Results for: Archaeology

Archaeological advancements have unveiled a remarkable discovery in Valencia, a well-preserved iron sword resembling the legendary ‘Excalibur’. Found upright in a grave, this 18-inch blade has intrigued experts and historians alike. Researchers believe it dates back to the 10th century, during the Islamic era in Spain. The hilt adorned with bronze plates and the blade’s slight curvature towards the tip suggest a Visigothic influence. Despite being discovered in an Islamic settlement, its features indicate a complex history and cultural exchange during that period.

Excavations in Somma Vesuviana, Italy, have unearthed the ruins of a Roman villa that may have been Augustus’ last residence. Further excavations aim to confirm this theory and provide insights into the life and legacy of Rome’s first emperor.

An archaeological survey using LiDAR technology has revealed hundreds of previously unknown prehistoric monuments in the Baltinglass landscape of County Wicklow, Ireland. Among the discoveries are five rare ‘cursus’ monuments, which are believed to have been used in burial practices and may have symbolized the ascent of the dead into the afterlife. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the region’s settlement history and provide new insights into the ritual and ceremonial practices of ancient Irish communities.

From Viking hammers to Bronze Age calendars, each artifact holds its own secrets, together they form a mosaic of human history, inviting us to continue exploring and learning from the past.

Collier Lodge, located in Indiana, has been excavated by anthropologist Mark Schurr for the past 20 years. The site’s unique location has attracted people for thousands of years, resulting in a rich collection of artifacts spanning various time periods. Through innovative techniques like X-ray fluorescence and mussel shell analysis, archaeologists are uncovering insights into the climate and cultural practices of past inhabitants. Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to participate in this ongoing excavation, offering a rare opportunity to witness archaeology firsthand.

Retired geologist Dr. Andrew Beckly has made an extraordinary discovery in his back garden, uncovering a hoard of Bronze Age artifacts that has the potential to rewrite the history of the region. Originally inspired by the popular TV program Time Team, Beckly’s chance find of an arrowhead sparked a larger investigation that has yielded over 2,500 artifacts, including blades and axes. His findings challenge conventional assumptions about the distribution of Bronze Age settlements in Britain, hinting at a previously overlooked Atlantic province and continuous occupation of the area for nearly 10,000 years.

Archaeologists working at George Washington’s historic Virginia home, Mount Vernon, recently unearthed two perfectly intact bottles filled with cherries. The bottles, discovered in the cellar under a brick floor dating back to the 1770s, were found upright, sealed, and still containing liquid. The cherries, including stems and pits, were well-preserved within the liquid and emitted a characteristic scent of cherry blossoms. This remarkable discovery was made as part of a $40 million restoration project at the estate.

Archaeologists have unearthed two glass bottles filled with 250-year-old cherries, pits, stems, and a gooey residue beneath a brick floor laid in the 1770s at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic home in Virginia. The amber-colored liquid in the bottles is believed to be groundwater that seeped in as the corks deteriorated over time. Researchers speculate that the cherries were harvested at Mount Vernon likely before the Revolutionary War and buried between 1758 and 1776 for future consumption. While cherry bounce was popular during colonial times, the small size of the bottles suggests the cherries were likely preserved for cooking or baking rather than for making the alcoholic beverage.

During a family stroll along Dunraven Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan, Christopher Rees and his son Dylan stumbled upon a bone fragment protruding from the sand. Closer examination revealed suspected human remains, prompting them to contact the police. The discovery triggered an investigation and subsequent confirmation that the remains were indeed ancient. Historian Graham Loveluck-Edwards proposed two potential explanations: prehistoric burials or a shipwreck from the 16th-18th centuries. Previous discoveries of human remains and leg bones in the area support both theories.

Archaeologists have discovered a villa believed to belong to the Roman emperor Augustus on the northern side of Mount Vesuvius. The discovery, made by researchers from the University of Tokyo, suggests that the area was more severely affected by the 79 AD eruption than previously thought. Excavations of the building uncovered pieces of collapsed walls and roof tiles, which were destroyed by the volcanic material. Radiocarbon dating and chemical analysis confirmed that the building predates the eruption, indicating that it was constructed during Augustus’s reign.