Daily Dose of Archaeology 4.0

Lowell2 · Mar 16, 2015

The Archaeology News Network: Uni students uncover moa in ancient oven Students from Auckland University have uncovered the remnants of a moa being cooked in an oven from 600 years ago at one of New Zealand's earliest sites of human settlement.

Lowell2 · Mar 17, 2015

Joseph Kardon - Denarius of Julius Caesar Research Commentary

The silver denarius (3.9 g) minted by Julius Caesar in 49 BCE was his first coin issue in the civil war that resulted in Caesar’s sole rule over the Roman state. These types offer insight into the ideological transition from the Republic to the Empire.

The coin’s reverse face (featuring the elephant) is the subject of interpretive disagreement. A close examination of the iconographic tradition on Roman coins supports an interpretation of the type as an advertisement of Caesar’s conquest of Gaul. The reverse helped establish the precedent for future emperors to secure their army’s loyalty through conquest.

The elephant is an allusion to one of the possible meanings for Caesar ( Julius Caesar himself propagated the derivation from the elephant, an animal that was said to have been called caesai in the "Moorish", i.e. probably Punic language,[25] thereby following the claims of his family that they inherited the cognomen from an ancestor, who had received the name after killing an elephant, possibly during the first Punic War)

Lowell2 · Mar 18, 2015

Scientists: Cervantes' Lost Remains Are Found
NEWSER) – The lost remains of Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes may have finally been found nearly 400 years after the writer's death—and a year after experts began searching for them. Experts working at Madrid's Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians used ground-penetrating radar among other technology to identify what the BBC terms a "forgotten crypt" beneath the convent. There, in one of its 33 alcoves, they believe they have uncovered the bones of the "Prince of Letters," as well as those of his wife and others buried alongside him. Though forensic scientist Almudena Garcia Rubio concedes "the remains are in a bad state of conservation and do not allow us to do an individual identification of Miguel de Cervantes ... we are sure what the historical sources say is the burial of Miguel de Cervantes ... is what we have found."

Lowell2 · Mar 19, 2015

The Archaeology News Network: Early Roman fortifications discovered in Trieste
The area known as San Rocco in Muggia (a commune of Trieste province) could hold secrets to the origins of Trieste (or Tergeste, as it was known in ancient times). An interdisciplinary team—led by ICTP reseachers Federico Bernardini and Claudio Tuniz—has discovered an archaeological site with Roman military fortification systems, composed of a big central camp flanked by two minor forts. The team believes that this site, which dates back to the first decades of the 2nd century BC, is most likely to be where the Romans laid the first foundations of Trieste.

Lowell2 · Mar 19, 2015

The Archaeology News Network: Creating a malaria test for ancient human remains

A Yale University scientist has developed a promising new method to identify malaria in the bone marrow of ancient human remains. It is the first time researchers have been able to establish a diagnostic, human skeletal profile for the disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and continues to infect millions of people a year. The new process may allow scientists to track the spread of malaria back to its first appearance in human populations. The method, which works effectively on bones resistant to previous forms of testing, also may be applicable to other diseases.

dreamregent · Mar 19, 2015

Forensic Analysis Reveals Pharaoh Was Killed In Battle

In collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities, The University of Pennsylvania team discovered new evidence on the life and death of pharaoh Senebkay who founded the 16th Dynasty of the Second Intermediate Period.

The pharaoh's skeleton forensic analysis performed by researchers directed by Dr. Josef Wegne indicated that the reason behind the death of this king was due to a number of wounds received during a fierce battle from multiple assailants or an ambush.

The skeleton was found by Pennsylvania mission last year inside the King's tomb in Abydos, Suhag Governoratem said Dr. Eldamaty, Minister of Antiquities.

The analysis shows that the king received eighteen wounds reaching his bones including major cuts to his feet, ankles and lower back. There are also a number of blows at the skull which give us some ideas about the shape and type of battle axes and weapons used during that time.

Also the angle and direction of the King's wounds imply that he was in an elevated position (may be on horseback or on a chariot) relative to his attackers. The assailants probably wounded his lower part first (feet, ankles and lower back) in order to drag him on the floor then finished him with axe blows to the skull.

Moreover, analysis by Dr. Maria Rosado and Dr. Jane Hill of Rowan University, New Jersey, shows that the King died at an earlier age, 35-40 years, than initially thought. It also indicated that the king was a horse rider through the shape of his pelvis and leg bones, a matter suggesting that horseback riding may have played a growing role in military activities during that time.In collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities, The University of Pennsylvania team discovered new evidence on the life and death of pharaoh Senebkay who founded the 16th Dynasty of the Second Intermediate Period.

Lowell2 · Mar 19, 2015

Prehistoric stone tools bear 500,000-year-old animal residue -- ScienceDaily
Among 500,000-year-old elephant remains at a Lower Paleolithic site in Revadim, Israel, archaeologists recently analyzed 'hand axes' and 'scrapers,' universally shaped and sized prehistoric stone tools, replete with animal residue. The research represents the first scientifically verified direct evidence for the precise use of Paleolithic stone tools: to process animal carcasses and hides.

Lowell2 · Mar 20, 2015

Human parasites found in medieval cesspit reveal links between Middle East and Europe -- ScienceDaily Analysis of a latrine in Jerusalem that dates back over 500 years finds human parasites common in northern Europe yet very rare in Middle East at the time, suggesting long-distance trade or pilgrimage routes and shedding light on prevalent infectious diseases of the age. The fish tapeworm was prevalent in northern Europe due to the popularity of fish as a food and the nature of its preparation: often eaten raw, smoked or pickled -- which doesn't kill the parasite. According to Arabic texts of the time, in inland Syrian cities such as Jerusalem fish was not commonly eaten, and when consumed was always cooked thoroughly in accordance with local culinary traditions. This cooking kills the parasite and prevents its spread.
The team also found pieces of Italian pottery in the same cesspit, reinforcing the hypothesis of strong trading or religious links between Europe and Jerusalem during the late 1400s.

Knarly Dan · Mar 20, 2015

Qin dynasty crossbow found at China’s Terracota Army site may reveal secret of emperor’s success

A 2,200-year old 1.3-metre long crossbow believed to have had a range of up to 800 metres has been found by archaeologists during excavations in China.

The crossbow is referred to in many ancient historic documents, which stated that the victories of Qin’s army owed much to its use of bows, which could fire arrows over long distances and cause large numbers of casualties among its enemies.

Moros · Mar 20, 2015

Lowell2 said:
The team also found pieces of Italian pottery in the same cesspit, reinforcing the hypothesis of strong trading or religious links between Europe and Jerusalem during the late 1400s.

This makes it sound like they've discovered something startling. Trade and religious links with Jerusalem during the 15th Century is well known.

okamido · Mar 20, 2015

CELTIC BRONZE BRACELET UNEARTHED IN POLAND
Valuable archaeological discovery near Sanok | News | Science & Scholarship in Poland

Bronze bracelet from the 3rd century BC has been discovered in Pakoszówka near Sanok (Subcarpathian province). This ornament is one of the most valuable objects associated with the Celts discovered in the region - told PAP Piotr Kotowicz, an archaeologist with the Historical Museum in Sanok.
Scientists were informed of the discovery by the finder. Only fragments of the bracelet were preserved. According to the archaeologist, it is hard to determine the circumstances in which the ornament ended up in the ground. The fact that it was discovered in the fragmented form drew the attention of scientists - it could be deliberately destroyed.

Archaeologists know from previous studies that ancient Celtic settlement had existed near the village Pakoszówka. There are other monuments of this period in the collections of the Historical Museum in Sanok - mainly fragments of pottery, a fragment of glass bracelet and a gold coin. "Maybe the owner of the bracelet lived in the village, the traces of which have been recorded in the same place" - believes Kotowicz.

okamido · Mar 20, 2015

Anthropologist offers possible explanation for collapse of ancient city of Teotihuacan
Anthropologist offers possible explanation for collapse of ancient city of Teotihuacan

Linda Manzanilla, an anthropologist with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México has published a paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offering a possible explanation for the collapse of the early central Mexican city of Teotihuacan—she believes it was due to clashes between groups with differing economic interests.

The ruins of Teotihuacan can be seen today at a location approximately 30 miles northeast of modern Mexico City, and offer testament to the flourishing metropolis that once was home to approximately 125,000 people, making it the most populous city in the pre-Columbia Americas. The city got its start around 100 BCE, but was completely decimated by the eighth century. Why it collapsed has been a subject of debate among historians and anthropologists for several years. In this new effort, Manzanilla suggests it was not drought or invaders that brought down the great city, but internal strife among its inhabitants.

okamido · Mar 20, 2015

Archaeologists Find Byzantine Coins, Roman Inscription in Aquae Calidae ? Thermopolis Preserve in Bulgaria?s Burgas | Archaeology in Bulgaria

A new batch of various ancient and medieval artifacts has been discovered during the excavations of the Aquae Calidae – Thermopolis Archaeological Preserve in the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas, the Burgas Municipality has announced.

The latest finds from the Ancient Thracian and Roman city of Aquae Calidae – known as Therma or Thermopolis in the Middle Ages – which was famous for its mineral springs, include a large number of Byzantine coins, a fragment of an Ancient Roman inscription on a marble slab, an ancient marble statuette as well as part of the city fortress wall.

The Aquae Calidae – Thermopolis Archaeological Preserve is currently being excavated in rescue digs funded by the Burgas Municipality not only as part of its plans to turn the site into a major tourist attraction, but also because of the ongoing rehabilitation of the water supply and sewerage system in Banevo and Vetren, the two Burgas quarters located on top of the ancient and medieval city. The archaeologists are exploring the strata at a depth of 3 meters.

A total of 80 artifacts from different time periods have been found, including 45 coins. Some of the Byzantine coins are “cup-shaped”, the so called scyphates, dating back to the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century. They were minted by the Byzantine Emperors from the Komnenos Dynasty (1081-1185 AD) and the Angelos Dynasty (1185-1204 AD).

Lowell2 · Mar 20, 2015

From Stone Darts to Dismembered Bodies, New Study Reveals 5,000 Years of Violence in Central California | Western Digs
From Stone Darts to Dismembered Bodies, New Study Reveals 5,000 Years of Violence in Central California, In an effort to understand life and death in one of the ancient West’s most populous regions, anthropologists conducted a landmark study of its dead, cataloging signs of violence found in burials between the Sierra Nevada and the San Francisco Bay, dating from historic times all the way back to 3000 BCE. Chronicling 16,820 burials from 329 sites among 13 different ethnographic groups, the data reveal that the most common type of violence over the millennia was so-called sharp-force trauma, caused by projectiles like arrows or atlatl darts, which appeared in 7.2% of the burials studied.

Another 4.3% of the hunter-gatherers suffered apparent blunt-force trauma to the head, while just under 1% showed evidence of dismemberment, with limbs, scalps, or heads having been removed after death.

Garibaldi · Mar 21, 2015

Today opened new archaeological museum in Durres, Albania. In this museum are exposed 3402 different objects, starting from prehistoric times and until the end of the Middle Ages.

Muzeu Arkeologjik Durrës

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tlVtsqN1hE&feature=youtu.be

Lowell2 · Mar 21, 2015

In Turkey's northern province of Tokat’s Sulusaray district, a settlement of 3,500 people located on top of the ancient city of Sebastopolis, is set to be moved to another location so that the site can come to light.

The Archaeology News Network: Turkish district to be moved for ancient city

Tairusiano · Mar 22, 2015

One thousand years of spirituality, innovation, and social development emerge from a ceremonial center on the Scottish archipelago of Orkney

Spanning a millennium of activity beginning around 5,000 years ago, these exquisitely preserved buildings, including foundations and low walls, are revealing how Neolithic society changed over time, and why Orkney—despite its seemingly remote location—was at the center of Neolithic Europe. “Thank goodness the Taits didn’t use a deep plow, or else we’d have been looking at a pile of rubble,” says Towers.

Instead of digging up a Bronze Age coffin in the 2003 test trench, as they expected, the archaeologists uncovered part of a finely crafted Neolithic wall. “It had sharp internal angles, beautifully coursed stonework, and fine corner buttresses,” explains Nick Card of the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology, dig director at the site, now known as the “Ness of Brodgar.”

The next year the archaeologists embarked on a season of digging test pits and trial trenches across the field. To their delight they encountered incredible Neolithic stonework in virtually every hole. Realizing that they were looking at a major Neolithic complex,

Neolithic Europe's Remote Heart - Archaeology Magazine

Lowell2 · Mar 22, 2015

Western Washington?s ?Completely New? Projectile Points - Archaeology Magazine
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON—A tool-making site estimated to be more than 10,000 years old has been found along Bear Creek in suburban Seattle. Thousands of stone flakes and bifaces, scrapers, and hammerstones were recovered, along with two projectile-point fragments that are concave-based, “something not seen at any time in the local projectile point sequence,” Robert Kopperl of SWCA Environmental Consultants told Western Digs. The artifacts were found under a layer of peat radiocarbon dated to about 10,000 years ago. Burned bits of willow, poplar, and pine dated to between 10,000 and 12,500 years ago were found in the layer with the artifacts. “It’s the oldest artifact assemblage from western Washington, and the excellent context in which we were able to do our excavations and sampling is now providing a picture, much clearer than ever before, of the environment these people were living in during the transition out of the Ice Age,” Kopperl explained. To read in-depth about the first people to reach the New World, see "America, in the Beginning."

Lowell2 · Mar 23, 2015

Poisons, plants and Palaeolithic hunters
Dozens of common plants are toxic. Archaeologists have long suspected that our Palaeolithic ancestors used plant poisons to make their hunting weapons more lethal. Now Dr Valentina Borgia has teamed up with a forensic chemist to develop a technique for detecting residues of deadly substances on archaeological objects.
Until very recently it has been impossible to prove that poisons extracted from plants were used by early societies. Now Dr Valentina Borgia, a specialist in Palaeolithic hunting weapons and Marie Curie Fellow at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, believes that she is on the brink of being able to prove that our ancestors used poisons as far back as 30,000 years ago.

Read more at: Poisons, plants and Palaeolithic hunters

Foxglove:

monkshood:

Lowell2 · Mar 23, 2015

'Nazi Lair' Found Deep in Jungle (NEWSER) – As the Nazis began to suffer battlefield reverses in World War II, they secretly began building a network of hideouts so remote that one of them has only just been discovered, according to archaeologists in Argentina. A University of Buenos Aires team says it believes three ruined stone buildings in a jungle area near the border with Paraguay formed a lair that Nazi leaders planned to escape to in the event of defeat, the Telegraph reports. They say that after months of exploring the site, which they had to cut their way to with machetes, they've found items including Nazi-era German coins, "Made in Germany" porcelain, and Nazi symbols on the walls.

The site, in a location that would make it easy to slip across the border from Argentina to Paraguay, "is a defensible site, a protected site, an inaccessible place, a place to live in peace, a place of refuge," the lead researcher tells Argentina's Clarin newspaper. "And I think what we find is a place of refuge for the Nazi hierarchy.

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Daily Dose of Archaeology 4.0

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