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
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.
Weapons chest found on wreck of 15th-century 'floating castle' sheds light on 'military revolution at sea'
By Tom Metcalfe published
The chest could help archaeologists understand the fire and explosion that sank the vessel.
George Washington's stash of centuries-old cherries found hidden under Mount Vernon floor
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Enslaved people picked the cherries around 250 years ago, likely in pre-Revolutionary War times.
'I nearly fell out of my chair': 1,800-year-old mini portrait of Alexander the Great found in a field in Denmark
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
The miniature bronze portrait depicts Alexander the Great with his wavy hair and crown of ram horns.
Rare 'porcelain gallbladder' found in 100-year-old unmarked grave at Mississippi mental asylum cemetery
By Kristina Killgrove published
Archaeologists have discovered the burial of a woman with a rare "porcelain gallbladder" who was interred at the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum's cemetery 100 years ago.
'There's a great hidden museum in the Mediterranean': Underwater archaeologist David Gibbins takes us on a journey to 12 shipwrecks around the world
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Underwater archaeologist and author David Gibbins discusses his new book about shipwrecks around the world.
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