Roman-era mosaic panel with erotic theme that was stolen during World War II returns to Pompeii
The artwork was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels, arranged by the Italian Consulate in Stuttgart, Germany, after having been returned from the heirs of the last owner, a deceased German citizen.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Road to extinction? Europe's birth rates hit rock bottom. These are the least fertile countries
The latest data on fertility across the continent is not far from apocalyptic. For the year 2024, many European countries are reporting their lowest birth rates in several decades, if not on record. While experts say 2.1 children per woman are needed to keep the population's size stable, several countries present numbers consistently below 1.5. Germany: 'Migration sole cause of population growth' Germany's fertility level dropped to 1.35, the lowest level since 1994 (1.24), which came off the back of a recession period. The country's Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) clearly states that "net immigration was the sole cause of population growth". Yet, despite the numbers added by migrants, the population grew only by 0.1% or 121,000 people last year. In reality, "more people died than were born", says the institute. Data also shows a huge divide between German states. While the population grew in wealthier states, like Bavaria or Hamburg, the sharpest drops were reported in the poorer Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. In neighbouring Austria, the situation was even more concerning in 2024, with the country recording the lowest birth rate on record: 1.32 or 77,238 new children, a 0.5% drop, according to Statistik Austria. Italy: Racing towards becoming a human desert With 166,000 new arrivals, migration slowed Italy's population decline, too, but not enough to prevent a decrease. The country has now fallen steadily to under 60 million people, following years of decline. The birth rate in 2024 hit a new record low (1.18), says ISTAT: For every 1,000 people, only six babies were born, while 11 died. To make matters worse, the number of Italians who left the country (156,000) was three times higher than those who returned (53,000). The largest population drops were reported in the poorer inland areas of the south. France: 'Lowest birth rates since the end of World War One' In France, which is traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, numbers are also dropping fast. Its fertility rate in 2024, at 1.62, was the lowest since the end of World War I, said the INSEE. In the past 15 years, the country's fertility fell by a fifth, just about enough to keep a tiny, positive birth/death balance (+17,000), the lowest since the end of World War II. Life expectancy provided the only good news. It has now reached 85.6 years for women and 80 for men, a historic record. Related This is the EU country where babies born to migrants outnumbered local newborns England: Elderly childbearing fences off demographic decline England and Wales are one of the few exceptions in Europe. That's thanks to a surprising rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old (+14%), which helped trigger the first increase in the number of births in England and Wales since 2021 (+0.6%). On the contrary, births to young mothers and fathers fell, says the INS. The proportion of children born to foreign parents was significantly high: 40% in England and nearly 20% in Wales, marking a steep 34% increase between 2023 and 2024. Spain is another exception. According to INE's provisional data, 2024's birth rates could rise by 0.4%, thanks to an estimated 322,034 new babies. As in other countries, Spain's declining fertility has been accompanied by a rising age among mothers. In the past ten years, the number of mothers aged 40 or above grew by 8.5%. Nordics: Finland reports lowest rate since 1776 (yes, 1776) Finland's fertility rate dropped to 1.25 in 2024, says Statistics Finland. That's the worst rate since data collection began, in the late 19th century, when the territory was still part of Sweden, which is also facing demographic problems. The rate reported by Stockholm for last year is 1.43, slightly above most countries and yet the country's lowest fertility on record, says SCB. The overall number of new children was 98,500, the deepest point in 23 years, as the population decreased in 169 of the country's 290 municipalities. Hungary and Poland: Failure of pro-family policies? Despite recent policies aimed at boosting natality, Hungary and Poland are also part of the crowded low-fertility club for 2024. The statistics published by Warsaw are particularly brutal, with a 1.1 birth rate, meaning the number of new children almost halved compared to 1990 (1.9). Women are also, on average, becoming mothers at 29, much later than 35 years ago, when the average age was just under 23. Hungary makes no exception with 77,500 new babies last year, the lowest amount ever, on top of a 1.38 birth rate, never as low since 2014, according to Hungary's KLS.
Fox News
8 hours ago
- Fox News
Medieval knight's tomb discovered beneath former ice cream parlor in Poland: 'Very rare'
Polish archaeologists recently uncovered an elite knight's burial in remarkable condition – all in the middle of a bustling tourist city. The tomb was found in Gdańsk, Poland, a historic city revered for its colorful architecture and location on the scenic Motława River. The discovery was announced this month by Polish archaeology company ArcheoScan. The knight's grave was found beneath the former site of Lodziarnia Miś, a beloved ice cream parlor that once stood at the intersection of Sukiennicza and Grodzka streets. Speaking to Fox News Digital, the organization said the area was once a 13th-century cemetery next to the remains of Gdańsk's oldest known church. Both are located in the city's historic center, known as Śródmieście. "This church was built of oak wood cut down in 1140, based on dendrochronological dating," the organization said. "It is currently recognized as the oldest wooden church ever identified in Poland." The tombstone, dating to the late 13th or 14th century, was buried in an early medieval stronghold within the city. Archaeologists said the site was a "key place of power, faith and burial" in medieval Gdańsk. The tomb likely belonged to an elite knight, having been made from limestone imported from the Swedish island of Gotland. The grave's carvings were also skillfully crafted, suggesting a high-quality artisan produced the tombstone. "Figural tombstones showing full-length armored figures are rare in Poland, especially from the 13th–14th centuries." Pictures of the discovery show the faint image of a male figure standing upright wearing full chainmail armor and leggings. "He holds a sword and shield [in the image]," ArcheoScans noted. "Despite some damage, the head, left foot and many details of the armor and weapons remain visible." Although limestone is very fragile, ArcheoScan said the tombstone weathered the centuries well. "The tombstone is surprisingly well-preserved, considering it was made from soft limestone and buried for centuries," the organization added. "The carved figure, armor and shield are still visible." It also noted, "Tombstones like this were very rare in Poland at the time and were typically made for important people. However, there is no evidence linking the figure to the Teutonic Order, and no inscriptions confirm that connection." During the excavation, archaeologists carefully lifted the tomb slab and uncovered the knight's complete skeleton. An initial examination showed that the warrior stood between 5'5" and 5'9" tall, which was above average for the time. "The bones were found in anatomical alignment, confirming the tombstone marked the actual burial site," ArcheoScan added. "The skeleton is well-preserved, although no grave goods were found in association with the body." Experts hope to conduct additional research, including genetic analyses to determine the knight's age at death, as well as his health history. Further isotopic analysis may shed light on his lifestyle and diet, along with any other possible links to other burials. "Together, the tombstone, the church, and the cemetery help tell a rich and layered story of early medieval Gdańsk." Archaeologists also plan to conduct a facial reconstruction. ArcheoScan stressed that the discovery is "one of the most important archaeological finds in Poland in recent years," shedding light on burial customs as well as medieval symbolism. "Figural tombstones showing full-length armored figures are rare in Poland, especially from the 13th–14th centuries," the organization concluded. "Together, the tombstone, the church, and the cemetery help tell a rich and layered story of early medieval Gdańsk."
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Nato allies seek details on Trump's new Ukraine support pledge
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