Today, the same bizarre treatise first obtained by Baresch in the seventeenth century is known throughout the world as the Voynich Manuscript, and despite the efforts of many since Baresch’s time who have sought to decode it, the document still refuses to give up its secrets. After more than a century of scrutiny, no one has convincingly explained who wrote it, what it says, or even whether its text carries any real meaning at all.

However, new research may finally offer scholars a fresh perspective on this confounding mystery. According to a recent peer-reviewed study, while the mystery of the Voynich Manuscript endures, a new theory strengthens the possibility that the text in a document often referred to as “the most mysterious book in the world” may have once served as a cipher system.

The hypothesis, detailed by researcher and science journalist Michael A. Greshko in the journal Cryptologia, indicates that the famous manuscript bears qualities that seemingly match the technological capabilities of scholars in the Middle Ages, potentially helping to reframe questions about the manuscript that have long perplexed researchers.

The Enduring Enigma of the Voynich Manuscript

Over the years, a range of theories has emerged as to what the purpose behind the Voynich Manuscript may be. One involves the notion that the manuscript could represent glossolalia—the purported phenomenon of speaking unknown languages, generally within the context of religious worship—or even more simply, purely unintelligible words that might have served as part of some form of fraudulent medieval operation.

Other theories hold that the Voynich Manuscript may represent an artificial language which does nonetheless conveys some sort of meaning, or that the language in the manuscript may be a legitimate unknown earlier language that its unknown author attempted to document.

However, another possibility involves the possible use of a cipher—one which may incorporate elements of a well-known language such as Italian, German, or even a “dead” language like Latin that is still widely known.

A portion of the famous Voynich Manuscript, which conveys information related to the healing properties of bathing in medicinal springs. The complete information conveyed in this portion of the text, as with the broader manuscript, remains undeciphered

(Image Credit: Public Domain).

For Greshko, the notion of the Voynich Manuscript as a ciphertext seemed the most appealing, since this approach offers potential avenues toward unraveling its more unusual properties with languages that would have been in use and potentially known to its prospective author(s) in the 15th century. Ultimately, Greshko’s efforts toward unraveling the mysteries of the Voynich Manuscript (VMS) culminated in a fundamental question.

“Is it possible to make a substitution cipher—the most advanced type of cipher available in early 15th-century Europe—that can often create VMS-like ciphertext?” Greshko asks in his recent Cryptologia paper.

Finding answers to this query led Greshko to the development of a method his study calls the “Naibbe cipher,” named after a medieval Italian card game. As opposed to trying to decode the manuscript outright, as has been attempted countless times in the past, Greshko’s cipher works in reverse by transforming ordinary Latin or Italian text into strings of glyph-like symbols resembling the manuscript’s unique language, known to scholars as “Voynichese.”

The system outlined by Greshko employs the substitution of short letter fragments with structured lookup tables, and then, going beyond the use of text alone, introduces elements of randomness with the use of objects that were widely available in 15th-century Europe, such as dice and playing cards.

Intriguingly, the resulting use of the Naibbe cipher produces outputs that Greshko says mirror several of the Voynich Manuscript’s idiosyncrasies, such as patterns in symbol frequency, similarities to typical word lengths that appear in the original text, and positional behaviors that can be associated with certain glyphs in the manuscript.

Additionally, Greshko’s method appears to preserve partial traces of the underlying language, albeit through the recurrence of micro-sequences, and even though no single glyph can be cleanly mapped onto any specific plaintext letters.

Cipher Hypothesis Remains Viable

For Greshko, all this taken together strengthens the case for the cipher hypothesis, and strongly points to the use of a sophisticated method that would have significantly exceeded conventional substitution ciphers of the period.

Still, Greshko says alternatives cannot be ruled out, such as the notion that the manuscript actually could represent some kind of unknown language—whether that be a language that is now lost to history, which the author of the Voynich manuscript sought to preserve, or possibly some form of invented writing system that might have served a unique purpose.

Greshko also concedes that “in its current form, the Naibbe cipher fails in several major ways,” adding that due to its current limitations, “the Naibbe cipher invites future analysis to address whether and how modifications to the cipher’s general structure can achieve a more complete replication of VMS properties.”

Nonetheless, what Greshko’s work fundamentally succeeds in demonstrating is that a hand-executable cipher—one the likes of which could have been achieved centuries ago when the Voynich Manuscript is believed to have been produced—can indeed reproduce many of its statistical traits. This potentially important work helps to refine questions that will no doubt benefit future efforts toward unraveling “the world’s most mysterious book” by helping to narrow the range of plausible explanations.

Further, the new study provides a clearer framework for understanding how such a baffling text might have been constructed, and why it continues to defy simple explanation more than 500 years after it was written.

Greshko’s paper, “The Naibbe cipher: a substitution cipher that encrypts Latin and Italian as Voynich Manuscript-like ciphertext,” appeared in Cryptologia on November 26, 2025.

• Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

06-01-2026 om 23:06 geschreven door peter  

Is this humankind's earliest ancestor? Scientists argue a 7 million-year-old ape-like animal was the first to walk on two legs

• READ MORE:  Cube-shaped skull found in Mexico challenges human history

By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR

It’s considered to be one of the most decisive steps in human evolution.

Now, scientists believe they have pinpointed when our ancestors made the transition from walking on all fours to standing on two legs.

An ape-like animal that lived in Africa seven million years ago is the best contender for humankind’s earliest ancestor, they say, as fresh analysis has revealed its bones were adapted to walking upright.

The fossilised remains of the species, called Sahelanthropus tchadensis, were first unearthed in the desert region of Chad, in north-central Africa, more than two decades ago.

The anatomy of the skull suggested that it likely sat directly on top of the spine – the first indication it may have walked upright.

But new analysis of the limbs confirms the species could move around on two legs, as the bones contain a feature only found in bipedal groups.

Scott Williams, an associate professor in New York University’s Department of Anthropology, led the study.

‘Our analysis of these fossils offers direct evidence that Sahelanthropus could walk on two legs, demonstrating that bipedalism evolved early in our lineage and from an ancestor that looked most similar to today’s chimpanzees and bonobos,’ he said.

Cast of the skull of Sahelanthropus tchadensis - a species discovered in the early 2000s which scientists now say may be our earliest ancestor

The iliofemoral ligament shown in humans (far left). The red arrows indicate the femoral tubercle, the point of attachment for this crucial ligament. The dark grey image represents the same bone in the Sahelanthropus species, with an overlay (far right) indicating it has the same features as modern-day humans, who walk upright

For their new study the researchers identified the presence of the femoral tubercle, a part of the body that is vital for walking upright, in the fossilised remains.

This is the point of attachment for the largest and most powerful ligament in the human body – the iliofemoral ligament – which connects the pelvis to the femur and prevents the body from bending backwards too much when standing up and walking.

Previous studies have also unearthed a ‘natural twist’ in the fossilised femur – the thigh bone – which helps legs to point forward.

Meanwhile 3D analysis has indicated gluteal – buttock – muscles similar to those in our early ancestors that keep hips stable and aid in standing, walking and running.

The team argue their new discovery, along with previous findings, mean the ancient species had the ability to walk upright.

‘Sahelanthropus was essentially a bipedal ape that possessed a chimpanzee-sized brain and likely spent a significant portion of its time in trees, foraging and seeking safety,’ Dr Williams said.

‘Despite its superficial appearance, Sahelanthropus was adapted to using bipedal posture and movement on the ground.’

This discovery makes the species the oldest known member of the human lineage since we split evolutionarily from chimpanzees.

An artist's impression of what Sahelanthropus may have looked like. Dr Williams said it likely looked most similar to today's chimpanzees and bonobos

The skull, ulna (forearm bone) and femur (thigh bone) of (left to right): a chimpanzee, Sahelanthropus and another human ancestor, Australopithecus

The fossilised remains of the species were first unearthed in the desert region of Chad, in north-central Africa, more than two decades ago 

Humans and monkeys only diverged around eight to 19 million years ago, so the findings suggest that early humans became bipedal very soon after this split.

As part of the study the team compared the remains to those of other early human ancestors as well as living apes.

They found that Sahelanthropus had a relatively long thigh bone relative to a bone found in the forearm – further evidence that it walked on two legs.

They said that apes have long arms and short legs, while humans and our ancestors have relatively long legs.

Writing in the journal Science Advances they explained that bipedalism is a ‘key adaptation’ that differentiates hominins – humans and our extinct relatives – from living and fossil apes.

‘Sahelanthropus is interpreted here as an African ape-like early hominin that demonstrates some of the earliest adaptations to bipedalism,’ they wrote.

They said they believe the evolution of walking upright was a ‘process rather than an event’, in which bipedal behaviour gradually increased over time.

This means the species may have had the ability to walk on two legs on land, but also to swing through the trees like a monkey.

Other experts have previously cast doubt on the idea that Sahelanthropus is a human forebearer.

When the species was first discovered in 2001 Milford Wolpoff, a professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan, called them into question.

READ MORE

• Humans just got even OLDER: Ancient skull pushes back our origins by 400,000 years - making Homo sapiens more than one million years old

In a letter to the journal Nature, Professor Wolpoff argued that Sahelanthropus is ‘not on the line directly leading to humans’.

He pointed to scars on the skull left by neck muscles, claiming they showed the species walked on all fours with its head horizontal to its spine.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

05-01-2026 om 18:06 geschreven door peter  

10 Weird Archaeological Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

Archaeology isn’t just about dusty ruins and ancient pottery—it’s full of bizarre discoveries that challenge what we think we know about the past. From mysterious artifacts to unusual burial practices, here are 10 of the strangest archaeological facts ever uncovered!

1. The Ancient Egyptians Used Honey to Treat Wounds 

Over 4,000 years ago, Egyptian doctors used honey as an antiseptic to prevent infections. They believed it had magical healing properties, but modern science confirms they were onto something—honey is naturally antibacterial and still used in medicine today!

AI-generated image (provided by author).

• Few Non-visitors Are Aware of the 3,500-Year-Old Obelisk in NY's Central Park
• The Great Vampire Epidemic: A Bizarre Chapter in History

2. The Romans Had Heated Floors Over 2,000 Years Ago 

While people in medieval Europe shivered in their castles, the ancient Romans were enjoying underfloor heating! They built a system called hypocaust, where hot air from a furnace flowed beneath raised floors—basically, ancient central heating.

AI-generated image (provided by author).

3. The Mystery of the Screaming Mummies 

Some mummies have been found with terrifying, open-mouthed expressions, leading to myths of cursed souls trapped in eternal screams. But archaeologists say this happens because the jaw drops open after death—still creepy though!

AI-generated image (provided by author).

4. The 5,000-Year-Old "Chewing Gum" 

Archaeologists in Sweden found a piece of ancient chewing gum made from birch bark tar, complete with human teeth marks! It’s believed Stone Age people chewed it for fun, to clean their teeth, or as medicine—kind of like prehistoric bubble gum.

• Archaeologists Excavating In Pompeii Find Ancestral Pizza Revealed in Fresco
• The Secret of Gobekli Tepe: Cosmic Equinox and Sacred Marriage - Part 1

5. The "Vampire" Burials of Medieval Europe 

Graves from the Middle Ages reveal skeletons with stakes through their hearts, rocks in their mouths, or even decapitated heads. These were suspected vampires, buried in ways to prevent them from rising from the dead.

AI-generated image (provided by author).

6. The 2,000-Year-Old Fast Food Joint 

In Pompeii, archaeologists found a well-preserved street food stall (thermopolium) with painted menus showing the food they served. Turns out, fast food isn’t a modern idea—Romans were grabbing quick bites over 2,000 years ago!

An ancient Roman fast food counter that was unearthed in Pompeii last year will open to the public. (Luigi Spina / AFP).

7. The Alien-Like Elongated Skulls  

Ancient skulls with unnaturally long shapes have been found worldwide, from South America to Asia. Some believe they’re proof of alien contact, but archaeologists explain they were intentionally reshaped using tight bindings, possibly as a status symbol.

One of the elongated skulls found in the Mayan cenote in Mexico. (Bradley Russell / National Geographic).

8. The Lost City of the Monkey God 

Deep in the Honduran jungle, explorers uncovered ruins of a mysterious, forgotten civilization, which legends call "The White City" or "City of the Monkey God." Even weirder? Many of the researchers got sick after excavation, leading to rumors of an ancient curse.

AI-generated image (provided by author).

9. The 2,000-Year-Old Roman Concrete That Won’t Break 

Ancient Roman concrete is stronger than modern concrete, especially in seawater. Scientists discovered it gets stronger over time due to a chemical reaction with seawater, making it almost indestructible—unlike today’s crumbling bridges!

AI-generated image (provided by author).

10. The 10,000-Year-Old Carvings of "Giants" 

At Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, archaeologists found huge stone pillars covered in carvings of strange, humanoid figures. Built over 6,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids, the site has led some to speculate about lost civilizations—or even ancient giants!

Archaeological site of Göbeklitepe in Turkey.

(Wikimedia Commons).

Final Thoughts

Archaeology is full of mysteries, and every discovery raises new questions about our past. From vampire burials to unbreakable Roman concrete, history is weirder than we ever imagined! Which fact surprised you the most?

• Top image: Orlando Hollywood Studios, ‘The Great Movie Ride’ featuring Indiana Jones finding the Ark of the Covenant.

• Source: Jared/CC BY-SA 2.0.

RELATED VIDEOS

{ https://www.ancient-origins.net/ }

04-01-2026 om 23:14 geschreven door peter  

The research team behind the discovery said the cremation site also hints at potentially spiritually complex ritual practices surrounding fire and death that had not previously been identified during this ancient period.

“Not only is this the earliest cremation in Africa, it was such a spectacle that we have to rethink how we view group labor and ritual in these ancient hunter-gatherer communities,” explained Jessica Thompson, an assistant professor of anthropology at Yale University, and leader of a long-term research project at the site of the discovery.

Date of Discovery Rivals Oldest Known Human Cremation Site

According to a statement announcing the unexpected discovery of ancient, cremated human remains, evidence of intentionally burned human remains appears as early as 40,000 years ago in Australia. However, “intentionally built” structures made of combustible materials don’t appear until about 10,000 years before present.

According to researchers, the previously discovered ancient pyre at the Xaasaa Na’ Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska, which contained the remains of a small child, was dated to sometime around 11,500 years ago. Conversely, the oldest known funerary cremation site in Africa, dated to a comparatively recent 3,500, was likely built by Pastoral Neolithic herders who were much more organized than the ancient hunter-gatherers associated with the discovery.

“Cremation is more common among ancient food-producing societies, who generally possess more complex technology and engage in more elaborate mortuary rituals than earlier hunter-gatherers,” the researchers explain.

Remains of a Single Individual Discovered in the Pyre

In the 1950s, archaeologists determined that the ancient cremation site, dubbed Hora 1, was a hunter-gatherer burial ground. However, those scientists didn’t know when those burials occurred. Decades later, Thompson’s team unearthed evidence that it was used by ancient humans as far back as 21,000 years ago, with the site’s burials seemingly dating to between 16,000 and 8,000 years before present. Notably, all the bodies buried during this period were interred in a complete state.

The Hora 1 site photographed from the air.

Image credit: Jacob Davis.

In collaboration with the Malawi Department of Museums and Monuments, the latest effort analyzed a separate set of bones from what they described as a “highly fragmented individual.” 170 separate bones were examined, mostly originating from the woman’s arms and legs. The researchers say the bones suggest the woman was between 18 and 60 years old and slightly under 5 feet tall.

After a closer analysis of the cremated remains, the researchers determined that the body was likely cremated before decomposition, most likely within a few days of the woman’s death. The researchers also found cut marks on the bones, suggesting that the flesh had been removed before incineration.

Study team member Elizabeth Sawchuk, a Curator of Human Evolution at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and a bioarchaeologist, said they were surprised to find no teeth or skull bone fragments in the cremated remains. Sawchuk said that because those body parts are historically preserved during cremations, the team believed they may have been removed “prior to burning.”

Researchers found cut marks on the bone fragments recovered from the ancient funeral pyre.

Image credit: Jessica Thompson.

Labor Intensive Cremation Hints at Its Purpose

When discussing the unusual nature of an organized cremation by African hunter-gatherers almost 10,000 years ago, Jessica Cerezo-Román, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma and the study’s lead author, noted the significant amount of labor and time required to complete an effective cremation.

“Cremation is very rare among ancient and modern hunter-gatherers, at least partially because pyres require a huge amount of labor, time, and fuel to transform a body into fragmented and calcined bone and ash,” Professor Cerezo-Román explained.

For example, the team estimated that ancient humans would have had to gather at least 30 kilograms of deadwood and grass, a figure they said points to a significant communal effort. An analysis of ash sediments and bone fragments also suggests that participants actively disturbed the fire throughout the burning, including regularly adding more fuel to maintain the high temperatures needed. The team estimated the fire reached temperatures above  500°C.

Cerezo-Román said the job of removing and preparing the body may sound “gruesome,” but also noted that these practices may have been associated with social memory, remembrance of a loved one, or an ancestral veneration. The professor also pointed out that a growing body of evidence suggests ancient hunter-gatherers in Malawi performed cremations that included the posthumous “removal, curation, and secondary reburial of body parts,” maybe as tokens of the deceased.

In the study’s conclusion, the team notes that stone tools discovered at the site may have been funerary objects added during or after the cremation. They also note that no other individuals were cremated, suggesting that the site was considered significant.

“The history of large fires in this location, the effort associated with the cremation, and the subsequent burning events reflect a deep-rooted tradition at the site linked to ritual behavior and memory-making tied to a place that was clearly a local landmark,” they explained.

As far as the woman who was cremated when others at the site were buried, the researchers said that is still an open question.

“Why was this one woman cremated when the other burials at the site were not treated that way?” Thompson asked.

The study “Earliest Evidence for Intentional Cremation of Human Remains in Africa” was published in Science Advances.

• Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him on X, learn about his books at plainfiction.com, or email him directly at christopher@thedebrief.org.

RELATED

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

03-01-2026 om 18:21 geschreven door peter  

10 Groundbreaking Human Evolution Discoveries From 2025

Gary Manners

The year 2025 has delivered extraordinary revelations about our ancient past, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of human evolution and challenging long-held assumptions about how modern humans emerged. From revolutionary fossil discoveries spanning multiple continents to groundbreaking genetic studies revealing hidden chapters in our ancestry, these ten findings demonstrate that the story of humanity is far more complex than the simple linear progression scientists once envisioned. These discoveries paint a vivid picture of a "bushy tree" of evolution where multiple human species coexisted, interbred, and ultimately contributed to the rich genetic tapestry that defines us today.

• Scientists Discover New Human Ancestor Species in Ethiopia
• Million-Year-Old Skull Discovery Rewrites Human Evolution Timeline

The 13 fossil teeth collected in the Ledi-Geraru Research Area from 2015-2018.

(Brian Villmoare/ASU)

1. New Australopithecus Species Reveals Complex Co-Existence

In Ethiopia's Afar region, researchers from Arizona State University uncovered 13 fossilized teeth belonging to a previously unknown species of Australopithecus that lived alongside the earliest members of genus Homo between 2.6 and 2.8 million years ago. The discovery at the famous Ledi-Geraru Research Project site fundamentally challenges the linear progression model of human evolution.

"This new research shows that the image many of us have in our minds of an ape to a Neanderthal to a modern human is not correct — evolution doesn't work like that," explains Kaye Reed, a research scientist at Arizona State University's Institute of Human Origins. The teeth represent a new species distinct from Australopithecus afarensis—the famous species represented by Lucy - confirming that multiple hominin species occupied the same landscape simultaneously.

The original Yunxian Man cranium before reconstruction, showing distortion from geological pressure.

 (Gary Todd/CC0)

2. Chinese Skull Pushes Back Human Divergence Timeline

A remarkable million-year-old skull from China has shattered beliefs about when modern humans and their closest relatives diverged from common ancestors. The Yunxian 2 skull, digitally reconstructed using sophisticated CT imaging, revealed features placing it within the mysterious Homo longi lineage—closer to Denisovans than to Homo erectus. Published in Science, the research suggests that major human lineages diverged much earlier than previously believed, with Neanderthals separating around 1.38 million years ago, followed by the Homo longi clade at 1.2 million years ago, and finally Homo sapiens at 1.02 million years ago.

"From the very beginning, when we got the result, we thought it was unbelievable. How could that be so deep into the past?" Professor Xijun Ni told the BBC. Most controversially, the discovery raises questions about whether the ancestral population from which all three lineages emerged may have existed in western Asia rather than Africa, potentially challenging the traditional "Out of Africa" model.

• Lucy May Not Be Our Direct Human Ancestor After All
• 'Never Seen Before' Teeth Reveal Ancient Humans Interbred With Unknown Species

3. Lucy's Status as Direct Ancestor Challenged

Revolutionary fossil evidence from Ethiopia is challenging decades of scientific consensus about Lucy being a direct ancestor of modern humans. New discoveries published in Nature link the mysterious "Burtele foot"—a 3.4-million-year-old partial foot with an opposable big toe designed for grasping tree branches—to Australopithecus deyiremeda, a distinct hominin species that lived alongside Lucy's kind. Chemical analysis of tooth enamel indicates that A. deyiremeda subsisted primarily on forest foods, contrasting sharply with A. afarensis, which consumed a more varied diet including grasses and sedges. The research suggests that A. deyiremeda may be more closely related to the even older Australopithecus anamensis than to Lucy's species, undermining the traditional view of A. afarensis as the single ancestral trunk.

Researchers Xiujie Wu and María Martinón-Torres with skull replicas.

(CENIEH)

4. Chinese Teeth Reveal Interbreeding With Homo Erectus

Revolutionary 300,000-year-old dental remains from China's Hualongdong site display an unprecedented combination of primitive and modern features, suggesting early humans may have interbred with Homo erectus. The 21 dental elements combine archaic features typical of Homo erectus—such as robust molar and premolar roots—with distinctly modern traits including reduced third molars commonly found in Homo sapiens. "It's a mosaic of primitive and derived traits never seen before – almost as if the evolutionary clock were ticking at different speeds in different parts of the body," explained María Martinón-Torres, Director of CENIEH. Published in the Journal of Human Evolution, the findings reinforce the idea that traits associated with Homo sapiens were already present in Asia at least 300,000 years ago.

Plaster reconstructions of skulls of human ancestors.

(Jose A. Bernat/University of Cambridge)

5. Hidden Genetic Chapter Reveals Two Ancestral Populations

Using advanced genome analysis, researchers from the University of Cambridge found evidence that modern humans descended from not one, but at least two ancestral populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago and reconnected about 300,000 years ago. One group contributed 80% of modern human genetic makeup, while the other contributed 20%—as much as 10 times the contribution of Neanderthal DNA. Published in Nature Genetics, the study revealed that genes inherited from the minority population—particularly those related to brain function and neural processing—may have played a crucial role in human evolution. "Our research shows clear signs that our evolutionary origins are more complex, involving different groups that developed separately for more than a million years, then came back to form the modern human species," said co-author Professor Richard Durbin.

The skull in situ in the wall of the Petralona Cave.

(Nadina/CC BY-SA 3.0)

6. Greek Petralona Skull Finally Dated: 286,000 Years

After decades of controversy, the Petralona skull—one of Europe's most significant hominin fossils—has been definitively dated to at least 286,000 years old using advanced uranium-series dating techniques. Published in the Journal of Human Evolution, the research settles a long-standing debate about this robust cranium discovered in 1960 in northern Greece. The new dating places the Petralona hominin within the Middle Pleistocene period, providing crucial evidence that multiple human lineages coexisted in Europe during this time. The skull exhibits distinctive features that set it apart from both modern humans and Neanderthals, placing it within the broader category of Homo heidelbergensis, often considered a common ancestor to both Neanderthals and modern humans.

Paranthropus robustus cranium SK 48. Credit: Dr. Bernhard Zipfel, with permission from Dr. Lazarus Kgasi, junior curator of Plio-Pleistocene Paleontology at Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria

(South Africa)

7. Tooth Pits Reveal Genetic Signature of Extinct Genus

Scientists discovered tiny, uniform pits on 2.2 million-year-old fossilized teeth from Africa that may represent a genetic signature for the entire extinct genus Paranthropus. Published in The Journal of Human Evolution, the study found that these uniform, circular, and shallow pits occur in predictable patterns on Paranthropus molars from both eastern and southern Africa. However, the pitting was virtually nonexistent in Homo and uncommon in Australopithecus africanus, previously considered Paranthropus's immediate ancestor. "Teeth preserve an incredible amount of biological and evolutionary information," study co-author Ian Towle told Live Science. The pits likely have a genetic basis, possibly similar to amelogenesis imperfecta, providing a potential taxonomic marker independent of bone morphology or DNA.

A facial reconstruction representing a male individual of Homo georgicus (from the Dmaisi excavation).

(Cicero Moraes et al/CC BY 4.0)

8. Two Species Migrated From Africa Together

New analysis of fossils from Dmanisi, Georgia, suggests that two distinct ancient human species migrated together from Africa approximately 1.8 million years ago. The research, focused on five skulls discovered between 1999 and 2005, proposes that Homo erectus was accompanied by a more primitive hominin species during humanity's first great exodus. At the heart of this discovery lies Skull 5, which exhibits characteristics dramatically different from its companions—with an exceptionally large jaw and facial structure yet one of the smallest braincase capacities ever found in genus Homo (approximately 546 cubic centimeters). If confirmed, the presence of two distinct hominin species at Dmanisi would fundamentally alter our understanding of early human migration patterns.

DNA analysis of a 4,600-year-old skeleton from Egypt’s Nile Valley.

CGTN Africa

9. Ancient Egyptian Genome Reveals Ancestry Links

Scientists successfully sequenced the genome of a man buried in Egypt around 4,500 years ago, making him the oldest genome from Egypt to date. Despite Egypt's challenging conditions for DNA preservation, the research team found that about 4-5% of DNA fragments came from the individual himself—enough to recover meaningful genetic information. The genetic analysis revealed that about 80% of the man's ancestry was shared with earlier north African populations, while the remaining 20% was more similar to groups from the eastern Fertile Crescent, particularly Neolithic Mesopotamia. This genetic profile fits with archaeological evidence of long-standing connections between ancient Egypt and the eastern Fertile Crescent dating back at least 10,000 years, supporting the spread of farming, domesticated animals, and writing systems between these regions.

Jordan Mansfield/Courtesy of Pathways to Ancient Britain Project

10. Earliest Evidence of Fire-Making: 400,000 Years Ago

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Suffolk, England, has pushed back the timeline for human-made fire by 350,000 years. Researchers excavating at Barnham uncovered compelling evidence that early Neanderthals were creating fire on demand 400,000 years ago—the earliest known instance of deliberate fire-making in human history. Published in Nature, the discovery contained three crucial pieces of evidence: a preserved hearth with heated sediments, fire-damaged hand axes, and fragments of iron pyrite—the mineral our ancestors used to create sparks by striking it with flint. What makes the pyrite discovery particularly significant is that this mineral doesn't occur naturally in the Suffolk area, meaning ancient inhabitants traveled considerable distances to obtain it. Professor Nick Ashton from the British Museum, who led the excavation, described it as "the most exciting discovery of my 40-year career."

• Top image: Image of scientists in an anthropological laboratory.  
• Source: AI Generated

By Gary Manners

References

{ https://www.ancient-origins.net/ }

02-01-2026 om 18:16 geschreven door peter  

23 Remarkable Archaeological Discoveries Revealed in 2025

From a 9,000-year-old precision-engineered hammer to evidence of the Trojan War and many more...

The year's most captivating archaeological finds included an untouched Etruscan tomb, pristine Bronze Age armor, the legendary San José shipwreck treasures, and many more…

Every year brings a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries that capture our imagination and deepen our understanding of the past. The period spanning 2024-2025 proved exceptionally rich, revealing everything from opulent royal burials to humble Stone Age tools, from legendary battlegrounds to sacred sanctuaries. These finds, documented on Ancient Origins over the last year, span continents, millennia, and cultures, offering fascinating windows into the lives, beliefs, and technologies of our ancestors.

From the shores of the Baltic Sea to the depths of the Caribbean, from ancient Troy to medieval England, these discoveries remind us that countless secrets still lie buried beneath our feet, waiting to tell their stories. Here are some of the most remarkable finds revealed over the past year.

Warriors and Weapons

Archaeological evidence of ancient warfare continues to emerge from sites across the globe, from legendary Troy to the steppes of Central Asia. These discoveries reveal not only military technologies but also the social status, beliefs, and artistic sensibilities of warrior elites.

Fresh excavations at the legendary city of Troy in northwestern Turkey have uncovered what may be the most compelling evidence yet that Homer's Iliad describes real events. Turkish archaeologists discovered thousands of 3,500-year-old sling stones concentrated in a small area outside the palace walls, along with arrowheads, charred buildings, and hastily buried human remains. The sling stones, smoothed to aerodynamic perfection, were among the Bronze Age's most lethal weapons. "This concentration of sling stones in such a small area suggests intense fighting, either a desperate defense or a full-scale assault," explained Professor Rustem Aslan. The destruction layer dates to around 1200 BC, precisely matching the period Greek historians assigned to the Trojan War.

In southern Bulgaria, archaeologists unearthed the treasure-filled burial of a Thracian warrior from the 2nd century BC. The warrior was interred alongside his horse and adorned with a ceremonial wreath symbolizing his elite status. Bronze and gilded harness decorations featuring scenes from the Labors of Heracles demonstrate exceptional artistry. The grave's pristine condition allowed researchers to observe the original arrangement, revealing sophisticated burial customs that honored both warrior and mount.

Archaeological excavation of the 2nd-century BC Thracian warrior burial showing the ceremonial arrangement of grave goods.

Source: Община Тополовград - Topolovgrad Municipality

A remarkable bronze warrior figurine emerged from the Oppidum of Manching in Bavaria, leading one of the most significant Celtic discoveries in recent years. The miniature masterpiece, standing just 7.5 centimeters tall, depicts a warrior in an unusual lunging pose with sword and shield. Most intriguing is the figure's distinctive attire: armored chest protection combined with complete nudity from the waist down, possibly reflecting Celtic warriors' service as mercenaries in Greek armies. The find was among more than 40,000 artifacts recovered during excavations between 2021 and 2024.

The Celtic warrior statuette after restoration, depicting a warrior in lunging pose with sword and shield.

Source: Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation

In Kazakhstan's Aktogay district, archaeologists discovered a completely untouched 2,500-year-old Saka warrior tomb containing a skeleton still clutching a remarkable bronze sword. The double-edged bronze akinaka, cast as a single piece, features intricate decorations of argali (wild sheep) horns and birds of prey - motifs deeply significant in Saka art. "This type of akinak, with such design, has not yet been found elsewhere in Kazakhstan," noted archaeologist Arman Beissenov, highlighting the weapon's exceptional craftsmanship.

A fragment of Bronze Age armor dating back over 3,200 years was identified among artifacts discovered in South Moravia, Czech Republic. The armor had been deliberately damaged and buried alongside a bronze spearhead, sickle, and needle in what appears to have been a ritual offering. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, researchers digitally reconstructed the bent sheet metal, revealing distinctive ornamental patterns. The discovery dates to approximately 1200 BC - the same period traditionally associated with the legendary Trojan War.

Two medieval swords from Northern Europe reveal the complex interplay of Christian and pagan traditions during the High Middle Ages. A thousand-year-old ritual sword unearthed from the Korte Linschoten River in the Netherlands bears sacred Christian sun wheel symbols on one side and an ancient Viking endless knot on the other, representing the fusion of worldviews characteristic of frontier regions. Meanwhile, an extraordinary sixth-century Anglo-Saxon sword discovered in a Kent cemetery features intricate silver-and-gilt designs and a ring-pommel symbolizing an oath to a king. Lead archaeologist Duncan Sayer described it as "in the top echelons of swords, an elite object in every way."

Medieval sword from Linschoten, with knot symbol engraved on the blade.

Source: Ruben de Heer / Landgoed Linschoten/ RMO

Imperial Treasures

Royal burials and imperial artifacts provide unparalleled insights into the wealth, power, and beliefs of ancient rulers. Several remarkable imperial discoveries emerged this year, spanning from ancient Egypt to feudal Japan.

Archaeologists in Japan recovered extraordinary artifacts from Emperor Nintoku's tomb for the first time in over a century and a half. The treasures, including a gold-plated ceremonial knife and gilded armor fragments, had been missing since 1872 when they were secretly removed from Japan's largest burial mound. Modern scientific analysis revealed sophisticated metallurgical techniques, including iron coated directly with gold rather than copper as previously thought. The knife features an iron blade in a Japanese cypress sheath, encased in extraordinarily thin gold-plated copper secured with silver rivets - representing unique 5th-century craftsmanship.

Parts of a gold-plated knife that have been recovered from Emperor Nintoku's tomb.

Source: Kokugakuin University

Submerged Secrets

Underwater archaeology continues to reveal ships, ports, and treasures lost to the seas centuries ago, providing unique perspectives on ancient maritime trade, warfare, and daily life.

The 2024 expedition to the Antikythera shipwreck marked a significant milestone in underwater archaeology. Between May and June, ideal weather conditions allowed for extensive excavation, yielding about 300 objects including 21 marble fragments, numerous structural elements of the ship's hull, and over 200 pottery fragments. Most significantly, the team discovered evidence of a second shipwreck at the site, with Area 'B' yielding remains of another wooden ship beneath its cargo. The findings, documented with advanced remotely operated vehicles and 3D scanning, continue to illuminate the ancient maritime tragedy that occurred over 2,000 years ago.

Colombian scientists successfully retrieved the first artifacts from the legendary San José galleon, known as the "holy grail of shipwrecks." Among the recovered items from nearly 2,000 feet beneath the Caribbean Sea were a bronze cannon, three gold coins, and a delicate porcelain cup. The 62-gun, three-masted galleon sank in 1708 during a British ambush while carrying an estimated 11 million gold and silver coins worth $17-20 billion today. President Gustavo Petro's administration emphasizes that the expedition's primary purpose is research rather than treasure recovery, with plans to display artifacts in a proposed museum in Cartagena.

Underwater archaeologists concluded a new phase of excavation at the submerged ancient Greek port of Asini near Tolo in Argolis, Greece. Working in the northwestern portion of a submerged artificial platform, researchers employed high-resolution photogrammetry to document substantial structural components including stone blocks and amphorae fragments. The discoveries confirm the presence of an expansive harbor that played a pivotal role in maritime trade throughout different historical eras, from the Bronze Age through the Roman period.

Exposing a large part of the Antikythera shipwreck’s hull.

(Greek Ministry of Culture)

Tombs and Burials

Burial sites, from simple graves to elaborate chamber tombs, provide invaluable insights into ancient beliefs, social hierarchies, and funerary practices.

A Baylor University-led team made one of the most significant Etruscan discoveries in recent decades: an intact 2,600-year-old chamber tomb at the San Giuliano necropolis in central Italy. The sealed burial chamber contained four individuals surrounded by over 100 remarkably preserved grave goods including ceramic vases, iron weapons, bronze ornaments, and delicate silver hair spools. "This completely sealed burial chamber represents a rare find for Etruscan archaeology," explained Dr. Davide Zori. The tomb dates to the 7th century BC and has remained completely undisturbed, a remarkable rarity in Etruscan archaeology where most tombs have been looted over the centuries.

In 1935, archaeologists discovered a mummified Egyptian woman whose mouth was frozen open in what appeared to be a scream. Recent studies using advanced CT scans have provided new insights into the "Screaming Woman" mummy. Dr. Sahar Saleem's team found that despite being buried approximately 2,500 years ago, her body remains remarkably well preserved, with brain, internal organs, and even hair treated with henna intact. Her agonized expression may have been caused by cadaveric spasm - a rare phenomenon linked to violent deaths or extreme emotional distress that causes muscles to stiffen at the moment of death, preserving the deceased's final expression.

Left; The Screaming Woman mummy, Right; CT scan of the Screaming Woman mummy, wearing her wig.   

Source: Sahar Saleem/Frontiers in Medicine

Sacred Spaces

Religious structures and ritual objects illuminate the spiritual lives of ancient peoples, from mysterious cults to biblical sanctuaries.

Archaeologists excavating at ancient Shiloh in Israel believe they have uncovered the stone foundations of the biblical Tabernacle, the sacred sanctuary that once housed the Ark of the Covenant. Led by Dr. Scott Stripling, the team unearthed a monumental stone building matching the exact dimensions and orientation specified in scripture, with an interior wall dividing it into two areas precisely as described in Exodus 26. The team discovered over 100,000 animal bones, predominantly from the right side of sheep, goats, and cattle - exactly matching the requirements outlined in Leviticus 7 for priestly offerings.

A stunning third-century fresco depicting Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" emerged from a chamber tomb in İznik, Turkey - the only known example of this iconic Christian motif in Anatolia. The fresco shows Jesus as a clean-shaven young man in a simple tunic with a large horned goat across his shoulders, flanked by pairs of goats. This Roman-style depiction contrasts with later Byzantine representations and illustrates the transitional nature of third-century religious art, where Christian iconography coexisted with pagan traditions.

The frescoed chamber tomb at Hisardere Necropolis in Iznik, showing the Good Shepherd scene on the back wall.

Source: Arkeolojihaber

Excavations at Kurul Castle in Ordu, Turkey continue to uncover evidence of a royal Dionysian cult that flourished over 2,000 years ago. Terracotta figurines of young Dionysus, the pastoral god Pan, and distinctive goat-shaped ceremonial vessels point to active Dionysian cult practices within the castle walls. The discoveries take on extraordinary significance given that King Mithridates VI deliberately identified with Dionysus, with a crucial inscription from 94/93 BC explicitly referring to "King Mithridates Eupator Dionysus."

Prehistoric Ingenuity

Stone Age discoveries demonstrate the remarkable technological sophistication and adaptability of our earliest ancestors.

During excavations in Horten, eastern Norway, archaeologists uncovered a rare 9,000-year-old shaft-hole hammer that demonstrates the precision and patience of ancient toolmakers. The hammer head features a meticulously drilled hole created from both sides using a hollow deer or moose bone combined with sand and water. "It's nicely crafted," noted archaeologist Silje Hårstad, emphasizing the level of skill required for such work 9,000 years ago. The discovery was among over 5,000 artifacts from what appears to have been a thriving settlement, providing crucial evidence of the cultural shift when hunter-gatherers began transitioning to more settled communities.

Deep in Poland's peaceful Baltic shore countryside, a farmer unearthed a small beige sculpture that would rewrite northern Europe's prehistory. The "Kołobrzeg Venus," a 6,000-year-old limestone statuette measuring just 12 centimeters tall, features wide hips, prominent breasts, and no facial features, recalling the ancient Venus figurine convention. "This is the find of the century," said Aleksander Ostasz, director of the Polish Arms Museum. Radiocarbon testing established it as one of the oldest known artifacts associated with settled agricultural communities in this part of Europe, previously unknown north of the Carpathians.

In southern Dagestan, archaeologists unveiled one of 2025's most significant discoveries: a 7,000-year-old Copper Age settlement designated Dagogninskoe-2. The site reveals two distinct layers spanning millennia, with the lower Eneolithic stratum buried two meters deep. Among the most intriguing artifacts are obsidian tools, volcanic glass that could only have originated from the South Caucasus, hundreds of kilometers away. The discovery confirms that communities of the Shulaveri-Shomutepe culture spread northward into Dagestan, revolutionizing understanding of ancient migration patterns across the challenging Caucasus terrain.

Cities and Settlements

Urban archaeological sites reveal the complexity of ancient civilizations, from their architecture and infrastructure to their social organization.

Turkish archaeologists achieved a significant breakthrough at the renowned Kultepe archaeological site in central Turkey, uncovering private residences on the main mound for the first time in decades. The discovery of houses dating back approximately 4,700 years reveals that ordinary citizens lived alongside the monumental palaces and temples. Professor Fikri Kulakoglu explained that this challenges earlier assumptions that only grand structures occupied the summit. The residential quarter provides unprecedented insights into daily life in one of the ancient world's most important trading centers.

Archaeologists working beneath London's Palace of Westminster revealed remarkable prehistoric tools, medieval treasures, and architectural remains spanning six millennia. Over 60 worked flint tools from around 4300 BC were found in deep, undisturbed sands. Perhaps most spectacular was the discovery of significant remains from the medieval Lesser Hall constructed in 1167, which historians believed was completely destroyed in the 1834 fire. The discoveries demonstrate that Westminster's history extends far deeper than previously documented.

Left; Palace of Westminster, Right; Remains of the medieval Lesser Hall uncovered beneath the Palace of Westminster, showing stone walls that survived the 1834 fire and World War II bombings, Inset; Medieval lead badge. 

Source: Left; Public Domain, Right;  R&R Delivery Authority via Archaeology Magazine

Chinese archaeologists unearthed what is now considered the oldest known section of the Great Wall of China, dating back nearly 300 years earlier than previously estimated to the eighth century BC. The section known as the Qi Great Wall stretches around 400 miles across Shandong Province. Excavations revealed that the walls were built in phases, with the oldest sections measuring approximately 33 feet in width. Beneath the early walls, researchers discovered semi-underground dwellings with square foundations, suggesting local inhabitants lived in the area before fortifications were built.

Precious Metals and Treasures

Gold, silver, and precious artifacts reveal the wealth, artistry, and trade networks of ancient civilizations.

Amateur archaeologists in Poland's Grodziec Forest District made an extraordinary discovery: a stunning 5th-century Gothic gold necklace weighing 222 grams, emerging from a ceramic pot buried over 1,500 years ago. The complete gold torc features a distinctive hook and loop closure mechanism and had been carefully bent and folded to fit inside the pot. This marks the first example of a Gothic torc discovered in Polish territory, providing valuable insight into trade routes and cultural exchange between Gothic communities and local populations during the Migration Period.

Left, the torc protruding from the vessel, Right, X-ray showing the torc in the vessel.

(DENAR Kalisz - Stowarzyszenie Poszukiwaczy Śladów Historii)

A Legacy of Discovery

These thirty remarkable discoveries from 2024-2025 represent only a fraction of the archaeological treasures emerging from soil, sand, and sea around the world. Each find adds another piece to the vast puzzle of human history, revealing the ingenuity, artistry, beliefs, and daily lives of our ancestors.

From the warrior with his pristine bronze sword to the craftsperson who spent patient hours drilling a hole through stone, from the devotees who worshipped Dionysus in a mountain fortress to the early Christians who painted Jesus as the Good Shepherd, these discoveries remind us that the past is not truly past, it lives on in the objects, structures, and stories waiting to be uncovered.

• Top image: Collage of images of finds in 2025.  
• Source: AI Generated.

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{ https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-0 }

01-01-2026 om 20:37 geschreven door peter  

Mysterious Dead Sea Scrolls code finally cracked revealing 2,000-year-old biblical writings

• READ MORE: 'Lost' books of the Bible expose secrets the Church is hiding about Jesus

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

After more than 70 years, a scientist has finally decoded one of the last undeciphered writing systems among the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The breakthrough centers on the so-called Cryptic B manuscripts, two heavily damaged fragments labeled 4Q362 and 4Q363 that were long considered 'impossible' to read because they used an unfamiliar alphabet.

Researcher Emmanuel Oliveiro of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands determined that each cryptic symbol corresponded consistently to letters in Hebrew. 

Once deciphered, the fragments revealed familiar biblical phrases and themes about the end of days, including divine judgment, the coming of a Messiah and the ultimate destiny of Israel. 

Among the phrases is Yisrael (meaning 'Israel'), along with references to Judah, Jacob, and Elohim (meaning 'God').

The manuscripts were produced by the Qumran, a Jewish sect that lived near the Dead Sea more than 2,000 years ago. Known for preserving religious texts, the Qumran community's writings shed light on early Jewish beliefs, ritual practices and prophetic traditions.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, uncovered in caves near the West Bank between 1947 and 1956, include some of the oldest surviving biblical manuscripts, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and occasionally Greek. 

While Cryptic A was successfully deciphered in 1955, Cryptic B remained a mystery for decades. Its strange symbols, inconsistent handwriting, and tiny surviving fragments made it exceptionally difficult to decode. 

The Dead Sea Scrolls, uncovered in caves near the West Bank between 1947 and 1956, include some of the oldest surviving biblical manuscripts, written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and occasionally Greek 

Only two manuscripts, 4Q362 and 4Q363, use this cipher exclusively, and many pieces of these texts are damaged, with some fragments measuring just a few millimeters across. 

The surviving fragments are tiny, fragile and worn. The leather is cracked, darkened or frayed, and some pieces show margins, stitching holes or wrinkles. 

Letters were written in black ink using fine- or medium-tipped pens, but their shapes, proportions, and spacing are inconsistent, with occasional corrections or double-tracing. 

Overall, the manuscripts show significant variation both within each fragment and between the two texts, highlighting the irregular scribal execution of Cryptic B.

The content of 4Q362 appears religious in nature, employing several biblical idioms.

Fragment 21 references 'Elohim' and 'your glory,' while fragment 18 mentions 'the tents of Jacob,' echoing phrases found in Jeremiah 30:18 and Malachi 2:12. 

In these passages, Judah also plays a role. Jeremiah 30:18, for instance, promises the restoration of Israel after judgment, with God bringing back their fortunes and rebuilding their cities, signaling hope and future renewal. 

Malachi 2:12 warns against unfaithfulness in marriage, emphasizing the importance of remaining loyal to the Hebrew community. 

The breakthrough centerson the so-called Cryptic B manuscripts, two heavily damaged fragments labeled 4Q362 and 4Q363 that were long considered 'impossible' to read because they used an unfamiliar alphabet. Pictured are pieces Pieces of Dead Sea Scroll with Cryptic B

Among the phrases is Yisrael, meaning 'Israel',' (PICTURED) along with references to Judah, Jacob, and Elohim (meaning 'God')

While 4Q362 does not directly quote these passages, its idiomatic language and thematic focus suggest an affinity with prophetic judgments and eschatological promises in biblical traditions.

The fragments also included references to dates and rulers. 

For example, the use of 'the second year' and 'the fifth month' may reflect specific historical or prophetic dating conventions, similar to those found in other biblical and sectarian texts.

One of the most enigmatic features of 4Q362 is the mention of a grave in fragments 2 and 14. 

While graves appear elsewhere in the Bible, none match the details described here. Oliveiro suggested that the word for 'signposts' in fragment 14 could also mean a tombstone, hinting at a possible connection.

4Q363 is even more fragmentary and difficult to interpret, as a repeated phrase appears twice, though it is unclear whether it refers to 'her daughters' or 'her villages.' 

A common name, Benayahu, also appears, but its frequency in other texts prevents a precise identification.

Pictured is a fragments of 4Q363

The reason these messages were encoded remains uncertain, but Oliveiro proposed that the unusual scripts may have served a symbolic or ritual purpose. 

By writing in an unfamiliar alphabet, the scribes could indicate that the content was intended for a select audience, such as priestly elites or scribal initiates, enhancing the text's sacred status without altering its meaning. 

The complexity of Cryptic B lies less in the cipher itself, which is relatively simple, and more in the deliberate distortion of letter shapes, which made it appear undecipherable for decades despite containing no hidden or mystical messages.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

01-01-2026 om 17:43 geschreven door peter  

Our ancestors were CANNIBALS: Scientists discover grisly evidence ancient human species ate Neanderthal children 45,000 years ago

• READ MORE: Experts reveal what a Neanderthal–human hybrid would look like 

By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR

Early humans may have feasted on Neanderthal children 45,000 years ago, according to a grisly new study.

Researchers have analysed bones found in a Belgian cave where cannibalism was known to have taken place.

Scientists find evidence that ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago.

They revealed the six victims were children and young women who may have been cooked before being eaten.

And while the identity of the cannibals remains unknown, there's the possibility it could have been early Homo sapiens preying on rival Neanderthals, the scientists said.

The Goyet caves, first excavated in the 19th century, have yielded the most important collection of Neanderthals in northern Europe.

A 2016 study showed that a third of the 101 bones uncovered there – mainly from the lower limbs – showed traces of cannibalism with cut marks and notches.

'The composition – women and children, without adult men – cannot be coincidental: it reflects a deliberate selection of victims by the cannibals,' Isabelle Crevecoeur, research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, said.

'The fact that the cannibalized women and children came from elsewhere indicates "exocannibalism" – the consumption of individuals belonging to one or more external groups.'

The bones of at least six individuals were unearthed at the Goyet caves. Here, XX indicates the females – most likely adults or adolescents – while XY indicates the younger male children

The Goyet caves, first excavated in the 19th century, have yielded the most important collection of Neanderthals in northern Europe

The team combined genetics, isotope analysis and a detailed study of morphology to sketch a biological portrait of the cannibalised individuals.

Analysis of their DNA showed that the four adult or adolescent victims were women of small stature – around 1.5m tall – who were not from the local area. There were also two male children, one infant and one child between 6.5 and 12.5 years old.

A close look at their remains also showed evidence of circular impacts, made to break the bone in order to extract the highly calorific marrow.

All these indications have led to the conclusion that these Neanderthal women and children from elsewhere were brought to Goyet and consumed, the researchers said.

This type of behaviour is already observed in chimpanzees, with the purpose of weakening a neighbouring population or asserting territorial control.

'The Goyet site provides food for thought', Patrick Semal, another of the study's authors from the Royal Belgian Institute of National Sciences, said.

'The results indicate possible conflicts between groups at the end of the Middle Paleolithic, a period when Neanderthal groups were dwindling and Homo sapiens was in full expansion in Northern Europe.

'We cannot rule out that the cannibals were Homo sapiens, but we rather think they were Neanderthals. Some of the fragmented bones were also used to retouch stone tools, and this practice is known mainly among Neanderthals.'

An overview of the cannibalism marks found on the bones, with most appearing on the lower limbs (left) while cut marks and notches are clearly visible on these bones (right)

While the identity of the cannibals remains unknown, there's the possibility it could have been early Homo sapiens preying on rival Neanderthals Pictured: A reconstruction of the face of the oldest Neanderthal found in the Netherlands

Writing in the journal Scientific Reports the team said: 'At Goyet, the unusual demographic mortality profile of the cannibalised individuals (adolescent/adult females and young individuals) cannot be considered natural.

'Nor can it be explained solely by subsistence needs, especially given the abundant associated faunal remains that show similar butchery marks.

'At a minimum, it suggests that weaker members of one or multiple groups from a single neighbouring region were deliberately targeted.

'Although the precise causes of inter–group tensions in Pleistocene contexts remain difficult to establish, the regional chronocultural context is consistent with the hypothesis that conflict between groups played a role in the accumulation of the cannibalised individuals at Goyet.'

They said that even though Homo sapiens are not yet documented in the region at the same time as Neanderthals, there is evidence they were present at around the same time some 600km to the east in Germany.

And while the Homo sapiens predator hypothesis 'cannot be entirely ruled out', they said the most likely explanation for the cannibalism is conflict between Neanderthal groups.

Scientists have long speculated what caused the downfall of the Neanderthals, but a recent study suggests they never truly went extinct at all. 

Scientists in Italy and Switzerland claim the ancient group of archaic humans didn't experience a 'true extinction' because their DNA exists in people today.

Over as little as 10,000 years, our species, Homo sapiens, mated and produced offspring with Neanderthals as part of a gradual 'genetic assimilation'. 

'Our results highlight genetic admixture as a possible key mechanism driving their disappearance,' experts said. 

Our species, Homo sapiens, existed at the same time as Neanderthals for several thousand years, before we became dominant. 

This ancient relative had large noses, strong double–arched brow ridge and relatively short and stocky bodies, skeletal evidence shows. 

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31-12-2025 om 22:42 geschreven door peter  

6 'lost' cities archaeologists have never found

A Chinook helicopter flies over a stretch of desert in Iraq. Many ancient cities that have not been found are in the Middle East. 

(Image credit: Owen Franken/Getty Images)

Archaeologists have been very busy excavating lost civilizations, but they haven't found everything. There are still prominent ancient cities, including capitals of large kingdoms and empires, that have never been unearthed by scholars.

We know these cities exist because ancient texts describe them, but their location may be lost to time.

In a few cases, looters have found these cities, and have looted large numbers of artifacts from them. But these robbers have not come forward to reveal their location. In this countdown Live Science takes a look at six ancient cities whose whereabouts are unknown.

1. Irisagrig

Not long after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, thousands of ancient tablets from a city called "Irisagrig" began appearing on the antiquities market. From the tablets, scholars could tell that Irisagrig was in Iraq and flourished around 4,000 years ago.

Those tablets reveal that the rulers of the ancient city lived in palaces that housed many dogs. They also kept lions which were fed cattle. Those that took care of the lions, referred to as "lion shepherds," got rations of beer and bread. The inscriptions also mention a temple dedicated to Enki, a god of mischief and wisdom, and say that festivals were sometimes held within the temple.

Scholars think that looters found and looted Irisagrig around the time the 2003 U.S. invasion took place. Archaeologists have not found the city so far and the looters who did have not come forward and identified where it is.

2. Itjtawy

Egyptian pharaoh Amenemhat I (reign circa 1981 to 1952 B.C.) ordered a new capital city built. This capital was known as "Itjtawy" and the name can be translated as "the seizer of the Two Lands" or "Amenemhat is the seizer of the Two Lands." As the name suggests Amenemhat faced a considerable amount of turmoil. His reign ended with his assassination.

Despite Amenemhat's assassination, Itjtawy would remain the capital of Egypt until around 1640 B.C, when the northern part of Egypt was taken over by a group known as the "Hyksos," and the kingdom fell apart.

While Itjtawy has not been found, archaeologists think it is located somewhere near the site of Lisht, in central Egypt. This is partly because many elite burials, including a pyramid belonging to Amenemhat I, are located at Lisht.

3. Akkad

The city of Akkad (also called Agade) was the capital of the Akkadian Empire, which flourished between 2350 and 2150 B.C. At its peak the empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to Anatolia. Many of its conquests occurred during the reign of "Sargon of Akkad," who lived sometime around 2300 B.C. One of the most important structures in Akkad itself was the "Eulmash," a temple dedicated to Ishtar, a goddess associated with war, beauty and fertility.

Akkad has never been found, but it is thought to have been built somewhere in Iraq. Ancient records indicate that the city was destroyed or abandoned when the Akkadian empire ended around 2150 B.C.

4. Al-Yahudu

Al-Yahudu, a name which means "town" or "city" of Judah, was a place in the Babylonian empire where Jews lived after the kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 B.C. He sent part of the population into exile, a practice the Babylonians often engaged in after conquering a region.

About 200 tablets from the settlement are known to exist and they indicate that the exiled people who lived in this settlement kept their faith and used Yahweh, the name of God, in their names. Al-Yahudu's location has not been identified by archaeologists, but like many of these lost cities, was likely located in what is now Iraq. Given that the tablets showed up on the antiquities market, and there is no record of them being found in an archaeological excavation, it appears that at some point looters succeeded in finding its location.

5. Waššukanni

Waššukanni was the capital city of the Mitanni empire, which existed between roughly 1550 B.C. and 1300 B.C. and included parts of northeastern Syria, southern Anatolia and northern Iraq. It faced intense competition from the Hittite empire in the north and the Assyrian empire in the south and its territory was gradually lost to them.

Waššukanni has never been found and some scholars think that it may be located in northeastern Syria. The people who lived in the capital, and indeed throughout much of its empire, were known as the "Hurrians" and they had their own language which is known today from ancient texts.

6. Thinis

Thinis (also known as Tjenu) was an ancient city in southern Egypt that flourished early in the ancient civilization's history. According to the ancient writer Manetho, it was where some of the early kings of Egypt ruled from around 5,000 years ago, when Egypt was being unified. Egypt's capital was moved to Memphis a bit after unification and Thinis became the capital of a nome (a province of Egypt) during the Old Kingdom (circa 2649 to 2150 B.C.) period, Ali Seddik Othman, an inspector with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, noted in an article published in the Journal of Abydos.

Thinis has never been identified although it is believed to be near Abydos, which is in southern Egypt. This is partly because many elite members of society, including royalty, were buried near Abydos around 5,000 years ago.

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29-12-2025 om 20:21 geschreven door peter  

With such discoveries in mind, here’s a look at some of our favorite archaeological discoveries from 2025, and some of the greatest new insights we’ve obtained about the ancient world throughout the year.

A 4,000-Year-Old Labyrinth Rewrites an Ancient Myth

The unearthing of a massive, 4,000-year-old labyrinthine structure in Crete, hailed by researchers as among the most important finds of the century, captured headlines in 2025 as new details about the curious site, initially discovered in 2024, continue to emerge.

The accidental discovery, uncovered during excavations in advance of the construction of a new airport on the island, suggests that complex designs existed in the ancient world long before classical Greek accounts popularized the legend of the Minotaur and its famous labyrinth, potentially even offering support for there being at least some factual basis for the legendary structure’s existence.

A 5,000-Year-Old Spanish Tomb Reveals a Connected Ancient World

This year, the discovery of a 5,000-year-old tomb in Spain revealed unexpected evidence of long-distance cultural and material exchange in ancient Europe. Artifacts found at the site suggest that ancient communities were far more interconnected than previously assumed, sharing ideas, technologies, and symbolic practices across vast regions.

“The presence of seashells in an inland territory reflects the importance of the sea as an element of prestige and the existence of long-distance exchange networks,” explained Professor Juan Jesús Cantillo of the University of Cadiz, who was involved with the research.

Rather than isolated settlements, the tomb supports a growing view of prehistoric Europe as part of a dynamic, networked world—one in which trade routes and shared traditions linked distant populations centuries before written history.

Pompeii Continues to Yield Surprises

Excavations at Pompeii once again reshaped historians’ understanding of Roman life. This year, the intriguing placement stairway led archaeologists to evidence of a “lost” portion of the ancient city, thanks to modern 3D digital reconstructions that reveal how much of the ancient settlement was lost during the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and how it might have looked nearly 2000 years ago.

3D reconstruction of Pompeii’s ‘House of Thiasus’

(Image Courtesy of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii)

At the same time, new research into Roman concrete is helping to uncover how the material can seemingly self-heal over thousands of years. By decoding the chemical processes that underpin its durability, MIT scientists have gained insights not only into Roman engineering mastery but also into how ancient knowledge might inform modern sustainable construction.

Sunken Megaliths Off France Push Back Europe’s Timeline

Off the coast of France, archaeologists recently discovered a series of 7,000-year-old submerged megaliths, dramatically extending the known timeline of monumental stone construction in Europe. The finds suggest that large-scale architectural projects were underway centuries earlier than previously believed—and that rising sea levels may have hidden entire chapters of human history.

“Also of intrigue is the fact that local legends bear some similarities to the recent discovery,” Ryan Whalen reported for The Debrief on December 14. “Specifically, a legend from around Brittany holds that, west of the Bay of Douarnenez, a drowned city known as Ys is believed to lie at the bottom of the ocean.”

Based on recent discoveries, archaeologists who published their work in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology on December 9, 2025, believe the sunken structure could be related to traditional beliefs long associated with the region.

New Clues Near Stonehenge Challenge Old Assumptions

And finally, ongoing discoveries near the famous Stonehenge monument continue to offer new insights into Neolithic life in Britain. Among 2025’s major discoveries were a massive ring of ancient pits suggesting the presence of an ancient henge, and, more broadly, coordinated construction efforts on a scale not previously recognized, pointing to sophisticated social organization and long-term planning at the famous site.

A. Sood/Unsplash)

Meanwhile, research into the enigmatic Newall boulder overturned the idea that glaciers transported the stone to the site, instead revealing a far more deliberate human role in its placement. Together, the findings reinforce the view that Stonehenge was part of a much larger, carefully designed ceremonial landscape.

• Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

27-12-2025 om 21:29 geschreven door peter  

Located 611 meters above sea level, the Gradina site was discovered after reports involving the illegal excavation of “silver coins from Voćin” began surfacing amid Europe’s illicit antiquities markets. Efforts to track down information about the looted coin hoard ultimately helped lead archaeologists to the long-overlooked Croatian site.

Excavations Underway

Currently, excavations at the site are being led by Hrvoje Potrebica, a professor of prehistoric archaeology at the University of Zagreb. Working with colleagues, including researchers Franka Ovčarić and Luka Drahotusky-Bruket, systematic surveys and initial excavations at the site revealed the presence of stone ramparts and other features.

The site is now believed to potentially be one of the best-preserved prehistoric settlements ever uncovered in the region.

“These are some of the most visible ramparts, very well preserved, of a prehistoric settlement in this part of Croatia,” Potrebica said in a statement.

“Usually they were built of earth and wood, so they fell into disrepair,” Potrebica added, “but here it is different.”

An Ancient Site Emerges

Initial assumptions suggested the site dated to the La Tène culture of the late Iron Age, around the 1st century BCE, consistent with the Celtic silver coins first linked to the area.

That all began to change for Potrebica and his colleagues as their investigations continued, revealing discoveries that hinted at a much deeper origin for the ancient site. These included ceramic fragments the team uncovered, dating to the Late Bronze Age, roughly 1200 to 1000 BCE.

“These findings are very rare,” Potrebica said, adding that the ancient fortress structure encloses an area estimated to comprise ​​four hectares.

“At one point we decided to cut through the rampart, and we established a monumental construction consisting of three layers, earth, stone, and rammed earth, up to 2 meters high, in some places 7 to 8 meters on the outside,” Potrebica said.

A Remarkably Well-Preserved Site

In some sections, the archaeologists also uncovered a dry-stone defensive wall more than 1.5 meters thick, an exceptional level of preservation for prehistoric fortifications in this part of Europe.

Most prehistoric settlements in the region relied on perishable materials, including earth and timber defenses, and thus have largely deteriorated over time. The stone-built ramparts at Gradina, by contrast, remain clearly visible on the landscape, marking the site as a significant outlier.

This suggests a level of organization exhibited by its ancient builders, the likes of which had never been documented previously in the region during this period. Additionally, evidence of domestic structures and other signs of daily life point to its apparent use as a long-term habitation site.

“Here, at this place, we did not expect anything like this,” Potrebica said, adding that the team’s discoveries were unlike anything he had encountered in his profession in the last quarter century.

Fundamentally, the site’s rediscovery underscores both the scientific potential—and the risks—associated with illicit antiquities trafficking. Although illegal looting by metal detectorists at the site helped lead to its discovery, such activities also destroyed the original archaeological context of the artifacts removed.

Nevertheless, in this case, the removal and eventual black-market sale of coins from the ancient site led archaeologists to a novel discovery—one that is expanding our knowledge of the region’s inhabitants’ activities long before Roman or medieval times.

For Potrebica, the discoveries his team has made during their excavations are truly one of a kind.

“I have never seen anything like this,” Potrebica said.

Additional details about the team’s discovery, along with photos of the ancient site, can be found here courtesy of vpz.hr and Kristijan Toplak.

• Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

22-12-2025 om 22:24 geschreven door peter  

These ancient cities were built underground — and no one knows exactly why

Some ancient cities were carved deep below the Earth to house thousands — but no one can say for sure why they were built, or what they were hiding from.

by Ivan Petricevic

Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia, Nevsehir, Turkey

Long before steel and concrete-shaped skylines, entire cities were carved deep below the Earth. These were not just emergency shelters — these were fully developed with food storage, schools, temples, and homes. Mind-boggling ancient cities. One could hold over 20,000 people. But despite decades of research, no one knows exactly why they were built. Were they designed to protect from war, climate disaster, or something more mysterious? These hidden cities remain one of archaeology’s most enduring riddles.

Derinkuyu: A vast city buried beneath Cappadocia

In central Turkey’s Cappadocia region, the ancient city of Derinkuyu plunges 18 stories below ground. Discovered by accident in 1963 when a homeowner knocked down a wall and found a hidden room behind it, Derinkuyu revealed an enormous underground complex — complete with kitchens, wine presses, churches, ventilation shafts, and even livestock pens.

At its peak, Derinkuyu could accommodate more than 20,000 people. Stone doors could seal off sections of the city in case of invasion, and long vertical shafts provided fresh air to the deepest levels. The earliest sections may date back to around 800 BCE, with possible Hittite origins, though some scholars argue it could be even older. It was later expanded and used by early Christians fleeing persecution.

Kaymakli: A connected city beneath the stone

Not far from Derinkuyu lies Kaymakli, another underground settlement likely connected by tunnels to its larger neighbor. Unlike the vertical structure of Derinkuyu, Kaymakli spreads out horizontally, with a maze of rooms across at least five known levels — though many believe there are more yet to be discovered.

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Kaymakli was designed for community living, with homes, kitchens, storage areas, and stables all organized into clusters. Its structure suggests it was built not just for hiding, but for long-term habitation. Most experts date its active use to the Byzantine era, especially during times of regional conflict, but some of the rock-cut foundations could be much older.

Mazı: A hidden vertical city carved into the rock

Mazı is a lesser-known but equally fascinating example of ancient underground cities in the Cappadocia region. Unlike the more spacious layouts of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, Mazı is a vertical settlement, built deep into the volcanic stone with narrow passageways, hidden doors, and steep staircases.

Its design suggests a focus on defense. Invaders could be slowed or trapped in tight corridors, while residents could escape or defend themselves using hidden exits and small observation holes. Archaeological evidence links Mazı to the Roman or early Christian period, but the full timeline of its use is still uncertain.

Özkonak: Engineered for siege survival

Located in northern Cappadocia, Özkonak may be smaller than Derinkuyu, but it features some of the most sophisticated defense features ever found in ancient cities. Built with narrow shafts that allowed residents to pour boiling oil or water on attackers, it also had communication pipes that ran between levels — a rare feature not seen in other sites.

Only four levels of Özkonak have been excavated so far, but archaeologists believe there are deeper chambers waiting to be uncovered. Like many of Cappadocia’s subterranean settlements, the exact age of Özkonak is still debated, though its structure suggests it was built with long-term survival in mind.

Tatlarin: A mysterious city still under excavation

Tatlarin is one of the lesser-explored ancient cities in the region. Located near Nevşehir, it features a chapel, storage rooms, and stables — all carved into the rock. Unlike the larger underground complexes, Tatlarin remains only partially excavated, and much of it is still hidden beneath the surface.

Its layout and architecture suggest it may have served both residential and religious purposes. The lack of large-scale tourism or full excavation gives Tatlarin a unique role in understanding the broader underground building tradition in ancient Anatolia.

Why were entire cities built underground?

I believe that the real mystery behind these ancient cities isn’t just their size, but the decision to build them underground at all. Excavating stone, carving tunnels, and creating entire living systems beneath the surface was no small task. It required time, planning, and purpose.

Some historians believe the cities were designed as defensive strongholds, built to protect people from invasions during unstable periods. With hidden entrances, stone doors, and narrow corridors that could be easily defended, the idea holds weight. Others argue that the underground environment offered relief from extreme weather or natural disasters, allowing communities to survive in harsh conditions.

There is also evidence of religious use. In many of these cities, archaeologists have found chapels, altars, and Christian symbols carved into the rock. This suggests they may have served as places of refuge during times of persecution, particularly in the early centuries of Christianity.

Still, these explanations only go so far. The scale of some cities, with facilities for wine production, animal shelters, and food storage, points to long-term habitation. They were not simple hideouts. They were meant to sustain life.

Perhaps the true answer is a combination of factors, or perhaps we are still missing the bigger picture. Until more evidence comes to light, the reasons why these ancient cities were built underground will remain one of the most compelling questions in archaeology.

! https://curiosmos.com/category/ancient-civilizations/ }

 

19-12-2025 om 20:54 geschreven door peter  

Lost Egyptian temple is unearthed 4,500 years after it was built in honour of the sun god Ra

• READ MORE: Egypt restores colossal statues of Amenhotep III after 3,200 years

By JONATHAN CHADWICK, ASSISTANT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR 

Archeologists have unearthed the remains of a 4,500-year-old Egyptian temple where visitors would sky-gaze while on the roof. 

The building's remains were found at Abu Ghurab, about nine miles south of the Egyptian capital Cairo and five miles west of the River Nile. 

A 'huge' building exceeding 10,000 sq ft (1,000 square metres), the temple was dedicated to the deity Ra, the sun god and father of all creation. 

It was constructed on the orders of Pharaoh Nyuserre Ini, who reigned from approximately 2420 BC to 2389 BC during Egypt's Fifth Dynasty.  

According to Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, it had a public calendar of religious events carved into blocks and a roof for astronomical observation.

Photos show several well-persevered elements recovered from the site, including wall fragments featuring hieroglyphics and shards of pottery. 

'With a unique architectural plan, it makes it one of the largest and most prominent temples of the valley,' the ministry said in a translated Facebook post. 

'Carved stone fragments of fancy white limestone are also found, alongside large quantities of pottery.'  

The lost Egyptian temple about 10 miles south of Cairo has been unearthed 4,500 years after it was built in honour of the sun god Ra

The roof of the valley temple was probably used for astronomical observations, according to archaeologists from Italy who led the expedition 

The site was identified as early as 1901 by the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt, but groundwater levels were too high for excavations to be carried out.

But the latest excavations, which commenced in 2024, have uncovered more than half of the temple, previously buried under sediment, the ministry said. 

Work there has revealed the entrance of the temple, including the original entrance floor and the remains of a circular granite column, likely part of the entrance's porch. 

Portions of the original stone cladding of the corridor walls have also been unearthed, as well as a number of architectural elements such as granite shingles and doors. 

The mission has also discovered the remains of an internal staircase leading to the roof in the northwestern part of the temple – likely a secondary entrance – and a slope believed to have linked the temple to the Nile or one of its branches.

'The roof of the valley temple was probably used for astronomical observations but not for the celebration of the festivals,' Massimiliano Nuzzolo, an archaeologist and excavation co-director, told Live Science. 

Meanwhile, the lower level was 'used as a landing stage for the boats approaching it from the Nile or, more likely, from one of its side channels'. 

The expedition also found a distinctive collection of artifacts, including two wooden pieces of the ancient Egyptian 'Senet' game, resembling modern chess.

The ancient Egyptians enjoyed playing board games, archeological remains of playing piece fragments show, including 'Senet' resembling modern chess 

Photo show several well-persevered elements recovered from the site, including wall fragments featuring hieroglyphics and shards of pottery

'The sanctuary thus became a dwelling and one of the favourite local [games] was probably playing senet,' Nuzzolo added. 

Preliminary studies indicate that the temple, after ending its role as a place of worship, was transformed into a small residential area inhabited by locals.

Further excavation work at the site could reveal more about its history before it was smothered by sediment from the Nile. 

'The mission is preparing to continue its work in the coming seasons to explore more elements of this important archaeological site,' the ministry statement added. 

'Removing the curtain on new details [will] add much to understanding the origin and evolution of the Sun Temples in ancient Egypt.' 

Known for his devotion to the sun god, Pharaoh Nyuserre Ini was the sixth of nine kings who reigned during Egypt's Fifth Dynasty, which ruled Egypt for about 150 years. 

The Fifth Dynasty pharaohs closely identified themselves with Ra, building temples in the deity's honour. 

Hieroglyphic inscriptions found in the valley temple include a public calendar detailing religious events

The mission has first succeeded in uncovering more than half the temple, where a huge building exceeding 1000 square meters appeared

According to the belief at the time, Ra was the king of the deities and the father of all creation, as well as the deity who governed the actions of the sun. 

The Egyptians were an agricultural society living in a desert, so not surprisingly, the sun – and thereby Ra – was an integral component of their cosmos, guiding their thoughts and actions. 

Egyptians in this region relied on the sun and the Nile and the rich, fertile soil that surrounded the river for sustenance, such as bread, beer and vegetables. 

Beer was not simply a staple food for the living, but 'a symbol of status and authority', important in elite feasting and burial rituals 'in this life and the next'.  

It would have been 'a thick porridge' – likely cloudy and sweet with a low alcoholic content – that was mostly made from wheat, barley and grass. 

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17-12-2025 om 22:13 geschreven door peter  

More than 3,000 years after they were damaged by an earthquake, two of Egypt's most breathtaking monuments have been handsomely restored. 

The Colossi of Memnon are two giant alabaster statues on the other side of the Nile from Luxor, the historic city in Upper Egypt. 

Each measuring nearly 50 feet in height, they represent Amenhotep III, the powerful pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt from 1391 to 1353 BC. 

On Sunday, authorities pulled back the curtain on the repaired statues, described as 'one of the most important landmarks of the Egyptian civilization'. 

They have been restored, reassembled and raised to their original place as part of a renovation project that's lasted around two decades. 

Amenhotep III ruled ancient Egypt at the height of its powers, was worshipped as a living god, and was the grandfather of Tutankhamun.  

Michael Habicht, an archaeologist at Flinders University in Australia, said he 'promoted peace and lived in a time of the greatest economic prosperity'. 

'He might well have been one of the richest men that ever lived, at least in his epoch,' he said. 

The giant alabaster statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon, were reassembled in a renovation project that lasted about two decades

Each measuring nearly 50 feet in height, they represent Amenhotep III, the powerful pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt about 3,400 years ago

The Colossi of Memnon were originally built in 1350 BC, made from blocks of quartzite sandstone quarried near modern-day Cairo and transported 420 miles.

Both statues depict Amenhotep III seated with hands resting on his thighs, with their faces looking eastward toward the Nile and the rising sun. 

They wear the striped 'nemes' headdress surmounted by the double crowns and the pleated royal kilt, which symbolizes the pharaoh's divine rule. 

Two other small statues on the pharaoh's feet depict his wife, Tiye, while more than 100 inscriptions cover the Colossi in Greek and Latin. 

In about 1200 BC, the colossi were damaged by a strong earthquake that also destroyed Amenhotep III's nearby funerary temple. 

The statues were fragmented and partly quarried away, with their pedestals dispersed.

Some of their blocks were reused in Luxor's Karnak temple, but archaeologists brought them back to rebuild the colossi, according to the Antiquities Ministry. 

The colossi are of great significance to Luxor, a city known for its ancient temples and other antiquities and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. 

The Colossi of Memnon were originally built in 1350 BC, made from blocks of quartzite sandstone quarried near modern-day Cairo and transported 420 miles 

In late 1990s, an Egyptian German mission, chaired by German Egyptologist Hourig Sourouzian, began working in the temple area, including the assembly and renovation of the colossi

Pictured, visitors take photos with the two giant reassembled alabaster statues of Pharoah Amenhotep III, in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Sunday, December 14, 2025

They´re also an attempt to 'revive how this funerary temple of king Amenhotep III looked like a long time ago', said Mohamed Ismail, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. 

Amenhotep III, one of the most prominent pharaohs, ruled during the 500 years of the New Kingdom, which was the most prosperous time for ancient Egypt. 

The pharaoh, whose mummy is showcased at a Cairo museum, ruled between 1390-1353 BC, a peaceful period known for its prosperity, prosperity and grandeur.  

'Diplomatic letters by foreign potentates begged him to send them some gold as a present, "as gold shall be abundant in Egypt as sand",' Dr Habicht said. 

'It's the usual over-exaggeration for such a letter, but nevertheless hints towards extreme wealth.'

According to the academic, the pharaoh may also have been something of a womanizer, importing hundreds of foreign women to be part of his harem. 

'He was apparently very interested in women; he imported hundreds of foreign harem ladies and collected them as other people collect postal stamps,' he said.

Amenhotep III's reign was also known for great construction, including his mortuary temple, where the Colossi of Memnon are located, and another temple, Soleb, in Nubia. 

Amenhotep III, one of the most prominent pharaohs, ruled during the 500 years of the New Kingdom, which was the most prosperous time for ancient Egypt

Unlike other monumental sculptures of ancient Egypt, the colossi were partly compiled with pieces sculpted separately, which were fixed into each statue´s main monolithic alabaster core, the ministry said

He is thought to have died between the ages of 40 and 50, leaving his successor (son Akhenaten IV) a kingdom at the height of its power and wealth. 

Amenhotep IV would rebel against the powerful Amun priesthood, installing the sun god Aten as the top Egyptian deity.

He changed his name to Akhenaten – meaning 'beneficial to Aten' – and even moved his capital away from Thebes – the 'city of Amun' – to a new city honouring the sun god, Akhetaten.

But his son, Tutankhaten, would restore the cult of Amun to prominence, changing his name to Tutankhamun – meaning 'the living image of Amun'.

Tutankhamun would become one of history's most famous pharaohs thanks to the discovery of his tomb in 1922, which was largely intact and contained many of its original artifacts.

WERE KING TUTANKHAMUN'S PARENTS ALSO COUSINS?

The complex family arrangements of Tutankhamun has been one of the great mysteries surrounding the young king.

While his father was known to have been Pharaoh Akhenaten, the identity of his mother has been far more elusive.

DNA testing has shown that Queen Tiye, whose mummy is pictured above, was the grandmother of the Egyptian Boy King Tutankhamun

In 2010 DNA testing confirmed a mummy found in the tomb of Amenhotep II was Queen Tiye, the chief wife of Amenhotep III, mother of Pharaoh Akhenanten, and Tutankhamun's grandmother.

A third mummy, thought to be one of Pharaoh Akhenaten wives, was found to be a likely candidate as Tutankhamun's mother, but DNA evidence showed it was Akhenaten's sister.

Later analysis in 2013 suggested Nefertiti, Akhenaten's chief wife, was Tutankhamun's mother.

However, the work by Marc Gabolde, a French archaeologist, has suggested Nefertiti was also Akhenaten's cousin.

This incestuous parentage may also help to explain some of the malformations that scientists have discovered afflicted Tutankhamun.

He suffered a deformed foot, a slightly cleft palate and mild curvature of the spine.

However, his claims have been disputed by other Egyptologists, including Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.

His team's research suggests that Tut's mother was, like Akhenaten, the daughter of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. 

Hawass added that there is 'no evidence' in archaeology or philology to indicate that Nefertiti was the daughter of Amenhotep III.

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16-12-2025 om 21:47 geschreven door peter  

Ancient cubed-shaped skull found in Mexico challenges human history

• MORE:  Mysterious species found living alongside our earliest ancestors deemed missing link in evolution

By CHRIS MELORE, US ASSISTANT SCIENCE EDITOR

An ancient cube-shaped skull unearthed in Mexico is rewriting our understanding of the ancient world, revealing a completely unique member of a society from 1,400 years ago.

This remarkable skull belonged to a man over 40 years old who lived during Mexico's Classic period, roughly between 400 and 900 AD, according to specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

It was discovered at the Balcón de Montezuma archaeological site in the mountainous northern Huasteca region of Mexico's Tamaulipas state.

Researchers determined through bone and teeth analysis that the man was born, lived his entire life, and died right there in the local mountains, with no evidence he ever moved or lived in another region.

The team added that the find was 'unprecedented' in this part of the world as a skull deformed to resemble a cube had never been found near Huasteca before.

The skull's unique appearance was the result of intentional cranial deformation, a practice where flat boards and bandages were pressed against a baby's soft head for years to mold it into a square shape.

This deformation was likely done without causing pain, as the skull bones of an infant are malleable, allowing families to gradually reshape the head as a cultural tradition.

Experts believe such rituals were performed to signify beauty, social status, or even spiritual connections in ancient Mesoamerican societies.

Researchers in Mexico have discovered a man's skull which was deformed to take the shape of a cube roughly 1,400 years ago (Pictured)

The skull was found at the Balcón de Montezuma archaeological site in the northern Huasteca region of Mexico's Tamaulipas state

Archaeologists have previously uncovered a variety of intentionally modified skulls across ancient Mexico, particularly elongated cone-like shapes among the Olmec and Maya.

Those cone-shaped skull changes are believed to have been achieved by gently binding infants' soft heads with cloth and bandages during the first months or years of their lives.

To the ancient Mesoamericans, these oddly-shaped skulls held a different significance depending on the ancient civilization making the changes to their babies. For example, the ancient Maya are believed to have done this for social status and beauty.

However, the newly discovered cube skull has left researchers with a mystery, as the team from INAH could not explain why this man was the only human to undergo this procedure in Tamaulipas.

Cube-shaped skulls, with their flattened tops that create a boxy profile, have typically been found at distant sites like El Zapotal in Veracruz and scattered Maya settlements in southeastern Mexico, far from the northern mountains where this fossil turned up.

With that in mind, the research team decided to test if the 40-year-old was truly a native of the northern Huasteca region.

Scientists looked at specific clues hidden in his bones and teeth. These clues are called 'stable oxygen isotopes,' or different versions of oxygen atoms that don't change over time.

The exact mix of these oxygen versions in bones and teeth come from the water a person drinks throughout their life.

The research team was able to confirm that this man spent his entire life in the region, making his cube-shaped skull more of a mystery since this ritual was unusual for the area

Water in different places, such as in rainy mountains or dry coasts, has its own unique oxygen 'fingerprint' because of the local climate and geography.

By testing those oxygen fingerprints in the man's tooth enamel, which formed in childhood, and bone collagen, which updates through adulthood, researchers saw the same mountain water pattern in both.

That made it a match for the local mountain water this person likely drank his whole life in Mexico's northern mountains.

Physical anthropologist Jesús Ernesto Velasco González said: 'Stable oxygen isotope studies in collagen and bioapatite samples from bone and teeth, a technique used to infer the geographic origin of the second individual's skeletal remains, indicate that he was born, lived, and died in this part of the mountains.'

'Therefore, the results rule out a direct mobility relationship with the groups of El Zapotal or those further south,' the researcher continued in a statement translated to English.

While the team is still trying to crack the mystery behind the cube-shaped skull, they said it likely wasn't just about looking different, but may have been a symbol of belonging to a larger cultural family that stretched across hundreds of miles of Mexican coastline.

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15-12-2025 om 18:07 geschreven door peter  

Ancient Egypt's origin story rewritten after scientists reveal new timeline for its most powerful era

• READ MORE: Hidden mega-structures beneath Egypt's Giza pyramids are 'confirmed' by scientists

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

A new discovery has rewritten the timeline of Egypt's early dynasties, placing the rise of the New Kingdom nearly a century later than previously thought.

The New Kingdom, which lasted from 1550 to 1070 BCE, was Egypt's peak of power, wealth, and territorial expansion, the era of famous rulers like Tutankhamun. 

It began with the 18th Dynasty, founded by Pharaoh Ahmose I, who reunited Egypt and expelled the Hyksos invaders, restoring central authority after a period of fragmentation.

Now, scientists have confirmed that the massive Santorini (Thera) volcanic eruption occurred before the reign of Ahmose, meaning the 18th Dynasty, and the New Kingdom itself, rose later than previously believed. 

Until now, historians had often assumed the eruption might have coincided with the early New Kingdom, and some researchers even tried to link it to specific pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III or Ahmose I.

The breakthrough comes from radiocarbon dating of Egyptian artifacts from the 17th and early 18th Dynasties. 

Researchers examined a mudbrick stamped with Ahmose's name, a linen burial cloth, and wooden funerary figures called shabtis, all of which were directly tied to known pharaohs and their temples. 

Because these objects are anchored to specific historical contexts, their ages provide a reliable snapshot of the period. The study shows that the eruption predates these artifacts, reshaping how historians understand the rise of Egypt's most powerful period.

By reanalyzing ancient Egyptian artifacts, like a brick stamped with a pharaoh's seal, scientists were able to change the timeline

Scientists have confirmed that the massive Santorini (Thera) volcanic eruption occurred before the reign of Ahmose, meaning the 18th Dynasty, and the New Kingdom itself, rose later than previously believed 

The Santorini volcano, located about 75 miles north of Crete, is surrounded by the small islands of Thera, Therasia, and Aspronisi. 

Over time, it has produced many large, explosive eruptions, but the most famous occurred during the Late Minoan IA period, around 1600 to 1480 BC. 

This eruption buried the town of Akrotiri on southern Thera under thick layers of volcanic ash. 

Fine ash was carried by winds and fell as far away as eastern Crete, demonstrating the eruption's enormous regional impact.

Traditionally, the Thera eruption has been linked to Egypt's 18th Dynasty, with scholars using it as a rough marker for dating early New Kingdom events. 

However, the new radiocarbon analysis showed the eruption actually occurred earlier, during the Second Intermediate Period, a time before Egypt had fully reunited under Ahmose. 

This means that previous assumptions tying the eruption directly to the early New Kingdom were incorrect.

'This study provides the first direct radiocarbon comparison between the Thera eruption and Egyptian artifacts from this transitional period,' said the researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of Groningen.

Researchers examined a mudbrick stamped with Ahmose's name, a linen burial cloth, and wooden funerary figures called shabtis (pictured), all of which were directly tied to known pharaohs and their temples

'It allows us to anchor one of the most dramatic natural events in the eastern Mediterranean to Egypt's own historical timeline for the first time.'

The findings carry broader implications for our understanding of the ancient world.

By showing that the eruption happened earlier than previously thought, historians and archaeologists can now reassess cultural and trade interactions between Egypt, Crete, and other Mediterranean regions.

This includes everything from the movement of goods and ideas to migrations prompted by natural disasters.

The research also demonstrated the power of modern science to reshape what we know about ancient history. 

Even civilizations studied for thousands of years, like Ancient Egypt, can have their timelines refined through new techniques and careful analysis. 

The results support the 'low chronology' model, which positions the start of the 18th Dynasty a bit later than previously thought. 

Photograph published in 1916, showing four 12th Dynasty shabtis and one shabti attributed by him to the 17th Dynasty

Pictured is the Khufu Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid, in Giza Pyramid Complex.

As lead author Hendrik J Bruins put it, “Our findings indicate that the Second Intermediate Period lasted considerably longer than traditional assessments, and the New Kingdom started later.” 

Although the adjustment is modest in years, it carries major historical significance.

Ahmose’s reunification of Egypt marks a critical turning point, and moving its date reshapes how scholars understand the political and cultural transformation that ushered in Egypt’s New Kingdom. 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

13-12-2025 om 21:45 geschreven door peter  

“With this paper, we wanted to clearly define a technology and associate it with the Roman period in the year 79 C.E.,” explained MIT Associate Professor Admir Masic.

How ‘Hot Mixing’ Gave Roman Concrete its Self-Healing Properties

According to a press release announcing the research, the first person to document the process of making Roman concrete was Vitruvius in his 1st-century BCE text “De architectura.” Although the ancient text is considered the first known book to discuss architectural theory, the process it describes for mixing Roman concrete has created a modern-day controversy.

According to Vitruvius, the Romans added water to lime to create a concrete predecessor. After this step was completed, other ingredients, such as volcanic ash, were added to make the final concrete product. Unfortunately for the ancient scholar, a 2023 study of Roman concrete by Professor Masic and his collaborators showed that this mixture would not have resulted in the robust, long-lasting material we see today.

“Having a lot of respect for Vitruvius, it was difficult to suggest that his description may be inaccurate,” Professor Masic said.

Instead, the original study found that lime fragments, volcanic ash, and other dry ingredients were mixed separately before water was added. Once the mixed dry materials and water were stirred, they would produce heat.

Described by Masic’s team as “hot mixing,” the process traps and preserves the lime as small, gravel-like features. Because lime is highly reactive, these preserved ‘clasts’ can fill in cracks and re-dissolve. Scientists believe this self-healing property is among the key reasons Roman concrete has persevered for over 2,000 years.

New Analysis Finds Vitruvius Was Wrong

To confirm or refute Viruvius’ account, Masic’s team gained access to an ancient concrete wall that was in the process of being built. The site also contained fully completed buttresses and a structural wall, the latter including examples of mortar repairs still visible after two millennia.

“We were blessed to be able to open this time capsule of a construction site and find piles of material ready to be used for the wall,” Masic said of the ancient Pompeian site.

After performing several tests, the researchers determined that the ancient walls and buttresses offered “the clearest evidence yet” that jot mixing was responsible for the strength and durability of Roman concrete. For example, the samples collected at the site contained the lime clasts Masic’s team had described in 2023.

The team also discovered a dry raw-material pile containing intact fragments of quicklime that had been pre-mixed with other dry materials. The researchers note that premixing the dry ingredients before adding the water to generate a heat reaction is a “critical first step” in hot-mixed concrete production.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/science/ }

12-12-2025 om 20:33 geschreven door peter  

Archaeologists Discover Earliest Evidence of Fire-Making

rchaeologists have unearthed 400,000-year-old heated sediments and fire-cracked flint handaxes alongside two fragments of pyrite — a mineral used in later periods to strike sparks with flint — at Barnham, Suffolk, the United Kingdom. The discovery shows humans were making fire around 350,000 years earlier than previously known.

An artist’s impression of fire at Barnham around 400,000 years ago.

Image credit: Craig Williams / The Trustees of the British Museum.

The ability of humans to make and maintain fires marks an important moment in human development: fires provided warmth, offered protection from predators and enabled cooking, which expanded the range of foods that could be consumed.

Indications of fires in sites inhabited by humans date to more than one million years ago.

However, determining when humans learned how to create fire is challenging.

Fire use probably began with opportunistic harvesting of natural wildfires before our ancestors mastered the art of deliberately starting fires.

Previous evidence for early fire-making has been found at Neanderthal sites in France dating to 50,000 years ago, where handaxes that seem to have been used to strike pyrite to create sparks have been found.

The new evidence discovered by Professor Nick Ashton, an archaeologist with the British Museum and the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, and his colleagues suggests that fire-making may have been happening 400,000 years ago in Barnham, the United Kingdom.

The archaeologists discovered heated sediments in ancient soils along with fire-cracked flint handaxes.

These features indicate that fire was being controlled in a human settlement, but it is the third finding that suggests that the fire-making was deliberate.

Two fragments of pyrite were discovered on the site; however, this mineral is rare in this region, leading the researchers to propose that pyrite was purposefully brought to the site to be used for fire-making.

Together, the findings indicate complex behavior in ancient humans at the Barnham site.

For example, these humans may have understood the properties of pyrite to use it as part of a fire-making kit.

Developing this skill would have provided many benefits, including the ability to cook food and potentially driving the advancement of technologies such as glue-making for hafted tools, which may have contributed to notable developments in human behavior.

“The people who made fire at Barnham at 400,000 years ago were probably early Neanderthals, based on the morphology of fossils around the same age from Swanscombe, Kent, and Atapuerca in Spain, who even preserve early Neanderthal DNA,” said Professor Chris Stringer, a paleoanthropologist at Natural History Museum, London.

“This is the most remarkable discovery of my career, and I’m very proud of the teamwork that it has taken to reach this groundbreaking conclusion,” Professor Ashton said.

“It’s incredible that some of the oldest groups of Neanderthals had the knowledge of the properties of flint, pyrite and tinder at such an early date.”

“The implications are enormous,” said Dr. Rob Davis, a project curator at the British Museum.

“The ability to create and control fire is one of the most important turning points in human history with practical and social benefits that changed human evolution.”

“This extraordinary discovery pushes this turning point back by some 350,000 years.”

• The discovery is reported in a paper published today in the journal Nature.
• R. Davis et al. Earliest evidence of making fire. Nature, published online December 10, 2025; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09855-6

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{ https://www.sci.news/news/archaeology }

11-12-2025 om 22:07 geschreven door peter  

A team of Italian scientists took the world by storm last March when they announced the discovery of a colossal underground complex plunging nearly 3,500 feet beneath Egypt's Giza Plateau and linking chambers the size of city blocks.

Now Filippo Biondi, the radar engineer who developed the imaging method, has gone public with evidence that he said leaves little room for doubt.

In a new interview on Jesse Michels' American Alchemy podcast, Biondi revealed that four independent satellite operators, Umbra, Capella Space, ICEYE and Italy's Cosmo-SkyMed, all returned identical raw tomography data showing the same structures.

'All four satellites gave exactly the same results,' Biondi said. 'That is really amazing. We cannot announce anything without these basic scientific methods.'

Using a technique he pioneered called synthetic aperture radar Doppler tomography, Biondi's team measures microscopic vibrations on the Earth's surface. 

Those vibrations carry acoustic 'fingerprints' from objects thousands of feet underground, allowing the software to reconstruct 3D images even though the radar waves themselves never penetrate the soil.

The scans reveal eight massive hollow cylinders dropping straight down from the base of the Khafre pyramid, the middle of the three great pyramids. 

Each shaft has a central column wrapped in perfect helical coils and terminates more than 3,500 feet below the plateau in 260 × 260 × 260-foot cubic chambers, larger than most modern sports arenas.

The Italian scientists who claimed to have found hidden structures beneath Egypt's Giza pyramids said four independent satellite operators all returned identical raw tomography data showing the same structures

'The pyramids are the tip of the iceberg,' Biondi declared. 'It's just a hat to complete something that is located underneath. The substance is below.

'When asked if the spirals could be natural formations, he shot back: "100 percent. It's man-made. You do not find perfect coils like this in geology".'

However, many mainstream experts, including Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass, have dismissed the findings as 'fake news' since they were announced this spring. 

Hawass has pushed back on the claims, arguing that the radar technology cannot penetrate beneath the pyramid to the extent the Italian researchers suggest 

But the criticism has not stopped the Italian researchers, as they have found the same signature in smaller form under the third pyramid, Menkaure, and as a single giant shaft beneath the Sphinx. 

Identical spiral-shaft geometry was also detected 30 miles away at Hawara, the site ancient writers called the Labyrinth.

The Giza complex consists of three pyramids, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, built 4,500 years ago on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River in northern Egypt. 

So far, the team has measured a depth of over 3,280 feet, more than half a mile down.

The structures appeared like tubes, a total of eight, descending from the base of the pyramid to what looked like huge chambers more than 260 feet wide and 260 feet high, sitting at the bottom.

Filippo Biondi (left) made the announcement while speaking with podcast host Jesse Michels

The team said the technology captured enormous chambers (pictured) at the bottom of the shafts

The scans also captured a spiral-like structure around each of the eight shafts.

Read More

• Scientists discover mysterious form of energy in Egypt's pyramids that should only exist in modern times 

Biondi admitted he and his team do not know the purpose of these structures, but theorized the spirals could be stairs or cables wrapped around each one. 

'I can say that this structure, the tubes extending beneath the pyramid, seems to be related to information,' he said.

'Generating energy is a kind of information. Information is everything.' 

To silence skeptics who claimed the images were AI hallucinations, Biondi pointed to blind tests, including his method perfectly imaged Italy's Gran Sasso underground physics laboratory,  buried inside a mountain 125 miles away, with 100 percent accuracy.

The team has already submitted a formal proposal to Egyptian authorities under the Khafre Research Project. 

The plan requires no drilling, as existing shafts between the Sphinx and Khafre pyramid, currently filled with centuries of debris, appear in the scans to be service entrances leading directly into the kilometer-deep complex.

The iconic pyramids of Giza are already one of the world's greatest enigmas. But in March, the mystery deepened when a team of Italian scientists said they found a vast city and network of tunnels stretching thousands of feet below the Egyptian structures

'We only need permission to clean them and descend,' Biondi said. 'If they approve before the end of this year, physical exploration could begin in 2026.'

Podcast host Jesse Michels, visibly stunned, closed the interview with: 'After this conversation, I'm convinced on a lot of it. 

'These kinds of discoveries are speeding up. Humanity feels ready.'

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/index.html }

09-12-2025 om 23:19 geschreven door peter  

Stunning treasure trove discovered in ancient Egyptian tomb rewrites history

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR and AFP

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a stunning treasure trove hidden inside an ancient royal tomb, a discovery so rare it is rewriting history. 

Buried deep beneath the sands of Tanis, researchers found 225 exquisitely crafted funerary figurines arranged in a mysterious ceremonial pattern, yet the tomb itself was empty of a body. 

The find has electrified the archaeological world, not only for its scale but for its baffling implications. 

More than half of the figurines are female, an almost unheard-of feature in royal burials, raising new questions about funerary customs during Egypt’s fractured Third Intermediate Period. 

The figurines were laid out in a star-like formation and in perfect horizontal rows, suggesting an intentional ritual design untouched for nearly 3,000 years. 

This is the first time in almost 80 years that figurines have been discovered undisturbed inside a royal tomb at Tanis, making it one of the most significant finds at the site since the 1940s. 

Most astonishing of all, the royal symbols on the miniature servants confirm that the empty tomb belonged to Pharaoh Shoshenq III, a ruler whose final resting place has puzzled Egyptologists for decades.  He reigned from 830 to 791 BC.

The revelation overturns long-held assumptions and reignites the mystery of why the pharaoh never made it into his own tomb. 

A total o  f 225 funerary figurines, crafted as servants to accompany the dead into the afterlife, were uncovered. The discovery led the team to find that the tomb belonged to Pharaoh Shoshenq III, who reigned from 830 to 791 BC

More than half of the figurines are female, a rare feature for such tombs

The excavation team carefully removed the figurines over 10 days, working through the night to preserve their fragile condition. 

After the study, the figurines will be displayed in an Egyptian museum, offering the public a rare glimpse into the burial practices of one of Egypt's most enigmatic pharaohs.

French egyptologist Frederic Payraudeau told reporters in Paris on Friday that the discovery was 'astonishing' because the walls of a different tomb at the site, and the largest sarcophagus there, bear his name.

'Why isn't he buried in this tomb?' the Payraudeau asked.

'Obviously, for a pharaoh, building a tomb is a gamble because you can never be sure your successor will bury you there,' he said.

'Clearly, we have new proof that these gambles are not always successful,' Payraudeau said with a smile.

Shoshenq III ruled during Egypt’s Third Intermediate Period, a time marked by political fragmentation and frequent power struggles.

His four-decade reign was turbulent, marred by a 'very bloody civil war between upper and lower Egypt, with several pharaohs fighting for power,' he said.

Picture is the area where the tomb was excuvat

So it is possible that the royal succession did not go as planned and the pharaoh was not buried in his chosen tomb.

Another possibility is that his remains were moved later due to looting.

French Egyptologist Pierre Montet first uncovered the limestone tomb in 1939, located adjacent to the Temple of Amun. 

Although the tomb had been looted in ancient times, the largest of its four chambers still held the granite sarcophagus of Osorkon II, a pharaoh of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty. 

The team has already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.

'When we saw three or four figurines together, we knew right away it was going to be amazing,' Payraudeau said.

'I ran out to tell my colleagues and the officials. After that, it was a real struggle. It was the day before the weekend, normally, we stop at 2 pm. We thought: 'This is not possible.''

Such a find has also never happened before further south in Egypt's Valley of the Kings near modern Luxor,  apart from the tomb of the famous boy king Tutankhamun in 1922, because most such sites have been looted throughout history, Payraudeau added. 

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06-12-2025 om 23:21 geschreven door peter