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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Latest about Archaeology
32 times lasers revealed hidden forts and settlements from centuries ago
By Owen Jarus published
Lasers have helped uncover ancient human-made structures the world over.
Traces of hallucinogenic plants and chile peppers found at Maya ball court suggest rituals took place there
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
An environmental DNA analysis of soil collected at an ancient Maya ball court reveals that the site was once part of a ritual.
1,430 ancient Roman graves scattered with funerary festival leftovers unearthed in southern France
By Sascha Pare published
Archaeologists in southern France have excavated an ancient Roman cemetery containing 1,430 graves and traces of a funerary festival, during which families feasted by the graves of relatives.
Lavish 2,200-year-old tomb unearthed in China may be that of ancient king
By Tom Metcalfe published
It's not known who was buried in the tomb, but one expert says it was probably the Chu state ruler.
Lasers reveal prehistoric Irish monuments that may have been 'pathways for the dead'
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Archaeologists used lidar to detect a cluster of rare Neolithic monuments hidden in farmland in Ireland.
Plato's burial place finally revealed after AI deciphers ancient scroll carbonized in Mount Vesuvius eruption
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Researchers used AI to decipher an ancient papyrus that includes details about where Greek philosopher is buried.
DNA analysis spanning 9 generations of people reveals marriage practices of mysterious warrior culture
By Kristina Killgrove published
Researchers reconstructed the relationships among nearly 300 Avars, people from a 1,500-year-old mysterious warrior culture in the Carpathian Basin.
Teotihuacan: Ancient city of pyramids
By Owen Jarus last updated
This 2,000-year-old complex in Mexico was one of the largest urban centers in the ancient world.
5 catastrophic megathrust earthquakes led to the demise of the pre-Aztec city of Teotihuacan, new study suggests
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Analyses of Teotihuacan's three major pyramids show that the city was shaken by multiple catastrophic earthquakes — and this may have led to its demise.
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