Latest news with #Archaeological
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Scientists Found the Oldest Ever Fingerprint Left by a Human
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story. Archaeologists discovered a human fingerprint left on a rock in Spain now considered the oldest known human fingerprint. Experts believe a Neanderthal intentionally made the print roughly 43,000 years ago. The rock was used only for the art—a rarity for the ancient time period—rather than a tool or some other utilitarian usage. A Neanderthal may have given us the oldest-known human fingerprint by attempting to paint a face on a small granite pebble in what is now modern-day Spain In a new study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Science, experts claim that a 43,000-year-old fingerprint left in red ocher pigment was intentionally placed on the rock in what was possibly an early form of art. The Neanderthal was attempting to paint a face on a small granite pebble in what is now modern-day Spain. 'This object contributes to our understanding of Neanderthals' capacity for abstraction, suggesting that it could represent one of the earliest human facial symbolizations in prehistory,' wrote the study authors, a collaboration between the Complutense University of Madrid, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, the General Commissariat of Scientific Police of the National Police, and the University of Salamanca. Discovered in the San Lazaro rock shelter in central Spain, the team used scanning electron microscopy and multispectral spectroscopy analyses to find the complete fingerprint and then forensic analyses to determine it had to come from a human. 'It is not just a fingerprint; it is the signature of an individual who manipulated this object with a purpose that goes beyond the utilitarian,' the researchers wrote. The authors believe the fingerprint was intentionally placed and the pigment suggests it was applied with the tip of a finger after being soaked in pigment. 'Someone held it, painted it, and placed it there,' the researchers wrote. Found on a pebble believed to have originated from the Eresma River and moved to the shelter, the rock shows no signs of ever being used as a tool, giving the pebble a rare non-utilitarian function from the Middle Paleolithic period, according to a translated statement from the researchers. The painted fingerprint matches up with the pebble's form to make it seem that the Neanderthal who added the red-soaked print meant to create a 'human face, with eyes, a mouth, and a ridge shaped like a nose.' 'This pebble could thus represent one of the oldest known abstractions of a human face in the prehistoric record,' the authors wrote, noting it could be 'face pareidolia,' the act of humans giving objects human-like qualities. The study said that detailed analyses of the print showed it was 'unequivocally attributed to Neanderthals.' The human who dipped their finger into the pigment 'intentionally manipulated' the rock for non-utilitarian purposes and by bringing the rock into the shelter, the Neanderthal could have been following ritualistic behavior or simply trying to liven up a space with a little abstract art. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scientists Found a 43,000-Year-Old Fingerprint That May Be the Oldest Ever Left by a Human
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story. Archaeologists discovered a human fingerprint left on a rock in Spain now considered the oldest known human fingerprint. Experts believe a Neanderthal intentionally made the print roughly 43,000 years ago. The rock was used only for the art—a rarity for the ancient time period—rather than a tool or some other utilitarian usage. A Neanderthal may have given us the oldest-known human fingerprint by attempting to paint a face on a small granite pebble in what is now modern-day Spain In a new study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Science, experts claim that a 43,000-year-old fingerprint left in red ocher pigment was intentionally placed on the rock in what was possibly an early form of art. The Neanderthal was attempting to paint a face on a small granite pebble in what is now modern-day Spain. 'This object contributes to our understanding of Neanderthals' capacity for abstraction, suggesting that it could represent one of the earliest human facial symbolizations in prehistory,' wrote the study authors, a collaboration between the Complutense University of Madrid, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, the General Commissariat of Scientific Police of the National Police, and the University of Salamanca. Discovered in the San Lazaro rock shelter in central Spain, the team used scanning electron microscopy and multispectral spectroscopy analyses to find the complete fingerprint and then forensic analyses to determine it had to come from a human. 'It is not just a fingerprint; it is the signature of an individual who manipulated this object with a purpose that goes beyond the utilitarian,' the researchers wrote. The authors believe the fingerprint was intentionally placed and the pigment suggests it was applied with the tip of a finger after being soaked in pigment. 'Someone held it, painted it, and placed it there,' the researchers wrote. Found on a pebble believed to have originated from the Eresma River and moved to the shelter, the rock shows no signs of ever being used as a tool, giving the pebble a rare non-utilitarian function from the Middle Paleolithic period, according to a translated statement from the researchers. The painted fingerprint matches up with the pebble's form to make it seem that the Neanderthal who added the red-soaked print meant to create a 'human face, with eyes, a mouth, and a ridge shaped like a nose.' 'This pebble could thus represent one of the oldest known abstractions of a human face in the prehistoric record,' the authors wrote, noting it could be 'face pareidolia,' the act of humans giving objects human-like qualities. The study said that detailed analyses of the print showed it was 'unequivocally attributed to Neanderthals.' The human who dipped their finger into the pigment 'intentionally manipulated' the rock for non-utilitarian purposes and by bringing the rock into the shelter, the Neanderthal could have been following ritualistic behavior or simply trying to liven up a space with a little abstract art. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
These archaeology trips let travelers get their hands on history
Some vacations take you to destinations that feel futuristic, while archeological tourism transports you to a completely different era in the past. Whether you're excavating the prehistoric species of megafauna, minivan-sized marsupials, deep in the outback of Queensland, Australia, or tracing the Roman archaeological landscape surrounding Malta's Domus Romana, you will be time-traveling through human history, one discovery at a time. Across the world, excavation sites hold secrets that could change what we know about ancient civilizations. And the best part? You don't have to have any previous archaeological experience to get in on the action. The Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) is one of the world's largest fieldwork resources, offering continuously updated listings, and the details needed for projects worldwide. (Related: Is there really a secret city under Egypt's pyramids?) Before you apply, note that the listings are provided by project directors or staff members and not the Archeological Institute of America (AIA). Any and all questions should be directed to the designated contact. The AIA can remove any posting listed at any time. You should also consider your budget, schedule, physical health, and any other requirements for the experience you're interested in before applying. Preparing for a dig is just as important, as it involves following best practices, paying attention to details, and considering important guidelines. For those who are unable to join a dig in person, the AIA and ARCHAEOLOGY Magazine's Interactive Digs will bring the experience to you. Follow excavations worldwide through field notes, journals, photos, and videos, making you feel like part of the team from anytime, anywhere. Program type: Field school, volunteer, staff positionMinimum age: 18 and older Join an international team of researchers in the Ecuadorian Andes for the 2025 Foothill Ecuador Summer Program, a three-week field experience blending archaeology and anthropology. Participants will assist with excavation, artifact cataloging, and community projects while living in Cangahua (Cayambe). The program includes lectures, cultural excursions, and service learning. Ideal for those interested in archaeology beyond excavation, it offers academic credit and hands-on experience. Spanish skills are a plus. Program runs June 28 through July 18, 2025, and costs $2,500. Program type: VolunteerMinimum age: 16 and older Participate in CORE Archaeology's cultural programs in Cusco and support the Ministry of Culture and national park staff at Machu Picchu. Volunteers assist with conservation, maintenance, education, and awareness initiatives, all under the supervision of licensed archaeologists. Activities vary with the seasons, with dry season (April through November) and wet season (December through March) affecting project tasks. Volunteers will receive a full schedule before starting and can also contribute to other archaeological sites in the Cusco region through maintenance, education, and other initiatives. All CORE Archaeology programs include accommodation, food, transportation, museum entrance fees, and materials in the customized prices. Program runs year-round. A certificate of participation will be given to all project volunteers for completion of their placement. (Related: 7 exciting archaeological discoveries that stunned us in 2024) Program type: Field school, volunteerMinimum age: 18 and older, or accompanied by a guardian Choose from three program options: The first program includes 3.5-weeks in northern Mongolia, recovering artifacts from looted cemeteries. Despite theft and destruction, volunteers will assist with cultural heritage preservation, field conservation, and bioarchaeology while working in remote locations. Participants should be physically fit for rugged terrain. Program runs June 22 through July 18, 2025, with a starting cost of $3,550. The second program is physically challenging; participants will travel by horseback and on foot to explore and map ancient sites. Building on discoveries from previous field seasons, the team will collect new data and work with national park rangers to interpret their findings. Program runs July 22 through August 18, 2025, and costs start at $3,950. The third program does require experience horseback riding, including rough trail conditions, 'and a strong stomach." Participants will gather important data using zooarchaeological methods on reindeer carcasses that were caught in an avalanche in a remote, difficult-to-reach region. Program runs August 14 through September 5, 2025, and costs $4,250. (Related: Who should really be allowed to dig for dinosaurs?) Program type: Volunteer, staff positionMinimum age: 18 and older Join archaeologists at Tell Timai, the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Thmouis in Egypt's Nile Delta. Known for its prized Mendesian perfume (also known as the 'scent of the Gods'), Thmouis played a key role in the rise of early Christianity. This season's excavation focuses on Roman monumental architecture and the rise of Christianity. Participants will stay with the Dig House in the nearby town, with shared rooms and basic amenities, including heated showers. The project retains a cook and cleaning staff. Program runs June 16 to July 25, 2025, and participants are also sought for the winter season in December 2025. Contact the project director for fee information. (Related: Visiting the Titanic is suddenly a lot easier than you think) Go with Nat Geo: Nat Geo Expeditions offers numerous history- and archaeology-themed adventures, from exploring Greece's ancient monuments to seeing the pyramids in Giza to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Ashley Packard is a freelance writer covering travel, culture, lifestyle, and more. View her portfolio at
National Geographic
29-04-2025
- National Geographic
These archaeology trips let travelers get their hands on history
Some vacations take you to destinations that feel futuristic, while archeological tourism transports you to a completely different era in the past. Whether you're excavating the prehistoric species of megafauna, minivan-sized marsupials, deep in the outback of Queensland, Australia, or tracing the Roman archaeological landscape surrounding Malta's Domus Romana, you will be time-traveling through human history, one discovery at a time. Across the world, excavation sites hold secrets that could change what we know about ancient civilizations. And the best part? You don't have to have any previous archaeological experience to get in on the action. The Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) is one of the world's largest fieldwork resources, offering continuously updated listings, and the details needed for projects worldwide. (Related: Is there really a secret city under Egypt's pyramids?) Before you apply, note that the listings are provided by project directors or staff members and not the Archeological Institute of America (AIA). Any and all questions should be directed to the designated contact. The AIA can remove any posting listed at any time. You should also consider your budget, schedule, physical health, and any other requirements for the experience you're interested in before applying. Preparing for a dig is just as important, as it involves following best practices, paying attention to details, and considering important guidelines. For those who are unable to join a dig in person, the AIA and ARCHAEOLOGY Magazine's Interactive Digs will bring the experience to you. Follow excavations worldwide through field notes, journals, photos, and videos, making you feel like part of the team from anytime, anywhere. Inka (Inca) fortresses and communities in Ecuador Program type: Field school, volunteer, staff position Minimum age: 18 and older Join an international team of researchers in the Ecuadorian Andes for the 2025 Foothill Ecuador Summer Program, a three-week field experience blending archaeology and anthropology. Participants will assist with excavation, artifact cataloging, and community projects while living in Cangahua (Cayambe) . The program includes lectures, cultural excursions, and service learning. Ideal for those interested in archaeology beyond excavation, it offers academic credit and hands-on experience. Spanish skills are a plus. Program runs June 28 through July 18, 2025, and costs $2,500. Machu Picchu project in Cusco, Peru Program type: Volunteer Minimum age: 16 and older Participate in CORE Archaeology's cultural programs in Cusco and support the Ministry of Culture and national park staff at Machu Picchu. Volunteers assist with conservation, maintenance, education, and awareness initiatives, all under the supervision of licensed archaeologists. Activities vary with the seasons, with dry season (April through November) and wet season (December through March) affecting project tasks. CORE Archaeology's program in Cusco, Peru, is fully supervised by archaeology professionals. Photograph by Jonathan Irish, Nat Geo Image Collection Volunteers will receive a full schedule before starting and can also contribute to other archaeological sites in the Cusco region through maintenance, education, and other initiatives. All CORE Archaeology programs include accommodation, food, transportation, museum entrance fees, and materials in the customized prices. Program runs year-round. A certificate of participation will be given to all project volunteers for completion of their placement. (Related: 7 exciting archaeological discoveries that stunned us in 2024) NOMAD Science experiences in Mongolia Program type: Field school, volunteer Minimum age: 18 and older, or accompanied by a guardian Choose from three program options: The first program includes 3.5-weeks in northern Mongolia, recovering artifacts from looted cemeteries. Despite theft and destruction, volunteers will assist with cultural heritage preservation, field conservation, and bioarchaeology while working in remote locations. Participants should be physically fit for rugged terrain. Program runs June 22 through July 18, 2025, with a starting cost of $3,550. The second program is physically challenging; participants will travel by horseback and on foot to explore and map ancient sites. Building on discoveries from previous field seasons, the team will collect new data and work with national park rangers to interpret their findings. Program runs July 22 through August 18, 2025, and costs start at $3,950. The third program does require experience horseback riding, including rough trail conditions, 'and a strong stomach." Participants will gather important data using zooarchaeological methods on reindeer carcasses that were caught in an avalanche in a remote, difficult-to-reach region. Program runs August 14 through September 5, 2025, and costs $4,250. (Related: Who should really be allowed to dig for dinosaurs?) Tell Timai Archaeological Project Program type: Volunteer, staff position Minimum age: 18 and older Join archaeologists at Tell Timai, the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Thmouis in Egypt's Nile Delta. Known for its prized Mendesian perfume (also known as the 'scent of the Gods'), Thmouis played a key role in the rise of early Christianity. This season's excavation focuses on Roman monumental architecture and the rise of Christianity. Participants will stay with the Dig House in the nearby town, with shared rooms and basic amenities, including heated showers. The project retains a cook and cleaning staff. Program runs June 16 to July 25, 2025, and participants are also sought for the winter season in December 2025. Contact the project director for fee information. (Related: Visiting the Titanic is suddenly a lot easier than you think) Ashley Packard is a freelance writer covering travel, culture, lifestyle, and more. View her portfolio at
Deccan Herald
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
'Krishna Janmabhoomi' case: HC appears to be correct in impleading Centre, ASI in dispute, says SC
The Allahabad High Court on March 5, 2025 allowed amendments to two lawsuits and permitted petitioners to make Centre's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as respondents.
