Happy Halloween, friends!
Care for some factoids before you hit the streets in search of candy?
Here’s the latest ancient news. 🍬
🗞 Ancient News: Top 5
Denisovan Fossils Identified — A new analysis of prehistoric human fossils from the Xujiayao archaeological site in northern China has identified a skull fragment and jaw fragment as likely belonging to Denisovans, an extinct group of ancient humans closely related to Neanderthals. The fossils, originally discovered in the 1970s, were examined using ancient protein analysis, which identified 18 proteins, including a collagen variant found in Denisovans but not in Neanderthals or modern humans. Three-dimensional reconstructions and comparisons with other human fossils suggest that Denisovans possessed a distinctive combination of ancient and more recently evolved anatomical traits. Their skulls were likely low and relatively flat, with thick cranial bones, prominent brow ridges, and flattened facial features. The findings provide new clues about Denisovan appearance and support the idea that they inhabited a broad region of East Asia. Other previously unidentified fossils from the region may also belong to this elusive human lineage.
Genetic Study Shows Seafarers From Easter Island Settled Hawaii — A genetic study of more than 1,000 Polynesian people suggests that Hawaii may have been first settled by voyagers from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), who traveled more than 4,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean during the 13th century CE. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Polynesian migration routes. DNA analysis indicates that settlers first reached Rapa Nui from Mangareva, more than 1,500 miles away, before a group continued north to Hawaii. In 61% of thousands of reconstructed genetic family trees, Native Hawaiians and Rapa Nui islanders emerged as closely related populations. These extraordinary voyages likely involved double-hulled sailing canoes carrying essential crops such as taro, bananas, and sweet potatoes, along with chickens. The study also estimates that approximately 800 people established a settlement on Tahiti around 1070 CE. Repeated migrations by small founding populations left genetic signatures that may help explain the prevalence of certain inherited health conditions among modern Polynesians.
Tzompantli Skull Rack Reveals Unexpected Female Majority and Mysterious Rituals — Analysis of 165 human skulls discovered in a cave near Frontera Comalapa, Chiapas, Mexico, has revealed surprising details about Maya ritual practices during the Early Postclassic period (approximately 900–1200 CE). The collection, identified as a tzompantli or skull rack, contains the remains of 83 females, 79 males, and three individuals of undetermined sex, challenging assumptions that such displays primarily featured male warriors. Fifteen skulls belonged to infants, while most adults were approximately 25–35 years old. Three skulls bear cut marks, many lack lower jaws and upper teeth, and several show intentional head shaping performed during childhood. Evidence of burning, heating, and repeated handling of the remains suggests complex ceremonies. The cave may have served as a pilgrimage destination associated with rain rituals or offerings to supernatural beings. The skulls may have represented spiritual essences rather than simply displays of sacrificed individuals.
1,500-Year-Old Female Shaman Figurine Discovered in Japan — Archaeologists have discovered a 1,500-year-old clay figurine depicting a female shaman at the Nishikaminomiya burial site in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture. Dating to the second half of the fifth century CE, the figurine is an early example of an anthropomorphic haniwa, a terracotta sculpture placed on burial mounds during the Kofun period (250–600 CE). The surviving head and torso measure approximately 16 inches tall and depict a female shaman wearing ceremonial clothing, a sash, a bracelet, and an elaborate topknot hairstyle. She holds a rod-shaped object believed to have been used in religious ceremonies. Traces of red pigment remain on her face, clothing, and jewelry. The figurine was discovered in the moat surrounding a burial mound approximately 161 feet long, one of 11 identified at the site. Its elaborate details suggest that female shamans, who were believed to communicate with deities through rituals and trance-like states, held important positions in Kofun society.
Did Banned Pagan Worship Continue in Thrace? — A third-century CE Thracian temple discovered at Balak Dere, near the Arda River in southeastern Bulgaria, suggests that pagan worship continued long after it was outlawed by the Roman Empire. The approximately 49-foot-long building contains three interconnected rooms, including a large chamber with an altar, a possible sacrificial room, and a space potentially used to store offerings. A marble relief depicting three nymphs and the mother goddess Cybele suggests that the sanctuary was dedicated to these deities. A water channel encircling the building indicates that it may also have functioned as a nymphaeum, a shrine associated with water nymphs. Despite an imperial ban on pagan rituals in 392 CE, archaeological evidence suggests that worship continued at the site until the mid-fifth century CE. A layer of burned material indicates that the temple was eventually destroyed by fire, although the circumstances remain uncertain.
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Until next time, thanks for joining me!
-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum
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