Latest news with #historicalfinds
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.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Secrets of 6th-century society revealed by Sutton Hoo bucket
Archaeologists have discovered that a 1,400-year-old Byzantine bucket found at the Sutton Hoo site held cremated human remains. The bucket, known as the Bromeswell Bucket, is decorated with a hunting scene and predates the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial. A comb, possibly made of antler, was also found within the bucket. Analysis of the human and animal bones inside aims to reveal more about the deceased and the cremation process. The bucket was found in fragments, including the feet, paws, base and parts of the hunting scene decoration, and later pieced together. It marks the first known instance of such a bucket being used in a cremation burial, highlighting the unique nature of the Sutton Hoo site.
ABC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Secrets of Sydney's past unlocked after Hunter Street Metro station excavation
The excavation of what will become Hunter Street Metro station has unearthed archaeological treasures from early Sydney. Archaeologists discovered sandstock brick footings from the 1820s to 1840s, believed to be the base for prominent businessman Jean Charles Prosper de Mestre's home and counting house — a traditional finance office. De Mestre grew up in America before he moved to Australia in 1818 and began his working life as a business importer. He later went onto be the director of the Bank of New South Wales and his own companies. Sydney Metro West's excavation team made the discovery near the former De Mestre Place, a laneway just off George Street, finding a treasure trove of other relics, including glass beads, an 1834 coin, slate pencils and glass bottles. Gun flint and bullet shells, likely from the former George Street Barrack opposite the site, were also notable finds. The city's history will be further preserved with the incorporation of the heritage-listed Skinners Family Hotel, built in 1845. The Hunter Street metro station will be the final stop on the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line, connecting Parramatta to the Sydney CBD from 2032. Some of de Mestre's descendants met with the project's director, Ronan McEleney, to view the uncovered relics, some of which will go on display to the public on 18 May. Mr McEleney said the artefacts were being catalogued and analysed by specialists. "Special care is being taken to preserve these relics so that future generations can learn more about the Sydney of that era," he said. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the government hoped the discoveries "serve as a reminder of how rich in history the site is". "The Hunter Street metro station project is part of Sydney's future, but these finds are a fascinating window into the city's past," he said.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Beeston church renovation unearths items from early 1900s
Renovations of a church in Nottinghamshire have unearthed a number of old items dating back to the early 1900s. A redevelopment project at Beeston Methodist Church, on Chilwell Road in Beeston, started in February as part of plans to create a "bright and accessible space" for the members of the church planned to bury their own time capsule before the work began, and since then, evidence of a much earlier youth group has been uncovered. The organisation said the "interesting" items found under the church balcony floor included cigarette cards - collectible cards once issued in cigarette packaging - biblical quotations and a possible love letter. Chris Bridges, chairman of the church's redevelopment group, said: "We think this must have been where the youth group met." A member of the redevelopment group at the church, Dave Lowe, added the team "smiled and had a laugh" when they discovered the their own time capsule, the current church group has selected a Bible, a hymn book, a statement by the minister - the Reverend Andrew Checkley - a selection of current coins, a photograph of junior church members and staff, and photographs of the church before the redevelopment started. As part of the redevelopment, the floor of the church is being flattened to make it more accessible, which has involved removing the church was under the floorboards that builders found an old boot, believed to have been placed there when the church opened in 1902. An old tradition of concealing shoes in walls and other areas of buildings was said to have brought good luck and warded off evil church said the boot that was found had been registered with the Concealed Shoe Index at Northampton Museum - started as a result of hundreds of concealed shoes being discovered - and will be replaced under the church floor so it can be rediscovered in the future.
