Researchers have found shocked quartz at three Clovis culture archaeological sites, supporting the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, which proposes a fragmented comet explosion contributed to megafaunal extinctions and the disappearance of the Clovis culture.
A PBS series 'Human' explores the history of humanity and how *Homo sapiens* became the dominant species on Earth, highlighting the existence of multiple human species and the importance of cooperation in our success.
This article details the Mississippian culture, its origins in Cahokia, and its influence—or lack thereof—in Louisiana, particularly in relation to Caddo and Plaquemine cultures. It discusses key characteristics like shell-tempered pottery, symbolic decorations, and maize agriculture, and examines archaeological sites in Louisiana to determine the extent of Mississippian presence.
The 64 Parishes article details the Mississippian culture, originating around 1050 CE with a significant “Big Bang” of cultural change centered at Cahokia. This culture spread throughout the southeastern US, characterized by shell-tempered pottery, specific symbolic motifs, and maize agriculture.
The article focuses on the limited presence of full Mississippian culture in Louisiana, primarily evidenced by shell-tempered pottery and some sites showing influence or possible intrusion (Transylvania, Salt Mine Valley, and Sims). It highlights the distinction between sites with Mississippian *influence* within existing Plaquemine cultures and those potentially occupied by migrating Mississippian peoples.
While maize agriculture was adopted, it wasn’t a staple as it was elsewhere. The article suggests that Louisiana’s Plaquemine cultures largely maintained their traditions, resisting full integration of Mississippian ways of life. It emphasizes that shell tempering is the most pervasive artifact of the Mississippian culture.
The 64 Parishes article details the Mississippian culture, originating around 1050 CE with a significant “Big Bang” of cultural change centered at Cahokia. This culture spread throughout the southeastern US, characterized by shell-tempered pottery, specific symbolic motifs, and maize agriculture.
The article focuses on the limited presence of full Mississippian culture in Louisiana, primarily evidenced by shell-tempered pottery and some sites showing influence or possible intrusion (Transylvania, Salt Mine Valley, and Sims). It highlights the distinction between sites with Mississippian *influence* within existing Plaquemine cultures and those potentially occupied by migrating Mississippian peoples.
While maize agriculture was adopted, it wasn’t a staple as it was elsewhere. The article suggests that Louisiana’s Plaquemine cultures largely maintained their traditions, resisting full integration of Mississippian ways of life. It emphasizes that shell tempering is the most pervasive artifact of the Mississippian culture.
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a previously unknown ancient language on clay tablets unearthed from the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, Hattusa. The tablets reveal a focus on multiculturalism and preserving the traditions of subject peoples within the empire. The language, called Kalasmaic, was spoken in the Kalasma region and was lost for approximately 3,000 years.
One of the Largest Prehistoric Burial Grounds Ever Found in Bavaria Unearthed During Power Line WorkArchaeologists have uncovered a large prehistoric burial site near Regensburg, Bavaria, containing 22 remarkably well-preserved human skeletons dating back over 4,000 years. The site provides insights into ancient funeral practices and the Bell Beaker culture.
Journey from Istanbul to Antalya on this 11-day adventure, where you’ll see ancient ruins, bustling villages and sunken cities. Visit the historical towns of Sanliurfa and Mardin, take in golden hour on top of Mt. Nemrut and set off on a tasting trail in baklava's birthplace. Cruise through Euphrates, sit down to a home-cooked meal at Nahil Guesthouse and learn about the dawn of human civilization as you walk through the archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe and Catalhoyuk.
An archaeological dig on Naxos is overturning our assumptions about who Neanderthals were — and how they differed from Homo sapiens.
Enslaved Africans, an uprising and an ancient farming system in Iraq: Study sheds light on timelinesArchaeological dating of ridge and canal features in southern Iraq indicates that the extensive agricultural system persisted for centuries after the 9th-century Zanj rebellion, challenging assumptions that the revolt caused immediate economic decline. The earthworks were constructed and used over an extended period, suggesting ongoing agricultural activity well beyond the rebellion.
A new study published in *PLOS One* argues that the rise of Sumer was driven by tidal dynamics, river flows, and sedimentation at the head of the Persian Gulf. From 7,000 to 5,000 years ago, tidal freshwater influx enabled early agriculture and social complexity; the subsequent loss of tidal access prompted large‑scale irrigation and flood protection, shaping Sumer’s urban and cultural development.
An international team analyzed ancient DNA from 230 individuals in Georgia and Armenia, revealing a largely stable local gene pool from the Bronze Age to 500 CE, with some migration from Anatolia and the Eurasian steppe. The study also found that cranial deformation, initially introduced by migrants, became a local tradition.
