Jomon Stone Circles: Unraveling the Mysteries of Prehistoric Japan Monumental Legacy of the Jomon People The Jomon peoples of northern Japan were unique among foraging societies for their large-scale monument-building. They constructed various ceremonial and ritual sites, including stone circles, wooden pillar arrangements, shell middens, and bank-enclosed cemeteries. These structures indicate their ability to undertake…
Ötzi: The Iceman and His Museum A Museum Like No Other Many archaeology museums can feel dry and academic, catering more to professionals than the public. However, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, dedicated to Ötzi—‘the find of the century’—stands apart. This museum brings the Copper Age discovery vividly to life through modern…
Qasr Bshir: A Roman Legacy in the Jordanian Desert Introduction Deep in the Jordanian desert, Qasr Bshir stands as an extraordinary relic of Roman imperial power. Recognized as one of the best-preserved Roman forts within the former empire, this historical site now faces urgent conservation challenges. Experts David Breeze, Mark Driessen, and Fawzi Abudanah explore…
The Age of Decadence: Luxury and Power: The Role of Opulence in the Achaemenid Empire, Athens, and Alexander the Great Luxury has always been a symbol of wealth and status, but during the epic struggles between the Greeks and Persians in the 1st millennium BC, it took on an even greater significance. The contrast between…
Discovered over 150 years ago, La Tène lent its name to the second half of the Iron Age across much of Europe, with its distinctive artifacts often linked to the Celts. But what exactly was uncovered at La Tène? Andrew Fitzpatrick and Marc-Antoine Kaeser examine the evolving interpretations of this iconic site. The Discovery of…
Deep beneath the earth, the ancient people of what is now China constructed extraordinary houses and palaces—not for the living, but for the dead. These elaborate tombs were designed to provide comfort in the afterlife, ensuring that the deceased continued their existence with all the necessities of their former world. The artifacts and attendants buried…
Sanxingdui has yielded an astonishing array of Bronze Age artifacts, many of which were intentionally smashed or burned before being buried. This enigmatic treatment raises intriguing questions about their purpose and the circumstances surrounding their destruction, as discussed by Tianlong Jiao and Shengyu Wang with Matthew Symonds. Here is the rewritten content: The Enigmatic Legacy…
Burial Mounds and Korean Connections (3rd-8th Centuries AD) The Legacy of Japan’s Kofun Period Between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD, an estimated 160,000 burial mounds, known as kofun, were constructed across Japan. These monumental tombs, built for the elites of ancient Japan, are significant markers of the Kofun period (AD 250-710). While the practice…
From Soldiers to Citizens: Duty and Service in the Empire The Reality of Military Service Rome’s military is renowned as one of the finest fighting forces of the ancient world. But what was life really like for the individuals who became career soldiers? How did they navigate the dangers of battle, the hardships of service,…
The largest excavation at Pompeii in a generation is uncovering nearly an entire city block, revealing remarkable discoveries that offer fresh insights into life and death beneath the looming presence of Vesuvius. Archaeologists Giuseppe Scarpati and Sophie Hay shared these groundbreaking findings with Matthew Symonds. Unearthing Pompeii: A Glimpse into Life and Tragedy on…
