In a world where the present often seems overwhelming, it’s refreshing to take a step back and immerse ourselves in the mysteries of the past. This week, we bring you a collection of fascinating discoveries that remind us of the richness of human history and the enduring allure of the unknown. From the ancient Americas to the Viking-era Scandinavia, from the Iron Age Britain to the prehistoric England, these stories offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and the secrets they left behind.
In Brazil, archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could rewrite the history of the first inhabitants of the Americas. Three giant sloth bones, believed to have been used as personal ornaments, were found at the Santa Elina rock shelter. These pendants, estimated to be between 25,000 and 27,000 years old, are the oldest known personal ornaments unearthed in the Americas. Read more about this discovery at https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/americas/giant-sloth-bone-pendants-scn/index.html
Over in Shropshire, England, archaeologists have returned to a site where they previously discovered an unusual sandstone carving, known as the Nessglyph. The site, which contains remains of an Iron Age hillfort, has attracted attention from experts worldwide. The carving, which features a figure with four horns, is believed to represent a deity from the Pagan movement. Learn more about this intriguing find at https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-66175391
Meanwhile, in Setesdal, Norway, a family stumbled upon a Viking-era grave while digging in their backyard. The grave contained a 1,100-year-old sword, a lance, a gold-plated belt buckle, and several gold-plated beads. The artifacts are now being studied at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. Find out more about this unexpected discovery at https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article277204183.html
Finally, in Kent, England, archaeologists have unearthed a collection of prehistoric hand axes that are among the largest and oldest known stone tools found in Britain. The axes, dating back to an ice age that occurred between 300,000 and 333,000 years ago, are so large that they would have required two hands to operate. Read more about this fascinating discovery at https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/giant-300000-year-old-hand-ax-found-in-england-may-have-been-used-for-prehistoric-butchery
As we marvel at these discoveries, we are reminded of the enduring power of curiosity and the thrill of unearthing the past. We invite you to join us in this journey of exploration and discovery. Visit ruinsandrelics.com daily and subscribe for updates to stay abreast of the latest in archaeology and ancient history.
Sources:
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/americas/giant-sloth-bone-pendants-scn/index.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-66175391
- https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article277204183.html
- https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/giant-300000-year-old-hand-ax-found-in-england-may-have-been-used-for-prehistoric-butchery
Ruins and Relics 