New archaeological findings along a little-known medieval wall in eastern Mongolia reveal that frontier life was more complex than previously believed. Excavations show evidence of permanent habitation, agriculture, and cultural exchange, suggesting that these walls were not solely defensive structures but part of a broader system of regional control and interaction during the Jin dynasty.
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Tetrarchic boundary stone at the site of Abel Beth Maacah in northern Israel. Originally marking land borders under Roman Emperor Diocletian’s tax reforms, the stone provides insight into ancient land ownership, local settlement patterns, and imperial administrative practices. The discovery also introduces two previously unknown place names, expanding our understanding of the region’s historical geography and socio-economic landscape.
A study published in PLOS ONE investigates how early hominins in Ethiopia, between 1.6- 1.0 million years ago, selected rocks for toolmaking, revealing their cognitive and adaptive capabilities. The study examined the engineering properties of raw materials at the Melka Wakena site using advanced imaging and robotic experiments. The findings demonstrate that early humans made informed decisions based on factors like durability and efficiency, providing new insights into the technological behaviors of early Pleistocene toolmakers.
A new study by researchers from Hebrew University has identified 12,000 years old spindle whorls — early tools used to spin fibers into yarn. This discovery, recovered from the Nahal-Ein Gev II dig site in northern Israel, provides the earliest evidence of wheeled rotational technology in the Levant, offering insights into the technological advancements of the Natufian culture during the important transition to an agricultural lifestyle.
