February 2011 Archeology Headlines

From ancient Greek archeological sites to more clues that unlock the mysteries of early humans, the month of February in 2011 was full of interesting headlines to hit the news. In this article, you will also encounter information regarding thousand-year monuments and historically appealing gravesite goods.

In the central part of Athens, construction workers tending to a railway have stumbled upon what people are called the Altar of the Twelve Gods. It is here that the center of the ancient city is marked. One archeologist stated that, “Thucydides mentions only a handful of monuments in his historical works. Of these, even fewer have actually been found and they are located in the archaeological sites surrounded by the mass of this densely built city.” The history of this attraction includes partial destruction that happened during a Persian raid in the 480 to 479 BC period. The structure was not rebuilt until several decades later.

By finding three cups made from human skulls in Gough’s Cave situated in southwestern England, archeologists have associated the find with signs of cannibalism. The discovery was amongst a group of bones that date back 15,000 years ago. Researchers feel it is impossible to known how the skull-cups were used in the past, but recent examples have been used to hold blood, wine, or food during rituals.

It was announced in February that early humans that lived 200,000 years ago had the capacity to showcase complex behavior that modern humans are most known for. A study conducted by John Shea of Stony Brook University took a look at tools made between 250,000 and 6,000 years ago in eastern Africa. Changes in the tools were found that reflected the costs and benefits of various strategies of making tools. It was not assessed that a single ” behavioral revolution” was at the center of the find.

The figure of a man carved into a stone monument was found at a southern Mexico site at Ojo de Agua. The discovery dates back 3,000 years. The monument depicts a man with one arm raised. He is wearing an intricate headdress, ear ornaments, necklace, loincloth, and a belt that displayed a buckle with the head of a jaguar.

Dating back to the 3rd century AD, five marble heads and a statue of Zeus have been uncovered at a site where an ancient villa in southeastern Rome stands. Archeologists believe that the statues represent members of the imperial dynasty of Septimius Severus.

There are more than 50 sets of human remains that have been found by workers on a dam construction project. The discovery was made in Kanab, Utah, which yielded remains that dated back 1,000 years ago. Also on the premises, 30 pit houses and 100 more interesting features were uncovered.

In February, more information regarding the discovery of a red fox skull in a Natufian grave shows that the animals was treated in a different manner over the other creatures at the site. The cemetery in Jordan dates back 16,500 years. Researchers will look into the significance of the social relationship that goes beyond how the people of the region interacted with domesticated animals, such as livestock.