๐ง Ancient Beat #129: Scythian origins, submerged structures, and 9,000 years of continuous habitation by one population
Hello, friends! This is issue #129 of Ancient Beat. Take a load off and enjoy the ancient world for a moment.
Hereโs the latest ancient news. ๐
๐ Ancient News: Top 5
2,800-Year-Old Burial Mound With Sacrifices Unearthed in Siberia Is Eerily Similar to Scythian Graves โ In Tuva, southern Siberia, a 2,800-year-old kurgan (burial mound) has been discovered, dating back to the late 9th century BCE and demonstrating early Scythian burial practices. This site, among the oldest of its kind, contained the remains of an elite individual, one human sacrifice, and 18 sacrificed horses, complete with horse-riding gear and animal-decorated artifacts. The presence of brass bits still lodged in the horses' teeth and the elaborate setup of the burial site reflect the cultural and ritualistic complexities similar to those of the Scythians, who resided thousands of miles west in later periods. This finding contributes to understanding the origins and expansive influence of Scythian culture, renowned for its horse rearing, art, and ritual sacrifices, as outlined by ancient historians like Herodotus.
Same Population Used Rock Shelter in South Africa for 9,000 Years, DNA Study Suggests โ DNA analysis from the Oakhurst rock shelter on South Africa's southern coast reveals that it was continuously inhabited by the same population for around 9,000 years. Archaeologists analyzed genetic material from 13 individuals out of 46 excavated, finding a genetic link among all that shows continuity and connection to today's San and Khoekhoe peoples. The shelter, showing signs of occupation for 12,000 years, contained rock art, tools, and ceramics, highlighting its long-term importance for human habitation.
Archaeologists Map the Submerged Landscape Around Grado โ Archaeologists from the University of Udine have mapped the submerged landscape near Grado, Italy, uncovering the underwater remains of Roman Aquileiaโs port system. Founded in 181 BCE, Gradoโs waters once facilitated trade between seafaring vessels and smaller boats accessing the urban port. Using sonar, GNSS, and photogrammetry, researchers identified seven underwater sites, including two Roman shipwrecks, a funerary altar, and monumental structures. The most notable site is Piere di San Gottardo, a quadrangular arrangement of stone blocks submerged at 3.9โ4.4 meters (13โ14 feet) deep. The site includes funerary monuments and an undocumented altar, offering new insights into Roman maritime trade and funerary practices.
Study Reveals New Insights Into Native American Shell Ring Villages โ New research into Native American shell ring villages, dating to between 4000 and 3000 BCE, offers fresh perspectives on their development and social structures. These coastal communities, found in the southeastern United States, built large circular mounds primarily composed of oyster and clam shells. Shell rings were likely central to these societiesโ social and ceremonial life. The mounds are thought to represent long-term, permanent settlements, not temporary camps as previously believed. The arrangement of dwellings, communal spaces, and evidence of extensive food sharing suggests a complex, cooperative lifestyle with a strong emphasis on communal activities. Artifacts discovered at these sites include pottery, stone tools, and fishing gear. The construction and maintenance of the shell rings indicate the community's ability to organize large-scale labor over extended periods, highlighting their complexity.
Advanced Technology Discovered Under Neolithic Dwelling in Denmark โ A Neolithic site on Falster Island, Denmark, revealed a sophisticated stone-paved root cellar, dating back to between 3080 and 2780 BCE. This discovery at Nygรฅrdsvej 3, linked to the Funnel Beaker Culture's transition to agriculture, showcases early architectural innovation including the use of loam floors and stone cellars for food storage. The cellar provided a stable temperature, crucial for preserving resources through extreme seasons. Over 1,000 artifacts, including flint tools and pottery, were found, enriching our understanding of early agricultural practices and settlement planning in Neolithic Scandinavia.
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Until next time, thanks for joining me!
-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum
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