🧐 Ancient Beat #121: Glyphs, hobbits, and Stonehenge's Altar Stone
Hey hey, everyone! I’m back from a week off and ready to talk about some old stuff.
Every once in a while, I remove the paywall from an issue just for kicks. Well, tbh, it’s for kicks and to give you a glimpse at what a full issue looks like.
This is one of those issues. So, welcome to a very free issue #121 of Ancient Beat.
Here’s the latest ancient news. 👇
🗞 Ancient News: Top 5
Great Scott! Stonehenge's Altar Stone Origins Reveal Advanced Ancient Britain — New research has revealed that Stonehenge's six-ton Altar Stone, traditionally believed to come from Wales, actually originates from northeast Scotland. The Altar Stone, a sandstone block at the heart of Stonehenge's iconic circle, was found to have mineral grains dating from 1,000 to 2,000 million years ago, distinctively matching the Orcadian Basin in Scotland. This discovery, dating the stone's transport to around 2600 BCE, suggests that advanced transport methods and societal organization existed in Neolithic Britain. The stone’s journey, covering over 460 miles, likely involved a marine shipping route along Britain's coast, indicating long-distance trade networks. This challenges previous understanding of the monument's construction and highlights the impressive capabilities of ancient Britons.
Archaeologists Report Earliest Plant Artifact Outside Africa — A tiny resin block, discovered in West Papua’s Mololo Cave on Waigeo Island, may be the earliest known plant artifact made by modern humans outside Africa. Measuring about half an inch on each side and dated to 55,000 to 50,000 years ago, the object could have been used as a primitive matchstick. The resin, likely harvested and shaped from a flowering tree or shrub, is thought to support theories of early human migration toward Australia. The artifact was found alongside animal bones, including those of fruit bats. This discovery adds to the evidence of human dispersal into the Pacific via the northern route, with implications for understanding how early humans adapted to new environments and their technological capabilities. The site lies along a route that possibly facilitated human movement due to lower sea levels during the Ice Age. The find raises intriguing questions about the possible interactions between modern humans and Denisovans, who also occupied Southeast Asia during this period.
Giant Stone Panel with Over 100 Maya Glyphs Discovered — A significant archaeological discovery has been made at the site of Coba in Mexico, where a giant stone panel featuring over 100 Maya glyphs was unearthed. The panel, dating to the Late Classic period (600-900 CE), is one of the largest and most detailed examples of Maya hieroglyphic writing ever found. The inscriptions recount the deeds of a powerful Maya ruler, offering new insights into the political history and cultural achievements of the Maya civilization. The glyphs are exceptionally well-preserved, providing a rare and detailed glimpse into the ceremonial and administrative practices of the ancient Maya.
Rare Archaeological Site Reveals 'Surprising' Neanderthal Behavior at Pyrenees Foothills — Excavations at Abric Pizarro, in the foothills of the Southern Pyrenees, Spain, have uncovered evidence that challenges traditional views of Neanderthal behavior. Dating from 100,000 to 65,000 years ago, the site revealed that Neanderthals not only hunted large animals like red deer, horses, and bison but also smaller prey such as freshwater turtles and rabbits. The well-preserved bones with cut marks and a variety of stone tools suggest Neanderthals were highly adaptable and skilled at exploiting their environment — meaning that they were able to change hunting strategies when necessary, from the more-bang-for-your-buck big game to the perhaps-more-widely-available-particularly-when-climate-changes small game. These findings provide insights into Neanderthal resilience during harsh climatic conditions and their sophisticated survival strategies before the arrival of modern humans.
Where Did the ‘Hobbit’ Humans Come From? New Fossils Shed Light — New fossil discoveries on the Indonesian island of Flores have provided insights into Homo floresiensis, the diminutive human species known as "hobbits." A recent analysis of fossils, including a small humerus bone, suggests that these early humans were a dwarfed version of Homo erectus, which migrated out of Africa around 1.9 million years ago. The species likely evolved to be smaller due to isolation on Flores — this is known as “insular dwarfism” and is known to happen to animals of all sorts. This particular fossil is about 700,000 years old and indicates that Homo floresiensis stood about 3 feet tall.
Normally, here’s where the paywall goes. But not today, my friends. Read on!
🗞 Ancient News: Deep Dive
Rock Art Clusters Found in Kazakhstan — Archaeologists uncovered several rock art clusters in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, specifically in the Serektas River valley. The findings include five rock art sites, with one depicting a yurt and others showing animals and tamgas, which are abstract seals used by Eurasian nomads for livestock branding. The finds date back to the Bronze Age (around 3000–1000 BCE). The art is carved into large boulders and cliff faces, providing insight into the beliefs and daily life of the early inhabitants of the region. The diversity and scale of the rock art suggest that the area held significant cultural or religious importance. Excavations at the Serektas-2 site revealed 727 ceramic fragments, 83 stone tools, a bronze object, and 38 bone artifacts made from cattle bone. Another site, Serektas-1, contained a structure measuring about 20 by 13 feet, along with 200 bone fragments, over 60 ceramic pieces, spindle whorls, iron fragments, and various stone tools like grinders and pestle-like stones.
Unveiling The Ancient Maya's Relationship To Animals And Nature — Excavations at two Maya sites in Central Belize reveal the Maya's deep respect for nature, seen through the discovery of animal caches and ritual artifacts. At Yalbac, the remains of a jaguar and an ocelot were found buried under a residence, symbolizing power and the underworld. In Cara Blanca, armadillo scutes were uncovered in a temple, representing fertility and procreation, and highlighting the Maya’s water-related rituals. Never heard of “scutes” before, but they’re those plates. That scute. 😂 Had to be said. Anyway, artifacts include freshwater and marine shells, as well as ornaments made from mammal teeth, demonstrating how animals were integral to Maya cosmology, rituals, and sustainable living.
Bronze Age Burial Mound Found Surrounded by Iron Age Cremation Burials — A large Bronze Age burial mound has been discovered in Petershagen-Windheim, Germany, surrounded by Iron Age cremation burials. Aerial photographs revealed the presence of the burial mound and a circular ditch, which served as a guide for the Nienburg group culture to place urns around the mound. The Bronze Age mound, dating from the 7th to 5th centuries BCE, was a significant landscape feature during the Iron Age, serving as a central reference point for additional burials. Evidence of cremation burials and funeral pyres from the 2nd to late 1st century BCE has also been found, with radiocarbon analysis planned to refine the timeline.
Early Neolithic Settlement Uncovered In Czech Republic — Archaeologists have uncovered an Early Neolithic settlement in the Czech Republic, dating back approximately 7,000 years. The site, located in the northern region, reveals evidence of longhouses and suggests a well-organized community with advanced agricultural practices. The remains of tools, ceramics, and food storage facilities indicate a society that had already begun cultivating crops and domesticating animals. The discovery of grinding stones and animal bones suggests a diet that included grains and meat.
House Call: A New Study Rethinks Early Christian Landmark — A new study reexamined the so-called "Christian building" in Dura-Europos, Syria, traditionally viewed as the earliest example of a "house church" from around 232 CE. The structure, previously thought to have been a domestic space repurposed for Christian worship, is now argued to be non-domestic in form and function after renovations. Key differences from other houses, such as the absence of a cistern and modifications for religious rituals, challenge the idea that this was a typical domus ecclesiae. The study suggests that early Christian worship spaces may not have been as domestic as previously believed, questioning entrenched narratives about the origins of Christian architecture.
Possible Roman Prison Identified in Ancient Greek City — In the ancient Greek city of Gortyn, on the island of Crete, archaeologists have identified what might be a Roman prison dating back to the 1st century CE. The structure, found near the city's law code inscriptions, features a series of small, connected rooms with heavy stone doors, suggesting confinement. The presence of iron shackles and proximity to legal and administrative areas further support the prison theory.
Archaeologists Discover Lost Medieval Village — Construction in Munich, Germany, led to the discovery of a lost medieval village, likely called "Wagrain". Excavations revealed traces of houses, ovens, pit houses, earthen cellars, burials, and a church with a recessed apse. Preliminary dating suggests occupation from the 9th to 13th century CE, with abandonment in the early 14th century, possibly due to plague.
Selinunte: Latest Excavations Bring To Light A New Small Temple — Recent excavations at the ancient city of Selinunte in Sicily have uncovered a small, previously unknown temple. The temple, dating back to the 6th century BCE, adds to the rich tapestry of this ancient Greek colony. The structure is relatively modest, with a rectangular layout and traces of altars and offerings, suggesting its role in local religious practices. The discovery also includes fragments of terracotta roof tiles and votive offerings.
New Interpretation of Runic Inscription Reveals Pricing in Viking Age — A fresh interpretation of the runic inscription on the Forsa Ring, an iron ring from 9th- or 10th-century Sweden, offers new insights into Viking Age monetary practices. The inscription, previously understood to require fines paid in both oxen and silver, is now believed to allow payment in either oxen or silver, reflecting a more flexible system. This system enabled transactions using different units of account, depending on what was available—oxen or silver—simplifying economic exchanges. The fine, for example, was either one ox or two öre of silver, with each öre equivalent to about 25 grams of silver. The study reveals that the Viking monetary system was integrated with broader European economies.
Archaeologists: Ancient 'Elite Family Ritual' May Explain Child Sacrifice — In Paquimé, Mexico, a child sacrifice was uncovered in a unique burial context, dating between 1301-1397 CE. The child's parents were closely related, possibly half-siblings, highlighting elite practices for consolidating power. The child, aged 2-5, was interred beneath a roof support beam in a building believed to have ceremonial importance, possibly to sanctify it. The Paquimé site, known for its adobe structures, aqueducts, and ritual mounds, was a major cultural and political center in the Northwest/Southwest region. This finding provides insight into the social structure and ritual practices of the time.
Burials Containing Battle Axes Uncovered in Early Suzdal Cemetery — Excavations at the Gnezdilovo burial ground near Suzdal, Russia, uncovered approximately 50 undisturbed burials from the 11th to 12th centuries CE. The cemetery, largely unexplored until now, revealed high-status jewelry such as temple rings, signet rings, and glass beads, along with weapons including iron knives and battle axes. One notable burial contained a male with a bronze lyre-shaped buckle, a knife, a battle axe, and a broken ceramic vessel. Another burial featured horse riding equipment, including stirrups and a girth buckle, alongside a battle axe with a semicircular notch and carved butt. The site has yielded fourteen battle axes, marking it as a significant find for understanding the military culture of early North-Eastern Russia.
Elite Woman’s Grave Found In An Abandoned Fortress In Mongolia — Archaeologists discovered the grave of an elite woman in the walls of the medieval fortress of Khar Nuur in northeastern Mongolia. Radiocarbon dating places the burial between 1158 and 1214 CE, after the fortress was abandoned, during the transition from the Khitan or Liao Empire to the rise of the Mongolian Empire. The woman, aged between 40 and 60 at death, was buried in a yellow silk robe and a headdress made of imported materials, likely from China. Her coffin contained gold earrings, a silver cup, a bronze vessel, a gold bracelet, and coral and glass beads. The grave was unmarked above the surface, which may explain the scarcity of similar discoveries from this period. The burial might have been intended as a symbol of prestige or to reinforce the local community's control over the territory.
Archaeologists Unearth Bodies in Peruvian Temple Up to 3,800 Years Old — In Peru, archaeologists have discovered human remains in an ancient temple dating back 3,800 years. The site, located in the Andes, revealed multiple burials within a ceremonial complex. The bodies, found in a seated position, were accompanied by offerings including pottery, textiles, and food remnants, indicating ritual significance. The temple itself features a U-shaped design, typical of pre-Columbian Andean architecture, suggesting its use in religious or ceremonial functions.
148 Ancient Tombs Spanning 2,100 Years Unearthed at Guangzhou Zoo — Archaeologists have discovered 148 tombs at the Guangzhou Zoo in South China's Guangdong Province, dating from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) to the early years after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The excavation, covering about 1,300 square meters, revealed a variety of burial styles, including 196 artifacts such as pottery, porcelain, bronze, jade, and bead ornaments. Notable finds include a nearly intact tomb from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 CE) and a well-preserved Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE) tomb, both significant for understanding burial practices and construction technology during these periods. The tombs, particularly those from the Ming and Qing dynasties, show organized and planned burial patterns, indicating the area's historical importance as a cemetery. Since 1956, nearly 500 ancient tombs have been excavated at the zoo site.
DNA Study of Jamestown Bones Reveals Tangled Family Tale — A recent DNA analysis of human remains discovered at Jamestown, Virginia, USA has unraveled a complex family story dating back to the early 17th century. The study identified the remains as belonging to two half-brothers, both of noble English descent, who were among the early settlers. The analysis suggests they were related through their father but had different mothers. The brothers, likely in their 20s at the time of death, were found buried in close proximity within a church. The findings offer a rare glimpse into the lives of early American colonists and their connections to English nobility, highlighting the challenges and tragedies faced by Jamestown settlers.
Beach Bar Used a 1,700-Year-Old Roman Sarcophagus as Table — Until a Tourist Noticed — So this is crazy. A tourist at a beach bar in Varna, Bulgaria, noticed an old-looking table, which was later identified as a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus. The artifact, with carved garlands, flowers, grapes, and ox-like animal heads, had its lid replaced by a mismatched tabletop. It had likely been at the bar for around four years before the discovery. The sarcophagus, measuring about 3 feet by 8 feet by 2.5 feet, was moved to the Archaeological Museum in Varna. The origin remains a mystery, as the design is atypical for Varna, suggesting it was brought from another part of Bulgaria. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings.
Painted Scylla Statues Found in Ancient Laodicea — A rare collection of painted Scylla (monster first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey) statues has been uncovered in Laodicea, an ancient city located in present-day Denizli Province, Turkey. Laodicea, founded between 261-253 BCE, was a prominent trading hub in Asia Minor. The statues were discovered during restoration works at the Western Theatre's stage building. These sculptures, believed to be crafted by Rhodesian sculptors in the early 2nd century BCE, are among the oldest known examples of their kind. The statues are noted for their baroque style, characteristic of the Hellenistic period, and remarkably retain their original paints.
Shipwreck Highlights Medieval England's Lucrative Trade in Valuable Stone — Maritime archaeologists have studied a 13th-century shipwreck off the coast of Dorset, England, revealing insights into the medieval trade networks that supplied England’s religious construction projects. The ship, carrying Purbeck stone and marble — a dark limestone used in cathedrals and high-status objects — provides evidence of the extensive trade routes and the economic importance of this stone during England’s “golden age” of Purbeck Marble (1170-1350 CE). The discovery of unfinished grave slabs suggests the stone was likely transported to major construction sites or workshops for polishing.
Traces Of A Medieval Gauntlet Discovered In Norway — Archaeologists exploring the Bispevika fjord area in Oslo, Norway, have uncovered traces of a rare medieval iron gauntlet. Only a small portion of the gauntlet survived, but it was detected during a metal search, revealing an imprint showing its lamellae, or iron plates. Why not call them iron “scutes”? It’s a missed opportunity. The gauntlet, along with other medieval weapons like daggers, swords, and axes, was likely confiscated by customs officers and thrown into the sea.
Archaeologists Make New Discoveries Frozen In Glacial Ice — In Breheimen National Park, Norway, archaeologists have uncovered ancient hunting tools preserved in glacial ice for around 1,500 years. The team found a complete scaring stick flag, used by ancient hunters to guide reindeer into traps. The flag features parallel lines formed by year rings from radially split pine wood.
Jewish Kitchenware Unearthed in Jerusalem’s Ancient Drainage Channel — An excavation in Jerusalem’s ancient drainage channel has revealed a trove of Jewish kitchenware from the Second Temple period, offering a glimpse into daily life 2,000 years ago. The channel, running under Jerusalem’s main street, contained items such as expensive oils, grape seeds, and 2,000-year-old eggshells. Among the finds were also complete pottery lamps, their rims still bearing soot from ancient flames, discovered in layers dating to the city's destruction in 70 CE.
Aquatic Mosaic Uncovered at Wroxeter Roman City — A vividly colored mosaic depicting dolphins and fish was uncovered in Wroxeter Roman City, originally known as Viroconium, in Shropshire, England. This 2nd-century CE mosaic was found in a high-status townhouse, with sections of the original painted plaster walls still intact. The mosaic highlights the luxurious lifestyle in Viroconium, which was strategically located to guard the River Severn valley and Watling Street. The city grew to become the fourth-largest settlement in Roman Britain, covering 173 acres and housing over 15,000 people.
Archaeologists Unearth A Byzantine Mosaic In Turkey — A Byzantine mosaic, believed to be over 1,500 years old, has been uncovered in southeastern Turkey. The mosaic, which adorned the floor of a once-grand building like a church or a public building, features intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs typical of the Byzantine period.
Scientists Unravel Secrets of Bronze Age Hoard Buried 3,000 Years Ago — A 3,000-year-old Bronze Age hoard found in Rosemarkie, Scotland includes bronze weapons, tools, and decorative items, all intentionally buried. The artifacts show signs of both heavy use and ritualistic deposition. The hoard’s burial might have been a form of offering or an attempt to safeguard valuable items during turbulent times.
Gold Coins Found in Ancient City of Notion Tell Story of Misfortune — Archaeologists have uncovered a hidden stash of gold coins in the ancient city of Notion, located on the western coast of Turkey. The coins, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, were likely hidden during a time of crisis. The discovery includes over 50 gold staters, bearing the images of ancient gods and rulers. The hoard’s concealment suggests the owner intended to return.
Enormous Medieval Coin Hoard Found in Southwest Germany — In Southwest Germany, archaeologists have discovered an enormous hoard of medieval coins buried in a forest. The hoard, consisting of over 10,000 silver coins, dates back to the 13th century and is one of the largest finds of its kind in the region. The coins, primarily pfennigs, were likely hidden during a time of conflict or economic instability. The sheer size of the hoard suggests it was the savings of a wealthy individual or institution, preserved for centuries beneath the forest floor.
Remains of Rare 17th Century Structure Found Under Parking Lot, Virginia Officials Say — The remains of a late 1600s structure were uncovered just two feet beneath a parking lot in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the site where a new archaeological center for Colonial Williamsburg is being built. The find includes a 32-foot by 24-foot brick foundation, a 40-foot-deep well, and a cellar, likely part of an affluent family's homestead in the sparsely populated Middle Plantation community, which predates Colonial Williamsburg. Artifacts found include Chinese porcelain, a silver teaspoon, clay wig curlers, and cowrie shells, the latter suggesting the presence of enslaved people. The structure was likely demolished between 1737 and 1740.
Bayesian Phylogenetic Analysis of Philippine Languages Supports a Rapid Migration of Malayo-Polynesian Languages — A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of Philippine languages reveals complex migration patterns of the Malayo-Polynesian languages. The study shows a sister group relationship between the Sangiric and Minahasan languages of northern Sulawesi and the Philippine languages, challenging the simple North-to-South migration theory from Taiwan. The analysis suggests significant cultural diffusion influenced language evolution in the Philippines, with evidence of a later migration of Gorontalo-Mongondow languages from the Philippines to Sulawesi. Language switching to Austronesian in ‘Negrito’ groups occurred at various times, but did not notably impact the basic vocabulary of Philippine languages.
Early Improvement of Sandy Habitat Led to Origin of Agriculture in the Farming-Pastoral Zone of Northern China — A study of the Yumin site in northern China's farming-pastoral zone revealed that its agriculture began around 8,000 years ago, coinciding with significant environmental changes during the early Holocene. The research, based on sedimentary profiles and carbonized plant remains, shows that increased precipitation and vegetation around 8.4 ka led to the transformation of sandy, infertile land into fertile soil. This environmental improvement laid the foundation for the cultivation of dryland crops like millet.
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There you have it, thanks for reading! Until next time, have a wonderful week.
-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum
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