Explore

Saudi Heritage Commission and University of Vienna Uncover 3,600-Year-Old Pottery Production Identity in Arabia

Saudi Heritage Commission and University of Vienna Uncover 3,600-Year-Old Pottery Production Identity in Arabia

A new international scientific study, a collaboration between the Saudi Heritage Commission and the University of Vienna, has revealed evidence of specialized pottery production systems in the oases of northwestern Arabia dating back to the Bronze Age. The findings indicate an early form of production identity, offering new insights into the history of trade and innovation in the Arabian Peninsula over 3,500 years ago. Published in PLOS One, the study is based on archaeological excavations at the oasis of Qurayyah in the Tabuk Region. Researchers discovered two-color pottery at the site, produced through a consistent manufacturing tradition with stable features. These characteristics facilitated the widespread distribution of the products, reflecting a clear production identity linked to both product quality and origin. The earliest painted pottery at Qurayyah dates to approximately 3,600 years ago, with peak production around 3,200 years ago, spreading north to the southern Levant and Egypt, and south to ...

New Research Suggests Last Common Ancestor of Humans and Chimpanzees Was a Vertical Climber

New Research Suggests Last Common Ancestor of Humans and Chimpanzees Was a Vertical Climber

New research indicates that the last common ancestor (LCA) of humans and chimpanzees, which lived 6 to 7 million years ago, was likely a proficient tree climber. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the specific foot structure required for vertical climbing in primates. Researchers from The Ohio State University observed wild sooty mangabey monkeys in Ivory Coast, finding that despite having feet traditionally considered less versatile than chimpanzees' for climbing, these monkeys exhibit significant foot-bone flexibility that enables effective vertical ascent of thin tree trunks. This suggests that the ability to climb vertically might not be exclusively tied to an 'ape-like' foot morphology, broadening the understanding of early hominin arborealism. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized video evidence to precisely document the mangabeys' climbing kinematics, revealing that their midfoot can flex at a 46-degree angle during vertical climbs, com...

Archaeologists Uncover Etruscan Ritual Well with Offerings and Human Remains in Italy

Archaeologists Uncover Etruscan Ritual Well with Offerings and Human Remains in Italy

Archaeologists in Italy have discovered an Etruscan ritual well near the ancient city of Kainua, close to modern-day Bologna. The well, dating back to the late sixth or early fifth century B.C., was found near a sanctuary dedicated to the mother-goddess Uni, the Etruscan equivalent of Juno. Inside the well, researchers unearthed a unique bronze plate and fragmented remains of two bronze female statuettes, which still retained their luster due to the low-oxygen underwater environment. These artifacts are believed to be part of an 'opening ritual' for the well, possibly celebrating the 'birth' of the ancient city. Additionally, the skeletons of a man and a woman were found, suggesting a 'ritual closing' of the well, though preliminary investigations indicate they were not victims of human sacrifice.

Archaeologists Unearth Intact Roman Sarcophagus in Croatia, Offering Glimpse into Late Antiquity Burial Customs

Archaeologists Unearth Intact Roman Sarcophagus in Croatia, Offering Glimpse into Late Antiquity Burial Customs

Archaeologists in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, have discovered a large stone sarcophagus that has remained sealed and undisturbed for over 1,500 years. The tomb, found in a necropolis at the site of the ancient Roman settlement of Epidaurum, dates back to Late Antiquity, specifically between the fourth and sixth centuries AD. Its remarkable preservation is attributed to well-preserved lime mortar sealing the junction between the stone coffin and its double lid, which prevented both natural elements and ancient grave robbers from accessing the interior. The discovery offers a rare opportunity to study burial customs from the final centuries of the Roman era. The sarcophagus, identified as a Salona-type, was carved from local limestone, suggesting the presence of skilled stoneworking workshops in the region during that period. The excavation involved a multidisciplinary team to carefully remove the five-tonne lid and recover the skeletal remains of one person, along with organic deposits and other materi...

Radiocarbon Dating Suggests Independent Origin for Rapa Nui's Rongorongo Script

Radiocarbon Dating Suggests Independent Origin for Rapa Nui's Rongorongo Script

A recent study utilizing radiocarbon dating on four Rongorongo tablets from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) suggests that one of these tablets predates European arrival in the 1720s. The dating places the felling of the wood for this particular tablet between 1493 and 1509. This finding challenges the long-standing debate among archaeologists and historians regarding whether the Rongorongo writing system was an independent invention by the Rapa Nui people or influenced by European contact. The Rongorongo script is a unique three-dimensional writing system composed of pictorial signs known as glyphs. While the script was not formally described until 1864, its potential pre-European origin would make it a rare instance of independent writing system development, a feat typically associated with complex states like those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica. Lead author Silvia Ferarra, an archaeologist and linguist, notes that the script's functional differences from European languages also support the homeg...

Alan Dershowitz Details Social Ostracism on Martha's Vineyard Following Defense of President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein

Alan Dershowitz Details Social Ostracism on Martha's Vineyard Following Defense of President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein

Alan Dershowitz, a prominent Harvard Law professor, has described a sustained period of social ostracism on Martha's Vineyard, which he attributes to his defense of President Trump during his first impeachment and his past representation of Jeffrey Epstein. This 'cancellation' has manifested in various incidents, including a vendor refusing to sell him pierogies, alleged attempts to ban him from local restaurants, and a public confrontation with comedian Larry David at the Chilmark General Store. Dershowitz claims that many former friends and acquaintances on the island have ceased communication with him, particularly in the Chilmark area, which he characterizes as 90 percent negative towards him. He also noted that he is no longer invited to speak at the Martha's Vineyard Book Festival, a claim disputed by the festival's spokesperson. Dershowitz believes his support for Israel and his critique of the progressive left's 'anti-Zionist' stance also contribute to the animosity.

Israeli National Security Minister Calls for Killing of "30 to 40" Palestinians Nightly in Gaza

Israeli National Security Minister Calls for Killing of "30 to 40" Palestinians Nightly in Gaza

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of Israel's security cabinet, has publicly called for the killing of "30 to 40" Palestinians in Gaza each night. Speaking on the podcast 'The 8 October' with host Rom Braslavski, Ben-Gvir criticized Israel's reduction in Gaza strikes and expressed disagreement with the Prime Minister's approach. He stated, "I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night." Ben-Gvir further asserted that "there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people." He also advocated for mass emigration into Gaza, viewing the strip as part of Israel, and suggested that for terrorists, there should be "no emigration, nothing, just to kill them one by one." Despite not having direct authority over the military to order strikes, Ben-Gvir's position within the security cabinet and his popularity among some segments of the Israeli population give his statements significant weight.

Bank of England to hold rates for remainder of year despite inflation risks

Bank of England to hold rates for remainder of year despite inflation risks

By Nushaiba Iqbal BENGALURU, Aug 18 - The Bank of England will leave interest rates unchanged at 3.75% for the rest of the year, according to a strong majority of economists polled by Reuters, clinging to a view they've held since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in late February.

New Mexico Citizens Demand Senator Heinrich Return Palantir Donations Amid Surveillance Concerns

New Mexico Citizens Demand Senator Heinrich Return Palantir Donations Amid Surveillance Concerns

Concerned citizens of New Mexico are petitioning U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich to return approximately $31,000 in campaign donations received from Palantir Technologies' employees and PACs. The petition, initiated by groups including Purge Palantir from Gaza to New Mexico and ABQ Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), alleges that Palantir Technologies, an AI company co-founded by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, collaborates with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Israeli government, and some U.S. police departments. These collaborations are reportedly used to surveil and target civilians, activists, and immigrant communities both domestically and internationally, leading to incarceration and deportation without due process. The petitioners highlight that Palantir's technology is being used in actions described as abducting neighbors and contributing to events in Gaza. Given that 10% of New Mexico's population consists of immigrants, the petitioners argue that the congressional delegation should not...

High school football Games of the Week: Score predictions, how to watch

High school football Games of the Week: Score predictions, how to watch

St. John Bosco vs Bishop Gorman headlines the top high school football games kicking off this week. See our full Games of the Week slate.

Nonprofit Production Banner Waterwell Doubles Funding for Unseen Iran Grants to Artists Representing the Diaspora in Film, TV, Theater and More

Nonprofit Production Banner Waterwell Doubles Funding for Unseen Iran Grants to Artists Representing the Diaspora in Film, TV, Theater and More

Nonprofit production venture Waterwell, co-founded by “Succession” player Arian Moayed, and nonprofit Nimruz has doubled the funding for their program of Unseen Iran Grants now in its second cycle. Funding for the grant program has grown to $100,000 to supporting 10 artists representing the Iranian diaspora with TV, film, theater and creative projects in other […]

Haredi Sector in Israel Faces Internal Divisions and Calls for a 'Third Path' Amidst Societal Polarization

Haredi Sector in Israel Faces Internal Divisions and Calls for a 'Third Path' Amidst Societal Polarization

The Haredi sector in Israel is experiencing significant internal divisions and a growing call for a 'third path' that balances traditional religious commitment with civic responsibilities. Many Haredi immigrants, particularly from Western countries, find the Israeli Haredi society different from what they experienced abroad, where combining Torah study with financial responsibility is common. In Israel, entering the workforce or pursuing professional training can lead to social marginalization within the Haredi community. There is also a perceived increase in anti-Zionist rhetoric within parts of the mainstream Haredi world, which troubles those who feel a strong emotional connection to Israel and its defense forces. This polarization is evident in the debate over military conscription, with the current situation deemed unsustainable politically, socially, and morally. The article highlights the need for a framework where working is not seen as a failure and where gratitude towards soldiers is not a theolo...