Latest news with #CopperAge
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Ötzi the Iceman and his neighbors had totally different ancestries, ancient DNA study finds
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A new analysis of ancient DNA from 15 people who lived in the Italian Alps around the same time as Ötzi the Iceman shows that Ötzi's ancestry was decidedly different from his neighbors'. "We analysed an additional 15 Copper Age individuals and they have the same genetic structure as the Iceman," Valentina Coia, a researcher at the Institute for Mummy Studies in Bolzano, Italy, told Live Science in an email. But when looking more closely at the DNA to understand lineages, "we were able to compare the results with those of the Iceman and found that it differs from the other Alpine samples in the area." In a study published July 11 in the journal Nature Communications, Coia and colleagues analyzed the genomes of 47 people who lived in the Tyrolean Alps between the Mesolithic and the Middle Bronze Age, around 6400 to 1300 B.C., to learn more about their ancestry. The most famous individual they examined was Ötzi, who lived 5,300 years ago in the Alps before he was murdered in mysterious circumstances. His mummified and frozen corpse was discovered by tourists in 1991. Because a previous study found that Ötzi had "unusually high Anatolian farmer ancestry," the researchers wanted to investigate whether the Iceman's neighbors — who lived in the Alps in the Copper Age, between 3368 and 3108 B.C. — had a similar ancestry or whether they were more closely related to hunter-gatherer groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The researchers' analysis of the ancient genomes revealed that most prehistoric Alpine people had high proportions of Anatolian farmer ancestry (80% to 90%) and low proportions of hunter-gatherer ancestry. Most of these people also displayed a similar genomic structure and ancestry, they wrote in the study. For example, the Y-chromosome data, which helps trace paternal lineage, revealed that nearly all males who were tested shared a similar ancestry that has been found in prehistoric Germany and France. Ötzi, by contrast, had a different paternal lineage that was more widespread, the researchers wrote. Related: Ötzi the Iceman used surprisingly modern technique for his tattoos 5,300 years ago, study suggests While the paternal lineages of the prehistoric Alpine men were broadly similar, their maternal lineages were diverse, suggesting that women may have been marrying into a close-knit group of men. But Ötzi's maternal lineage has never been identified in other ancient or modern individuals, the researchers wrote, and it was not found in any of the other Alpine people analyzed in the study. "As the maternal line has never yet been found, this might suggest its extinction," Coia said. But she cautioned that the data are somewhat difficult to interpret. "Perhaps the Iceman, compared to other individuals of the same period, comes from a different group of farmers, but this can only be discovered if we have more data on Neolithic individuals from Anatolia and northern Italy," she said. Because a previous study had revealed Ötzi had dark hair and dark eyes, the researchers also looked for these traits in six individuals whose genomes were complete enough to predict hair and eye color. "These [people] likely had brown eyes associated with dark brown to black hair colour (similarly to the Iceman)," they wrote. And their genomes also revealed that all of the prehistoric Alpine people were lactose intolerant, as was Ötzi. RELATED STORIES —Ötzi the Iceman's mummified corpse was found in an Alpine gully — but he didn't die there, new study finds —Ötzi the Iceman may have scaled ice-free Alps —7 famous mummies and secrets they've revealed about the ancient world Prior to this study, only two genomes of Copper Age people from the eastern Italian Alps had been analyzed. The additional 15 new genomes from Ötzi's "neighbors" are improving the researchers' understanding of the lives of people who lived in this cold, high-altitude region. "We have no information on the cultural group to which the Iceman may have belonged," the researchers wrote, so "our findings leave open some questions about the genetic origin and cultural affiliation of this enigmatic individual."
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
World's largest bead collection found in 5,000-year-old Spanish tomb in Montelirio Tholo
A remarkable archaeological discovery in the Montelirio Tholos, a 5,000-year-old megalithic tomb in Valencina de la Concepcion, Seville, has unveiled what researchers describe as the world's largest collection of ancient beads, totaling over 270,000, according to Science Journal. The study notes that the beads are from the Chalcolithic period (3200–2500 BCE). World's l;argest collection of beads was found in a Spanish tomb(Unsplash) The Montelirio Tholos, a 39-meter-wide subterranean tomb constructed around 3000 BCE, was excavated between 2007 and 2010 by a team led by Leonardo García Sanjuan from the University of Seville. Read More: 11 workers killed after gold mine collapse in Sudan The tomb, part of the Valencina-Castilleja necropolis, contained the remains of at least 25 individuals, likely high-status members of a Copper Age community, alongside an unprecedented array of grave goods, the Science Journal website states. It further adds that 270,000 beads, primarily made from shell, amber, calcite, and greenstone, some strung together, were discovered. These beads range from 1 to 10 millimeters in diameter. 'A small group of 90 beads was found in the upper level of the second chamber (Structure 10.049), in connection with a rock crystal blade dagger, of whose ivory handle the beads are believed to have been a decoration,' the blog reads. Read More: 'Double-edged sword': Kremlin's 'painful recoil' warning on EU's fresh sanctions on Russia The study said that among the remains found in the Montelirio tomb, 15 of the 20 identified individuals were women. The Montelirio Tholos, dated to 2875–2700 BCE via radiocarbon analysis, aligns with the Copper Age's transition to complex societies, Science Journal states. 'A multi-analytical study undertaken over the past 5 years—including a meticulous quantification of the collection, the characterization of the raw materials, radiocarbon dating and chronometric statistical modeling, morphometric analysis, phytolith analysis, experimental work and contextual analysis—reveals several previously unidentified aspects of these remarkable creations. This includes the role of the attires as sumptuary attributes heavily loaded of symbolism, used by a selected group of women of high social significance.'
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
3,000-yr-old copper age cave painting and inscription discovered in Gangavathi
Gangavathi: In a discovery that could significantly contribute to the understanding of Karnataka's prehistoric human life and cultural evolution, a team of local historians and researchers has unearthed ancient cave paintings and a Kannada stone inscription believed to date back to the Chalcolithic era (Copper Age), around 3,000 years ago, in H.G. Ramulu Nagar, near Kattekallu Hill in Gangavati taluk, Koppal district. The exploration was carried out under the leadership of Dr. Sharanbasappa Kolkar, a noted historian and professor, with the assistance of researchers Manjunath Doddmani, Chandrashekhar Kumbar, and Nagaraj Shivapur. The team discovered the historic relics near Gali Durgamma temple, about a kilometre from H.G. Ramulu Nagar. Chalcolithic cave art and 17th-century inscription discovered At the foothills of Kattekallu Betta, the team discovered an ancient cave shrine facing south that houses a Kannada inscription dating back to the 17th century. Higher up, at the summit of the hill, they found prehistoric cave paintings, which the team believes belonged to early humans who may have used the location as a temporary residence. The inscription, which contains five lines of text accompanied by symbolic depictions of the sun, moon, bow and arrow, narrates that a person named Chinnayaka donated 22 khanda (units) of farmland in devotion to Ramanatha Deva, a deity referenced in the script. The inscription concludes with the phrase 'Jaya Tu Mastu' and contains several linguistic and stylistic inconsistencies, suggesting it warrants further scholarly examination to determine the identity of the individuals mentioned and their historical context. Evidence of early human settlement and cultural expression The cave ceiling features multiple drawings made using red pigment, depicting human figures, symbols, and scenes of men and women standing hand-in-hand, a form of early human symbolic communication. These artistic expressions strongly suggest a Chalcolithic cultural layer, placing them at nearly 3,000 years old, based on the stylistic comparison with other prehistoric rock art found in Karnataka. Adjacent to the cave, the team observed a series of depressions carved in stone, resembling musical notches. When struck with stones, these grooves emit distinct sounds. Researchers speculate that this form of sonic engagement might have been used by early humans as a means of entertainment, possibly while they kept watch over grazing animals in the nearby grasslands. 'This cave might have served as a shelter for Chalcolithic-era pastoral communities, who used the elevated position to monitor livestock while engaging in recreational activities like producing rhythmic sounds and painting images,' explained Dr. Kolkar.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare whale tooth fossil reveals secrets of ancient Iberian people
A rare whale tooth unearthed at a Copper Age 'mega village' in Spain has shed light on the artistry of Iberian people who lived in the Mediterranean region over 4,000 years ago. The tooth, discovered at the Valencina archaeological site in southwest Spain in 2018, is the first such fossil dated to this period in Iberia. According to a study published in PLOS One, the tooth was likely collected from an ancient shoreline and carefully worked on by Copper Age craftspeople. The craftspeople, living in a coastal village 5,300 to 4,150 years ago, likely used the tooth to fashion personal ornaments or symbolically meaningful artefacts. After it was worked on, the fossil was deliberately buried as indicated by further wear and tear and the hard crust covering its surface, the study noted. The findings add to our understanding of the use of ivory to craft ornaments, musical instruments and sculptures since the Old Stone Age, which began almost 40,000 years ago. Ivory's striking appearance, durability, and strength made it an integral part of trade and sociocultural activities of ancient societies. However, much of what we know about the use of ivory in prehistoric times is based only on examining ivory sourced from terrestrial animals like elephants, hippos, deer and bears. While previous research underlines elephant ivory use in Old Stone Age and Copper Age societies of southern Spain, little is known about the significance of the material from marine mammals. The whale tooth from Valencina, measuring 17cm tall and 7cm wide and weighing over 0.5kg, provides a unique glimpse into the past. Analysis of the fossil revealed it came from an adult sperm whale and showed evidence of erosion from worms and barnacles as well as suspected shark bites, indicating it spent time on the seafloor. Researchers also identified signs of human activity on the tooth, like drilled holes and distinct cut marks that could not have occurred naturally. These observations prompted researchers to conclude that the whale likely died of natural causes, following which its body sank to the seafloor and one of its teeth washed ashore before it was found and used by ancient Iberians. 'Although no ivory artefact has yet been diagnosed as coming from a sperm whale tooth, recent finds of ivory of marine origin in European archaeological contexts have brought a new focus to the study of the use of marine resources by prehistoric societies,' the study said.
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Science
- The Independent
What a 5,000-year-old whale tooth tells us about ancient craftspeople
A rare sperm whale tooth, discovered at the Copper Age Valencina archaeological site in southwest Spain, offers new insights into ancient Iberian artistry. This fossil, dated to between 5,300 and 4,150 years ago, is the first marine mammal tooth of its kind found from this period in Iberia. Copper Age craftspeople likely collected the tooth from an ancient shoreline and fashioned it into personal ornaments or symbolic artifacts before its deliberate burial. Analysis revealed the tooth belonged to an adult sperm whale, showing signs of natural marine erosion and distinct human modifications like drilled holes and cut marks. The discovery significantly enhances understanding of ivory use in prehistoric times.
