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.
Results for: Archaeology
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.
Archaeologists have meticulously mapped a series of ancient rock art located along the Upper and Middle Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia. These captivating masterpieces, featuring both human and animal motifs, are situated along an essential trade and travel route known as Atures Rapids. The researchers believe the strategic positioning of these engravings was intentional, serving as a means of marking territory and asserting dominance. The largest of these engravings, measuring an impressive 138 feet in length, remains a remarkable enigma, with its creators shrouded in mystery. However, the subject matter, which prominently features snakes and anacondas, aligns with the beliefs and mythology of indigenous groups in the region, suggesting a deep connection with their cultural heritage.
Approximately 100 petroglyphs, dating back to the Bronze or Early Iron ages, have been discovered in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. Depicting animals, humans, and hunting scenes, these engravings were found during a nationwide environmental cleanup campaign. Although scholars acknowledge the existence of the site, it has been kept a secret to protect it until it could be thoroughly examined.
Archaeologists in France have uncovered an excavation site containing the skeletal remains of over two dozen stallions, potentially indicating a sacrificial ritual. The site dates back to the fifth or sixth century and is believed to have been the scene of an extraordinary burial of horses. The horses, all adult males, were meticulously placed on their right sides in two rows and on two levels, suggesting a simultaneous burial. Their small stature indicates they were likely Gallic livestock. Also found within the pits were a pair of adult dogs. The team of archaeologists theorizes that the horses and dogs may have been part of a sacrificial ceremony, though further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. The discovery may be linked to other horse burials and sacrifices in the area, possibly connected to the Gallic Wars led by Julius Caesar.