Archaeology news, features and articles
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.
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Latest about Archaeology
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'Landmark' elephant bone finding in Spain may be from time of Hannibal's war against Rome
By Tom Metcalfe Published -

Ribchester Helmet: A rare 'face mask' helmet worn by a Roman cavalry officer 1,900 years ago
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

'It's similar to how Google can map your home without your consent': Why using aerial lasers to map an archaeology site should have Indigenous partnership
By Christopher Hernandez Published -

Rare medieval seal discovered in UK is inscribed with 'Richard's secret' and bears a Roman-period gemstone
By Kristina Killgrove Published 3 Comments -

When were boats invented?
By Jesse Steinmetz Published -

More than 43,000 years ago, Neanderthals spent centuries collecting animal skulls in a cave; but archaeologists aren't sure why
By Sophie Berdugo Published 15 Comments -

Halley wasn't the first to figure out the famous comet. An 11th-century monk did it first, new research suggests.
By Joanna Thompson Published 6 Comments
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Explore Archaeology
Ancient Egyptians
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5,000-year-old rock art from ancient Egypt depicts 'terrifying' conquest of the Sinai Peninsula
By Owen Jarus Published 2 Comments -

Nefertiti's tomb close to discovery, famed archaeologist Zahi Hawaas claims in new documentary
By Owen Jarus Published -

Ancient Egyptian valley temple excavated — and it's connected to a massive upper temple dedicated to the sun god, Ra
By Owen Jarus Published -

2,000-year-old shipwreck may be Egyptian 'pleasure barge' from last dynasty of pharaohs
By Tom Metcalfe Published -

'Hot knives and brute force': King Tut's mummy was decapitated and dismembered after its historic discovery. Then, the researchers covered it up.
By Eleanor Dobson Published -

Ancient Egyptian pharaoh moved another ruler's body and stole his tomb, hundreds of funerary figurines suggest
By Owen Jarus Published -

Anomalies in Giza pyramid may indicate an unknown entrance
By Owen Jarus Published 7 Comments -

Merit's wig: A 3,400-year-old Egyptian headpiece smoothed down with ancient homemade hair gel
By Kristina Killgrove Published 24 Comments -

Science history: Archaeologists discover King Tut's tomb, and rumors of the 'mummy's curse' begin swirling — Nov. 4, 1922
By Tia Ghose Published 8 Comments
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Human Evolution
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More than 43,000 years ago, Neanderthals spent centuries collecting animal skulls in a cave; but archaeologists aren't sure why
By Sophie Berdugo Published 15 Comments -

430,000-year-old wooden handheld tools from Greece are the oldest on record — and they predate modern humans
By Owen Jarus Published -

160,000-year-old sophisticated stone tools discovered in China may not have been made by Homo sapiens
By Owen Jarus Published 4 Comments -

2.6 million-year-old jaw from extinct 'Nutcracker Man' is found where we didn't expect it
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

Human origins quiz: How well do you know the story of humanity?
By Sophie Berdugo Published -

Most complete Homo habilis skeleton ever found dates to more than 2 million years ago and retains 'Lucy'-like features
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

Homo erectus wasn't the first human species to leave Africa 1.8 million years ago, fossils suggest
By Charles Q. Choi Published -

Tiny bump on 7 million-year-old fossil suggests ancient ape walked upright — and might even be a human ancestor
By Sophie Berdugo Published 5 Comments -

Last common ancestor of modern humans and Neanderthals possibly found in Casablanca, Morocco
By Kristina Killgrove Published 2 Comments
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Romans
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'Landmark' elephant bone finding in Spain may be from time of Hannibal's war against Rome
By Tom Metcalfe Published -

Ribchester Helmet: A rare 'face mask' helmet worn by a Roman cavalry officer 1,900 years ago
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

Romans used human feces as medicine 1,900 years ago — and used thyme to mask the smell
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

2,400-year-old Hercules shrine and elite tombs discovered outside ancient Rome's walls
By Tom Metcalfe Published -

1,700-year-old Roman marching camps discovered in Germany — along with a multitude of artifacts like coins and the remnants of shoes
By Owen Jarus Published -

Romans regularly soaked in filthy, lead-contaminated bath water, Pompeii study finds
By Kristina Killgrove Published 4 Comments -

Diarrhea and stomachaches plagued Roman soldiers stationed at Hadrian's Wall, discovery of microscopic parasites finds
By Kristina Killgrove Published 5 Comments -

Pompeii victims were wearing woolen cloaks in August when they died — but experts are split on what that means
By Tom Metcalfe Published 16 Comments -

'This has re-written our understanding of Roman concrete manufacture': Abandoned Pompeii worksite reveal how self-healing concrete was made
By Ray Laurence Published
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Vikings
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Ash Pendant: The only known depiction of a pregnant Viking woman
By Kristina Killgrove Published -

1,000-year-old 'king' game piece with a distinctive hairstyle is 'as close as we will ever get to a portrait of a Viking'
By Tom Metcalfe Published 2 Comments -

1,100-year-old Viking hoard reveals raiding wealthy only 'part of the picture' — they traded with the Middle East too
By Patrick Pester Published 2 Comments -

Hornelund Brooches: Viking age gold ornaments mysteriously buried in Denmark 1,000 years ago
By Kristina Killgrove Published 2 Comments -

Viking Age burial of chieftain with 'enormous power' found in Denmark — and he may have served Harald Bluetooth
By Perri Thaler Published -

Viking Age woman was buried with her dog in an elaborate 'boat grave,' excavations reveal
By Tom Metcalfe Published 2 Comments -

1,000-year-old Viking Age hoard has a pendant that may be a cross or Thor's hammer
By Laura Geggel Published -

Braided gold Viking arm-ring discovered by amateur metal detectorist on Isle of Man
By Laura Geggel Published -

Archaeologist sailed a Viking replica boat for 3 years to discover unknown ancient harbors
By Kristina Killgrove Published
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More about Archaeology
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Halley wasn't the first to figure out the famous comet. An 11th-century monk did it first, new research suggests.
By Joanna Thompson Published 6 Comments -

5,000-year-old rock art from ancient Egypt depicts 'terrifying' conquest of the Sinai Peninsula
By Owen Jarus Published 2 Comments -

Stone Age teenager was mauled by a bear 28,000 years ago, skeletal analysis confirms
By Kristina Killgrove Published
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