Public talk in Oswestry explores archaeological findings

A decade of archaeological discovery will be explored at a public talk.

Professor Henry Chapman from the University of Birmingham’s Department of Archaeology will speak in Oswestry about excavations at The Berth near Baschurch, carried out by the university’s Field School over a ten-year period.

The talk, hosted by the Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group (OBHAG), will take place on Friday, January 9 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall on Castle Street.

John Pryce-Jones, chairman of OBHAG, said: "the Berth is very important site, a mixture of marshy peatland and open pasture, including an Iron-Age fort – a marsh fort rather than a hill fort – and raised trackways.
"Now that these extensive excavations have been concluded, it will be fascinating to hear what Professor Chapman’s thoughts are on this site".

OBHAG welcomes new members and visitors to its monthly talks.

7,500-Year-Old Stone Seal Discovered at Tadım Höyük in Türkiye

Archaeologists working at Tadım Castle and Höyük in Elazığ, eastern Türkiye, have uncovered a stone seal believed to be around 7,500 years old — a discovery that sheds new light on the deep cultural history of the Upper Euphrates Basin and confirms the region as one of Anatolia’s earliest settlement centers.

The excavations, carried out under the coordination of the Elazığ Museum Directorate and the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Governorship of Elazığ, form part of the national “Heritage for the Future Project.” The multi-layered mound at Tadım Höyük has revealed cultural remains stretching from the Ottoman and Seljuk eras back to the Neolithic period.

A Unique Artifact Linked to Identity, Ownership, and Early Social Organization

Governor Numan Hatipoğlu emphasized the exceptional nature of the seal within the context of discoveries made so far at Tadım Höyük.

“Among the finds unearthed in Tadım Village, we discovered a stone seal unlike anything previously seen in our city,” Hatipoğlu said. “It is believed that this seal may have been associated with ownership, property marking, or an early form of identity. Research is ongoing. This discovery indicates that civilization in our region dates back to approximately 7500 BCE. All of these finds show that Elazığ has been a settlement center since ancient times.”

The stone seal is currently preserved at the Elazığ Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, where specialists are conducting detailed analysis to better understand its function, symbolism, and possible administrative role within prehistoric society.

Year-Round Conservation and Expanding Excavations
Excavations at Tadım Castle and Höyük continue year-round, with the Elazığ Museum Directorate leading conservation, restoration, analysis, and documentation efforts. The project advances scientific research while promoting cultural tourism and awareness of regional heritage.

Elsewhere in Elazığ—including Harput Castle, Palu Castle, and Salkaya village—archaeologists have made notable discoveries. Among the latest finds are a Roman bath identified via ground-penetrating radar and a mosaic depicting animals, adding to the city’s rich archaeological record. Plans are underway to expand excavation areas, improve visitor facilities, and enhance accessibility for cultural tourism in future seasons.

Governor Hatipoğlu highlighted that preserving these discoveries strengthens both historical understanding and local identity. “As we continue working layer by layer, we expect even more significant archaeological outcomes for our province,” he stated.

The unspoiled village between Darlington and Newton Aycliffe

Blink as you drive between Darlington and Newton Aycliffe, and you’ll miss it.

But the tiny village of Brafferton, just off the A1 at junction 59, carries a history that stretches back more than 4,000 years, which includes one of the most famous animals Britain has ever produced.

With a parish population of no more than 200 people, Brafferton is a reminder that some of England’s richest stories are hidden in its smallest places.

The village near to the A1(M)

That significance continued into the Norman period.

In 1086, Brafferton is recorded in the Domesday Book as land owned by the Bishop of Durham, featuring farmland and woodland. It functioned as a typical medieval village, shaped by both agriculture and the church.

At its center stands St Peter’s Church, a medieval parish church that has been the heart of community life for generations.

Yet Brafferton’s most unexpected claim to fame came on four legs.

Brafferton

In the late 18th century, the Durham Ox—a massive white shorthorn bred at nearby Ketton Hall—weighed over a ton and became a national sensation.

Touring across Britain, the ox came to symbolize a new era of agricultural improvement. Its fame spread through prints, pamphlets, and pub signs, unexpectedly placing Brafferton on the national stage.

Today, the village has few amenities of its own, which only adds to its appeal. Darlington’s shops, restaurants, and rail links are just minutes away, while the surrounding countryside remains largely untouched.

Visitors can stop at the Foresters Arms for a traditional local experience, or stay at the nearby Hall Garth Hotel, which offers food and accommodation in historic surroundings.

Brafferton might not appear on many tourist maps, but perhaps that’s part of its charm.

The History Behind the Shoes in King Tutankhamun’s Tomb

Jonathan Bailey, Pharrell Williams and Gigi Hadid may have helped the flip-flop reach a new level of popularity. But long before thong sandals became one of the hottest shoes of 2025, King Tutankhamun was a champion of the style — and shoes were some of the thousands of items included in his tomb.

The Grand Egyptian Museum opened its doors in Cairo in November, where King Tutankhamun’s tomb and all of its contents — counting more than 5,500 items — are on display altogether. At least 82 pairs of shoes are in the tomb of the famous young pharaoh, including many from daily life and the gold burial pair placed on his feet.

When Did Europeans Begin Hunting With Bows and Arrows?

TÜBINGEN, GERMANY—A SciNews report indicates that modern humans may have used bows and arrows during the early Upper Paleolithic, around 40,000 to 35,000 years ago. Previously, it was believed that Europeans hunted primarily with thrusting spears, only advancing to spear-throwers roughly 20,000 years ago and bows and arrows about 12,000 years ago, based on artifacts from Paleolithic sites.

Keiko Kitagawa and colleagues at the University of Tübingen conducted experiments by attaching replica stone, antler, and bone points to shafts and launching them as arrows, spears, and darts. They then compared the resulting wear patterns with those on prehistoric points. The findings suggest that early humans may have used multiple types of weapons simultaneously, adapting their hunting strategies to different environments and prey.

The researchers noted that the study highlights the complex nature of reconstructing prehistoric projectile technology, much of which relied on perishable materials.

Volyn archaeologists study “Merchant’s Treasure” discovered in Volodymyr

Archaeologists in the Volyn region are examining the so-called “Merchant’s Treasure” discovered in Volodymyr in 2025, which includes a unique assemblage of ancient Rus glass bracelets—573 complete pieces along with a large quantity of fragments.

According to Baiuk, the hoard was uncovered during extensive archaeological investigations carried out in 2025 in the historic Apostolshchyna area, located within the bounds of Prince Vladimir’s Okolnoe City in Volhynia.

Alongside numerous archaeological finds, an exceptional hoard was uncovered at archaeological site No. CLXXXVII (187). Known as the “merchant’s treasure,” it consists of 573 complete Old Russian glass bracelets, a large cross-encolpion worn by high-ranking clergy, nine bronze and eight marble small pectoral crosses, 18 diamond-shaped buckles decorated with pseudo-granulation, five silver temple rings, a lead plate shaped like a stylized falcon trident, a shield-shaped silver ring, a bronze bracelet, seals bearing a solar symbol within a circle of the “Dorohhychyn type,” as well as various other artifacts and fragments, according to the report.

The archaeologist stressed that finding such a large quantity of complete glass bracelets is without precedent in archaeological research across the territory of the Kyivan Rus’ state. The Volodymyr assemblage contains 573 intact bracelets, classified into 109 types that vary by form (twisted, smooth, trapezoidal), color (including green, blue, purple, yellow, and multiple shades of gold), and diameter, ranging from 4.0 to 5.9 cm. Some groups consist of identical pieces numbering between five and 31 items, while others appear as single examples or in small sets of two to five.

This refers only to bracelets found intact. The reconstruction of a large number of fragments found here should significantly supplement the collection.

The researcher stated that the owner of such riches was likely a merchant who either intentionally brought the goods to the market in Vladimir or fled with them to Volhynia during wartime. The hiding of the hoard, he explained, was most likely connected to the Mongol-Tatar invasion led by Batu Khan, which struck the center of the Volhynian principality — Prince Vladimir — at the end of winter in 1241. These events are recorded in the Galician-Volhynian Chronicle, which recounts that Batu captured Vladimir and devastated it mercilessly, along with the city of Halych and countless other towns.

He highlighted that the research results are of outstanding scientific and social importance. This marks the first discovery of such a large collection of bracelets. While these women’s jewelry pieces were common in the urban material culture of the pre-Mongol period, intact examples were previously found only rarely. For the first time, researchers can conduct a comprehensive analysis of this type of artifact, drawing on the extensive source base provided by the treasure.

After scientific processing, the materials will be transferred to the Volodymyr Historical Museum named after Omelyan Dvernitsky for exhibition, following the precedent of previous finds from the princely capital. Baiuk also noted that further display in national museums is highly likely.

The research, carried out as a legally required stage before developing archaeologically sensitive areas, was conducted by the Volyn Archaeological Expedition of the State Enterprise “Scientific Research Center ‘Archaeological Protection Service of Ukraine’” of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in collaboration with Volyn National University named after Lesia Ukrainka, the Administration of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve in Lutsk, the Administration of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Ancient Volodymyr,” and the All-Ukrainian Association of Archaeologists, commissioned by Volodymyr City LLC. Ukrinform also reported that this year, valuable artifacts from the Scythian, Sarmatian, and other historical periods were uncovered by researchers from the Bilsk Historical and Cultural Reserve in Poltava region.

Earliest Human Ancestor May Have Walked on Two Legs

A fossil belonging to an ancient hominin that lived seven million years ago bears the hallmarks of bipedalism, according to a new study

Aside from our large brains, one of the defining features that sets humans apart from other animals is our ability to walk upright on two legs—a form of movement unmatched elsewhere in the animal kingdom. Exactly when this trait first appeared in our ancestors has long been debated, but new fossil research suggests that the earliest known hominin was already developing traits linked to bipedalism.

Sahelanthropus tchadensis lived in north-central Africa about seven million years ago, around the time the hominin lineage diverged from that of chimpanzees and bonobos. When skull fragments of Sahelanthropus were uncovered in Chad in 2001, researchers immediately questioned whether the species walked upright. The position of the opening at the base of the skull, where the spinal cord enters, appeared suitable for supporting the head in an upright posture. However, with only part of a cranium available, the evidence was limited.

Later, scientists determined that a femur found near the skull fragments also belonged to Sahelanthropus. An initial analysis, published in 2020, concluded that the bone showed no signs of bipedalism, casting doubt on earlier interpretations and even on whether the species should be classified as a hominin. “The field is kind of split right now on how to interpret these fossils,” said Scott Williams, a paleoanthropologist at New York University and co-author of the new study, who was not involved in the 2020 research.

In a new study published in Science Advances, Williams and his colleagues challenge that conclusion. Using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics—a technique that allows precise measurement of fossil shapes—they identified early versions of several anatomical traits associated with bipedalism in later hominins, including Australopithecus and modern humans.

Two of these traits had been noted before: the inward twist of the femur and a small projection where the gluteus maximus muscle would attach. In 2022, a research team led by Guillaume Daver and Franck Guy of the University of Poitiers used these features to argue that Sahelanthropus was a habitual biped, meaning it regularly walked upright, unlike modern humans, who are obligate bipeds.

Williams identified an additional, more subtle feature. While examining the femur, he noticed a small bump where the iliofemoral ligament—a crucial structure for stabilizing upright walking—attaches in humans. “I was super excited about it,” he said. “It’s there; it’s just hard to see.” He later informed Daver and Guy, who independently confirmed the presence of this femoral tubercle.

Not all researchers agree with the interpretation. Marine Cazenave, a paleoanthropologist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, who co-wrote a rebuttal to Daver and Guy’s 2022 study, argues that the new analysis provides only “weak evidence” for bipedalism. She notes that some primates that do not walk upright also have inward-twisted femurs. Regarding the femoral tubercle, Cazenave says its function remains unclear and that the fossil’s poor state of preservation makes it “impossible to determine the true extent of this feature.”

Even so, Williams maintains that Sahelanthropus was “clearly dependent on trees,” which it likely used for foraging, sleeping, and protection. However, he believes that when on the ground, the species moved on two legs and used its hands to carry food. With such limited fossil evidence, certainty remains elusive. Daver and Guy plan to revisit the original excavation site later this year in hopes of uncovering additional material that may have been overlooked. “Resolving the debate,” they said in a joint statement, “will require the discovery of new remains.”

Scientists Found Opium in an Ancient Egyptian Vase. King Tut May Have Taken It.

An ancient alabaster vase revealed that opium use was part of mainstream society in ancient Egyptian culture.

Here’s what readers will discover in this story:

Chemical evidence of opium found in an ancient Egyptian alabaster vessel suggests the substance was widely used.
Researchers believe even King Tutankhamun may have consumed it.
The findings indicate that opium use spanned different periods and social classes.

An ancient alabaster vase housed in a Yale University museum collection has revealed a long-hidden reality: opium was part of everyday life in ancient Egyptian society.

“Our results, together with earlier studies, show that opium use in ancient Egypt and nearby regions was not merely accidental or occasional, but to some extent embedded in daily life,” said Andrew Koh, principal investigator of the Yale Ancient Pharmacology Program and research scientist at the Yale Peabody Museum, in a statement. Researchers suggest its use was likely so widespread that King Tut himself may have partaken. “We believe it is possible, if not likely, that the alabaster jars found in King Tut’s tomb once contained opium, reflecting a long-standing tradition of opiate use that we are only now starting to recognize,” Koh added.

Manchán Magan remembered in participatory artwork at The Dock

A participatory loom artwork invites the public to take part in a collective act of remembrance at The Dock

A collective artwork centered on quiet remembrance is taking shape at The Dock this winter, inviting visitors to slow down, reflect, and participate in a shared act of making.

Titled “Bhí mo chuimhneamh ort. I was thinking of you,” the work forms part of Waking the Land, an exhibition by the Leitrim-based ^ collective, running from December 6, 2025, to February 14, 2026. The piece is dedicated to the memory of Manchán Magan, whose work engaged deeply with language, place, heritage, and attentive listening to the land.

Manchán Magan was an Irish writer, broadcaster, and documentary-maker known for his focus on language, landscape, and the cultural memory embedded in place. Much of his work explored the Irish language, traditional knowledge, and pre-colonial Irish life, continually questioning how people might live with greater awareness of land, history, and one another.

Across books, television, radio, and public talks, he argued that modern Ireland had lost something essential through its separation from native language, ecology, and inherited ways of knowing. Blending research with personal reflection, his work drew on folklore, etymology, archaeology, and lived experience to reconsider Irish identity beyond simplistic or commercial narratives.

At the heart of the installation is a loom, presented not as a static exhibit but as a shared, participatory space. Visitors are invited to learn basic weaving and add a single thread to the growing textile, with each contribution carrying a personal memory or intention in remembrance of someone or something meaningful.

The artists describe the loom as an entry point into “a space of quiet attention,” where care and slowness shape the experience. The materials are carefully chosen: undyed wool from native Galway sheep, combined with plant material gathered from Benbo Mountain and five meadows tended by the artists. This grounds the work firmly in place, both materially and emotionally.

The textile is intentionally unfinished, evolving over time through the involvement of many hands. Each added thread becomes part of a collective gesture, reflecting themes central to Magan’s work connection to landscape, memory held through language and craft, and the value of shared knowledge.

The ^ collective is an artist-led group based in north Leitrim, comprising Tara Baoth Mooney, Shane Finan, James Kelly, Laura McMorrow, and Sonya Swarte. Working from an experimental studio in Manorhamilton, they have spent the past three years collaborating closely with local communities around themes of environmental grief, care, and land stewardship.

Their practice emphasizes collaboration with one another, with communities, and with the natural world, which they regard as an active participant in meaning-making. This has taken shape through rituals, workshops, symposia, shared meals, walks, and storytelling gatherings rooted in attentiveness to place.

Klaipėda to excavate potential explosives at central Atgimimo Square

Klaipėda city officials will start excavations at 15 spots in Atgimimo Square where explosives might still be present, the municipality announced Thursday.

“After a magnetometer survey of the square, we identified 15 sites likely to contain explosives,” Andrius Kačalinas, head of the city’s Legal and Personnel Department, told BNS. “Excavations will soon begin to ensure the construction site is safe and to resolve the emergency situation.”

The square has been under a municipal emergency declaration since November 2024, when numerous World War Two-era explosives were found. At that time, Vice Mayor Algirdas Kamarauskas told LRT that roughly 50 explosives had been removed and neutralised after partial clearing.

During the preparatory demining work, important foundations were also uncovered, leading city officials to carefully plan the next steps for the reconstruction and renovation of Atgimimo Square in Klaipėda.

Archaeological and architectural planning

“Architects are currently developing proposals to integrate the former urban structures into the new square while keeping the overall project on track,” Kačalinas explained.

The city intends to review these proposals with archaeologists, architects, and key decision-makers.

“While both heritage experts and construction teams agree that burying and preserving the uncovered structures in situ would be the simplest and most cost-effective approach,” Kačalinas said, “it is also the least desirable, as it would block public access to the heritage, which is our main goal.”

Atgimimo Square in Klaipėda before the reconstruction

Kačalinas pointed out that, because of gaps in legal regulations, the city has had to arrange explosives detection services itself, coordinating them alongside earthworks. Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus earlier stated that the central government should establish clearer guidelines for private participation in demining, as contracting commercial companies for this work is complicated.

Rare Medieval Flail Weapon Discovered Near Battle of Grunwald Site in Poland

A rare medieval flail, known as a kiścień, has been discovered near the historic Battle of Grunwald site in northeastern Poland, shedding new light on late medieval warfare in Eastern Europe. Found by amateur detectorists in farmland near Gietrzwałd, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, the weapon is only the fourth of its kind recorded in the region, making it a significant find for historians and archaeologists.

The Society of Friends of Olsztynek Exploration Section Tannenberg reported the discovery, and experts from the Battle of Grunwald Museum and the Museum of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn confirmed its authenticity through detailed analysis. While flails often appear in historical texts and images, surviving examples are extremely rare.

The kiścień, used between the 11th and 15th centuries by both infantry and cavalry, featured a wooden or metal handle connected to a heavy striking head via a chain, rope, or leather strap, designed to deliver strong blows against armor. The find provides valuable insight into close-combat tactics of the period.

Its proximity to the site of the 1410 Battle of Grunwald—where Polish and Lithuanian forces defeated the Teutonic Order—strengthens the link between material evidence and historical records, offering a tangible connection to one of medieval Europe’s most decisive military engagements.

Atgimimo Square in Klaipėda before the reconstruction

Klaipėda city authorities will carry out excavations at 15 sites in Atgimimo Square where unexploded ordnance may remain, the municipality announced Thursday.

“Following a magnetometer survey, 15 locations with a likelihood of explosives were identified,” said Andrius Kačalinas, head of the city’s Legal and Personnel Department. “Excavations will soon be conducted to ensure the construction site is safe and to resolve the emergency situation.”

The square has been under a municipal emergency declaration since November 2024, when a large number of World War II-era explosives were found. At that time, Vice Mayor Algirdas Kamarauskas reported that around 50 explosives had been safely removed and neutralised after partial clearing.

Preparatory demining work also revealed historically valuable foundations, prompting officials to carefully plan the ongoing reconstruction project.

Archaeologists intend to carry out further study and conservation on the flail to gain a clearer understanding of its construction, weight, and possible origin. Specialists will investigate whether the weapon was made locally or imported, as trade often influenced design and technology. Once conservation is complete, the artifact could be displayed in a regional museum, giving visitors a direct connection to 15th-century material culture.

The find also underscores the growing contribution of responsible detectorist groups in Poland. By collaborating with museums and heritage authorities, amateur explorers help document artifacts that might otherwise remain hidden or enter private collections. Experts emphasize the importance of reporting such discoveries through legal channels to ensure they can be properly studied, preserved, and interpreted.

As archaeological work continues in the Warmian-Masurian region, finds like this rare kiścień provide tangible links to the past. Beyond its historical significance, the weapon offers insight into medieval warfare, technological development, and the daily realities of those involved in major events like the Battle of Grunwald. Each recovered artifact adds a new piece to the broader understanding of Europe’s medieval heritage.

Part of whale skeleton discovered on Hive Beach Burton Bradstock

Parts of a whale skeleton, believed to be several hundred years old, have been uncovered on the Jurassic Coast in west Dorset.

Three sizable whale bones were excavated near the path at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock, surprising local residents with the find.

Daryn Milbank, a landscaper with a keen interest in palaeontology and archaeology, spotted a large structure sticking out of the sand after a recent rockfall.

On closer inspection, he discovered that the bones were part of three connected vertebrae embedded deeply in the ground, requiring several hours to fully remove.

Daryn Milbank, Sue Hassel and friend with the discovery on Hive Beach

The 45-year-old said he was completely amazed by the discovery, which drew large crowds of local residents who helped extract it from the ground. He was also surprised that no other beachgoers had noticed it before.

Milbank then brought the bones to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, where they were confirmed to be part of a whale’s backbone and could be several hundred years old.

The find occurred a week before Christmas.

“They are not small,” Mr Milbank said. “They are quite massive, about double the size of a frying pan.”

One of the vertebrae dug up from Hive Beach

“It took me about an hour and a half to uncover, to my amazement, the three large, connected whale vertebrae. The bones were mostly very hard and coloured dark chocolate brown and grey clay. Largely intact, there were some fractures, and small fragments came loose during extraction. However, they will be carefully reassembled for display in their original form.”

Mr Milbank is now seeking to identify the whale species and plans to collaborate with experts to determine the exact age of the fossils through carbon dating.

One of the vertebrae dug up from Hive Beach

Many discoveries of ancient fossils and bones are unearthed at Hive Beach and along the Jurassic coast, which are often discovered when parts of the cliff falls and leaves new territory exposed.

The geological history of the area is a major part of Dorset’s appeal, with thousands of tourists visiting every year that hunt for fossils along the coastline.

50,000 Years of Island-Hopping Pigs Reveal Ancient Human Migration

Learn how pigs spread across Pacific islands, what their DNA reveals about ancient human journeys, and why their legacy still matters today.

45,000-year-old cave painting of two Sulawesi warty pigs in Indonesia

Pigs have managed to cross some of the planet’s toughest natural barriers, reaching islands where most mammals never ventured. From Southeast Asia to remote Pacific islands, they are found on both sides of the Wallace Line — a biogeographic boundary that usually limits wildlife distribution.

A recent genomic study in Science explains this phenomenon. By examining DNA from over 700 modern and archaeological pigs, researchers discovered that humans have been transporting pigs across the Asia-Pacific region for tens of thousands of years. The genetic patterns show that Pacific pig populations reflect repeated human migrations, from early hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies, leaving behind DNA that records when, where, and how people traveled between islands.

“It is very exciting that we can use ancient DNA from pigs to peel back layers of human activity across this megabiodiverse region,” said senior study author Laurent Frantz.

Newly Uncovered Bronze Age Megasettlement in Wicklow Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Ireland’s First Towns

A significant archaeological find in County Wicklow could change understanding of Ireland’s early urban development. Excavations at the Brusselstown Ring—a large hilltop enclosure in the Baltinglass Hillfort Cluster—have uncovered a massive Late Bronze Age settlement that may predate Viking towns by almost 2,000 years.

Published in Antiquity, the research indicates that prehistoric Irish communities may have created large, complex residential centers long before Norse arrivals in the 9th–10th centuries. Project lead Dr. Dirk Brandherm of Queen’s University Belfast notes that the scale and density of Brusselstown Ring are unprecedented for prehistoric Britain or Ireland.

A Settlement of Exceptional Scale
Aerial surveys and detailed mapping revealed over 600 potential roundhouse platforms within the enclosure. Around 100 lie inside an inner rampart, with the remainder spread across the outer enclosure between two defensive walls. The site spans both the main hilltop and adjacent Spinas Hill—a rare layout among European hillforts.

Excavation samples from 2024 date most structures to circa 1200 BC, placing them in the Late Bronze Age, with possible reuse into the Early Iron Age. Researchers describe Brusselstown Ring as the largest known nucleated settlement of its period in the Atlantic Archipelago.

Previously, Bronze Age communities in Ireland were thought to be small and dispersed, made up of isolated farmsteads or tiny hamlets. While discoveries like the Corrstown village (2002) suggested larger settlements existed, the dense cluster at Brusselstown Ring shows a level of organization far beyond a typical village. “The number of domestic structures points to a community resembling a proto-town,” Brandherm explained.

More than 600 suspected house platforms have been identified.

Rethinking the Viking Legacy
For many years, historians credited Viking settlers with founding Ireland’s first towns, including Dublin, Waterford, and Limerick. Brusselstown Ring challenges this view, suggesting that large, centralized settlements may have existed long before Viking arrivals.

If further research confirms its dating, the site could represent one of Europe’s earliest examples of urban-like development outside the classical world. While the term “town” must be applied cautiously in a prehistoric context, the settlement shows traits of concentrated communal living, coordinated construction, and shared infrastructure.

Evidence of Advanced Engineering
Excavations uncovered a stone-lined, flat-floored structure near a trench, likely a cistern fed by an upland spring. If radiocarbon dating confirms it dates to the same period as the roundhouses, it would be Ireland’s first known Bronze Age water storage system of this type, with parallels only in parts of France and Spain.

The engineered water source suggests the settlement was permanent rather than seasonal and points to sophisticated resource management and planning.

Clues to Social Structure
Test digs across four roundhouse platforms revealed a wide range of sizes—from small four-metre buildings to large twelve-metre structures. Archaeologists are exploring whether this reflects social ranking, household status, or functional divisions within the community.

While the evidence remains inconclusive, the variety in architecture indicates that Bronze Age society in the region may have been more socially complex than previously thought.

Grace of Ancient Art Emerges in Laodikeia: Hermes Sculpture Head Discovered in Ongoing Excavations

Archaeologists in Laodikeia Ancient City, near present-day Denizli, Türkiye, have uncovered a marble head of Hermes, highlighting the artistic skill and cultural richness of the Roman Imperial period.

Excavations in the Bouleuterion and Prytaneion complexes, conducted under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Geleceğe Miras (Heritage for the Future) Project, revealed the sculpture in the eastern corridor of the Bouleuterion. Carved from high-quality white Dokimeion (İscehisar) marble, prized for its purity and durability, the head is dated to the mid-2nd century CE.

The piece features delicate facial details, carefully rendered eyes and irises, and elegantly curled hair topped with the signature wing motif, reflecting the style of Praxiteles. Experts classify it as a “Hermes Andros” type, celebrated throughout the Mediterranean for its naturalism, balance, and grace.

The discovery offers insight into Laodikeia’s wealth and cultural sophistication. Located at key trade routes in the Lycus Valley, the city prospered through textile production, agriculture, and commerce. Its resources supported grand civic projects—monumental theaters, colonnaded streets, temples, and council buildings—showing both political clout and cultural ambition. Artifacts like the Hermes head illustrate how this prosperity fueled artistic patronage, underscoring Laodikeia’s role as a lively urban center in the Roman era.

Laodikeia also held significant historical and cultural meaning. While noted as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in early Christian tradition, the city maintained strong links to classical religion and philosophy. Structures like the Bouleuterion and Prytaneion served administrative purposes while also reflecting civic pride, using art and architecture to express the community’s identity and values.

Archaeologists Discover The Earliest Confirmed Adult Cremation

In a prehistoric rock shelter in central Malawi, archaeologists have uncovered the earliest known evidence of an adult funeral pyre anywhere in the world.

The burned remains, dated to around 9,500 years ago, belonged to a woman estimated to have been between 18 and 60 at the time of her death. Analysis shows that her body was intentionally prepared and cremated on a large pyre that burned for many hours, as part of a planned funerary ritual. The site itself had already been used for mortuary practices for at least 8,000 years before this event.

According to a research team led by anthropologist Jessica Cerezo-Román of the University of Oklahoma, this find represents “the earliest evidence for intentional cremation in Africa and the oldest in situ adult pyre in the world.” The discovery challenges earlier assumptions about hunter-gatherer burial practices, revealing that their funerary traditions could be highly structured and elaborate.

The ritual required careful planning and considerable resources, including the collection and maintenance of enough wood to sustain a long-burning fire. The repeated use of the site over thousands of years also suggests a strong collective memory and possibly early forms of ancestor reverence among these communities.

Human concern with death has deep roots, with the oldest confirmed intentional burial dating to about 78,000 years ago, though even earlier examples attributed to other hominins remain debated. Evidence for cremation is much rarer, particularly before 7,000 years ago among hunter-gatherers. While cremated human remains discovered at Lake Mungo in Australia date to roughly 40,000 years ago, no actual pyre was preserved at that site.

The site, HOR-1, is located in a rock shelter at the base of Mount Hora in Malawi, in eastern Africa.

Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest in situ adult funeral pyre in a rock shelter at HOR-1, Malawi. The charred remains, dated to 9,500 years ago, belonged to a woman between 18 and 60 years old, whose body was carefully prepared for cremation on a large pyre that burned for several hours. This site had been used for mortuary practices for at least 8,000 years, indicating a long-standing ritual tradition.

Earlier evidence of in situ pyres includes an 11,500-year-old child cremation in Alaska and, later, a 7,000-year-old example at Beisamoun in the southern Levant. At HOR-1, archaeologists have identified at least 11 individuals used in mortuary practices, but only one, designated Hora 3, shows clear evidence of pyre cremation. Parts of her skeleton – limb bones, vertebrae fragments, pelvis, and phalanges – were found within a substantial deposit of ash, providing direct insight into the complex funerary rituals practiced by these hunter-gatherers.

A reconstruction of the cremation ritual, for which people likely collected large amounts of wood (B) and tended to the fires (E). Evidence at the site also suggests multiple fires were relit atop the original pyre location (K) and that cranial and dental remains were possibly collected and removed (J), as none were found.

The bones show signs of long exposure to high heat, with burning and cracking evident. Cut marks indicate parts of Hora 3’s body were disarticulated before cremation, and color patterns suggest the bones were moved during the fire, likely while it was stoked. No skull or teeth were found, implying the head may have been removed prior to burning—a practice linked to mortuary rituals, social memory, and ancestral veneration.

The ash deposit suggests the pyre required at least 30 kilograms of wood, grass, and leaves to sustain a long fire, and layers of ash indicate the same location was used for fires for hundreds of years afterward. Researchers interpret this as evidence of a “persistent place,” reflecting territorial and ancestral connections.

The team concludes that the repeated construction and maintenance of fires at the site point to long-standing traditions of ritual and mortuary activity, highlighting complex community cooperation and place-making among tropical hunter-gatherers long before the onset of agriculture.

Ancient purification bath found beneath Western Wall Plaza

A rock-hewn mikveh dating to the late Second Temple period has been discovered during archaeological excavations beneath Jerusalem’s Western Wall Plaza. A mikveh is a ritual bath designed for complete immersion in naturally collected water for the purpose of achieving ritual purity.

The find was uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) beneath a destruction layer from AD 70, when Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem. The mikveh had been sealed by ash deposits, providing direct evidence of the fire that followed the city’s fall and the destruction of the Temple.

Carved straight into the bedrock, the structure features plastered walls and four stone steps descending into the basin from the southern side. The rectangular bath measures about 3.05 meters long, 1.35 meters wide, and 1.85 meters high.

The excavation site is situated near two major ancient access points to the Temple Mount: the Great Bridge on the northern side and Robinson’s Arch to the south.

Earlier archaeological work in this area has uncovered several mikva’ot, stone vessels, and other artifacts linked to ritual purification, suggesting that this section of the city catered to residents and pilgrims who needed to observe ritual purity before entering the Temple.

Ari Levy, the Israel Antiquities Authority’s excavation director, said Jerusalem operated as a “city of sanctuary,” where everyday life was governed by strict purity laws. He noted that this is clearly visible in the archaeological evidence, particularly the extensive use of stone vessels, which were considered impervious to ritual impurity under Jewish law.

Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu stated that the find highlights how deeply religious practices were woven into daily life in Jerusalem during the Temple period, emphasizing that ongoing archaeological research plays a vital role in safeguarding this heritage.

The ancient braces myth: why our ancestors didn’t need straight teeth

Ancient Egyptians and Etruscans are often credited with inventing early orthodontics, supposedly using fine gold wires and catgut to straighten teeth. This idea has appeared in dentistry books for many years, suggesting that ancient societies were already concerned with perfect smiles. However, closer examination by archaeologists and dental historians has shown that this belief is largely incorrect.

A well-known example is the El-Quatta dental bridge from Egypt, dated to around 2500 BC. The gold wire found with the remains was once thought to function like braces, but evidence shows it was actually used to stabilise loose teeth or secure replacement teeth. Rather than aligning teeth, it served as a dental prosthesis.

The same applies to gold bands found in Etruscan tombs. These were likely dental splints meant to support teeth weakened by injury or gum disease, not tools designed to move teeth into proper alignment.

There are also practical reasons why these objects could not have worked as braces. Tests on Etruscan dental appliances revealed that the gold used was about 97% pure. Pure gold is extremely soft and bends easily, making it unsuitable for orthodontics. Braces require firm, elastic materials that can apply steady pressure over time. Gold of this purity would simply deform or break under such stress.

Another telling detail is who wore these gold bands. Many were found with female skeletons, which suggests they may have been symbols of status or decorative items rather than medical devices. Notably, none were found on children or teenagers—those most likely to need orthodontic treatment if such practices existed.

Perhaps the most interesting point is that ancient populations rarely suffered from the dental issues common today. Crooked or crowded teeth were extremely uncommon in the past. Studies of Stone Age skulls show little to no malocclusion, largely due to diet.

Ancient diets consisted of tough, fibrous foods that required extensive chewing. This constant jaw use led to larger, stronger jaws that easily accommodated all teeth. Modern diets, which are softer and more processed, do not provide the same stimulation, resulting in smaller jaws and crowded teeth.

Because misaligned teeth were so rare in ancient times, there was little need to develop techniques to straighten them.

Jaws were larger, due to food being tougher to chew on.

Ancient Egyptians and Etruscans are often credited with inventing early orthodontics, supposedly using fine gold wires and catgut to straighten teeth. This idea has appeared in dentistry textbooks for decades, suggesting that ancient societies were surprisingly advanced in their concern for straight smiles. However, closer examination by archaeologists and dental historians has shown that this belief is largely a misconception.

One commonly cited example is the El-Quatta dental bridge from Egypt, dated to around 2500 BC. While gold wire was indeed found with ancient remains, it was not used to realign teeth. Instead, the wire helped stabilize loose teeth or secure replacement teeth. In short, it functioned as a dental prosthesis rather than orthodontic braces.

Finds from Etruscan tombs tell a similar story. The gold bands discovered there were most likely dental splints, intended to support teeth damaged by disease or injury, not to shift them into better positions.

There are also strong practical reasons why these devices could not have worked as braces. Tests on Etruscan gold appliances show the metal was about 97 percent pure. Pure gold is very soft, bending and stretching easily. Orthodontic treatment requires steady, long-term pressure from metal that is resilient and springy. Gold of this purity would simply deform or break if tightened enough to move teeth.

Another intriguing detail is who wore these gold bands. Many were found in the graves of women, suggesting they may have symbolized status or served as decorative objects rather than medical tools. Notably, none have been found on children or adolescents—precisely the age group where orthodontic devices would be expected if they were truly used for tooth straightening.

Perhaps most interesting of all is that ancient people rarely suffered from the dental issues common today. Crooked or crowded teeth, known as malocclusion, were extremely uncommon in the past. Studies of Stone Age skulls show little to no crowding. This difference is largely due to diet.

Ancient diets consisted of tough, fibrous foods that required heavy chewing. This constant use encouraged the development of large, strong jaws capable of accommodating all the teeth. Modern diets, which are softer and more processed, require far less chewing. As a result, jaws often develop smaller, while teeth remain the same size, leading to crowding.

Because misaligned teeth were rare in ancient times, there was little need to develop methods to correct them.

That said, some early attempts to address dental irregularities did exist. One of the earliest reliable references comes from Roman times. In the first century AD, Roman medical writer Aulus Cornelius Celsus advised that if a child’s tooth erupted crooked, it should be gently pushed into place daily with a finger until it aligned properly. Though simple, this method relied on the same basic principle used today: sustained gentle pressure can move a tooth.

After the fall of Rome, progress in orthodontics stalled for centuries. Interest resurfaced in the 18th century, though early methods were often painful. People without access to proper dental tools used wooden “swelling wedges” to separate crowded teeth. These wedges absorbed saliva, expanded, and forced teeth apart—an extremely uncomfortable approach, but one that demonstrated an understanding of tooth movement through pressure.

True scientific orthodontics began in 1728 with French dentist Pierre Fauchard, often regarded as the father of modern dentistry. In his influential work The Surgeon Dentist, he provided the first detailed descriptions of treating malocclusion.

Fauchard developed the “bandeau,” a curved metal strip placed around teeth to widen the dental arch. This was the first appliance specifically designed to move teeth using controlled force. He also described methods for stabilizing teeth after repositioning. His work marked a turning point, shifting orthodontics from myth and crude experimentation to a scientific discipline.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, orthodontics advanced rapidly. The introduction of metal brackets, archwires, elastics, and later stainless steel made treatments more effective and predictable. Subsequent innovations—such as ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and clear aligners—made orthodontic care more discreet.

Today, orthodontics relies on digital imaging, computer modeling, and 3D printing, allowing for highly precise treatment planning.

While the image of ancient people wearing gold braces is appealing, it does not reflect historical reality. Ancient societies recognized dental issues and occasionally attempted simple solutions, but they lacked both the need and the technology for true orthodontic treatment.

The real development of orthodontics began not in antiquity, but with the scientific advances of the 18th century and later—a history that remains compelling even without the myths.

Significant finds continue to be discovered

Jersey Heritage has expressed support for proposed plans to introduce clear legal duties and procedures for managing archaeological discoveries, noting that “significant finds” are still being uncovered across the Island.

The comments follow new legislation proposed by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, which aims to establish a statutory system for reporting, documenting, investigating, and protecting archaeological objects and sites.

If approved, the law would require anyone who discovers an archaeological object—whether accidentally or through activities like metal detecting—to report it to Jersey Heritage within 14 days. It also proposes a reward scheme, with payments based on expert valuation and shared between the finder and the landowner.

The legislation seeks to ensure that objects of “national significance” remain available for public benefit. In his report, Deputy Morel cited the Le Câtillon II coin hoard as a recent high-profile discovery, arguing that major finds need to be handled “transparently and consistently.”

He said the current system depends too much on customary law and voluntary reporting, offering insufficient clarity and protection. The proposed law would close this gap by setting out clear legal responsibilities for reporting, assessing, and preserving archaeological material.

Deputy Morel added that the changes would support international obligations under the Valletta Convention and other heritage agreements, while encouraging responsible discovery and public access.

Dr Sarah Buckingham, Jersey Heritage’s director of historic properties and environment, described the Island’s archaeology as “extraordinarily rich” and “world-class.” She said important discoveries continue to be made and stressed the need to properly record and protect these irreplaceable resources.

She added that the new Heritage Law would safeguard archaeological material, support research and public understanding of Jersey’s past, and provide a fair, consistent, and transparent system for managing finds and archaeological work.

The Mythical Phoenix Across Ancient Cultures

The phoenix is a mythical bird associated with death and rebirth across many ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, the Bennu bird symbolized the sun god Ra and renewal after destruction.

Greek mythology described the phoenix as a bird that lived for centuries before burning itself and rising again from its ashes. This image became a powerful symbol of immortality and renewal. In China, the fenghuang represented harmony, virtue, and cosmic balance.

Despite cultural differences, the phoenix myth reflects a shared human fascination with renewal, resilience, and the cycle of life.