Tag Archives: artifacts

Ancient Artifacts Unearthed Near Cave in the Arabian Desert

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Cave passage in Mrubbe Cave

A cave near an ancient human settlement in the Arabian desert

Provided by: Huw S. Groucutt et al.

The parched landscapes of northeastern Saudi Arabia were once sufficiently moist to sustain a thriving fauna. Evidence suggests that ancient hominins also inhabited the area.

“This paper offers the initial comprehensive survey of the archaeological findings in the interior of northeastern Arabia, a vast region that has been largely overlooked,” states Monika Markowska from Northumbria University in the UK, who was not part of the study.

This research targets a largely uncharted segment of the Arabian Peninsula situated between Qatar and Kuwait. Despite the lack of recorded prehistoric human activity, scientists are aware that the region historically enjoyed enough rainfall to support a diverse ecosystem.

“Hominins have existed in Arabia for over 500,000 years and likely underwent several periods of habitation,” remarks Hugh Gourcutt from the University of Malta.

In their efforts to understand how ancient humans may have thrived in this environment, Gurkat and his team pinpointed ancient rivers and caves located near deposits of chert, a durable rock that prehistoric peoples used for tool-making. “Caves often serve as crucial archaeological sites, preserving fossils and climatic data,” Gurkat explains.

A total of 79 caves and their adjacent regions were investigated. Some contained signs of ancient life, both human and animal. One cave, in particular, was found next to an area where over 400 stone tools were scattered on the ground. Additionally, remains of ancient reptiles, bats, birds, camels, gazelles, hyenas, and wolves were uncovered within the cave.

By analyzing the characteristics of the stone tools, Groukat and his colleagues established that humans inhabited the vicinity of these caves between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago.

“Today, [Arabia] reveals an exceptional preservation of thousands of bones within these caves, providing invaluable insights into historical ecosystems,” notes Markowska.

Team member Michael Petraglia, who has dedicated years to researching Arabian archaeology at Griffith University in Australia, adds, “This research marks another milestone in understanding caves, rivers, their contents, and what they reveal about life in Arabia’s dynamic ecosystem.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Archaeologists Discover Evidence of Blue Pigments in 13,000-Year-Old Stone Artifacts in Germany

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No blue pigments have been found in Paleolithic art. This absence is attributed to the scarcity of naturally occurring blue pigments and the subtlety of these colors. However, archaeologists employed various methods to uncover traces of the lively blue mineral pigment azurite in Paleolithic adhesive stone artifacts from Mühlheim-Dietesheim, Germany, marking the earliest known use of blue pigments in Europe.

Three areas of blue residues found in the sandstone formations of stone artifacts at Muhlheim Dieschetim, Germany. Image credit: Wisher et al., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10184.

Both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens utilized mineral and organic colors; however, their palette seems confined to black and red-yellow pigments sourced from charcoal, manganese dioxide, and various iron oxides.

These pigments are well documented across continents for numerous applications.

During the Paleolithic Age (300,000-40,000 years ago) in central Europe, Neanderthals are thought to have employed ochres and manganese dioxide, likely for purposes ranging from cave art to functional applications like adhesive compounds and fire extinguishing agents, as well as for symbolic practices.

In Homo sapiens, the use of pigments correlates with the onset of “behavioral modernity,” which emerged over 100,000 years ago and is acknowledged as a hallmark of cognitive complexity.

The prevalence of pigment use in the Upper Paleolithic raises intriguing questions about the absence of blue pigments in their artistic practices.

So far, only one instance of a copper-based turquolithic pigment has been documented, originating from decorated anthropomorphic figurines in parts of Malta, dating back 19,000-23,000 years.

The presence of blue pigments has not been recognized in the Paleolithic period in Europe until now.

“Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of the use of Paleolithic pigments,” stated Izzy Wisher, an archaeologist at Aarhus University.

In their investigation, Dr. Wisher and colleagues discovered blue pigments in stone artifacts with concave bowl-like features dating from 14,000 to 11,700 years ago on Mullheim Dieche Island, Germany.

This discovery signifies the first known utilization of blue pigments during the Upper Paleolithic in Europe.

“The detection of azurite suggests that Paleolithic individuals possessed a profound understanding of mineral pigments and had access to a broader color spectrum than previously recognized.

“Stones previously thought to be open circuit lamps now appear to have served as a mixed surface or palette for preparing blue pigments. This indicates an artistic or cosmetic practice that has largely gone unnoticed.”

These findings prompt a reconsideration of Paleolithic art and color usage, paving the way for exploring how early humans articulated their identities, status, and beliefs through a far more diverse and vibrant array of materials than was once imagined.

“We hypothesize that azurite was likely used more extensively than we had anticipated, based on its presence in Muhlheim Dietesheim and its potential availability within the landscape,” the researchers noted.

“The use of azurite might have been confined to activities that are not well-preserved in the archaeological record.”

“Blue pigments were evidently not employed to adorn Paleolithic cave walls or portable art objects in Europe, but they may have been utilized for body decoration instead.”

“Our results invite a critical examination of color usage in the Upper Paleolithic to ascertain why certain hues were favored or neglected in different artistic endeavors.”

The results were published this week in the journal Ancient.

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Izzy Wisher et al. The earliest evidence of the use of blue pigments in Europe. Ancient Published online on September 29th, 2025. doi:10.15184/aqy.2025.10184

Source: www.sci.news

Occult Artifacts, Lost Dynasties, and Traveling Bookshops: 10 Cozy New Video Games This Autumn

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IT is the season for all the warm and cozy entertainment options. This encompasses the longing to illuminate the night, gather around a roaring fire, and nestle into an armchair with something thrilling. Familiarity plays a crucial role in comfort, so I won’t stray from tradition. Here are 10 new games perfect for sinking into the sofa as evening falls and the warmth of heating prevails…

Strange Antiquities (PC)




Spooky stock… Strange antiquities. Photo: Iceberg Interactive

This sequel to the quirky gardening puzzle game has you temporarily working as a sales assistant in a shop bursting with odd artifacts, totems, and potions. Visitors present unique problems, requiring you to consult an encyclopedia, sift through eerie inventory, and locate the appropriate occult item. It’s fascinating enough, especially as you become absorbed in the broader mystery that keeps you captivated during many rainy evenings.

Two Point Museum (PC, PS5, Xbox)




Control… 2 Point Museum. Photo: 2 Point Studios/Sega

The Two Point series has previously managed hospitals and universities. Now, it tackles museums where you can discover artifacts and showcase them attractively to draw visitors. Filled with silly jokes and engaging mechanics, this game offers a rich, challenging experience perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (PC, Switch)

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Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

The beloved farming simulator makes its latest entry as Grand Bazaar, where you move to a quaint country town to establish farms, cultivate crops, raise animals, and sell goods at local markets. With its serene visuals, leisurely pace, and charming characters, it feels like living in your own cozy Sunday night television show.

Wonderstop (PC, PS5, Xbox)




It makes me feel better… Wonderstop. Photo: Annapurna Interactive

Crafted by the talented Davey Wreden (Stanley Parable, The Beginner’s Guide), Wonderstop follows a quirky warrior who abandons combat to operate a tea shop. Your tasks involve brewing drinks, cleaning up, tending to the garden, and gradually building a more positive outlook on life. A colorful and uplifting experience awaits.

Tiny Bookshop (PC, Switch)




Charming… a tiny bookshop. Photo: Neoludic Games

In a cozy and whimsical world, the notion of characters escaping their past to open a bookstore in a remote village has become a popular narrative. Now, you can join in on the fun. Navigate your mobile bookshop around Bookstonbury’s Seaside Hamlet, interact with locals, and discover which novels resonate with you. This delightful and engaging game is the perfect cuddle companion for avid readers.

Date Everything! (PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox)

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Date Everything!

Bring your whimsical persona to life, turning mundane household objects into charming characters as you explore suburban homes seeking potential romantic connections. Engage in amusing dialogues with items like your phone, detergent, and even the staircase. It’s not as absurd as reality shows like Love Island, I promise.

The Roottrees Are Dead (PC)




Unraveling the mystery… The Roottree Are Dead. Photo: Evil Trout Inc

The Roottree Dynasty, owners of a sprawling candy empire, faced devastation with a tragic plane crash. Use your in-game computer to uncover evidence through photos, articles, and documents, piecing together relationships and constructing a comprehensive family tree. This intriguing effort released last January now features a remastered version that adds even more mystery to unravel.

Is This Seat Taken? (PC, Switch)

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Is This Seat Taken?

A charming and clever puzzle game where you must arrange groups of individuals based on their preferences and mutual dislikes. Whether on a crowded bus, at the cinema, or a wedding reception, your task is to seat the right person next to another or deliberately create a scene. This fun twist could also prove beneficial if you’re planning a festive dinner party.

Flowers and Favors (PC, Switch, Coming Soon)




Lovely bouquet… Flowers and Favors. Photo: Misk Games

Yes, it’s yet another delightful shopkeeping simulation, but this one takes place in a florist’s shop catering to an endearing clientele. I gave this a whirl because I read Sarah Maria Griffin’s intriguing novel, *Eat the Rich*, and found the exquisite floral designs uplifting the overall ambiance of this sweet and charming bouquet game.

Mina The Hollower (PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox)




A nostalgic adventure… Mina The Hollower. Photo: Yacht Club Game

This feels like a cheat since it’s set to release on October 31st, yet it deserves a spot as the latest retro endeavor from Yacht Club Games, known for the revered platformer *Shovel Knight*. It captures the essence of classic Game Boy color games, making it an ideal nostalgic getaway.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Study Validates the Presence of Partial Hemoglobin in Dinosaur Artifacts

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By utilizing a technique known as Resonance Raman Spectroscopy, paleontologists have discovered hemoglobin remnants in bone extracts of two dinosaur species, Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Tyrannosaurus Rex, confirming that these molecules are original components from these dinosaurs.

Bright field images depict ostrich containers soaked in hemoglobin under oxygenation conditions, as compared to those under deoxygenation conditions. Brachylophosaurus canadensis (a) and Tyrannosaurus Rex (d) bone. Scale bar – 0.5 mm in (AC) and 0.2 mm in (D). Image credit: Long et al., doi: 10.1098/rspa.2025.0175.

Soft tissue, which maintains some of its original properties, has been recovered from numerous Mesozoic vertebrate sites.

Specifically, the chemical composition of soft tissues from the two non-bird dinosaur species, Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Tyrannosaurus Rex, has been studied extensively over the last 20 years.

All evidence supports the hypothesis that these tissues are endogenous to once-living dinosaurs.

In a recent study, Professor Hans Harren and his team from North Carolina State University employed tissue resonance Raman (RR) imaging to verify the presence of hemes, globin proteins, and minerals linked to iron oxidation.

“Raman spectroscopy essentially utilizes light waves to identify the energetic ‘fingerprint’ of a molecule,” stated Professor Harren.

“The resonant Raman method employed here enhances that process through light that has been pre-conditioned to resonate with the molecule of interest, ensuring that only that specific type of molecule resonates.”

“Moreover, this molecular resonance produces a stronger signal, enabling that signal to effectively ‘overwhelm’ those from other types of molecules.”

“This powerful signal allows us to discover needles (hemoglobin remnants) in haystacks (complex fossils), revealing how this molecule has transformed from its living conditions and indicating that chemically altered molecules have endured over deep time.”

The researchers utilized RR imaging to focus on molecules bound to hemoglobin.

They analyzed samples from Brachylophosaurus canadensis, Tyrannosaurus Rex, ostrich bones (Struthio camelus), and human blood.

“The elevated signal indicates hemoglobin presence, while fluctuations in signal may lead to goethite formation from iron within hemoglobin as it deteriorates,” Professor Harren noted.

“We can also pinpoint damage to structures such as the hem ring.”

“This phenomenon was observed in both contemporary and ancient samples.”

The findings also eliminate the possibility of sample contamination.

“Raman spectroscopy reveals existing molecular bonds, but because molecular bonds are non-exclusive, they can derive from various sources.”

“RR imaging identifies both binding and structure. We can confirm that the heme is intact and still affiliated with the hemoglobin protein, distinguishing it as originating from an animal, or in this situation, a dinosaur, since contaminants like bacteria lack specific binding.”

Furthermore, scientists emphasize that comprehending the deterioration and alterations of heme over time can shed light on fossilization processes and explain the longevity of molecules over millions of years.

“The most significant discovery is our ability to demonstrate that hemoglobin fragments can endure for thousands of years, while also gaining valuable insights into the evolution of these molecules,” Professor Harren remarked.

“Goethite is a bio-related mineral crystal, meaning it forms from biological influences.”

“However, I was unaware that it could bind and stabilize protein fragments.”

“Hemes are found in deposits much older than dinosaurs, reinforcing our understanding of their durability,” Professor Schweitzer stated.

“Understanding the preservation of hemoglobin and the role of heme in this process is crucial for deciphering how such ancient molecules persist over time.”

The study will be published in Proceedings of the Royal Society A.

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BJN Long et al. 2025. Resonant Raman confirms the preservation of partial hemoglobin in dinosaur fossils. Proc. R. Soc. A 481 (2321): 20250175; doi: 10.1098/rspa.2025.0175

Source: www.sci.news

Rare Artifacts Discovered in Sweden Illuminate Iron Age Metal Trade Between the Atlantic and Baltic Seas

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A recent study by archaeologists investigated round heavy metal objects from Seldal, located in the Haland region of western Sweden. Initially thought to be Bronze Age artifacts due to their shape and size, these objects were determined to be composed of copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later periods.

Plano Convex Ingots from Seldal in Harland, Sweden. Image credit: Sabatini et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312.

The ancient ingots were uncovered in the village of Seldal on Sweden’s west coast during the fall of 2022.

This artifact has been identified as a Plano-Convex Ingot.

“Plano-convex ingots, commonly known as ‘bread’ ingots or ‘casting cakes,’ were prevalent during the Bronze Age, though they vary in size, shape, and composition,” explains Serena Sabatini, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg.

“These artifacts are typically round with flat top surfaces and various inflated convex bottoms.”

“They are created by pouring molten metal into shallow molds or cavities in the ground.”

“Most of these ingots exhibit a rough, ‘bubbly’ top surface, indicating they were poured into an open casting mold, while the bottom remains smooth, as it was not exposed to air during production.”

“Due to their straightforward manufacturing process, they are widely found across Eurasia and were utilized both in prehistoric and historical periods.”

The Särdal Ingot measures 14-15.3 cm in diameter, approximately 2.5 cm thick, and weighs 1223.5 grams.

Notably, the ingot’s surface displays significant corrosion, especially on the rough, raised area.

The overall dimensions and weight of the ingot initially suggested it could be a Bronze Age find.

“At first, we believed the Seldal Ingot dated back to the Bronze Age,” the archaeologist noted.

“However, since it was found alone and not dated within an archaeological context, we opted for isotopic and chemical analysis to determine its composition and estimate a time frame.”

The analysis yielded surprising results, revealing that the ingot was made from copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later.

“The findings emerged thanks to the collaborative spirit of the international scientific community exploring archaeological topics, allowing us to identify the isotopic and elemental characteristics of the Seldal ingots, which closely resemble artifacts from two sites found in the Iwawa Lakeland region of northeastern Poland.

Research into the Baltic Sea area, which had a robust network connected to western Sweden and southern Scandinavia during the Roman Iron Age, indicates that the alloys from both Seldal and Iwawa Lakeland were present in the region during the latter half of the 1st millennium BCE.

“Thus, we propose that the Plano Convex Ingots from Harland and the ingots from Poland represent the outcomes of a metallic maritime trade linking Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, and the Iberian Peninsula.”

Their paper will appear in the October 2025 edition of Journal of Archaeological Science: Report.

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Serena Sabatini et al. 2025. Iron Age Metals Trade between the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea: New insights from the first complete Plano-Convex Ingot found in Sweden and Ingot Rod in Iwawa Lakeland, northeastern Poland. Journal of Archaeological Science: Report 66:105312; doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312

Source: www.sci.news

Leonardo Patterson, Infamous Dealer of Latin American Artifacts, Passes Away at 82

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Leonardo Augustus Patterson was born on April 15, 1942 in Limon, the Caribbean coastal town of Costa Rica. Little is known about his family history. He said his father left home when he was very young and his farmer mother died when he was a teenager.

He said he found his first ancient, ancient pottery shard in the Yam field when he was seven years old.

He moved to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, when he was 15 years old. There he found a job with a jeweller.

But Patterson saw even more possibilities.

“I was wondering why we melt these old things and make some terrible rings.” He told the German magazine Der Spiegel 2016.

After selling items locally for several years, he moved to Miami, where he imported them to a local gallery. A chance encounter with a wealthy collector led to an opportunity in New York, where he had moved by the late 1970s.

Patterson kept his family’s life a lot secret. He claimed that five women had at least 13 children. The list of survivors was not available immediately.

Few people suspected that Patterson had committed a long list of crimes, but even some of his opponents have admitted that he has a loving side. They cited his gentle personality and his dry wit – a quiet charisma that appears to take on his entire career.

“He was adorable guy,” Brand said.

When he told Patterson he was planning to write a book about him, Brand recalled, and Patterson replied, “Wait until you’re dead.”

Tom Mashberg Reports of contributions.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Study shows deliberate use of geometric patterns in Paleolithic artifacts from the Levantin Cave

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In the new study, archaeologists analyzed five inscribed artifacts from the Paleolithic period in central Levantin. Two engraved levalovacores from the Manot and Kahuze caves, engraved plackets from the site of Kneitra, and flakes and cortical blades from the Amdo caves. Their findings highlight the intentionality behind the sculpture and provide important insights into the development of abstract thinking and the cultural complexity of mid-Paleolithic society.

Carved cortical revarova core of the Manot Cave. Image credit: E. Ostrovsky/M. Smelansky/E. Paixão/L. Schunk.

Until now, the intentionality of central Paleolithic incised stone artifacts has been widely accepted and not fully supported by empirical testing.

Many archaeologists view these marks as functional and were created through the use of tools or natural wear.

Being skeptical of the existence of abstract or symbolic thinking in early hominins, understanding that symbolic actions such as art and abstract expressions appear much later than human evolution and are particularly relevant to modern people. I have.

Current research challenges the view by providing evidence of intentional and symbolic sculptures before global colonization by modern humans.

This study focuses on artifacts from major Levantin sites, including Dr. May Goldberger, an archaeologist at Hebrew and Ben Gurion University, as well as the outdoor sites of Manot Cave, Amdo Cave, Kahuze Cave and Queneitra. I guessed it.

Using advanced 3D surface analysis, the researchers examined the shape and pattern of the incision to distinguish intentional engraving from functional marks.

The findings reveal significant differences. The artifacts of Manot, Kahuze and Queneitra feature careful sculptures with geometric patterns that match the surface topography, highlighting aesthetic and symbolic intent.

In contrast, the incisions of artifacts from Amud Cave are shallow and unscattered, consistent with their functional use as an appraider.

“Abstract thinking is the basis of human cognitive evolution,” said Dr. Goder-Goldberger.

“The intentional sculpture found in these artifacts emphasizes the ability to represent symbolic representation and proposes a society with high conceptual capabilities.”

“The methodology we employed not only emphasize the intentional nature of these sculptures, but also provides for the first time a comparative framework for studying similar artifacts, enriching understanding of mid-term paleolithic society.” Zentrum für Archäogie, University of Johannes Gutenberg, University of Algarve.

“The inscribed artifacts of Qafzeh, Queneitra, and Manot are isolated initiatives within time series and geographical contexts, but the similarity of the shared properties and pattern structure of the incision itself suggests intentional and pre-determined behavior. I am.

“These findings provide a greater understanding of symbolic behavior and provide important insights into the cognitive and cultural development of early hominins.”

“This study illustrates an important step in understanding the scope of our ancestors' symbolic behavior and bridging the gap between the use of functional tools and abstract representation.”

Team paper Published in the journal Archaeological and anthropological sciences.

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M. Goder-Goldberger et al. 2025. An incised stone craft from the complexity of ancient stones and human behavior in the central Levantin. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 27; doi:10.1007/s12520-024-02111-4

Source: www.sci.news

Can Wasabi Aid in Preserving Ancient Egyptian Papyrus Artifacts?

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Ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls can be damaged by fungi

Paul Williams / Alamy

Wasabi steam is powerful enough to kill fungi growing on painted papyrus pieces without damaging the fragile craft or altering the appearance of the vibrant colors.

A unique disinfection strategy could help archaeologists and museums preserve documents written on paper made from the papyrus plant, which has been used for thousands of years in ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. “Biological degradation of papyrus is a global problem,” he says. Hanadi Saada At the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt.

Fungi can damage delicate papyrus, but some disinfectants can be harmful as well. So Sarda and his colleagues are researching less irritating, “greener” treatments. In this experiment, a paste of wasabi (a popular Japanese seasoning derived from a plant related to horseradish and mustard) was mixed and placed on aluminum foil next to a papyrus sample.

Instead of risking historic papyrus artifacts, researchers prepared replicas for experiments. Samples of modern papyrus were painted in different colors such as red, yellow, and blue and heated in an oven at 100°C (212°F) for 120 days to simulate the natural aging of papyrus over 1000 years. . Finally, they were exposed to several fungal species known to parasitize archaeological papyri.

After 3 days, wasabi treatment removed the fungal contamination without affecting the pigments of the papyrus samples. A follow-up test 1 month later showed the same results.

Current papyrus storage methods include folders lined with special blotting material to protect against changes in humidity, which it says is a “passive method to prevent fungal growth and deterioration.” I am. jessica byler At the Penn Museum in Pennsylvania.

However, Beiler acknowledges that using standard methods does not always guarantee fungal prevention, and that is why “our team of conservators is working to improve the environment in the field of conservation.” I'm interested in learning more about innovative technology.”

A team at the Grand Egyptian Museum is planning to use wasabi treatment on archaeological papyri. The researchers also plan to test whether the spicy condiment is equally effective at disinfecting other crafts made of wood, paper and textiles.

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Source: www.newscientist.com