Archeology

May 11, 2024

250-Year-Old Bottled Cherries Discovered at Mount Vernon

When archeologists start rooting around at historical sites, there's no telling what they might find. Among the most fascinating, instructive discoveries are ephemeral items that have somehow managed to stand the test of time and decay. These include the tragic casts of ancient Romans buried under the ash of Pompeii and preserved snacks discovered beneath the Roman Colosseum. Other times, it's uncovering a scrap of tartan fabric in a Scottish peat bog.

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April 28, 2024

Ancient Rock Art Depicts Psychedelic Music and Dance in Peru

Rock art always presents fascinating—sometimes mysterious—insight into the lives of ancient humans. What did they value enough to carve into stone? What do the patterns and designs mean? Some things, such as paintings or etchings of game and hunters, tell a clearer story. Others may raise questions with more ephemeral implications. Feelings, magic, and music might all lurk behind the engravings of prehistoric hands.

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April 11, 2024

Water Worker Accidentally Discovers 2,500-Year-Old Gold Torc Necklaces in Spain

The Celts were an Iron Age culture spread across northern and western Europe. Powerful tribes ruled swaths of land in Spain, among other regions. Known for intricate stonework designs and stunning gold jewelry, the Celts were a powerful artistic and military presence. Jewelry in particular was a status symbol for the wealthy among this community, and finding it in situ is a rare opportunity to learn more about this ancient society.

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April 1, 2024

7,000-Year-Old Canoes Discovered Near Rome Are Oldest Ever Found in Mediterranean

Have you heard of La Marmotta? It’s ok if you haven’t, as this ancient Italian site has only recently burst onto the international research scene. Discovered in 1989 submerged under a lake north of Rome, the Neolithic village was mostly studied by Italian researchers until recently. Now, an international cohort of academics are shedding new light on life in the ancient town with a paper in PLOS One.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.