Archaeology

Beads Show European Trade in African Interior Used Indigenous Routes

Tiny glass beads discovered in mountain caves about 25 miles from the shores of Lake Malawi in eastern-central Africa provide evidence that European trade in the continent’s hinterland was built on Indigenous trade routes from the coast to the interior that had existed for centuries, according to a study co-authored by Yale anthropologist Jessica Thompson. ...

Troy Oakes

A large and a small glass bead.

Tourists ‘Cursed’ by Stealing Artifacts from Pompeii 

Pompeii’s historical ancient city has attracted countless tourists over the years. Visiting the Italian site is the experience of a lifetime for many visitors, and some have taken home souvenirs from the site to remember their trip. However, there are hundreds of tales of “bad luck” ensuing, causing many to believe that anyone who steals ...

Tatiana Denning

'The Last Day of Pompeii.'

Oldest Case of a Rare Genetic Condition Discovered

A group of international researchers has uncovered evidence of a super rare genetic condition that gives men an extra X chromosome, reporting the oldest clinical case of Klinefelter Syndrome to date. The evidence comes from a 1,000-year-old skeleton from Portugal. Rare genetic condition Klinefelter Syndrome is a rare genetic condition where individuals are born with ...

Troy Oakes

A skeleton with Klinefelter Syndrome.

India’s Secret Treasure: The Enigmatic Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are a stunning treasure of art and religion located 200 miles from the busy streets of Mumbai, tucked away in the highlands of Northwest India. The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra in ...

Viena Abdon

The Ajanta Caves.

Study Finds Medieval Monks Were ‘Riddled With Worms’

Research examining traces of parasites in the remains of medieval Cambridge residents suggests that local monks were almost twice as likely as ordinary working townspeople to have intestinal worms — despite monasteries of the period having far more sanitary facilities. A new analysis of remains from medieval Cambridge shows that local Augustinian friars were almost ...

Troy Oakes

A monk leaning on his staff.

The Biggest Birds in the World

Birds are pretty fascinating creatures, and they come in such wide varieties. From a small species like a hummingbird that can fit in your pals to mighty eagles with huge wingspans, the variety of avian species can be mind-blowing. Some bird species tend to be large-sized, and that includes some of the predatory birds. However, ...

Raven Montmorency

An elephant bird.

Do You Know About the 20-Sided Icosahedron Dice Used in Ancient Rome?

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the 20-sided icosahedron dice used in ancient Rome. But don’t worry, because you’ll learn all about them! These unique dice are shrouded in mystery and fascination. So if you’re curious about ancient Rome or just love playing dice games, read on! 20-Sided icosahedron dice defined What are ...

Viena Abdon

Ruins of the Roman Citadel.

Octopus Lures From the Marianas Are the Oldest in the World

An archaeological study has determined that cowrie-shell artifacts found throughout the Mariana Islands were octopus lures and that the devices, similar versions of which have been found on islands across the Pacific, are the oldest known artifacts of their kind in the world. The study used carbon dating of archaeological layers to confirm that lures ...

Troy Oakes

Michael Carson searching for octopus lures.

Human Bones Used for Making Pendants in the Stone Age

In the Stone Age, pendants with potent symbolism were made from animal teeth and bones, adorning clothes or accessories and serving as rattles. Human bones were also used as a raw material for pendants, as demonstrated by a study where burial finds dating back over 8,200 years were re-examined after 80 years. The finding is ...

Troy Oakes

Human skulls and bones.

Proof of Human Ear Surgery Practiced 5,300 Years Ago

In July 2018, a discovery was made of the first human ear surgery. The skull was pieced together and found in northern Spain, showing signs of a simple operation on one of its ears. This was the oldest example of this type of ear surgery, proving that these complicated operations were practiced before the first ...

Viena Abdon

The human ear and auditory canal.