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Archaeology Explorers Society, 15001 JENELL Street POWAY CA 92064, San Jose, CA (2025)

09/11/2025

Unearthing Londinium: The Discovery of London’s First Roman Basilica Beneath a Modern Office Block

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology have made an incredible discovery beneath the financial district at 85 Gracechurch Street: the foundations of a Roman basilica that dates back nearly 2,000 years, believed to have been constructed around 80 CE. This significant structure, measuring approximately 40 meters by 20 meters and standing nearly 12 meters tall, functioned as the administrative and commercial hub of Londinium, where legal and civic activities were conducted. The unearthing of this site beneath a contemporary office building has paused planned demolition efforts and unveiled remarkably preserved limestone walls and stamped roof tiles, showcasing Roman building techniques in Britain.

The excavation of the basilica has transformed redevelopment initiatives, encouraging architects and developers to incorporate the ancient ruins into a new office tower that will feature a public exhibition space in the basement. This project aligns with other notable Roman discoveries in London, including the amphitheater beneath Guildhall and the Temple of Mithras located near Bloomberg’s offices. Overall, this find provides new perspectives on Londinium’s early recovery following Boudica’s revolt, emphasizes the forum’s significance as a vibrant civic center, and highlights the need to protect Roman heritage amidst urban development...

For more in-depth information, take a look at the article and accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/11/2025

Ancient Shipwreck Discovered Off Israel's Shore Highlights Enduring Mediterranean Trade Amidst Political Changes

A 25-meter ancient merchant ship was uncovered near Maagan Michael, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries AD. Archaeologists unearthed over 200 amphoras along with wooden combs and tools, indicating a cargo that included wine, olive oil, fish sauce, and dates sourced from various parts of the Mediterranean. This discovery illustrates that trade remained vibrant despite the decline of Byzantine control and the rise of Islamic governance, showcasing the persistence of commerce through periods of political and religious transformation.

The wreck, located on the shallow sandy seabed off Israel’s coast, is remarkably well-preserved, allowing for the recovery of both Christian and Arabic inscriptions. These diverse artifacts challenge the belief that trade diminished following the Islamic conquest, demonstrating that large-scale commerce continued to thrive across both eastern and western regions. Ongoing underwater excavations are shedding light on the ship’s journey and crew. The Maagan Michael wreck is transforming our understanding of ancient Mediterranean trade networks...

For more in-depth information, take a look at the article and the attached video located just below the comments. 👇👇

09/11/2025

Ice Core Research Uncovers Startling Evidence: Ancient Lead Pollution's Possible Impact on Roman IQ and Its Role in the Empire's Decline

Ice cores from Greenland indicate that lead emissions from Roman silver processing and general usage surged significantly during the empire's expansion, with particles reaching as far north as the Arctic. Researchers suggest that atmospheric lead associated with Roman industry might have decreased the average Roman's IQ by two to three points, comparable to about one-third of the peak exposure faced by Americans from leaded gasoline in the 1970s.

Lead infiltrated Roman life not only through contaminated air but also through plumbing systems, cooking utensils, and lead-sweetened wine, affecting both the general populace and the elite. Ongoing exposure to this neurotoxin likely led to various health issues, cognitive decline, and unpredictable behavior within the community. While lead poisoning was not the sole reason for Rome's downfall, it introduces an environmental aspect to the empire's collapse, along with plagues, economic difficulties, and climate change as contributing factors.

For more in-depth information, take a look at the article and video linked right below the comments. 👇👇

09/11/2025

Reviving the Grandeur: Canova’s Majestic Horse Returns

A grand plaster model of a horse created by Neoclassical artist Antonio Canova between 1819 and 1821 had been tucked away in storage for fifty years after being taken down in 1969 from its location at the Museo Civico in Bassano del Grappa. Originally designed as a prototype for an impressive bronze statue of King Ferdinand I of Naples, the Colossal Horse endured wartime destruction but deteriorated while in storage, leaving only the horse’s head on display. Canova envisioned a green-painted patina to emulate bronze, showcasing his innovative perspective on art and materials.

Since 2017, experts have been diligently reassembling and restoring the Colossal Horse utilizing contemporary methods, starting with a new internal support structure to substitute the corroded iron framework. Efforts like surface cleaning, plaster reinforcement, and meticulous retouching aim to maintain Canova’s original vision, while a cutting-edge base is being implemented to shield against environmental threats and seismic events. As the restoration process approaches its conclusion, the reunited sculpture is set to present the final creation of one of Italy’s most esteemed artists and motivate future generations...

For more details, be sure to check out the article and accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/11/2025

A Sacred Discovery: Rare First Temple Ritual Structure Unearthed in Jerusalem’s City of David

In the City of David, Jerusalem, archaeologists have made an extraordinary find: a remarkably preserved ritual structure from the First Temple era, sealed beneath fill that dates back to the eighth century BCE. This significant discovery was made possible by systematic excavations that commenced in 2010. The 220 square-meter complex, carved into bedrock, features eight rooms and includes an unblemished standing stone (masseba), a sculpted altar complete with a drainage channel, and designated oil and wine presses, showcasing the diverse nature of elite worship practices in ancient Judah.

Additionally, the excavation unveiled V-shaped floor carvings, likely intended to support a ritual tripod, along with a collection of artifacts such as cooking pots, inscribed jars, loom weights, scarabs, seals, and grinding stones, indicating a fusion of everyday life and sacred ceremonies. Its abandonment during King Hezekiah’s religious reforms in the eighth century BCE highlights a transition towards centralized worship in Jerusalem, and ongoing excavations promise to reveal more insights before the site becomes accessible to the public...

For comprehensive details, please refer to the article and accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

Revealing History: Ancient Engravings in Marbella Redefine Our Perception of Early Art

Archaeologists at the Coto Correa site close to Marbella have discovered a gabbro stone featuring geometric engravings estimated to be over 200,000 years old. These designs predate known European cave art by at least 100,000 years, indicating that early humans participated in abstract symbolic communication far earlier than previously believed. The engravings, which are linear and geometric, suggest they may have served as a form of record keeping or held ritualistic significance. This finding challenges current timelines regarding the evolution of prehistoric art.

Researchers are employing quartz dating techniques and high-resolution 3D scanning to verify the age of the engravings and differentiate deliberate carvings from natural erosion. Marbella’s strategic location as a link between Africa and Europe positions it as a crucial site for exploring early human culture. The city council has dedicated funding to facilitate further excavation, preservation efforts, and enhanced public access. Ongoing research is set to transform our understanding of human cognitive and cultural development...

For more in-depth information, check out the article and attached video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

The Paiza: The First Diplomatic Passport of the Mongol Empire and Its Enduring Impact

The paiza was a small metal tablet provided by the Mongol Empire as a diplomatic passport, allowing its holder—including diplomats, merchants, and trusted emissaries—unrestricted passage, accommodation, supplies, horses, and guides through the expansive Mongolian territories. Engraved with the Khan’s edict and often embellished in Phagspa script, the paiza represented both power and protection, guaranteeing that anyone who harmed the bearer would face harsh consequences. By ensuring safe and swift travel, the paiza played a crucial role in the empire’s oversight of the Silk Road, fostering trade, diplomatic relations, and cultural exchanges between the East and West.

As time passed, the idea of the paiza influenced contemporary diplomatic passports, embedding the notion of safe passage and diplomatic immunity into international law. These metal tokens varied in material from bronze to gold, with the most esteemed versions granting the authority to requisition resources from local communities. Today, the remaining paizas are housed in museums, serving as a testament to the Mongols’ innovative governance and the lasting influence of a system designed to link diverse cultures within a unified imperial framework...

For more in-depth details, take a look at the article and accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

The Gurgy Family Tree: An Innovative Discovery in Neolithic Kinship and Social Relationships

The Gurgy site located in northern France (circa 4850 to 4500 BCE) has uncovered 128 burial sites, revealing DNA connections among 64 individuals spanning seven generations, making it the most extensive Neolithic family tree identified so far. Males maintained local lineages while females came from different communities, indicating a patrilocal system that not only avoided inbreeding but also fostered alliances. The absence of half-siblings implies monogamous relationships, and the survival of numerous full siblings into adulthood points to both high fertility rates and a stable living environment.

At the heart of this family tree was a “founding father,” whose reinterment in a female grave emphasizes his prominent role. Artifacts such as ornate pottery and remains of both domesticated and wild animals illustrate a diet that blended farming with hunting, suggesting the presence of individual wealth within the community. These discoveries indicate that Neolithic societies were capable of combining social unity, purposeful ancestral reverence, and balanced kinship approaches to prosper...

For more in-depth information, please refer to the article and the accompanying video located just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

How Chimpanzees Select Stone Tools Similar to Early Humans 2.5 Million Years Ago

Researchers observing wild chimpanzees in Bossou, Guinea discovered that these primates choose stone tools in a manner reminiscent of our Oldowan ancestors from 2.5 million years ago. When presented with a selection of stones, chimpanzees consistently opted for harder, heavier rocks as hammers and more stable, softer stones as anvils for nut-cracking. This behavior suggests they evaluate mechanical properties rather than just appearance or familiarity, reflecting the methods early hominins used to select and transport materials for cutting, chopping, and pounding.

The research also highlighted cultural learning within chimpanzee communities, where younger members adopt tool preferences by watching older individuals. This type of social learning is akin to the way early humans transmitted tool-making skills. By connecting contemporary primate behaviors with archaeological evidence, scientists underscore the profound cognitive and cultural links shared by chimpanzees and humans, shedding light on the origins of intentional tool use in our shared evolutionary past...

For more in-depth information, take a look at the article and accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

Ancient Jewish Oil Lamp Discovered Near Mount of Olives in Jerusalem Exemplifies Endurance During Roman Rule

A clay lamp, dating back 1,700 years, was found close to Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, featuring intricate designs of a seven-branched menorah, a ritual shovel, and a palm frond. This artifact, from the third century A.D., emerged after the Romans prohibited Jewish worship following the Bar Kokhba revolt and the renaming of Judea. The residue of soot on its spout indicates its use in defiance of these restrictions, highlighting the community's unwavering commitment to preserving their faith.

Crafted from a limestone mold with remarkable detail, the lamp serves as a connection between daily life and the rituals of the Second Temple long after its destruction in A.D. 70. Revealed during Hanukkah, it serves as a link between the past and the present, prompting us to consider how a simple domestic item can embody the memories of lost traditions and inspire resilience in contemporary times...

For more in-depth insights, explore the article and accompanying video located just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

Archaeologists Uncover Armenia's Oldest Church: The Octagonal Church of Artaxata and Its Early Christian Significance

An octagonal church, dating back to approximately 350 C.E., has been unearthed in the ancient city of Artaxata, which was once the capital of Armenia. With a footprint measuring 100 feet across and featuring cross-shaped projections, the structure showcases sophisticated early Christian architectural design and rich symbolism, where the octagon signifies rebirth. Excavators have discovered wooden podiums and marble remnants, indicating that elaborate rituals took place and highlighting the church's status as a significant religious and cultural center.

This find offers new insights into Armenia's early Christian heritage, reflecting the nation’s swift conversion under King Tiridates III and Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Recognized as one of the earliest known Christian churches in the world, it underscores Armenia’s critical position as the first Christian state. Ongoing investigations are set to uncover more details regarding the church's dedication and its role in shaping regional religious evolution...

For more comprehensive information, be sure to check the article and the accompanying video just below the comments. 👇👇

09/10/2025

Archaeologists Discover a 2,000-Year-Old Synagogue in the Black Sea Area

Ongoing excavations at Phanagoria on Russia's Taman Peninsula have uncovered a synagogue dating back 2,000 years to the Second Temple Period. This rectangular structure, measuring 21 by 6 meters, featured two main halls adorned with marble columns and painted walls. Among the discoveries were liturgical tables, as well as marble steles inscribed with ""house of prayer"" (16 CE) and ""synagogue"" (51 CE), along with menorah reliefs that affirm its significance in ancient Jewish worship.

This discovery underscores the existence of a lively Jewish community that coexisted alongside Greek and Byzantine cultures in what served as a prominent Black Sea trade center. Historical accounts from Byzantine and Arabian scholars document the persistence of Phanagoria’s Jewish populace well into medieval times. Ongoing efforts by the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Volnoe Delo Foundation continue to reveal the city's rich, multicultural legacy...

For more in-depth information, be sure to check the article and the video linked just below the comments. 👇👇

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