Archaeology News articles

Archaeologists have unearthed what is now believed to be the earliest section of the Great Wall of China, predating previous estimates by approximately 300 years. This section dates back to the late Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE–771 BCE) and the early Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE–476 BCE). This groundbreaking discovery was made in Changqing District, Jinan, Shandong Province.  The Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology directed an excavation between the months of May and December, 2024. Approximately 1,100 square meters were excavated in the northern part of Guangli Village.                                          From:  Archaeology News Visit Website  https://www.weaversnest.org/  for more information on Archaeology and History.                     ...

Archaeologists have unearthed over 6,000 pieces of fish-scale armor in the tomb of Liu He, Marquis of Haihun, located in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, showcasing advanced craftsmanship from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE–CE 25). Liu He was a historical figure of intrigue, being the grandson of Emperor Wu of Han and son of the King of Changyi. Ascending to the throne as King of Changyi at the tender age of four, his life took dramatic turns. In 74 BCE, the influential minister Huo Guang installed Liu He as emperor following the death of Emperor Zhao. However, his reign was short-lived, lasting only 27 days due to allegations of misconduct. Historical records cite 1,127 instances of improper behavior. Consequently, Liu He was deposed, stripped of his titles, and exiled. In 63 BCE, he was granted the title Marquis of Haihun and lived out his remaining years in relative obscurity until his death in 59 BCE.                   ...

A recent study by researchers from the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence at Kiel University has unveiled a novel method to explore ancient social dynamics and individual well-being through archaeology. By employing the “capability approach,” a philosophical framework developed by Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, the study bridges the gap between ancient material remains and modern concepts like the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Published in the journal Open Archaeology, the research sheds new light on Europe’s first mega settlements, which existed around 7,000 to 5,000 years ago.                                    From:  Archaeology News Visit Website  https://www.weaversnest.org/  for more information on Archaeology and History.                              ...

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that over 41,000 years ago, the first inhabitants of Tasmania used fire to manage and modify the landscape. This research provides the earliest record of humans using fire to shape the Tasmanian environment, predating previous estimates by 2,000 years. Analysis of ancient mud revealed a sudden increase in charcoal around 41,600 years ago, coinciding with a change in vegetation. This increase in charcoal suggests that Tasmanian Aborigines used fire to clear forests, creating open spaces for subsistence and cultural activities. The researchers studied ancient mud taken from islands in the Bass Strait, which is part of Tasmania today but would have been part of the land bridge connecting Australia and Tasmania during the last ice age.                                                   From:...

FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY—A 4,000-year-old copper dagger has been unearthed in northeastern Italy’s Tina Jama Cave, according to a SciNews report. Federico Bernardini of Ca’ Foscari University said that the dagger is similar to copper daggers uncovered in Slovenia. “The findings are essential for understanding the technological, cultural, and social transformations in Europe during that period,” added Elena Leghissa of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences. “The discovery of the copper dagger is an exceptional event that raises questions about the cave’s use,” she added.                                          From: Archaeology Magazine Visit Website  https://www.weaversnest.org/  for more information on Archaeology and History.                                 ...

Remains of ancient altars and inscribed marble slabs were discovered submerged underwater along the Italian coast, near Naples, having likely laid undisturbed for millennia. Researchers believe the religious temple found off the coast of Puteoli, modern-day Pozzuoli, was built by the Nabataeans, an ancient nomadic civilisation from Jordan. Another impressive structure built by the Nabataeans, Petra’s Treasury, featured in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in which the building serves as the resting place of the Holy Grail.                                         From:  Independent Visit Website  https://www.weaversnest.org/  for more information on Archaeology and History.                                           ...