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**The Coolest Archaeological Discoveries of 2024**
As we near the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on some of the most significant and groundbreaking archaeological discoveries of 2024. From ancient human remains to mysterious artifacts, this year has seen its fair share of exciting finds that have shed new light on our understanding of history.
One of the most astonishing revelations came from Britain, where archaeologists uncovered a gruesome prehistoric massacre site. The disturbing evidence suggests that early humans engaged in brutal violence, possibly as a way to dehumanize their enemies and justify their actions. This shocking discovery raises questions about the nature of human conflict and our capacity for brutality.
In another stunning find, a rookie metal detectorist unearthed 2,500-year-old sacrificial artifacts, including a rare bent sword. The artifacts date back to around 500 BCE and provide valuable insights into the culture and customs of ancient civilizations.
Mexico has also been the site of an incredible archaeological discovery this year. A road construction crew stumbled upon a 1,000-year-old pyramid, which could shed light on the region’s history. The findings suggest that the area may have supported human settlement as far back as 14,000 years ago.
Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl in California discovered an incredible 3,500-year-old Egyptian amulet while hiking with her mother. Despite initial skepticism from her mom, Dafna Filshteiner’s insistence paid off, and the incredible artifact has now been dated to ancient Egypt.
In related news, new research on prehistoric canines suggests that dog domestication was a messy process. The study analyzed 76 ancient canine remains and found evidence of humans feeding wild canines fish over 10,000 years ago.
Lastly, scientists have discovered that mammoth meat played a crucial role in the diet of early Ice Age humans. A Clovis woman’s preserved remains from North America circa 13,000 years ago indicate that she consumed a substantial amount of mammoth and other large game, contradicting previous theories about early human diets.
From prehistoric massacres to ancient artifacts and groundbreaking research, 2024 has been an incredible year for archaeology. As we look back on these discoveries, it’s clear that our understanding of the past is constantly evolving, and new findings are challenging our assumptions about history and our species’ evolution.
Stay tuned for further updates from Gizmodo’s Science department!
Source: gizmodo.com
