Archaeology

Archaeology is fundamentally the study of humanity and its past. Archaeologists study things that were created, used or changed by humans. They do this by studying the material remains — the stuff we leave behind.

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Tooth Tales: Prehistoric Plaque Reveals Early Humans Ate Weeds

Ancient Skeleton Found in Central Sudan

July 16th, 2014

When looking for a meal, prehistoric people in Africa munched on the tuberous roots of weeds such as the purple nutsedge, according to a new study of hardened plaque on samples of ancient teeth.

Earliest Case of Down Syndrome Discovered in Medieval Cemetery

skeleton of child from medieval france who may have had Down syndrome.

A young child who died 1,500 years ago is the earliest probable case of Down syndrome in the archaeological record, say scientists who examined the child's skeleton, particularly the skull.

In Photos: World Heritage Sites Dazzle With Culture & Beauty

Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex

June 23rd, 2014

The World Heritage Committee announced new sites on June 23, 2014, including one full of mysterious stone spheres, remnants of a medieval Eurasian city, a wildlife sanctuary and a site holding evidence of the space rock that doomed the dinosaurs.

Clay Tokens Used As 'Contracts' Even After Invention of Writing

Ancient Clay Tokens Used for Record-Keeping

July 16th, 2014

Thousands of years after the invention of a formal writing system, a new study finds that the ancient people of the Middle East may have continued to use a more primitive way of recording information: clay tokens.

4,000-Year-Old Burial with Chariots Discovered in South Caucasus

the roof of a 4,000-year-old burial chamber

June 25th, 2014

Archaeologists in the country of Georgia have discovered an ancient burial containing oxen-pulled chariots, gold artifacts and possible human sacrifices.

Caveman Campsite Unearthed at Construction Site in London

Construction is underway in London's Battersea neighborhood for the new U.S. Embassy. But long before the site was set aside for diplomacy, it may have been a caveman campground.

Origins of Inebriation Revealed

Guy drinking beer.

In prehistoric Eurasia, drugs and alcohol were originally reserved for ritual ceremonies, and weren't used merely to satisfy hedonistic motives, research suggests. They used alcohol and psychoactive plants to communicate with the spiritual world.

Ancient Synagogue Mosaic Depicts Bloody Jewish Legend

The new mosaic discovered in an ancient synagogue in Israel depicts a story from Jewish legend. Alexander is one of the characters from the legend.

July 11th, 2014

A mosaic discovered in an ancient synagogue in Galilee depicts a bloody battle scene instead of a traditional Biblical scene.

Iron Age Hillfort Open to Tourists This Summer

The excavation of the massive hillfort has taken five years.

June 24th, 2014

The 5-year excavation of the hillfort at Burrough Hill comes to a close this summer.

American's Visit to China's Forbidden City Revealed in Old Journal

image of China's Forbidden City

Newly analyzed artifacts and a 200-year-old journal reveal the remarkable tale of the first American citizen to enter China's Forbidden City and meet the emperor.