Is there an ‘underworld’ under the earth, according to a new archaeological find? Excavations at the Yazlkaya Rock Temple in Turkey, which began over 200 years ago, have uncovered an ancient calendar and a map of the cosmos, both of which provide fascinating evidence. The paintings in the strange stone carvings, which were probably made about … Continue reading Is there an ‘underworld’ under the earth, according to a new archaeological find? →

Italy recovers nearly 800 illegally gathered archaeological finds Italy said Monday it had recovered from a Belgian collector hundreds of illegally gathered archaeological finds dating as far back as the sixth century BC, worth 11 million euros. The nearly 800 pieces “of exceptional rarity and inestimable value”, including stelae, amphorae and other works, came from … Continue reading Italy recovers nearly 800 illegally gathered archaeological finds →

Plague Victims Identified in Individual Graves in England In the mid-14th century, Europe was devastated by a major pandemic – the Black Death – which killed between 40 and 60 per cent of the population. Later waves of plague then continued to strike regularly over several centuries. Plague kills so rapidly it leaves no visible … Continue reading Plague Victims Identified in Individual Graves in England →

How Did Paleolithic People Light Up Their Caves? According to a Public Library of Science statement, a team of researchers led by Mª Ángeles Medina-Alcaide of the University of Cantabria tested possible sources of light employed by Paleolithic peoples to reach the deepest, darkest areas of caves. Humans need light to access the deepest areas … Continue reading How Did Paleolithic People Light Up Their Caves? →

Archaeologists have discovered a 2800-year-old Urartian Castle in eastern Turkey Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a castle dating back 2,800 years ago on a mountain at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) in the Gürpınar district of eastern Turkey’s Van province. According to their examinations, the findings show that the castle had been … Continue reading Archaeologists have discovered a 2800-year-old Urartian Castle in eastern Turkey →

In Italy, a giant water tank has been linked to prehistoric rituals. The Noceto Vasca Votiva is a unique wood structure that was unearthed on a small hill in northern Italy in 2005. Built primarily of oak and slightly larger than a backyard swimming pool, the exact purpose of the in-ground structure has remained a … Continue reading In Italy, a giant water tank has been linked to prehistoric rituals. →

1.8-million-year-old skull shakes mankind’s family tree According to experts, the discovery eight years ago of a 1.8-million-year-old human ancestor’s skull found underneath a medieval Georgian village suggests our family tree may have fewer branches than some believe, scientists say. The skull, along with other partial remains previously found at the rural site, offers a glimpse … Continue reading 1.8-million-year-old skull shakes mankind’s family tree →

Pornographic Pompeii wall paintings reveal the raunchy services offered in ancient Roman brothels 2,000 years ago The sexual behaviours of ancient Italians have been exposed in wall paintings found in a renowned Pompeii brothel. The ‘Lupanar of Pompeii‘ is adorned with wall murals showing vivid sex scenes that date back centuries. The sex house was … Continue reading Pornographic Pompeii wall paintings reveal the raunchy services offered in ancient Roman brothels 2,000 years ago →

Hoard of silver coins may have been part of the historic ransom to save Paris A hoard of silver coins minted in the Carolingian Empire about 1,200 years ago has been unearthed in northeastern Poland and may have been part of a historic ransom to save Paris from a Viking invasion. It’s the first time … Continue reading Hoard of silver coins may have been part of historic ransom to save Paris →