans during the Middle Bronze Age. The discovery shows that Archanes’ architects achieved a level of planning and technical expertise comparable to the renowned palaces of Knossos and Phaistos.

A Wall That Defied Explanation for Decades

For years, researchers were puzzled by the skewed, inward-leaning wall. Made from unshaped, irregular stones and seemingly closing off a section of the courtyard, it appeared crude and inconsistent with the refined Minoan architectural style. Scholars debated its purpose: Was it a later addition, a makeshift barrier, or a failed experiment?

The 2025 excavation finally answered these questions. Geological analysis showed that the palace sits beneath a steep rock face prone to rockfalls. The slanted inner wall was a concealed retaining structure designed to absorb impacts and stabilize the slope above.

Engineering Meets Aesthetics

Although the inner wall served a critical structural function, its rough appearance did not align with Minoan standards of beauty. To maintain the visual harmony of the courtyard, architects built a second, outer wall using carefully carved porous stone blocks. This elegant outer layer matched the palace’s architectural style, concealing the inner wall while allowing it to perform its protective role silently.

Reconstruction of the Sacred Gate in the palace of Archanes.

New Insights into a Long-Occupied Ritual and Administrative Center

Excavations along the upper levels of the double wall uncovered layers containing abundant Mycenaean pottery, including kylikes, as well as traces of later activity. These discoveries confirm that Archanes remained in use long after the palace’s final destruction around 1450 BC. The site’s enduring occupation is well documented: it was first damaged by an earthquake around 1700 BC, subsequently rebuilt, and continued to flourish until the mid-15th century. Afterward, Mycenaean and later occupants continued to utilize the area.

In the southeastern part of the excavation, archaeologists revealed a new passage connecting the Central Courtyard to the palace’s easternmost rooms. This space is divided by stone slabs, including one large trapezoidal block that once held a parapet later destroyed by a Mycenaean wall.

A Rare Ritual Find

The most remarkable object discovered is a naturally shaped stone exhibiting subtle anthropomorphic features. Found on a floor where it had fallen from an upper level, the stone likely belonged to a cultic installation. Researchers suggest it formed part of a “fetish shrine,” a ritual corner similar to those found at Knossos. Such shrines, featuring natural stones considered animate or divine, provide rare insight into the intimate religious practices of Minoan households and palaces.

The easternmost part of the excavation and the central entrance of the palace with the quadruple amphikylon altar.

Reconstructing the Palace’s Elite Quarters

Recent research from the 2023–2025 campaigns reveals that the northern sector of the Palace of Archanes once housed a luxurious, multi-story elite wing. Excavations uncovered a complex network of interconnected rooms, adorned with fresco fragments, gypsum door jambs, and mortar-coated walls. Floors made of schist slabs still display their characteristic Minoan decorative borders—raised mortar strips framing each slab—a feature found across Crete but exceptionally well preserved at Archanes.

These findings suggest that the palace was designed not only for administrative and ceremonial purposes but also as a high-status residence. Architectural sequencing confirms a three-story structure, supporting the view that Archanes served as a secondary palace closely linked to Knossos.

A Palace Hidden in Plain Sight

Archanes holds a unique place in Minoan archaeology. The palace lies beneath the modern town, specifically in the Tourkogeitonia district, making excavation challenging and often fragmentary. Early in the 20th century, Sir Arthur Evans identified signs of monumental Minoan structures here, noting wall surfaces and a large circular aqueduct. He also attributed nearby elite grave goods, now in the Ashmolean Museum, to this area.

It was only through detailed surveys examining the basements of modern houses and mapping surviving walls that the palace’s core was accurately located. This work showed that earlier researchers had been searching in the wrong place for Evans’s so-called “summer palace.” What they discovered instead was far more significant: a major Minoan palatial center featuring architectural innovations not seen elsewhere on Crete.

Clay head of a female figure with traces of red pigment.

Engineering, Ritual, and Resilience

The recently uncovered landslide-protection system adds a new dimension to the story of Archanes. It shows that Minoan architects not only constructed monumental buildings but also incorporated advanced strategies to manage geological risks. At Archanes, functional engineering and aesthetic ideals coexisted perfectly hidden inner walls absorbed destructive forces, while the visible façades preserved the palace’s elegant appearance.

As the 2025 excavation season comes to a close, the Palace of Archanes stands out as a site where ritual practice, elite living, and innovative engineering intersect. The slanted double wall, once considered an oddity, is now recognized as a remarkable example of Minoan ingenuity a quiet reminder that behind the civilization’s celebrated artistry lay a sophisticated understanding of the natural world and the architectural skill to master it.

Early Humans Mastered Plant Processing 170,000 Years Ago, Challenging the Paleolithic Meat-Eater Myth

Learn how our human ancestors survived and thrived during climate shifts not by eating more meat, but by mastering plant processing.

A millstone once used to grind grain, not associated with this study.

Rethinking the Paleolithic Diet: Early Humans and Plant Foods

For a long time, our ancient human ancestors have been thought of primarily as meat-eaters, relying on hunting animals as their main source of sustenance. This “Paleolithic carnivore” image has been widely accepted by both the public and some scientific communities—and has even inspired modern diet trends.

However, a recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Research challenges this idea. The research suggests that processed plant foods played a crucial role in the diets of early humans, providing essential nutrients and calories that allowed humans to survive and thrive across diverse and changing environments.

“This ability to process plant foods allowed humans to unlock key calories and nutrients and to thrive in a wide range of global environments,” the study notes.

The Paleo Diet: Fact vs. Fiction

Traditionally, the Broad Spectrum Revolution has been considered the period when humans expanded their diets beyond a few staple foods. According to this hypothesis, pressures like population growth and environmental instability pushed humans to diversify their diets, setting the stage for the eventual development of agriculture.

The new study proposes an alternative explanation, called the broad-spectrum species hypothesis. This idea suggests that humans have always been capable of creating a diverse diet based on available resources, rather than being forced into it by external pressures.

Researchers also argue that the use of processed plant foods extends far earlier than previously thought, playing a key role in human evolution and helping shape the flexibility and adaptability that define our species.

How Early Humans Processed Plant Foods

The “Paleolithic meat-eater” image persisted partly because animal remains are easier to detect in the archaeological record. Yet growing evidence shows that early humans processed plant foods long before the rise of agriculture.

Archaeological finds from around the world reveal that our ancestors were grinding wild seeds, pounding and cooking starchy tubers, and detoxifying bitter nuts thousands of years before farming began. Plant macrofossil analyses indicate that early humans employed diverse processing techniques such as cooking, peeling, roasting, pounding, and extracting fats. These methods allowed them to extract nutrients, enhance flavor, and improve digestibility.

Even earlier evidence of thermal processing of plant foods—dating back as far as 170,000 years ago—has been discovered at early human and Neanderthal sites across Africa, Southwest Asia, and parts of Europe.

The Evolutionary Impact of Processed Plant Foods

The study concludes that the ability to process plant foods was critical to the evolutionary success of humans. Far from being hyper-carnivores, early humans were dietary generalists who adapted to environmental changes and cultural innovations with remarkable flexibility.

“Our species evolved as plant-loving, tool-using foodies who could turn almost anything into dinner,” the research emphasizes, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans.

Bizarre Skull Discovery Illuminates Previously Unknown Ancient Ritual

Bizarrely Shaped Skull Reveals Ancient Deformation Practices

Archaeologists in the northern Huasteca region have uncovered the skull of an adult male over 40 years old, dating back to the Mesoamerican Classic period between 400 and 900 A.D. The site, now known as the Balcón de Montezuma archaeological zone in Tamaulipas, provides compelling evidence of intentional cranial deformation rituals. Physical anthropologist Jesús Ernesto Velasco González confirmed that the skull exhibits a “tabular erect” deformation, characterized by a flat superior plane that gives it a distinctive, almost cube-like shape.

“This form, known as tabular superior, creates a polyhedral appearance in the cranium,” González explained. “The compressive plane extends from the lambda over the occipital angle to the sagittal suture of the parietals, giving the head a more squared shape, unlike the conical modifications typically seen elsewhere.”

Similar Deformations Across Regions

Comparable cranial modifications have been identified at El Zapotal in Veracruz and in several ancient Mayan communities. However, the degree of deformation differs, initially suggesting potential migration or cultural exchange between El Zapotal populations and those in northern Huasteca. To investigate, researchers conducted stable oxygen isotope analysis of collagen and bone bioapatite from another individual in the region. The results showed that the person had not traveled outside the Sierra Madre Oriental, ruling out direct mobility from El Zapotal or southern regions.

This evidence indicates that the practice spread through cultural networks rather than migration. Researchers believe that cranial deformation was a marker of social status, used by elites to distinguish themselves from other members of society. Often, headdresses or other adornments were worn to further emphasize the skull’s shape.

Insights Into Ancient Cultural Networks

The discovery challenges previous assumptions about how cultural practices spread in ancient Mesoamerica. Despite the vast distances between communities, similar cranial deformation techniques appeared across regions, highlighting the influence of long-distance cultural connections. These findings reveal the sophistication of social structures and the symbolic use of physical appearance to convey identity and status in ancient societies.

Archaeologists Unearth Sacrificial Necropolis with Cache of Relics

Necropolis Unearthed in the Ural Mountains

Archaeologists working in the Southern Ural Mountains have uncovered an enormous sacrificial site filled with more than 100 bronze objects, gold jewelry, and rare horse-related equipment once used by nomadic elites in the 4th century B.C. The discoveries were made this summer by the Ural Archaeological Expedition. According to experts, this is the largest early nomadic necropolis ever found in the region.

The items were uncovered in a shallow circular pit and included several complete bridle sets featuring iron bits, horn fittings, and metal cheek-pieces known as psalia. Researchers also found iron girth buckles, pieces of bridle harnesses, and an assortment of bronze and bone ornaments. In total, the site yielded 100 major objects and around 500 smaller decorative pieces.

Among the most striking discoveries were 12 flat, circular plaques adorned with complex dotted designs and depictions of swastikas, birds, and mythical creatures artwork rarely seen in this region.

Artifacts Reveal Unique Ritual Practices

Several finds, including a ceremonial wooden bowl with silver fittings, boar jawbones, and fragments of a ceramic vessel, suggest the necropolis played a role in highly specific funerary and post-burial rituals. Based on the objects and their context, researchers estimate that these ritual activities took place from the late 4th century to the early 3rd century B.C. a time when nomadic elites dominated the Southern Ural steppe.

Many of the objects uncovered particularly the plaques and pieces of horse equipment are unlike anything previously found in the area. Archaeologists noted that these items were used by the region’s wealthiest and most influential individuals and show clear links to artifacts discovered at sites in the North Caucasus, the Don region, and the Northern Black Sea. According to experts, the distribution of these objects highlights the wide-reaching cultural networks that connected Iron Age nomadic societies throughout the Eurasian steppe.

The Role of Poison in Ancient Politics

Deadly Substances, Power Struggles, and the Shadowy Side of History

Poison was one of the most discreet and effective tools in ancient political life. Unlike open warfare or public trials, poisoning operated in secrecy—allowing rivals to eliminate threats quietly and without the chaos of rebellion. Across empires, it shaped the rise and fall of leaders, altered royal bloodlines, and influenced decisions made behind palace doors. Its silent nature made it a preferred weapon in environments where trust was fragile and power was constantly shifting.

Rome: A Culture Fearful of Poisoning

In the Roman world, fear of poisoning became woven into the daily lives of senators, generals, and emperors. Political rivals sometimes turned to toxins when traditional methods failed. High-profile poisoners, such as Locusta, became infamous for supplying lethal concoctions to those seeking an advantage.

Many emperors lived in perpetual paranoia. They hired food-tasters, commissioned personal antidotes, and avoided certain dishes altogether. Even household servants were treated with suspicion. Rumors of poisoning surrounded numerous imperial deaths, including those of Claudius and Britannicus, illustrating how deeply Rome associated poison with political maneuvering.

China: Intrigue Behind Palace Walls

In imperial China, poison was frequently tied to court intrigues—especially within the palace, where competition among concubines, princes, and ministers could determine the future of the empire. The struggle for succession made royal households particularly dangerous. A single cup of tea or a bowl of rice could become a lethal threat.

Women in the palace, who wielded influence but lacked public authority, were sometimes portrayed as using poison to secure power for themselves or their children. Eunuchs, who controlled access to the emperor, were also key players in poisoning scandals. Historical records mention mysterious deaths, sudden illnesses, and accusations of “silent killing,” revealing how poison became part of China’s political fabric.

Egypt: Quiet Assassinations and Court Secrets

In ancient Egypt, where the pharaoh was seen as a divine ruler, open rebellion was rare—making poison an effective alternative for those who sought power without challenging authority directly. Some royal deaths described in historical texts appear sudden and unexplained, fueling speculation that poison was used to resolve disputes within the ruling class.

Court officials, heirs to the throne, and high-ranking nobles could become targets during moments of political instability. Because the Egyptians were skilled in herbal medicine, they likely understood both the healing and harmful properties of plants—knowledge that could be used for protection or for deadly plots.

The Science and Countermeasures of Poison

Understanding poison became a specialized field. Physicians, alchemists, and herbalists studied toxins to protect rulers from assassination. Antidotes, such as the famous mithridate, were developed and refined. Some rulers routinely consumed small doses of poison to build tolerance, believing this practice made them harder to kill.

This scientific knowledge created a unique power structure: those who understood poison whether to administer or cure it—held immense influence. Their expertise could sway political outcomes just as effectively as soldiers or diplomats.

The Hidden Hand That Shaped History

While battles, treaties, and conquests dominate historical narratives, poison operated in the background, quietly altering the course of empires. Many political transitions, once attributed to fate or illness, may have been the result of secret plots carried out with calculated precision.

The legacy of ancient poisoning remains a reminder that political power was not only contested on the battlefield but also at banquets, within royal chambers, and in the private spaces where ambition met opportunity. Silent, secretive, and impossible to trace, poison left an indelible mark on the ancient world—reshaping dynasties from the shadows.

The Secret Tunnels of the Knights Templar

Fact, Legend, and the Hidden World Beneath Templar Strongholds

The Knights Templar were known for their military strength, wealth, and mystery. One enduring legend involves the secret tunnels beneath their castles and headquarters.

Real Tunnels Discovered by Archaeologists

Some Templar sites contain verified underground passages. These tunnels may have been used for secure movement, storage, or emergency escape routes during sieges.

Myth, Treasure, and Conspiracy

Popular legends claim the Templars hid sacred relics or treasure in underground chambers. Although no such treasure has been confirmed, these stories reflect the Templars’ reputation for secrecy.

Strategic and Practical Purposes

Tunnels provided:

• covert pathways during attacks

• hidden storage for documents or supplies

• protected communication routes

Their presence highlights the Templars’ sophisticated engineering and military planning.

A Blend of Truth and Mystery

Some tunnels are archaeologically verified; others remain part of folklore. Together, they contribute to the Templars’ enduring mystique.

The Discovery of the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

An Anglo-Saxon Treasure That Redefined Early Medieval History

The Sutton Hoo ship burial, discovered in England in 1939, is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe.

An Astonishing Discovery

Inside the remains of a massive ship, archaeologists uncovered armor, weapons, jewelry, coins, and ceremonial objects. The craftsmanship showed a high level of sophistication, challenging the stereotype of the “Dark Ages” as a time of decline.

Who Was Buried There?

The identity of the buried figure remains debated. Many scholars believe it was an Anglo-Saxon king, possibly Rædwald of East Anglia. The lavish burial goods indicate a powerful and respected leader.

What the Burial Reveals

The artifacts show far-reaching trade connections, artistic skill, and a fusion of pagan and Christian symbolism. Sutton Hoo demonstrates that early medieval England was culturally rich, connected, and innovative.

A Glimpse into a Lost World

The ship burial transformed our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society, revealing a complex and vibrant culture.

The Role of Pirates in Ancient Civilizations

How Seafaring Raiders Shaped Trade, Warfare, and Diplomacy

Piracy is as old as seafaring itself. In the ancient world, pirates raided ships, disrupted trade, and sometimes even influenced political decisions.

Mediterranean Pirates: A Constant Threat

The Mediterranean Sea was filled with merchant ships carrying valuable goods. This made it an ideal hunting ground for pirate groups like the Cilician pirates, who became so powerful that Rome eventually launched massive military campaigns to stop them.

The Sea Peoples and Early Maritime Raids

Before classical piracy, mysterious groups known as the Sea Peoples attacked Mediterranean cities, threatening major powers like Egypt. Their origins remain debated, but their raids marked a turning point in ancient maritime warfare.

Pirates as Mercenaries and Allies

Ancient powers sometimes hired pirates for military purposes. Greek city-states employed them for naval battles, and some rulers used pirate alliances to gain political advantage.

Economic and Political Impact

Piracy influenced shipbuilding, naval strategy, and international law. Ancient societies developed better fleets, coastal defenses, and maritime agreements as a response to pirate activity.

A Shadowy but Influential Presence

Although feared, pirates helped shape the ancient maritime world, forcing civilizations to innovate and cooperate.

The Story of Gilgamesh: The World’s First Epic

An Ancient Tale of Friendship, Mortality, and the Search for Meaning

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of humanity’s oldest literary masterpieces, offering a deep reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu: A Bond That Changed a Hero

The story follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk, a powerful but flawed ruler. When the gods create Enkidu, a wild man, the two become unlikely companions. Their adventures—slaying monsters and challenging fate—reveal themes of bravery and loyalty.

The Search for Eternal Life

After Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh begins a journey to overcome mortality. He meets wise figures, faces trials, and learns that human life is precious precisely because it is limited.

Themes That Transcend Time

The epic explores:

• leadership and responsibility

• friendship and grief

• fear of death

• the pursuit of legacy

These universal themes keep the story relevant across cultures and centuries.

A Rediscovered Treasure

Lost for millennia, the epic was uncovered through cuneiform tablets in the 1800s. Its discovery reshaped our understanding of ancient literature and human storytelling.

The Influence of Mesopotamian Myths on Later Religions

How Ancient Stories Shaped Beliefs Across the World

Mesopotamia, often called the “cradle of civilization,” produced myths that influenced later religious traditions across the Near East and beyond.

Creation Stories with Familiar Patterns

Many Mesopotamian myths describe gods shaping the world from chaos—an idea echoed in later religious texts. Stories of divine battles, sky gods, and earth goddesses appear in later cultures with striking similarities.

The Great Flood Narrative

One of the most famous Mesopotamian stories is the flood epic found in the Epic of Gilgamesh. This narrative predates similar flood stories in later religions and shares elements such as divine anger, a chosen survivor, and the building of a vessel to preserve life.

Shared Themes and Possible Influences

Mesopotamian mythology introduced concepts such as:

• gods judging human behavior

• the afterlife as a shadowy realm

• cosmic order maintained by divine beings

• heroic quests shaping moral lessons

Many of these ideas appear in later traditions, suggesting a cultural exchange created through trade, migration, and political contact.

A Foundation Beneath Later Belief Systems

While each religion developed its own identity, Mesopotamian stories helped shape the symbolic and narrative vocabulary of the ancient world.

The Role of Astrology in Babylonian Society

How the Babylonians Turned the Stars into a System That Shaped Civilizations

Astrology interpreting the heavens to understand life on Earth was not invented for personal horoscopes. In ancient Babylon, it was a serious science linked to religion, agriculture, and the fate of kingdoms.

The Birth of Celestial Observation

Babylonian priests were among the first people to systematically record the positions of stars and planets. They believed the sky was a message board where gods communicated warnings, blessings, and signs. Clay tablets show centuries of detailed records, making Babylon one of the earliest centers of astronomical knowledge.

Astrology’s Role in Decision-Making

Kings relied heavily on astrologers. Before major decisions going to war, building temples, or approving laws they consulted experts who read omens in the sky. The movement of Venus, eclipses, and planetary alignments were believed to influence everything from harvests to political stability.

Ordinary people also depended on astrology for guidance, especially in farming, rituals, and medicine.

Influence on Later Civilizations

Babylon’s astrological system spread far beyond Mesopotamia. Greek scholars expanded it, Romans practiced it widely, and Islamic astronomers refined its mathematical foundations. Much of modern astrology, including the zodiac, traces its roots to Babylonian star lore.

A Legacy Written in the Stars

The Babylonians did not simply watch the sky—they interpreted it. Their work laid the foundation for astronomy and astrology, shaping the spiritual and scientific traditions that followed.

1034. The History of the First Written Peace Treaty

How Egypt and the Hittites Ended a War and Created a Model for Diplomacy

The Treaty of Kadesh is the oldest surviving written peace treaty, created after years of conflict between two ancient superpowers: Egypt and the Hittite Empire.

A War That Needed a Resolution

The Battle of Kadesh, fought around 1274 BCE, was one of the largest chariot battles ever recorded. Both sides claimed victory, but neither gained true control. After decades of tension, both empires faced threats from rivals and internal issues, making peace essential.

Crafting the First Known Peace Agreement

The treaty outlined shared borders, mutual support in case of foreign attacks, and the promise not to harbor fugitives. It was a remarkable step toward organized diplomacy.

Two versions of the treaty exist:

• The Egyptian version carved in hieroglyphs.

• The Hittite version written in cuneiform.

Each version presents the treaty in a slightly different tone, reflecting ancient propaganda and political pride.

Why the Treaty Matters Today

This document shows that ancient civilizations valued peace, negotiation, and international cooperation. A replica of the treaty is displayed at the United Nations to symbolize early global diplomacy.

A Landmark in Human Negotiation

The Treaty of Kadesh demonstrates that even in a world dominated by warfare, people sought stability through agreements—not just force.

The Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan

A Monument That Reveals the Secrets of Ancient Egyptian Engineering

At a quarry in Aswan lies one of the most fascinating monuments of ancient Egypt not because it stands tall, but because it was never completed. The Unfinished Obelisk offers a rare glimpse into how Egyptians carved, shaped, and prepared enormous stone monuments.

A Grand Ambition in Stone

Commissioned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, the Unfinished Obelisk was intended to be the tallest and heaviest obelisk ever created. If completed, it would have weighed more than 1,000 tons. Instead, it remains attached to the bedrock where artisans began shaping it thousands of years ago.

Why the Obelisk Was Abandoned

During the carving process, ancient workers discovered deep cracks running through the granite. These flaws made it impossible to safely lift and transport the monument. Rather than risk disaster or waste resources, the workers abandoned the project entirely.

This decision preserved a unique archaeological treasure: a snapshot of stone-carving techniques frozen in time.

What the Obelisk Reveals About Ancient Technology

The unfinished structure shows clear tool marks, drill holes, and channels, demonstrating how workers used dolerite stone hammers to chip away at the granite. It also suggests a highly organized workforce capable of planning massive projects with precision.

The site offers proof that ancient Egyptians possessed advanced engineering knowledge even without steel tools or modern machinery.

A Monument to Human Skill and Limits

The Unfinished Obelisk stands as a testament to Egyptian craftsmanship, ambition, and practicality. Though never raised to the sky, it continues to teach us about the techniques behind some of Egypt’s most iconic monuments.

The Role of Puppetry in Ancient Theaters

How Greece, Rome, and China Brought Stories to Life Through Strings, Shadows, and Ingenious Craft

Puppetry is often associated with children’s entertainment today, but in the ancient world, puppets were powerful storytelling tools used in ceremonies, festivals, and theater. Greece, Rome, and China each developed unique forms of puppetry that captivated audiences with movement, voice, and illusion.

Puppetry in Ancient Greece: Small Figures with Big Stories

Ancient Greek theater is famous for its actors and masks, yet puppets also played a key role in public entertainment. Known as “neurospasta,” these small articulated figures were controlled with rods or strings and used in side performances, comedic acts, and traveling shows.

Greek puppeteers amazed audiences with clever mechanical tricks, making puppets dance, fight, or mimic everyday life. While marble theaters hosted tragic performances, the streets and festivals were alive with miniature dramas performed by skilled hands.

Roman Innovation: Mechanized Puppets and Public Shows

Rome expanded on Greek puppetry, introducing more elaborate designs and mechanical ingenuity. Some Roman puppets were operated using gears and levers, creating lifelike gestures that delighted spectators. These puppets appeared in religious festivals, banquet entertainment, and sometimes in small theaters where humorous plays were performed.

In some cases, Roman writers described puppet shows as mirrors of society, using humor and movement to comment on politics, daily life, and human nature—much like modern satire.

China’s Rich Puppetry Traditions: Shadows, Strings, and Spirit

China developed some of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated puppetry traditions. Shadow puppetry emerged during the Han dynasty, with performers using translucent leather figures to cast colorful silhouettes against lit screens. These shows often depicted historical legends, heroic stories, and folk tales.

China also developed intricate marionettes puppets controlled by multiple strings that could perform dances, act out battles, and express emotion through detailed movement. Puppetry was not just entertainment; it was tied to ritual, education, and cultural identity.

A Shared Legacy of Art and Imagination

Across these ancient civilizations, puppetry served as a bridge between storytelling and artistry. Whether moving across a Greek stage, entertaining Roman banquets, or dancing on Chinese screens, puppets allowed performers to explore stories that actors could not. This early theatrical craft left behind a legacy still alive in global puppetry today.