3000-Year-Old Octagonal Sword Unearthed in Germany

Archaeologists in Germany have uncovered a stunning sword from a Bronze Age burial site. This remarkable piece, over 3,000 years old, was found in Nördlingen, Bavaria, alongside the remains of a man, woman, and child.

Experts are astounded by the sword's exceptional condition, described as "almost still shining," featuring an ornate octagonal hilt made of bronze. The hilt has developed a greenish hue over time due to copper oxidation.

Dating back to the late 14th century B.C., such finds are rare in this region, as many Bronze Age graves have been looted over centuries. Mathias Pfeil, head of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection, expressed his excitement about the discovery, noting the sword's outstanding preservation.

The craftsmanship of octagonal swords like this one required extraordinary skill, with the handle affixed to the blade using overlay casting and rivets. Although the blade shows no signs of wear, experts believe it was likely used for ceremonial or symbolic purposes, given its design and balance.

Researchers know of two regions in Germany associated with the production of octagonal swords, one in the south and the other spanning northern Germany and Denmark. While the precise origin of this sword remains undetermined, it is thought to belong to the Tumulus Culture, which flourished in Central Europe during the Bronze Age.

Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Europe Found in Spain

Curious about the origins of pre-historic rave parties in Europe? If you guessed Ibiza, you're close!

Researchers from the University of Valladolid have discovered the earliest evidence of hallucinogenic drug use in a cave on the Mediterranean island of Menorca.

Human hair samples recovered from the Es Càrritx cave indicate that, around 3,000 years ago, visitors consumed plants with mind-altering properties. These users were likely shamans engaged in spiritual and healing rituals.

The team previously found several wooden containers in a cave's inner chamber, each holding locks of human hair. Chemical analyses revealed that these individuals ingested three psychoactive plant substances within a year.

Shamans skillfully handled these substances, which included atropine and scopolamine from nightshade plants and ephedrine for energy. As Menorca's population grew between 3,000 and 2,800 years ago, traditions were preserved, with hair and other ritual items hidden at Es Càrritx.

The Mediterranean has been a hub for festivities since ancient times!

World's Oldest Saddle Found in China

In a stunning discovery in northwestern China, archaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest leather horse saddle known to exist.

This intricately designed saddle was found in the grave of a woman in the Yanghai cemetery within the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Remarkably preserved for 2,700 years in the desert, this find sheds light on the early history of saddle-making.

Radiocarbon dating indicates that the saddle, composed of two cowhide cushions filled with straw, deer, and camel hair, was crafted between 724 and 396 B.C. This predates the Scythian saddles found in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, which date back to the 5th and 3rd centuries B.C.

Lead researcher Patrick Wertmann remarked that this saddle marks a significant milestone in the history of saddle-making, providing comfort and safety for riders while enhancing equine health. This innovation allowed for longer journeys and increased cultural interactions.

The discovery emphasizes the ancient Subeixi culture, which thrived in the Turpan Basin around 3,000 years ago. Horses were likely domesticated as herd animals as early as 6,000 years ago, with riding likely commencing about a millennium later.

This saddle offers a glimpse into early horsemanship and showcases the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Two-Foot Buddha Statue Discovered in Egypt

In Berenike, an ancient Egyptian port city, archaeologists have uncovered a two-foot-tall Buddha statue made from Mediterranean marble. This extraordinary find is the first Buddha statue discovered west of Afghanistan, highlighting the trade connections between ancient Rome and India.

Experts believe the statue, crafted around the second century C.E. by artisans in Alexandria, features a halo adorned with sun rays, symbolizing a radiant mind.

Berenike, known for its significant harbor, facilitated the exchange of various goods, including ivory, textiles, and semi-precious metals. However, the city was abandoned around the sixth century C.E.

Recent excavations have also revealed a noteworthy Sanskrit inscription dating back to the era of Emperor Marcus Julius Philippus, known as Phillip the Arab. These discoveries illuminate the profound connections that existed between the Roman Empire and ancient India.

13th-Century Woman's Burial Reveals Mongol Elite's Milk Consumption

A recent study has identified when the Mongol elite began consuming yak milk. Researchers employed proteomic analysis of ancient dental calculus to find direct evidence of milk consumption from various ruminants, including yaks.

Published in Communication Biology, the study presents groundbreaking protein findings from an elite Mongol-era cemetery preserved in permafrost.

This is the first instance of yak milk discovered at an archaeological site. The cemetery, located in northern Mongolia, revealed a noblewoman buried with a birchbark hat called a bogtog and luxurious silk robes featuring a golden five-clawed dragon. The research concluded that she likely consumed yak milk throughout her life, affirming the long-standing significance of this animal among elite rulers.

The findings provide valuable insights into the history of milk consumption in Mongolia, a crucial resource for over 5,000 years. While milk from cattle, sheep, goats, and even horses has been dated, determining when people began drinking yak milk has been challenging until now.

I can’t help but wonder if they made yak milk ice cream or yogurt back then! Would you be willing to try yak milk? Which discovery piqued your interest the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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