From massive carvings to tiny rings: See archaeological finds from the week
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past.
Here are some of the latest discoveries:
Dig at ancient king's throne room unearths 26,000-pound carving. 'Spectacular'
In Nineveh, Iraq, a team of archaeologists uncovered a 26,000-pound carving in King Ashurbanipal's throne room. This extraordinary relief depicts the king and several Assyrian deities, providing a glimpse into the religious and artistic culture of the Assyrian Empire. The find is linked to the reign of Ashurbanipal, known for his contributions to Mesopotamian culture. | Published May 14 | Read More |
1,200-year-old gilded cross found by metal detectorist in UK field. 'Remarkable'
In Leeds, England, a metal detectorist discovered a 1,200-year-old gilded Saxon cross, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. This stunning piece of metalwork, likely worn by someone of high status, reflects the religious identity of the time. | Published May 15 | Read More |
'Uncommon' 8-sided Roman ring — at least 1,600 years old — found in UK ditch
In Lincolnshire, England, archaeologists unearthed a 1,600-year-old Roman ring from a drainage ditch. This eight-sided copper alloy ring, likely lost by its wearer, offers a tactile connection to the past. The find is considered uncommon and adds to the understanding of Roman presence in Britain. | Published May 15 | Read More |
Legend about school in Mexico being an ancient cemetery turns out to be true
In Zacatecas, Mexico, renovations at an elementary school revealed a historic cemetery, confirming local legend. The discovery included a wooden coffin and several burials, dating back to when the building served as a convent and hospital. | Published May 16 | Read More |
4,500-year-old baby rattles discovered in Syria — made from clay. See the toys
In Hama, Syria, archaeologists discovered 4,500-year-old clay baby rattles, revealing insights into ancient childhood. These rattles, found in a neighborhood dating back to the Early Bronze Age, were likely used to entertain children, much like toys today. The discovery highlights the universality of parental care across millennia. | Published May 20 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of intriguing archaeological discoveries from around the globe. Check back to see the latest finds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
25 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Orphaned bear cub ‘packed on the pounds' at NY rescue. See him return to wild
An orphaned black bear cub that defied the odds and 'survived a very cold winter alone' in upstate New York quickly 'packed on the pounds' and returned to the wild, video shows. The yearling cub was found all alone near skiing trails — 'so weak he could barely walk,' McClatchy News previously reported. 'The little guy was found on the slopes of Hunter Mt. in March,' Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center said in a Facebook post May 15. 'After only 60 days he packed on the pounds & he was ready to go home.' But as officials were getting ready to release him, more orphaned cubs joined him, the organization said in an April 23 post. 'Since Hunter bear (found on Hunter Mt) came in March, 3 more underweight and weak yearlings have landed with us as well as 5 cubs!' the organization said, adding that the Hunter Mountain bear looked good in a recent photo at the time. A photo shows the bear climbing on a log in his enclosure. Video of the bear's release shows him bursting out of a cage, then pausing to give a last look at the people who made his return to the wild possible. 'He looked back to say 'thank you!'' someone said in the comments. The cub hesitates before bounding off into the forest as someone off camera chuckles. 'I am crying,' someone said in the comments. 'It takes a big wide wild village.' The video also shows the release of another bear that the organization referred to as the Margaretville bear. 'She was spotted late last year as it was getting cold,' the organization said in the post. 'After two weeks of being seen running around looking for food in Margaretville, she was finally captured by Michael our long time volunteer. These two bears were extremely (underweight) when found & we are thrilled to say they made a great recovery. Let Wild Be Wild!' That bear took off into the forest with no hesitation, video shows. In a video shared shortly before the organization released the Hunter Mountain bear, four of the cubs are seen playing together in their enclosure. 'Just in case anyone was wondering what happens when you put 4 orphaned cubs in a 4x8 room,' the organization said in a May 3 post. 'If you guessed chaos you would be correct.' Video shows the cubs running around the enclosure, climbing up and down and then tumbling off a log. Several of the remaining cubs were released or will be released soon, according to posts from the organization and from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Mama dog helps orphaned pups after her own ‘heartbreak.' Now she'll need a home
A mama dog helped orphaned puppies 'without hesitation' — and soon, she will go up for adoption in North Carolina. 'Grace is one of the best mama dogs and cared for her puppies very well long after weaning them which is not typical of most mama dogs,' Carly Perin, who helped care for the mom, told McClatchy News in a June 4 email. 'Grace deserves the best possible family.' Grace raised the 'fragile' litter after she experienced her own tragedy. She was pregnant when she arrived at a Raleigh-area rescue and gave birth to nine puppies in March, animal organizations wrote in social media posts. 'But something was wrong,' Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies wrote on Facebook in April. 'One by one, her babies began to struggle. They were fading fast, battling severe pneumonia.' None of the puppies survived. But 'even in her grief, Mama Grace's gentle and nurturing spirit remained,' Peak Lab Rescue wrote. As Grace experienced 'heartbreak' at the rescue, a litter of abandoned puppies was found 'at a bus stop in a filthy, moldy cardboard box.' The newborns were hours old and were in desperate need of a mother dog to nurse them. Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies said it partnered with the rescue to see if it could help. 'In a beautiful twist of fate, Mama Grace stepped in as their surrogate,' Peak Lab Rescue wrote. 'She took them in without hesitation, showering them with the love and care they had lost.' Seven of the eight little ones survived and received names inspired by the Masters golf tournament: Augusta, Bryson, Ludwig, Rory, Scottie, Victor and Xander. As of June 4, Augusta was the only pup still available for adoption, Leslie Haller, an administrator for Peak Lab Rescue, told McClatchy News via email. Meanwhile, Grace is expected to be ready for a home in early June. 'Those once-fragile puppies are now thriving...,' Peak Lab Rescue wrote. 'Mama Grace gave them a second chance at life, and now we want to give her one, too.' The rescue is based in Apex, a Raleigh suburb.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
The story behind statue of King Kamehameha I
HONOLULU (KHON2) – In the ahupuaʻa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a symbol of Hawaiian pride. We are speaking of King Kamehameha I Statue. Kaʻahumanu St, from Downtown Honolulu to Pearl City What was originally proposed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Captain Cook's arrival to Hawaiʻi, an image of a 45-year-old King Kamehameha I was chosen as a monument promoting Hawaiian national pride. At a cost of $10,000, it was politician Walter Gibson representing Lāhainā who had proposed the idea. Having been started in Boston and completed in Paris, the 7-foot-tall statue left Germany on a ship in August of months later, word reached Hawaiʻi that the ship went down off the coast of Falkland Islands, losing all of its cargo. Following the loss of the original statue, a second statue of King Kamehameha I was commissioned. But to the government's surprise, the original was recovered and arrived in Honolulu a couple months prior to its replacement. Today, there are four. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Molded after the marble Roman scultpure of Augustus Ceasar, King Kamehameha is shown as a 'Pacific Hero.' The replacement statue was installed first on Oʻahu in 1883 at its present location fronting Aliʻiōlani Hale. The recovered, original statue was unveiled a couple months later in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island as it is the King's birthplace. In 1969, following statehood, a statue of the Father of the Hawaiian Kingdom was installed in the US Capitol Statutory Hall. The final statue was installed in Hilo in 1997, which was originally for a hotel on Kauaʻi, but Kauaʻi residents said no because King Kamehameha I failed to conquer them. Did you know? Now you do! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
