Researchers uncover evidence of historic Bonnie Prince Charlie assassination plot

Researchers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) have uncovered evidence indicating a possible assassination plot against Jacobite leader Charles Edward Stuart in 1746.

Known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Stuart headed the Jacobite rebellion from the Scottish Highlands during the unsuccessful 1745 uprising against Hanoverian rule in Britain.

For generations, local accounts have suggested that after the Jacobites withdrew from England in December 1745, an attempt was made on Stuart’s life while he was staying at Bannockburn House near Stirling in January 1746.

Recent analysis using advanced X-ray technology now appears to provide physical evidence supporting this long-told story, giving new credibility to a legend preserved in local tradition.

Bonnie Prince Charlie failed in his bid to win back the throne, he is remembered as a tragic, romantic figure by poets

Archaeological visualization specialists have identified a misshapen lead projectile hidden inside the headboard of the room linked to the prince.

This striking find offers tangible evidence of a shooting that took place more than 270 years ago.

The discovery emerged from a collaborative project led by The Bannockburn House Trust, in partnership with Robert Gordon University, Johns Hopkins University in the United States, and Historic Environment Scotland.

For generations, local tradition has spoken of gunfire at Bannockburn House during the Jacobites’ failed siege of Stirling in January 1746. Now, advanced visualization technologies are beginning to uncover physical traces behind that long-told story.

The evidence suggests that more than one shot was fired. Last year, researchers identified a musket ball embedded in the wall of the same room, strengthening the case for a targeted attack.

These findings raise new questions about how many attackers may have been involved—and how the prince managed to survive. They have also renewed interest in long-standing stories about a secret escape tunnel leading away from the house, which may now warrant closer investigation.

There have, for centuries, been tall tales about a shooting at Bannockburn House (C) Bannockburn House Trust

Associate Professor Douglas Pritchard of Robert Gordon University, who oversaw the imaging work, explained that the research sheds new light on the Jacobite Rising and the risks faced by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

He noted that advanced 3D visualization methods make it possible to digitally preserve delicate objects and historic sites, producing detailed records that can be used for ongoing research and shared with the public.

By documenting these materials with precision, the team is both deepening historical understanding and ensuring the evidence is safeguarded for future study.

Researchers stress that the investigation is still underway and that the exact nature of the incident has yet to be firmly established. Further analysis and archaeological work are planned, with the next excavation scheduled to take place next month.

An urgent demand for action on racist and sexist redundancies at Macquarie University

Vice-Chancellor Bruce Dowton
Macquarie University

Minister for Education Steve Whan
Department of Education

Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman
Australian Human Rights Commission

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody
Australian Human Rights Commission

We, the undersigned university researchers, educators, students, and professional staff, strongly condemn Macquarie University’s recent redundancy decisions, which represent a clear example of institutional racism and sexism.

These redundancies have disproportionately affected women, people of colour, and especially women of colour. Union members were also overrepresented among those made redundant, and unionised disciplines were disproportionately targeted during the spill-and-fill process. These patterns indicate systemic bias rather than neutral or fair restructuring.

Macquarie University’s actions appear to breach key anti-discrimination laws, including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), which gives effect to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), which prohibits discrimination based on sex in employment and education. They also contravene the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), which outlaws racial and sex discrimination in employment, education, and service provision. The university has failed to implement fair and non-discriminatory selection processes, resulting in clear adverse outcomes for protected groups.

This intersectional discrimination undermines both Australian law and the core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion that universities are expected to uphold. We therefore call for immediate and meaningful action, including the reinstatement of all staff who were made redundant and an independent external investigation into Macquarie University’s discriminatory conduct.

The 2025 restructuring at Macquarie University—including the forced redundancy of nine academic roles in the Faculty of Arts and approximately forty-seven voluntary redundancies—has caused severe gendered and racial harm. Available data shows that seven women and two men were forcibly made redundant across the School of International Studies, the School of Communication, Society and Culture, and the School of Education. These decisions have left several disciplines with significant gender imbalance. For example, Politics and International Relations now retains only one woman alongside five men. In Sociology, women already made up a minority—four of fourteen staff before redundancies, following earlier voluntary exits in 2021. After the 2025 cuts, only one woman remains among six academics.

Women, people of colour, and people with disabilities were disproportionately affected. Every person of colour in Sociology was either made redundant or reassigned to teaching-only roles. Three of the four academics in the Faculty of Arts moved into teaching-only positions were people of colour, and two Arab Middle Eastern women were made redundant. While precise data on disability, chronic illness, and neurodivergence is limited, our understanding is that this group represents less than 20% of staff, yet accounts for more than 40% of redundancies, indicating extreme over-representation.

The consequences are wide-ranging. Humanities disciplines such as ancient history, archaeology, creative arts, politics, international relations, and sociology—fields that produce critical scholarship on equity, social justice, and cultural representation—have been severely weakened. Macquarie University is diminishing its research capacity and restricting the production of knowledge on colonialism, gender relations, and racial justice. Teaching quality has also suffered, with nearly one-third of Arts subjects set to be removed by 2026. Students are being denied exposure to diverse perspectives, reinforcing narrow and monocultural curricula. This is most evident in the elimination of the Gender Studies major and all related units, as well as specialist courses addressing racism and diversity.

Community engagement has also been damaged. Many of the affected staff led outreach and support initiatives focused on anti-racism and gender equity, leaving vulnerable communities without vital resources.

These outcomes cannot be explained by financial necessity. Internal planning documents and modelling—reported by the National Tertiary Education Union—show that Macquarie University leadership rejected alternative strategies capable of achieving the $55 million savings target without job losses. Instead, the executive chose forced redundancies, including at least eighteen imminent terminations. This was a deliberate decision rather than an unavoidable fiscal response and suggests targeted harm to marginalised staff within vulnerable disciplines. These actions also conflict with enterprise agreement commitments related to fair change management and reducing casualisation.

Macquarie University’s conduct reflects broader, well-documented patterns of racism within the higher education sector, as outlined in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism@Uni interim report (December 2024) and related studies. These reports highlight widespread structural and interpersonal racism, disproportionately affecting First Nations peoples and African, Asian, Arab, and Muslim staff and students, alongside increasing antisemitism and Islamophobia. Macquarie’s actions exemplify this systemic crisis and undermine Australia’s international human rights obligations.

We reject racism and misogyny in our universities. To address this injustice and prevent further harm, we call for the following actions:

Immediate reinstatement of all staff who were made redundant, particularly women and people of colour, with full backpay and safeguards against retaliation. All voluntary redundancies should be reviewed for evidence of coercion.

An independent external investigation into racism and sexism at Macquarie University, led by the Australian Human Rights Commission, with public reporting on intersectional impacts. This must include a review of selection criteria, redeployment processes, and executive accountability.

Ministerial intervention, urging the Minister for Education to act at both federal and NSW levels under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and relevant oversight mechanisms, including withholding funding until compliance with anti-discrimination laws is demonstrated and requiring sector-wide equity audits.

Leadership from the Race and Sex Discrimination Commissioners, including formal investigation under statutory powers, conciliation or litigation where necessary, and incorporation of findings into the final Racism@Uni report due in December 2025. This should involve collaboration with the Islamophobia Envoy and Register to address anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination.

Failure to take immediate action will amount to complicity in the continuation of institutional discrimination within Australian higher education.

Rare Roman Panther Figurine with Its Paws on a Severed Head Is a Propaganda Tool Used in Britain

When the Romans expanded into new territories, they sought more than control of the land—they aimed to dominate belief, identity, and loyalty. Their power extended beyond military force to law, culture, and strikingly aggressive symbolism.

One such symbol is a vivid example of that approach: a polished copper figurine depicting a panther overpowering the severed head of a defeated local enemy. The imagery is unapologetically brutal and carefully designed to send a message.

The four-inch figurine was recently discovered by a metal detectorist near Harlow, just outside London, and has become one of the most eye-catching additions to the British Museum’s records this year.

The Roman “BMW”

Unearthed in 2024, the object is a high-status decorative fitting, most likely attached to a Roman carriage. Out of the 79,616 archaeological finds reported that year, this piece stands out for both its craftsmanship and its powerful symbolism.

“This fitting is set to become one of Essex’s most iconic archaeological objects,” said Lori Rogerson, the county’s finds liaison officer, speaking to the BBC.

Far from being simple decoration, the figurine reflects how Rome used visual power and intimidation to reinforce its dominance—turning even everyday objects into statements of conquest and control.

he statue is one of the most impressive examples of psychological warfare deployed in Britain

Today, the object is green and weathered with oxidation, but in its prime it would have shone with a vivid yellow-orange glow, flashing in the sunlight as it moved along Britain’s famously straight Roman roads. It almost certainly belonged to a person of means—likely a prosperous farmer or merchant. In Roman terms, it was the status symbol of its day, comparable to owning a luxury BMW or Mercedes.

“You could see it gleaming and immediately know whose carriage was approaching,” said Dr. John Pearce, an archaeologist at King’s College London, speaking to the BBC.

Yet its true power lies in something deeper—its role in psychological intimidation. Archaeologists point out that the panther figurine represents a distinctly “Romano-British” blend. While it features classic Roman imagery, such as the panther and the defeated enemy, these elements are shaped using the flowing, geometric style typical of Iron Age British art. The message behind the design was unmistakable: this land now belonged to Rome.

Mystery Under the Moss: 3,000-Year-Old Rock Carvings Discovered in Norway

Prehistoric Rock Carvings Discovered Beneath Kolsåstoppen in Eastern Norway

A recent discovery beneath Kolsåstoppen, a hill in Bærum, Eastern Norway, has drawn new attention to Norway’s prehistoric rock carvings and the people who created them more than 3,000 years ago.

According to Science Norway, the carvings were found unexpectedly by experienced rock carving hunter Tormod Fjeld while he was driving his daughter to a nearby location. A brief glance at the surrounding terrain led him to notice several exceptionally well-preserved figures etched into the rock.

Among the most striking images are large ship carvings, a central and recurring motif in Scandinavian rock art. Some of the ships are carved upright, while others appear inverted. Archaeologists date them to the Nordic Bronze Age (around 1800–500 BCE) and interpret them as symbols of travel, trade, ritual journeys, or cosmological beliefs connected to the sun and the afterlife. Similar ship carvings are known from major rock art sites such as Tanum in Sweden and Alta in northern Norway, pointing to shared symbolic traditions across prehistoric Scandinavia.

In addition to ships, Fjeld identified rarer motifs, including a large footprint showing the sole of a foot and a carved hand with five thick fingers. Human body parts appear far less frequently in Norwegian rock art than animals or ships, making these finds particularly significant. Researchers suggest such images may represent ritual presence, territorial markers, identity, or participation in ceremonial practices, linking people symbolically to sacred landscapes.

Landscape as the Key to Discovery

Fjeld stresses that discovering rock carvings is not a matter of luck alone but requires a deep understanding of the landscape. He explained to Science Norway that factors such as ancient shorelines, sun-facing rock surfaces, and proximity to prehistoric waterways are crucial clues. During the Bronze Age, sea levels were much higher, meaning areas that are now inland were once close to the coast.

This pattern aligns with discoveries across Norway, where many rock carvings are found along former maritime routes. Fjeld notes that reading the landscape in this way not only helps locate carvings but also brings modern observers closer to the people who created them, offering insight into how prehistoric communities understood and interacted with their environment.

A recent discovery beneath Kolsåstoppen, a hill in Bærum, Eastern Norway, has renewed attention on Norway’s prehistoric rock carvings and the people who created them more than 3,000 years ago. According to Science Norway, experienced rock carving hunter Tormod Fjeld made the unexpected find while driving his daughter to a nearby location. What began as a casual glance at the surrounding landscape quickly led to the discovery of several exceptionally well-preserved carvings etched into the rock.

Among the most striking figures are large ship carvings, a recurring and highly significant motif in Scandinavian rock art. Some of the ships are carved upright, while others appear inverted. Archaeologists believe these carvings date to the Nordic Bronze Age (approximately 1800–500 BCE) and interpret them as symbolic representations of travel, trade, ritual journeys, or cosmological beliefs connected to the sun and the afterlife. Similar ship carvings have been documented at major rock art sites such as Tanum in Sweden and Alta in northern Norway, suggesting shared cultural and symbolic traditions across prehistoric Scandinavia.

In addition to the ships, Fjeld identified a large footprint showing the sole of a foot, as well as a carved hand with five thick fingers. Human body parts are relatively rare in Norwegian rock art compared to animals and ships, making these motifs particularly intriguing. Researchers often associate footprints and handprints with ritual presence, territorial markers, or symbolic expressions of identity and ownership. Comparable carvings in other Nordic regions have been interpreted as signs of power, participation in ceremonies, or connections between humans and sacred landscapes.

Understanding the Landscape as a Key to Discovery

Fjeld emphasizes that successful rock carving discovery is not a matter of chance alone but depends on a deep understanding of the landscape. In his interview with Science Norway, he explains that interpreting terrain features—such as ancient shorelines, sun-facing rock surfaces, and proximity to prehistoric waterways—is crucial. During the Bronze Age, sea levels were significantly higher, meaning many carvings that are now inland were once located close to the coast.

This landscape-based approach aligns with patterns seen across Norway, where rock carvings are frequently found along former maritime routes. Beyond helping locate new sites, Fjeld notes that this method brings modern observers closer to the original carvers, offering deeper insight into how prehistoric people interacted with their environment and the meanings behind where and why these images were placed.

Items found in dig reveal town's medieval past

Medieval Leather Workshop Unearthed in Grimsby

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a leather workshop dating back more than 500 years during redevelopment work in Grimsby, offering fresh insight into the town’s past.

Finds Reveal Everyday Medieval Life
The discoveries were made by York Archaeology at Freshney Place, where excavations revealed fragments of leather, pottery, and fish bones. According to North East Lincolnshire Council, these items provide a vivid snapshot of daily life in historic Grimsby and will eventually be displayed to the public.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, cabinet member for tourism and heritage, described the find as remarkable. “It’s incredible to think that an entire world lies beneath our feet,” he said, highlighting the excitement surrounding the discovery.

A Busy Hub at the Heart of the Town
Grimsby grew into an important fishing and trading port in the 12th century, and experts believe the excavation area represents the likely ground level of the town between around 450 and 1600. Archaeologists suggest the leather workshop once stood amid a lively marketplace in the center of medieval Grimsby.

Council heritage officer Louise Jennings said the find is deepening understanding of the town’s history. She noted that the presence of oyster shells and fish bones reflects the town’s coastal location and reliance on seafood. “You can easily picture people working in the workshop and eating fish for lunch,” she said.

Preserved Materials Thanks to Wet Conditions
Phil Moore, principal archaeology consultant at BWB Consulting, which coordinated the project, explained that the damp conditions of the site increased the chances of preserving organic materials such as leather and wood—items that rarely survive over centuries.

The excavation began in October 2025 and was carried out as part of flood prevention works, turning a modern infrastructure project into an unexpected window onto Grimsby’s medieval past.

Wreck of ancient Roman ship found off coast of Puglia

Italy’s financial police announced on Tuesday that they have uncovered the remains of a large Roman-era ship lying on the seabed of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Puglia, along with a cargo of amphoras.

The discovery was made during an inspection in June 2025, but authorities chose to reveal it only now. Officials explained that keeping the find confidential was necessary to protect the underwater site.

According to the statement, all parties involved agreed to maintain strict secrecy to prevent looting and to safeguard the valuable archaeological information contained at the site while specialists worked on determining the most appropriate strategy for its protection and study.

Bears in a Sacrificial Pose: A Bronze Plaque from Early Medieval Altai Reveals an Unknown Southern Tradition

A Bronze Relic Reemerges After Thirteen Centuries

More than 1,300 years after it was buried, a bronze plaque decorated with bears in a ritual pose has come to light once again in the forest-steppe of southern Siberia.

Discovered along the calm banks of the Chumysh River, the small but striking object is offering archaeologists fresh insight into cultural exchange and identity in a region shaped by shifting borders and empires. Though modest in size, the plaque tells a far-reaching story about belief systems and interaction at the fringes of the early Turkic world.

A Powerful Symbol at the Edge of Empires

The artifact is a rectangular bronze plaque engraved with three bears arranged in a formal, sacrificial posture. Archaeologists recovered it from an early medieval burial site in Russia’s Altai region, dating it to the seventh or early eighth century AD.

What makes the find remarkable is its location. The plaque is now considered one of the southernmost examples of a symbolic tradition usually associated with the northern forests of Eurasia. Its appearance in the Altai forest-steppe is prompting scholars to rethink how far these cultural ideas spread—and how they were adapted in border regions during the early Middle Ages.

An Overlooked Cultural Crossroads

The burial ground, known as Chumysh-Perekat, sits in northeastern Altai Krai, where open forest-steppe landscapes gradually transition into the dense taiga of the Salair Ridge. For decades, this zone received little archaeological attention, eclipsed by the dramatic Altai Mountains to the south and the well-studied river systems of western Siberia to the north.

That changed when river erosion exposed human remains, leading to systematic excavations between 2014 and 2019. Teams from the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Altai State University uncovered a rare, layered cemetery containing burials ranging from the Neolithic period to the early Middle Ages.

This made Chumysh-Perekat a unique archive of human activity spanning thousands of years.

Rare Burials, Rare Insights

Among the discoveries were seventeen early medieval graves that had largely avoided looting—an exceptional circumstance in this region. Intact burials from this period are uncommon in the forest-steppe Altai, giving researchers a rare opportunity to reconstruct everyday life, beliefs, and social structures along the northern edges of the Turkic Khaganates.

The Woman and the Bear Plaque

The bronze plaque was found in the grave of a woman believed to have been between 35 and 50 years old when she died. Although her burial showed signs of ancient disturbance, most of the grave goods were still present. Archaeologists suggest this disruption may have been ritual in nature rather than the result of theft.

The plaque shows three bear heads aligned vertically, each with forelegs folded beneath the body in what researchers call a “sacrificial pose.” Similar imagery is well documented in the taiga and forest regions of western Siberia, where bear symbolism played a central role in hunting rituals and spiritual traditions among Ugric and other northern groups.

Until now, however, such objects had almost never been found so far south.

Why the Discovery Matters

The presence of this plaque in southern Siberia is significant both geographically and culturally. It suggests that symbolic traditions linked to northern hunting cults reached much farther than previously thought—and that communities in this borderland zone were actively engaging with, adopting, or reinterpreting ideas from neighboring cultures.

In doing so, the bronze plaque adds a new layer to our understanding of cultural interaction during a pivotal period in Eurasian history, when identities were being shaped at the crossroads of forests, steppe, and empire.

Northern Symbols, Southern Style

What makes this burial particularly insightful is the combination of objects placed with the deceased. The woman was buried wearing jewelry and belt fittings commonly linked to southern nomadic traditions. These include pseudo-kolts—decorative pendants associated with early Turkic dress—as well as richly ornamented belt plaques.

Such items closely resemble finds from the Altai Mountains and Tuva, regions deeply connected to the emergence of early Turkic states. In contrast, the bear plaque clearly belongs to a northern symbolic tradition. Finding both together in a single grave points to more than simple exchange—it reveals a meaningful blending of cultural identities.

This was not a random or imported object placed in the burial by chance. Instead, it reflects a lived identity that drew simultaneously from northern belief systems and southern nomadic traditions.

Adoption, Not Imitation

The same pattern appears elsewhere in the cemetery. Several male burials included horses, a defining feature of Turkic funerary customs. However, instead of complete horse burials typical of the steppe, the animals were placed in segmented form—an intentional modification of the tradition.

Likewise, decorated belts—usually symbols of male warrior status in nomadic societies—were found not only with men, but also with women and children.

These choices suggest that local forest-steppe communities were not simply copying Turkic practices. They were actively adapting them, reshaping new cultural elements to fit their own social values and ritual traditions.

The result was a layered cultural environment where Samoyedic, Ugric, and Turkic influences coexisted and intertwined rather than replacing one another.

A Cultural Conversation at the Empire’s Edge

The bear plaque itself captures this cultural dialogue. Across northern Eurasia, bears carried deep spiritual meaning, often linked to ancestry, protection, and the structure of the cosmos. That symbolism endured even as Turkic political and cultural influence expanded northward during the seventh century.

Instead of wiping out older belief systems, nomadic expansion seems to have encouraged negotiation and adaptation. At the fringes of empire, identities were reshaped rather than erased.

Chumysh-Perekat provides a rare archaeological glimpse into that process—showing how communities at the crossroads of cultures forged new identities while holding on to older traditions.

This 430,000-Year-Old Stick Could Actually Be One of Humanity’s Earliest Tools

Researchers believe the ancient wood, found in Greece, is actually evidence of the earliest hand-held wooden tool usage in human history.

What You’ll Discover in This Story

• Scientists think they have identified the earliest known hand-held wooden tools ever used by humans.

• The evidence comes from carefully shaped wooden artifacts found in Greece, made from alder and either willow or poplar.

• These tools date back an astonishing 430,000 years.

• The discovery pushes the known use of wooden tools by humans back by about 40,000 years.

The Oldest Wooden Tools Ever Found

Humans were working with wood far earlier than researchers once believed. A new study reveals that early humans were crafting hand-held wooden tools as long as 430,000 years ago. The discovery centers on two wooden implements—one made from alder, and the other from either willow or poplar—now considered the oldest hand-held wooden tools known to science.

This finding significantly rewrites the timeline of early human technology, showing that woodworking skills emerged tens of thousands of years earlier than previously documented.

Rare Evidence Preserved by Special Conditions

Wood rarely survives for hundreds of thousands of years, making discoveries like this exceptionally rare. According to Annemieke Milks, an expert in early wooden tools at the University of Reading, the team carefully examined the artifacts using microscopes to study their surfaces in detail.

The analysis revealed clear traces of chopping and carving, unmistakable signs that the wood had been deliberately shaped by early humans rather than altered by natural processes.

A Key Site in Early Human Activity

The tools were uncovered at the Marathousa 1 archaeological site in the central Peloponnese region of Greece. The findings were published in the journal PNAS by researchers from the University of Tübingen and the University of Reading.

In addition to the wooden tools, archaeologists found stone tools and animal remains, including those of an elephant. During the Middle Pleistocene period—roughly 774,000 to 129,000 years ago—the site was located along the shore of a lake and likely served as an important place for butchering animals.

Rethinking Early Human Innovation

Together, these discoveries suggest that early humans were not only skilled stone toolmakers but also capable woodworkers, using a wider range of materials and techniques than once assumed. The findings add a new dimension to our understanding of early human behavior, adaptability, and technological creativity.

Exceptional Discovery in the Ionian Sea: Newly Revealed Roman Shipwreck Found off Gallipoli, Italy

An Ancient Shipwreck Emerges off Southern Italy

On the Ionian coast of the Salento Peninsula in southern Italy’s Puglia region, the historic port town of Gallipoli has become the focus of a remarkable underwater archaeological find. The Italian Ministry of Culture recently announced the discovery of an exceptionally well-preserved Roman merchant shipwreck lying on the seabed just offshore.

Although the wreck was first located in June 2025, officials deliberately delayed public disclosure. The decision was made to safeguard the site from looting and to protect its outstanding scientific importance.

Careful Protection Before Public Announcement

Following the discovery, Italian authorities placed the area under constant surveillance. The Guardia di Finanza closely monitored the site in coordination with the Archaeological Superintendency for Fine Arts and Landscape (ABAP). This period of confidentiality allowed specialists to assess the wreck’s condition and archaeological value while ensuring it remained undisturbed.

Only after a clear protection and monitoring strategy was established did officials feel confident enough to reveal the find to the public.

A Roman Trade Vessel Preserved in Time

The shipwreck has been identified as a navis oneraria, a large Roman merchant vessel designed for long-distance trade across the Mediterranean. Resting at significant depth off the coast of Gallipoli, the ship is reported to be in extraordinary condition, with much of its cargo still clearly intact.

This level of preservation offers archaeologists a rare snapshot of Roman maritime commerce, effectively freezing a moment of ancient trade activity on the seafloor.

Garum: A Luxury Cargo from the Roman World

What makes the discovery especially striking is the ship’s cargo: amphorae containing garum, the fermented fish sauce that was both a dietary staple and a luxury product in Roman society. Highly valued and widely traded, garum traveled across the empire, from the Iberian Peninsula to Gaul and beyond.

The presence of such a cargo highlights the economic importance of the vessel and underscores Gallipoli’s role within Roman trade networks.

Why Secrecy Was Essential

Underwater archaeological sites are particularly vulnerable to illegal salvage, and a wreck carrying valuable goods like garum amphorae presents an obvious target for looters. For this reason, discretion was critical in the months after the ship was found.

Through continuous patrols and expert evaluations, authorities were able to secure the site and preserve its integrity. With these measures now in place, the discovery can be shared openly—marking an important new chapter in the study of Roman maritime history.

Fresh Perspectives on Roman Trade and Everyday Life

The cargo of garum offers a rare and direct glimpse into commercial life in the Roman Mediterranean. Archaeologists believe the ship was part of a wide-reaching trade network that supplied elite consumers with luxury food products. As a result, the find opens new paths for understanding Roman economic structures, consumption patterns, and aspects of daily life during the imperial era.

Researchers note that discoveries of this size and level of preservation are unusual. The way the amphorae remain arranged on the seabed still outlines the shape of the vessel itself, giving scholars an exceptional opportunity to study ancient shipbuilding methods, cargo storage practices, and maritime trade routes in remarkable detail.

Gallipoli’s Role in Ancient Sea Routes

In antiquity, the waters around Gallipoli and the broader Salento coastline formed a key maritime passage linking the eastern and western Mediterranean. These routes were vital for trade but also hazardous, with unpredictable weather and complex coastal features that frequently caused ships to founder.

This newly revealed wreck strengthens the view that the Ionian Sea is one of southern Italy’s richest zones for underwater archaeology, highlighting the importance of sustained protection and long-term research in the area.

Next Steps: Research, Excavation, and Conservation

According to the Ministry of Culture, the discovery will now move into a new phase focused on detailed documentation, advanced underwater investigations, and careful planning for future excavation and preservation. These initiatives are designed not only to safeguard the site but also to share its historical significance through academic study, exhibitions, and public outreach.

Describing the find as “a submerged heritage returning to tell its story,” the Ministry emphasized its potential to greatly enhance our understanding of Roman civilization and the vast maritime networks that once connected the ancient world.

Ana Mendieta

This summer, Tate Modern will present the UK’s first major exhibition in more than a decade devoted to the multidisciplinary artist Ana Mendieta (1948–1985). Active during the 1970s and 1980s, Mendieta developed a radical artistic practice that redefined the boundaries of sculpture, photography, and film. Describing her work in her own terms, she is best known for her “earth-body” pieces, in which she traced or shaped her body within the landscape using natural materials such as soil, fire, flowers, and stone.

Bringing together more than 150 works, the exhibition will be organized thematically around symbolic places, tracing key stages in Mendieta’s career and underscoring her lifelong engagement with nature. Her celebrated Silueta Series (1973–80) will be shown alongside newly remastered films, rarely exhibited paintings and drawings, later sculptures, and re-created installations. Together, these works offer fresh insight into her practice and highlight its continued resonance for contemporary audiences.

Mendieta’s search for origins and her deep connection to the natural world were shaped by early experiences of displacement. Born in Havana, Cuba, she was sent to the United States with her sister after the Cuban Revolution, separated from her family and homeland at the age of 12. While studying archaeology and art at the University of Iowa, she began making works that reconnected her to Cuban history and culture. Her film Ochún (1981), for example, shows a sand-sculpted figure on the shore of Key Biscayne, Florida, symbolically linking the waters between the US and Cuba. During return visits to Cuba in the 1980s, she created Esculturas Rupestres (1981), carving figures directly into limestone rock. These works drew inspiration from her evolving Silueta forms, Afro-Cuban traditions, and indigenous Taíno culture. As Mendieta explained in 1984, she viewed her work as rooted in a Neolithic tradition, valuing the emotional and sensory qualities of materials over formal concerns.

The Silueta Series began during a trip to Mexico in 1973, where Mendieta created life-size, temporary works exploring themes of presence, renewal, and transformation. She burned, carved, and molded silhouettes into landscapes across the Americas and Europe, often returning to sites connected to ancient histories or personal meaning. Intended to erode and disappear over time, these works challenged conventional ideas of art as permanent objects. Through photographs and film documentation, visitors will follow the development of the series—from early works using flowers placed over the artist’s body to later impressions left along riverbanks and shorelines.

The exhibition also emphasizes Mendieta’s connections across social, political, and geographic contexts. While studying in the University of Iowa’s experimental Intermedia program between 1972 and 1977, she became part of a vibrant artistic community. After moving to New York in 1978, she engaged closely with the city’s art and activist circles and joined A.I.R. Gallery, the first nonprofit, artist-run gallery for women in the United States. Reflecting her commitment to education, the exhibition will include early collaborative videos made with her students, such as Parachute (1973).

Premiering in the UK, a selection of newly remastered films made between 1971 and 1981 will demonstrate Mendieta’s innovative use of film, including techniques such as scratching and painting directly onto the celluloid. Film also served as a way to capture her performance-based and site-specific works, allowing audiences to experience pieces such as Anima, Silueta de Cohetes (Firework Piece) (1976) and Bird Run (1974), which shows the artist running along a beach covered in feathers. Her interest in transformation is further explored through the photographic series Untitled (Facial Cosmetic Variations) (1972), in which she alters her appearance using makeup, wigs, and expressive gestures.

In 1983, Mendieta received the Prix de Rome fellowship at the American Academy in Italy. After years of working primarily outdoors, her time in Rome marked a shift toward studio-based sculpture, enabling the creation of more lasting works. Tate Modern will display several of these pieces, including floor works made from earth and binder such as Nile Born (1984), as well as La Jungla (Totem Grove) (1985), a multi-part sculpture of tree trunks burned with gunpowder to form dark silhouettes. These will be shown alongside delicate drawings on leaves and paintings from the Amategram series, which depict totem-like forms on bark paper and continue her exploration of the female body.

To reflect the living and impermanent nature of Mendieta’s practice, several ephemeral works will be restaged during the exhibition. Ñañigo Burial (1976), a Silueta formed from black ritual candles, will be lit regularly throughout the show. Visitors will also encounter a reconstruction of her first indoor earth-body installation, created from branches, leaves, soil, moss, and stones to transform the gallery into a forest-like environment. Extending beyond the museum, one of Mendieta’s tree sculptures—first made in 1982—will be reactivated outside Tate Modern, embodying the themes of transformation and resilience that define her work.

Wreck of ancient Roman ship found off coast of Puglia

Ancient Roman Shipwreck Discovered Off Puglia Coast

Italy’s finance police announced on Tuesday the discovery of a large Roman-era shipwreck resting on the Ionian Sea bed off the coast of Puglia. The vessel, dating back to antiquity, still contains a cargo of amphoras, offering valuable insight into ancient maritime trade.

The ship was initially located in June 2025 during an inspection, but authorities delayed public disclosure to protect the site. According to the police, all parties agreed to maintain strict confidentiality to prevent looting and ensure the preservation of the site’s archaeological information while developing the best plan for intervention.

This discovery highlights the richness of Italy’s underwater cultural heritage and provides a rare opportunity to study Roman-era seafaring and commerce.

England May Hold the Lost Grave of a Legendary Viking Warlord

Archaeologists May Have Found the Burial Site of Viking Leader Ivarr the Boneless

New archaeological research suggests that Ivarr the Boneless, one of the most notorious figures of the Viking Age, could be buried beneath a coastal hill in north-west England. For over a thousand years, the location of his grave has remained a mystery, but a windswept mound overlooking the Irish Sea may offer the strongest lead yet.

A Prominent Coastal Mound

Archaeologist Steve Dickinson, working in Cumbria, believes the mound—known in medieval sources as Coningeshou, or “The King’s Mound”—could conceal the ship burial of the Viking war leader. Measuring approximately 60 meters in diameter and six meters high, the mound’s size aligns with elite Viking burial practices. Its precise location has not been disclosed to protect it from looting.

Dickinson points out that references to Coningeshou in Icelandic sagas, combined with the mound’s scale and strategic coastal location, strongly suggest a royal burial rather than a natural hill.

A Potential Viking Necropolis

If confirmed, this would represent the first monumental Viking ship burial identified in the UK and one of only a few known in north-west Europe. The surrounding landscape further supports the idea of a high-status site: dozens of smaller mounds nearby may have served as the graves of warriors, retainers, or family members, similar to arrangements seen in other elite Viking cemeteries.

Dickinson told the BBC that the discovery could reveal a previously unknown Viking necropolis along the Cumbrian coast, reshaping current understanding of Viking activity and influence in north-west England.

A fifteenth-century depiction of Ívarr and Ubba ravaging the countryside as it appears on folio 48r of British Library Harley 2278.

Clues Beneath the Surface Point to Viking Burial

Although no excavation has yet occurred, non-invasive surveys and metal-detecting in the surrounding area have revealed promising material evidence. Archaeologists have uncovered large iron ship rivets and lead weights, items consistent with Viking-Age maritime activity and silver-based economies.

While these finds do not confirm a ship burial, they strongly suggest the presence of elite wealth and seafaring activity near the mound—exactly what one might expect near the grave of a powerful figure like Ivarr the Boneless. Later this year, Dickinson plans to conduct geophysical scans of the mound to identify any ship-shaped anomalies beneath its surface.

Who Was Ivarr the Boneless?

Ivarr the Boneless was far from a minor raider. In the ninth century, he emerged as a leading commander of the Great Heathen Army, which launched devastating campaigns across Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

He is traditionally associated with the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, though historians debate whether this connection was familial, symbolic, or literary. What is clear is Ivarr’s historical impact: he helped capture York and played a key role in establishing Dublin as a Norse stronghold. While modern TV dramas have popularized his story, the real Ivarr was likely far more complex—and enigmatic—than fictional depictions suggest.

The Mystery Behind “The Boneless”

Ivarr’s epithet, beinlausi (“boneless”), has long puzzled scholars. Some suggest he may have suffered from osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder causing fragile bones. Others interpret the name metaphorically, suggesting it could refer to flexibility, ritual significance, or even naval skill, drawing on Old Norse linguistic nuances where “boneless” could imply fluidity or agility rather than a physical condition.

A confirmed burial preserving skeletal remains could finally allow scientists to test these theories. However, even if human remains are found, definitive identification would remain challenging without inscriptions or DNA comparisons.

Metal ship rivets have been found in the area.

A Burial Fit for a Viking Ruler

Viking ship burials were reserved for society’s elite. The deceased would be laid in a vessel along with weapons, jewelry, ceremonial regalia, food offerings, and sometimes even sacrificed animals, before the ship was covered with earth to create a monumental mound.

In Britain, the most famous ship burial is Sutton Hoo, though it belongs to the Anglo-Saxon period rather than the Viking era. A confirmed Viking ship burial in Cumbria would dramatically change our understanding of Scandinavian power and status in early medieval Britain.

What Comes Next

Archaeologists caution that even if the mound contains a ship, definitive identification may remain difficult without inscriptions or DNA evidence. Nonetheless, discovering a Viking ship burial on the Cumbrian coast—royal or otherwise—would be a historic milestone.

For now, the mound stands silent, overlooking the ancient sea routes linking Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Beneath it may lie clues not only about Ivarr the Boneless, but also about how power, belief, and memory were expressed in the Viking Age.

Whether Ivarr rests there or not, the search itself is reshaping historians’ understanding of the Norse world in Britain.

Lost knife belonging to WW1 soldier to be displayed at archaeology open day in Susse

World War One Soldier’s Knife Among Finds from Sussex Excavation

A lost knife belonging to a World War One soldier will feature in an upcoming exhibition in Sussex, alongside other artefacts uncovered during recent excavations at Cooden Camp in Bexhill.

The dig, led by Archaeology South-East (ASE), was conducted ahead of plans to build 70 homes off Clavering Walk, on land that was once part of the military camp. Archaeologists uncovered training camp features as well as personal items used by soldiers stationed there.

One notable find is a bone-handled knife with the initials A.I. carved into it. Researchers noted that corrosion on the handle resulted from the iron scale tang embedded inside. Historical investigation has suggested several potential owners, including 19-year-old Lance Corporal Alfred Isted from Burwash, East Sussex, who was later killed in action.

Simon Stevens, who led the excavation, explained: “Our digs can tell us only so much about the men training here. That’s why we’re combining archaeology with historical research and stories from descendants, to bring these soldiers’ stories to life.”

Cooden Camp is remembered as the initial training ground for men of the 11th, 12th, and 13th Battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment. Many of these soldiers later fought in the Battle of the Boar’s Head at Richebourg-I’Avoué in France on 30 June 1916, an assault on heavily defended German positions that resulted in around 1,100 casualties across the three battalions. The tragic day became known locally as “The Day Sussex Died.”

Neanderthals and early humans may have interbred over a vast area

We are getting a clearer sense of where and how often Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred, and it turns out the behaviour was much more common than we first thought

Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals Interbred Across a Vast Region

Recent research suggests that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals likely interbred over a wide area spanning western Europe to Asia.

It has long been known that early humans and Neanderthals mated, which explains why most non-African populations today carry about 2% Neanderthal DNA. This interbreeding also led to the replacement of Neanderthal Y chromosome lineages with those from Homo sapiens.

However, the exact locations and scale of these encounters have remained uncertain. We do know that Neanderthal ancestors left Africa around 600,000 years ago, spreading into Europe and western Asia. Meanwhile, the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens leaving Africa comes from skeletal remains in present-day Israel and Greece, dating back roughly 200,000 years.

These timelines provide a framework for understanding when and where interbreeding between the two species likely took place, offering new insights into human evolutionary history.

Medieval Burial Found in Croatian Bronze Age Burial Mound

PULA, CROATIA — Researchers from Juraj Dobrila University of Pula have conducted excavations at Vrh Kosir, a Bronze Age burial mound located on Veli Brijunin Island within Brijuni National Park. While the tumulus dates back over 3,000 years, the team also discovered a secondary burial that has been radiocarbon dated to the first half of the 14th century.

In addition to the medieval interment, archaeologists recovered a human jaw, numerous bone fragments, and more than 50 teeth from multiple individuals on the opposite side of the mound. These findings highlight the mound’s long-term use as a burial site spanning several millennia.

The excavation provides valuable insight into both Bronze Age and medieval funerary practices in the region, revealing how burial sites were reused and adapted over centuries.

Contents of 1,900-Year-Old Roman Vial Analyzed

SIVAS, TURKEY — Researchers have uncovered remarkable evidence of Roman medical practices through chemical analysis of residues in glass vials from Pergamon, western Turkey. A team comprising archaeologist Cenker Atila (Sivas Cumhuriyet University), chemist İlker Demirbolat (Istanbul Kent University), and medical historian Rana Babaç Çelebi (Istanbul Medipol University) studied the contents of these Roman containers using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Out of several vials, conclusive results came from a sealed unguentarium found in a tomb in ancient Pergamon, once home to the famous second-century A.D. physician Galen. The analysis identified two organic compounds, coprostanol and 24-ethylcoprostanol, which are produced in the digestive tracts of animals that metabolize cholesterol. The ratio of these compounds indicated that the material was human feces.

Interestingly, the substance was mixed with thyme, likely to mask its strong odor. “Because we are well-acquainted with ancient textual sources, we immediately recognized this as a medicinal preparation used by the famous Roman physician Galen,” explained Atila.

Medicinal recipes containing feces were historically believed to treat inflammation, infections, and reproductive disorders. To make them more tolerable, herbs, wine, or vinegar were added. The findings suggest that Galen’s written prescriptions were grounded in actual medical practice, reflecting a combination of empirical knowledge and traditional remedies.

This study provides a rare chemical confirmation of historical texts, offering direct insight into ancient Roman pharmacology and therapeutic methods.

news Webuild secures Rome Metro C section T1 contract reinforcing leadership in sustainable metro construction

Webuild has been awarded section T1 of Rome Metro Line C, strengthening its global role in metro systems and sustainable urban mobility delivery.

leader in metro construction and sustainable urban transport. The announcement comes shortly after the Group won new contracts related to the Riyadh Metro extension and additional works on the Naples metro system.

Delivering a Key Section in Northern Rome

As part of the Metro C Consortium, led by Webuild in partnership with Vianini Lavori, the company will design and construct the section connecting Clodio Mazzini and Farnesina stations in northern Rome. The overall contract is valued at €776 million, with €268 million allocated to Webuild’s share. The scope covers both engineering design and full construction.

Building on Recent Milestones

The award follows the opening in December of the Colosseo Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia stations. These new archaeo-stations extend Line C by three kilometres and create a vital interchange with Metro Line B. Their development involved highly complex construction techniques to safeguard Rome’s archaeological assets, including the careful handling of over 625,000 cubic metres of archaeological material along the route from Monte Compatri Pantano to Clodio Mazzini.

Integrated Construction with Section T2

Section T1 will be developed in close coordination with section T2, which is currently undergoing executive design and will feature the first tunnel crossing beneath the Tiber River. This integrated strategy allows tunnel-boring operations to continue seamlessly from Farnesina to Piazza Venezia, reducing interruptions and avoiding fragmented construction. Work at Venezia station is already advancing as part of the project’s second major development phase.

A Growing Network and Global Impact

When fully completed, Metro Line C will span 29 kilometres and include 31 stations, of which 24 are already operational. The project further strengthens Webuild’s international portfolio, which now includes more than 890 kilometres of metro lines constructed worldwide, contributing to greener, more efficient, and technologically advanced urban mobility systems.

The freezer organization trick that cuts food waste in half

Last month, while reaching into my freezer for chicken, I uncovered a forgotten container of chili labeled “September.” It was already January. Behind it sat a bag of frozen vegetables so badly freezer-burned they looked ancient. That discovery felt uncomfortably familiar.

That small moment made me realize I was using my freezer as a dumping ground for good intentions. After adopting one simple organization method, I’ve nearly cut my food waste in half and now regularly use what I freeze. Even better, the system takes less than five minutes to maintain.

The Hidden Problem in Most Freezers

Most people use their freezers without much planning. Leftovers get tossed in when meals run short on time, frozen foods are shoved wherever there’s space, and containers stack up with no real order. Months later, we dig through the freezer only to discard food we can’t identify or date.

On average, households in the United States waste about $1,500 worth of food each year, much of it because items are forgotten. Freezers are meant to preserve food, yet they often become places where meals slowly fade from memory.

As nutrition expert Christopher Wharton from Arizona State University notes, reducing food waste at home is one of the easiest ways to make a meaningful impact.

Using a “First In, First Out” Freezer System

The solution that worked for me comes from professional kitchens: the FIFO, or “first in, first out,” method. To adapt it for home use, I added a simple rule—everything flows from right to left.

Newly frozen items always go on the right side of each shelf or drawer. When it’s time to cook or eat, I take items from the left. This creates an automatic rotation, ensuring older food gets used first instead of being buried under newer additions.

Think of it as a slow-moving conveyor belt. Food enters on one side and gradually shifts toward the “use next” spot.

Creating Clear Freezer Zones

Organization becomes much easier when the freezer is divided into zones instead of being treated as one big space.

I designated the top shelf for ready-to-eat meals like leftovers and batch-cooked dishes. The middle shelf holds proteins and cooking ingredients. The door stores frequently used items, such as frozen fruit for smoothies. The bottom drawer is reserved for vegetables and bulk foods.

Within each area, the right-to-left rule still applies. When I freeze soup, it goes on the right. Older containers move left and naturally become the next meals I reach for.

Dana Gunders, executive director of ReFED, describes the freezer as a “pause button” that gives food a second chance to be eaten instead of wasted.

Keeping a Simple Freezer Inventory

The forgotten chili problem disappeared once I added a basic inventory list to the outside of my freezer. It’s just a sheet of paper with two columns: the item and the date it was frozen.

Every time something goes in, I write it down. When I use it, I cross it off. This way, I know exactly what’s available without opening the freezer and digging around.

Once a week, I review the list and plan meals around items that have been there the longest. Vegetables that have sat for a while become part of a stir-fry, and older leftovers turn into quick lunches.

Labels That Make Sense

At first, our labels were vague and unhelpful. A container marked “soup” told us nothing about the flavor, portion size, or age.

Now I label everything clearly using masking tape. Each label includes the name of the dish, the freezing date, and how many servings it contains. For example: “Vegetable curry – 1/15 – 2 servings.” This small change removed all the guesswork.

Making Frozen Food Fit Everyday Life

Freezing food is especially helpful on busy days. Knowing there’s a homemade meal ready to heat up makes it easier to skip takeout after a long day.

The left-to-right system also pairs perfectly with batch cooking. When I cook extra portions on the weekend, I freeze half and place them on the right. A couple of weeks later, when they reach the left side, they feel like a ready-made gift.

The Bigger Benefits

What started as an effort to waste less food has completely changed how I shop and plan meals. I now buy items in bulk with confidence, freeze produce before it spoils, and rely on my freezer instead of letting food go bad.

Food waste expert Kai Robertson sums it up well: the freezer is one of the most powerful tools for reducing food loss, whether you freeze items yourself or buy them frozen.

Since adopting this system, my grocery spending has dropped by about 20 percent. Meal planning is easier, food waste is minimal, and I no longer feel guilty throwing away forgotten meals.

Final Thoughts

This approach works because it’s simple. There’s no need for expensive containers or complicated systems. Just create clear zones, rotate food from right to left, keep a short inventory list, and label items clearly.

In the past three months, I’ve thrown away only one frozen item—those badly burned vegetables from before I started. Everything else gets used because the system naturally pushes older food forward.

Try it for a month. Set up your freezer zones, start a basic inventory, and see how quickly forgotten food turns into dependable meals. Your budget, your schedule, and your peace of mind will benefit—mine certainly have.

Profile: Chinese diver brings deep sea history to the surface

FUZHOU, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) — Dressed in bulky diving equipment and surrounded by the steady hum of his gear, Chen Hao descends slowly into the deep blue, guided by a rope. The water around him is thick with silt, and visibility fades as he moves downward with careful precision.

Then his hand touches wood — a ship’s plank that has remained undisturbed for hundreds of years. Above him is the open sea; before him is a tangible link to the past.

For nearly 20 years, Chen has been making such dives. Now in his early fifties, he serves as deputy head of the underwater archaeology center at the Fujian provincial research institute of archaeology in eastern China. He is among the few Chinese archaeologists who still spend a large portion of the year working beneath the sea.

From northern waters to China’s southernmost seas, Chen’s dives trace routes once sailed by merchant vessels along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Broad-shouldered and weathered by sun and salt, Chen appears shaped as much by the ocean as by academic life. During winter, when rough seas make diving unsafe, he shifts his focus to land-based work — organizing survey data and preparing for future missions, including an upcoming joint underwater archaeology project in South Africa. Even when he cannot dive, the sea remains central to his work.

“I’d rather be out at sea than sitting behind a desk,” Chen said. “That’s where history reveals itself.”

Before becoming an underwater archaeologist, Chen held a stable office job. In 2005, while working at the Fujian Museum, he was assigned to observe the excavation of the Wanjiao No. 1 shipwreck — a Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) merchant ship discovered near Pingtan County.

“Divers brought up hundreds of porcelain pieces every day,” he recalled. “The ship carried tens of thousands of blue-and-white ceramics, preserved so well that everyone was amazed.” Soon afterward, Chen left his office position and committed himself fully to underwater archaeology.

The shift required both physical strength and determination. In 2009, at age 35 — just meeting the age limit — Chen joined the fifth national underwater archaeology training program. He was the oldest participant and served as class monitor. Over three months, trainees earned more than a dozen professional diving certifications before heading straight into fieldwork at submerged sites.

“You’d fall asleep the moment you hit the bed,” Chen said. “But the excitement of working with relics on the seabed kept us going.” Of that original group, fewer than five are still actively working underwater today.

Danger has always been part of the job. While diving near Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province, Chen once worked in near-total darkness, unable to read his compass or wrist computer. He relied entirely on touch, experience and instinct.

Near Fujian’s Shengbeiyu islet, strong tidal currents repeatedly pulled him away from target areas, leaving his legs numb from exhaustion. After returning to the deck, he sometimes lay motionless for over an hour to recover. Those demanding dives eventually helped the team pinpoint the location of a Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) shipwreck.

The waters off Pingtan have posed the greatest challenge. Winds at force six or higher batter the area for more than 300 days a year. Reefs are densely packed, currents constantly shift, and survey vessels often strike submerged rocks. Despite these hazards, the area was historically a major shipping route. For centuries, countless vessels passed through — many of which sank — leaving one of China’s richest underwater archaeological zones.

The search for shipwrecks often begins with local fishermen. Chen spends long periods along the coast listening to their accounts. “Fishermen understand the sea better than anyone,” he said. “When they sense something unusual below, it can lead us to important discoveries.”

Looting is another serious threat. Entire sites can be destroyed in days, wiping out centuries of historical evidence. For Chen, protecting sites comes before excavation. His institute works closely with the coast guard, police and fisheries authorities, setting up round-the-clock monitoring and regular patrols in key areas.

Over the years, Chen has seen major technological advances. Early equipment was heavy and inefficient, increasing risk and limiting productivity. Today, divers rely on real-time navigation and communication systems, while sonar and imaging technologies allow wrecks to be located with far greater accuracy.

Even so, recovery requires extreme care. Materials such as ropes, bamboo fragments and hull fillings can disintegrate at the slightest touch after centuries underwater. Chen’s team uses specially adapted pneumatic tools to gently remove sediment and stabilizes fragile items with epoxy resin before bringing them to the surface.

Several discoveries have marked key moments in Chen’s career. Sites he helped locate and excavate have yielded major breakthroughs, including the first physical evidence of long-lost navigational tools preserved underwater, the best-preserved mid-Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) merchant ship found in coastal waters, and a Yuan Dynasty vessel containing an exceptional collection of Longquan celadon that earned national recognition.

The demands of the job have affected family life. Long assignments at sea have left most household responsibilities to his wife, and Chen has missed birthdays and family illnesses. “My family’s understanding and support are what allow me to continue,” he said.

Today, Chen divides his time between leading dives and training the next generation of underwater archaeologists, often serving as an instructor in national programs. The field remains small in China, with only a few dozen active specialists nationwide. “Fujian’s vast underwater heritage will depend on those who follow,” he said.

Chen has no plans to step away. “Every dive is a dialogue with history,” he said. “Every excavation adds a new chapter to human civilization.” As long as he is able, he will continue descending into the depths, bringing hidden history back into the light.

Chinese aviation blends culture and tourism to elevate travel experiences

At Terminal 3 of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, a beautifully arranged hall dedicated to intangible cultural heritage is attracting the attention of passing travelers. Inside, display cases present finely crafted heritage items, including Xiaoshan lace, along with clear descriptions that explain the craftsmanship and cultural stories behind each work.

Across China, airports are increasingly being redesigned as cultural spaces, allowing passengers to explore local traditions through exhibitions and temporary markets while they travel.

At Terminal 5 of Xianyang International Airport in Xi’an, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, an on-site museum showcases more than 100 archaeological artifacts discovered during the airport’s construction. These exhibits give travelers the chance to view valuable cultural relics up close as they wait for their flights.

Meanwhile, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in Shandong Province offers a festive atmosphere with a Chinese New Year market. Travelers can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts such as sugar painting and dough figurine making, and purchase local specialties, including the city’s famous Tsingtao beer, to take home.

Cultural creativity is also extending into the skies. At Beijing Daxing International Airport, a specially designed aircraft inspired by the National Museum of China recently completed its first flight to Shanghai. This initiative was created through a partnership between the museum and China Eastern Airlines.

The aircraft’s exterior features children’s artwork depicting well-known cultural relics, such as the Houmuwu ding and an elegant empress crown from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Inside the cabin, decorative elements on overhead bins and tray tables continue the museum-inspired theme.

Passenger Ms. Xu said she booked her ticket as soon as she heard about the inaugural flight. She described the experience as enjoyable and memorable, noting that passengers received specially designed souvenirs, including custom boarding passes, postcards, and refrigerator magnets. She added that the creative blend of culture and aviation left a strong impression.

Many airlines are now introducing themed aircraft with distinctive exterior designs, while others are offering special flight experiences linked to major sporting events and significant cultural occasions.

As civil aviation becomes more closely connected with culture and tourism, airports are evolving from simple transportation hubs into cultural destinations that reflect local life. At the same time, flights are being reimagined to offer travelers unique and memorable experiences.

Cultural tourism related to aviation continues to expand and diversify. In particular, educational tours focused on aerospace and aviation have become increasingly popular among students and families, providing immersive learning experiences alongside travel.

Visitors view cultural relics at Xianyang International Airport in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province

Several airports, including Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in Jiangsu Province and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, have launched aviation science programs aimed at helping young people gain a clearer understanding of the aviation industry.

Yang Honghao, director of the Industry Research Institute at the China Tourism Academy, has proposed wider use of technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse in future civil aviation–themed educational tours. He also suggested creating integrated tourism packages that combine regional aviation resources, low-altitude tourism, and educational activities, while expanding these programs to serve a broader range of age groups.

Low-altitude tourism is emerging as another important source of innovative travel experiences. At Beijing’s Badaling Great Wall, visitors can take helicopter rides to enjoy sweeping views from above, while drone shows and other low-altitude attractions are becoming increasingly popular.

This sector has developed a wide variety of offerings, including sightseeing flights, sports-related activities, and educational experiences. Industry experts point out that helicopter tours, skydiving, and hot air balloon rides currently dominate hands-on experiences, while applications involving unmanned aerial vehicles—such as drone performances—are becoming new engines of growth in the low-altitude tourism market.

As the winter travel season reaches its peak, major airlines and airports are introducing customized services to better serve travelers. China Eastern Airlines has expanded direct routes and increased flight frequency to popular winter destinations. It also offers free ski equipment check-in at airports in Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun, and Urumqi.

Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines provides hot drinks and anti-slip mats at Harbin Taiping International Airport to improve passenger comfort. Hohhot Baita International Airport in Inner Mongolia has partnered with airlines and local tourism authorities to offer scenic-area discounts with boarding passes, as well as combined “flight plus ski ticket” deals, giving travelers added convenience and value.