Heavy rain conditions in Greece revealed the existence of eight tombs that date back between the end of the 4th century BC and the beginning of the 3rd century BC. With the help of flooding that removed layers of a rural dirt road, the tombs came to light. After investigating the origin of the partially revealed ancient tombs, it was assessed that they belong to the Hellenist Period. An excavation was conducted by the Archaeological Service, which helped date the tombs. Unfortunately, out of the eight tombs, only one is intact.
Gara Church Restoration
Restoration is in the future for a 1,800-year-old Greek church situated in a popular resort town located in Bodrum’s Bitez district. An effort will be made to preserve and restore the Gara Church, especially since it contains ancient mosaics. It is hoped that the building can be opened to the public after the process has been completed.
The Greek church dates back to the late Roman-early Byzantine era , from 2 to 4 AD. The building is an interesting structure that is significant to the archeology and art history of the region. For instance, the church floor is covered with rare mosaics depicting religious symbols such as a swordfish and dolphins.
Measuring 8 meters tall, the church also offers features, such as a water well, cistern, water canals, prayer room, and two living quarters. Without an attempt to restore the church, it will continue to deteriorate and could be lost forever.
Other archeology news from February 2010 includes:
The discovery of a partial skeleton and skull of a horned beast has scientists abuzz about what human ancestors may have eaten in their day. It is the belief that ancient humans may have hunted a large crocodile called the Crocodylus anthropophagus, which has been nicknamed the “man-eating crocodile.” This theory is accompanied by the fact that a hominid leg and foot bones decorated with crocodilian tooth marks was also found beside the remains.
In 2008, United States Custom officials seized a painted coffin dating back 3,000 years. In February, it was reported that the coffin will be returned to Egypt. The coffin’s journey out of its home country began in 1884 when it was smuggled out. However, it was intercepted while in the possession of an antiquities dealer.
In a remote section of northwestern China, a section of the Great Wall has been uncovered. A Jinta Museum representative states that the remains of the wall have been well protected without any destruction at the hands of humans. A flood and sandstorm was partly responsible for diminishing the section of wall, which was built during the Western Han Dynasty , between 465 and 221 BC.
In Durban, South Africa, a shipwreck that was buried in the mud of a harbor has been identified as the SS Jarin , a steam ship that sank in 1927. When the ship sank, it took with it a load of sugar and diesel. It was most likely packed badly and its top-heaviness became its downfall.