Archaeology

Archaeology

Painting claimed to be among Australia’s oldest known rock art

A painting on a cave’s ceiling may be one of Australia’s earliest examples of rock art, according to researchers who used an ancient wasps’ nest to date the art.

Archaeology

Oldest indigo-dyed fabric found

South American society was first known to use complex dye process on fabrics.

Archaeology

How to get Ötzi’s look

DNA from Ötzi the Iceman’s clothes and quiver traced to both domesticated and wild animals.

Earth

China’s mythical ‘Great Flood’ possibly rooted in real disaster

Folktales of an ancient flood that helped kick off Chinese civilization may reference a nearly 4,000-year-old deluge.

Archaeology

Parasitic worm eggs found on Silk Road latrine artifacts

Microscopic study of latrine finds indicates disease spread along ancient Asian trade route.

Anthropology

Two groups spread early agriculture

The Fertile Crescent was a diverse place. Multiple cultures were involved in the dawn of farming.

Oceans

Underwater city was built by microbes, not people

Submerged stoneworklike formations near the Greek island of Zakynthos were built by methane-munching microbes, not ancient Greeks.

Archaeology

Ancient Europeans may have been first wine makers

A new chemical analysis uncovers the earliest known wine making in Europe.

Archaeology

Lidar maps vast network of Cambodia’s hidden cities

Laser survey unveils the extent, and the mystery, of Southeast Asia’s Khmer Empire

Genetics

Ancient DNA tells of two origins for dogs

Genetic analysis of an ancient Irish mutt reveals complicated history of dog domestication.

Archaeology

Earliest evidence of fire making in Europe found

Clues to Stone Age fire making surface in a Spanish cave.

Archaeology

Stone circles show Neandertals’ social, technical skills

Ancient human relatives built circular stalagmite structures inside a French cave.