Archeology Headlines , April 2011

When it comes to ancient artifacts and current international events, reporters want to get the details out to the public. In this article, you will learn about headlines to hit the news in April 2011, including stolen artifacts in Egypt and a spectacular discovery in Iowa.

Civil War Leads to Stolen Artifacts

In January, protests against the government have now become an attack against archeology as thieves took advantage of the opportunity to commit crimes. It is reported that about 1,000 relics from museums and archeological sites across Egypt have been stolen.

An investigation has been launched to locate all of the items, and the country has been successful in identifying numerous criminals. Many of the suspects lived close to the archeological sites where the items were housed. There was no organization to their actions as they looked for gold and mummies to pilfer. Many of the thefts took place at night when they could easily gain access without being seen.

After looking over the inventory, the objects that were stolen are not considered major. Since an inventory has been created for the items, it will be hard to leave the country with such artifacts. The UNESCO (the UN cultural agency) will also receive the inventory. The thieves did target the Egyptian museum in Cairo, which is home to the majority of King Tut artifacts. Other sites that the thieves showed interest in included the tomb of Hetep-ka at Saqqara and the tomb of Em-pi at Giza.

7,000 Year Old Remains Found in Iowa

In Iowa, an exciting discovery has been uncovered at a construction site for a sewer. Human remains have been found, which could date back 7,000 years. Researchers have described the site as showing the “signs of a Stone Age clambake.” The flooring of ancient homes have also surfaced, which will allow archeologists to learn more about the first people that lived in the Americas.

Well Preserved Ancient Brain Found

It’s not an everyday accomplishment to uncover significant ancient body parts that have survived the test of time. However, it was reported this April that a waterlogged pit in Yorkshire has produced a well-preserved human brain found inside of a skull. According to a Journal of Archaeological Science study, the brain is in “exceptional” condition.

The brain represents the oldest known intact human brain associated with Europe and Asia. It could rival other ancient brains from around the world that have been located in a preserved state. Researchers have reported that the man was hanged and decapitated more than 2,000 years ago. They also believe that the man was most likely in his 30’s when he died.