🧐 Ancient Beat #132: New Maya structures, Neanderthal burial practices, and maybe Alexander the Great's tunic

Happy Halloween, folks! And welcome to this not-so-spooky issue #132 of Ancient Beat.

I’ve got tea and some leftover Halloween chocolate — let’s do this.

Here’s the latest ancient news. 👇

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🗞 Ancient News: Top 5

• Study Reveals Thousands of Previously Unknown Maya Structures and a Lost City — A significant archaeological study has identified over 6,674 previously undocumented Maya structures, including pyramids, in a remote area of Campeche, Mexico. This discovery, facilitated by aerial surveys and mapping technologies, points to a sprawling, densely populated Maya city previously lost to history, offering new insights into Maya urbanization and architectural practices.

  

  Image credit: Antiquity

• Ancient Graves Reveal Distinct Burial Practices of Neanderthals and Early Humans in the Levant — A new study contrasted the burial customs of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in the Levant during the Middle Paleolithic period, highlighting both shared and unique practices. Both species began burial rituals around the same time, a significant cultural shift suggesting the emergence of complex societal behaviors. Neanderthals and Homo sapiens showed differences in burial locations and positions, with Neanderthals preferring cave interiors and varied body positioning, while Homo sapiens opted for cave entrances with uniformly flexed postures. Additionally, the study observes the use of grave goods like animal remains and stones, indicating a rich ritualistic life that accompanied these ancient burials.

• Tunic Found in One of the Royal Tombs at Vergina Identified as Alexander the Great's — A tunic discovered in the Royal Tombs at Vergina, Greece, has been identified as possibly belonging to Alexander the Great. Researchers used advanced testing methods to analyze the fabric and dyes of the purple and white tunic, confirming its royal association due to the exclusive purple dye used, typically reserved for the elite. This significant find was alongside gold artifacts in Tomb II, suggesting a direct connection to Alexander the Great. The tomb complex, also housing the remains identified as those of his father Philip II and other relatives, continues to reveal fascinating insights into the Macedonian dynasty. Side note: You know you made it when people 2,000 years in the future care about a shirt you might have worn.

• Bronze Age Wooden Tool Discovered in England — In Enderby, central England, a well-preserved wooden spade from the Bronze Age was unearthed during routine excavations. This tool, estimated to be around 3,500-3,400 years old, offers rare insight into the daily lives of early inhabitants of the region. Its preservation was aided by the wetland conditions of the area, which have protected its form and material, providing a unique artifact that underscores the woodworking skills of the era.

• Archaeologists Discover 4,000-Year-Old Bronze Age Settlement Hidden in Saudi Arabian Oasis — Archaeologists have unearthed a 4,400-year-old settlement named al-Natah in the Khaybar Oasis of western Saudi Arabia. Covering approximately 3.7 acres, the town featured a central district with administrative buildings, a residential area with over 50 dwellings, and a necropolis containing stepped tower tombs. Surrounded by a 9-mile-long wall, likely for defense against nomadic raids, al-Natah housed an estimated 500 inhabitants. The absence of writing and limited evidence of agriculture suggest a community in transition from nomadic to settled life. The town was abandoned between 1500 and 1300 BCE, though the reasons remain unclear. This settlement exemplifies "low urbanization," a transitional phase between nomadic lifestyles and fully developed urban centers. This discovery provides insights into the gradual urbanization of the Arabian Peninsula during the Bronze Age.

That’s it for the free Top 5! If you’re a free subscriber, sign up for the paid plan for another 20 discoveries and 8 recommended pieces of content covering ball players, Polynesian seafaring, plush swans, old carpet, and Halloween.

Until next time, thanks for joining me!

-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum

P.S. If you want access but it’s a little too steep for you right now, just email me — I want this to be accessible.

P.P.S. Paid members, read on!

🗞 Ancient News: Deep Dive