10 Groundbreaking Human Evolution Discoveries From 2025
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.
The 13 fossil teeth collected in the Ledi-Geraru Research Area from 2015-2018.
(Brian Villmoare/ASU)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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.
Stone tools were first found at the Barnham site in eastern Britain, where the pyrite was found, in the early 1900s. Archaeologists resumed excavations there in 2013, leading to the new discovery.
Jordan Mansfield/Courtesy of Pathways to Ancient Britain Project
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."
By Gary Manners
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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.
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
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
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.
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
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."
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.
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.
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)
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.
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Mysterious Dead Sea Scrolls code finally cracked revealing 2,000-year-old biblical writings
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.
Our ancestors were CANNIBALS: Scientists discover grisly evidence ancient human species ate Neanderthal children 45,000 years ago&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium)
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.
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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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.
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5,000-year old 'cultic space' discovered in Iraq dates to time of the world's first cities
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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Archaeology in 2025: Here Are Several of This Year’s Most Fascinating Ancient Discoveries
Many fascinating discoveries and new insights into the curiosities of the ancient world have been unearthed throughout 2025.
Archaeological findings over the last 12 months have helped push back the timescales for ancient construction in Europe and elsewhere, while the unearthing of unique artifacts has added new clues to our understanding of ancient life. Additionally, several discoveries in 2025 have even helped bridge the gap between ancient history and mythology.
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.
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.
(Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture)
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.
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.
Credit: University of Cadiz
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.
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.
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.
(Image Credit: SAMM, 2023/Yves Fouquet et al. / International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (2025))
“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.
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.
“We Did Not Expect Anything Like This”: How a Black-Market Archaeological Discovery Helped Unearth a Lost Ancient Fortress
A collection of silver coins sold on the black market has led European archaeologists to the discovery of a monumental prehistoric fortress.
The 3000-year-old site, hidden away in the Papuk Mountains of eastern Croatia, presents previously unknown evidence of complex fortifications that once existed in the region.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
These ancient cities were built underground — and no one knows exactly why
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.
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.
Tunnels in the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
One of the doors inside the underground city of Özkonak.
Wikimedia commons.
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 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.
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.
Lost Egyptian temple is unearthed 4,500 years after it was built in honour of the sun god Ra
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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Egypt restores one of the most important landmarks of the ancient Egyptian civilization: Colossal statues show Amenhotep III in all his glory
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.
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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