Ancient Buddhist Site Unearthed in Kashmir’s Baramulla District Highlights Region’s Kushan-Era Past

Archaeologists in Jammu and Kashmir have discovered a 2,000-year-old Buddhist complex in Zehanpora village, Baramulla District, offering fresh insights into the Kashmir Valley’s early Buddhist history and its links to the broader Gandhara culture.

Announced after systematic excavation and survey work in 2025, the site revealed Buddhist stupas, monastic buildings, and urban-style settlement remains dating mainly to the Kushan period (1st–3rd centuries CE). The findings have gained national attention, with India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, calling it a “proud moment” that highlights Kashmir’s rich historical heritage.

Located on farmland along the Jhelum River, the site had long been marked by low mounds known to locals. While these features had occasionally attracted scholarly interest, their importance only became clear after recent technological and archival research.

Officials say a breakthrough came when century-old, blurred photographs in a French museum archive were identified, showing three Buddhist stupas in the Baramulla region. During a monthly radio address, Prime Minister Modi noted that these “rare pictures… helped researchers connect the dots and confirm the historical importance of Jehanpora.”

Subsequent drone surveys and aerial mapping confirmed that the Zehanpora mounds were manmade. Excavations revealed apsidal stupa foundations, monastic cells, pottery shards, copper artifacts, and stone walls, with layouts closely matching Gandharan Buddhist architectural styles.

The dig was a joint effort by the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums (DAAM), Jammu and Kashmir, and the University of Kashmir, with approval from the Archaeological Survey of India. Onsite work was led by assistant archaeology professor Mohammad Ajmal Shah under the supervision of DAAM director Kuldeep Krishan Sidha.

Excavation assistant Javaid Ahmed Matto described the discovery as “a matter of pride,” noting that both archaeological and literary sources, including accounts by the seventh-century Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, had long indicated Buddhism’s presence in Kashmir. Matto added that all recovered artifacts—pottery, copper items, and stone walls—belong to the Kushan period, and further stupas are expected to be unearthed.

Scholars say the Zehanpora findings firmly place Kashmir within the Gandhara Buddhist network, which connected regions of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India through trade, pilgrimage, and monastic exchange. Harmeet Singh Soodan, head of the Political Science Department at Government Degree College, Katra, noted that the complex’s scale and layout suggest sustained patronage over centuries, supporting historical references to Kashmir as a center of Buddhist learning.

Buddhism is thought to have arrived in Kashmir during the Mauryan period under Ashoka (r. 268–232 BCE) and expanded notably under the Kushan dynasty. The Kushans, whose empire stretched from Central Asia through the Kashmir Valley to the Gangetic plain, actively promoted Buddhism, trade, and urban development.

Officials say the Zehanpora site may also be linked to the ancient Kushan capital of Huvishkapura, highlighting Baramulla’s historic role as a gateway between Kashmir and the Gandhara region.

“Jehanpora’s rediscovery reinforces Kashmir’s historic place as a confluence of civilizations,” an official involved in the project stated. “It establishes Kashmir’s Buddhist heritage that was long overshadowed by more familiar historical narratives.”

With additional excavation planned, researchers believe the site could significantly reshape understanding of Kashmir’s ancient past and its role in the transregional networks of early Buddhism.

Horrifically Disfigured Skeleton Known As “The Prince” Was Likely Mauled To Death By A Bear 27,000 Years Ago

The occupant of one of the most elaborate Paleolithic burials may have died in one of the most excruciating ways known to humans. Nicknamed “Il Principe” (“The Prince”), the teenage boy interred in the grave likely succumbed a few days after a large predator—probably a bear—maimed his face and chest.

Discovered in 1942 in the Arene Candide Cave in northern Italy, the burial dates to 27,900–27,300 years ago, during the Gravettian period of the Upper Paleolithic. Alongside the badly damaged skeleton, archaeologists found numerous luxurious grave goods, including hundreds of pierced shells, carved antlers, mammoth ivory pendants, and a flint blade, which may have symbolized prestige.

Once considered a sign of high social status, the grave earned the adolescent his royal nickname. However, his injuries—smashed collarbone, a large hole in his jaw, fractures to the skull, teeth, neck, and a punctured fibula—reveal a far more harrowing story. Researchers note that the trauma resembles patterns seen in modern car accidents but, in this prehistoric context, is more consistent with a large animal attack.

Alternative explanations, such as a fall or interpersonal violence, are unlikely, as the pattern of damage does not match those scenarios. The team suggests the injuries were probably inflicted by a brown bear, cave bear, leopard, or cave lion, with bears fitting the evidence most closely. Remarkably, the bones show early healing, indicating the boy survived two to three days after the attack, suggesting that major arteries were not severed. He likely died from organ failure, internal bleeding, or severe brain trauma.

The researchers propose that the extravagant grave goods may reflect a “ritual sanctioning” of the traumatic event rather than social rank. In other words, Il Principe may not have been of high status but was given an elaborate burial as part of a ritual response to his suffering. This theory aligns with patterns seen in other lavish Gravettian burials, which frequently involve individuals with unusual injuries or disfigurements.

“This pattern supports the hypothesis that formal burial was granted to ritually contain and acknowledge ‘exceptional events and exceptional people,’” the authors write.

An Ancient Portal to the Underworld Was Found in Denver

Looters stole this 2,700-year-old hell gate. Now, it’s back where it belongs.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this story:

Originally stolen in the early 20th century, a “portal to the underworld” depicting the Olmec jaguar god Tepeyollotlicuhti was returned to Mexico in May 2023. Because looters had broken the statue into multiple pieces, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) spent a year restoring it to its original form.

The statue’s return followed decades of effort by archaeologists and officials combating antiquities trafficking. Sometime in the early 1900s, looters took a 2,700-year-old Olmec artifact—a six-by-five-foot Cave Mask, also called Portal al Inframundo, depicting Tepeyollotlicuhti with flaring eyes and a gaping mouth.

Originally from Chalcatzingo in Morelos, a region known for Olmec art and iconography, the stolen statue passed through various U.S. museums and private collections before reaching Denver in 2023. Authorities from New York City’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit eventually secured the artifact, and within months it was returned to Mexico.

“This remarkable, ancient piece offers a rare glimpse into Olmec society,” said New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Like many looted antiquities, the Cave Mask was broken into several pieces to ease smuggling.”

According to INAH, the statue had been broken into 25 fragments. Restoration experts have been carefully working on it in situ to ensure structural stability and a coherent visual presentation.

Rare Roman-Era enamelled fibula found near Grudziądz

A rare enamelled fibula discovered near Grudziądz is being celebrated as only the second of its kind found in Poland.

The Grudziądz Fortress Association uncovered the artefact during a routine metal-detector survey. Association president Patryk Budziński recalled the moment the team realized they had found something extraordinary and promptly informed the Voivodeship Conservation Authority.

Earlier surveys in the area had revealed Roman ceramics, several fibulae, a cosmetic spoon, fragments of belt pendants, a spur, a hair ornament, a Teutonic coin, and a Scythian spearhead. This diverse collection indicates a multicultural settlement near the historic Amber Road, a major trade route linking the Baltic to the Roman world.

While the newly discovered brooch is still being studied, researchers are cautiously comparing it to a similar fibula found in a child’s grave at the barrow cemetery in Babi Dół-Borcz in the Somonino commune.

The site, studied from 1978 to 2015 by teams from Jagiellonian University and the University of Łódź, is linked to the Wielbark culture, associated with the arrival of Goths from Scandinavia in the early centuries AD.

The Babi Dół-Borcz fibula is a 3.3-centimetre circular disc with a central knob, decorated with alternating white and blue enamel and a red enamel ring at its centre. The Grudziądz fibula is very similar, though slightly larger and with 12 protrusions instead of eight.

Enamelled brooches like these were produced across the Roman provinces, especially in Gaul and Rhaetia, from the late first to mid-second century AD. Often worn by girls, they likely functioned as ornaments, toys, or protective amulets.

All artefacts have been secured, reported to the Provincial Conservation Office, and will eventually be displayed at the Museum in Bydgoszcz.

New Models Reveal If Neanderthals and Modern Humans Ever Met on the Iberian Peninsula During the Old Stone Age

Travel back about 100,000 years to Paleolithic Europe, and Neanderthals were building fires, making jewelry, and hunting mammoths.

Neanderthals dominated Europe for hundreds of thousands of years, but between roughly 50,000 and 38,000 years ago, anatomically modern humans began expanding into the region. Neanderthal populations then sharply declined, eventually becoming extinct.

A new study in PLOS One examines potential interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens on the Iberian Peninsula during the Old Stone Age. Researchers built a human dispersal model to simulate encounters under different climatic conditions. “By linking climate, demography, and culture, our dynamic model offers a broader framework to interpret archaeological and genomic data,” said Gerd-Christian Weniger from the University of Cologne.

The Middle to Upper Paleolithic Transition saw dramatic climate swings, with short warming periods, long cooling periods called Dansgaard-Oeschger events, and sudden cold snaps known as Heinrich events. Evidence shows modern humans and Neanderthals met and interbred in parts of Eurasia, contributing 1–4 percent of DNA in non-African populations. However, fossil evidence for interactions on the Iberian Peninsula is scarce.

To address this, researchers ran computer simulations testing scenarios for Neanderthal extinction. Lead author Yaping Shao explained that repeated simulations allowed assessment of early Neanderthal extinction, small populations at high risk, or prolonged survival that could enable mixing.

Most simulations suggested no contact occurred between Neanderthals and modern humans in Iberia. By the time modern humans arrived, Neanderthals were likely declining and confined to coastal refuges. The Heinrich Event 5 (~48,000 years ago) likely accelerated their extinction. Only about 1 percent of scenarios suggested limited interaction, producing a small population (2–6 percent) with mixed genes, probably in northwestern coastal areas like Cantabria, where modern humans may have arrived around 42,000 years ago.

The team plans to refine the model by adding factors such as prey availability, which could affect population stability and spread. They conclude that the approach offers a powerful alternative for studying human origins and dispersal, complementing traditional archaeological and genomic research.

Archaeologists Are Using Lasers to Clean Decades of Grime Off a Towering 1,800-Year-Old Marble Column in Rome

Standing 154 feet tall, the column of Marcus Aurelius is located in the Piazza Colonna and intricately decorated with gruesome scenes of warfare

Built between 180 and 193 C.E., the column depicts the battles of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, with more than 2,000 highly detailed figures spiraling around the shaft.

For decades, restorers have relied on small brushes and gentle tools to clean historic landmarks, but now some are turning to high-tech methods like lasers.

In Rome, conservators are using short-pulse lasers to clean the Column of Marcus Aurelius, a 154-foot-tall Carrara marble monument in the Piazza Colonna outside the prime minister’s residence. Built between 180 and 193 C.E., the column has been restored only a few times, most recently in the 1980s, and this project marks a new approach.

Working from scaffolding around the column, restorers use hand-held lasers to deliver concentrated bursts of heat, lifting decades of smog and grime from the marble. Traditional methods complement the lasers, including sponges, water, chemical wraps, and plaster applied with spatulas to repair gaps. The team also plans to refurbish the spiral staircase that leads to the top, providing panoramic views of the city. The entire project is expected to cost about $2.3 million, funded through European Union post-pandemic recovery loans and grants.

The column features a detailed spiral relief depicting Emperor Aurelius’ battles, with more than 2,000 figures—from soldiers and horses to gods and prisoners. The dramatic scenes include women being grabbed and enslaved, offering vivid insights into Roman life and warfare. Researchers note that the frieze provides almost photographic detail of the Roman army and society.

Aurelius appears multiple times along the column, which spirals 23 times. The original statue of Aurelius was replaced with St. Paul by Pope Sixtus V in 1589. Figures near the top are larger than those at the bottom, guiding viewers through the story scene by scene, according to restorer Valentin Nitu.

What Actually Is Fire? The Answer Is Stranger Than You'd Think

Fire is an ancient technology that has played a key role in human evolution. Early humans relied on it for protection, cooking, and food preservation. People gathered around fires to tell stories, share traditions, and strengthen social bonds.

In the modern world, fire remains a vital industrial tool and is still deeply embedded in everyday life and rituals, such as blowing out candles on a birthday cake.

Just as it did millions of years ago, fire continues to shape landscapes, with the ability to both destroy and renew entire ecosystems. Although fire is very familiar, it can be surprisingly difficult to define. So what exactly is fire?

Let’s start with a simpler question.

What are the components needed for fire?
To start a fire, three elements are required: fuel (a material that can burn), oxygen, and an initial source of heat or spark. This combination is known as the fire triangle. Fuel and oxygen can also be referred to as “reactants,” while the initial heat is called “activation energy.”

In the case of a bushfire, organic materials such as wood act as the fuel. Oxygen is present in the air, and the activation energy may come from sources like lightning or human activity.

If one of these elements is removed, the fire cannot continue burning. Bushfires can be extinguished by removing heat, such as by pouring water on the flames. The water turns into steam, which also helps smother the fire by pushing away oxygen. Fuel may be consumed by the fire itself or deliberately reduced beforehand through hazard-reduction or cultural burning practices.

Fire can be hard to define.

Fire is essentially a chemical reaction called combustion, not a form of matter. Its main products are energy, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, though incomplete burning—like in a bushfire—can also produce soot, tiny partially burned carbon particles. The warmth we feel comes from energy radiating as heat, while the hot gases rise, carrying glowing soot that forms the visible flames. Flames extend beyond what we see, emitting invisible light like infrared as they rise and cool.

Fire is not a solid, liquid, or gas. While flames consist of hot gases, they only exist while the fire is burning and cannot be contained like CO₂ or water. Fire is also not plasma, though the hottest parts of intense fires can contain weak, ionised regions. Plasma requires a stable soup of charged particles, which fire does not maintain.

What makes fire unique is that it is a process—a chemical reaction—rather than a physical substance. Visible, oxygen-fuelled flames like those on Earth are rare in the universe. Earth’s stable supply of oxygen, produced by life, is what makes fire possible here. As far as we know, fire in this form only exists on our planet.

3,000 BC find takes archaeologists by surprise

Near Lincoln, archaeologists have uncovered a 5,000-year-old axe head along with the remains of Roman buildings.

While excavating along the planned route of the North Hykeham Relief Road, the team discovered evidence of a previously unknown Roman dwelling near Bracebridge Heath.

Chris Clay of Allen Archaeologist Ltd, overseeing the project, said, “We expected this to be a Roman site, and that’s what we found, but there are also indications of much earlier activity dating back to around 3,000 BC.”

The excavation began in October 2025 and is scheduled to finish in early 2026, in an area set to be developed for the new £208m bypass.

Roman walls and a fragment of a Roman column have also been uncovered in several pits in a farmer’s field near the A607.

Mr. Clay said the team had found thousands of pieces of Roman pottery, along with dozens of personal items such as brooches, bracelets, and hairpins.

He added that the discoveries suggest the presence of Roman homes outside the city, “much like the large houses we see in affluent suburbs today.”

“We’re only a mile or two from Lincoln, one of the most important towns in Roman Britain, and the site offers amazing views over the Witham Valley. This could well have been a country residence for a wealthy, high-status Roman family,” he said.

Archaeologists believe the building remains are from a house belonging to a wealthy Roman family

One of the most remarkable discoveries at the site, he said, was a highly polished Neolithic stone axe head, still retaining its razor-sharp edge, dating back around 3,000 years before Roman Britain.

“This is a high-status object and wouldn’t have been used for chopping trees; it was far too valuable,” he explained.

“Perhaps the site served as a gathering place for communities during special events. It’s also very likely that the axe head was exchanged or traded as a prized item.”

A Roman hair pin made of bone is one of the many artefacts that have been uncovered

Ian George, from Lincolnshire County Council, said the Roman remains are providing new insights into life beyond the town.

“We know a lot about Roman Lincoln, but very little about the surrounding landscape and how people used it. This is helping to fill in that picture,” he explained.

He added that the survival of the axe head was “remarkable,” noting, “We know so little about Neolithic Lincolnshire.”

Construction of the road is expected to begin in early 2026. The artefacts will be given to Lincoln Museum, and the building remains will be covered by the new road after the evidence has been recorded, the council said.

Fort dig reveals glimpse into Roman daily life

Archaeologists are now three years into a five-year excavation at a Roman fort.

Earlier this year, the dig made headlines when eight unusually large shoes, each at least 30 cm (11.8 in) long—roughly a UK size 13–14—were uncovered at Magna Roman Fort in Northumberland. By comparison, only four or five shoes of this size have been found among the 5,000 discovered over 55 years at the nearby Vindolanda settlement in Hexham, according to Roman archaeology specialist Dr. Elizabeth Greene.

These oversized shoes were not the only significant finds of the year. One of the standout discoveries, according to archaeologist Rachel Frame, was a silver ring featuring a hare engraved on its gem.

“Archaeology isn’t always about the flashy finds,” she explained, “but then you have moments where you think, ‘wow, this is not something you see every day in your career.’

The team still do not know how old the inscribed ring is

Ms. Frame noted that after cleaning, the ring looked like something you could purchase in a jewelry store today and wear right away.

However, she added that it is still too soon to determine the ring’s precise history, as the team has yet to date the specific layers of soil where it was found.

“It’s one of the major research questions we’re looking to answer,” she said.

Hairpins are evidence that women spent time at the forts as well

Another discovery at the site included several hairpins crafted from animal bone.

Ms. Frame explained that these pins provide additional evidence that women and children also lived at Roman forts.

“Roman soldiers typically didn’t have long hair to style in elaborate ways,” she said.

“You can picture someone using a pin to secure their hair while working… it’s lovely to get these small insights into daily life.”

Roman soldiers may have used counters to gamble,

“I can tell this was a shoulder blade, but I don’t know why it’s full of holes,” she explained.

The team later determined that the bone had likely been used to make game counters.

“Romans used counters like this for different games and gambling,” she said.

Ms. Frame added that the person who made them was probably crafting them for themselves and their friends.

“It’s a small but fascinating glimpse into everyday life, rather than the usual image people have of Hadrian’s Wall,” she said.

Türkiye digs uncover ancient olive oil industry in Syedra

Archaeological digs at Syedra, an ancient city in Antalya’s Alanya district on Türkiye’s southern Mediterranean coast, have uncovered significant evidence of large-scale olive oil production, shedding light on the city’s economic importance in antiquity.

Excavations have identified over 100 olive oil workshops across the nearly 3,000-year-old settlement, suggesting that Syedra was a major production center rather than producing oil solely for local use. The work is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Heritage for the Future Project,” led by Associate Professor Ertuğ Ergürer of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Monday, Ergürer noted that the findings point to intensive production activity. “Through excavation, we have uncovered nearly 20 workshops and identified more than 100 throughout the city. This indicates that olive oil production in Syedra operated on a very large scale,” he said.

Syedra shows traces of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Anatolian Seljuk periods and features a developed urban plan with structures such as a stadium, theater, baths, council building, water systems, cisterns, and colonnaded streets. Interestingly, olive oil workshops are often found within the city, frequently beneath residential buildings.

“This is unusual, as production facilities are typically outside city walls,” Ergürer explained. “Here, nearly every building has a workshop below it, showing how central olive oil production was to urban life in Syedra.”

In 2024, archaeologists uncovered a well-preserved olive oil workshop on the southwestern street of the city, with most architectural features and storage vessels remaining in their original positions. After documentation and conservation, the site was partially restored to illustrate ancient olive oil production methods to visitors.

Experts believe the city’s production exceeded local demand. According to Ergürer, olive oil was likely exported through nearby Mediterranean ports. “The number of workshops far surpasses what the local population would need, indicating production was intended for external markets,” he said.

Dutch defense bomb disposal team dismantles record 3,438 explosives in 2025

In 2025, the Dutch Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team dismantled a record 3,438 explosive devices, a 40 percent increase from the 2,455 handled in 2024.

Most of the neutralized items were conventional explosives, such as bombs and shells leftover from World War II. The rise in cases is partly due to numerous construction and archaeological projects across the Netherlands that frequently uncover old ordnance.

In 264 incidents, the EOD responded to situations involving heavy fireworks, like Cobras, which were used in criminal activities including attacks on homes and businesses. Reports of serious fireworks incidents tend to spike around New Year’s and during clashes within organized crime.

A major operation occurred at Deelen Air Base, where 14 high-explosive bombs and thousands of shells were cleared from a former drop zone over a two-month period at the end of 2025. The explosives were mostly unexploded British and American ammunition left from World War II, with a large portion safely detonated at the airbase on December 11, 2025.

While the EOD typically carries out over 2,500 ordnance clearances each year, 2025 was unusually busy. The team operates around the clock, handling incidents on land as well as in and under water.

Following strict safety protocols, they transport, disarm, or deliberately detonate explosives, often working in coordination with law enforcement and local authorities.

Earliest known coin minted in Scotland acquired for the nation

The earliest known coin minted in Scotland – almost 900 years ago – has been acquired for the nation after it was found by a metal detectorist.

The medieval David I silver coin was discovered in a wooded area near Penicuik, Midlothian, and has now been allocated to National Museums Scotland (NMS) by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel.

King David I of Scotland, who reigned from 1124 until 1153, introduced the country’s first coinage.

It had been thought all his earliest coins were created in a mint in Carlisle, Cumbria, which he took control of in the 1130s.

But the coin found by the metal detectorist bears an inscription showing it was minted in Edinburgh.

Alice Blackwell, senior curator of medieval archaeology and history at NMS, said: “This coin was minted in the name of King David I who ruled Scotland from 1124 to 1153, and David introduced the first coinage minted in Scotland.

The coin bears an inscription showing it was minted in Edinburgh

The earliest known coin minted in Scotland – almost 900 years ago – has been acquired for the nation after it was found by a metal detectorist.

The medieval David I silver coin was discovered in a wooded area near Penicuik, Midlothian, and has now been allocated to National Museums Scotland (NMS) by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel.

King David I of Scotland, who reigned from 1124 until 1153, introduced the country’s first coinage.

It had been thought all his earliest coins were created in a mint in Carlisle, Cumbria, which he took control of in the 1130s.

But the coin found by the metal detectorist bears an inscription showing it was minted in Edinburgh.

Alice Blackwell, senior curator of medieval archaeology and history at NMS, said: “This coin was minted in the name of King David I who ruled Scotland from 1124 to 1153, and David introduced the first coinage minted in Scotland.

“Scotland had never produced coinage before. Any coins that are found in Scotland before this date have been minted elsewhere, whether that’s Roman Age coinage or Viking Age coinage, or medieval coinage. So he produced Scotland’s first coinage.

“Until this discovery, all of David’s first, earliest coinage was minted in Carlisle.

“This coin is really significant because it’s the first of that earliest type, the earliest coins to actually have been minted outside of Carlisle.

“It was minted in Edinburgh, so it’s the first time that we have Scottish coinage being minted in what was a core part of the Scottish kingdom.”

David I later lost control of Carlisle.

The coin found in Midlothian has been dated to the second half of the 1130s. It has a portrait of the monarch’s head on one side and a cross-based design on the other.

The discovery will help experts expand their understanding of how and where coins were minted in medieval times.

Dr Blackwell said: “What makes this really significant is that until we found this, we thought all of David’s first coinage was produced in Carlisle because there are virtually no documentary sources that explain how coinage was produced, where, when, why things changed, why the designs changed, any of that.

“There’s very, very little documentary sources for that for Scotland. So the coins themselves are the primary source.

“This is the first time that we can see this very early minting of coinage in Edinburgh.”

Dr Blackwell said the first Scottish coins are quite rare and the discovery of another has the potential to increase understanding about how the first coinage was produced and how it began to be used in Scotland.

Later in the reign of King David I, coins were minted in places including Perth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Roxburgh in the Scottish Borders.

As well as introducing Scotland’s first coinage his reign included the foundation of royal burghs such as Perth, Dunfermline and Stirling, and the reorganisation of civil institutions.

It is thought the coin found near Penicuik was simply dropped accidentally by someone passing by in medieval times.

The coin was found in 2023 by a metal detectorist who reported it to Treasure Trove as required by law, and it was allocated to NMS in autumn 2025.

It was valued at £15,000, which was paid to the finder as a reward by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, having been paid to the Crown by NMS.

The coin will be used for research but it is hoped it will go on display in future.

Kelso: Housing development stalled during pandemic now approved

A housing project in Kelso that was delayed due to the pandemic is now moving forward again.

Back in 2019, Scottish Borders Council approved planning permission in principle (PPP) for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of 11 new homes on the former D M Wallace and Sons Ltd site on Bowmont Street.

However, the approval was never implemented after Covid-19 halted construction activity and created uncertainty in the housing market, particularly for smaller developments.

The site has since been acquired by Gilbert Developments, which has now secured a renewal of the planning permission. In a report recommending approval, SBC assistant planning officer Euan Calvert explained: “Demolition is considered acceptable in this case as the proposals involve the removal of unlisted buildings that do not contribute to the architectural or historic value of the townscape.

“The industrial units and former shop add little positive character to the conservation area.

“There will be no negative impact on residential amenity as a result of the demolition. Effects relating to daylight, sunlight, shadowing, and overlooking from the proposed housing development will not have an adverse impact on nearby residents.”

A report linked to the original application noted: “The approval was never carried out due to a combination of factors, including the fact that permission was granted only months before Covid-19 brought global activity to a halt.

“Confidence in this type of small, complex brownfield development was severely affected, as the site is too limited for major developers and generally too large for smaller independent companies.

“Gilbert Developments Ltd later purchased the site, which until recently was occupied by a garage repair and sales business.

“That lease has now ended, and the intention is to reinstate the PPP approval initially. This will allow demolition works to begin and enable the completion of required site investigations, including archaeological and contamination assessments, before submitting a further application covering the detailed design and layout of the housing scheme.

Massive Medieval Cog Ship Discovered off Denmark: The ‘Emma Maersk’ of the Middle Ages

An extraordinary archaeological find has been uncovered off the coast of Copenhagen: a 600-year-old shipwreck now identified as the largest cog ship ever discovered. Researchers estimate that the vessel was capable of carrying as much as 300 tons of cargo, making it a significant landmark in maritime history.

The ship, named Svælget 2, lay untouched for around six centuries at a depth of 13 meters in the Øresund Strait. Marine archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, including Otto Uldum, expressed great enthusiasm over the discovery. Historian Cecilie Nielsen of DR TV described it as “the medieval equivalent of the Emma Maersk,” comparing it to today’s massive cargo ships.

An Exceptional Find

Excavating Svælget 2 required 289 dives conducted over more than two and a half years. Archaeologists were able to recover and study the ship’s hull, which remains remarkably intact from keel to deck due to the way it sank sideways in deep water. Such preservation is rare for medieval cogs, which are typically found in broken sections closer to shore.

The team also uncovered remains of the forecastle and aftcastle—small crew shelters—providing rare insight into shipbuilding techniques of the 15th century. Everyday objects such as shoes, a comb, a cooking pot, and a wooden tray were also found, offering glimpses into life aboard the vessel.

Designed for Trade

During the Middle Ages, cogs like Svælget 2 were widely used in Northern Europe and were well suited for long voyages with relatively small crews. Unlike earlier ships that mainly transported luxury goods in limited quantities, cogs allowed for the large-scale movement of materials such as timber, bricks, and food. Svælget 2 was constructed using planks imported from Poland, while its framework came from Dutch wood, reflecting the extensive trade connections of medieval Europe.

The ship measured about 28 meters long, nine meters wide, and six meters high. With an estimated cargo capacity of 300 tons, it stands as the largest cog ship found so far. According to Uldum, the vessel demonstrates how everyday goods were traded in large volumes and how merchants built increasingly bigger ships to transport them more efficiently.

The world’s largest: At the bottom of the sea off Copenhagen, marine archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum have excavated and recovered a massive medieval trading ship. It has now been identified as the largest of its kind ever found.

A Vessel Designed for Profit, Not Durability
Notably, Svælget 2 was never intended to endure for long periods. Archaeologists observed that many of its planks were of average quality, with some already cracked during the building process. Ships like this were constructed for rapid financial return, often earning back their cost after just one or two trips. Uldum pointed out that by the 15th century, ship construction, seafaring, and trade functioned as well-structured commercial enterprises, supported by organized financing systems that made such ventures profitable.

Cultural and Historical Importance
The discovery provides important insight into medieval Scandinavian seafaring life. The ship featured a stone-lined cooking area, suggesting that crew members were able to prepare warm meals on board—an uncommon detail rarely preserved in similar discoveries. In addition, the recovered objects and building methods offer a clear glimpse into commerce and everyday life in the Øresund area during the rule of Queen Margrethe I.

For Denmark, the find highlights the nation’s long-standing position within European trade routes. “The methods used to transport goods during the Middle Ages formed the basis of today’s logistics and trade systems in Northern Europe,” said Cecilie Nielsen. “It’s striking how these practices still echo in modern commerce, even though the goods themselves have changed.”

Preservation and Public Access
At present, the Svælget 2 shipwreck is undergoing careful conservation at the National Museum in Brede. At the same time, the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde has launched a dedicated exhibition that highlights marine archaeology and showcases the vessel. The complex recovery process including the striking moment when the ship’s keel was cut and lifted was recorded in the DR TV documentary series Gåden i Dybet (“The Mystery in the Deep”), allowing audiences to see the detailed and demanding work involved in bringing the wreck to the surface.

This exceptional discovery not only deepens knowledge of medieval ship construction and commercial activity but also helps modern audiences connect with Denmark’s seafaring past, showing how centuries-old shipwrecks can still transform our understanding of history.

The Rituals of the Ancient Druids

Druids were the intellectual and spiritual leaders of ancient Celtic societies. Serving as priests, judges, healers, and advisors, they held immense authority. Their rituals were deeply tied to nature, seasonal cycles, and sacred landscapes such as forests, rivers, and stone circles.

Much of what we know about druidic rituals comes from Roman writers, who described ceremonies involving offerings, chants, and astronomical observation. Druids believed that natural forces were alive and infused with spiritual power. Oaks, mistletoe, and fire were especially sacred elements in their ceremonies.

Although Roman conquest suppressed druidism, its influence endured through folklore and later Celtic traditions. Modern interpretations of druidic practices continue to inspire spiritual movements focused on nature reverence and ecological harmony.

The Lost Civilization of Tartessos

Tartessos remains one of the most mysterious civilizations of ancient Iberia. Flourishing between roughly 1200 and 500 BCE, it was known to Greek writers as a wealthy land rich in metals, especially silver. Tartessos likely developed through interaction with Phoenician traders who established coastal colonies.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Tartessos had advanced metallurgy, trade networks, and a complex social structure. Lavish burial goods and metal artifacts indicate a prosperous elite class. However, much about their language, religion, and political organization remains unknown.

The sudden disappearance of Tartessos has fueled speculation. Some scholars suggest environmental disasters, while others point to political collapse or invasion. Despite its disappearance, Tartessos played a crucial role in connecting Mediterranean and Atlantic trade networks, influencing later Iberian cultures.

The Iron Age in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Iron Age in Sub-Saharan Africa marked a major technological and social transformation. Unlike other regions, African ironworking developed independently rather than being borrowed from the Near East. Cultures such as the Nok in present-day Nigeria pioneered early iron smelting as early as 1000 BCE.

Iron tools revolutionized agriculture by allowing forests to be cleared more efficiently and crops to be cultivated on a larger scale. This led to population growth, settlement expansion, and the rise of complex societies. Iron weapons also changed warfare, giving communities better means of defense and conquest.

The Bantu migrations spread ironworking knowledge across central and southern Africa. Along with metallurgy, people carried language, farming techniques, and cultural traditions. Iron production became deeply tied to ritual and spirituality, with smelting often viewed as a sacred act. These innovations shaped African civilizations long before European contact.

The Ancient Dyes and Colors Industry

Color held immense symbolic and economic value in the ancient world. Civilizations developed advanced techniques to extract dyes from plants, insects, and minerals, transforming textiles into markers of status, power, and identity. Producing vibrant colors required specialized knowledge, making dyers highly skilled artisans.

One of the most famous ancient dyes was Tyrian purple, derived from sea snails by Phoenician craftsmen. The process was labor-intensive and expensive, making purple garments exclusive to royalty and elites. Similarly, indigo was extracted from plants in India and Egypt, while red dyes came from madder roots and crushed insects like cochineal.

Colors were not merely decorative; they carried cultural meaning. White symbolized purity in many societies, red represented power or sacrifice, and blue was associated with divinity or protection. The dye industry fueled long-distance trade networks and stimulated technological innovation. These ancient color traditions continue to influence art, fashion, and symbolism today.

The First Known Peace Treaties

Early peace treaties represent humanity’s first attempts to regulate conflict through diplomacy rather than endless warfare. In Mesopotamia and the Near East, warfare between city-states was common due to competition over land, water, and trade routes. As societies became more complex, rulers realized that written agreements could stabilize borders and secure long-term prosperity. These treaties often followed destructive wars and were meant to prevent future bloodshed.

One of the earliest known treaties dates back to around 2500 BCE between the Sumerian city-states of Lagash and Umma. This agreement defined territorial boundaries and was sanctioned by the gods, showing how religion reinforced political obligations. Violating the treaty was believed to bring divine punishment, making the agreement morally binding as well as legally enforced.

Later peace treaties became more formalized, especially in the Bronze Age. They included clauses about mutual defense, extradition of fugitives, and trade relations. These documents reveal that ancient diplomacy was highly sophisticated and recognized the importance of cooperation. The tradition of treaty-making laid the foundation for international law and modern diplomatic practices.

The Origins of the Samurai

The samurai emerged in Japan as elite warrior classes during the late Heian period. Initially hired to protect landowners, they gradually gained political power as central authority weakened.

Samurai culture emphasized loyalty, discipline, and honor. These values later became formalized in the code of bushidō, which stressed duty to one’s lord and moral integrity.

Early samurai were skilled archers and horsemen before swordsmanship became dominant. Their rise transformed Japanese warfare and governance.

Over time, the samurai became both military leaders and cultural icons, shaping Japan’s history for centuries.