đ§ Ancient Beat #72: Meteoric iron weapons, Indo-European origins, and ancient coal exploitation
đ§ Ancient Beat #72: Meteoric iron weapons, Indo-European origins, and ancient coal exploitation
Hi folks! Welcome to issue #72 of Ancient Beat and happy bday to me, hah! Well, no, not today. It was on Wednesday. Close enough, though, right? đđđ
Iâm guessing that isnât why youâre here, so letâs get into the juicy stuff. Hereâs the latest ancient news. đ
đ Ancient News: Top 5
Archaeologists Discover a Bronze Age Arrowhead Made of Meteoritic Iron â Before the Iron Age, meteoric iron was the only metallic iron that folks had access to. And for obvious reasons (rarity, perceived divine origin, etc.) it was a highly valued substance. It is known to have been used in Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, Russia, and China, but itâs super rare in Western Europe, with only two known sites (both in Poland). A new study, however, showed that iron meteorites were used and exchanged in Central Europe 2,800+ years ago. This is based on the analysis of a Bronze Age arrowhead that was discovered previously in Mörigen, Switzerland â turns out itâs meteoric! Tar was found on it, indicating that it was attached to a shaft, but I think itâs safe to say that if this was ever shot (big âifâ), it would have been for a very specific, important, and possibly spiritual purpose. The researchers were able to pinpoint that the iron either came from Czechia, Spain, or Estonia, and their moneyâs on the latter. If theyâre right, the meteor probably impacted Estonia around 1500 BCE. Meteoric iron would have been very challenging for Bronze Age artisans to work, and it would have also required fairly extensive trade networks.
New Insights into the Origin of the Indo-European Languages â The origin of the Indo-European language family has been a point of debate for years, with one side saying that it came from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe 6,000 years ago and the other saying that it was tied to early Anatolian farming 9,000 years ago. Well, according to a new study that used a recently developed form of (prepare for a mouthful) âancestry-enabled Bayesian phylogenetic analysisâ, it actually originated 8,100 years ago. They also found that five main branches split off by about 7,000 years ago. Needless to say, neither hypothesis was quite right, so the researchers proposed a hybrid hypothesis: The language familyâs origin being south of the Caucasus, with a subsequent branch on the Steppe acting as a secondary origin.
Megalithic Dolmens Discovered at the La Lentejuela Teba Necropolis â Two megalithic dolmens were discovered at La Lentejuela Teba necropolis near MĂĄlaga, Spain. One of them has a bent corridor with access to an antechamber with a couple of orthostats (square stone blocks). They have been loosely dated to the 4th millennium BCE, and they were reused during the 3rd millennium by people who built small spaces within to deposit their deceased.
Archaeologists Uncover Teotihuacano Village in Mexico City â A village dating to somewhere between 450 and 650 CE was discovered in Mexico City in the 60s. New excavations at the site have unearthed architectural elements, stone alignments, post holes, ceramics, and three burials complete with offerings. Itâs from the time when the city of TeotihuacĂĄn was at its most powerful, boasting 125,000 inhabitants and 2,000 buildings. This village was rural but would have been connected to the city and other governing centers. And it seems to have been a site of production of quality ceramics and artisan objects, as indicated by figurines, green stone artifacts, funerary offerings, and obsidian and flint points. A series of channels were also found, which would have made agricultural expansion possible. Within those channels, ceramic vessels, a headless seated sculpture, and many other objects from the Late Aztec III Period (1440-1521 CE) were found.
Archaeologists Find Oldest Ever Example of Systematic Coal Use by Humans â A new study revealed coal mining operations dating back 3,600 years ago near Chinaâs Kashi River. The find indicates a well-planned system for extraction and use was developed over time, likely for metallurgical purposes which expanded after the start of farming. Before this, the earliest confirmed systematic exploitation of coal was in the Chinese Han Dynasty starting 2,152 years ago. According to the study, âWe argue that the intense demand for fuel energy brought by a larger community and metallurgical production, together with a more limited supply of wood resources, escalated the conflict between local society and the environment, which finally triggered a break with local tradition in the form of adapting an alternative energy resource, the coal.â The coal seems to have been available to everyone regardless of status. Fun fact: The human search for fuel sources began at least 790,000 years ago when plants started being intentionally used for fuel.
Thatâs it for the free Top 5! If youâre a free subscriber, sign up for the paid plan for another 23 stories and 6 recommended pieces of content covering cranial deformation, sambaquis, tiny sundials, huge jars, broken cave bears, and the lost settlement of Apancalecan. (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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P.P.S 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.
P.P.P.S. Paid members, read on!
đ Ancient News: Deep Dive
Luzio, Who Lived in SĂŁo Paulo 10,000 Years Ago, was Amerindian Like Indigenous People Now, DNA Reveals â According to a new genetic study, the oldest human skeleton found in SĂŁo Paulo state, Brazil, known as âLuzioâ, was descended from the ancestral population that settled in the America 16,000+ years ago â the same population that gave rise to present-day Indigenous peoples. This refutes the idea that the remains were from a population different from present-day peoples. The study also explained the disappearance of the oldest coastal communities that were responsible for Brazilâs âsambaquisâ, or shell mounds, which were used for dwellings, cemeteries, and territorial boundaries. According to AndrĂ© Menezes Strauss, âAfter the Andean civilizations, the Atlantic coast sambaqui builders were the human phenomenon with the highest demographic density in pre-colonial South America. They were the 'kings of the coast' for thousands and thousands of years. They vanished suddenly about 2,000 years ago.â Apparently, they disappeared simply because of a change in practices where sambaquis declined, probably due to mixing with inland communities. The researchers also note that this mixing is probably what caused regional differences between sambaquis.
âHeart-Shapedâ Cranial Modification Carried Out on Skulls at Ancient Mexican Site of Durango â The burial of eight adults and eight children was discovered at Casa Colorada de la Zona ArqueolĂłgica de La FerrerĂa in the state of Durango, Mexico. Two of the skulls had deliberate heart-shaped cranial modifications. Occupation of La FerrerĂa dates to roughly 600-1350 CE and the spot where the burials were found was in use between 600 and 950 CE. Cranial deformation was likely a marker of identity, social status, and/or group affiliation, and these are the first examples of it found at the site.
Beautiful Neolithic Ornate Necklace With Over 2,500 Stones Found In A Childâs Grave â An ornate necklace was discovered in an 8-year-oldâs grave at the site of a Neolithic village in Jordan, providing insight into the social complexity of the culture. It dates to between 7400 and 6800 BCE. In all, it has 2,500 stones and shells, including two amber beads which are the oldest of their kind known in Levant. There was also a large stone pendant placed behind the neck and an engraved mother-of-pearl ring which would have been on the chest. The necklace would have taken a lot of time, expertise, and trade to create. It really is quite a necklace â what a beautiful tribute to a loved one.
Archaeologists May Have Discovered Lost Settlement of Apancalecan â The lost settlement of Apancalecan may have been discovered in the municipality of Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico. Archaeologists have found a roughly 72-acre pre-Hispanic settlement with 26 mounds centered on a large central mound 75 feet tall. Residential areas, ball courts, elongated structures that may have been used for water storage, and plazas with altars and stelae were also found. The site was inhabited from roughly 200-650 CE. Apancalecan is known from Plate 18 of the Codex MatrĂcula and translates to something like âPlace of the house with water channelsâ. After the Spanish conquest, it was labeled under a different name so it was lost until now.
Presence of Substance Used in Ancient Face Powder Leads Researchers to Discover Gender of Nenggiri Prehistoric Human Unearthed in Kelantan â 14,000-year-old remains were discovered in Nenggiri Valley in Malaysia. According to Zuliskander Ramli, âWe, in fact, found many pieces of hematite together with the (14,000-year-old) skeleton. There was a piece of hematite in the left hand and this showed the deceased, when alive, had expertise in using hematite as a make-up aid or as a burial ritual.â The researchers believe this means that the remains are from a female, though as weâve seen, using modern gender norms on ancient people is problematic. They also found clear crystals in the individualâs eye areas.
Prehistoric Tool and Dolphin Remains Unearthed in Scotland â While digging a pool, a man found 8,000-year-old remains of a dolphin in his backyard in Scotland. Excavations then revealed a tool made from a piece of antler, suggesting that humans made good use of the animal. The area was once covered by an inland sea, so the researchers reason that hunter-gatherers may have come across a beached dolphin, though I think itâs worth noting that people at this time were quite capable of killing an un-beached dolphin.
Ancient Tomb of William the Conquerorâs Nephew Discovered in Exeter â earlier this week, I learned that a 12th-century high altar was discovered at the Exeter Cathedral in England, along with tombs and a Norman crypt. Then I saw this headline, and it seems that more has come to light. The tombs belonged to bishops, one of which was William Warelwast, the nephew of William of the Conqueror. Side note: I covered Roman finds at Exeter Cathedral in issue #54.
Archaeological Dig Uncovers Remnants of W̱SĂNEÄ Village Dating Back More Than 1,000 Years â A W̱sĂĄneÄ village called ÈŸELžIÈœÄE, originating 1,000+ years ago was previously discovered in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. About 250 people would have lived there. A recent excavation revealed hunting tools, hearths, and the remains of food.
German Archaeologists Unearth 400-Year-Old Ship in Baltic â A 400-year-old shipwreck was found at the mouth of the Trave River in Germany. It likely sank due to a cargo fire, which may have been ignited by water seeping into barrels of quicklime. The hope is that analyzing the wreckage will offer insights into the history of the city of LĂŒbeck and its trade relations within the Hanseatic League.
700-Year-Old Weapon Unearthed with Metal Detector in Polish Forest â A metal detectorist discovered an iron spearhead dating to 700-1,000 years ago near Tereszpol, Poland. Itâs 10 inches long and diamond-shaped with a cone-like sleeve at the bottom.
Possible Traces of 17th-Century English Fort Found in Ghana â Fort Kormantine may have been discovered by archaeologists in Ghana. They found a 20-foot stone wall, a doorpost, foundations, and a red brick drainage system. There were plenty of artifacts too, including a gunflint, 17th-century tobacco pipes, and pottery. Fort Kormantine was built in 1631 and was used by English gold and ivory traders. Later, it was used by slavers. Itâs situated within Fort Amsterdam, as the Dutch seized Fort Kormantine in 1665.
Extremely Rare and Tiny Medieval Sundial Discovered in Germany â A tiny sundial was found during the excavation of a church in Marburg, Germany. Itâs made of wood and bronze, and is about the size of a matchbox. It belonged to a member of the âBrethren of the Common Lifeâ, which was a religious community. And according to Felix Teichner, âThe sensational find provides a clear insight into the meeting of a high level of knowledge in astronomy and mathematics with specialized craftsmanship on the threshold from the Middle Ages to modern times.â Fun fact: Medieval people also used water clocks and candle clocks to tell the time. They werenât overly precise, as minutes werenât really a thing back then.
Newly Discovered and Documented Megalithic Jar Sites in the Lao Peopleâs Democratic Republic â A whopping 27 previously unreported megalithic sites have been discovered in Lao Peopleâs Democratic Republic. As you can see in the image, the finds include huge âjarsâ.
Image credit: Nicholas Skopal, et al.
Stunning Mythological Artifact â Left by Ancient Romans â Found in Depths of Lagoon â An engraved agate was discovered at the submerged seaside Roman Villa of Lio Piccolo in Venice. It depicts a mythological figure carrying something over their shoulder. No word on who or what the figure depicts, or what theyâre carrying. But itâs a beautiful piece.
Rare Roman Steelyard Beam Found at Milecastle 46 on Hadrianâs Wall â Milecastle 46 was a small fortlet (thereâs that cute word again) on Hadrianâs Wall. Not much remains of it, but a steelyard beam made of copper alloy was discovered there. Unsurprisingly, it dates to the Roman period. According to the researchers, âA portable steelyard of this size and caliber could have been used by a proficient Roman tax official, trader or merchant for weighing small, high value items passing through the milecastle at Magna. Trading posts like this would have worked both ways, taxing goods entering and leaving the borders of the Empire. The Roman army and Emperor taking their own cut from this potentially lucrative trade.â
âAstonishingâ Number of Wine Glasses Unearthed at Mysterious Ancient City in Albania â An âastonishingâ number of drinking vessels of all sizes were discovered in what was possibly a prytaneion (Greek structure where government officials met) at the site where a lost city was discovered in Albania back in 2018.
4th-Century Roman Ship Uncovered by Serbian Coal Miners â A (probably) Roman ship was discovered in a Serbian coal pit. It may date back to the 3rd or 4th century when the nearby site of Viminacium was the capital of the Roman province of Moesia Superior and had a port near a tributary of the Danube River.
Israeli High-schooler on Day Dig Finds Mirror Plaque Against Demons â What was probably once a mirror plaque was discovered by a student at the ancient site of Usha in Israel. It dates to somewhere between the 4th and 6th centuries and could have been used in catoptromancy (divination using mirrors) or for warding off demonic spirits.
Ancient Human Remains Found in County Armagh â Twenty graves were found near the medieval Church of St. Mary near Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. Excavations are underway.
Ancient Roman Cargo Ship Found on Bottom of Mediterranean â A Roman ship dated to the 1st or 2nd century BCE was discovered in the Mediterranean near Civitavecchia, Italy. It carried hundreds of amphorae â tube-shaped âDressel 1 B type jarsâ to be exact. Itâs not known what was in the amphorae, but it would typically have been oil, wine, fish sauce, etc.
DNA Study of Remains at Delaware Site Find Kinship Among European Settlers, African Slaves â A tobacco farm that was in use between 1675 and 1725 was discovered in Delaware back in the early 2000s. DNA analysis shows that of the seven men, two women, and two children who were buried there, most were of European descent but three (two men and a child) were of African descent. This is notable because they were buried in the same burial ground only 15-20 feet apart. The researchers believe this shows that integration happened differently on the frontier. And according to the study, early colonial settlers apparently survived the harsh conditions by banding together as family units and may have worked alongside enslaved and indentured people.
Cave Lion or Cave Bear? Ice Age Animal Puzzles Archaeologists â A fragment of an ivory figurine dated to 35,000 years ago was discovered over 20 years ago at the Hohle Fels cave in Germany. Other fragments have been found since, and now archaeologists have found another piece. What was once thought to be a horse now appears to be either a cave lion or a cave bear. According to the statement, âThe figurine now has a massive body, shows the typical pronounced bear hump at shoulder height and presents itself in a posture that could imitate the trotting gait of a bear.â The fragment also has delicate engraved lines.
Evidence of the 586 BCE Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalemâs Monumental Building Reconstructed â Chemical analysis of the charred remains of Jerusalemâs âBuilding 100â in 586 CE has found without doubt that the building burned down. What is not clear is whether it was intentional or accidental. However, it could be reasonably assumed that it was intentional, given that it burned down during the 586 BCE Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, a very impactful event that affected biblical narratives. And another hint is that the fire seems to have started in multiple places, both on the top and bottom floors. Lots of ceramics were found on site, including some with rosette stamp impressions typical of the time period.
â€ïž Recommended Content
Hereâs a fascinating article about how researchers in Australia are analyzing indigenous stories and cross-referencing the ones about submergence with sea level data. Theyâve found that these stories are at least 10,000 years old.
If youâre interested in blockchain tech, check out this article about how it can protect ancient artifacts from being looted.
If you want a laugh, check out these fake ancient artifacts that an artist created using pop culture references⊠including a naked female bust of Batman?
Hereâs a video about two British archaeologists â it offers a peek into what excavations are like.
Hereâs an article about why bees are often found on ancient (and modern) coins.
And I thought the layers shown in this cross-section of a British road were fascinating.
Well, Iâm off to enjoy my bday weekend. Have a wonderful week!
-James
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