🧐 Ancient Beat #118: Giant armadillo burgers, ancient woodworking, and the Pyramid of the Moon

Hi folks! Welcome to issue #118 of Ancient Beat. Our little community is approaching the 4k milestone —just 126 subscribers to go!

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🗞 Ancient News: Top 5

• Humans Reached Argentina By 20,000 Years Ago — And They May Have Survived By Eating Giant Armadillos, Study Suggests — Ancient humans may have butchered and eaten a giant armadillo-like creature called a glyptodont around 20,000 years ago in Argentina. This discovery suggests humans arrived in the Americas much earlier than previously thought. The glyptodont remains, found along the Reconquista River near Buenos Aires, included parts of the pelvis, tail, and carapace. Carbon dating of a pelvic bone fragment places these humans in the region around 21,000 years ago. Researchers identified 32 distinct cut marks on the bones, indicative of stone tool use for butchering. The pattern of the cuts rules out other causes like animal predation or natural weathering. This implies that ancient humans harvested significant meat from these giant armadillos, which could weigh around 660 pounds. This study pushes back the timeline of human presence and megafauna interactions in South America by nearly 6,000 years.

• New Discoveries on Ancient Thule-Inuit and Paleo-Inuit Settlements — Research on Somerset Island in northern Canada revealed 1,200 years of human occupation, pushing back the known Thule-Inuit presence. Sediment cores showed increased Thule-Inuit population between the 13th and 15th centuries and 20th-century air pollution evidence.

• Pyramid Of The Moon Marked Astronomical Orientation Axis Of Teōtīhuacān — Teōtīhuacān, an ancient Mesoamerican city in Mexico, was built in four phases. During the second phase (100-350 CE), major structures like the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon were constructed. Previously, it was believed the city’s central orientation was based on the Pyramid of the Sun. However, a new study reveals that the Pyramid of the Moon, aligned with the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset, defined the city’s astronomical axis. From its top, the Sun rises over Xihuingo volcano on the longest day and sets behind Maninal hill, establishing a visual and spatial framework for the city.

• Underwater Archaeologists Find 112 Glassware Objects Off Bulgaria's Coast — Underwater archaeologists have discovered 112 glassware objects off the coast of Bulgaria. The collection includes a variety of items such as bottles, cups, and bowls, dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. They are thought to originate from a workshop on Murano island, Venice, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century. Fragments of an iron anchor chain and ceramics were also recovered. The objects were found at a depth of about 16 feet, near an ancient shipwreck site.

Image credit: RHM Burgas

• Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Wooden Elements From Neolithic Settlement — Archaeologists have discovered remarkably preserved wooden structures at a Neolithic site of La Draga in Banyoles, Spain. Discovered near the Lake of Banyoles, the site dates back to 5,290-4,800 BCE. The findings include wooden planks from house walls and floors, made primarily of boxwood, oak, and yew. Other artifacts like wooden handles, a whisk, a beater, and parts of a basket were also found, showcasing the woodworking skills of La Draga's inhabitants. The well-preserved state of these elements is attributed to waterlogged conditions, which prevented their decay.

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Until next time, thanks for joining me!

-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum

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🗞 Ancient News: Deep Dive