Latest news with #EarlyBronzeAge
National Geographic
4 days ago
- Science
- National Geographic
These 4,500-year-old rattles may be among the world's oldest toys
Clay rattles made in Syria about 4,500 years ago were designed to 'amuse and calm' infants, according to a new study. But some archaeologists think they were used in rituals to dispel evil spirits, or that they might have served both purposes. 'They have little handles that are too small for me, and I have quite small hands,' says archaeologist Mette Marie Hald from the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. 'They are for infants or toddlers.' In the new study published in the journal Childhood in the Past, Hald and her co-authors describe artifacts kept by the museum after excavations of an ancient mound in Hama in Syria in the 1930s. The possible playthings are among the oldest toys in the archaeological record. (Who made these unusual ancient 'puppets'—and left them atop a pyramid?) Early excavations Many of the artifacts ended up in museums throughout the Middle East, including Syria's National Museum of Damascus. But the expedition members took some back to Denmark, where they were placed in storage until Hald and her colleagues re-examined them. The new analysis has established that at least 21 of the clay fragments come from rattles made between about 4,500 and 4,000 years ago, during the Early Bronze Age, when Hama was one of several ancient city-states in the region. Hald says part of one rattle had been misidentified as a 'sieve' because it contained holes; and the hollow handle of another was mislabeled as 'piping.' Examples of handles and bodies from the Hama rattle assemblage are superimposed over the outline of a complete rattle from another site in Syria called Al-Zalaqiyat. Photoillustration by G. Mouamar, the National Museum of Denmark Bronze Age rattles or wards against evil? The analysis shows the fragments are almost identical in style and size to an unbroken rattle found at an ancient cemetery a few miles north of Hama, named Al-Zalaqiyat, and to rattles from other Early Bronze Age sites now held at the museum in Damascus. Those rattles were filled with pebbles or small clay pellets, to make a noise when they were shaken—similar to some modern baby toys—and so the authors suggest they were designed for small children to play with. Some archaeologists have proposed that the rattles were 'apotropaic'—meaning the noise they made was designed to ward off evil spirits—or that they were used as musical instruments. But the study's lead author, archaeologist Georges Mouamar of the National Museum of Denmark and the French research agency CNRS, carried out experiments with the rattle from Al-Zalaqiyat and determined it was too small to have made much noise. 'It just made a tiny little sound,' Hald says. 'It wouldn't have been very entertaining as a musical instrument.' The Hama fragments were also found in what had been a domestic neighborhood, rather than a temple or a burial ground; and this strengthened the idea they were used by children, Hald says. The analysis also determined that the Hama fragments were made from the same distinctive mix of clays as commercial pottery from the ancient city—implying the rattles were made by professional potters for sale at street markets to parents. The Hama rattles seem well-finished, with intricate designs in pottery glaze that support the idea they were made by professionals, Hald says. Hama was a regional center during the Early Bronze Age, and so the rattles may have been mass produced there for sale elsewhere. Other types of rattles have been found in other parts of Syria and the Middle East—rattles shaped like animals, for example, are often found in northern Syria—and so it is likely local potters made them in locally popular styles, she says. Fragments of 4500-year-old baby rattles match the chemical makeup of other ceramic housewares from Hama. Photograph by John Fhær Engedal Nissen, the National Museum of Denmark The new study has stirred debate among experts over whether the Hama rattles and others like them served a ritual or playful purpose. Archaeologist Elynn Gorris of Belgium's University of Louvain, who was not involved in the study, is concerned that the Hama rattles, while small, would have been too large and heavy for babies to hold. But she allows that they would have been suitable for toddlers. Gorris notes that similar rattles have been found at archaeological sites in the Americas—including a similar rattle from California that may be up to 1,000 years old—where evidence indicates they were used traditionally in rituals and for making music, as they still are today. But 'this is not about wrong or right—this is an inclusive story,' she says. 'These could have been used by toddlers, but that doesn't exclude the fact that they could have been percussion instruments to keep rhythm for adults, for lullabies or for ritual songs.' Archaeologist Kristine Garroway, a professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles who has studied clay rattles from the ancient Levant, is 'very convinced' by the study's findings. But she also thinks the rattles may have had a 'dual use,' first as apotropaic devices to scare evil spirits from homes and then as noisemakers to amuse small children. 'These could have been used in multiple different ways,' she says. (What can we learn from a Bronze Age lunchbox?) If the rattles are toys, then they are some of the earliest that survive—other contenders include a 5000-year-old chariot from Turkey and a 4000-year-old stone head, possibly from a doll, from an Italian island. The fact the researchers are thinking about ancient children is important, notes Garroway: 'Children get overlooked in the archaeological record, [so] to even stop and think that children could have been using these objects is amazing.' For Hald, all the evidence indicates the Hama rattles were designed to keep small children entertained. 'Parents in the past loved their children, just as we do today,' she says. 'But perhaps parents also needed to distract their children now and then so that they could have a bit of peace and quiet to themselves. Today, we use screens, back then it was rattles.'
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
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.
Jordan Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Archaeological survey at Khirbet Mastarah reveals clues to past human activity
AMMAN — Khirbet Mastarah is situated 8 kilometres north of Jericho and the site is land-locked between a small hill in the south and the beginning of the foothills in the northwest. Most of the area is covered with a high quantity of large pebbles of limestone, chert and flint stones, as well as pottery sherds. It is likely the site was selected for habitation also because of its convenient flat topography, while the stones were brought to the site from the wadi below. An archaeological team operated in June 2017 and found cooking pots from the Early Bronze Age, Iron Age and Mamluk periods, jars from the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods. These finds show the continuous occupation of the site, while others include, " A flat roof tile fragment [tegula] which dates to the Roman period, possibly similar in shape to Roman Legion roof tiles from Jerusalem,' said Professor of History and Religion from Averrett University Ralph Hawkins. "It is somewhat surprising to find a roof tile, even a surface find fragment, in such an isolated settlement," said Hawkins, adding that this indicates the tiles had secondary use, possibly as lids. Regarding the stone items, they include a vessel, ground-stone and rubbers. "These grinding stones are also non-indicative chronologically, with similar forms appearing from the Early Bronze through to the Byzantine periods at least. They indicate, however, the consumption of cereals at the site, possibly some grown locally,' the professor said. 'Although basalt implements such as this are heavy, they were probably carried from place to place, since basalt cannot be found in this region," Hawkins explained, noting that two spherical objects are probably pestles, hammers or sling-shots from the Roman-Byzantine Period. The stone piles or cairns located in the south-western part of the site may represent a later activity related to the preparation of the area for agricultural activities and terracing, since they overlie a layer with Roman-Byzantine sherds in it. However, they may date to a similar period as the structures, and may have been used together. It should be noted that some evidence for agriculture or grain processing was found at the site, Hawkins said. The first question that arises is why the structures are so empty of any finds attesting to human activity (pottery, bones etc.). One possibility is that the structures, which are comprised of walls with only a single course of stones, were the foundations for huts or tents. "These were inhabited for a very short time, possibly several weeks or months during the year, and then deserted [altogether, or until the next wet season?]. The artefacts were all taken by the inhabitants when they left and the floor was cleaned.' 'If that were the case, however, we might still expect to find at least a small number of finds representing the residents' garbage; in particular, some animal bones, if meat was consumed, and remains of broken pottery vessels," Hawkins suggested. Another option is that the structures are all enclosure fences and were used exclusively for corralling animals, probably herds of sheep and goats belonging to the pastoral population of the site. The animals lived and slept here, but animal bones are absent, since meat was not processed or consumed here, and dead animals were promptly removed to areas outside the site. "In this case, there would be no artefacts, since the people probably lived in tents outside the area of the enclosures, maybe in the flatter areas of the site," the scholar speculated. Hawkins added that further excavation of the structures and terrace as well as possible Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) analysis for dating them may shed light on ancient irrigation methods in a rather remote area of the Jordan Valley.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
4,500-year-old baby rattles discovered in Syria — made from clay. See the toys
In an ancient city in western Syria, the remains of an 'ordinary' neighborhood were excavated in the early 1930s. It was small but held a pottery production center and a temple, and may have acted as a destination for pilgrims. It was also a place where regular people, the non-elites, lived out their lives thousands of years ago. Nine decades after the site was first excavated, new analysis of pottery pieces found in the city show ancient parents wanted the same thing parents seek today — some peace and quiet. A total of 19 pottery pieces were found from the Early Bronze Age in the city of Hama, and were made in the material and style of the local skilled potters, according to a May 19 news release from the National Museum of Denmark. The pieces were handles that would then have been attached to orb-like structures, researchers said, making a kind of maraca-like item. The orbs likely 'contained little pieces of clay or small pebbles, which enabled the production of sound,' but 'the noise they make is so low' researchers eliminated the 'possibility that they might have been used as musical instruments,' according to the release. Instead, they were likely used as baby rattles. 'The rattle fragments are decorated with painted bands of mainly dark buff/reddish/black color; either thick bands, smaller single or double horizontal bands, or diagonal/spiral painted lines,' according to a study on the finds published April 30 in the peer-reviewed journal Childhood in the Past. 'In some cases, the end of the handle is decorated with a painted circular or a cross motif.' The rattles weren't found in rooms, researchers said, but rather in the fill layer between building levels. They were often found together in a single area. The earliest rattle dates to 2450 B.C., while the youngest came from another level dated to between 2300 and 2000 B.C., making all the rattles more than 4,000 years old, according to the study. The clay mixture, a calcareous clay with other essential minerals, is the same as what was used by the skilled potters in the workshop, researchers said. This means the rattles were likely part of their regular production, and may have been sold on the market along with cups and bowls. 'It shows us that parents in the past loved their children and invested in their wellbeing and their sensorimotor development, just as we do today,' Mette Marie Hald, a study author and researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, said in the release. 'Perhaps parents also needed to distract their children now and then so that they could have a bit of peace and quiet to themselves. Today, we use screens, back then it was rattles.' The handles themselves are small, fit to a child's hand, again suggesting they were used as a toy as opposed to an instrument or something utilitarian, researchers said. 'When you find items such as these, the tendency in archaeology has been to interpret them as musical instruments or even cultic objects when, really, they are something much more down-to-earth and relatable such as toys for children,' Hald said. One of the oldest known baby rattles was found in an infant burial in northern Mesopotamia, dating to the Ubaid period between 5300 and 5000 B.C., according to the study. The rattles became widespread in the third millennium B.C., researchers said, sometimes made of clay while other times made from gourds or other material. Toys became more widespread as there started to be professionalized industries, even in places like Hama, and men and women started to both hold a form of a job outside the home, according to the study. 'I hope that this will provide us with a greater insight into the world of children in the past. From an economic point of view, it is fascinating that already 4500 years ago, there was an actual market for commercial toys,' Hald said. 'At the same time, it is touching to get a glimpse of a family's everyday life — perhaps a parent stopped at a market stand on their way home and bought a rattle as a present for their child. This scenario is entirely recognizable to us today.' Hama is in western Syria, roughly a 60-mile drive east from the Mediterranean Sea. The research team includes Hald, Georges Mouamar, Stephen Lumsden and Agnese Vacca.
Jordan Times
15-05-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Tell Abu Al Kharaz: The Bronze Age Stronghold
Pottery vessels found at Tell Abu Al Kharaz (Photo courtesy of Peter Fisher) AMMAN — Located just five kilometres from the Jordan River in the heart of the Jordan Valley, Tell Abu Al Kharaz stands as a testament to the strategic brilliance of its ancient inhabitants. Chosen in the latter part of the 4th millennium BC, this site offered a natural advantage, providing unparalleled defence and control over a large expanse of the valley. The Tell, measuring 400 meters by 300 meters, is isolated from the surrounding foothills that rise to the east, leading up to the Transjordanian plateau. Its elevated position offers an excellent vantage point, allowing for a wide range of visibility in all directions, while the rocky western slope and the steep northern and eastern slopes acted as natural barriers against potential invaders. "The Central Jordan Valley, visible from the summit of Tell Abu Al Kharaz, includes the hills around Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Beth Shan, the Beth Shan Valley, parts of the Harod Valley, the Samarian hills, and the area north of Tell es Saʿidiyeh," said Professor Peter Fisher. However, the view to the east is blocked by the rising hillocks of western Gilead, marking the start of the Transjordanian plateau. Remains of formidable stone-built town walls are still visible at the southern and northern edges of the tell, which date back to the Early Bronze Age IB (Phase IB). The original walls, constructed during this period, were reinforced and altered in Early Bronze Age II. Measuring up to 5 meters wide and likely standing 6 to 8 metres high at their peak, these walls were topped with a superstructure made of sun-dried mud bricks and wood. The walled town covered the entire upper plateau of the mound, which spans approximately 1.5 hectares (about 3.75 acres). Excavations have revealed that Early Bronze Age remains also extend to the surrounding slopes and flatlands, suggesting that the walled area was primarily used as a refuge during times of conflict. Villagers from the surrounding areas would have sought shelter within the town's fortified walls, not only for protection but to take part in defending the settlement. Structures and Raw Materials The relatively flat plateau of the mound, composed mainly of marly limestone, provided a convenient foundation for construction. Building materials were readily available, with smooth, portable stones scattered throughout the area. Clay, essential for producing mud bricks and fired pottery, was easily accessible from the nearby Wadi Al Yabis, an important source for the construction of domestic buildings and other structures. Professor Fisher noted that the plans of the domestic buildings varied, including curvilinear and roughly rectangular designs. Most Early Bronze Age structures were aligned on north-south/east-west axes, which contrast with later periods when structures were typically oriented northwest-southeast/northeast-southwest. The region surrounding Tell Abu Al Kharaz was historically more vegetated, providing ample resources for construction. Forests likely surrounded the site, offering timber for building and fuel. Even today, the vegetation in the Wadi Al Yabis area, located to the east, differs significantly from the Jordan Valley. While the valley is dominated by acacia and scrub oak, the foothills and the Cretaceous limestone mountains to the east are home to a mixed forest of pine, oak, and pistachio trees. "Wood for construction and fuel was readily accessible, which greatly facilitated the building process for the site's inhabitants," Fisher concluded.
