===============================================================
explorator 23.34 December 13, 2020
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You can read explorator online at:

https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo, Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,
Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).

Chag Chanukah sameach to all those celebrating! ================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Some new evidence that Neanderthals buried their dead:

http://www.cnrs.fr/en/new-evidence-neandertals-buried-their-dead https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/c-nen120920.php https://phys.org/news/2020-12-evidence-neandertals-dead.html https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201209140358.htm https://www.livescience.com/neanderthal-child-burial-solves-mystery.html https://www.sciencealert.com/ancient-neanderthal-mystery-solved-by-a-child-s-bones-from-40-000-years-ago
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/new-evidence-that-neanderthals-buried.html
https://www.archaeology.org/9304-201210-neanderthal-france-burial

Theorizing on the evolutionary development of homo floresiensis:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/uom-ane120920.php https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201209170647.htm https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/researcher-adds-to-timeline-of-human.html
================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
A pre-Roman 'Libyan' artifact from an Algerian site:

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/art/libyan-artefact-found-algerian-province-batna

Artifact-looting concerns in Mali:

https://issafrica.org/iss-today/inside-the-illegal-trade-in-west-africas-cultural-heritage

Feature on the last queen of Madagascar (Ranavalona III):

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/madagascars-extraordinary-last-queens-objects-are-sale-180976467/
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/06/remarkable-story-of-madagascars-last-queen-emerges-from-surrey-attic

... related:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/09/madagascar-relics-queen-ranavalona-iii

================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT ================================================================
A 4th millenium BCE petroglyph from Wadi el Malik is being touted as the oldest place name sign:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-oldest-place-name-sign-in-world.html

Recently-identified as separate pieces from the same statue of Ramesses VI have been reunited:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2020/12/07/pharaohs-statue-pieces-held-in-two-different-museums-are-now-matched/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/ramses-statue-pieces-held-in-two.html

The lists of 'major finds of 2020' started appearing this week ... here's the first from Egypt:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95112/Enani-reviews-Egypt%E2%80%99s-archaeological-accomplishments-in-2020-to-France-24

Marking the 108th anniversary of the discovery of the bust of Nefertiti:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95056/Dec-7-marks-the-108th-anniversary-of-discovering-Nefertiti%E2%80%99s-head

Of course the Saqqara finds made Archaeology Magazine's 'top ten' list:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95241/Colourful-coffins-of-Saqqara-among-the-10-most-important-archaeological

More on that 'counterfeit silver' from Canaan (which is being given an Egyptian spin this week):

https://www.livescience.com/ancient-egyptian-hoard-counterfeit-dirty-money.html

Feature on chariot use by women in ancient Egypt:

http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2020/12/nefertiti-chariot

Feature on the Saqqara Saite tombs project:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/agenta/the-saqqara-saite-tombs-project/

Feature on the 'tug of war' over the Rosetta Stone:

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-tug-of-war-over-the-rosetta-stone

Feature on the discovery of Tut's tomb:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/finding-tutankhamuns-tomb-a-historical-account/

Feature on Alexandria:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/alexandria-the-greatest-city-in-the-ancient-world/

Feature on life in Hellenistic Egypt:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/life-in-hellenistic-egypt/

Hyping the upcoming 'Royal Parade' of Egyptian mummies:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95170/Video-Sneak-Peak-on-current-location-of-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Royal-Mummies

I think we mentioned this theory seeking proof by drilling into the Great Pyramid:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1368322/egypt-great-pyramid-giza-drill-archaeology-construction-workers-pharaoh-khufu-spt

There's apparently a major announcement coming from Saqqara in January:

https://dailynewsegypt.com/2020/12/06/major-archaeological-discovery-at-saqqara-to-be-revealed-in-january-egyptologist/

The French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Egypt is celebrating its 140th anniversary:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/396505.aspx

Not sure what to think about Egypt opening a major replicas factory:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95024/Egypt%E2%80%99s-tourism-antiquities-min-visits-Archaeological-Replicas-Factory
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1774516/art-culture

A theory about 'missing blocks' from the Great Pyramid:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1369693/egypt-breakthrough-great-pyramid-giza-white-limestone-blocks-bent-engineer-archaeology-spt

Latest survey work in Iran reveals prehistoric links between Iran, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Mesopotamia:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/455513/Survey-reveals-prehistorical-links-between-Iran-Anatolia-Caucasus

Brief item on a 'massive underground city' beneath modern-day Tafresh:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/455562/Archaeologists-shed-more-light-on-massive-underground-city-central

Suggestion that writing began on the Iranian plateau:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/455638/Iranian-plateau-gave-birth-to-writing-French-archaeologist

Feature on the importance of the fortress at Machaerus:

https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/fortress-machaerus-holds-clues-regions-past

Interesting real and virtual excavation of a Neolithic site off the Carmel coast of Israel:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/archaeologists-explore-secrets-of.html

Just in time for Hanukkah, kinda sorta, comes a find (actually a few decades ago) of a Hasmonean-era menorah petroglyph:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/rare-menorah-engraving-dates-back-to-hasmonean-era-651379
https://www.jns.org/wire/bar-ilan-university-archaeologist-rare-engraved-menorah-discovered-on-tomb-facade-could-date-back-to-the-hasmonean-era/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/rare-second-temple-menorah-drawing-from-biblical-maccabean-site-brought-to-light/

... and some explainers on Hanukkah:

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/hanukah-maccabees-and-apocrypha/?mqsc=E4124166&dk=ZE05D0ZF0
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/wherefore-the-hanukkah-scroll-651714

... and the story told with a 500 elephants spin and no Macabees:

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/500-drunken-elephants-the-untold-hanukkah-story-with-no-macabees-651731

This 2000 years bp lantern find might be in a similar Hanukkah spirit:

https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/13/jerusalem-archeologists-reveal-2000-year-old-candle/

A 2300 years bp (or so) seal impression purchased from an Israeli market 40 years ago is been declared genuine:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/2300-year-old-iron-age-seal-found-in-israeli-market-651591
https://www.timesofisrael.com/2700-years-ago-tiny-clay-piece-sealed-deal-for-bibles-king-jeroboam-ii/
https://www.ynet.co.il/environment-science/article/BkecpL6oD (Hebrew)

Israel is opening up some previously-unseen structures in the Herodium:

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201210-israel-unveils-parts-of-herod-s-palace-buried-by-judean-king
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/king-herods-buried-palace-is-slowly-resurrected-wtjk5kvrj
https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/israel-unveils-parts-of-herods-palace-buried-by-judean-king-1.1607601866949
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3113599/parts-king-herods-spectacular-hilltop-palace-where-roman

I think we mentioned this find of a Second Temple era gaming die fro Khirbet Kfar Mor:

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/ancient-game-die-discovered/?mqsc=E4123989&dk=ZE05D0ZF0

Fatamid and Byzantine gold coins (and other things) from Caesarea:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2020/12/08/cache-of-rare-gold-coins-discovered-at-caesarea-israel/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/cache-of-rare-gold-coins-and-900-year.html

More on the purported find of Jesus' childhood home:

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/jesus-childhood-home-nazareth-1234578353/

... and an interesting feature on the role of 19th century nuns in the excavation:

https://www.livescience.com/house-of-jesus-uncovered-by-sisters-of-nazareth.html

More on the rethinking of Goliath's height:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/tall-tales-research-examines-goliaths-true-height-651597

A rather strange 'tunneling award' for an archaeological project in Israel:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/israel-wins-international-tunneling-award-for-archaeology-651274

Pondering the evidence for Solomon's Temple:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/was-king-solomons-temple-a-real-place

Feature on the House of Wisdom (destroyed in the 13th century) and Islam's role in establishing several modern math concepts:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201204-lost-islamic-library-maths

The Council of Europe has condemned the conversion of Hagia Sophia:

https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/07/council-of-europe-hagia-sophia/

43 facts about the Assyrian Empire:

http://www.aina.org/ata/20201211055507.htm ================================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS) ================================================================
A Bronze age settlement, including mass burials from an ongoing dig on Cyprus:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/3500-year-old-place-of-worship-with.html

Phrygian era inscriptions and later (Greek) finds from a site in Turkey's Zonguldak province:

https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/phrygian-inscriptions-doric-headers-found-in-turkeys-zonguldak-province/news

7th century BCE finds from a dig on Lesvos:

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/09/seventh-century-bc-artifacts-found-in-lesvos-archaeological-dig/

Remains of a Phoenician moat find from Spain's Costa Blanca:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/archaeologists-discover-giant-phoenician-defensive-moat/136417
https://www.alphagalileo.org/en-gb/Item-Display/ItemId/202145?returnurl=https://www.alphagalileo.org/en-gb/Item-Display/ItemId/202145
https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2020/12/13/fantastic-find-of-old-phoenician-moat-gets-archaeologists-excited-on-spains-costa-blanca/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/archaeologists-unearth-huge-phoenician.html

... and related concerns:

https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/12/11/fears-for-villaricos-phoenician-site/

A 4th century BCE Scythian burial near the Don River:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/burial-mound-of-scythian-warlord-from.html

New finds at a Temple of Zeus in Qanawat (Syria):

https://sana.sy/en/?p=213372 https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/12/new-archaeological-zeus-syria/

Remains of a 'pile dwelling' village dating to 400 BCE at Desenzano del Garda (article in Italian):

http://www.meteoweb.eu/2020/12/scoperta-archeologica-desenzano-del-garda-villaggio-palafitte/1519421/

An Illyrian helmet from a burial in Croatia:

https://greekreporter.com/ancient-greek-helmet-found-in-stone-burial-chamber-in-croatia/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/07/greek-illyrian-helmet-croatia/

Railway work near Caltanisetta revealed traces of a 1st century CE settlement (Italian):

https://www.siciliareport.it/cultura/ferrovia-catania-palermo-scoperto-nel-nisseno-insediamento-rurale-del-i-secolo-d-c/
https://www.siciliaweekend.info/2020/12/09/archeologia-scoperta-a-vallelunga-pratameno/
https://www.ragusanews.com/cultura-archeologia-scoperto-in-sicilia-insediamento-romano-foto-115737/
https://www.lasicilia.it/news/cultura/377421/archeologia-sicilia-terra-di-tesori-scoperto-insediamento-del-i-secolo-d-c-a-vallelunga-pratameno.html
https://www.siciliaogginotizie.it/2020/12/09/vallelunga-pratameno-scoperto-importante-insediamento-rurale-del-i-secolo-d-c/

Examination of a 4th-6th century CE burial from Vaste reveals possible evidence of leukemia (all coverage in Italian):

https://www.lecceprima.it/attualita/antica-forma-di-leucemia-studiata-su-scheletro-del-parco-archeologico-di-vaste.html
https://messina.gazzettadelsud.it/articoli/cronaca/2020/12/10/morto-tra-il-iv-e-il-vi-secolo-d-c-di-leucemia-limportante-scoperta-di-una-ricercatrice-messinese-d6729ed6-d869-479c-b648-685b0987582f/
https://www.messinatoday.it/cronaca/leucemia-sito-archeologico-salento-papardo-collaborazione.html

A Roman-era statue head of Venus from Chieti:

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/italy-roman-head-of-venus-unearthed-in-chieti.html
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/roman-venus-head-unearthed-in-chieti.html
https://www.chietitoday.it/attualita/scavi-piazza-san-giustino-venere-lavori-riqualificazione.html

A reinterpretation of a site at Priors Hall suggests it might be a Romano-Celtic temple/mausoleum:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/romano-celtic-temple-mausoleum-found-at.html

A dig on the via Alessandrina in Rome has revealed a new section of the Imperial Fora (Italian):

https://www.terzobinario.it/scavo-archeologico-di-via-alessandrina-alla-luce-nuova-porzione-dei-fori-imperiali/
https://abitarearoma.it/concluso-scavo-archeologico-di-via-alessandrina/

Overviewish thing on the dig at the 2000 years bp site of Hypaipa:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hypaipa-ancient-city-comes-to-surface-160663

A Late Antiquity 'plaza' find from Aquileia (article in Italian):

https://www.udinetoday.it/attualita/scoperta-piazza-aquileia-tardo-anitca-dicembre-2020.html

A 5th century CE (!) mosaic find from Cotswalds:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/10/stunning-dark-ages-mosaic-found-at-roman-villa-in-cotswolds
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-55256415 https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/uk-archaeologists-make-startling-discovery-4783655
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/446/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/446/pub/446/page/12/article/111877
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/roman-mosaic-chedworth-britain-scli-intl-gbr-scn/index.html
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/archaeologists-find-britains-only-5th-century-roman-mosaic/136424
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/britains-first-known-5th-century-mosaic.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mosaic-shows-some-britain-lived-luxury-during-dark-ages-180976535/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9306-201211-england-dark-ages

... and a feature on some mosaic sites in Britain:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/fishbourne-roman-palace-chedworth-roman-mosaics-visit-explore-where-in-britain/

I think we mentioned this metal-detectorist-found hoard of Roman silver from Hertfordshire:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55213688 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/rare-hoard-offers-hint-of-boudicas-rebel-booty-g0c77j30s

More on that altar to Pan from a Byzantine church in Israel:

https://www.livescience.com/pan-altar-found-in-israel.html

Plans to restore Pheidias' workshop:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2020/12/10/pheidias-workshop-to-be-restored/

A real estate development on the 'palace of Hasdrubal' site on Cartagena is controversial:

https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-05/se-venden-pisos-sobre-el-palacio-de-asdrubal.html

A new (sort of) theory on the Antikythera mechanism:

https://hackaday.com/2020/12/12/hackers-discovery-changes-understanding-of-the-antikythera-mechanism/

Feature on Roman dining practices:

https://mymodernmet.com/what-did-the-romans-eat-drink/

... with a slightly different spin:

https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/lying-down-and-vomiting-between-courses-this-is-how-ancient-romans-would-feast-3167642.html

Feature on Termessos:

https://www.dailysabah.com/gallery/termessos-the-ancient-city-alexander-the-great-could-not-conquer/images

Feature on Saturnalia:

https://cdapress.com/news/2020/dec/12/io-saturnalia/

Feature on Herodotus:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/we-can-thank-herodotus-the-father-of-history-for-our-knowledge-of-the

Feature on the impact of Alexander:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/how-did-alexander-the-great-change-the-course-of-history/

Feature on decline and prosperity in Late Antiquity:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/late-antiquity-opposing-views-of-decline-and-prosperity/

Feature on barbarian invasion v settlement in Late Antiquity:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/late-antiquity-barbarian-invasion-or-settlement/

Feature on religious and intellectual movements in Late Antiquity:

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/religious-and-intellectual-movements-of-late-antiquity/

Tim Winters is named to the board of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy:

https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2020/12/08/austin-peay-state-universitys-dr-tim-winters-named-to-board-of-hellenic-institute-of-cultural-diplomacy/

Angus Smith has published his work on his dig at Ayia Sotira:

https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2020/12/archaeological-dig-leads-to-prestigious-award/

Reviewish of *Greek Slave Women in Ancient India*:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/greek-slaves-and-flute-girls-in-gujarat/articleshow/79597283.cms

Review of Mike Duncan, *The Storm before the Storm*:

https://prosportsextra.com/ancient-armageddonthe-storm-before-the-storm-and-the-fall-of-the-roman-republic/

In case you were wondering, a Roman warship is the next LEGO thing being hyped:

https://www.brickfanatics.com/roman-warship-rows-into-lego-ideas-review/

More on efforts to make the Acropolis of Athens more accessible:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2020/12/08/%CE%B1cropolis-the-slope-lift-and-new-routes-have-been-delivered/

... meanwhile, there was some flooding on the Acropolis this week:

https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/11/acropolis-flooded-downpour

... but it wasn't as bad as the press made it out to be, apparently:

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/11/greek-ministry-of-culture-responds-to-flooding-on-acropolis/

-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:

http://romanarc.blogspot.com/

Rogueclassicism:

http://rogueclassicism.com/ ================================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland) ================================================================
Interesting study of a Neolithic skull from Spain revealing a violent death:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-violent-death-in-cova-foradada-in.html

A Bronze Age princely burial from Normandy:

https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2020/12/08/l-age-du-bronze-s-eclaire-grace-a-la-decouverte-en-normandie-d-une-nouvelle-tombe-princiere_6062610_1650684.html

Finds from various periods, including a bronze Celtic figurine with gold eyes from a site in Slovakia:

https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22549642/archaeologists-discover-bronze-celtic-statue-with-golden-eyes.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9308-201211-slovakia-bronze-figurine

Apparently gardening during lockdown has revealed a number of Tudor gold coins (and more):

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/world/europe/uk-treasure-lockdown-gardening.html
https://www.livescience.com/gold-coin-hoard-english-monarchs.html https://www.cnn.com/style/article/lockdown-garden-archaeology-trnd/index.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2020/12/12/sacred-mysteries-ancient-treasures-dug-garden/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/dec/09/tudor-coins-dedicated-to-three-of-henry-viiis-wives-found-in-family-garden
https://standard.co.uk/news/uk/medieval-coins-apartheid-gold-treasure-finds-b230365.html
http://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2020/12/09/news/gardener-finds-15th-century-gold-coins-while-pulling-weeds-2155450/
https://www.startribune.com/lockdown-gardeners-in-britain-unearth-ancient-treasures/573349611/
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18932616.new-forest-family-finds-tudor-gold-coins-horde/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/gardeners-unearth-trove-coins-inscribed-initials-henry-viiis-first-three-wives-180976538/

Pondering an Anglo-Saxon silver cross which was part of the Galloway Hoard:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/dec/13/fit-for-a-king-true-glory-of-1000-year-old-cross-buried-in-scottish-field-is-revealed-at-last

Interesting finds from various periods (Bronze Age, Roman, and ?), including a mystery 'pit skeleton' in various digs in Bishops Stortford:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55176242 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/oxford-archaeology-dig-skeleton-hertfordshire-b1767027.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9298-201208-england-sitting-skeleton

Some 1000 years bp murals have been found in Augsburg Cathedral:

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-1000-year-old-murals-discovered-in-augsburg-cathedral/a-55885970

An Iron Age stone tower at Caithness has been conserved:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-55230814

A previously-unknown Pictish stone covered with mythical beasties is now on display:

https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/lost-pictish-stone-decorated-massive-mythical-beasts-goes-show-first-time-3064967

The 500 years bp Rathmullan Abbey at Donegal has been restored:

https://www.derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/500-year-old-donegal-abbey-reopens-public-after-huge-restoration-project-3064237

Apparently there was flooding in Venice again:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55239719 https://elpais.com/sociedad/2020-12-09/el-sistema-de-diques-no-logra-proteger-a-venecia-de-las-inundaciones-por-un-error-en-las-previsiones.html

Feature on the Spanish Armada:

https://elpais.com/babelia/2020-12-08/toda-la-verdad-sobre-la-armada-invencible.html

A dispute over the sale of the Abbaye de Pontigny:

https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bourgogne-franche-comte/yonne/vente-du-domaine-abbaye-pontigny-yonne-region-doit-designer-nouvel-acquereur-cette-semaine-1903828.html

More on plans to redefine 'Treasure' in the UK:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-makes-something-treasure-uk-government-proposes-new-standard-180976457/

... and a related op-Ed:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/10/the-guardian-view-on-treasure-laws-time-for-reform

More on the rethinking of the purpose of Venus figurines:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/researcher-offers-new-theory-on-venus-figurines/136369

More on the Gjellestad ship excavations:

https://www.livescience.com/viking-ship-fit-for-royalty-unearthed.html

----------
Archaeology in Europe News:

http://archaeology-in-europe.blogspot.com/

Medievalists.net:

https://www.medievalists.net/category/news/

Viking Archaeology Blog:

http://viking-archaeology-blog.blogspot.com/

================================================================
ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC ================================================================
5000 years bp bronze remains from the Tontiandong site in China's Xinjian Uygur Autonomous Region:

http://www.ecns.cn/news/2020-12-11/detail-ihaetmvy3495545.shtml

Finds from China made Archaeology mag's top ten list:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-12-07/China-s-oldest-carving-artwork-among-top-10-discoveries-of-2020-W1n3wVC1uo/index.html
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-12/10/content_76997763.htm

Assorted jewellery from a royal 5th century CE Silla Tomb in South Korea:

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20201207007051315 https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/unearthed-ornaments-link-tomb-to-5th.html
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/ornate-treasures-discovered-in-tomb-of-silla-princess/136429
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9299-201208-korea-silla-beetles

A study of pot residues suggests the Indus Civilization had a meat-heavy diet:

https://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/news/whats-cooking-analysis-fatty-residues-ancient-pottery-sheds-light-food-habits-indus
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/uoc-fro120720.php https://phys.org/news/2020-12-fatty-residues-ancient-pottery-reveal.html https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201209094247.htm https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indus-valley-civilisation-diet-had-dominance-of-meat-finds-study-7098819/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/fatty-residues-on-ancient-pottery.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9303-201210-indus-valley-diet

An 11th century CE relief of a follower of Lord Shiva from Akaram (India):

https://telanganatoday.com/ancient-sculpture-found-in-akaram-sun-temple https://www.archaeology.org/news/9305-201210-india-sun-temple

Latest plans to help the Taj Mahal deal with pollution damage:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55216729

Pondering the continued existence of tigers and elephants in India:

https://news.yale.edu/2020/12/08/why-do-elephants-and-tigers-still-roam-india-study-offers-clues

Feature on those skeletons in a Himalayan lake that were in the news a few months ago:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/12/14/the-skeletons-at-the-lake

Gold Rush-associated burials from Otago:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/123646206/graveyard-dig-uncovers-burial-plots-of-12-people-who-died-during-otagos-gold-rush

Rio Tinto has to restore the caves it blew up:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-55250137 http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/446/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/446/pub/446/page/69/article/111980
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/09/juukan-gorge-inquiry-rio-tintos-decision-to-blow-up-indigenous-rock-shelters-inexcusable

More on palaeolithic migration to Japanese islands being a choice, not an accident:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2020/12/07/ancient-migration-was-choice-not-chance/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/palaeolithic-people-likely-colonised.html
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
An 'intermontane stemmed point' find from near Kamloops:

https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/community/dig-it-a-notable-archaeology-discovery-near-kamloops-1.24252220

A sinkhole has revealed a 19th century well in a Boston park:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/10/metro/sinkhole-ronan-park-found-be-caused-by-collapsed-historic-well/
https://www.wcvb.com/article/archaeologists-discover-forgotten-well-inside-sinkhole-in-dorchesters-ronan-park/34931536
https://www.wcvb.com/article/archaeologists-find-19th-century-well-inside-boston-sinkhole/34934885
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/12/10/historic-well-discovered-boston-ronan-park-sinkhole/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9307-201211-boston-well-sinkhole

Burials from that First Baptist Church dig at Colonial Williamsburg:

https://www.dailypress.com/virginiagazette/va-vg-remains-firstbaptist-1209-20201207-r5ga5xjmtjcczjuzjceb5qajxy-story.html

Somewhat vague press release on a 17th century shipwreck find (maybe) off Florida:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seafarer-announces-discovery-of-historic-period-shipwreck-material-301190675.html

Mid-19th century finds from a construction site in Lexington:

https://www.wkyt.com/2020/12/10/century-old-artifacts-discovered-during-town-branch-commons-project-in-lexington/

Evidence that the founder of JHU was a slave owner:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/12/09/johns-hopkins-university-person-slavery-name-change/3866364001/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/johns-hopkins-slavery/2020/12/09/cf0744f6-3a30-11eb-98c4-25dc9f4987e8_story.html
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/10/944906903/johns-hopkins-long-believed-an-abolitionist-actually-owned-slaves-university-say
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/09/john-hopkins-university-founder-slave-owner-baltimore
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/johns-hopkins-once-thought-be-abolitionist-actually-enslaved-people-180976515/

... and a related oped:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/12/09/johns-hopkins-university-founder-enslaved-people/

Latest episode of the Cerutti Mastodon site interpretation:

https://www.sciencealert.com/mastodon-residue-supports-controversial-theory-about-the-first-settlers-in-america

Interesting feature (podcastish) on a 300 years bp farmhouse in Brooklyn:

https://www.npr.org/2020/11/13/934236641/alyssa-loorya-what-can-a-300-year-old-farmhouse-tell-us-about-metropolitan-new-y

Feature on a famous photo associated with the extermination of bison:

https://phys.org/news/2020-12-images-bison-bones-window-cultural.html

Feature on Abigail Adams having her kids inoculated against smallpox:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/12/12/abigail-adams-smallpox-coronavirus-vaccine/

Feature on how a flu outbreak in 1872 affected the US economy:

https://www.livescience.com/flu-virus-shut-down-economy-by-infecting-horses.html

On the evolution of the US public health system:

https://knowablemagazine.org/article/health-disease/2020/evolution-us-public-health-system-a-timeline

Feature on assorted presidential transitions:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts/special-series/how-rocky-presidential-transitions-have-shaped-american-history

Changes in circulation in the North Pacific at the end of the last Ice Age had human migration implications, perhaps:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/uow-woh120820.php https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/warm-oceans-helped-first-human.html

More on ancient Puebloans finding water in lava tubes:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/drought-puebloans-ice-lava-tubes https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancestral-puebloans-got-water-melting-ice-tubes-180976516/

================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA ================================================================
More sections of an Aztec skull tower from downtown Mexico City have come to light:

https://phys.org/news/2020-12-mexican-experts-skulls-aztec-trophy.html https://www.npr.org/2020/11/13/934236641/alyssa-loorya-what-can-a-300-year-old-farmhouse-tell-us-about-metropolitan-new-y
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-55283313 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/12/mexican-archaeologists-find-remains-119-people-aztec-tower-skulls/

Feature on Tomas Cruz and his work in Tenochitlan:

https://elpais.com/mexico/2020-12-10/el-cemento-y-los-pinceles-de-tomas-cruz.html

During the past years, some 1800 Maya artifacts have been found in the Yucatan:

https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2020/12/during-2020-the-inah-found-more-than-1800-mayan-archeological-pieces-in-yucatan-towns/

Some sort of 'treasure frenzy' going on in Venezuela after some gold jewellery washed up on a beach (probably recent):


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