Archaeology

Ancient Turtle Carving Suggests 35,000-Year-Old Worship

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

Archaeologists Discover Ancient Egyptian Tomb of the Middle Kingdom in Luxor

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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Lost Mayan city found in Mexico jungle by accident

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

Archaeologists perplexed by large ‘anomaly’ found buried under Giza pyramids

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

The decipherment of an ancient scroll carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius has revealed where the Greek philosopher Plato is buried, Italian researchers say

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