A complete medieval knight’s skeleton was unearthed in Gdańsk, Poland, under the former site of an ice cream shop. The discovery was made near other artifacts, including cottage remains and an ancient street. The knight’s tombstone, dating back to the 13th or 14th century, was found first, followed by the skeleton, which appeared to be of a man around 40 years old and between 5’6″ and 5’10” tall. Further research will be conducted on the skeleton, tombstone, and other artifacts to determine the knight’s identity and the historical context of the burial.
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Neanderthals May Have Been Running a Sophisticated “Fat Factory” in Germany 125,000 Years Ago, based on recent findings, shifts our understanding of Neanderthal life significantly, pushing the timeline of fat rendering practices back to a remarkable 125,000 years ago. This isn’t just about finding an old bone; it’s a window into a sophisticated society. “Ug, son of Ug” is the clear indicator, and even if you don’t want to be a shaman, the family business is the way to go, it would seem.
The discovery indicates that Neanderthals were not just surviving; they were actively processing resources. The “fat factory” wasn’t some primitive, haphazard operation.… Continue reading
Archaeologists have recently announced the discovery of the 3,500-year-old city of Peñico in Peru, offering valuable insights into the fate of the Caral civilization. The city, located 200 kilometers north of Lima, served as a crucial trading hub, connecting coastal communities with those in the Andes and Amazon basin. Excavations over eight years have revealed 18 structures, including temples and residential complexes, along with ceremonial objects and artifacts. The discovery of Peñico, near the site of the older Caral civilization, is crucial to understanding its fate after environmental changes and its continuation.
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The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) have confirmed that a shipwreck is the remains of the HMS Endeavour. This confirmation comes after a final report detailing the identical timber scantlings and unique stem scarf, matching the Endeavour’s design, which was previously disputed. Captain James Cook’s first voyage, aboard the Endeavour, included mapping coastlines and a mission to observe the 1769 transit of Venus. The ship was later scuttled in an American harbor during the American Revolution and was located using 18th-century maps and sonar technology.
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In northern Guatemala, archaeologists have unearthed “Los Abuelos,” a significant Mayan city dating back to 800-500 BC. This Middle Preclassic period site, located near Uaxactun, features impressive pyramids, monuments with unique iconography, and a complex canal system. The discovery of two anthropomorphic sculptures, representing an ancestral couple, suggests ancestor worship played a key role. The site’s scale and architectural planning redefine understanding of early Mayan urban development and socio-political organization in the region.
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The discovery of a carved turtle sculpture deep within Manot Cave in Galilee is sparking considerable intrigue among archaeologists. This intricately carved turtle, fashioned from a dolomite boulder, wasn’t just casually placed; it resided prominently in a niche within a large cavern far removed from the cave’s entrance, an area seemingly dedicated to ritualistic activities. The sheer age of this artifact—estimated to be 35,000 years old—pushes back the potential timeline of turtle veneration significantly, predating Christianity by a staggering number of millennia.
This remote location within the cave, characterized by a lofty chamber with excellent acoustics, suggests a deliberate choice of setting.… Continue reading
Archeologists from Egypt and the US have discovered an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor, Egypt, dating back to the Middle Kingdom (1938 B.C.-1630 B.C.). The tomb was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut on the Nile’s West Bank in Luxor. The tomb, thought to be a family tomb used for generations during the 12th and the start of the 13th Dynasty, contained coffins for men, women and children. Though ancient floods had destroyed most of the burials’ wooden coffins and linen wrappings, items like jewellery had survived. Egypt has been working to attract more tourists, heavily dependent on the country’s rich Pharaonic artifacts, which previously suffered a downturn following political turmoil and violence after a 2011 uprising.
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The recent discovery of a lost Mayan city hidden deep in the Mexican jungle is nothing short of exhilarating. This monumental find, referred to as Valeriana, uncovers a rich tapestry of ancient civilization, complete with pyramids, sports fields, and connection corridors that once facilitated activity in what is now just a thick canopy of trees. I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement thinking about how dense and lush the landscape is, often concealing stories of the past that are just waiting to be unveiled. For those of us who have dreamt of being archaeologists, this serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies beneath our feet.… Continue reading
As an archaeologist, I have always been fascinated with the mysteries of ancient civilizations and the secrets they hold. The recent discovery of a large ‘anomaly’ buried under the Giza pyramids has left the archaeological community perplexed and intrigued. The shallow structure measures 10m wide by 15m long and is less than 2m deep, sparking curiosity about what lies beneath the surface in this historically significant area.
There is a theory that suggests this location could possibly be the burial site of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid. It is believed that Khufu chose to be buried in a secret, nearby location rather than in the pyramid itself, to avoid grave robbers.… Continue reading
As the news of the decipherment of an ancient scroll carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius revealing the burial place of the legendary Greek philosopher Plato spread like wildfire, my excitement knew no bounds. The scroll containing the writings of Philodemus of Gadara shed light on the history of the Academy, the institution founded by Plato in the fourth century B.C., providing crucial details about the philosopher’s life. The fact that researchers have identified 1,000 words of the text, marking a significant breakthrough in uncovering valuable historical information, is simply mind-blowing.
It was fascinating to learn that Plato was buried in a garden reserved for him at the Academy in Athens, near the sacred Museion.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood