Ice Age engraving discovered in Moravian Karst cave

Scientists have uncovered a 15,000-year-old Ice Age engraving in a cave within the Moravian Karst, representing the first confirmed example of prehistoric cave art discovered in Czechia.

The engraving, which depicts the head and neck of a horse, was carved into a limestone block in the Švédův stůl cave. It was identified by an international research team led by scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences.

Dated to the late Magdalenian period, the discovery indicates that figurative cave art was not confined to western Europe.

Chinese team restores legendary Tang dynasty ‘golden’ armour found in Tibetan tomb

Tomb’s occupant confirmed to be a Tuyuhun king and the golden armour is likely to have been among his prized possessions, conservators say

“We will not leave the desert until we defeat the enemy, even if our golden armour is worn thin a hundred times.”

In this famous Tang dynasty poem, Wang Changling expressed the steadfast resolve of soldiers clad in golden armour as they fought on the empire’s desert frontiers.

For centuries, however, the brilliance of Tang gold-plated armour existed only in literature and imagination, as no physical examples had ever been discovered. That changed last week, when the Key Laboratory of Archaeological Sciences and Cultural Heritage at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) revealed the only known surviving example of Tang dynasty “golden” armour—a carefully restored set of gilded bronze armour uncovered in a royal tomb on the Tibetan plateau.

The restoration team not only painstakingly reassembled the armour fragment by fragment, but also created a video reconstruction showing how it likely appeared in its original form.

The artefacts—including armour, lacquerware and metal objects—were recovered and restored from the Tuyuhun royal tombs between 2022 and 2025.

“At the core of our approach was breaking the whole into parts and then reconstructing the whole from those parts,” said cultural heritage conservation specialist Guo Zhengchen at a press conference held on January 14 to unveil the armour. “We carried out layered cleaning, extraction and preservation, while carefully documenting every individual armour plate.”

The royal tomb had previously been damaged by looting and salvage excavations, leaving the armour plates heavily fragmented and severely deteriorated. A 2024 excavation report published in the journal Archaeology described the discovery as follows: “Several bronze armour plates were uncovered … nearly rectangular in shape with a semicircular lower edge … along with a large quantity of lacquered armour fragments.”

The copper and lacquered pieces were found mixed together in piles, with no obvious structural arrangement. Extremely fragile, they risked breaking apart with even the slightest contact.

“To preserve crucial information, we recorded the original spatial position of each plate using 3D scanning and examined their production techniques and material composition through scanning electron microscopy and ultra-depth microscopy,” the conservators explained.

This analysis showed that the armour was not simply bronze, but gilded—confirming it as true golden armour. On the basis of this discovery, the team produced a detailed restoration video.

The reconstructed armour depicted in the video echoes another Tang dynasty verse: “Like golden scales upon the water, sunlight glints off our coats of mail.”

According to the conservation report, analysis of gold artefacts, silk textiles, and tree-ring dating of the tomb’s wooden structure places the burial in the mid-8th century.

The report confirmed that the tomb belonged to a Tuyuhun king, and the golden armour on display was likely among his most treasured possessions.

Once a dominant power on China’s western frontier, the Tuyuhun kingdom was gradually defeated by the Sui dynasty and later the Tang, before eventually becoming a vassal state of the Tubo empire on the Tibetan plateau. In addition to the golden armour, the tomb contained a wide range of equestrian equipment as well as iron and lacquered armour, providing valuable insight into the military culture of the era.

The discovery is consistent with historical accounts in the New Book of Tang, compiled by 11th-century historian Ouyang Xiu, which describes the Tubo as possessing “superior armour that covered the entire body, leaving only the eyes exposed, so that even powerful bows and sharp weapons could not cause serious injury”.

The tomb was located in Dulan County in northwestern Qinghai province, a key crossroads for east–west trade along the Silk Road.

The Qinghai route functioned as a crucial trade artery, connecting the Tubo empire and the Tang dynasty through a corridor that extended east to Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) and west to Xinjiang, Persia (modern Iran), and other parts of Central Asia.

Revealing the epic story of ancient humans: Best ideas of the century

Since the turn of the millennium, our understanding of our ancestors and extended cousins has shifted dramatically, thanks to a swathe of surprising archaeological discoveries

Developments in the study of human evolution over the past 25 years can be captured in a single word: “more.” Archaeologists have uncovered far more fossils, species, and artefacts, spread across a wider range of locations than ever before—from the tiny “hobbits” of an Indonesian island to the enigmatic Homo naledi, known only from a deep cave in South Africa. At the same time, scientists have created increasingly sophisticated methods for analysing these remains. As a result, there is now an unprecedented volume of information about human origins and our extinct relatives.

From this surge of discoveries, two key insights have emerged. First, since 2000, the hominin fossil record has been pushed much further back in time. In the late 1990s, the oldest known hominin was Ardipithecus, dated to 4.4 million years ago. However, discoveries in 2000 and 2001 revealed even earlier species: Orrorin tugenensis, dating to about 6 million years ago, and Sahelanthropus tchadensis, which lived roughly 7 million years ago. More recently, a second Orrorin species, Orrorin praegens, was described in 2022 and appears to be slightly younger than O. tugenensis.

“These early hominin discoveries represent one of the major revolutions in the field,” says Clément Zanolli of the University of Bordeaux in France.

Remains of Vitruvius' Basilica found in 'Tutankhamun-like' discovery

Art history will be divided between 'before' and 'after' this find says culture minister

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the legendary basilica designed by the influential Roman architect Vitruvius, a discovery Italy’s culture minister has described as “the Tutankhamun of the 21st century.”

The structure, created by the architect whose principles of proportion inspired Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Vitruvian Man, was found during excavations in the city of Fano in Italy’s Marche region, officials announced on Monday.

Built at Fanum Fortunae and completed in 19 BC, the basilica is the only structure definitively attributed to Vitruvius, as he specifically mentioned it in his writings. Over the centuries, the building vanished, and its exact location became one of archaeology’s long-standing mysteries.

Vitruvius’ De architectura remains the only architectural treatise to survive from antiquity and is widely regarded as the foundational text of architectural theory.

“For more than 2,000 years, we have been waiting for this discovery,” said Fano Mayor Luca Serfilippi while unveiling the find at a conference attended virtually by Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. “We have found the Basilica of Vitruvius. I am proud of the work that has been done.”

Giuli hailed the discovery as “truly exceptional in the history of archaeology, architecture, and the urban development of Fano,” adding that the city’s importance had long been recognized but was now further confirmed. He spoke via video link at the press conference, which was also attended by Marche Governor Francesco Acquaroli and Andrea Pessina, superintendent of archaeology, fine arts, and landscape for the provinces of Ancona and Pesaro Urbino.

Drawing comparisons to landmark discoveries of the past, Giuli likened the find to Tutankhamun’s tomb, considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century, and to the unearthing of the Lapis Niger in Rome—one of the most significant monuments in the Roman Forum, bearing an inscription that provides evidence of Rome’s early royal period.

“The same thing has happened in Fano,” Giuli said. “At this moment, history is divided into before and after the discovery of the Basilica of Vitruvius.”

“History books—not just journalists,” he added, “will record and contextualize this day, along with everything that will be discovered and written about this extraordinary find in the years to come.”

Remains of Vitruvius' Basilica found in dig at Fano

'We've been waiting for this discovery for 2,000 years' says mayor

Remains of Vitruvius ' Basilica found in dig at Fano

Italian officials announced on Monday that archaeologists have identified the remains of Vitruvius’ Basilica during excavations in the city of Fano, in the Marche region.

The basilica was built at Fanum Fortunae and completed in 19 BC. It is the only structure known to have been designed by the Roman architect Vitruvius, as he explicitly referenced it in his writings. Over the centuries, the building disappeared, and its exact location had long remained unknown.

Vitruvius’ De architectura is the only surviving architectural treatise from antiquity and is widely regarded as the earliest work of architectural theory.

“For more than 2,000 years, we have been waiting for this discovery,” said Fano Mayor Luca Serfilippi while presenting the findings at a conference attended virtually by Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. “We have found the Basilica of Vitruvius. I am proud of the work that has been done.”

Archaeologists find a supersized medieval shipwreck in Denmark

Archaeologists have uncovered the wreck of a massive medieval cargo ship off the coast of Denmark, offering new insights into medieval trade and life at sea.

The ship was discovered during a seabed survey ahead of a construction project near Copenhagen. Lying on its side and partially buried in sand, it rests about 12 meters below the choppy waters of the Øresund Strait, which separates Denmark and Sweden.

By analyzing the tree rings in the ship’s wooden planks and timbers and comparing them with dated reference samples, researchers determined that the vessel was built around 1410 CE.

The Skaelget 2 shipwreck, with a diver for scale.

A Medieval Megaship Unearthed

Archaeologists have discovered the wreck of Svaelget 2, a massive medieval merchant ship, off the coast of Denmark, revealing new insights into trade and life at sea in the early 1400s. Its original name has been lost to history.

Svaelget 2 was a cog, a wide, flat-bottomed, high-sided cargo ship with a single square sail on one mast. Larger and more advanced than Viking knarrs, cogs were the supertankers of their day, transporting bulky goods across northern Europe. While typical cogs measured 15–25 meters long and carried about 200 tons, Svaelget 2 was 28 meters long, 9 meters wide, and capable of carrying around 300 tons, surprising archaeologists with its size. Its heavy timbers were cut locally in the Netherlands, while the oak planks for the hull came from Poland, showing how the ship itself was a product of the trade networks it served.

Innovative Superstructure

Thanks to layers of sand that protected the wreck for around 600 years, archaeologists could examine the upper structures rarely preserved in other cogs. The ship’s stern castle—a tall wooden structure at the back—was intact, offering shelter for crew and passengers. Stays and ropes for the mast and square sail, as well as chains for securing cargo, were also preserved, providing rare insight into medieval shipbuilding.

Life Aboard Svaelget 2

The cog would have carried 30–45 crew members, whose presence is hinted at by personal items found on deck, including combs, shoes, rosary beads, and tableware. A galley with a small brick fireplace allowed the crew to prepare hot meals in bronze pots, offering a level of comfort unusual for the period.

Cargo and the Ship’s Final Voyage

Svaelget 2 sank fully laden, as no ballast stones were found. Its open cargo hold, intended for bricks, grain, timber, fabric, and other bulk goods, had been washed away by the sea, leaving little trace of the ship’s final haul. Some cargo may have reached distant shores, while the rest likely rests at the bottom of the Øresund Strait.

Archaeologist Otto Uldum of the Viking Ship Museum said the discovery provides a unique, hands-on look at one of medieval Europe’s largest trading ships, its construction, and the daily lives of the sailors who manned it. “It’s a big step forward compared to Viking Age ships,” he said, highlighting the cog’s advanced design and its role in revolutionizing trade in northern Europe.

Free Access to Greece’s Archaeological Treasures This Sunday

The Ministry of Culture offers free access to Greece’s public museums, monuments, and archaeological sites on the first and third Sunday of each month from November 1 to March 31. This Sunday, January 18, visitors can explore sites including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum at no charge.

In addition to the regular free Sundays, complimentary entry is available on special cultural occasions: March 6 (Melina Mercouri Memorial Day), April 18 (International Monuments Day), May 18 (International Museum Day), the last weekend of September (European Heritage Days), and October 28 (National Holiday).

Acropolis Museum Exception
The Acropolis Museum is not included in the monthly free Sundays. Free entry is offered only on select dates: March 6, March 25, May 18, and October 28 for the full day. Partial-day access may also be granted during European Heritage Days, depending on the decision of the Board of Directors.

This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for both locals and tourists to experience Greece’s rich cultural heritage without charge.

Ancient temple rich with gold and ritual altars unearthed on Evia island

Archaeologists on the Greek island of Evia have uncovered a previously unknown ancient temple featuring heavily used altars and a rich collection of valuable objects, adding to a series of significant discoveries in the region, according to popularmechanics.com. The temple, dating to the 7th century BC, is located near the renowned Temple of Amarysia Artemis, the Greek Ministry of Culture reports.

Fully excavated in 2023, the structure measures approximately 30 metres in length, typical for early Greek temples. Sections of its outer walls and a western arch survive, but the most remarkable finds were inside. Researchers discovered multiple hearths that appear to have served as altars, indicating intensive ritual activity over long periods.

One notable feature is a horseshoe-shaped altar. Thick layers of ash containing charred animal bones suggest repeated sacrifices, and pottery evidence indicates that ritual use of the site may date back to the late 8th century BC, predating the temple itself.

The excavations also revealed a variety of offerings, including Corinthian alabaster, Attic pottery, locally made ritual vessels, and jewellery crafted from gold, silver, coral, and amber. Amulets from the eastern Mediterranean, as well as bronze and iron fittings, were also found.

The temple was constructed with mudbrick walls atop a dry-stone foundation, reflecting the swampy terrain of the area. Signs of fire damage show that parts of the building were later reinforced and expanded, likely in the late 6th century BC.

Earlier layers contained bronze figurines of bulls and a ram from the Geometric period, along with a Mycenaean clay bull’s head. Evidence of human activity on the site goes back as far as the 9th century BC, suggesting that the sanctuary maintained religious significance for centuries.

Signs of neolithic trading and medieval monastery among National Trust’s top discoveries of 2025

The National Trust for Scotland’s archaeology team has announced its most significant discoveries of 2025, ranging from Neolithic artefacts to medieval castles and poignant 17th-century finds linked to the Jacobite era.

As Scotland’s largest independent conservation charity, the Trust cares for around 11,000 archaeological sites spanning human history from the Mesolithic period, around 10,000 years ago, to the present day. Alongside safeguarding known sites, its archaeology team continues to investigate new locations to deepen understanding of Scotland’s past. A particular highlight in 2025 was the strong involvement of volunteers, members of the public, and schoolchildren in fieldwork across the country.

Neolithic connections uncovered in Argyll

Excavations near the chambered cairn at Crarae Garden in Argyll uncovered a range of artefacts associated with a Neolithic community. These included quartz flakes, burnt and unburnt flint, and two pieces of Arran pitchstone, as well as charcoal-stained soil likely marking the remains of prehistoric fires.

Alice Connelly, an archaeology trainee with the Trust, said the finds offer insight into ritual activity around the cairn. The discovery of pitchstone from the Isle of Arran, some 60 kilometres away, highlights long-distance connections between Neolithic communities and demonstrates the extent of early trade networks. Previous work at Crarae Garden has revealed activity dating back to 3700–3500 BC, and a 3D model of the cairn is now available online.

Medieval castle remains revealed in Angus

At the House of Dun, archaeologists uncovered the foundations of a medieval castle once belonging to the Erskine family. Finds included medieval pottery and a copper “Turner” coin dated between 1642 and 1668.

Senior archaeologist Daniel Rhodes explained that while many castles contain earlier structures, these are usually concealed by later buildings. At House of Dun, however, the castle foundations lie separate from the later house, allowing them to be studied directly. The excavation involved a wide range of volunteers, including local school communities, mental health groups, and participants from refugee support programmes. The castle was destroyed in 1644 during an attack by royalist forces.

Jacobite history revealed through coins in Glencoe

Work in Glencoe uncovered 17th-century coins inside the remains of a turf house, confirming it was once home to Jacobite supporters. Silver coins from the reign of Elizabeth I suggest the house was built in the late 16th century, while the most recent find—a brass Irish “gun money” coin dated 1690—connects it to the reign of James VII/II.

Such coins were issued with promises of repayment that were never fulfilled, and the house may have been destroyed during or after the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. Head of archaeology Derek Alexander noted that the scattered coins may reflect the violence of the event, showing how archaeology can provide a powerful connection to personal experiences of the past. The project was carried out in collaboration with the University of Glasgow.

Medieval monastic life illuminated in the Scottish Borders

At Priorwood Garden in the Scottish Borders, excavations revealed a finely carved stone boss originally part of Melrose Abbey’s vaulted ceiling. The stone had likely been removed from the abbey during its decline around the Reformation period.

Daniel Rhodes said the discovery adds to understanding of the monastic community that once occupied the area, which would have supported itself through farming, tool-making, and brewing. Volunteers, including local schoolchildren, participated in the excavation, and further exploration is planned.

Insights into 19th-century farming on Iona

Investigations at Maol Cottage on Iona revealed reused timber couples that once supported an earlier thatched roof. These timbers likely originated from ships or driftwood, reflecting the scarcity of building materials on the island and the sustainable reuse practices of early farmers.

The cottage formed part of a small farming cluster around a kailyard and remains one of the few surviving early 19th-century crofts on Iona. It continues to operate as a working farm under the Trust’s care.

Looking ahead

Reflecting on a year that spanned thousands of years of human history, the Trust’s archaeology team is preparing for further work in 2026. However, increasing climate instability—such as flooding, storms, and coastal erosion—is increasingly shaping excavation priorities, with many projects focused on recording sites at risk.

Archaeology remains central to the National Trust for Scotland’s mission, helping to uncover how past communities shaped today’s landscapes while encouraging public engagement with heritage. This work supports the Trust’s long-term vision to protect Scotland’s nature, beauty, and history, as outlined in its 10-year strategy launched in 2022.

Meet £200m road team and view ancient artefacts

Residents are being invited to meet the team behind a £200 million road development project.

The North Hykeham Relief Road will complete the final section of Lincoln’s ring road, creating a new dual carriageway that links the A46 Pennells Roundabout with the Lincoln Eastern Bypass.

A series of three public information events will take place between 3 and 5 February. In addition to details about the construction, the events will showcase a selection of ancient artefacts uncovered during archaeological investigations along the route.

Michael Cheyne, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for highways, said the sessions would give residents the opportunity to learn more about how the road will be built, planned road closures, and initiatives designed to benefit the local community.

He added that visitors would be able to view interactive 4D models of the project, as well as archaeological finds discovered in recent months, including Roman pottery and a Neolithic axe head dating back around 5,000 years.

Cheyne encouraged anyone with an interest in the project to attend.

The events will run from 15:00 to 20:00 GMT at the following locations:

• Tuesday 3 February – Waddington Community Hub

• Wednesday 4 February – Bracebridge Heath Pavilion

• Thursday 5 February – Bentley Hotel, Newark Road

A stone axe head dating back 5,000 years was found during a dig on the site

Archaeologists revealed that excavations at the site uncovered evidence of a previously unknown Roman dwelling near Bracebridge Heath.

On 6 January, the council’s executive committee unanimously approved moving the North Hykeham Relief Road project forward, pending final approval of the business case by the government.

The plans include the construction of new roundabouts at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road, and Grantham Road, along with several new bridges, including crossings at Station Road and over the River Witham.

Construction is expected to begin in March and is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete.

Iron Age teeth fossils reveal diversity of diet of ancient Italians

A new study suggests that people living in Italy during the Iron Age began adopting a more varied diet between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, based on detailed analysis of ancient human teeth.

Reconstructing the lifestyles of ancient populations is difficult, as it depends on rare, well-preserved human remains. Teeth, however, are especially valuable to researchers because they act as long-term records of an individual’s life, particularly diet and health. Even so, comparing dental evidence across different historical periods remains challenging.

In this study, researchers analyzed teeth recovered from the archaeological site of Pontocagnano in Italy to better understand the diet and health of individuals living in the region during the Iron Age. The team examined dental tissue from 30 teeth belonging to 10 individuals, focusing on canines and molars to trace each person’s early life history, particularly during their first six years.

The analysis revealed that Iron Age Italians consumed a diet rich in cereals, legumes, and carbohydrates, and regularly included fermented foods and drinks. According to Roberto Germano, one of the study’s authors, the findings allowed researchers to closely track childhood growth and health while identifying dietary markers that show how the community adapted to environmental and social pressures.

Emanuela Cristiani, another author of the study published in PLOS, explained that dental calculus contained starch granules from cereals and legumes, yeast spores, and plant fibres. These remains provide direct evidence of everyday eating habits and certain daily activities within the community.

The results strongly indicate that fermented foods and beverages were a regular part of the diet. Researchers suggest this dietary diversification may be linked to increased contact with other Mediterranean cultures during the period.

The study also identified signs of physiological stress in the teeth at around one and four years of age, which may reflect periods when young children were particularly vulnerable to illness or environmental hardship.

Although the sample size is limited and may not represent all Iron Age populations in Italy, the findings offer a detailed and tangible insight into diet and daily life in the region. Alessia Nava of Sapienza University of Rome noted that studies like this demonstrate how modern scientific techniques are transforming understanding of the biological and cultural adaptations of ancient societies.

Medieval Burials in Neolithic Dolmen Studied

Researchers led by Marina Silva of the University of Huddersfield have examined two medieval burials discovered inside the Menga dolmen, a monumental structure in southern Spain that dates back about 5,000 years, according to a report by Phys.org. The dolmen, which consists of a long chamber and an entrance corridor covered by an earthen mound, was originally used as a burial site during the Neolithic period. Archaeological evidence, including pottery and human remains, suggests that it continued to be reused intermittently over time.

The team focused on two later burials, one from the eighth century and another from the eleventh century A.D. During this period, southern Iberia was under Islamic rule, although Christian, Jewish, and possibly pagan communities also lived in the region. DNA analysis could only be successfully conducted on one of the individuals, revealing mixed European, North African, and Levantine ancestry.

Despite this, both burials showed striking similarities in how the bodies were positioned. In each case, the individual was laid with the head resting on the right side and oriented toward the southwest, following the symmetrical axis of the dolmen. While the medieval burials may have been Islamic, this alignment differs from that typically seen in Islamic cemeteries in the area.

The researchers concluded that regardless of the individuals’ identities or religious beliefs, the decision to bury them within a prominent megalithic monument—and to align their graves with its axis—demonstrates the enduring symbolic importance of the Menga dolmen. This continuity suggests the site retained cultural and ritual significance for more than 5,000 years, extending well beyond its original Neolithic use.

Wreckage of Large Medieval Trading Ship Discovered

A medieval shipwreck has been discovered in the strait between Denmark and Sweden, according to a report by IFL Science. The find was made by a team of marine archaeologists led by Otto Uldum of Copenhagen’s Viking Ship Museum. The vessel lies in a key waterway linking the Baltic Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, a major trade route during the Middle Ages.

The wreck has been identified as a cog—a large cargo ship with a single mast and square sail. It measures roughly 90 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and 20 feet in height, making it the largest cog ever discovered. Uldum said the ship offers an exceptional opportunity to study both medieval shipbuilding techniques and daily life aboard one of the era’s largest trading vessels.

Tree-ring dating shows the ship was built around A.D. 1410. Its oak planks originated from what is now Poland, while the structural ribs were made from wood sourced in the Netherlands. Remarkably, the ship’s defensive high castle structure has survived, a feature rarely preserved since most wrecks retain only their lower sections. As Uldum noted, while castles are often depicted in historical drawings, physical remains of them have almost never been found.

Artifacts recovered from the site—including shoes, combs, rosary beads, bronze cooking pots, tableware, painted wooden bowls, and traces of fish and meat—provide valuable insight into everyday life on board the ship.

3D model of the shipwreck

Firefighters Went on a Routine Patrol—and Stumbled Upon a Breathtaking Ancient Face

The stone carving could be thousands of years old, possibly from the Bronze Age.

Here’s what readers will take away from this story:

• Modern Kazakhstan is built on layers of cultures, khanates, and empires that span thousands of years.

• During a routine fire patrol about 200 miles northwest of the capital, Astana, crews discovered a carved human face nearly a foot long on a granite boulder.

• While experts have examined the carving, its exact origins remain uncertain and may date back to the Bronze Age or to Turkic cultures from the medieval period.

• The land that is now Kazakhstan has been shaped by a long and complex historical process.

Kazakhstan’s past stretches deep into antiquity. During the Bronze Age, it was home to cultures such as the Srubna, Afanasevo, and Andronovo. Later, the Eurasian steppes saw the rise of the Huns, medieval Turkic peoples, and successive khanates. In more recent centuries, the region became part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, before gaining independence following the USSR’s collapse in the 1990s.

Situated at a major historical crossroads, Kazakhstan is among the most archaeologically rich regions in the world. The unexpected discovery made by fire crews is yet another reminder of how much of the country’s ancient past still lies hidden in its landscape.

Archaeologists Unearth Wall Section at Important Silk Road City Which Traded in ‘Heavenly Horses’

A joint archaeological team from China and Uzbekistan has uncovered sections of the walls of a significant Silk Road city, shedding new light on the region’s ancient past.

After two years of excavation, researchers have revealed the foundations of palaces, city gates, homes, street networks, and craft workshops at a site known as Kuva. The settlement lies in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, close to the Chinese border, and would have been one of the earliest stops along the Silk Road after travellers crossed the harsh Tarim Basin.

Kuva is thought to have been occupied from the 3rd century BCE until the 10th century CE. Over that long period, it passed through the hands of several powers, including the Achaemenid Persians, Macedonians, Parthians, Sogdians, and later a new Persian dynasty.

In 2023, China’s Luoyang Archaeological Institute joined forces with Fergana State University to investigate a 110,000-square-metre area believed to contain the remains of the ancient city. Most recently, the team uncovered standing sections of city walls buried underground, confirming earlier theories that the walls were rebuilt multiple times throughout Kuva’s history.

Mr Liu Bin, head of the Chinese side of the expedition, told Xinhua that studying the construction techniques of the walls will help researchers establish more accurate dates for each phase of occupation and identify the architectural styles associated with different ruling groups.

Kuva and the wider Fergana Valley hold particular importance in Chinese history. During the Han Dynasty, China’s first unified empire, Han rulers fought repeated wars against the nomadic Xiongnu confederation to keep western routes open. These routes later formed the Great Silk Roads, with Fergana as one of their key early stops.

Historical records show that part of the Han Dynasty’s military success came from securing a supply of horses from the Fergana Valley. Known as “Heavenly Horses,” these animals were faster and stronger than those from northern China, giving the Han army a crucial advantage against the highly mobile Xiongnu. Kuva likely played a role in facilitating this trade of horses in exchange for silk and jade.

Along the Silk Roads, prosperous trading posts often grew into wealthy city-states. However, when trade networks were disrupted, such cities could quickly fall into decline, facing economic collapse and even starvation.

Many Silk Road routes are dotted with ruins left behind by these breakdowns in trade. One such example, reported last year, involved the first survey of two ancient settlements—Tugunbulak and Tashbulak—in southeastern Uzbekistan near the Afghan border. These sites appear to have functioned as centres for mining, iron smelting, and the production of finished goods for nomadic groups, effectively serving as semi-independent trade hubs.

Discovered as recently as 2015 in the Mal’guzar Valley, these settlements lay beyond the control of major kingdoms and relied heavily on trade along the Silk Road’s southern branch through Afghanistan and eastern Iran.

Cities such as Kuva and Tugunbulak are crucial for understanding the rise and decline of trade along the Silk Road. Excavations at Kuva are expected to continue for some time, with researchers hopeful that further discoveries will deepen knowledge of this famous trans-Asian network.

Looking ahead, Liu Bin said that systematic excavations of the palace areas are planned for next year to gain a clearer understanding of the settlement’s layout and functional zones.

Ancient temple rich with gold and ritual altars unearthed on Evia island

Archaeologists excavating on the Greek island of Evia have uncovered a previously unknown ancient temple filled with heavily used altars and a rich collection of valuable offerings, marking another major discovery in the region, according to Popular Mechanics. Dating to the 7th century BC, the site is located near the renowned Temple of Amarysia Artemis, Greece’s Ministry of Culture has confirmed.

The temple, fully excavated in 2023, is around 30 metres long—typical in size for early Greek temples. Portions of its outer walls and a western arch have survived, but the most significant finds were made within the building itself. Inside, archaeologists identified several hearths that appear to have served as altars, pointing to sustained and intensive ritual activity.

One of the most notable features is a horseshoe-shaped altar. Thick layers of ash containing burnt animal bones indicate repeated sacrificial practices, while pottery recovered from the site suggests that ritual use may have begun even before the temple was constructed, possibly as early as the late 8th century BC.

The excavation also yielded a diverse array of offerings, including Corinthian alabaster vessels, Attic pottery, locally produced ritual ceramics, and jewellery made from gold, silver, coral, and amber. Researchers also found amulets originating from the eastern Mediterranean, along with bronze and iron fittings.

Constructed with mudbrick walls set on a dry-stone foundation, the temple reflects the marshy nature of the surrounding landscape at the time. Traces of fire damage suggest the building was later strengthened and expanded, likely during the late 6th century BC.

Even earlier layers at the site revealed bronze figurines of bulls and a ram dating to the Geometric period, as well as a Mycenaean clay bull’s head. Evidence also points to human activity at the location as far back as the 9th century BC, indicating that the area’s religious significance evolved gradually over several centuries.

One of Northern Europe’s Oldest Wooden Doors Found, Estimated to Be 650 Years Old

Researchers in Estonia have identified what is now thought to be the country’s oldest surviving wooden door—and among the oldest in Northern Europe. Tucked away inside St. Mary’s Cathedral (Toomkirik) in Tallinn’s Old Town, the medieval door is around 650 years old, providing a rare, physical connection to Estonia’s late medieval past.

The finding was confirmed through a scientific study using dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating. Analysis showed that the wood was most likely cut and worked between 1378 and 1394, with the strongest evidence pointing to 1382. This means the door predates the one in Tallinn’s Bremen Tower by about 16 years, overturning long-held assumptions about which was the oldest.

Older Than the Former Record Holder

Until now, historians believed the roughly 630-year-old door in the Bremen Tower—part of Tallinn’s medieval city wall—was the oldest surviving example in Estonia. The newly dated door is located inside the King’s Chapel, a small, double-vaulted space built into the thick western wall of St. Mary’s Cathedral in the latter half of the 14th century.

Though visible to visitors climbing the cathedral tower, the door is rarely opened. It leads into the King’s Chapel, a quiet and secluded room whose original function is still debated. Scholars suggest it may have served as a private chapel for a ruler or noble, aligning with the cathedral’s historical ties to Baltic German elites.

How the Door Was Dated

To determine its age, researchers carefully removed the door from its hinges and examined its construction. The interior is made mainly of pine planks, while the exterior is faced with oak boards and strengthened with iron rivets. The growth rings in both woods were compared with established regional tree-ring records from the Baltic and Northern Europe, allowing for precise dating.

Medieval Craftsmanship Preserved

The door’s significance lies not only in its age but also in its craftsmanship. The use of pine and oak reflects typical medieval building practices, balancing availability with durability. Oak provided a tough outer layer, while pine formed a sturdy internal structure.

Experts note that the door appears to have been purpose-built rather than assembled from reused materials. Its hinges, construction techniques, and overall design match what is known of late 14th-century workmanship, further supporting the scientific dating results.

A Matter of Cultural Heritage

Identifying Estonia’s oldest door is more than a historical curiosity. Heritage specialists say it helps clarify the building history of St. Mary’s Cathedral and enriches understanding of medieval architecture in the Baltic region. Each accurately dated feature adds to the broader picture of Tallinn’s development during the Hanseatic period.

Once the analysis was complete, the door was returned to its original position. Church officials have stressed the importance of safeguarding such a significant artifact so future generations can continue to encounter a tangible piece of Estonia’s medieval history.

Could There Be an Even Older One?

Researchers caution that while the King’s Chapel door is currently the oldest known surviving door in Estonia, it may not be the oldest ever made. As research methods advance and more historic structures are examined, older examples could still be discovered.

For now, the sturdy wooden door in St. Mary’s Cathedral remains a remarkable survivor from the 14th century—quietly standing witness to more than six centuries of history in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town.

Ancient Acoustic Chambers with Mysterious Echoes

Across the ancient world, certain structures display remarkable acoustic properties that continue to puzzle researchers. These chambers were not accidental; they were deliberately designed to manipulate sound in ways that enhanced ritual, communication, and spiritual experience.

At Chavín de Huántar in Peru, stone galleries amplify sound, creating roaring echoes that mimic animal calls. Archaeologists believe priests used these effects during ceremonies to induce fear or awe, reinforcing their authority. In Malta’s Hypogeum, a subterranean temple produces deep resonant tones when spoken in certain chambers, affecting the human nervous system.

Greek theaters were engineered with extraordinary precision. Even whispered speech could be heard clearly across vast open-air arenas. Sound traveled through carefully calculated stone seating and architectural angles. Similarly, Mayan pyramids at Chichén Itzá produce echo effects resembling bird calls when clapped, possibly symbolizing sacred animals.

These acoustic designs suggest ancient builders understood sound physics intuitively, if not mathematically. Sound was treated as a sacred force, capable of transforming consciousness and connecting humans to the divine.

Ancient acoustic chambers reveal that early civilizations did not only build for sight but for sound and sensation. These spaces remind us that architecture was once a multisensory experience, blending engineering, spirituality, and human perception in ways still not fully understood.

The First People Who Tried to Predict the Future

The desire to foresee the future is as old as humanity itself. Ancient societies developed divination systems to interpret signs from gods, nature, and the cosmos, believing that the future left traces in the present.

In Shang Dynasty China, oracle bones were heated until they cracked, and diviners interpreted the patterns to answer questions about war, harvests, and royal decisions. These inscriptions form one of the earliest known writing systems. In Mesopotamia, priests practiced astrology, reading planetary movements as messages from the gods. Eclipses, comets, and unusual births were considered omens of political change or disaster.

Greek oracles, such as Delphi, delivered cryptic prophecies believed to come from Apollo. These predictions influenced military campaigns, colonization, and royal decisions. Meanwhile, augurs in Rome interpreted the flight of birds, thunder, and animal entrails to determine divine approval.

Divination served practical purposes. It provided structure in uncertain times, legitimized authority, and offered psychological comfort. While modern science rejects supernatural prediction, these practices represent humanity’s earliest attempts to understand patterns, probability, and causation.

The first future-seekers laid the groundwork for astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Their methods reveal how deeply humans have always sought meaning beyond the visible present.

Ancient Roads That Changed the World Forever

Long before modern highways, ancient roads formed the backbone of civilization. These routes enabled trade, migration, warfare, and cultural exchange, fundamentally shaping human history. Roads were not merely paths but arteries through which ideas, religions, technologies, and power flowed.

The Silk Road stands as the most famous example, connecting China to the Mediterranean. Through this vast network, silk, spices, metals, and philosophies such as Buddhism and Islam traveled across continents. The exchange was not one-sided; diseases, innovations, and artistic styles also moved along these routes.

The Royal Road of Persia, built under Darius I, stretched over 2,500 kilometers and featured rest stations, guards, and standardized administration. It allowed messages to travel with unprecedented speed and helped unify a vast empire. Similarly, Roman roads were engineered for durability, with layered stone construction that allowed legions to march quickly and maintain control over distant provinces.

Pilgrimage routes also shaped societies. Roads leading to sacred sites fostered economic growth and cultural blending. The Camino de Santiago in Europe and routes to Mecca transformed local communities into cosmopolitan centers.

Ancient roads collapsed distances and created interconnected worlds. They accelerated the pace of history, enabling civilizations to expand influence beyond local boundaries. Without these early networks, the development of global culture, commerce, and empire would have been impossible.