đ§ Ancient Beat #70: Advanced climbers, early forest management, and a 300,000-year-old stick
đ§ Ancient Beat #70: Advanced climbers, early forest management, and a 300,000-year-old stick
Hi folks! Welcome to issue #70 of Ancient Beat. Anybody else have a busy week? I sure did. So letâs get right into it. đ
Hereâs the latest ancient news. đ
đ Ancient News: Top 5
Early Humans in the Hula Valley Invested in Systematic Procurement of Raw Materials Hundreds of Thousands of Years Ago â Early humans (probably Homo erectus) in the Hula Valley, Israel invested in systematic procurement of raw materials much earlier than previously believed. Weâre talking as far back as 750,000 years ago. The researchers used chemical analysis and AI to figure out the origin of the flint used to make hand axes, and found that it came from Dishon Plateau. Thatâs over 10 miles away, and itâs 700+ meters higher than Hula Valley. If that doesnât seem far away, consider that the average hand ax was produced by reducing stones that were 5x larger. So for the 3,500 hand axes found at the site of Maâayan Barukh alone, it would have taken 3.5 tons of flint. According to the researchers, âOur findings indicate that these early humans had high social and cognitive abilities: they were familiar with their surroundings, knew the available resources, and made great efforts to procure the high-quality raw materials they needed. For this purpose, they planned and carried out long journeys, and transferred this essential knowledge to subsequent generations.â It always astounds me how capable ancient humans were. (If youâve been reading this newsletter for a while, the appropriate response would be, âUh yeah, duh.â)
âHugely Exciting and Rareâ: Neolithic Polishing Stone Found in Dorset â A boulder in the Valley of Stones in Dorset, England has been identified as a âpolissoirâ (polishing stone), as indicated by a smooth dip in the stone. It would have been used 5,000 years ago to hone stone tools like axes. This is a rare find, being the second polissoir ever found in situ in England. According to Jim Rylatt, âThere are more imposing stones here but this one ticked the boxes for them. They must have spent many hundreds, thousands of hours polishing here.â I love this little peek into the past. How many people sat there, carefully working on their tools? What were they thinking about while they did it?
Earliest Evidence of Forest Management Discovered at the La Draga Neolithic Site â Intentional marks that were made 5-10 years before the Neolithic settlement of La Draga in Spain was built have been identified on 7,200-year-old posts made from bay trees. The trees were each marked several times with adzes. This shows that humans were in the area prior to settling. And it shows that they were probably practicing forest management â if confirmed, this will be the earliest known example of forest management, but itâs important to note that we donât truly know why the trees were marked. According to Oriol LĂłpez-BultĂł, âThe discovery is of great importance due to the extreme difficulty in finding archaeological evidence on when and how the first groups of humans managed these forests, given the natural degradation of the wood over time.â Similar markings were found at the site of Hauterive-ChamprĂŠveyres in Switzerland, but thatâs 1,000+ years younger. I think itâs worth noting that there is earlier evidence of controlled burns, which I (someone who knows nothing about forest management) would consider a form of forest management. Take that with a grain of salt. đ§
Ancient Humans Hunted Animals by Throwing a Stick Like a Boomerang â Some of the earliest weapons ever found were discovered in SchĂśningen, Germany back in 1994. They were probably made by Neanderthals or Homo heidelbergensis. Among them was a 2.5-foot double-pointed throwing stick, and 3D microscopy has now shown that the stickâs primary function was hunting. It would have been thrown more like a boomerang than a spear. And it was probably used to strategically disadvantage large hoofed animals, potentially breaking legs from a distance of up to 30 meters. It also could have been used to stun birds and small prey. The lightweight weapon could have social implications, as the whole community could have taken part in the hunt, including children. And then there are the technological implications. The stick was made of spruce, it was shaped to be aerodynamic and ergonomic, and it was probably seasoned to prevent cracking. According to Annemieke Milks, âDiscoveries of wooden tools have revolutionized our understanding of early human behaviors. Amazingly these early humans demonstrated an ability to plan well in advance, a strong knowledge of the properties of wood, and many sophisticated woodworking skills that we still use today.â
Image credit: Volker Minkus Prehistoric Societies in the Spanish Levantine Mastered Climbing and Used Equipment â For the first time, a study thoroughly analyzed ropes depicted in cave art in the regions of Maestrazgo and Caroig Massif in Spain. There are a number of climbing systems depicted, but the studyâs primary focus was one of someone climbing a rope ladder to access a beehive. The length of the rope depicted (apparently ~75 feet) suggests that the people who created it were technologically proficient in rope-making, and that their focus was on making ropes specifically designed for climbing activities. Thereâs a lot that goes into creating a 75-foot rope, not to mention the risk to the person climbing it. So itâs safe to say that honey and wax were very important to these people. Makes sense. Wax is handy for many reasons and the calorific bang-for-your-buck in honey is about as good as you can get. These depictions show the most intricate use of ropes ever found in Spanish Levantine art. They may also have symbolic significance.
Thatâs it for the free Top 5! If youâre a free subscriber, sign up for the paid plan for another 18 stories and 9 recommended pieces of content covering the importance of body size in ancient sailing, percussive dance, mythical carvings, huge longhouses, the Kingdom of Aksum, the Sajama Lines, and a very very matriarchal society. (And if you want access but itâs a little too steep for you right now, just shoot me an email â I want this to be accessible.)
Until next time, thanks for joining me!
-James
Twitter: @jamesofthedrum
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đ Ancient News: Deep Dive
In Ancient California Matriarchal Society, Daughters Breastfed Longer and Women Accumulated Greater Wealth â According to a new study, ancestors of the Muwekma Ohlone, who lived 2,000 years ago in modern-day San Francisco, placed a high value on the economic contributions of women. Strontium isotope analysis showed that women stayed where they were born while men moved to the communities of their partners. They also found that older women were generally buried with more wealth than men, particularly in the form of shell beads. And this part surprised me: Apparently, the value that they placed on females meant a greater investment in the well-being of female babies. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios indicated that girls were breastfed an average of 5 months longer than boys (36 vs 31 months).
How Important Were Human Body Sizes to the Colonizers of New Zealand? â Results of a new study showed that people who first made voyages from Tahiti to New Zealand in sailing canoes would have expended 3.3-4.8x more energy than people sailing to, say, Hawaii. This is due to the extra energy spent on thermoregulation in harsher and colder conditions. Each person would need to consume an extra 965 calories per day. If they didnât eat more, but they had extra fat, they would only lose about 5.9 lbs on a 25-day trip. But if they didnât have extra fat, they would lose 13.3 lbs of muscle. According to Alvaro Montenegro, âWe were able to put together a model to actually measure how much more energy for thermoregulation it would take for people to get there â and show why larger, heavier people would have been more likely to survive the trip. Thatâs one reason why their descendants today may have the body types they do.â Apparently, female Polynesians are about 31% heavier, and males 24% heavier, than Western populations
Platform in Peru May Have Produced Percussive Sounds â As a drummer, I think this one is super cool. The floor of an open-air platform discovered at the site of Viejo Sangayaico in Peru may have been designed to make percussive sounds. The floor is filled with four layers of camelid guano and four layers of silty clay, and the gaps in the dung would have produced a deep sound when someone danced on it. According to the researchers, dancing was an integral part of ritual proceedings, and the percussive sounds may have been accompanied by other drums and maybe wind instruments. Pretty apt for a temple dedicated to a lightning deity. The platform, which was built between 1000 and 1400 CE could hold up to 26 dancers.
Ancient Site Unearthed in Khon Kaen Rice Field Reveals Mythical Carvings and Prehistoric Community â A site dating to 800-900 years ago was discovered in a rice field in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Its sandstone and laterite carvings show the influence of the Khmer culture. The carvings would have depicted a myth in which gods and demons negotiate a truce in order to stir the sea and create an elixir of immortal life.
Archaeologists Uncover Celtiberian City â A 2,000-year-old Celtiberian city was discovered in a quarry in Deza, Spain. The researchers believe it may be the lost city of Titiakos, which was a Celtiberian stronghold during a Roman civil war known as the Sertorian War. The remains of a large Roman military camp were also found nearby, which would have served as protection on the cityâs most vulnerable side.
Traces of Possible Zapotec Temple Detected in Southern Mexico â The remains of a Zapotec temple from the late 6th century BCE was discovered in Mitla, Mexico at the site of a Roman Catholic church. The tunnels that have been found are thought to be ceremonial entrances to the underworld. It was in use until the Aztec conquest in the 15th century. The Spanish then reused the material for the church.
Possible Charioteer Found in Bronze Age Grave in Siberia â The remains of an individual who had a hooked piece of bronze at their waist were discovered in Siberia. It is thought that this may have been a charioteer and the hook was used to fasten reins to the individual, based on similar hooks that have been discovered in graves containing horses and chariots in China. The accessory may have been symbolic, as no chariot was found. The grave is thought to belong to the Lugav culture. A bronze knife and bronze jewelry were also found. The square stone tomb dates to 3,000 years ago.
Evidence Ravens Share A 30,000-Year-Old Relationship With Humans â A new study found that ravens ate the scraps left by humans of the Pavlovian culture 30,000 years ago in the Czech Republic. And in turn, humans used ravens as a supplementary source of food, as indicated by the âremarkableâ number of raven bones found at sites in the region of Moravia. Analysis of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur stable isotope compositions in the raven bones showed that they were feeding primarily on large herbivores, possibly from carcasses found near human camps. And humans took advantage of it. According to Chris Baumann, âIt is often assumed that early human foragers lived in and with a practically untouched natural environment. However, this is certainly too simple. We now know that human behavior impacted and changed ecosystems at least 30,000 years ago and that this had important effects for other organisms.â
Archaeologists may have Found a Viking House the Length of Almost Two Tennis Courts â Post holes were discovered that would have once framed a huge longhouse near Oslo, Norway. Itâs the size of two tennis courts. And the walls were 27 feet apart, which is a large span even today. The walls may have been slanted to support the roof better and make up for this span. The construction technique is similar to that used during the Viking Age, but pottery sherds at the site, if they arenât random, would indicate that itâs from the earlier Iron Age.
Image credit: Museum of Cultural History Remains of Roman âLadder Settlementâ Discovered During Archaeological Dig in North East Lincolnshire â Four enclosures dating to 2nd-4th centuries CE were discovered in Lincolnshire, England. The site is a âladder settlementâ, so named due to a linear trackway with enclosures attached to either side, resembling a ladder. A hearth, watering holes, and lots of animal bones were also found.
Burial Ground from the Year 1000 Discovered in Brandenburg â A cemetery was discovered in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany during road repair. The burials date to the Middle Ages and include 18 skeletons. Several of these individuals were buried with goods like jewelry, beads, crystals, and bronze, indicating elite burials.
3,000-Year-Old Twisted Gold Torc Discovered In Essex â A portion of a twisted gold torc was found in Essex, England. It dates to 3,000 years ago and is the first such find in the region.
Gold Coins Unearthed at Medieval Monastery Site in Germany â Four gold coins dating to 500 years ago were discovered at the site of a monastery in Germany. Itâs possible that the coins were hidden by a monk in 1525 when farmers stormed the monastery. Brass book clasps from the library, pottery, animal bones, a cavalry spur, and lead seals were also found.
Unique Female Viking Grave in Swedish Mountains Reveals its Secrets â About a year ago in issue #26, I covered a female Viking burial unusually found in the Mountains of Sweden thanks to someone happening upon a brooch. Well the grave has now been excavated. It was a cremation grave. Artifacts included jewelry, more brooches, pearls, and a ring, indicating that this was a wealthy person. They also found a big ax that is so well-preserved that itâs still sharp.
âRichest Grave This Yearâ Unearthed at an Anglo-Saxon Cemetery in England â A dig at Avon Camp cemetery in England revealed a grave with a 1,400-year-old antler comb and iron shears. Itâs the wealthiest grave theyâve found at the site this year.
Archbishopâs Seal Found During Excavations at St. Georgeâs Monastery â A seal of the Archbishop of Novgorod Spiridon (1229-1249) was discovered at the site of St. Georgeâs Monastery in Russiaâs Novgorodskaya Oblast. The monastery was an important religious center in the Novgorod Republic from the 12th-15th century CE. On one side, there are five lines and his name. On the other, there is a depiction of Mary.
Early MÄori Settlement on the Subantarctic Islands â I briefly covered excavations at New Zealandâs Subantarctic Enderby Island in the recommended content of issue #67. Well, a new press release shared more information. Theyâve found worked stone and bones, including bone sewing needles. They also found an âintriguingâ amount of charcoal from ovens, probably for curing meat to transport back to the mainland.
Early Intermingling Helped Boost Copper Age European Progress â A genetic study of 135 individuals from 5400-2400 BCE in southeastern Europe and the northwestern Black Sea region showed that interaction, shared ideas, and technological exchanges between Copper Age civilizations in Europe occurred over 1,000 years earlier than previously thought. It turns out that human migrations and individual mobility had a big impact at this time. Among other things, they found that genetics were already homogenized by the 4th millennium BCE, meaning that multiple generations had already existed since the start of the intermingling (which had brought much innovation). This supports previous studies that showed stable socio-political networks that were in place at the time, lasting for about 500 years.
â¤ď¸ Recommended Content
Hereâs a one-star review of all things ancient in Tyre, Lebanon: âIâm not interested in this.â Ok, fair enough. Thanks for weighing in? đ
Hereâs a video about interpreting Stone Age rock art.
Hereâs an article about the worldâs oldest figurative art in Sulawesi.
Hereâs an article about how prenups and dowries kinda-sorta-but-not-so-much empowered the women of ancient China.
Hereâs an article about the Kingdom of Aksum and its role in maritime trading.
Hereâs an article about Boliviaâs enigmatic Sajama Lines
Hereâs a listicle with 10 mysteries about Ancient Rome.
Hereâs an article about how AI is being used to track relations from the Middle Stone Age to Antiquity.
Itâs like they say, âNothing says âsexâ like a bunch of lettuce.â Do they say that? Probably not. But the ancient Egyptians might have. For nearly 3,000 years, the leafy green was associated with the god of fertility. Hereâs an article on the subject.
There you have it. Thanks for reading and as always, let me know your thoughts!
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