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

Axel von Berg, the state archaeologist for Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, is under investigation for allegedly falsifying the age of numerous artefacts, including 21 skulls and bone fragments from a site in Koblenz. He is also accused of falsely claiming to have discovered a Neanderthal skull, which experts say actually dates from the medieval period. Authorities have launched disciplinary proceedings following tips from colleagues. Von Berg, … Continue reading Star archaeologist ‘falsified’ finds as prehistoric

Archaeologists in Crimea have discovered an early-medieval burial ground on the Mangup plateau, revealing gold and silver jewelry once owned by noble women. The Almalyk-dere necropolis, dating from the 4th to 6th centuries, is the largest of its kind in the region. The unearthed items include brooches, gold earrings, belt accessories, and shoe buckles, with remarkable preservation, including earrings with precious stone inserts. One crypt … Continue reading Archaeologists Find Burials Filled With Gold Jewelry in Crimea

The Israeli army has destroyed or severely damaged 206 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza, according to Palestinian official Ismail Thawabteh. The sites, which include ancient landmarks like the Great Omari Mosque, Byzantine Church in Jabalia, and the Al-Saqqa House, span from the Phoenician and Roman eras to more recent ones, some over 400 years old. Thawabteh claims this destruction is part of a systematic … Continue reading 206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites destroyed by Israel in Gaza: Palestinian official

Archaeologists in Turkey discovered a 5th-century amulet depicting King Solomon defeating a demon, referencing the apocryphal Testament of Solomon, a text excluded from the Bible for its themes of dark magic. Found in the ruins of a Roman-era military structure in Paphlagonia, the amulet shows Solomon on horseback with a spear and bears the inscription, “Our Lord who defeated the devil.” The reverse side features the … Continue reading Newly discovered ancient amulet references tale of King Solomon fighting demons

Italian authorities have recovered valuable 3rd century B.C. Etruscan artefacts worth at least 8 million euros ($8.5 million) from a looted necropolis in Umbria. The items, including urns, sarcophagi, and beauty accessories, were discovered by two amateur tomb raiders on their land in Citta della Pieve. The artefacts, which feature Greek mythology scenes and gold-painted jewels, were posted online by the suspects in an attempt … Continue reading Italy recovers Etruscan artifacts dug up by ‘amateurish’ tomb raiders

Archaeologists in England have uncovered a rare 2,000-year-old Roman knife handle shaped like a gladiator, showcasing the widespread popularity of gladiatorial combat across the Roman Empire. The copper alloy handle depicts a secutor gladiator, known for his heavily armored style. The figurine is left-handed, possibly indicating it represents a specific fighter. Gladiators, often slaves or criminals, were famous and sometimes became celebrities despite their status. … Continue reading Rare gladiator-shaped knife handle discovered by Hadrian’s Wall

Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved section of an ancient Roman road, Wating Street, beneath Old Kent Road in London. Built after the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43, this discovery provides the first clear evidence of the road’s exact route. The road, 5.8 meters wide, was constructed with gravel, chalk layers, and compacted sand. The finding, made during excavations for a low carbon heating … Continue reading 2,000-year-old Roman road discovered by archaeologists in London

New research suggests that parts of the “Treasure of Villena,” a significant find from the European Bronze Age, may have originated from meteorites. Discovered in 1963, the treasure includes gold and silver items, but the presence of iron objects caused dating challenges, as iron typically wasn’t used until the Iron Age. However, analysis of the iron revealed it likely came from a meteorite, not terrestrial … Continue reading Part Of The Bronze Age “Treasure Of Villena” Appears To Have An Extraterrestrial Origin