Latest articles by Kristina Killgrove
Ash Pendant: The only known depiction of a pregnant Viking woman
The Ash Pendant was discovered in a Viking Age burial mound in Sweden and may have been used by a female shaman.
2,400-year-old 'sacrificial complex' uncovered in Russia is the richest site of its kind ever discovered
The "sacrificial complex" contained hundreds of bits of horse bridles and bronze beads, revealing a new aspect of ancient nomadic peoples' funeral rituals.
Unusual, 1,400-year-old cube-shaped human skull unearthed in Mexico
Archaeologists discovered an unusually flat-topped skull at a pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican site.
Male human heads found in a 'skull pit' in an ancient Chinese city hint at sex-specific sacrifice rituals
A genetic study of 80 skulls found at a Stone Age city in China has revealed that the sacrificed people were mostly men, in contrast to previous assumptions.
Volcanic eruption triggered 'butterfly effect' that led to the Black Death, researchers find
A volcanic eruption in 1345 may have kicked off a series of events that led to the Black Death sweeping through medieval Europe.
'An extreme end of human genetic variation': Ancient humans were isolated in southern Africa for nearly 100,000 years, and their genetics are stunningly different
Ancient genomes from southern Africa show that people evolved in isolation for upward of 100,000 years.
Elaborate 2,700-year-old tomb in Greece contains burial of a woman with an upside-down crown
A lavish tomb of a noblewoman discovered in ancient Greece includes a mysterious symbol of lost power.
'We do not know of a similar case': 4,000-year-old burial in little-known African kingdom mystifies archaeologists
Remains of what was likely a funeral feast were discovered in a 4,000-year-old jug in Africa.
Roman sun hat: A 'very rare' 1,600-year-old brimmed cap that may have protected a Roman soldier from Egyptian sandstorms
A rare example of a sun hat from late Roman Egypt that was stitched together from fabrics in five colors.
Modern humans arrived in Australia 60,000 years ago and may have interbred with archaic humans such as 'hobbits'
New genetic research shows that DNA and archaeological evidence align with the "long chronology" of the peopling of Australia.
Archaeology Fragments Quiz: Can you work out what these mysterious artifacts are?
Break out your best magnifying glass to solve these visual archaeology puzzles.
2,000-year-old gold ring holds clue about lavish cremation burial unearthed in France
A lavish cremation tomb found in France may point to funeral rites for an adolescent boy.
'I had never seen a skull like this before': Medieval Spanish knight who died in battle had a rare genetic condition, study finds
The extremely long skull of a medieval knight points to an underlying genetic condition.
Neanderthals cannibalized 'outsider' women and children 45,000 years ago at cave in Belgium
Fragmented Neanderthal bones discovered in a cave in Belgium show that one group cannibalized the women and children of another group.
Pectoral with coins: 'One of the most intricate pieces of gold jewelry to survive from the mid-sixth century'
This sixth-century pectoral comprises 14 Byzantine gold coins and a gold disc gathered over two centuries.
Archaeologists discover decapitated head the Romans used as a warning to the Celts
A lone skull discovered near the walls of an ancient fort highlights the Romans' brutal treatment of their conquered foes.
Viking Age woman found buried with scallop shells on her mouth, and archaeologists are mystified
A ninth-century grave discovered in Norway held the remains of a Viking Age woman whose mouth was covered with two large scallop shells.
'Perfectly preserved' Neanderthal skull bones suggest their noses didn't evolve to warm air
An analysis of the only intact Neanderthal inner nose bones known to exist reveals that our ancient cousins' enormous noses did not evolve to withstand harsh climates.
12,000-year-old figurine of goose mating with naked woman discovered in Israel
A tiny figurine depicting a goose mounting a woman reveals early evidence of animistic belief in southwest Asia.
Caergwrle Bowl: A 3,300-year-old stone-and-tin bowl with gold oars and 'protective eyes'
The ancient stone-and-tin bowl was discovered 200 years ago in a boggy field in Wales.
Archaeologists discover 1,500-year-old reindeer trap and other artifacts 'melting out of the ice' in Norway's mountains
The well-preserved reindeer trap may be unique in Europe.
Ancient DNA reveals mysterious Indigenous lineage that lived in Argentina for nearly 8,500 years — but rarely interacted with others
A previously unknown Indigenous population lived in central Argentina for nearly 8,500 years, a new genetic study finds.
Gold and gems quiz: What do you know about sparkly treasures made by nature?
Think you know a lot about jewels? Can you make this whole quiz shimmer?
