Archaeology
‘Swiss Army knife’ shows ancient humans were talking to one another
The shape of stone tools across southern Africa shows ancient humans were communicating over long distances before they left to explore the rest of the world.
- by Stuart Layt
Latest
Egypt unearths 250 mummies in ancient necropolis
The dig also uncovered 150 bronze statues of Egyptian deities and instruments used for rituals dating back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt, about 500 BC.
- by Rachel Pannett
Researcher doesn’t want a war over ancient hand grenade study
Professor Carney Matheson knows his claim a 1000-year-old shard of pottery was an ancient hand grenade will spark an academic fight, but he’s calling for peace.
- by Stuart Layt
Heat of the moment: Changing climate shaped human evolution for 2 million years
Naturally-occurring climate change influenced human evolution, and exposed gaps in our knowledge of early human history.
- by Stuart Layt
From snack bars to gender issues: Pompeii enters the Instagram age
For some, it is about time that matters of sexual abuse, rape and societal changes are finally out in the open. “Oftentimes archaeologists can be conservative with the topics they address.”
- by Elisabetta Povoledo
‘Almost Pompeii-like’: Stone Age ‘factory floor’ opens window on ancient culture
The earliest known ochre-processing site in east Asia appears to have been buried very quickly, preserving hundreds of tiny tools and shining a light on a previously unknown people.
- by Stuart Layt
Captains of industry: Australia’s ancient seafaring trade rewrites history
First Australians were making huge overseas voyages to trade in a vast international network at least 300 years earlier than previously thought.
- by Mike Foley
1885 time capsule puts question of prized Lincoln photo to rest
A rare photograph of a deceased US president Abraham Lincoln in his coffin was speculated to be the prime treasure nestled in the copper box.
- by Christine Chung
‘Digitally unwrapped’: Scans reveal details of mummy of King Amenhotep
Researchers have used digital technology to take the first accurate look inside the mummy, which has remained wrapped to preserve its decoration.
- by Aidan Lewis
New 1887 time capsule found deep under removed Robert E Lee statue
It was found further down below the Confederacy monument than another capsule found in September. Experts hope it is the long-rumoured official one.
- by Gregory S. Schneider
‘Most beautiful’ dinosaur egg complete with embryo provides bird link
Scientists said “Baby Yingliang” was found in a pose similar to a chicken before hatching.
- by Jordan Mendoza