8 Incredible Discoveries About Ancient Civilizations in the Last Decade
Recent Discoveries that Transform Our Understanding of Ancient Civilizations
The last decade has brought to light some remarkable discoveries about ancient civilizations, revealing hidden aspects of their cultures, technologies, and ways of life. These findings have reshaped our understanding of history and the ingenuity of our ancestors.
Discovered near the Saqqara necropolis, the tomb of Wahtye, a high-ranking priest from the 5th dynasty, was untouched for 4,400 years. The site contained vibrant hieroglyphs, statues, and well-preserved mummies, offering new insights into Ancient Egyptian funeral practices.
Archaeologists found a 2,400-year-old Greek merchant ship at the bottom of the Black Sea. Preserved nearly intact, this discovery is critical for understanding ancient Greek maritime routes and shipbuilding techniques.
Using drone technology, researchers in Peru discovered new Nazca Lines depicting humans, animals, and other figures. These geoglyphs, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, continue to be an enigma regarding their purpose and creation methods.
In the Yucatán region of Kulubá, archaeologists uncovered a 55-meter-long palace estimated to be over 1,000 years old. This discovery highlights the architectural sophistication and spread of the Mayan civilization across Central America.
A 78,000-year-old grave of a child was found, providing evidence of early human emotional ties and the emergence of cultural practices surrounding death much earlier than previously thought in Africa.
The discovery of a Viking burial site in Gjellestad included a ship burial, weapons, and tools. This site is key to understanding the extent of Viking maritime culture and their burial rites.
Researchers found a major prehistoric structure consisting of at least 20 huge shafts more than 10 meters in diameter and 5 meters deep, forming a circle more than 2 kilometers in diameter around the Durrington Walls henge.
Near Luxor, archaeologists unearthed what they believe is the 3000-year-old "Lost Golden City," known as Aten. It's thought to be the largest ancient city ever uncovered in Egypt and provides unique insights into the life and times of the ancient Egyptians under the rule of Amenhotep III.
Each of these discoveries adds a layer of depth to our understanding of ancient civilizations, opening new chapters in the story of human history that were previously untold.