Archaeology
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![A large blue diamond encircled with smaller white diamonds as see at a museum.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bBxbsDfNiPogNatAoWogkF-320-80.jpg)
The Hope Diamond: The 'cursed' blue gemstone coveted by royalty
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
One of the most desired gems in the world is believed to be cursed. But what is the Hope Diamond's history, value and worth?
![A couple stands next to a row of giant statues on Rapa Nui by the beach.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PeLSpepSTzYeCwDv6YSoVn-320-80.jpg)
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and its famous Moai statues
By Owen Jarus published
The island of Rapa Nui, the most isolated inhabited landmass on Earth, is known for its massive Moai statues.
![Moai Figures at Easter Island](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F8kbVzSzfC4HHUjFSprRdK-320-80.jpg)
Easter Island's population never collapsed because it never got that big, researchers suggest
By Kristina Killgrove published
Easter Island never had a catastrophic population collapse, researchers propose in a new study that looks at archaeological rock gardens.
![Voodoo statues used for voodoo ceremonies in Abomey, Benin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GqcKSJjn3iTKARVNDu3KEH-320-80.jpg)
Royal tomb in Benin has traces of human blood on its walls, hinting at human sacrifice, study finds
By Tom Metcalfe published
Researchers examining the wall of a ceremonial tomb in Benin found proteins that could have come only from human blood.
![In this Assyrian relief, we see men on horses surrounding a city](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NBJRaEtBuXfgTRxda7Uj98-320-80.jpg)
Long-lost Assyrian military camp devastated by 'the angel of the Lord' finally found, scientist claims
By Owen Jarus published
Has a scholar located two Assyrian military camps mentioned in the Hebrew bible?
![Eight stone catapult shots sit in the grass in front of a medieval castle.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/erit7arPbZmueX9hQGsGdV-320-80.jpg)
8 stone catapult shots linked to King Henry III discovered at besieged British castle
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Eight stone catapult shots used during the siege of Kenilworth Castle, which lasted 172 days in the 13th century, were unearthed in "perfect" condition.
![An underwater view of hundreds of artifacts, including pieces of pottery and ceramics.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TtLeTKbfRqSJMuRQCYv6cf-320-80.jpg)
Ming dynasty shipwrecks hide a treasure trove of artifacts in the South China Sea, excavation reveals
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Researchers have retrieved hundreds of artifacts, including porcelain items, copper coins and ornate pieces of pottery.
![two different images of the same papyrus on a computer screen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9oxgS2m53pnhdHWGSvQ4CE-320-80.jpg)
Newly deciphered papyrus describes 'miracle' performed by 5-year-old Jesus
By Owen Jarus published
A manuscript written in the fourth or fifth century describes how Jesus brought clay birds to life as a child.
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