Around the world, the hooves of water buffaloes, goats, and other large animals may have propelled countless Stone Age artifacts back in time, at least as far as archaeologists are concerned.
In wet areas, wild or domestic animals' heavy footfalls can push stone artifacts deep into the ground, making them seem older than they really are—in some cases, thousands of years older—according to a new study.
Scientists often date artifacts of the Stone Age, which began about two and a half million years ago, based on the depths at which the items are found: The deeper the object, the older it is, generally speaking.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Legendary Roman wolf cave 'found'
Archaeologists believe they've found the sacred cave where, according to legend, a she-wolf suckled Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome.
Watch the video...
Watch the video...
Kilwinning dig moves to resident's garden
ARCHAEOLOGISTS and volunteers landed on Kilwinning resident Anne Denniston’s doorstep on Thursday armed with their tools to dig up her back garden.
And Anne, who is also a volunteer on the dig, couldn’t be happier.
The team spent the day digging up her garden while Ann and volunteers riddled the soil to see what treasures lay beneath.
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And Anne, who is also a volunteer on the dig, couldn’t be happier.
The team spent the day digging up her garden while Ann and volunteers riddled the soil to see what treasures lay beneath.
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What we can learn from our hunter-gatherer ancestors
The roots of our current problems of climate change and resource depletion go back 6,000 years to the arrival of farming
As an archaeologist my work is rooted in the past. As an inhabitant of the 21st century, I try to be "green". As an academic I am keen to re-awaken interest in the ancient hunter-gatherer population who lived in Britain before the arrival of farming 6,000 years ago. In my recent research, I found that all three come together and, what is more, they help me to show that archaeology has relevance – it is not just old stones and bones.
There is a growing realisation that life, as we live it, is not sustainable. We devote books, magazines, courses and thinktanks to the problem. But the existing analysis is shallow; it focuses on the present and on the status quo. For this reason, there is no quick fix for us today; to talk about climate change, renewable energy or staycations is merely to scratch the surface of something much deeper.
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As an archaeologist my work is rooted in the past. As an inhabitant of the 21st century, I try to be "green". As an academic I am keen to re-awaken interest in the ancient hunter-gatherer population who lived in Britain before the arrival of farming 6,000 years ago. In my recent research, I found that all three come together and, what is more, they help me to show that archaeology has relevance – it is not just old stones and bones.
There is a growing realisation that life, as we live it, is not sustainable. We devote books, magazines, courses and thinktanks to the problem. But the existing analysis is shallow; it focuses on the present and on the status quo. For this reason, there is no quick fix for us today; to talk about climate change, renewable energy or staycations is merely to scratch the surface of something much deeper.
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Success in Roman helmet appeal
A magnanimous philanthropist has anonymously donated £50,000 to help galvanise the fundraising campaign to buy the rare Crosby Garrett Roman Cavalry Helmet, but time is running out.
The recently-discovered Crosby Garrett Roman Calvary Parade Helmet. (C) Christie's Images Ltd, 2010In a show of generosity the businessman has donated the funds on one condition, that the public match his donation pound for pound.
Carlisle's Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is calling on those interested in Roman heritage to help trigger the benefactor's double-your-money offer with a Give a Quid to the Bid campaign as it races to raise the funds for the auction on 7 October 2010.
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The recently-discovered Crosby Garrett Roman Calvary Parade Helmet. (C) Christie's Images Ltd, 2010In a show of generosity the businessman has donated the funds on one condition, that the public match his donation pound for pound.
Carlisle's Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is calling on those interested in Roman heritage to help trigger the benefactor's double-your-money offer with a Give a Quid to the Bid campaign as it races to raise the funds for the auction on 7 October 2010.
Read the rest of this article...
Ancient sanctuary dedicated to Mithras discovered in France
Archaeologists excavating at Angers, France, have discovered the remains of a temple dedicated to the Indo-Iranian god Mithras. The small, rectangular chapel, in which worshippers gathered for banquets and sacrifices dedicated to the god, is dated to the third century AD.
At the sanctuary, a typical bas-relief of the god Mithras wearing his Phrygian cap shows him slaughtering a bull – the so-called tauroctony. The depiction of the god was intentionally damaged in ancient times, possibly by early Christians trying to suppress the pagan cult.
Among the artefacts discovered are oil lamps, fragments of a chandelier containing Nubian terracotta figures, a bronze 4th century crucifix fibula and about 200 coins. Large quantities of cockerel bones (a favoured dish at the cultic banquets) were found inside and around the ancient temple.
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At the sanctuary, a typical bas-relief of the god Mithras wearing his Phrygian cap shows him slaughtering a bull – the so-called tauroctony. The depiction of the god was intentionally damaged in ancient times, possibly by early Christians trying to suppress the pagan cult.
Among the artefacts discovered are oil lamps, fragments of a chandelier containing Nubian terracotta figures, a bronze 4th century crucifix fibula and about 200 coins. Large quantities of cockerel bones (a favoured dish at the cultic banquets) were found inside and around the ancient temple.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Did volcanoes really kill off the Neanderthals?
According to a flurry of news stories this week, a series of massive volcanic eruptions were to blame for the extinction of the Neanderthals.
The paper isn't online yet so we can't judge it, but we don't need to see it to know that this is just one of many possible explanations.
The volcano idea stems from archaeologist Lubov Golovanova of the ANO Laboratory of Prehistory in St. Petersburg, Russia, and will be published in the October issue of Current Anthropology.
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The paper isn't online yet so we can't judge it, but we don't need to see it to know that this is just one of many possible explanations.
The volcano idea stems from archaeologist Lubov Golovanova of the ANO Laboratory of Prehistory in St. Petersburg, Russia, and will be published in the October issue of Current Anthropology.
Read the rest of this article...
Saxons and Vikings battle it out at Stamford Bridge re-enactment
SAXON and Viking warriors slug it out during a re-enactment of the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Members of the Volsung Vikings recreated the battle which saw the Saxon army clash with the Norwegian invaders in 1066.
Saturday’s event, held at the town’s sports club in Low Catton Road, was organised by the Battle Of Stamford Bridge Society.
It also included a living history exhibition and craft stalls. Andy McKie, group leader of the Volsung Vikings, said: “Our main aim is to make events like this as true to life as possible.
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Saturday’s event, held at the town’s sports club in Low Catton Road, was organised by the Battle Of Stamford Bridge Society.
It also included a living history exhibition and craft stalls. Andy McKie, group leader of the Volsung Vikings, said: “Our main aim is to make events like this as true to life as possible.
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Consultation on Stonehenge and Avebury- Have your say
A consultation has been launched to find out what people think about a document which will help manage and protect the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Sites.
The consultation gives the public a chance to comment on a document called a Statement of Outstanding Universal Value that summarises exactly what makes Stonehenge and Avebury (just 6 miles from Marlborough) internationally important.
The document will provide a crucial reference for those making decisions on how best to manage the site and look after the very special features which made it eligible to be included in the World Heritage List.
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The consultation gives the public a chance to comment on a document called a Statement of Outstanding Universal Value that summarises exactly what makes Stonehenge and Avebury (just 6 miles from Marlborough) internationally important.
The document will provide a crucial reference for those making decisions on how best to manage the site and look after the very special features which made it eligible to be included in the World Heritage List.
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How global warming is aiding – and frustrating – archaeologists
From hunting gear to shoes, ancient artefacts once covered by ice are being unearthed in Norway. Now scientists face a race against time to preserve them
Archaeologists have gained an unexpected benefit from global warming. They have discovered melting ice sheets and glaciers are exposing ancient artefacts that had been covered with thick layers of ice for millennia.
The discoveries are providing new insights into the behaviour of our ancestors – but they come at a price. So rapid is the rise in global temperatures, and so great is the rate of disintegration of the world's glaciers, that archaeologists risk losing precious relics freed from the icy tombs. Wood rots in a few years once freed from ice while rarer feathers used on arrows, wool or leather, crumble to dust in days unless stored in a freezer. As a result, archaeologists are racing against time to find and save these newly exposed wonders.
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Archaeologists have gained an unexpected benefit from global warming. They have discovered melting ice sheets and glaciers are exposing ancient artefacts that had been covered with thick layers of ice for millennia.
The discoveries are providing new insights into the behaviour of our ancestors – but they come at a price. So rapid is the rise in global temperatures, and so great is the rate of disintegration of the world's glaciers, that archaeologists risk losing precious relics freed from the icy tombs. Wood rots in a few years once freed from ice while rarer feathers used on arrows, wool or leather, crumble to dust in days unless stored in a freezer. As a result, archaeologists are racing against time to find and save these newly exposed wonders.
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Work unearths previously unknown Roman road in Kent
A previously unknown Roman road and evidence of a medieval manor house have been uncovered during excavations in Kent.
Archaeologists employed by South East Water made the finds ahead of a £321,000 scheme to lay a pipe near Bearsted.
Tim Allen, from Kent Archaeological Projects, described the discoveries as "very exciting".
South East Water said it had the survey carried out as a precaution.
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Archaeologists employed by South East Water made the finds ahead of a £321,000 scheme to lay a pipe near Bearsted.
Tim Allen, from Kent Archaeological Projects, described the discoveries as "very exciting".
South East Water said it had the survey carried out as a precaution.
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Mystery man pledges £50,000 to help buy Cumbrian Roman helmet
A mystery benefactor has pledged £50,000 to help buy the rare Roman helmet found in Cumbria.
The businessman, who does not want to be named, has promised the money on condition the public match his cash pound for pound.
Tullie House museum in Carlisle is aiming to raise between £300,000 and £400,000 to keep the helmet – which was found in a field in Crosby Garrett in May – in the county.
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The businessman, who does not want to be named, has promised the money on condition the public match his cash pound for pound.
Tullie House museum in Carlisle is aiming to raise between £300,000 and £400,000 to keep the helmet – which was found in a field in Crosby Garrett in May – in the county.
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Stonehenge boy 'was from the Med'
Chemical tests on teeth from an ancient burial near Stonehenge indicate that the person in the grave grew up around the Mediterranean Sea.
The bones belong to a teenager who died 3,550 years ago and was buried with a distinctive amber necklace.
The conclusions come from analysis of different forms of the elements oxygen and strontium in his tooth enamel.
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The bones belong to a teenager who died 3,550 years ago and was buried with a distinctive amber necklace.
The conclusions come from analysis of different forms of the elements oxygen and strontium in his tooth enamel.
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Archaeologists on Crete find skeleton covered with gold foil in 2,700-year-old grave
Greek archaeologists have found an ancient skeleton covered with gold foil in a grave on the island of Crete, officials said Tuesday.
Excavator Nicholas Stampolidis said his team discovered more than 3,000 pieces of gold foil in the 7th-century B.C. twin grave near the ancient town of Eleutherna.
Cemeteries there have produced a wealth of outstanding artifacts in recent years.
The tiny gold ornaments, from 1 to 4 centimetres (0.4 to 1.5 inches) long, had been sewn onto a lavish robe or shroud that initially wrapped the body of a woman and has almost completely rotted away but for a few off-white threads.
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Excavator Nicholas Stampolidis said his team discovered more than 3,000 pieces of gold foil in the 7th-century B.C. twin grave near the ancient town of Eleutherna.
Cemeteries there have produced a wealth of outstanding artifacts in recent years.
The tiny gold ornaments, from 1 to 4 centimetres (0.4 to 1.5 inches) long, had been sewn onto a lavish robe or shroud that initially wrapped the body of a woman and has almost completely rotted away but for a few off-white threads.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Remains of Neolithic village discovered in SW Budapest
The remains of a 7,000-year-old village have been unearthed in southwest Budapest's 22nd district by archaeologists of the Budapest History Museum, the museum reported on its website on Wednesday.
During the excavations, which precede earthworks for a section of the M0 ring around the city, the experts have discovered the foundations of six buildings which originally had clay walls supported by wooden beams.
Next to the houses, the archaeologists have found remains of baking ovens, storage pits and waste holes in the ground, yielding a rich collection of broken clay vessels and stone tools from the Linear Pottery Culture, Gabor Szilas, leader of the excavations told MTI.
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During the excavations, which precede earthworks for a section of the M0 ring around the city, the experts have discovered the foundations of six buildings which originally had clay walls supported by wooden beams.
Next to the houses, the archaeologists have found remains of baking ovens, storage pits and waste holes in the ground, yielding a rich collection of broken clay vessels and stone tools from the Linear Pottery Culture, Gabor Szilas, leader of the excavations told MTI.
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Animal burials at Carshalton
A series of 2,000 year old animal burials have been found at Carshalton, London Borough of Sutton.
The burials, which were placed in pits, were discovered in an excavation being done before Stanley Park High School moves from its current location to a new site on the former Queen Mary’s Hospital at Orchard Hill. The pits belonged to a farm that was lived in before the Roman conquest in AD 43 and which continued to be occupied for a few generations afterwards. At this time people lived in round houses which had conical thatched roofs.
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The burials, which were placed in pits, were discovered in an excavation being done before Stanley Park High School moves from its current location to a new site on the former Queen Mary’s Hospital at Orchard Hill. The pits belonged to a farm that was lived in before the Roman conquest in AD 43 and which continued to be occupied for a few generations afterwards. At this time people lived in round houses which had conical thatched roofs.
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Canossa and the Lands of Matilda
Location: Italy Length: 14 min
Matilda of Canossa, called the “Great Countess,” was a principal figure of European medieval history, an exceptional case for that time: a woman of international rank and culture. The lands of Matilda are an area in Italy with a strong identity distinguishing itself within the regional panorama for its environmental, landscape, and historical-cultural characteristics. Layers of deep history are attested by many archaeological sites, the standing remains of castles, and by numerous villas and rural dwellings.
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Matilda of Canossa, called the “Great Countess,” was a principal figure of European medieval history, an exceptional case for that time: a woman of international rank and culture. The lands of Matilda are an area in Italy with a strong identity distinguishing itself within the regional panorama for its environmental, landscape, and historical-cultural characteristics. Layers of deep history are attested by many archaeological sites, the standing remains of castles, and by numerous villas and rural dwellings.
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Roman circus uncovered at Outlane
Local archaeologists have discovered Huddersfield’s long-lost circus or sporting arena, built by the Romans in the village of Outlane nearly 2,000 years ago.
And they believe crowds of up to 2,000 would pack into the amphitheatre to watch horsemanship displays by the Roman cavalry.
The soldiers were based at the Slack Roman fort, built to protect the military road from Chester to York.
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And they believe crowds of up to 2,000 would pack into the amphitheatre to watch horsemanship displays by the Roman cavalry.
The soldiers were based at the Slack Roman fort, built to protect the military road from Chester to York.
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Volcanoes Killed Off Neanderthals, Study Suggests
Catastrophic volcanic eruptions in Europe may have culled Neanderthals to the point where they couldn't bounce back, according to a controversial new theory.
Modern humans, though, squeaked by, thanks to fallback populations in Africa and Asia, researchers say.
About 40,000 years ago in what we now call Italy and the Caucasus Mountains, which straddle Europe and Asia, several volcanoes erupted in quick succession, according to a new study to be published in the October issue of the journal Current Anthropology.
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Modern humans, though, squeaked by, thanks to fallback populations in Africa and Asia, researchers say.
About 40,000 years ago in what we now call Italy and the Caucasus Mountains, which straddle Europe and Asia, several volcanoes erupted in quick succession, according to a new study to be published in the October issue of the journal Current Anthropology.
Read the rest of this article...
Long-Sought Viking Settlement Found
The Vikings, the famed Scandinavian warriors, started raiding Ireland in 795 and plundered it for decades, before establishing two Irish outposts, according to the Annals of Ulster, a 15th century account of medieval Ireland. One outpost, Dúbh Linn, became Dublin, the other, Linn Duchaill, was lost in time. Perhaps until now. A team of archaeologists announced on Friday that it has found the lost Viking settlement near the village of Annagassan, 70 kilometers north of Dublin. "We are unbelievably delighted," said archaeologist and team leader, Mark Clinton, an independent archaeological consultant.
The Annagassan locals have long believed they lived near an ancient Viking town or fort. The stories of Viking raids were told to local children by schoolteachers, and there were also occasional finds that underscored this story. For example, a few years ago, a set of handcuffs once used to shackle Viking slaves was found by a farmer ploughing land. The modern search for Linn Duchaill began 5 years ago when a local filmmaker named Ruth Cassidy, a member of the Annagassan and District Historical Society, enlisted the help of Clinton, a family friend, to find the lost Viking town. They searched through 2005, 2006, and 2007 and were on the point of despair when they came across a flat area—ideal for lifting boats out of the water for shipbuilding and repairs—a couple of kilometers up the River Glyde. They managed to secure funding to pay for a geophysicist, John Nicholls, to survey the site. Nicholls found a series of defensive ditches about 4 meters deep, running in lines. The pattern of ditches does not seem compatible with the typical Irish structure of the period, a ring fort, and no evidence of a Norman settlement, such as moat or castle remains, was found. That left just one other option: Vikings.
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The Annagassan locals have long believed they lived near an ancient Viking town or fort. The stories of Viking raids were told to local children by schoolteachers, and there were also occasional finds that underscored this story. For example, a few years ago, a set of handcuffs once used to shackle Viking slaves was found by a farmer ploughing land. The modern search for Linn Duchaill began 5 years ago when a local filmmaker named Ruth Cassidy, a member of the Annagassan and District Historical Society, enlisted the help of Clinton, a family friend, to find the lost Viking town. They searched through 2005, 2006, and 2007 and were on the point of despair when they came across a flat area—ideal for lifting boats out of the water for shipbuilding and repairs—a couple of kilometers up the River Glyde. They managed to secure funding to pay for a geophysicist, John Nicholls, to survey the site. Nicholls found a series of defensive ditches about 4 meters deep, running in lines. The pattern of ditches does not seem compatible with the typical Irish structure of the period, a ring fort, and no evidence of a Norman settlement, such as moat or castle remains, was found. That left just one other option: Vikings.
Read the rest of this article...
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