An archaeological discovery beneath a religious center in Abydos, Egypt, has revealed a granite sarcophagus fragment belonging to Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most prominent rulers. The sarcophagus, previously identified as containing the remains of Menkheperre, a 21st dynasty high priest, has now been connected to Ramesses II through the deciphering of a cartouche bearing his name.
A groundbreaking discovery in Austria has uncovered a unique burial site featuring two individuals buried together on top of a horse. Initially assumed to be a male-female couple, a comprehensive analysis has now revealed that the remains belong to a mother-daughter pair from the Roman era. This find marks the first genetically proven mother-daughter burial in Austria from that period, challenging long-held misconceptions about their relationship.
During a home renovation project, a family in England stumbled upon a trove of nearly 1,000 gold and silver coins buried approximately 400 years ago. The hoard, potentially hidden during the first English Civil War, was discovered in 2019 and has now been auctioned off for over $75,000. The coins, believed to have been deposited between 1642 and 1644, feature the images of several English monarchs.
The discovery of the ritual destruction of royal symbols in Ucanal, Guatemala, sheds light on the political instability that contributed to the decline of the Maya civilization. Archaeologists believe this desecration, involving the burning of a former king’s skeleton and regalia, represents a new political system’s efforts to erase the power of the deposed dynasty. Together with historical data from hieroglyphic texts, this finding provides insights into the complex geopolitical changes that ultimately altered Maya history.
As part of a $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project, archaeologists have unearthed two sealed, 18th-century European glass bottles at George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion. Analysis has revealed a distinctive scent held within the bottles, reminiscent of cherry blossoms, a characteristic of the spring season in the region. The bottles were found upright and sealed, each containing liquid and preserved cherries, complete with stems and pits.
