Archaeology

Humans have left clues of our existence throughout time, leaving behind burials, artifacts and written records that hint at our evolution, beliefs, practices and cultures. Studying the archaeological record shows us that the oldest known bones belonging to Homo sapiens are 300,000 years old, or that the world’s oldest civilizations arose at least 6,000 years ago.
Whether you’re looking for facts about the ancient Egyptians, the discovery of an ancient human skull, a gold hoard dating to the fall of the Roman Empire or how the latest technology is helping us find hidden pyramids, Live Science's expert science writers and editors are here to give you the latest coverage on our past with archaeology news, articles and features.
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Painted saddle found in Mongolian tomb is oldest of its kind
By Kristina Killgrove published
A fifth century Mongolian saddle is one of the earliest examples of evidence of modern horse riding.

The Great Wall of China is being held together by 'biocrusts'
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Ancient workers used a blend of organic materials such as mosses and lichen to build the architectural marvel and help protect it from erosion.

3,500-year-old axes potentially used for 'cult practice' discovered in Polish forest
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Five axes found in Poland date to 3,500 years ago, and may have been used as either tools to chop wood or for sacrificial purposes.

Temple linked to Hercules and Alexander the Great discovered in ancient megacity in Iraq
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Archaeologists have discovered two temples, one buried atop the other, in the ancient megacity of Girsu in Iraq. One temple is linked to Hercules and Alexander the Great.

Ancient Egypt's sacred baboons had tough lives, study suggests
By Tom Metcalfe published
Ancient baboon mummies show signs of poor diet and lack of sunlight during captivity.

Ancient 'curse tablet' may show earliest Hebrew name of God
By Tom Metcalfe last updated
Archaeologists working in the West Bank say they've discovered a tiny lead "curse tablet" that may include the oldest known mention of the Hebrew name of God "Yahweh" ever found.

Byzantine gold coin with 'face of Jesus' unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
A metal detectorist stumbled upon a rare gold coin while exploring the mountains in southern Norway.

'Curse tablet' with oldest Hebrew name of god is actually a fishing weight, experts argue
By Tom Metcalfe published
Researchers say they see no sign of an inscription on a tablet previously thought to contain the Hebrew name for the god Yahweh.
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