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Application of ArchaeologyArchaeology is the study of human past through material remains. archaeologists study past humans and societies primarily through their material remains – the buildings, tools, and other artifacts that constitute what is known as the material culture left over from former societies.
New archaeological research reveals insights into the first-known seafarers to brave ocean crossings from Asia to the Pacific Islands more than 50,000 years ago. In the deep human past , highly skilled seafarers made daring crossings from Asia to the Pacific Islands.
A team of archaeologists working in Southeast Asia is pushing toward a deeper understanding of history that amplifies Indigenous and local perspectives to challenge traditional archaeological timelines. Humans huddled in caves. When you think of “prehistory,” what images come to mind? Dinosaurs roaming ancient landscapes?
A new study published in Scientific Reports 1 takes another look at human remains from Maszycka Cave in Poland, and the findings reignite a long-standing debate. Human induced modifications on cranial and postcranial remains. But was it driven by ritual, survival, or violence? This new study, however, brings a fresh perspective.
High in the Zeravshan Valley of Tajikistan, the Soii Havzak rock-shelter has provided researchers with an invaluable glimpse into early human migration routes and daily life in Central Asia. It contains layers of human occupation spanning the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods, approximately 150,000 to 20,000 years ago.
Between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago, early human activity not only altered landscapes but also reshaped the complex web of interactions between scavengers and prey. Large predators, such as hyenas and cave lions, were gradually displaced, while smaller scavengers like foxes and birds thrived in human-dominated environments.
The Origins of Burial Practices in Human Evolution Around 120,000 years ago, both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals began practicing intentional burial in the Levant region, shaping a complex cultural narrative in human evolution.
A new study 1 challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of horseback riding, casting doubt on the Kurgan hypothesis, which claims that humans first began domesticating horses as early as the fourth millennium B.C. Horseback riding can indeed leave subtle marks on the human body. in a culture known as the Yamnaya.
However, the journey to this unique bond between humans and canines was far from straightforward. A new study 1 suggests that in prehistoric Alaska, humans repeatedly domesticated and lived alongside not just dogs but also wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and even coyotes. Selected terminal Pleistocene/Early Holocene specimens ( C.
A groundbreaking study 1 of ancient human DNA from the Oakhurst rock shelter in South Africa is shedding new light on population history in one of the world’s earliest regions of modern human activity. It contained more than 40 human graves and preserved layers of human artifacts, such as stone tools, going back 12,000 years.”
Archaeological discoveries in East Timor’s Laili rock shelter have unveiled evidence 1 of ancient human habitation dating back approximately 44,000 years. Excavations revealed thousands of stone artifacts and animal bones, indicating human presence approximately 44,000 years ago.
Researchers have developed an innovative population model 1 that sheds new light on the complex dynamics of human dispersal across Europe during the Aurignacian period, approximately 43,000 to 32,000 years ago. By examining these factors, the researchers have identified four distinct phases in the process of human settlement across Europe.
Recent archaeological findings 1 in West Papua have unveiled new insights into one of the most significant migrations in human history—the journey of early Homo sapiens into the Pacific Islands. This site, rich in archaeological deposits, provided a window into the lives of the early humans who inhabited the region.
Reassessing long-standing assumptions about early human diets, recent archaeological findings 1 from burial sites in the Peruvian Andes between 9,000 and 6,500 years ago suggest a surprising narrative. Human remains from Peru's Wilamaya Patjxa site reveal that ancient Andean diets were predominantly plant-based. 1 Chen, J.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers explains historical, cultural, and ethical issues they considered while developing a 3D scan of a South African site to be shared with the world online. This has led to numerous archaeological and heritage sites appearing online in interactive 3D platforms, such as Sketchfab.
Recent archaeological studies in Sicily reveal crucial information about early human migration into the Mediterranean islands. This research offers fresh perspectives on the expansion routes and adaptive behaviors of early human communities. These sites are believed to contain sediments with significant archaeological potential.
Introduction A remarkable discovery in southeastern Australia has unveiled archaeological evidence of what may be the oldest known culturally transmitted human ritual. Ritual sticks uncovered in Cloggs Cave date back 10,000 to 12,000 years. al 2024 Read more
In the vast tapestry of human history, certain discoveries emerge as seismic shifts, reshaping our understanding of our origins and the paths we've traversed. Mithen's holistic approach, spanning disparate realms of inquiry, forms a tapestry of evidence that paints a vivid portrait of humanity's nascent linguistic capabilities.
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Human Behaviour 1 , researchers delve into the intricate world of ancient jewelry, unearthing evidence of nine distinct lost cultures that thrived across Europe between 34,000 and 24,000 years ago. Critics argue that archaeology has leaned too heavily on genetic evidence. 1 Baker, J.,
Delving into the Past: Exploring the Enigmatic Landscapes of Arabia The Arabian Peninsula, a land shrouded in mystery and ancient lore, conceals within its arid embrace a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. These fossil-rich deposits offer a tantalizing glimpse into the fauna that once roamed Arabia's ancient landscapes. 1 Stewart, M.,
This diffuse and varied culture inhabited a vast area from Yunnan, China, to Sumatra, Indonesia, from about 40,000 to 2,000 years ago. Sadly, these examples of a once widespread but still poorly known culture had been ploughed back into the earth. In addition to forests, these practices have destroyed archaeological evidence.
This suggests that children may have recognized and elaborated upon the figurative potential of their own creations, blending play and representation in a uniquely human way. Children, Metaphorical Thinking, and Upper Paleolithic Visual Cultures Author : Nowell, A. Journal : Cambridge Archaeological Journal , 2015.
Cave art has long been a touchstone for understanding the cognitive and cultural worlds of ancient humans. This revelation challenges assumptions about early art and its association with modern humans, re-framing the story of creativity in the deep past. Panel GS I and sample locations for MAL6 and MAL7.
The prevailing narrative of how humanity came about seemed straightforward enough: In what is today Europe, the last Neanderthals bowed out as Homo sapiens began arriving on the continent around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at Mandrin Cave revealed the remains of both Neanderthals and modern humans.
Were humans or climate change responsible for these losses? The Role of Human Hunting Researchers from the Danish National Research Foundation's Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) at Aarhus University have concluded that human hunting played a decisive role in these extinctions.
The LaPrele Mammoth Site: A Window into Early North American Life Archaeological discoveries at the LaPrele mammoth site in Wyoming continue to shed light on the ingenuity and adaptability of Early North Americans, who lived in North America nearly 13,000 years ago.
Researchers from the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence at Kiel University have introduced a groundbreaking way 1 to apply modern philosophical concepts, like the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), to ancient societies, offering fresh perspectives on how and why these communities thrived.
Introduction: A Landmark Discovery in Qaleh Kurd Cave In a momentous archaeological breakthrough, French and Iranian researchers have unearthed compelling evidence of early human habitation in Iran's Central Plateau, pushing back the known timeline of human settlement in the region by an astonishing 300,000 years.
A groundbreaking discovery 1 from Prado Vargas Cave in northern Spain is reshaping perceptions of Neanderthals, highlighting their advanced cognitive and cultural practices. Interestingly, parallels can be drawn with modern human behavior. Navazo Ruiz et al., 1 Navazo Ruiz, M., Benito-Calvo, A., Lozano-Francisco, M.
Tools as a Catalyst for Evolution The ability to create and use tools is a hallmark of human evolution. A groundbreaking study by researchers from the University of Tübingen, led by Dr. Alexandros Karakostis, provides fresh insights into how changes in brain function enabled early humans to wield tools with precision.
There papers in Nature Ecology and Evolution 1 2 3 summarize findings at the Ranis site and showcase a Stone Age culture that predates previous estimates, shedding light on the coexistence of modern humans and Neanderthals. In the recent excavations at Ranis, a fragment of human bone was discovered. 1 Mylopotamitaki, D.,
The Wajãpi had invited me to map archaeological sites in their territory. The Wajãpi already knew of my “archaeological finds”—the footsteps of Creator Hero from the beginning of time. What could my archaeological knowledge possibly offer to such a vast cosmological wisdom? I was excited. We just draw from different backgrounds.
Researchers from the China National Silk Museum and the Sichuan Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology have confirmed that silk played a significant role in sacrificial rituals conducted by the Shu State during the late Shang Dynasty (1600–1100 BCE). Cambridge Archaeological Journal. Ge, J., & Hu, Y.
For decades, archaeologists have described the architectural evolution of early human settlements as a transition from circular to rectangular structures—a shift thought to reflect deeper societal changes. These sites span from the Natufian culture (15,000 years ago) to the early Neolithic period (8,500 years ago).
Recent archaeological findings suggest that the Bronze Age board game, Hounds and Jackals—also known as Fifty-Eight Holes—may have originated not in Egypt, as previously believed, but in Asia. 2024 A Global History of Ancient Games Board games have been part of humanculture for millennia. Crist et al.,
But recent archaeological findings reveal that even domestic livestock were transformed to project power and control. This discovery reshapes our understanding of early animal domestication and its cultural significance in Predynastic Egypt. Credit: Journal of Archaeological Science (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2024.106104
The Ancient Artistry of Ochre Mining in Eswatini The Lion Cavern at Ngwenya, Eswatini, holds groundbreaking evidence 1 of humanity's earliest intensive ochre mining practices, dating back 48,000 years. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating methods confirmed its use as the world’s oldest ochre mine.
A recent study, published in the European Journal of Archaeology 1 , suggests these plaques may represent one of humanity's earliest attempts at recording genealogy—a non-verbal precursor to modern ancestry documentation. Journal : European Journal of Archaeology , 2004. Journal : Cambridge Archaeological Journal , 2009.
Discovered alongside an extraordinary assemblage of Clovis artifacts—bone tools, projectile points, and red ochre—this burial site has been a key to understanding the Clovis culture. A Broader Impact on Ecology and Culture Technology and Mobility Clovis toolkits reflect their focus on large game.
Such tasks likely involved collaboration and the transmission of knowledge within the group, suggesting that these skills were culturally shared over generations. This discovery supports growing evidence that Neanderthals possessed the cognitive abilities and social structures necessary for cultural innovation. A., & Langejans, G.
The study, published in PLOS ONE 1 on December 11, 2024, uses bioarchaeological analyses to shed light on the diets, deaths, and cultural practices of this enigmatic population, linked to the Neolithic Cucuteni-Trypilla culture. What sets this site apart is the unusual presence of burnt human remains.
Photo by Marcello Canuto) The Power of Lidar in Archaeology Lidar, a laser-based detection system, allows archaeologists to scan landscapes by sending thousands of laser pulses per second and mapping the terrain based on how these pulses reflect off surfaces. .”
Please note that this article includes images of human remains. This long-lost child, represented only by a lower jaw, was referred to as Ksâr ‘Akil 4 because it was the fourth human fossil discovered at the site of Ksâr ‘Akil in Lebanon, on the Eastern Mediterranean coast. ANOTHER SET OF TEETH “These teeth don’t belong to Egbert!”
In the 8th century CE, the Avars—an enigmatic group with roots in the East Asian steppes—settled in Central Europe, weaving a tapestry of cultural cohesion amid genetic diversity. Their findings reveal an intriguing story of cultural integration despite distinct genetic divides. ” Even weapons were rare in the graves.
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