Image Credit : Archaeology, Ethnography, and Anthropology of Eurasia, 2026
Archaeologists have conducted a study of an Early Neolithic burial near Lake Baikal, revealing a miniature stone fish among a collection of grave goods dating from approximately 7,600 years ago.
The burial was discovered at Khuzhir-Nuge-IX in the Olkhon region of Siberia and belongs to the Khotoruk group of sites associated with the Kitoi archaeological culture.
The Kitoi were hunter-fisher communities that inhabited the Lake Baikal region between approximately 7,000 and 8,000 years ago, developing subsistence strategies closely connected with the lake and surrounding river systems.
At Khuzhir-Nuge-IX, archaeologists uncovered an oval grave in which the deceased had been placed on their right side with the knees bent. Red ochre was applied as part of the burial rite, while the grave was covered with a protective arrangement of large stones.
The skeletal remains were poorly preserved, preventing researchers from determining the biological sex or age of the individual. Radiocarbon dating of teeth from the burial produced a date of approximately 7,600 years ago.
Placed alongside the deceased was a large bone implement and 12 stone objects, including a miniature fish carved from grey shale.
The figurine measures 4.85 centimetres in length, 1.3 centimetres in height and 0.6 centimetres in thickness. Despite its small size, the object was carefully worked to represent a fish, with a defined back, carved mouth and small features representing the eyes.
A deep circular groove extends around the centre of the object, which researchers suggest was used for attaching the stone fish to a line or securing additional fishing components.
Comparable objects from the Lake Baikal region have been interpreted as artificial lures used to attract predatory fish, either when fishing from boats or through holes cut into the ice.
However, the context of the Khuzhir-Nuge-IX example is particularly significant because the object was deliberately deposited as part of a funerary assemblage.
Kitoi burials frequently contain tools and other objects associated with subsistence activities, although their placement with the dead does not necessarily indicate that they functioned solely as everyday equipment.
The inclusion of the stone fish alongside other grave goods may have reflected aspects of the deceased’s identity or activities, or formed part of wider Kitoi funerary traditions. In the absence of further evidence, researchers cannot determine whether the object also carried a symbolic or ritual meaning.
Previous stone fish lures discovered in the Olkhon region date to approximately 7,400 years ago.
The Khuzhir-Nuge-IX example predates these finds by around 150 to 200 years, providing the earliest evidence currently identified in the region for the manufacture and use of this type of artificial fishing lure.
Its discovery within a formal burial also demonstrates that fishing-related objects were incorporated into Kitoi mortuary practices by approximately 7,600 years ago, further highlighting the close relationship between Early Neolithic communities and the aquatic resources of Lake Baikal.
The study has been published in the journal Archaeology, Ethnography and Anthropology of Eurasia.
Archaeologists excavating an ancient ceremonial complex in northern Peru have discovered ulluchu seeds, ten painted clay faces and unusual ceramics associated with ritual practices of the Moche culture.
The discoveries were made at Huaca Santa Ana, an archaeological site at El Chaparral in the Chicama Valley, La Libertad region, as part of a long-running research project led by archaeologists Belkys Gutiérrez León and Segundo Vásquez Sánchez.
The Moche flourished along the northern coast of Peru between approximately the 1st and 8th centuries AD, constructing monumental ceremonial centres and producing highly sophisticated ceramics, metalwork and figurative art.
Among the discoveries at Huaca Santa Ana are preserved samples identified as ulluchu, a fruit repeatedly represented in Moche iconography and sometimes associated with scenes involving ritual bloodletting and sacrifice.
Researchers have proposed that the plant may possess anticoagulant properties, potentially explaining its appearance within ceremonial contexts involving blood.
“These samples of these seeds are anticoagulants. If the Moche people performed their ceremonies with blood drawn without applying this anticoagulant, it would obviously become dry or thick,” Gutiérrez León told RPP.
“This seed prevented it from coagulating, allowing it to remain liquid. All of this here is part of Moche rituals.”
Archaeological examples of ulluchu have previously been reported from sites including Huaca Dos Cabezas and Sipán, although Gutiérrez León said earlier physical evidence of the fruit was subsequently lost.
The newly recovered specimens therefore provide researchers with an opportunity to investigate the identification and properties of the plant using modern analytical techniques.
Samples will be sent to France for specialist analysis to determine their phytochemical composition and botanical identification, as well as potentially establishing their geographical origin.
Another unusual discovery consists of ten human faces modelled from clay and decorated with paint.
Each displays differences in facial morphology, including variations in the eyes and noses, while several are depicted with distinctive ear ornaments.
According to Gutiérrez León, no comparable group of painted clay faces has previously been documented within the known archaeological record of the Moche culture.
“These faces are a unique find; no other discovery of human faces made of clay and painted has been reported for the Moche culture,” she said.
Researchers hope further examination of the objects will provide information about Moche artistic production, manufacturing techniques and approaches to representing individual human features.
Excavations have also uncovered two ceremonial ceramic objects depicting food.
One represents ears of maize, while another depicts guinea pigs pierced with wooden rods, apparently showing the animals prepared for consumption.
“What’s interesting about this is that each guinea pig is pierced by a stick. It’s like a fried guinea pig,” Gutiérrez León explained.
Food imagery frequently formed part of the wider visual and ceremonial vocabulary of ancient Andean societies. The newly discovered objects could therefore provide further evidence for how agricultural produce and animals were represented within Moche ritual contexts.
The discoveries form part of more than two decades of archaeological research in the Chicama Valley.
Investigations have recently expanded beyond Huaca Santa Ana to include the archaeological sites of Garrapón and Licapa II, where researchers are attempting to reconstruct the early development of Moche society.
The wider project is also examining the sociopolitical and territorial organisation of communities occupying the Chicama Valley, allowing artefacts recovered from individual ceremonial centres to be studied within the broader archaeological landscape.
Further analysis of the ulluchu samples and associated artefacts is expected to provide new evidence concerning ceremonial activities at Huaca Santa Ana and the role that plants, food and human imagery played within Moche ritual practices.
Archaeologists have used drone-mounted LiDAR technology to identify previously unregistered Aboriginal rock shelters containing rock art and stone artefacts in the Blue Mountains of Australia.
The research was conducted by the Vere Gordon Childe Centre at the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum, working in partnership with the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation (DCAC).
Researchers deployed drones equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to survey rugged areas of the Blue Mountains, where dense vegetation and difficult terrain have historically made conventional archaeological surveys challenging.
LiDAR works by emitting laser pulses and measuring their return to generate highly detailed three-dimensional models of the landscape. This enables researchers to identify topographical features that may otherwise be obscured by vegetation.
The drone surveys successfully confirmed the locations of six previously registered rock shelters and identified three unregistered shelters containing Aboriginal cultural material. Among the discoveries were stone artefacts and examples of rock art, including red hand stencils.
The surveys also produced more accurate geographical coordinates for known sites than those recorded in the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS), the official register of Aboriginal places and objects in New South Wales.
Potential shelters identified from the aerial data were subsequently investigated on the ground by teams led by Dr Amy Mosig Way, a research archaeologist at the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum.
Wayne Brennan and Erin Wilkins of the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation then led the recording of rock art at confirmed cultural sites.
The research forms part of the Gulamada Project, which combines archaeological methods and emerging technologies with First Nations cultural knowledge to identify, document and protect Aboriginal heritage.
“From the outset, our vision for the Gulamada Project has been to create a true nexus of science and culture. This work highlights the importance of listening, learning and working together,” said Brennan, project co-director and an Indigenous rock art specialist at the University of Sydney.
More than 200 rock shelters containing archaeological and cultural evidence have already been documented across the Blue Mountains. However, researchers estimate that only around 10 per cent of the region has been systematically surveyed because of the area’s rugged landscape.
According to Dr Jacob Bongers, lead author of the study and a digital archaeologist at the University of Sydney, drone-based LiDAR could dramatically improve the efficiency of archaeological surveys in such environments.
“This work is exciting because it offers an efficient and accurate way to locate sites in rugged environments, which are notoriously arduous, expensive and time-consuming to survey,” said Bongers.
“Importantly, our methodology is helping expand the record of Aboriginal cultural sites in the Blue Mountains and has the potential to be applied in other regions.”
Beyond archaeological discovery, researchers say the technology could provide Aboriginal communities and heritage managers with another means of identifying cultural sites threatened by development, erosion, bushfires and other environmental pressures.
The team now plans to test and adapt the methodology in other Australian environments in partnership with Aboriginal communities, including the tropical savannahs of western Arnhem Land and the semi-arid landscapes of western New South Wales.
The study, “LiDAR-assisted survey locates unregistered rock shelters in the Blue Mountains, Australia”, is published in the journal Remote Sensing. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18203495
Archaeologists conducting excavations ahead of improvements to the M5 have uncovered an unusual Roman burial ground containing more than 100 burials.
The discovery was made near Junction 10 of the M5, close to Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, during archaeological investigations associated with the £407 million junction improvement scheme.
Excavations by Archaeological Research Services (ARS) have revealed evidence spanning several periods, including the Palaeolithic, Roman and Anglo-Saxon eras.
Among the most significant discoveries is a cemetery believed to date primarily from the Roman period, although burials representing different periods, cultures and potentially religious traditions have also been identified.
According to archaeologists, more than half of the burials display unusual funerary practices, including decapitated individuals and people interred in crouched positions.
Ada Torka-Lis, Project Officer for Archaeological Research Services, said: “What’s unique about it is we found a lot of burials that are non-normative; some of them were decapitated, some of them were crouched.”
Such burials are known from elsewhere in Roman Britain, but normally represent only a small proportion of individuals within a cemetery.
“Normally, on the Roman cemeteries, we would only find a few percent of burials that are non-normative. So far, on this whole site, we probably found more than 100 burials in total, with more than 50 non-normative burials, which is quite unique,” said Torka-Lis.
Archaeologists have also recovered a collection of well-preserved artefacts, including brooches, bracelets, ceramics, bricks and tiles.
The human remains and associated finds will now undergo specialist analysis. Researchers will examine the human and animal bones, coins and other archaeological material to establish a more detailed chronology and better understand the communities represented at the site.
The unusually high concentration of non-normative burials could provide new evidence for funerary practices and cultural traditions in Roman Britain.
Torka-Lis said that although further analysis is required before the importance of the site can be fully determined, the discoveries are likely to be of national significance.
“We found a lot of stuff that’s very, very unique and I haven’t seen it anywhere else in the UK, so it’s very, very likely,” she said.
Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said the discoveries were helping archaeologists reconstruct previously unknown stories about the region’s past.
“Your history is under your feet,” said Tooke. “What I love about it is it’s telling stories; the dead are speaking, in a way, and telling us stories about the past which we never realised.”
The archaeological investigations are being undertaken as part of the M5 Junction 10 improvement scheme, which is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) have uncovered an early medieval palatial complex at Montagne de Saint-Laurent, near Dijon in eastern France.
The discovery was made during excavations at Mesmont, approximately 20 kilometres west of Dijon, where archaeologists have been investigating an extensive hilltop settlement occupied between the 5th and 8th centuries AD.
The site overlooks the Ouche valley and has evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. However, recent investigations have focused on its development as an important centre of settlement during the early medieval period.
Excavations have revealed a series of substantial masonry buildings arranged around a church, suggesting the presence of a high-status residential and religious complex.
The church, first identified during investigations in the 1970s, measures 27.5 metres in length and 12.4 metres in width. Excavations conducted between 2019 and 2024 uncovered a chancel screen and the possible foundations of a liturgical bench, confirming its function as a place of Christian worship.
During the 2026 excavation season, archaeologists identified a large masonry building immediately west of the church, measuring approximately 15 by 12 metres. The thickness of its walls and quality of its mortar suggest that the structure may have supported an upper storey.
A further building discovered south of the church extends more than 20 metres in length, although its complete dimensions have yet to be established.
Together, the structures form an extensive architectural complex covering several hundred square metres, with buildings positioned according to a regular orthogonal layout.
Among the discoveries are remains of a Roman-style hypocaust heating system, identified through numerous pilae supports, fragments of heating pipes and sections of suspended concrete flooring.
Hypocaust systems circulated heated air beneath raised floors and were commonly associated with Roman villas, bathhouses and elite residences. Their construction required specialist knowledge and significant resources, suggesting that the complex was occupied by individuals of considerable wealth and status.
Analysis of pottery assemblages, including terra sigillata originating from the Argonne region, combined with radiocarbon dating, indicates that the complex was constructed during the 5th century AD and remained occupied until the beginning of the 8th century.
Further evidence of elite occupation includes more than 500 fragments of glass recovered since 2019, comprising remains of lamps, tableware and drinking vessels. Approximately 50 fragments are flat glass, possibly originating from glazed windows in the church.
Historical sources identify Mesmont as the principal settlement of the pagus magnimontensis, an early medieval territorial district within the episcopal territory of Langres.
The settlement is also referred to in medieval documents as castrum and oppidum (fortified settlements and centres of regional importance respectively).
Elsewhere on the plateau archaeological investigations have uncovered masonry buildings as well: a building from the 6th or 7th century AD, which covers almost 240 square metres.
The site is also connected with Saint Antide, whose relics may have been kept at Mesmont until they were transferred in the 9th century to Brescia in northern Italy.
Archaeologists say the move may be a sign that the settlement had declined over time as regional influence shifted to nearby Sombernon.
A new three-year research programme will start in 2026 and continue to investigate the settlement through archaeological excavation, geophysical surveys and LiDAR mapping.
Researchers want to know the functions of the individual buildings and how Montagne de Saint-Laurent fit into the political, religious and administrative organisation of early medieval Burgundy.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a major early medieval monastery on the Isle of Lismore in western Scotland, revealing a wealthy ecclesiastical centre with evidence of high-status craftsmanship and precious-metal production.
The discoveries were made at Lios Mòr (Lismore), in Argyll, where a community-led archaeological project has identified extensive burial grounds, structural remains and evidence of specialised craftworking.
The findings suggest that Lismore was an important religious centre during the early medieval period, potentially rivalling some of the most prominent monasteries in Britain and Ireland.
According to historical tradition, the monastery was founded by Saint Mo Luóc during the sixth century AD, within the Gaelic-speaking kingdom of Dál Riata, which encompassed Argyll, parts of the Hebrides and areas of present-day Northern Ireland.
Despite references to the monastery in historical sources, its precise location, extent and archaeological significance have remained largely unknown.
Uncovering Lismore’s early medieval monastery
The investigation was initiated by the Lismore Historical Society to establish whether the island’s 13th-century cathedral was constructed on the site of the earlier monastery associated with Saint Mo Luóc.
Led by Dr Clare Ellis of Argyll Archaeology, the project combined archaeological excavation and geophysical survey to investigate the surrounding landscape.
The investigations revealed extensive burial grounds, early structural remains and areas associated with specialised craft production, indicating the presence of a substantial religious community.
Among the finds were casting moulds for precious-metal penannular brooches, intricately decorated animal bones and an early medieval touchstone used to test gold.
These discoveries suggest that the monastery supported skilled craftspeople working with valuable materials, pointing to a level of wealth and status not previously established through archaeological evidence.
The presence of high-status metalworking also indicates that Lismore served a wider function beyond religious worship, potentially operating as a centre of production and learning.
A major centre of early Christianity
During the early medieval period, monasteries played an important role in the religious, political and cultural development of Britain and Ireland.
Within the kingdom of Dál Riata, monastic foundations became influential centres of Christianity, with Iona emerging as one of the most prominent religious communities in the region.
The discoveries at Lismore suggest that the island may have supported an ecclesiastical establishment of comparable importance.
Professor Gordon Noble of the University of Aberdeen, a co-author of the research, said: “For centuries, Lismore’s early monastery was known mainly from written records and local tradition. We can now see that it was a thriving centre of worship, craftsmanship and learning, whose importance may have rivalled some of the best-known monasteries in early medieval Britain.”
The scale of the burial grounds, together with evidence of early buildings and specialised craftsmanship, suggests that Lismore was a substantial and well-connected monastic settlement.
Evidence of precious-metal production
Of particular significance is the discovery of artefacts associated with the production and testing of precious metals.
Archaeologists recovered casting moulds used to manufacture penannular brooches, a distinctive form of early medieval jewellery consisting of a ring with a small opening and a movable pin.
Such objects were widely worn during the period, with elaborate examples often associated with individuals of elevated social status.
The discovery of a touchstone used to test gold provides further evidence of precious-metal working at the monastery.
Intricately decorated animal bones were also recovered, indicating the presence of craftspeople skilled in producing ornamental objects.
Together, the artefacts suggest that Lismore supported high-status craft production, reinforcing the interpretation of the monastery as a wealthy and influential ecclesiastical centre.
Community-led archaeology reveals Lismore’s past
The project was organised by the Lismore Historical Society, with local volunteers contributing to the archaeological investigations.
Bob Hay, a former island resident who helped coordinate funding and volunteers, said: “The discoveries at Lismore demonstrate the value of community-led archaeology in advancing academic research.”
The investigations have provided new archaeological evidence for a monastic settlement previously known primarily through historical accounts and local tradition.
The findings also offer new insights into the spread of Christianity in western Scotland and the role of monasteries within the kingdom of Dál Riata.
Further archaeological investigations could help establish the full extent of the monastery, its organisation and its connections with other early medieval religious centres across Britain and Ireland.
Archaeologists from the University of León have identified a Roman military camp associated with the siege of an Iron Age hillfort during the Cantabrian Wars in northern Spain.
The discovery was made near La Peña del Castro, an Iron Age settlement in the municipality of La Ercina, in the province of León.
The military enclosure covers approximately 1.7 hectares and is situated around 500 metres from the hillfort, providing new evidence of Roman military operations during the conquest of northern Hispania.
Excavations conducted during the spring and summer of 2026 have confirmed the military function of the enclosure, which contains surviving defensive structures, Roman military equipment and evidence of temporary occupation.
The discovery also establishes a direct archaeological connection between a Roman military installation and an indigenous settlement attacked during the Cantabrian Wars.
A fortified Roman Military Enclosure
The camp has a quadrangular layout and features a clavicula-style entrance, a defensive arrangement commonly associated with Roman military installations.
Its strategic position provided Roman forces with a vantage point overlooking La Peña del Castro and the approaches to the settlement.
Archaeologists identified a perimeter wall constructed from locally sourced stone, measuring approximately 1.5 metres in width. Although the surviving remains stand less than half a metre high, researchers suggest the original structure may have reached approximately twice its surviving height.
An earthen platform measuring around 12 metres wide was also documented alongside the defensive wall. The platform was constructed using material excavated from the surrounding terrain and likely served to reinforce the fortifications, facilitate movement along the perimeter and level the interior against the natural slope.
Excavations within the enclosure have revealed traces of structures built using perishable materials, suggesting the presence of temporary accommodation or other facilities associated with the Roman military occupation.
Among the artefacts recovered are fragments of weaponry and hobnails from Roman military footwear, providing further evidence of the camp’s military function.
Eduardo González Gómez de Agüero, co-director of the archaeological intervention, highlighted the exceptional preservation of the site, noting that military camps directly associated with besieged hillforts are rarely found in such a condition.
Evidence of a Roman assault
Further excavations at La Peña del Castro have provided additional evidence of a violent assault against the Iron Age settlement.
Archaeologists have confirmed that the attack was concentrated on the northern slope, supporting interpretations developed during previous excavation campaigns.
The investigation has also identified evidence of an extensive fire that destroyed several structures within the settlement, including two Iron Age temples previously documented by the research team.
Researchers are now examining whether the destruction resulted from a single military engagement or represents several episodes of occupation, destruction and abandonment.
One hypothesis suggests that certain buildings may have been deliberately demolished following the Roman conquest, potentially as part of a wider effort to dismantle the cultural and political identity of the indigenous population.
However, this interpretation remains provisional and requires further archaeological investigation.
The presence of a watchtower at the summit of the hillfort may also provide evidence of how Roman forces controlled the settlement and surrounding territory following its capture.
Reconstructing the Cantabrian Wars
The discovery contributes to the archaeological understanding of the Cantabrian Wars, a series of military campaigns undertaken by Rome to subjugate the remaining independent communities of northern Hispania.
Although Roman military installations associated with these campaigns have previously been identified in Asturias, Cantabria and Palencia, establishing direct connections between military camps and indigenous settlements in the mountainous regions of León has proved more difficult.
Carlos Fernández, director of the History and Archaeology research group at the University of León, emphasised the importance of identifying military installations in relation to nearby Iron Age settlements.
The location of the newly identified camp may also help researchers reconstruct Roman troop movements through the mountain valleys connecting the Meseta Central with the Cantabrian coast.
The team hopes to establish relationships between the enclosure and other archaeological sites in the Porma Valley, potentially revealing further details about Roman military strategy and the organisation of the conquest.
Archaeological Investigations
Archaeological research at La Peña del Castro began in 2013, although fieldwork was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the resumption of investigations, researchers expanded their survey of the surrounding landscape using aerial photography, LiDAR and other remote-sensing techniques.
These surveys identified an unusual formation in the terrain that appeared inconsistent with the natural geology.
Preliminary investigations conducted in spring 2026 suggested the presence of a previously unidentified archaeological enclosure, prompting further excavations during the summer.
The subsequent discovery of defensive architecture and Roman military artefacts confirmed its interpretation as a military camp.
Future excavation campaigns will focus on establishing a more precise chronology for the Roman assault and determining whether the destruction of La Peña del Castro occurred during a single episode or over several phases.
Researchers also hope to clarify the fate of the settlement’s inhabitants and establish how Roman occupation transformed the surrounding landscape.
Archaeologists have uncovered new evidence of Aboriginal activity beneath the waters of north-western Australia, revealing how ancient communities occupied and utilised landscapes that were submerged by rising sea levels following the last Ice Age.
The discoveries, made in the Murujuga region of Western Australia, include stone artefacts associated with an ancient freshwater spring and a rocky hill overlooking a former river channel.
Published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews, the study provides further evidence that Australia’s submerged continental shelf preserves an extensive archaeological record of Aboriginal occupation.
The findings also indicate that previously identified underwater archaeological sites at Murujuga are part of a wider cultural landscape, rather than isolated discoveries.
Although the sites were submerged at least 9,000 years ago, researchers suggest that the artefacts may be considerably older.
Following the last Ice Age, rising sea levels submerged more than two million square kilometres of Australia’s continental shelf, inundating landscapes that had been occupied by Aboriginal communities for thousands of years.
The newly documented sites represent two distinct locations within this former terrestrial environment.
One is associated with a freshwater spring, which would have provided an important resource for communities inhabiting the region. The second is situated near a rocky hill overlooking an ancient river channel, indicating how different geographical features were utilised before the landscape was inundated.
Analysis of the stone artefacts suggests that some were manufactured using raw materials sourced from the vicinity of Rosemary Island, approximately 23 kilometres from their discovery location.
Image Credit : Flinders University
According to the researchers, this provides evidence for the deliberate selection and transportation of stone materials across a landscape that now lies beneath the seabed.
The research was undertaken by archaeologists from Flinders University, the University of Western Australia, James Cook University and the University of York, in collaboration with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
Murujuga Rangers Malik Churnside and Richard Variakojis received scientific diving training and participated in underwater surveys, contributing directly to the identification and documentation of archaeological material.
Professor Jonathan Benjamin, a marine archaeology specialist at Flinders University and lead author of the study, said: “The collaboration demonstrates the value of working beside trained Indigenous Rangers who actively contributed to this challenging scientific research.”
Vincent Adams, Director of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, said the discoveries demonstrate the extent of the region’s cultural landscape beyond its present-day coastline.
“The Ngarda-Ngarli people have cared for Murujuga for at least 50,000 years. What this research shows is that our cultural landscape extends far beyond the shoreline and into Sea Country, where important parts of our story remain preserved beneath the sea,” said Adams.
The discoveries are particularly significant following Murujuga’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting the importance of identifying and protecting archaeological heritage within submerged areas of the region.
Flinders University PhD candidate Louise Brooke emphasised the contribution of Indigenous Rangers to the research, noting that their knowledge and connection to Country were essential to investigating Murujuga’s submerged cultural landscapes.
The study builds upon earlier discoveries reported in 2020 and 2023 by the Deep History of Sea Country project, which identified evidence of Aboriginal occupation on Australia’s submerged continental shelf.
Researchers suggest that further investigations could reveal additional archaeological sites, providing new insights into prehistoric settlement patterns, resource transportation and the relationship between ancient communities and their changing environments.
“These landscapes did not simply disappear when they were flooded,” said Professor Benjamin.
“They remain part of Country and continue to preserve evidence of people’s lives, knowledge, and connection to place. We are only beginning to understand the scale and significance of Australia’s submerged cultural heritage. Each new discovery helps reveal another chapter of Australia’s deep human story.”
The findings highlight the archaeological potential of Australia’s submerged landscapes and the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the investigation and protection of underwater cultural heritage.
Archaeologists conducting excavations at Augusta Raurica, an ancient Roman settlement near Basel in Switzerland, have uncovered a rare surviving iron window grille.
Augusta Raurica was an important Roman settlement situated on the southern bank of the River Rhine, approximately 10 kilometres east of modern-day Basel.
The discovery was made during the excavation of a collapsed masonry wall, where archaeologists identified the iron grille at a depth of approximately 1.7 metres below the present ground surface.
The grille consists of five vertical iron bars connected by two horizontal iron strips, which provided structural stability. At the ends of the horizontal strips are iron rings, believed to have been used to secure the grille to a wooden window frame.
Although the grille was discovered in two sections, much of its original construction remains intact. One section contains three vertical bars and a shorter horizontal strip, while the second comprises two vertical bars and the remaining horizontal elements.
Two original iron nails used to secure the grille within the window opening were also recovered.
The date and function of the building associated with the collapsed wall have yet to be determined. However, the presence of the grille suggests that the wall formed part of the building’s exterior.
Roman buildings generally featured relatively small external windows, with natural light often provided through internal courtyards, atria and peristyle gardens.
Window grilles served a practical security function, preventing unauthorised access while allowing light and ventilation into the interior.
Although glass windowpanes were introduced during the 1st century AD, their high cost meant that many Roman buildings continued to use wooden shutters or alternative translucent materials.
Among these was lapis specularis, a form of selenitic gypsum that could be split into thin, translucent sheets. The material was sourced from deposits in Spain, Sicily, Asia Minor and North Africa, and provided an effective alternative to glass for enclosing window openings.
Following its recovery, the grille was transferred to the collections storage facility at Augusta Raurica, where specialists will undertake further documentation, analysis and conservation.
The discovery provides a rare surviving example of Roman architectural ironwork and offers further evidence of the construction techniques and security measures.
Gold-bound beaver tooth pendant, Wigber Low cemetery (mid-7th C)
Scientists have uncovered evidence that lead mining in Derbyshire’s Peak District began as early as the 7th century, revealing how one of medieval Europe’s largest industries exposed local communities to dangerous levels of pollution.
Researchers have used chemical traces preserved in ancient teeth to establish when lead production resumed in the Peak District following the collapse of Roman rule in Britain, while uncovering the devastating impact the industry may have had on generations of families.
The study, led by the University of Nottingham in collaboration with the British Geological Survey, the University of Sheffield, York Archaeology and Castleton Historical Society, provides the first definitive evidence that post-Roman lead production was established in the region by the middle of the 7th century.
The discovery is particularly significant because centuries of mining and smelting had destroyed much of the archaeological evidence. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Roman and medieval lead waste was repeatedly reprocessed, removing many of the physical traces of the earlier industry.
Instead, archaeologists turned to human remains recovered from three medieval cemeteries, examining lead concentrations preserved in tooth enamel.
Because enamel develops during childhood and remains largely unchanged throughout life, it provides a lasting record of exposure to environmental pollutants.
The analysis revealed that children living in Derbyshire’s mining communities during the 7th century were exposed to lead concentrations comparable to, or even greater than, those experienced by people living in industrialised British cities between 1750 and 1850.
Professor Christopher Loveluck, Professor of Medieval European Archaeology at the University of Nottingham and lead author of the study, said the findings had finally established when the region’s early medieval lead industry emerged.
“The team is delighted to have finally confirmed definitively the date by which the early medieval lead industry was established in the Peak District, by the mid-7th century AD, through evidence provided by the people themselves,” he said.
The industry subsequently developed into western Europe’s largest lead-producing region between the late 12th and 16th centuries.
Pollution Exposed Inequalities in Medieval Society
The research also revealed striking differences in lead exposure between people of different social backgrounds.
Individuals buried with valuable possessions, including weapons and other high-status grave goods, generally had significantly lower lead concentrations than those buried with fewer possessions.
Researchers believe this suggests wealthier members of society may have controlled or profited from lead production while poorer households carried out the hazardous work of processing ore and smelting metal.
Children growing up in these working communities would have been exposed to toxic dust, fumes and contaminated materials, often within their own homes.
By the middle of the 8th century, large-scale production had already contaminated the wider environment around important mining centres, including Castleton.
Lead poisoning can damage the nervous system, kidneys and reproductive organs, with children particularly vulnerable to its effects.
Dr Anna Bloxam, Co-Director of the Castleton excavations, said the findings demonstrated the dangers faced by young people growing up in these industrial settlements.
“We know from modern studies that lead can have profoundly harmful effects on the health and development of children: there is no safe level of exposure,” she said.
“All the individuals included in our study survived into adulthood, but they were exposed to lead while they were young and growing.”
Young Women May Have Faced Greater Health Risks
One of the most concerning discoveries involved three women who died between approximately 17 and 25 years of age and whose teeth showed elevated childhood lead exposure.
Although researchers cannot establish that lead poisoning caused their premature deaths, the findings raise questions about the long-term health consequences of growing up in heavily polluted communities.
The study found that most of the men examined survived into middle or old age, while the women studied generally died much younger.
Scientists believe lead exposure may have posed additional risks during pregnancy, when lead stored in the body can be released into the bloodstream.
Dr Bloxam added: “Our results indicate that in these mining communities, girls and boys alike were raised in dangerously polluted home environments.
“This exposure will likely have caused negative health effects in life, and perhaps contributed to higher rates of premature death among women of child-bearing age.”
Lead Production Reached Its Peak Around 1200
The analysis found that lead exposure remained high throughout the medieval period, reaching its greatest levels during the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
This coincides with historical evidence showing that Peak District lead production was at its medieval height.
Previous environmental studies of Alpine ice cores, river sediments, lakes and peat bogs have recorded a substantial increase in atmospheric lead pollution across western Europe around 1200, partly attributed to British production.
The new findings provide a direct connection between this widespread pollution and the people who lived and worked in one of the continent’s most important lead-producing regions.
Researchers also discovered that most of the individuals studied had grown up locally, suggesting mining and smelting skills were passed down through generations rather than being sustained by large numbers of migrant workers.
The team examined human remains from Wigber Low in the Derbyshire White Peak, dating to the 7th century; Joule Yard in Castleton, dating from the 7th to 11th centuries; and Spital Field in Castleton, dating from the 12th to 15th centuries.
Together, the burial sites provided an unusually detailed picture of communities living through the revival and expansion of medieval lead production.
Colin Merrony, from the University of Sheffield, whose earlier archaeological work helped identify and excavate important burial sites, said the research had transformed understanding of medieval life in the Hope Valley.
“Our recent excavations in Castleton have provided a lot of new information about the people living in the Hope Valley during the medieval period,” he said.
“However, this study has enabled us, for the first time, to see beyond this broader understanding and to look more deeply into the profound impact lead production had on individuals and the communities they lived in.”
Findings to Go on Public Display
The research brings together archaeology, chemistry, history and environmental science to reveal how an industry that helped shape Britain’s medieval economy also left a lasting mark on the people who sustained it.
Researchers emphasised that the findings relate to historical mining and smelting between the 7th and 15th centuries and do not represent present-day environmental conditions in the Peak District.
The legacy of historic mining is now monitored, with conservation measures, land management and environmental regulations helping to manage potential risks.
The discoveries will contribute to a developing medieval archaeological research agenda for the Peak District National Park, funded by Historic England.
Members of the public will also have an opportunity to explore the findings through a temporary exhibition in the region during autumn and winter 2026–27, featuring the research alongside archaeological discoveries from Castleton.
The project received funding and support from the University of Nottingham, Peak District National Park Authority, Castleton Historical Society, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Museums and Historic England.
Archaeologists conducting rescue excavations in the village of Behbeit El-Hagar, in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate, have uncovered the remains of two colossal royal statues, believed to depict Pharaoh Ramses II.
The discoveries were made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), following the discovery of an inscribed stone block by a local resident while working on land outside his home.
The resident reported the find to the local antiquities inspectorate, prompting an initial investigation that confirmed the block was an archaeological artefact.
Following the inspection, the Behbeit El-Hagar Antiquities Inspectorate initiated the necessary legal procedures and prepared an archaeological report documenting the discovery.
A specialised archaeological committee and excavation team from the SCA were subsequently dispatched to conduct rescue excavations at the site, revealing the remains of two monumental royal statues and a block of pink granite bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions associated with Ramses II.
Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the third pharaoh of Egypt’s 19th Dynasty during the New Kingdom period, reigning from approximately 1279 to 1213 BC.
His reign, which lasted for more than six decades, was characterised by extensive building programmes, military campaigns and the construction of monumental temples and statues throughout Egypt and Nubia.
According to Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the first discovery consists of a colossal statue head measuring approximately 1.60 metres in height.
The head depicts Ramses II wearing the double crown, known as the pschent, which combined the White Crown of Upper Egypt and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt to symbolise the unification of the two kingdoms under the authority of the pharaoh.
Archaeologists also recovered part of the statue’s back pillar, a structural element commonly found on ancient Egyptian royal sculptures, which bears an inscription containing the king’s Horus name, “Hor-ka-nakht-mery-maat”.
The Horus name formed part of the royal titulary used by Egyptian pharaohs and identified the king with Horus, the falcon-headed deity associated with kingship and royal authority.
Based on the dimensions of the surviving head, researchers estimate that the complete statue, including its base, may originally have stood approximately 8.5 metres tall.
The estimated height indicates that the statue was a monumental royal sculpture, reflecting the scale of architectural and artistic projects undertaken during the reign of Ramses II.
The second discovery consists of a substantial portion of another royal statue, measuring approximately 2.40 metres in height, which archaeologists believe may also represent Ramses II.
Although the statue is missing its legs and base, the surviving figure depicts the king wearing the nemes, the striped royal headdress commonly associated with ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
The upper section of the headdress is partially missing, although the statue’s head was recovered with its facial features remaining clearly visible and in a good state of preservation.
According to the excavation team, the facial characteristics bear similarities to those of the first statue, supporting the preliminary identification of the second sculpture as another representation of Ramses II.
Approximately one metre north of the second statue, archaeologists uncovered a pink granite block measuring around 1.30 metres in length.
Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
The block contains surviving hieroglyphic inscriptions that include two royal titles of Ramses II: “Nesu Beti”, meaning King of Upper and Lower Egypt, and “Sa Ra”, meaning Son of Ra.
These titles formed part of the fivefold royal titulary used by ancient Egyptian rulers, expressing their political authority and divine associations.
The title Nesu Beti represented the pharaoh’s sovereignty over the two lands of Egypt, while Sa Ra emphasised the king’s relationship with Ra, the solar deity who occupied a central position in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
The inscriptions provide further evidence of royal activity at the site, although additional archaeological studies will be required to establish the original context of the granite block and its relationship to the two statues.
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said that the discovery represents an important addition to the archaeological record of Behbeit El-Hagar and contributes to a greater understanding of the region’s historical and cultural significance.
The minister also praised the local resident for promptly reporting the initial discovery, highlighting the importance of public awareness and community participation in protecting Egypt’s archaeological heritage.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the discovery demonstrates the importance of continuing archaeological research and rescue excavations alongside ongoing efforts to safeguard ancient monuments and archaeological sites throughout the country.
Behbeit El-Hagar is an important archaeological site in the Nile Delta, best known for the remains of a monumental temple dedicated to Isis, one of the principal deities of the ancient Egyptian pantheon.
The goddess Isis was associated with magic, protection, motherhood and kingship, and became one of the most widely venerated deities in ancient Egyptian religion.
The temple at Behbeit El-Hagar, known in antiquity as the Iseum, was a major centre of her worship and is particularly notable for its extensive use of granite in the construction of monumental architectural elements.
The surviving temple remains largely date to the Late Period and Ptolemaic era, when the sanctuary underwent significant construction and decoration.
Today, the archaeological site contains numerous granite blocks, columns, architectural fragments and inscribed elements that provide evidence of the scale and decorative complexity of the ancient temple complex.
The discovery of royal statues associated with Ramses II raises further questions about the history of the area before the construction of the surviving temple remains, and whether the sculptures were originally erected at the site or were subsequently moved from another location.
According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, excavations and archaeological studies remain ongoing to establish the relationship between the newly discovered statues, the inscribed granite block and the surrounding archaeological remains.
Researchers will examine the surviving inscriptions, sculptural characteristics and archaeological contexts to determine the original placement and possible function of the statues.
Further investigations will also seek to identify additional architectural elements that could provide evidence of earlier phases of occupation and construction at Behbeit El-Hagar.
The SCA said that the ongoing studies will contribute to a clearer understanding of the statues and the architectural development of the site during ancient Egyptian history.
The discoveries add to the archaeological record of the Nile Delta, a region that played an important role in the political, religious and economic development of ancient Egypt throughout the Pharaonic period.
Archaeologists conducting salvage excavations along the route of the Mexico City–Querétaro Passenger Train have uncovered a large assemblage of ceramics, revealing evidence of cultural exchange and successive periods of occupation in central Mexico.
The discoveries, made during archaeological investigations by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), include pottery associated with the Teotihuacan, Toltec and Mexica cultures, in addition to materials linked to societies from the Valley of Mexico, the Huasteca, the Gulf Coast, the Bajío, Oaxaca, Querétaro and Hidalgo.
According to INAH, the ceramics provide evidence of long-established trade networks, population movements and cultural interaction between communities occupying the region over nearly two millennia.
To study the discoveries, Mexico’s Ministry of Culture has established a specialised ceramics laboratory in Tepeji del Río de Ocampo, Hidalgo, where archaeologists are analysing and reconstructing domestic and ceremonial vessels recovered from settlements, burials and temple contexts.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, said: “The infrastructure projects underway in our country also represent an opportunity to expand our knowledge of history.”
She added that the archaeological investigations have enabled researchers to recover materials documenting centuries of occupation and cultural exchange, contributing to the understanding and preservation of Mexico’s archaeological heritage.
The recovered materials date from the Late Preclassic period (400 BC–AD 200) to the Late Postclassic period (AD 1200–1521), and were excavated at several sites along the railway corridor, including Tula, Ignacio Zaragoza and El Venado in Hidalgo, and Vista Real in Querétaro.
Víctor Francisco Heredia Guillén, coordinator of the archaeological rescue project, suggested that the diversity of ceramic traditions may reflect the movement of populations from neighbouring regions who subsequently integrated into local communities while retaining elements of their cultural identity.
At Ignacio Zaragoza, archaeologists identified ceramics dating to the Classic period (AD 200–900), including materials associated with the expansion of Teotihuacan during the Tlamimilolpa (AD 250–400) and Xolalpan (AD 400–650) phases.
Pottery from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca was also found at Ignacio Zaragoza and El Venado. It was polished or smoothed grey clay with quartz sand.
“These particular characteristics of manufacturing have allowed researchers to locate connections with ceramic traditions outside the immediate region,” says archaeologist Rosa María Sánchez Sánchez.
After Teotihuacan’s decline the area was re-occupied by Toltec communities in Postclassic times as part of the settlement periphery of Tula before later Mexica occupation.
Archaeologist Luis Alberto Jurado Martínez says that the ceramic assemblages contain lead-coloured pottery of Toltec production as well as False Lead, Aztec and Burnished Texcoco wares (the latter with black volcanic decoration on red or maroon surfaces).
Other discoveries include ceramics associated with the Huasteca region, manufactured using white kaolin clay with black designs on cream-coloured backgrounds, as well as Granular pottery originating from Guerrero.
At Vista Real in Querétaro, investigations led by archaeologist Yatzin Montiel Vargas, in collaboration with Carlos Alberto Simón Pérez, have identified evidence suggesting that the settlement occupied a transitional position between Tula and the Bajío region.
Excavations uncovered complete vessels deposited in burials, together with ritual objects such as braziers, incense burners and pipes.
Researchers also identified plates and bowls belonging to the Xajay Post-Firing Red Incised ceramic tradition, characterised by incised geometric decoration and associated with the Mezquital Valley.
Additional finds include composite vessels and figurines linked to the Bajío during the Epiclassic period, around AD 800–1000, further indicating connections between the two regions.
The assemblages also contain anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, including Preclassic examples from El Venado, Teotihuacan Portrait-type figurines and Toltec objects associated with the Coyotlatelco and Mazapa occupation phases (AD 600–900).
Archaeologist Ana Karen Vázquez Ayala noted that some figurines were associated with burials and exhibited evidence of deliberate ritual breakage, providing further insight into ceremonial practices during different periods of occupation.
According to Heredia Guillén, complete and substantially preserved vessels will be documented in an archaeological salvage catalogue and transferred to secure storage, with selected examples potentially destined for future public exhibitions.
The remaining ceramic assemblages will be incorporated into a typological reference collection, enabling researchers to conduct comparative studies of pottery production, distribution and cultural affiliations.
The findings provide new evidence of the complex networks of settlement, trade and cultural interaction that connected communities across central Mexico from the Preclassic through to the Late Postclassic period.
Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a pre-Hispanic solar observatory in Mexico’s Puebla state, dating back more than 2,500 years.
The discovery provides remarkable evidence of sophisticated astronomical knowledge among ancient Mesoamerican civilisations and represents the first observatory of its kind identified outside the Maya region.
Archaeologists working at the ancient settlement of Teteles de Ávila Castillo, in the Sierra Norte mountains of Puebla, Mexico, have confirmed that a monumental architectural complex was designed to observe the Sun and track important dates in the Mesoamerican calendar.
The discovery, announced on 13 October 2026 by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), reveals that the settlement’s inhabitants incorporated astronomical observations into the planning of their ceremonial buildings more than two millennia ago.
Researchers believe the observatory dates to the Middle Preclassic period, between approximately 1000 and 600 BC, placing it among the earliest known examples of astronomical architecture in Mesoamerica.
The findings are particularly significant because architectural complexes of this type, known as Group E structures, have traditionally been associated with the ancient Maya civilisation.
According to INAH, the observatory at Teteles de Ávila Castillo is the first confirmed example of its kind outside the Maya region.
Ancient structures aligned with the Sun
The discovery emerged from detailed architectural studies, comparisons with other Mesoamerican ceremonial centres and observations of the Sun’s movements across the horizon.
The archaeological site, also known as Tetelihtic, contains a ceremonial precinct whose layout appears to have been carefully planned around astronomical phenomena and prominent features of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
At the centre of the discovery is an architectural complex situated east of the settlement’s Great Plaza.
It consists of a quadrangular courtyard bordered by two platforms, one to the east and another to the west.
The eastern platform measures approximately 90 metres from north to south and 40 metres from east to west. The smaller western structure measures 46 metres by 27 metres and is believed to have served as an observation point.
Researchers found that the arrangement closely resembles astronomical complexes associated with Maya settlements, particularly the famous Group E complex at Uaxactún in Guatemala.
Alberto Diez Barroso Repizo, director of the Teteles de Ávila Castillo Archaeological Project, explained that the similarities suggest a shared tradition of astronomical observation and ceremonial architecture.
Both complexes are believed to date to the Middle Preclassic period, although the Uaxactún structure is approximately twice the size of the one discovered in Puebla.
A calendar written into the landscape
One of the most intriguing aspects of the discovery is the observatory’s apparent connection to the ancient Mesoamerican agricultural calendar.
Unlike some astronomical structures that mark the equinoxes through their central alignment, the elongated platform at Teteles appears to have been designed to identify specific periods of the year.
Researchers believe it marked the beginning of the pre-Hispanic calendar in February and the harvest season in October.
These dates would have been particularly important to agricultural communities whose survival depended on understanding seasonal changes.
Observations conducted at the site also indicated that the eastern platform could function as a solar calendar, allowing observers to follow the position of the rising Sun at important points in its annual cycle, including the equinoxes and solstices.
The findings suggest that the settlement’s inhabitants possessed a detailed understanding of the relationship between celestial movements, seasonal changes and ceremonial activities.
Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, said the discovery demonstrates the scientific capabilities of ancient societies.
“The architecture of Teteles de Ávila Castillo tells us about societies that developed astronomical knowledge and incorporated it into the organisation of their ceremonial spaces,” she said.
She added that recognising these achievements was essential to understanding the development of knowledge across different regions of Mesoamerica.
Image Credit : INAH
Possible connections to Maya and Totonac civilisations
Beyond its astronomical importance, the discovery could also help archaeologists investigate the origins and cultural relationships of several ancient Mesoamerican peoples.
Diez Barroso believes the observatory may provide evidence of early connections between the Maya-speaking populations and communities living in what is now Puebla.
One possibility under investigation is that Maya cultural influences reached the region as early as the first millennium BC.
Researchers suggest these connections could contribute to understanding the ancient roots of the Huastec peoples, whose language belongs to the Mayan language family.
Another hypothesis concerns the origins of the Totonac civilisation, which later flourished in the mountainous regions of Puebla and along Mexico’s northern Gulf Coast.
Archaeologists believe Tetelihtic may have been an important early centre associated with populations ancestral to the Totonac.
The research has also raised the possibility of a connection with the Nahua goddess Nantehuitz, whose name translates as “our mother of the south”.
This interpretation is linked to the orientation of the settlement’s principal structure towards Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky.
However, these cultural and religious associations remain hypotheses requiring further archaeological investigation.
A ceremonial centre used for centuries
Archaeological evidence indicates that Tetelihtic was occupied from approximately 900 BC until around AD 100 During this long period, the settlement appears to have served as an important ceremonial centre, with its architecture reflecting both astronomical knowledge and religious traditions.
By the time major Mesoamerican centres such as Cantona, Cholula and Teotihuacan were emerging, Tetelihtic had been partially abandoned. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the site continued to hold religious significance long after its original inhabitants had departed.
Archaeologists have identified offerings around the ceremonial precinct dating from approximately AD 100 to 600, indicating that people continued to visit the settlement for ritual purposes.
A later Totonac offering, dated to between AD 600 and 900, was discovered on one of the complex’s platforms. Researchers believe this indicates that the abandoned settlement remained a sacred location for subsequent generations.
Diez Barroso suggested that the original inhabitants may have been ancestors of Totonac communities that later established themselves at Yohualichan, in Puebla, and El Tajín, in neighbouring Veracruz.
Both sites became important centres of Totonac cultural development.
Discovery offers new insight into ancient science
The findings were presented to the public during a conference and photographic exhibition organised with support from the Teteles de Ávila Castillo municipal authorities and the Tzoncoyotl civil association. Researchers say the discovery could reshape understanding of how astronomical knowledge developed and spread throughout ancient Mesoamerica.
Although Maya astronomical achievements are well documented, the newly confirmed observatory demonstrates that comparable traditions of celestial observation were present in other regions at an early date.
The sophisticated alignment of monumental architecture with the Sun’s annual movements also highlights the importance of astronomy in agriculture, religious ceremonies and urban planning.
Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown 10th-century stone building during excavations at the lost Ottonian royal palace of Helfta near Lutherstadt Eisleben in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
The discovery was made during renewed investigations by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology (LDA) of Saxony-Anhalt under Professor Felix Biermann).
The building was found next to the palatium (royal palace) and has been dated to the 10th century based on associated archaeological finds.
It is about 9 by 5 metres and has a cellar with a well-preserved access staircase. Its function is not known but archaeologists believe it was either the home of members of the entourage of the king or that of a burgrave who ran the palace while the king was away.
The discovery adds to a complex of monumental stone buildings associated with the reign of Otto the Great (AD 912–973), who established Helfta as an important royal residence during the Ottonian period.
Previous excavations conducted between 2020 and 2023 identified the remains of St Radegund’s Church, founded by Otto before AD 969, along with an associated cemetery and the foundations of the royal palace.
Together, these structures formed the ceremonial and administrative centre of Helfta, which contemporary sources described as a curtis imperialis, or imperial court.
The latest investigations have also uncovered a stone-reinforced terrace on the eastern side of the palace, dating to the same period.
According to the archaeologists, the terrace formed a prominent platform within the royal courtyard, bordered by the palace and church, and may have been used for open-air assemblies.
The newly identified building and terrace provide further evidence of the monumental architecture constructed at Helfta to demonstrate royal authority during the 10th century.
Historical records indicate that the palace was visited by Otto the Great and his successor, Otto II (AD 955–983), as well as the medieval chronicler Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg.
The royal complex developed from an earlier fortified settlement known as Helphideburc, which was mentioned in the ninth-century Hersfeld tithe register.
Excavations have revealed substantial fortifications, residential buildings, workshops and industrial installations associated with the Carolingian and Ottonian occupation of the hilltop.
Beyond the monumental buildings of the royal court, archaeologists have also uncovered further evidence of everyday life in the southeastern outer bailey.
The remains include numerous rectangular sunken-featured buildings, generally measuring between 3 and 5 metres across, which originally had wattle-and-daub walls and timber or thatched roofs.
These structures were heated by stone-lined hearths and served as homes and workshops for the population responsible for supporting the royal residence.
Finds of clay loom weights, casting crucibles and a lime kiln indicate that textile production, non-ferrous metalworking and the manufacture of lime for plaster and mortar were undertaken at the settlement.
The contrast between these modest buildings and the monumental stone architecture of the royal complex provides evidence of the social and economic divisions within the medieval settlement.
The investigations have also examined the remains of a later fortified castle constructed during the 12th century, when the former royal centre had declined in importance.
The castle belonged to the von Hackeborn family and may have been associated with Gertrud and Mechthild von Hackeborn, two prominent figures connected with the medieval Cistercian monastery of Helfta.
Unlike the earlier royal palace, the castle occupied a smaller fortified area, comprising an oval moated enclosure approximately 50 metres in diameter and an adjoining outer bailey.
Excavations in 2023 uncovered the foundations of its rectangular main tower, while the current investigations have revealed sections of the surrounding curtain wall, cellars, timber-framed buildings and a larger residential structure.
The ongoing excavations have also identified additional graves associated with St Radegund’s Church, further sections of defensive walls and ditches, and the remains of a palisade fortification dating to the pre-Roman Iron Age.
A second underground passage, described as an earth cellar dating to the Late Middle Ages, has also been investigated.
Among the artefacts recovered are several silver coins dating from the 10th to 15th centuries, along with Ottonian jewellery, including earrings and enamelled garment clasps.
One particularly unusual find is a crescent-shaped brooch, while other discoveries include iron arrowheads, pottery decorated with characteristic Slavic wave patterns, an almost functional bone flute and a fragment of an antler box decorated with circular eye motifs dating to around AD 1000.
The excavations form part of a wider project to develop visitor infrastructure at the former royal palace, supported by the state of Saxony-Anhalt through the Saxony-Anhalt REVIER 2038 structural development programme.
The 2026 investigations, supported by approximately 20 volunteers, are scheduled to continue until 24 October.
According to the LDA, the discoveries are providing an increasingly detailed picture of Helfta’s development, from an early medieval fortified settlement to an Ottonian royal centre and later aristocratic castle.
Archaeologists have discovered two rare axes made from deer antler during excavations at a prehistoric settlement near Löddeköpinge in Skåne, southern Sweden.
The axes were uncovered in pits during an archaeological investigation conducted earlier this year and have been tentatively dated to the Bronze Age (c. 1700–500 BC).
According to Arkeologerna, one of the axes is heavily eroded, while the better-preserved example features a perforated shaft hole and a carefully carved and ground cutting edge.
The discovery is particularly significant given the rarity of Bronze Age antler axes in Sweden. Although numerous examples have been documented in neighbouring Denmark, only a small number have previously been recorded in Sweden.
Antler axes have a long history in Scandinavian prehistory, with their earliest widespread use dating to the Mesolithic period (c. 10,000–4000 BC).
During this period, hunter-gatherer communities commonly fashioned axes and other implements from deer antler, taking advantage of the material’s durability and suitability for working wood.
However, antler axes largely disappeared from the archaeological record during the Neolithic period (c. 4000–1700 BC), when agricultural communities increasingly relied on other materials and toolmaking traditions.
They reappeared during the Bronze Age with a modified design, before once again disappearing during the Iron Age.
The function of Bronze Age antler axes remains a subject of archaeological debate, with evidence suggesting that they may have served both practical and ceremonial purposes.
Experimental archaeology conducted at the Lejre experimental archaeology centre in Denmark has demonstrated that reconstructed antler axes were effective woodworking implements.
During the experiments, researchers successfully used newly manufactured antler axes to fell trees, chop dry timber and split firewood, demonstrating that the tools were capable of performing demanding practical tasks.
However, archaeological discoveries from Denmark suggest that their significance may have extended beyond everyday woodworking activities.
Of the 155 Bronze Age antler axes documented in Denmark, 59 feature decorative ornamentation, including dotted circles, wheel crosses and spiral patterns.
These motifs are characteristic of Bronze Age artistic traditions in Scandinavia, where similar geometric designs appear on a range of objects.
The presence of such decoration has led researchers to suggest that some antler axes may have possessed symbolic or ceremonial significance, potentially distinguishing them from ordinary working tools.
Their archaeological contexts provide further evidence for this interpretation.
Many examples have been recovered from wetlands and bogs, environments frequently associated with the deliberate deposition of objects during Scandinavian prehistory.
Such discoveries have raised the possibility that certain antler axes were intentionally placed in wetland environments as ritual offerings rather than being accidentally lost or discarded.
Nevertheless, their demonstrated effectiveness as woodworking implements indicates that practical and symbolic functions were not necessarily mutually exclusive.
The two axes discovered near Löddeköpinge provide further evidence for the reappearance of antler axe technology during the Bronze Age, following its decline during the preceding Neolithic period.
The better-preserved example is particularly noteworthy because its perforated shaft hole and worked cutting edge provide clear evidence of deliberate manufacture.
Although the precise function of the newly discovered axes has not been established, their presence at a prehistoric settlement adds to the archaeological evidence for the use of antler implements in Bronze Age southern Scandinavia.
The discovery also contributes to the limited record of such objects in Sweden, where finds remain comparatively rare despite their more frequent occurrence in Denmark.
A new study suggests that economic inequality declined as the Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro developed, challenging the assumption that urbanisation inevitably led to greater social inequality.
Located in present-day Pakistan, Mohenjo-daro was a major urban centre of the Indus Civilisation (c. 2600–1900 BC), renowned for its planned streets, sophisticated drainage systems and public infrastructure.
In a study published in the journal Antiquity, researchers analysed residential architecture to investigate how wealth disparities changed during the city’s development.
Using archaeological records from early twentieth-century excavations, the team reconstructed 309 residences and applied statistical methods to measure differences in residential floor area.
In a study published in the journal Antiquity, archaeologists Adam S. Green, Iqtedar Alam and Cameron Petrie examined residential architecture to investigate patterns of economic inequality at Mohenjo-daro.
The researchers analysed archaeological records from early twentieth-century excavations, using geographical information systems (GIS) to reconstruct the layouts of 309 residences.
They then calculated Gini coefficients, a statistical measure commonly used to assess inequality, based on differences in residential floor area.
The analysis produced an overall Gini coefficient of 0.44 for Mohenjo-daro, significantly lower than those recorded at several other ancient urban centres.
For comparison, the ancient Greek site of Knossos has a Gini coefficient of 0.86, while the Maya city of Palenque has a coefficient of 0.75. The Mesopotamian city of Ur and the ancient city of Ugarit both recorded values exceeding 0.6.
The researchers also identified a decline in residential inequality over time in the DK-G South district, where the archaeological sequence provides a clearer chronology of urban development.
During the earlier occupation phases, around 2500 BC, the district had a Gini coefficient of approximately 0.39. By around 2100 BC, this had declined to 0.23, approaching levels associated with more egalitarian societies.
This reduction coincided with changes to the city’s architecture, including the increasing alignment of residential buildings with its planned street network.
According to the study, these developments suggest that collective governance and investment in public infrastructure may have contributed to a more equitable distribution of residential space.
The city contained numerous shared amenities, including public buildings, drainage systems and standardised systems of weights and measures.
The widespread distribution of Indus seals, which were commonly recovered from residential buildings rather than palaces or temples, also suggests that economic activities may not have been controlled by a single ruling authority.
The researchers propose that the same systems of governance responsible for maintaining public infrastructure may have helped constrain economic inequality.
The study also identified a possible relationship between declining residential inequality and increasing prosperity.
In DK-G South, the median residential floor area initially decreased before increasing again during later occupation phases, when inequality was at its lowest recorded level.
However, the researchers caution that the relationship between productivity and inequality remains uncertain because of the limited chronological data available.
They also emphasise that residential floor area is an indirect measure of economic inequality and does not account for all differences in wealth, status or access to resources.
The findings suggest that Mohenjo-daro developed a distinctive form of urban organisation in which residential inequality decreased alongside the expansion of civic infrastructure.
The researchers conclude that collective governance may have played an important role in limiting economic disparities, providing new insights into the organisation of early cities and the relationship between urbanisation and inequality.
Journal Reference: Green, A. S., Alam, I. & Petrie, C. (2026). Inequality declined in the Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro. Antiquity, 100(413), 1239–1254. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2026.10359
A new study of ancient cave paintings in the Altai Mountains of north-western China has revealed evidence of artistic and religious activity spanning thousands of years.
The paintings are located at Tangbaletasi in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, approximately 70 kilometres from Fuyun County.
The site consists of two natural caves containing an extensive collection of prehistoric rock art, including anthropomorphic figures, animals, geometric patterns and inscriptions associated with Tibetan Buddhism.
In a study published in npj Heritage Science, researchers used hyperspectral imaging, iconographic comparisons and historical records to investigate the chronology and possible functions of the paintings.
The analysis identified multiple phases of artistic activity, with some of the earliest images attributed to the Bronze Age.
In the first cave, designated C1, researchers documented 19 identifiable figures, including a three-eyed anthropomorphic face, a bell-shaped figure and several geometric motifs.
The second cave, designated C2, contains 51 compositions depicting horned anthropomorphic figures, X-shaped symbols and animals.
Using hyperspectral imaging, the researchers also identified two previously invisible motifs and examined overlapping pigments to establish the relative chronology of the paintings.
Comparisons with similar rock art from Mongolia and the wider Altai region suggest that some of the earliest figures are associated with the Chemurchek culture, which emerged during the third millennium BC.
Other anthropomorphic figures share characteristics with imagery attributed to the Karakol, Okunev and Samus cultures of the Bronze Age.
The study also identified a later phase of activity associated with Tibetan Buddhism, represented by inscriptions in Tibetan script and a crossed vajra symbol.
According to the researchers, these motifs may date to the Yuan dynasty (AD 1271–1368), when Tibetan Buddhism expanded across Inner Asia under Mongol imperial patronage.
Differences in pigment composition suggest that the Buddhist imagery may have been added during several separate periods.
The researchers also examined the possible ritual significance of the paintings, particularly a three-eyed figure with a beard and radiating lines extending from its head.
Similar representations have been documented across Central Asia and southern Siberia, where they have sometimes been associated with shamanic traditions.
However, the researchers caution that the precise meaning of the figure remains uncertain, noting that its weathered appearance suggests an earlier date than the Tibetan Buddhist imagery.
Further evidence of possible ceremonial activity comes from groups of horned anthropomorphic figures arranged around X-shaped symbols, which may depict collective rituals rather than scenes of everyday life.
A circular stone burial mound, measuring approximately 10 metres in diameter, is also located around 100 metres from the caves, although its relationship to the paintings has not been established.
The study suggests that Tangbaletasi was repeatedly used by different communities, with successive generations adding new imagery alongside existing paintings.
This resulted in the accumulation of distinct artistic traditions, from Bronze Age anthropomorphic representations to later Tibetan Buddhist symbols.
The Churches Conservation Trust is appealing to the public to help unravel the mystery of a labyrinth at St Mary’s Church in Itchen Stoke, Hampshire, where unusual patterns of sunlight have raised questions about its original purpose.
The labyrinth, located within the chancel of the Grade II-listed church, consists of 11 concentric circuits formed from approximately 1,500 glazed green and brown tiles. Measuring around 5 metres in diameter, the design features a single winding route leading towards its centre.
Previously concealed beneath an altar table, the labyrinth has attracted renewed attention following observations of sunlight passing through the church’s stained-glass windows and creating distinctive patterns across the tiled floor.
According to the Churches Conservation Trust, the appearance of an arrow-shaped beam of light pointing towards the centre has prompted speculation that the labyrinth may have served a calendrical or astronomical function.
A mystery written in light
Victoria Green, who recently took responsibility for caring for St Mary’s, believes further investigation could help establish whether the interaction between sunlight and the labyrinth was intentional.
The changing position of the light throughout the day may provide clues about the significance of the design, particularly if recurring patterns can be identified at specific times or dates.
Green described the investigation as reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code, referring to the mystery surrounding the labyrinth and its possible symbolism.
“Lots more research will have to be done and we’d love the public to help us – it’ll require observations at all times of day from sunrise onwards,” she said.
The trust hopes that observations made by visitors and local residents will help determine whether the light patterns have any relationship with the labyrinth’s original purpose.
Image Credit : Victoria Green – Visit Churches
Inspired by Chartres Cathedral
The labyrinth is believed to have been modelled on the celebrated medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, one of the most recognisable examples of ecclesiastical labyrinth design.
Unlike a maze, which contains branching passages and dead ends, a labyrinth follows a single continuous route towards its centre.
In Christian tradition, walking a labyrinth is often associated with prayer, spiritual reflection and symbolic pilgrimage, representing a journey towards spiritual enlightenment or a closer relationship with God.
“We believe the labyrinth was based on the one at Chartres Cathedral in France,” Green explained.
“Visitors use it for prayer or contemplation – and children just race or dance around, it’s delightful.”
A place of pilgrimage and contemplation
Situated within an apse at the eastern end of the church, the labyrinth occupies one of the building’s most sacred architectural spaces.
Its rediscovery has generated growing interest among worshippers, pilgrims and visitors, with organised prayer groups now using the winding pathway for contemplation.
The church also attracts walkers travelling along St James’ Way, a 66-mile pilgrimage route connecting Reading Abbey with Southampton via Winchester Cathedral. The route forms part of the wider tradition of pilgrimage associated with the Camino de Santiago.
“Many interpret walking a labyrinth as a pilgrimage,” Green said.
“We now get prayer groups who walk it and pilgrims come on the St James Way – the Camino de Santiago – a route of 66 miles from Reading Abbey to Southampton via Winchester Cathedral.”
Interest has also spread beyond the local community, with visitors travelling from overseas to experience the unusual feature.
“The villagers of Itchen Stoke are becoming interested in it and people are booking tours and the visitors’ book has entries from as far away as Texas,” Green added.
Public invited to investigate
Although the labyrinth’s design and possible connection to Chartres Cathedral offer clues to its inspiration, the significance of the sunlight patterns remains unresolved.
Establishing whether the phenomenon represents a deliberate architectural alignment, a symbolic feature or a coincidental interaction between the stained-glass windows and tiled floor will require further research.
The Churches Conservation Trust is now encouraging members of the public to contribute observations and information that could help explain the labyrinth’s history and potential meaning.
Anyone with relevant knowledge or evidence is invited to contact the trust as investigations continue into one of the church’s most intriguing architectural features.
Image Credit : Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto
A geophysical survey of the Grotta delle Veneri (Cave of Venuses) in southern Italy has identified possible hidden cavities that may connect to the existing prehistoric cave system.
The Grotta delle Veneri is located near the town of Parabita in the Puglia region and is an important Palaeolithic site, with archaeological evidence of occupation by both Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans.
The cave takes its name from the discovery of two Palaeolithic Venus figurines, carved from animal bone around 20,000 years ago.
Both figurines depict stylised female forms with their arms positioned across the breasts and beneath the abdomen, which some researchers have interpreted as representations of pregnancy or fertility.
The larger figurine measures approximately 9 centimetres in height and has a series of deep grooves across the face, possibly depicting a veil, mask or hairstyle. The smaller figurine measures just over 6 centimetres and displays similar features.
Stylistically, the figurines share characteristics with prehistoric art found across Europe. Their proportions resemble examples from the Mediterranean, while the facial detailing has parallels with figurines from the Rhine-Danube region. Their posture has also been compared with examples discovered in Russia.
Previous archaeological investigations at the Grotta delle Veneri have also uncovered older deposits associated with Neanderthal occupation.
In a new study, researchers from the University of Malta and Italy’s Institute of Heritage Studies conducted a geophysical survey to investigate the subsurface structure of the cave and surrounding limestone.
The team employed ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), two non-invasive methods used to detect underground cavities and geological formations.
GPR uses electromagnetic pulses to identify changes beneath the surface, while ERT measures variations in electrical resistance to distinguish between different subsurface materials.
The survey identified several anomalies that researchers suggest may represent previously undocumented cavities within the limestone.
According to the study, some of these features could be connected to the known cave system, although further investigation is required to determine their extent and whether they are accessible.
Similar investigations at the Gorham’s Cave Complex in Gibraltar led to the discovery of a previously unknown chamber in 2021.
The chamber extended approximately 13 metres into the cave system and had remained sealed for around 40,000 years, preserving evidence associated with Neanderthal activity.
While there is currently no evidence that the anomalies identified at the Grotta delle Veneri contain archaeological deposits, the findings suggest that additional underground spaces may remain undiscovered.
The researchers highlight the potential of combining GPR and ERT to identify concealed cavities at prehistoric cave sites without disturbing archaeological deposits.
Further investigations will be necessary to confirm whether the anomalies represent natural cavities connected to the cave system and whether they preserve additional evidence of prehistoric human activity.
Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Kayalıpınar in Türkiye have discovered a Hittite royal archive containing 184 cuneiform tablets and fragments.
Kayalıpınar, identified with the ancient city of Šamuḫa, is located in the Yıldızeli district of Sivas Province in central Türkiye.
Excavations conducted by Koç University under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have uncovered 131 cuneiform tablets and fragments during the latest archaeological season.
Combined with tablets recovered during previous excavations, the discovery brings the total number of documents from the archive to 184.
The tablets date from approximately 3,400 years ago during the reign of the Hittite king Tudhaliya II and contain records relating to the political, military and administrative affairs of the Hittite state.
Preliminary examination of the texts has revealed references to military activities, epidemics, the death of an infant princess and requests for assistance sent to the king by Hittite military commanders.
Researchers say that the archive could provide important new information about the administration of the Hittite kingdom and aspects of daily life during the Late Bronze Age.
The Hittites established a powerful kingdom in Anatolia during the 2nd millennium BC, which developed into an empire extending across much of Anatolia and parts of the northern Levant.
Šamuḫa was an important Hittite administrative and religious centre and is frequently mentioned in surviving textual sources. The city was particularly associated with the worship of Šauška, a goddess connected with love and war.
The newly discovered documents could provide further evidence for the role of Šamuḫa within the political and administrative structure of the Hittite state.
According to Sivas Governor Yılmaz Şimşek: “These tablets, which date back approximately 3,400 years, provide us with important information on many aspects of the Hittite civilisation, from state administration and military activities to their beliefs and daily lives.”
Thousands of Hittite cuneiform tablets have previously been discovered at Hattusa, the Hittite capital near modern Boğazkale. Excavations beginning during the early 20th century uncovered extensive royal archives containing diplomatic correspondence, treaties, religious texts and administrative records.
According to the researchers, the Kayalıpınar assemblage represents the most extensive Hittite royal archive discovered during the 21st century and is one of the most significant concentrations of Hittite documents found outside Hattusa.
Excavations at Kayalıpınar are ongoing, while further translation and analysis of the tablets could reveal previously unknown details concerning Hittite politics, military organisation, religion and society.
Image Credit : Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la provincia di Viterbo e per l'Etruria Meridionale
Underwater archaeologists have discovered a 3,000-year-old bronze sword during excavations of a submerged Bronze Age settlement in Lake Mezzano, Italy.
The sword was discovered along the southern shore of the lake during the latest research season by archaeologists from the Underwater Archaeology Service of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria.
According to the researchers, the sword dates from the 13th century BC during the Late Bronze Age and is remarkably well preserved, with the cutting edge still retaining its sharpness after more than three millennia underwater.
It is the third bronze sword recovered from Lake Mezzano since archaeological investigations began at the site during the 1970s.
Lake Mezzano occupies the crater of an extinct volcano in the Tuscia region of central Italy. Beneath its waters are the remains of an extensive prehistoric settlement constructed on wooden structures, with occupation beginning during the Early Bronze Age in the early 2nd millennium BC and continuing through subsequent phases of prehistory.
The newly discovered sword corresponds with weapon-making traditions found in central Italy during the Late Bronze Age, when communities maintained extensive networks of communication and exchange across the Italian Peninsula and wider Mediterranean.
Bronze weapons during this period also represented more than functional objects, with swords and other weaponry being associated with expressions of status, identity and social power.
Archaeologists recovered several additional objects during the same excavation season, including complete ceramic vessels, bronze axes, arrowheads, daggers, spearheads, needles and a razor.
The sword was discovered in close proximity to the bronze razor, an association that researchers say is also documented at other Bronze Age sites and may be connected with individuals of elevated social status, including members of a warrior elite.
Image Credit : Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la provincia di Viterbo e per l’Etruria Meridionale
Researchers are also investigating why numerous metal objects were deposited in and around the settlement.
Bronze swords, axes and spearheads have been recovered from wetlands and bodies of water across prehistoric Europe, with some examples interpreted as deliberate deposits associated with ritual practices connected to water.
At Lake Mezzano, archaeologists have observed a notable consistency in the depths at which metal artefacts occur across different parts of the submerged site. Further investigation could help determine whether the objects represent deliberate deposition or accumulated through other processes affecting the settlement.
The waterlogged environment of Lake Mezzano has resulted in the preservation of an extensive archaeological and environmental record, providing evidence for craft production, exchange and social organisation among the prehistoric communities inhabiting the Tuscia region.
Underwater conservators assisted during the recovery of the newly discovered artefacts, allowing conservation treatments to begin immediately after their removal from the lake.
Further underwater excavations will focus on documenting the spatial distribution of artefacts and archaeological features throughout the submerged settlement using advanced surveying and mapping techniques.
According to the Superintendency, research at Lake Mezzano will continue over the coming years, while a selection of bronze artefacts recovered from the site is planned for display in a future exhibition.
Sources : Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la provincia di Viterbo e per l’Etruria Meridionale
Underwater archaeologists excavating the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria have discovered a bronze seal ring depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The discovery was made by a joint archaeological mission from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
Excavations are being conducted across the submerged remains of ancient Alexandria’s royal quarter, parts of which now lie beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the bronze ring was discovered on the submerged island of Antirhodos, which formed part of the ancient Portus Magnus.
The ring bears an engraved representation of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, which resembles depictions found on Alexandrian coinage from the 2nd century AD.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was constructed during the Ptolemaic period on the island of Pharos and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the discovery is exceptional as it represents the first known example of an engraved depiction of the lighthouse on a seal ring.
Antirhodos was located within Alexandria’s royal quarter and contained a palace described by the Greek geographer Strabo, who visited Egypt between 29 and 25 BC.
Researchers suggest that the discovery could indicate that the palace complex continued to serve an administrative function until at least the 2nd century AD, possibly including activities connected with the administration of the lighthouse.
Franck Goddio, president of IEASM and director of the Antirhodos mission, said that the current excavation season is focused on four sites within the Eastern Harbour.
These include the Temple of Isis, the palace and western platform on Antirhodos, the remains of a monumental sarcophagus, and the Timonium, a palace complex associated with Mark Antony.
Archaeologists have also recovered an assemblage of pottery spanning approximately eight centuries, from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD.
The finds include everyday utensils, tableware, amphorae and other ceramic vessels, in addition to fragments of ancient glassware.
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, recently inspected the excavations and highlighted the importance of documenting archaeological remains submerged beneath the Mediterranean.
According to the ministry, the ongoing investigations are providing new evidence for the development of Alexandria and its role throughout the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Following the completion of the current excavation season in the Eastern Harbour, the archaeological mission is expected to continue underwater investigations in Abu Qir Bay.
