A cave painting in Indonesia, depicting three human-like figures and a wild pig, has been confirmed as the oldest example of a ‘picture story’ in the world, dating back at least 51,200 years. This discovery pushes back the timeline of storytelling and provides insights into the abstract thinking abilities of early humans.
Archaeologists working at Sutton Hoo in England have uncovered missing pieces of a 1,500-year-old copper bucket imported from Turkey. This discovery, predating the famed ship burial, sheds light on life in early medieval times and the extensive trade networks of the period.
Mysterious handbag-like symbols found in ancient rock carvings across the globe have sparked debate among archaeologists. These depictions, from Gobekli Tepe to Assyrian reliefs, could hold clues about ancient civilizations’ understanding of the cosmos and their beliefs about the material and spiritual worlds.
While the oldest directly dated shoes are 10,400-year-old sandals from Oregon, researchers believe humans may have worn footwear much earlier, possibly as far back as 150,000 years ago, based on potential shoe prints discovered in South Africa.
A new study reveals that ancient Egyptian scribes, despite their high status, experienced skeletal issues due to their work postures. Researchers found that scribes, who spent long hours hunched over in cramped positions while writing, developed degenerative changes in their joints, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and knees. This study highlights the similarities between occupational hazards faced by scribes in ancient Egypt and modern office workers.
A Kazakh tourist was apprehended for carving his name, ‘ALI,’ onto a wall of the House of the Ceii in Pompeii. The tourist is facing charges and will be responsible for any restoration costs.
An unexpected discovery of a 3,300-year-old ship off the coast of Israel suggests that ancient mariners possessed sophisticated navigation skills, capable of sailing far from land without sight of the coastline. The ship’s remarkable preservation, found at a great depth, offers valuable insights into maritime history and the advanced capabilities of ancient seafarers.
A remarkably preserved, 2,000-year-old wine has been discovered in an ancient tomb in Spain, making it the oldest preserved wine in the world. The reddish-brown, sherry-like wine was found in a glass urn alongside cremated human remains and a gold ring. Scientists at the University of Córdoba confirmed the liquid to be a local white wine variety, which turned reddish-brown over the centuries.
Divers have unearthed over 900 artifacts from two shipwrecks dating back to the Ming Dynasty, discovered in the South Sea. The well-preserved wrecks, located near the coast of Sanya, China, yielded porcelain, pottery, copper coins, and other items, offering insights into maritime trade during the era.
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried under ash and rock. While popular culture often depicts the eruption as an apocalyptic event with no survivors, new archaeological evidence reveals that many people managed to escape the disaster. These survivors went on to rebuild their lives in surrounding communities, fostering social and economic networks with other escapees. Some families even went on to thrive in their new homes, establishing successful businesses and contributing to the development of their adopted cities. The response of the Roman government, which provided funding and infrastructure for displaced populations, is a model for post-disaster recovery that remains relevant today.
