Archaeologists have discovered the oldest human ancestor fossil in western Europe, found in northern Spain in 2022. The partial skull, dating back 1.1 to 1.4 million years, includes a section of the left cheekbone and upper jaw. This marks the first significant remains older than 1 million years in the region. The fossil, resembling Homo erectus, suggests early human ancestors were exploring Europe, though it’s … Continue reading Archaeologists uncover the oldest known partial face fossil of a human ancestor in western Europe

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered the remains of a Byzantine-era nun in Jerusalem, marking the first evidence of extreme asceticism practiced by women in the city. The nun’s body, found bound with chains and metal rings, was located beneath a church altar in a 5th to 7th-century monastery. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that extreme ascetic practices, like self-mortification, were exclusive to … Continue reading Woman Found Buried in Chains in Jerusalem was Byzantine Nun

Two Colorado residents, Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43, were fined, given probation, and temporarily banned from Utah’s public lands after pleading guilty to charges related to disturbing an archaeological site at Canyonlands National Park. The pair illegally entered the Cave Spring Cowboy Camp in March 2024, where they handled historic artifacts, including antique nails. McKnight received one year of probation and a one-year … Continue reading Colorado residents sentenced after incident at Canyonlands archeological site

Peruvian conservators recently uncovered a Moche throne room at the Pañamarca archaeological site, believed to have been used by a female ruler. This discovery, led by Dr. Michele Koons from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, is one of only three known thrones in Peru suggesting a queen’s rule. The throne shows signs of use, with human hair embedded in it. The murals and … Continue reading Denver archaeologist helps discover ancient Peruvian throne room

A group of divers discovered 214 silver coins, over 300 years old, off the coast of Florida, part of the 1715 Indian Fleet shipwreck. The Spanish ship, carrying riches from the New World to Europe, sank near Vero Beach after being hit by a hurricane. The coins, known as 4 and 8 reales, were valuable in the 18th century and are now undergoing preservation after … Continue reading American treasure hunters are shocked to discover a shipwreck over 300 years old

Egyptian officials have announced the discovery of the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, the final royal tomb from ancient Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty. The tomb, found by British and Egyptian teams near Luxor, was initially uncovered in 2022, with further excavations confirming it belonged to Thutmose II. Artifacts, including alabaster vases inscribed with his name, support this identification. The tomb, though damaged by floods, features … Continue reading 3,500-Year-Old Tomb of King Thutmose II Discovered

Italian archaeologists have uncovered a “monumental necropolis” in Trento, northern Italy, dating back to the early Iron Age (9th to 6th centuries BCE). The site, containing at least 200 tombs, was discovered during restoration work on a historic building. The graves include “grave goods” like metal weapons, amber, and glass objects, suggesting the tombs honored an elite class. The necropolis is well-preserved, likely due to … Continue reading “Monumental necropolis” of 200 ancient tombs unearthed by archaeologists in Italy

A 1930s office building in London was set to be demolished until archaeologists discovered remnants of the city’s first Roman basilica in its basement. Built around 80 AD, the basilica was part of Londinium’s forum and served as a key site for political and commercial decisions. The discovery, located at 85 Gracechurch Street, is one of Britain’s most significant Roman finds. Archaeologists uncovered well-preserved walls, … Continue reading Archaeologists discover London’s first Roman basilica under office building

Researchers have achieved a major breakthrough in deciphering the ancient Herculaneum scrolls, which were charred by Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Using AI and advanced X-ray scans, a team has digitally unrolled and begun reading a scroll stored at Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries. This marks the first time an entire scroll may be readable. The breakthrough was aided by a synchrotron X-ray machine, revealing extensive Greek … Continue reading Scientists digitally “unroll” 2,000-year-old scroll scorched by Mount Vesuvius

A study by Dr. Jan-Willem de Kort uncovered a rare early medieval cult site in Hezingen, Netherlands, which offers insight into pre-Christian rituals in the region. Excavated in 2020-2021 after metal detectorists found coins, the site featured a circular arrangement of wooden posts around an unusual building, possibly a magnate’s residence. Artifacts, including gold and silver coins, suggest it was used by local elites for … Continue reading Archaeologists uncover gold and silver ritual offerings at a 7th century cult site

During the installation of an underground substation in Exeter, Roman pottery and human remains were discovered, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. The excavation, part of a National Grid project to replace aging infrastructure, revealed Roman artifacts and early medieval remains, which are being analyzed for radiocarbon dating. The finds provide insight into Exeter’s development from the Roman period through to the early medieval … Continue reading Roman pottery and human remains found in Exeter

Archaeologists in Sicily have uncovered a Roman mask mould depicting Medusa in the ruins of the ancient Greek city Finziade. The mould, dating to the late Republican period (133-31 BCE), was found in a building likely used for mask production. The mould’s design—featuring a stern face with wild hair—resembles Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology often associated with protective charms, Gizmodo has reported. This discovery, … Continue reading Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Mask Mould Believed to Depict Medusa

A luxurious thermal bath complex has been discovered in Pompeii, believed to have been used by its owner to impress wealthy guests. Found in a home on Via di Nola in the city’s elite district, the spa features three pools: hot, lukewarm, and cold, and could accommodate up to 30 people. The complex is linked to a banquet room with frescoes depicting characters from the … Continue reading Pompeii excavation unearths private spa

An ancient structure uncovered in Jerusalem’s City of David is believed to have been used for ritual practices during the First Temple period, according to a new study. The structure, consisting of eight rooms, contains an altar, standing stone, oil press, and wine press, suggesting it was used for cultic or religious activities. Dating back to the 8th century BCE, it may have ceased operation … Continue reading Structure discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David dates back to the First Temple, study finds

Archaeologists in Luxembourg have uncovered a rare 1,700-year-old hoard of Roman gold coins near the foundation of a small Roman fort in Holzthum. The 141 coins, minted between A.D. 364 and 408, feature portraits of eight emperors, including Eugenius, a short-reigning usurper from 392 to 394. Eugenius’ coins are rare due to his brief rule and defeat in battle. The discovery, which was kept secret … Continue reading 1,700-year-old Roman hoard includes gold coins depicting illegitimate emperor

A French-Swiss archaeological mission has discovered a 4,000-year-old mastaba at the Saqqara site near Cairo. The mastaba, a tomb used in early dynastic Egypt, belonged to a royal doctor from the reign of Pepy II (c. 2278-2184 BC). The well-preserved tomb walls feature inscriptions and drawings that offer new insights into daily life during Egypt’s Old Kingdom. The discovery also included a sarcophagus with inscriptions … Continue reading Egypt discovers 4,000-year-old tomb near Cairo

Archaeologists have uncovered a sixth-century Saxon sword in a rural Kent Anglo-Saxon cemetery, described as one of the most significant recent finds. The sword, in exceptional condition, is inscribed with runic script and accompanied by remnants of a leather-and-wood scabbard lined with preserved beaver fur. The find also includes a gold pendant, believed to belong to a female relative of the sword’s owner, suggesting high … Continue reading Runic-inscribed sixth-century sword with oath ring found in Kent cemetery

Marine archaeologist Alexandre Monteiro has revealed that the coast of Portugal, particularly between the Azores and Madeira islands, is home to approximately 8,620 shipwrecks, with 250 believed to contain gold treasures. Monteiro, who works with Nova University in Lisbon, has compiled a database documenting shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century. Notably, he identified a Spanish ship, Nossa Senhora do Rosário, near Troia, which allegedly carried … Continue reading Shipwreck with 22 Tons of Gold Treasure Identified off Portugal Coast

Spanish archaeologists have successfully recovered a 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck, known as Mazarrón II, from the waters off southeastern Spain. Discovered in 1994 near Mazarrón, the ship is one of the few largely intact Phoenician-era wrecks. A team of 14 specialists worked for two months to lift the shipwreck, which is expected to offer valuable insights into Phoenician naval construction, a largely underexplored area, CBS News … Continue reading Ancient shipwreck dating back at least 2,600 years is raised from waters off Spain

Two men were arrested in Egypt for attempting to traffic 448 ancient artifacts recovered from the bottom of Abu Qir Bay in Alexandria. The items, which included coins, statues, axes, and other relics dating back to Greek and Roman times, were found by the men during a dive. The men confessed their plan to sell the artifacts, which feature bronze depictions of soldiers, toga-clad figures, … Continue reading Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea

A 2,000-year-old bone box, or ossuary, inscribed with the name “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus” has been displayed in the U.S. at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The limestone box, discovered in Israel in 1976, is believed by many to have held the remains of James the Just, Jesus’ brother and the first leader of early Christianity in Jerusalem. Although its authenticity was questioned … Continue reading Bone box of Jesus’ brother discovered; ‘Most significant item from time of Christ’

New research reveals that a violent attack in early Bronze Age England, around 4,000 years ago, likely involved the systematic dismemberment and cannibalism of at least 37 people. Excavated bones from Charterhouse Warren, south of Bristol, showed extensive violence, with victims killed by head blows and then dismembered. Researchers suggest this massacre was part of a cycle of revenge within or between communities, driven by … Continue reading Bronze Age Britons were cannibalized after an ‘exceptionally violent’ attack

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a sarcophagus that may belong to Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop who inspired Santa Claus. Found in a 7th-century church built in his honor in Myra (modern-day Antalya), the limestone sarcophagus is about 6 feet long and 5 feet deep, buried 6 feet underground. Researchers hope to find an inscription to confirm its contents and dating. Saint Nicholas was originally … Continue reading Sarcophagus of ‘Santa Claus’ possibly discovered in Turkish church: report

A metal detectorist recently uncovered a bent bronze sword, dating back 2,500 years to the late Bronze Age, in a bog near Veksø, Denmark. The sword, along with other artifacts like axes, ankle rings, and a fragment of a needle, is believed to have been part of a ritual sacrifice. The sword’s unusual S-shape suggests it was bent as part of the ritual, and it … Continue reading Ritually bent Bronze Age sword unearthed in Danish bog is ‘very rare find’

Archaeologists in Italy have uncovered a macabre discovery of at least 15 human skulls and 400 bone fragments at a Neolithic site in Puglia. Dating from 5618 to 5335 B.C., the remains were found in a mound at Masseria Candelaro, a prehistoric village. Despite many skulls being cracked, experts believe they were part of an ancestral ritual rather than victims of violence. The skulls were … Continue reading Discovery of Bizarre Stone Age Skulls Baffles Archaeologists