Ancient Art

March 7, 2022

Longstanding Mystery Surrounding the Origins of a 30,000-Year-Old Figurine Is Solved

New information is shedding light on the origins of a 30,000-year-old sculpture. The Venus of Willendorf, a 4.4-inch-tall carving crafted between 30,000 and 25,000 BCE, is named for its discovery in Willendorf, Austria. However, the stone it is made from could not be found anywhere in the area—a fact that shrouded the object in mystery for years. Now, researchers believe they have an answer to the statue's history, pinpointing the unique rock to northern Italy.

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February 6, 2022

What Is the Lascaux Cave? Learn About the Site of Amazing Paleolithic Paintings

Ancient art gives us a glimpse into cultures that existed thousands of years ago. In Spain, the Altamira cave is a well-preserved example of paintings made in the Stone Age. However, it is not the only exhibit of prehistoric art. Just outside of a small village in southwestern France is the site of some of the most well-known examples of Paleolithic painting: the Lascaux cave.

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November 1, 2021

World’s Largest Intact Mosaic Is on View in the Basement of a Luxury Hotel in Turkey

Mosaic floors abounded in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. In temples, churches, and private homes, mosaics illustrated scenes from mythology or boasted geometric motifs. Modern developers frequently encounter these floors when excavating in places such as Italy or Turkey. In 2010, workers encountered an especially impressive mosaic while digging the foundation for a new hotel in Antakya, Turkey.

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August 20, 2021

Pompeii’s Fully Preserved Ancient “Snack Bar” Opens to the Public

The ancient city of Pompeii remains frozen in 79 CE, when the flourishing Italian town was buried under falling ash from Mount Vesuvius. While excavations have been ongoing at the site since the 18th century, much of the city remains buried. From 2019 to 2020, archeologists discovered and excavated a stunning thermopolium, a type of hot food stand or “snack bar” which was common in Roman times.

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