March 20 is the Spring Equinox, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the place where you can witness an extraordinary solar alignment on this day. The solar equinox occurs twice a year - in March and September. On this day, the sun appears directly over the equator since Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its Gopuram, or the monumental entrance tower, is nearly 100 feet tall and is divided into seven tiers. There are five windows, and on the day of the equinox, the sun peaks exactly through them in an interval of five minutes. This astonishing occurrence is made possible because of the way the tower has been built. The windows are perfectly aligned on an East-West axis, making the temple one of the most well-known examples of ancient Indian archaeoastronomy.<h2>Engineering precision at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple&nbsp;</h2>At sunset, the temple's construction creates a visual spectacle. The Earth's axis is not tilted at the equinox, so the sun sets exactly west. It appears exactly in the centre of the topmost window. After 5 minutes, the Sun can then be seen through the window below the top one. Remember, the Earth is rotating, yet the sun appears to be descending in a straight line when seen through the windows of the temple tower. This repeats till it reaches the horizon, when it appears through the lowest window. This is a marvellous occurrence since ancient architects built the temple without modern surveying tools. The Sun is only partially visible on the day before and the day after the equinox because of the depth of the windows and the thickness of the walls.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-days-are-getting-longer-it-has-not-happened-in-3-6-million-years-1773408587727">Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years</a><h2>Significance of the sun peeking through the tower windows</h2>It is an engineering marvel since the builders were able to achieve such precision as to ensure that the sun fully peaks through on just two days of the year. The architects had to calculate the exact latitude of Thiruvananthapuram to ensure that the orientation was perfect for the sun's path only on the equinox. The purpose of constructing the Gopuram tower in this way served a bigger purpose. When the Sun made this spectacular appearance on these two days, they became checkpoints that told the priests that it was the equinox and the seasons would change from then on. It is also symbolic of the transition of time and the omnipresence of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).&nbsp;

Spring Equinox 2026: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram stands as a testament to the architectural marvel of ancient times. On the equinox, the sun descends, peeking through the five windows of the tower every five minutes.

March 20 is the Spring Equinox, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the place where you can witness an extraordinary solar alignment on this day. The solar equinox occurs twice a year - in March and September. On this day, the sun appears directly over the equator since Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the Sun. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its Gopuram, or the monumental entrance tower, is nearly 100 feet tall and is divided into seven tiers. There are five windows, and on the day of the equinox, the sun peaks exactly through them in an interval of five minutes. This astonishing occurrence is made possible because of the way the tower has been built. The windows are perfectly aligned on an East-West axis, making the temple one of the most well-known examples of ancient Indian archaeoastronomy. Engineering precision at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple At sunset, the temple's construction creates a visual spectacle. The Earth's axis is not tilted at the equinox, so the sun sets exactly west. It appears exactly in the centre of the topmost window. After 5 minutes, the Sun can then be seen through the window below the top one. Remember, the Earth is rotating, yet the sun appears to be descending in a straight line when seen through the windows of the temple tower. This repeats till it reaches the horizon, when it appears through the lowest window. This is a marvellous occurrence since ancient architects built the temple without modern surveying tools. The Sun is only partially visible on the day before and the day after the equinox because of the depth of the windows and the thickness of the walls. Also Read: Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years Significance of the sun peeking through the tower windows It is an engineering marvel since the builders were able to achieve such precision as to ensure that the sun fully peaks through on just two days of the year. The architects had to calculate the exact latitude of Thiruvananthapuram to ensure that the orientation was perfect for the sun's path only on the equinox. The purpose of constructing the Gopuram tower in this way served a bigger purpose. When the Sun made this spectacular appearance on these two days, they became checkpoints that told the priests that it was the equinox and the seasons would change from then on. It is also symbolic of the transition of time and the omnipresence of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).

Spring Equinox 2026: The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram stands as a testament to the architectural marvel of ancient times. On the equinox, the sun descends, peeking through the five windows of the tower every five minutes.

Spring Equinox: Indian temple where sun peeks through 5 windows every 5 minutes twice a year

An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now.<h2>Makurian history was slowly erased&nbsp;</h2>Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-cikai-korran-came-here-2-000-years-ago-indian-man-scribbled-his-name-in-tamil-on-8-egyptian-tombs-1773298022463">'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-find-unexpected-structure-hiding-for-2-000-years-7-000-feet-high-in-swiss-alps-1773647281416">Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps</a><h2>Dating the paper and other material discovered</h2>Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/greek-oracle-entered-a-trance-and-told-people-their-future-turns-out-she-was-just-high-1772705915815">Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him</a> &nbsp;The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.

Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure. 

An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now. Makurian history was slowly erased Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof. Also Read: 'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs Also Read: Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps Dating the paper and other material discovered Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn. Also Read: Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.

Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure.&nbsp;

Mythical African king is proved real as archaeologists dig up an order he wrote 500 years ago

Archaeologists exploring Roman history in Switzerland have discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman military camp located 7,000 feet above sea level. According to a translated statement from the Canton of Graubünden, the Roman military camp strategically sat at high ground to let the troops keep a watch on valleys and mountain passes, regions that would otherwise be hard to observe. What remains of the camp are ditches and a wall. But the clearest sign was lead sling bullets with the stamp of the Roman 3rd Legion. Researchers from the University of Basel, along with the Graubünden Archaeological Service, had been scanning the Crap Ses area between Cunter and Tiefencastel since 2021. They knew about the Roman battlefield in the Oberhalbstein Alps, but stumbled upon something unexpected when a volunteer noticed something unbelievable.<h2>Romans in Switzerland</h2>The Romans found "a striking terrain structure in the Colm la Runga corridor" located 3,000 feet above the battlefield. The researchers used a high-resolution digital terrain model and LiDAR data to investigate the high area and saw that this particular portion was fortified. Sitting 7,000 feet above sea level in the Swiss Alps, the Roman military camp was fortified by three ditches and a wall with ramparts. It let them observe enemy movement from high above the ground. They could also observe four key valleys - Landwassertal, Albulatal, Domleschg, and Surses - and Lenzerheide, a heavily travelled mountain passageway.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-cikai-korran-came-here-2-000-years-ago-indian-man-scribbled-his-name-in-tamil-on-8-egyptian-tombs-1773298022463">'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs</a><h2>Weapons matched the age of the Roman battlefield&nbsp;</h2>The volunteers were joined by students to study the military camp in August. They found weapons like lead sling bullets and boot nails. and equipment belonging to Roman soldiers. The stamp of the 3rd Legion on the slingshot was proof that the camp was linked to the Roman battlefield, which was involved in the battle at Crap Ses. Dating of the weapons showed that they belonged to the same period as the battlefield, both being around 2,000 years old. The researchers called the military camp a "sensational discovery" that shows the Roman forces moved with great precision 2,000 years ago.&nbsp;

The Roman military camp survived for over 2,000 years, and no one even knew that it existed all this time. Archaeologists studying Roman history in Switzerland were surprised that they had fortified a region so high above the ground. 

Archaeologists exploring Roman history in Switzerland have discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman military camp located 7,000 feet above sea level. According to a translated statement from the Canton of Graubünden, the Roman military camp strategically sat at high ground to let the troops keep a watch on valleys and mountain passes, regions that would otherwise be hard to observe. What remains of the camp are ditches and a wall. But the clearest sign was lead sling bullets with the stamp of the Roman 3rd Legion. Researchers from the University of Basel, along with the Graubünden Archaeological Service, had been scanning the Crap Ses area between Cunter and Tiefencastel since 2021. They knew about the Roman battlefield in the Oberhalbstein Alps, but stumbled upon something unexpected when a volunteer noticed something unbelievable. Romans in Switzerland The Romans found "a striking terrain structure in the Colm la Runga corridor" located 3,000 feet above the battlefield. The researchers used a high-resolution digital terrain model and LiDAR data to investigate the high area and saw that this particular portion was fortified. Sitting 7,000 feet above sea level in the Swiss Alps, the Roman military camp was fortified by three ditches and a wall with ramparts. It let them observe enemy movement from high above the ground. They could also observe four key valleys - Landwassertal, Albulatal, Domleschg, and Surses - and Lenzerheide, a heavily travelled mountain passageway. Also Read: 'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs Weapons matched the age of the Roman battlefield The volunteers were joined by students to study the military camp in August. They found weapons like lead sling bullets and boot nails. and equipment belonging to Roman soldiers. The stamp of the 3rd Legion on the slingshot was proof that the camp was linked to the Roman battlefield, which was involved in the battle at Crap Ses. Dating of the weapons showed that they belonged to the same period as the battlefield, both being around 2,000 years old. The researchers called the military camp a "sensational discovery" that shows the Roman forces moved with great precision 2,000 years ago.

The Roman military camp survived for over 2,000 years, and no one even knew that it existed all this time. Archaeologists studying Roman history in Switzerland were surprised that they had fortified a region so high above the ground.&nbsp;

Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps

An Indian man who spoke Tamil scribbled his name on eight Egyptian tombs 2,000 years ago. An archaeological discovery has uncovered who this offender was, showing Indo-Egyptian connections in ancient times, and proves the fact that tourists were just the same even thousands of years ago. A man named Cikai Korran visited Egypt’s Valley of Kings and etched dozens of inscriptions on several tombs. Eight of them bore just his name. Archaeologists say that the language used was Old Tamil, an Indian language. When scientists dug deeper, they also found writings in Sanskrit. The researchers revealed everything about this culprit and his actions at a conference in Chennai, the capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ingo Strauch, an expert in South Asian studies at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, clarified that visitors from across the world vandalised Egyptian tombs over the years, and Indians are not the only offenders.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/shiva-temple-tamil-nadu-village-chola-period-banyan-tree-1769773570741">900-year-old Shiva temple cloaked by a banyan tree discovered in Tamil Nadu</a><h2>Graffiti in Tamil found at Egyptian tombs</h2>French scholar Jules Baillet found more than 2,000 inscriptions and drawings on Egyptian tombs in 1926. His findings showed that Greek and Latin tourists commonly came and left their mark here. However, Strauch says that when he visited the tombs in 2024, he noticed graffiti that looked different from the ones that were earlier revealed. He told Gizmodo that the ones he found were similar to Indian scripts. An analysis of the photos he took suggested that they were likely written in Tamil. He showed them to his colleague Charlotte Schmid, who confirmed that it was indeed Tamil. She even provided a translation - “Cikai Korran came here and saw.” They revisited Baillet's texts and found that he also saw scribblings made in an Asian language.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pot-of-gold-buried-900-years-ago-unearthed-in-a-karnataka-village-now-there-is-a-fuss-over-who-owns-it-1768376950848">Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it</a>&nbsp;They got curious and decided to investigate the site again. They successfully came across more graffiti and inscriptions, some in Sanskrit and others in an ancient version of Tamil, known as Tamil-Brahmi. Schmid also said at the conference that &nbsp;Cikai Korran had a "weird" way of leaving his mark, some of which were several feet high. At the tomb of Ramesses IX, he wrote his name about 16 to 20 feet above the entrance. The researchers said he probably wanted to ensure that "everybody would see him", that they knew that "Cikai Korran came here." Strauch added that he was "apparently extremely excited about his visit and decided to leave his name in nearly every tomb."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a> &nbsp;Schmid said the findings show that Indians travelled to the Nile Valley. They were even familiar with the Greek language since some of their graffiti referred to those scribbled in Greek. To see that the inscription survived tough times, Cikai Korran truly accomplished what he set out to do.

A man from South India visited Egypt 2,000 years ago and scribbled on several tombs, with the clear intention of leaving his mark. He climbed high and left his mark in some places several feet up. Archaeologists found some inscriptions in Sanskrit as well.

An Indian man who spoke Tamil scribbled his name on eight Egyptian tombs 2,000 years ago. An archaeological discovery has uncovered who this offender was, showing Indo-Egyptian connections in ancient times, and proves the fact that tourists were just the same even thousands of years ago. A man named Cikai Korran visited Egypt’s Valley of Kings and etched dozens of inscriptions on several tombs. Eight of them bore just his name. Archaeologists say that the language used was Old Tamil, an Indian language. When scientists dug deeper, they also found writings in Sanskrit. The researchers revealed everything about this culprit and his actions at a conference in Chennai, the capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ingo Strauch, an expert in South Asian studies at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, clarified that visitors from across the world vandalised Egyptian tombs over the years, and Indians are not the only offenders. Also Read: 900-year-old Shiva temple cloaked by a banyan tree discovered in Tamil Nadu Graffiti in Tamil found at Egyptian tombs French scholar Jules Baillet found more than 2,000 inscriptions and drawings on Egyptian tombs in 1926. His findings showed that Greek and Latin tourists commonly came and left their mark here. However, Strauch says that when he visited the tombs in 2024, he noticed graffiti that looked different from the ones that were earlier revealed. He told Gizmodo that the ones he found were similar to Indian scripts. An analysis of the photos he took suggested that they were likely written in Tamil. He showed them to his colleague Charlotte Schmid, who confirmed that it was indeed Tamil. She even provided a translation - “Cikai Korran came here and saw.” They revisited Baillet's texts and found that he also saw scribblings made in an Asian language. Also Read: Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it They got curious and decided to investigate the site again. They successfully came across more graffiti and inscriptions, some in Sanskrit and others in an ancient version of Tamil, known as Tamil-Brahmi. Schmid also said at the conference that Cikai Korran had a "weird" way of leaving his mark, some of which were several feet high. At the tomb of Ramesses IX, he wrote his name about 16 to 20 feet above the entrance. The researchers said he probably wanted to ensure that "everybody would see him", that they knew that "Cikai Korran came here." Strauch added that he was "apparently extremely excited about his visit and decided to leave his name in nearly every tomb." Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Schmid said the findings show that Indians travelled to the Nile Valley. They were even familiar with the Greek language since some of their graffiti referred to those scribbled in Greek. To see that the inscription survived tough times, Cikai Korran truly accomplished what he set out to do.

A man from South India visited Egypt 2,000 years ago and scribbled on several tombs, with the clear intention of leaving his mark. He climbed high and left his mark in some places several feet up. Archaeologists found some inscriptions in Sanskrit as well.

'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs

The famous Oracle of Delphi, Pythia, who lived at the temple of the god Apollo in southern Greece, told believers their future, and even advised Alexander the Great on important matters regarding his state and financial affairs. However, turns out she was just making it all up since her trance was induced by a gas named ethylene that was being released from the ground below. According to ancient records, she inhaled a "sweet-smelling gas" (called pneuma), which led her to enter a trance and act strangely. She got into a strange physical state and even collapsed sometimes. Ancient writers like Plutarch, who was a priest at Delphi, she was a vessel for power coming from Earth. He wrote that the temple was built around a natural spring, and the water and fissures in the rock released pneuma.<h2>Absence of cracks in the ground under the temple of Delphi</h2>On certain days, the priestess would stand over the pneuma and inhale it to enter a trance. She became hysterical and cried loudly, making it a tough ordeal. The temple closed down in 393 AD, and for years, modern scientists didn’t believe it was real because of the absence of volcanoes at the site, since most underground gases come from them. No large cracks were found in the floor during excavations, and the story was dismissed as a myth. However, turns out that it was a true story. Yes, she was inhaling gases and entering a trance, but everything the priestess said was just made-up stories.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-african-cellar-is-emitting-ancient-material-it-has-a-deadly-leak-1772541932224">Scientists say African cellar is emitting ancient material. It has a deadly leak</a><h2>Proof of a fault line hinted at a gas that could induce trance</h2>A geologist and an archaeologist discovered two major geological fault lines intersect directly under the temple. Archaeologist John Hale said that Dutch-American geologist Jelle Zeilinga de Boer found in the 1980s that a fault line passed directly under the temple of Delphi. This is a place where Earth’s tectonic plates collide against one another, and this event triggers earthquakes. However, they can also cause the emission of gases. Hale told Popular Science that de Boer wondered whether the pneuma mentioned in the records could be “a light hydrocarbon gas” coming from permeable limestone. When researchers tested the rock and water, they found traces of ethylene. This gas has a sweet smell, just like the one described in the records. Inhaling it in small amounts can produce a "floating" sensation and alter the state of mind, leading one to act “space out”.&nbsp;This is apparently the gas the oracle was inhaling, and making up everything. The position was shared by several women over centuries since it was a physically demanding job, but also considered a great honour.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Alexander the Great took advice from the Oracle of Delphi, who lived in the temple of the god Apollo in Delphi, Greece. She would enter a trance and tell him and several others their future. But we now know that she was lying the entire time.

The famous Oracle of Delphi, Pythia, who lived at the temple of the god Apollo in southern Greece, told believers their future, and even advised Alexander the Great on important matters regarding his state and financial affairs. However, turns out she was just making it all up since her trance was induced by a gas named ethylene that was being released from the ground below. According to ancient records, she inhaled a "sweet-smelling gas" (called pneuma), which led her to enter a trance and act strangely. She got into a strange physical state and even collapsed sometimes. Ancient writers like Plutarch, who was a priest at Delphi, she was a vessel for power coming from Earth. He wrote that the temple was built around a natural spring, and the water and fissures in the rock released pneuma. Absence of cracks in the ground under the temple of Delphi On certain days, the priestess would stand over the pneuma and inhale it to enter a trance. She became hysterical and cried loudly, making it a tough ordeal. The temple closed down in 393 AD, and for years, modern scientists didn’t believe it was real because of the absence of volcanoes at the site, since most underground gases come from them. No large cracks were found in the floor during excavations, and the story was dismissed as a myth. However, turns out that it was a true story. Yes, she was inhaling gases and entering a trance, but everything the priestess said was just made-up stories. Also Read: Scientists say African cellar is emitting ancient material. It has a deadly leak Proof of a fault line hinted at a gas that could induce trance A geologist and an archaeologist discovered two major geological fault lines intersect directly under the temple. Archaeologist John Hale said that Dutch-American geologist Jelle Zeilinga de Boer found in the 1980s that a fault line passed directly under the temple of Delphi. This is a place where Earth’s tectonic plates collide against one another, and this event triggers earthquakes. However, they can also cause the emission of gases. Hale told Popular Science that de Boer wondered whether the pneuma mentioned in the records could be “a light hydrocarbon gas” coming from permeable limestone. When researchers tested the rock and water, they found traces of ethylene. This gas has a sweet smell, just like the one described in the records. Inhaling it in small amounts can produce a "floating" sensation and alter the state of mind, leading one to act “space out”. This is apparently the gas the oracle was inhaling, and making up everything. The position was shared by several women over centuries since it was a physically demanding job, but also considered a great honour.

Alexander the Great took advice from the Oracle of Delphi, who lived in the temple of the god Apollo in Delphi, Greece. She would enter a trance and tell him and several others their future. But we now know that she was lying the entire time.

Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him

Italian historian Ivan Malara was going through the pages of Ptolemy’s Almagest, published in 1551, when he came across some handwritten notes. The text from the second century backed the theory of geocentrism, that Earth lies at the centre of the universe. The notes in the book were written by none other than Galileo Galilei, the greatest name in astronomy, who first stated that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. Leading Galileo scholars have confirmed that the writing Malara found in the Almagest was the work of the astronomer. The National Central Library of Florence, Italy, announced the discovery. A paper on this finding will be submitted to the Journal for the History of Astronomy. Malara wrote for Il Sole 24 Ore that the finding shows that “Galileo, who was not only an astute reader of the Almagest but also a profound connoisseur of Ptolemy’s sophisticated mathematical demonstrations.”<h2>Galileo prayed before reading the Almagest</h2>According to analysts, Galileo wrote the notes around 1590. He owned this particular book 20 years before he discovered four moons of Jupiter, which are still referred to as the Galilean moons. Galileo was placed under house arrest in 1633 was for heresy, specifically saying that Earth orbits the Sun (heliocentrism) and our planet is not at the centre of the universe. He is also credited with discovering Saturn’s rings. The sign that Galileo owned the book was found in the form of a transcription of Psalm 145, Malara told Science. Notably, some historical records state that the famed astronomer “prayed each time he sat down with the Almagest.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nostradamus-prophecy-on-us-iran-war-suicide-drones-1772686098998">People think THIS Nostradamus prophecy is linked to suicide drones being used in US-Iran war</a><h2>Handwriting and annotation style matched Galileo's</h2>Handwriting specialists at the Galileo Museum and Florence’s central library also went through the writing and confirmed that it matched the astronomer’s annotating styles, writing and abbreviations. In the notes, he also had a few negative comments on Ptolemy’s ideas, something that was also found in his later works. The National Central Library of Florence said that Galileo was familiar with Ptolemy’s geocentric system and his earliest writings show his “thorough knowledge of Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations and even [claimed] to have composed a commentary on the Almagest.” James Evans, a historian of astronomy at the University of Puget Sound, told Science that historians did not think that the reason Galileo rejected geocentrism was because of math. They called him “big-picture sort of guy”. Malara says the finding shows Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations, along with Copernicus’s heliocentric view of the universe, together worked to help Galieleo make his evolutionary contributions to modern astronomy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A book from 1551 that was owned by Galileo has been found. Ptolemy’s Almagest has some notes written in a corner, which gave away the fact that he was the owner of the book long before he was jailed for saying that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system.

Italian historian Ivan Malara was going through the pages of Ptolemy’s Almagest, published in 1551, when he came across some handwritten notes. The text from the second century backed the theory of geocentrism, that Earth lies at the centre of the universe. The notes in the book were written by none other than Galileo Galilei, the greatest name in astronomy, who first stated that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. Leading Galileo scholars have confirmed that the writing Malara found in the Almagest was the work of the astronomer. The National Central Library of Florence, Italy, announced the discovery. A paper on this finding will be submitted to the Journal for the History of Astronomy. Malara wrote for Il Sole 24 Ore that the finding shows that “Galileo, who was not only an astute reader of the Almagest but also a profound connoisseur of Ptolemy’s sophisticated mathematical demonstrations.” Galileo prayed before reading the Almagest According to analysts, Galileo wrote the notes around 1590. He owned this particular book 20 years before he discovered four moons of Jupiter, which are still referred to as the Galilean moons. Galileo was placed under house arrest in 1633 was for heresy, specifically saying that Earth orbits the Sun (heliocentrism) and our planet is not at the centre of the universe. He is also credited with discovering Saturn’s rings. The sign that Galileo owned the book was found in the form of a transcription of Psalm 145, Malara told Science. Notably, some historical records state that the famed astronomer “prayed each time he sat down with the Almagest.” Also Read: People think THIS Nostradamus prophecy is linked to suicide drones being used in US-Iran war Handwriting and annotation style matched Galileo's Handwriting specialists at the Galileo Museum and Florence’s central library also went through the writing and confirmed that it matched the astronomer’s annotating styles, writing and abbreviations. In the notes, he also had a few negative comments on Ptolemy’s ideas, something that was also found in his later works. The National Central Library of Florence said that Galileo was familiar with Ptolemy’s geocentric system and his earliest writings show his “thorough knowledge of Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations and even [claimed] to have composed a commentary on the Almagest.” James Evans, a historian of astronomy at the University of Puget Sound, told Science that historians did not think that the reason Galileo rejected geocentrism was because of math. They called him “big-picture sort of guy”. Malara says the finding shows Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations, along with Copernicus’s heliocentric view of the universe, together worked to help Galieleo make his evolutionary contributions to modern astronomy.

A book from 1551 that was owned by Galileo has been found. Ptolemy’s Almagest has some notes written in a corner, which gave away the fact that he was the owner of the book long before he was jailed for saying that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system.

Historian says this 470-year-old book was owned by Galileo. His habit of praying was a dead giveaway

Incas sacrificed children in a deadly ritual centuries ago, and now a team of scientists has found exactly what happened to them. Remains of four of them were recovered from the top of volcanoes in Peru years ago. Researchers who analysed the mummified bodies say that their heads were bashed to kill them. The children were sacrificed in an Inca ritual called capacocha. The team says that it was "one of the most significant ceremonial rituals of the Inca Empire." They now have direct evidence of the practice gathered following CT scans of their mummified remains. The study was published in January in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Bioarchaeologist and co-author of the study, Dagmara Socha, told Gizmodo, “The capacocha children served as representatives of their living communities before the deities.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/13-000-years-ago-a-tribe-vanished-and-mammoths-died-when-a-cosmic-explosion-ripped-earth-1763624710450">13,000 years ago, a tribe vanished, and mammoths died - When a cosmic explosion ripped Earth</a><h2>All children sacrificed by Incas had a common injury</h2>The remains of the four children have been named after the volcanoes on which they were found. There is Ampato #1, Ampato #2, Ampato #4, and Sara Sara. Ampato #1, also known as the Lady of Ampato, died of injuries in her cranium and the areas of her pelvis and chest at the age of 14. The freezing conditions naturally mummified her body. Researchers also found corn, pottery fragments, and figurines near her. Sara Sara mummy also died at around 14 years old from cranial injuries. Ampato #2 was scarificed at the age of eight, again receiving a blow to her head. She had a health condition contrary to what previous studies state about the physical conditions of the victims. Sara Sara also revealed similar health issues. Ampato #4 also died of a head injury at around 10 years old. CT scan showed that her body had been modified after she died and was likely buried twice. Some of her bones were missing, and her abdominal cavity was filled with rocks and pieces of textiles, suggesting she was mummified by the Incas, the first such instance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/500-year-old-rumoured-labyrinth-under-peru-temple-proves-to-be-real-we-suspect-that-1767603037927">500-year-old rumoured labyrinth under Peru temple proves to be real: ‘We suspect that...’</a><h2>Incas took approval for marriages from mummified relatives</h2>Her ancestors moved her to a different place, as records show the Inca Empire resettled populations. They took the mummified remains with them. The researchers state that carrying bodies with them to another place offers "the first direct evidence that the role of children sacrificed in the capacocha ritual did not end with their death." Historical records suggest that the Incas sought blessings and approval of the mummies of dead rulers for marriages. Socha believes Ampato #4 "played a similar role in the religious life of provincial communities."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Scientists have found the way children were sacrificed during the reign of the Incas, and it is pretty gruesome. But it didn't end there. The people carried mummified remains with them while relocating and sought their approval for marriages. 

Incas sacrificed children in a deadly ritual centuries ago, and now a team of scientists has found exactly what happened to them. Remains of four of them were recovered from the top of volcanoes in Peru years ago. Researchers who analysed the mummified bodies say that their heads were bashed to kill them. The children were sacrificed in an Inca ritual called capacocha. The team says that it was "one of the most significant ceremonial rituals of the Inca Empire." They now have direct evidence of the practice gathered following CT scans of their mummified remains. The study was published in January in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Bioarchaeologist and co-author of the study, Dagmara Socha, told Gizmodo, “The capacocha children served as representatives of their living communities before the deities.” Also Read: 13,000 years ago, a tribe vanished, and mammoths died - When a cosmic explosion ripped Earth All children sacrificed by Incas had a common injury The remains of the four children have been named after the volcanoes on which they were found. There is Ampato #1, Ampato #2, Ampato #4, and Sara Sara. Ampato #1, also known as the Lady of Ampato, died of injuries in her cranium and the areas of her pelvis and chest at the age of 14. The freezing conditions naturally mummified her body. Researchers also found corn, pottery fragments, and figurines near her. Sara Sara mummy also died at around 14 years old from cranial injuries. Ampato #2 was scarificed at the age of eight, again receiving a blow to her head. She had a health condition contrary to what previous studies state about the physical conditions of the victims. Sara Sara also revealed similar health issues. Ampato #4 also died of a head injury at around 10 years old. CT scan showed that her body had been modified after she died and was likely buried twice. Some of her bones were missing, and her abdominal cavity was filled with rocks and pieces of textiles, suggesting she was mummified by the Incas, the first such instance. Also Read: 500-year-old rumoured labyrinth under Peru temple proves to be real: ‘We suspect that...’ Incas took approval for marriages from mummified relatives Her ancestors moved her to a different place, as records show the Inca Empire resettled populations. They took the mummified remains with them. The researchers state that carrying bodies with them to another place offers "the first direct evidence that the role of children sacrificed in the capacocha ritual did not end with their death." Historical records suggest that the Incas sought blessings and approval of the mummies of dead rulers for marriages. Socha believes Ampato #4 "played a similar role in the religious life of provincial communities."

Scientists have found the way children were sacrificed during the reign of the Incas, and it is pretty gruesome. But it didn't end there. The people carried mummified remains with them while relocating and sought their approval for marriages.&nbsp;

Incas sacrificed children with fatal head blows, then revered their mummified remains

A 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period has been discovered in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The discovery was made in Begili village, near Hosur in the Krishnagiri district. Jeyalakshmi, a local teacher and archaeology researcher, led the research and received support from the Krishnagiri Museum and history documentation groups. The temple is located at the foothills of a hillock. Interestingly. The village name Begili, also means "Adik Karadu" or "at the foot of the hill". A 200-year-old banyan tree completely shrouds the temple, keeping it hidden from sight. Because of this, it was also inaccessible to locals for generations. Although known colloquially as "Pandavagudi," no living villager had stepped inside until the recent clearing efforts.<h2>Architectural significance of the temple</h2> Dating back to the 11th century CE, the temple is a testament to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1122 CE). Specific architectural markers helped archaeologists reach the exact time period the temple is from. One of them is its style, as it has been built in the kattrali (rock-cut stone) tradition. Its layout was another giveaway, as it features a traditional sanctum (garbhagriha) and a half-hall (ardha mandapa). Intricate elements, such as a well-defined adhisthana (base) and bodhika (bracket) elements, were signs that master Chola sculptors had made them.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pot-of-gold-buried-900-years-ago-unearthed-in-a-karnataka-village-now-there-is-a-fuss-over-who-owns-it-1768376950848">Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it</a>&nbsp;Researchers knew that the site was of importance thousands of years ago because of a rock carving they found nearby. It features a trident, sun, and moon, which shows it once held significant status and was likely the recipient of royal land grants. The temple is in shambles, exposed to years of external influences and human interference. The sanctum was previously looted by treasure hunters, with the original Shiva Lingam gone, and the Nandi statue vandalised. A nearby Neerazhi Mandapam (water pavilion) is in a state of ruin, while the main structure is partially buried under soil.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a>&nbsp;Local residents and researchers are now appealing to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Department of Archaeology to restore the temple to its former glory, and try to dig up inscriptions that can throw light on the region's Chola-era history.&nbsp;

The Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu was dated to be from the later Chola period based on several specific architectural designs and markings. It was entirely covered by a banyan tree, making it hard to reach. Locals want the government to restore the temple.

A 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period has been discovered in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The discovery was made in Begili village, near Hosur in the Krishnagiri district. Jeyalakshmi, a local teacher and archaeology researcher, led the research and received support from the Krishnagiri Museum and history documentation groups. The temple is located at the foothills of a hillock. Interestingly. The village name Begili, also means "Adik Karadu" or "at the foot of the hill". A 200-year-old banyan tree completely shrouds the temple, keeping it hidden from sight. Because of this, it was also inaccessible to locals for generations. Although known colloquially as "Pandavagudi," no living villager had stepped inside until the recent clearing efforts. Architectural significance of the temple Dating back to the 11th century CE, the temple is a testament to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1122 CE). Specific architectural markers helped archaeologists reach the exact time period the temple is from. One of them is its style, as it has been built in the kattrali (rock-cut stone) tradition. Its layout was another giveaway, as it features a traditional sanctum (garbhagriha) and a half-hall (ardha mandapa). Intricate elements, such as a well-defined adhisthana (base) and bodhika (bracket) elements, were signs that master Chola sculptors had made them. Also Read: Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it Researchers knew that the site was of importance thousands of years ago because of a rock carving they found nearby. It features a trident, sun, and moon, which shows it once held significant status and was likely the recipient of royal land grants. The temple is in shambles, exposed to years of external influences and human interference. The sanctum was previously looted by treasure hunters, with the original Shiva Lingam gone, and the Nandi statue vandalised. A nearby Neerazhi Mandapam (water pavilion) is in a state of ruin, while the main structure is partially buried under soil. Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Local residents and researchers are now appealing to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Department of Archaeology to restore the temple to its former glory, and try to dig up inscriptions that can throw light on the region's Chola-era history.

The Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu was dated to be from the later Chola period based on several specific architectural designs and markings. It was entirely covered by a banyan tree, making it hard to reach. Locals want the government to restore the temple.

900-year-old Shiva temple cloaked by a banyan tree discovered in Tamil Nadu

Digging a foundation for a house in the Lakkundi village in Karnataka led to the discovery of a pot of gold, containing several ornaments. Gangavva Basavaraj Ritti of the village came across the collection sitting inside a copper vessel. Archaeologists were informed who came and analysed the gold. Lakkundi was once a historical city, having many Hindu and Jain temples and was a major economic and commercial centre. So when this gold was found, people got curious. However, the Archaeological Department has clarified that it is not a treasure but simply ornaments hidden by earlier generations. The absence of gold coins means that there might not be anything historical about the discovery. Archaeological Department Superintendent (Dharwad Circle) Ramesh Mulimani said, "The gold ornaments recovered from a copper vessel are broken and appear to be household jewellery. In earlier times, people used to bury their ornaments near the hearth in the kitchen for safety. These are such ornaments, not treasure," as quoted by Deccan Herald.<h2>Gold discovered in Karnataka village was buried by a family</h2>More than 150 inscriptions, temples and sculptures have been found in Lakkundi over the years. Archaeologists say this shows that it was once a prosperous residential area. Researcher Appanna Hanje believes the ornaments belong to the 11th or 12th century, based on their design. He said it weighs a total of 470 grams and can be easily distinguished from royal ornaments since the latter carry distinct designs. However, the ornaments and jewellery found at the site are regular and so likely belong to common people.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/2-000-year-old-coins-discovery-in-pakistan-from-time-of-king-vasudeva-prove-something-about-religious-belief-1767949138481">2,000-year-old coins from time of King Vasudeva discovered in Pakistan prove something about religious beliefs</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-ancient-luxury-pen-provocative-artefact-featuring-greek-god-of-wine-and-fertility-unearthed-in-sicily-1768316132621">Erotic artefact featuring Greek god of wine and fertility unearthed in Sicily</a><h2>Family demands gold back</h2>Now the family that found the jewellery is in a pickle. Since they hold no archaeological significance, they are asking for it to be returned to them. They say that if it was buried by a family, then the jewellery belongs to them. "We do not want the gold. The government should build a house for us. If that is not possible, then, as the officials themselves say that these are not treasures, the ornaments belonging to our grandfather and great-grandfather should be returned to us," the family said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked for details on the discovery from Gadag District Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish.&nbsp;The gold is currently in government custody, and a detailed study will be carried out by experts. State Archaeology Department expert Smita Reddy is scheduled to visit the site soon for more investigation to ascertain the exact age and period of the ornaments.

A family came across a gold jewellery in the Lakkundi village of Karnataka while digging up to build a new house. Archaeologists say it is nothing significant and was buried by some family hundreds of years ago. So now the family wants it back.

Digging a foundation for a house in the Lakkundi village in Karnataka led to the discovery of a pot of gold, containing several ornaments. Gangavva Basavaraj Ritti of the village came across the collection sitting inside a copper vessel. Archaeologists were informed who came and analysed the gold. Lakkundi was once a historical city, having many Hindu and Jain temples and was a major economic and commercial centre. So when this gold was found, people got curious. However, the Archaeological Department has clarified that it is not a treasure but simply ornaments hidden by earlier generations. The absence of gold coins means that there might not be anything historical about the discovery. Archaeological Department Superintendent (Dharwad Circle) Ramesh Mulimani said, "The gold ornaments recovered from a copper vessel are broken and appear to be household jewellery. In earlier times, people used to bury their ornaments near the hearth in the kitchen for safety. These are such ornaments, not treasure," as quoted by Deccan Herald. Gold discovered in Karnataka village was buried by a family More than 150 inscriptions, temples and sculptures have been found in Lakkundi over the years. Archaeologists say this shows that it was once a prosperous residential area. Researcher Appanna Hanje believes the ornaments belong to the 11th or 12th century, based on their design. He said it weighs a total of 470 grams and can be easily distinguished from royal ornaments since the latter carry distinct designs. However, the ornaments and jewellery found at the site are regular and so likely belong to common people. Also Read: 2,000-year-old coins from time of King Vasudeva discovered in Pakistan prove something about religious beliefs Also Read: Erotic artefact featuring Greek god of wine and fertility unearthed in Sicily Family demands gold back Now the family that found the jewellery is in a pickle. Since they hold no archaeological significance, they are asking for it to be returned to them. They say that if it was buried by a family, then the jewellery belongs to them. "We do not want the gold. The government should build a house for us. If that is not possible, then, as the officials themselves say that these are not treasures, the ornaments belonging to our grandfather and great-grandfather should be returned to us," the family said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked for details on the discovery from Gadag District Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish. The gold is currently in government custody, and a detailed study will be carried out by experts. State Archaeology Department expert Smita Reddy is scheduled to visit the site soon for more investigation to ascertain the exact age and period of the ornaments.

A family came across a gold jewellery in the Lakkundi village of Karnataka while digging up to build a new house. Archaeologists say it is nothing significant and was buried by some family hundreds of years ago. So now the family wants it back.

Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it

An ancient bone tool has been unearthed in Sicily, which shows the god Dionysus and his erect phallus, or penis. Archaeologists say the artefact dates back to the fifth century BC, during which time the island was under the rule of the Greeks. Daniela Vullo, head of the Superintendency for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Caltanissetta, said in a translated statement, "This stylus truly represents a unique example in the archaeological landscape of the time." A stylus is a pointed instrument which carries writing and is also used for marking clay or wax. It measures 5.2 inches and is made from a bone. Scientists say that this "unique" discovery blends ancient art, religion, and craftsmanship. The stylus is 2,500 years old and was found during a routine excavation being carried out before the construction of a new cultural centre.&nbsp;This artefact has an erotic depiction, showing the bearded and grumpy face of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theatre, on its head. Right below the face is a carving of an erect phallus. The formation of the tool suggests that the intent was likely to make it look like a "herm", a type of ancient Greek statue, typically a pillar with a carved head and genitals. It is used to ward off bad luck and protect boundaries and was placed at crossings, boundaries and borders, as well as in front of temples. The term is believed to have originated from Hermes, the messenger god, also associated with fertility.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/2-000-year-old-coins-discovery-in-pakistan-from-time-of-king-vasudeva-prove-something-about-religious-belief-1767949138481">2,000-year-old coins discovery in Pakistan from time of King Vasudeva prove something about religious belief</a><h2>What was the stylus used for?</h2>Experts have two theories about its purpose. They think it could have been a luxury pen that served as a status symbol and was owned only by a successful master craftsman to show off his wealth and skill. It could also have been an offering to the gods in order to seek creative inspiration or to protect the pottery workshop from evil eyes.&nbsp;Archaeologists think the stylus could have been made by a person who made ceramics to mark pottery, but later someone dedicated the stylus as a gift to a god. Vullo said in the statement that this stylus is so unique that it deserves to be put up on display for the public. Besides the tool with Dionysus and his erect phallus, a large neighbourhood from the Hellenistic era, that lasted from the fourth to the first centuries BC, was also uncovered during the excavation.&nbsp;

An artefact with the Greek god Dionysus depicted on the head and his erect penis has been unearthed in Sicily. Archaeologists say it was likely made to resemble a herm, a pillar with a carved head and genitals. They say it is so unique that people should be able to see it.

An ancient bone tool has been unearthed in Sicily, which shows the god Dionysus and his erect phallus, or penis. Archaeologists say the artefact dates back to the fifth century BC, during which time the island was under the rule of the Greeks. Daniela Vullo, head of the Superintendency for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Caltanissetta, said in a translated statement, "This stylus truly represents a unique example in the archaeological landscape of the time." A stylus is a pointed instrument which carries writing and is also used for marking clay or wax. It measures 5.2 inches and is made from a bone. Scientists say that this "unique" discovery blends ancient art, religion, and craftsmanship. The stylus is 2,500 years old and was found during a routine excavation being carried out before the construction of a new cultural centre. This artefact has an erotic depiction, showing the bearded and grumpy face of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theatre, on its head. Right below the face is a carving of an erect phallus. The formation of the tool suggests that the intent was likely to make it look like a "herm", a type of ancient Greek statue, typically a pillar with a carved head and genitals. It is used to ward off bad luck and protect boundaries and was placed at crossings, boundaries and borders, as well as in front of temples. The term is believed to have originated from Hermes, the messenger god, also associated with fertility. Also Read: 2,000-year-old coins discovery in Pakistan from time of King Vasudeva prove something about religious belief What was the stylus used for? Experts have two theories about its purpose. They think it could have been a luxury pen that served as a status symbol and was owned only by a successful master craftsman to show off his wealth and skill. It could also have been an offering to the gods in order to seek creative inspiration or to protect the pottery workshop from evil eyes. Archaeologists think the stylus could have been made by a person who made ceramics to mark pottery, but later someone dedicated the stylus as a gift to a god. Vullo said in the statement that this stylus is so unique that it deserves to be put up on display for the public. Besides the tool with Dionysus and his erect phallus, a large neighbourhood from the Hellenistic era, that lasted from the fourth to the first centuries BC, was also uncovered during the excavation.

An artefact with the Greek god Dionysus depicted on the head and his erect penis has been unearthed in Sicily. Archaeologists say it was likely made to resemble a herm, a pillar with a carved head and genitals. They say it is so unique that people should be able to see it.

The ancient 'luxury pen': Provocative artefact featuring Greek god of wine and fertility unearthed in Sicily

A major historical discovery has been made in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, where archaeologists have found 2,000-year-old coins from the Kushan dynasty. They also came across fragments of lapis lazuli, a prized semi-precious stone, at Bhir Mound near Taxila. The coins are from the time of King Vasudeva, one of the last great Kushan rulers, while the stone pieces are from a much earlier time period. Researchers say the finding shows the region was used for trade and played a major role during the Common Era. Archaeologists digging at the site unearthed bronze coins along with lapis lazuli. According to them, the stones are from the 6th century BC, and the coins belong to the 2nd century AD. The Kushan Empire flourished between the first and third centuries AD, which confirms that the coins are from the same dynasty.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a><h2>Kushan rulers backed multiple faiths</h2>The coins were scientifically analysed to reveal more details about them. Images of Emperor Vasudeva, regarded as the last great Kushan ruler, were found on the coins following scientific dating and numismatic analysis. He is featured on one side of the coin with a female religious deity depicted on the other side. Researchers say that the Kushan era encouraged multiple religions, as proven by the image on the coin. The rulers patronised multiple faiths during this period, historical records suggest. Kushan coins found in the past carried images from Indian, Iranian, Greek, and Buddhist traditions, showcasing that the empire had a wide theological outlook.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-reveal-indus-valley-civilisation-died-a-slow-death-100-year-disaster-and-many-more-1764330182953">Indus Valley Civilisation died a slow death - Scientists reveal what really led to its fall</a> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/8-200-year-old-mathematical-concepts-ancient-humans-knew-geometry-and-long-division-way-before-numbers-were-invented-1766388687873">8,200-year-old calculations: Ancient humans knew geometry and long division way before numbers were invented</a><h2>Kushan trade in Taxila and link to India</h2>According to the researchers, the presence of lapiz lazuli in Taxila is proof that the region was part of long-distance trade networks across Central and South Asia. Taxila was connected to the Mauryan capital Pataliputra (Patna, Bihar) by the ancient "Royal Highway". This means that trade and cultural exchange took place between the regions. However, Taxila-specific coins have not been found within Bihar. Overall, they prove religious pluralism and that Taxila was politically and economically important under the Kushans. Archaeological records also show that Taxila turned into a major centre of administration under rulers like Kanishka the Great. Not only this, but the kingdom also promoted Buddhism, trade, and Gandharan art, combined with Greek, Persian, Roman, and Indian influences. &nbsp;

Taxila was once a major trade hub and is an ancient city in Pakistan. It flourished under the Mauryan and Kushan empires. Archaeologists recently discovered 2,000-year-old coins from the time of the Kushans in a place near Taxila, along with a semi-precious stone.

A major historical discovery has been made in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, where archaeologists have found 2,000-year-old coins from the Kushan dynasty. They also came across fragments of lapis lazuli, a prized semi-precious stone, at Bhir Mound near Taxila. The coins are from the time of King Vasudeva, one of the last great Kushan rulers, while the stone pieces are from a much earlier time period. Researchers say the finding shows the region was used for trade and played a major role during the Common Era. Archaeologists digging at the site unearthed bronze coins along with lapis lazuli. According to them, the stones are from the 6th century BC, and the coins belong to the 2nd century AD. The Kushan Empire flourished between the first and third centuries AD, which confirms that the coins are from the same dynasty. Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Kushan rulers backed multiple faiths The coins were scientifically analysed to reveal more details about them. Images of Emperor Vasudeva, regarded as the last great Kushan ruler, were found on the coins following scientific dating and numismatic analysis. He is featured on one side of the coin with a female religious deity depicted on the other side. Researchers say that the Kushan era encouraged multiple religions, as proven by the image on the coin. The rulers patronised multiple faiths during this period, historical records suggest. Kushan coins found in the past carried images from Indian, Iranian, Greek, and Buddhist traditions, showcasing that the empire had a wide theological outlook. Also Read: Indus Valley Civilisation died a slow death - Scientists reveal what really led to its fall Also Read: 8,200-year-old calculations: Ancient humans knew geometry and long division way before numbers were invented Kushan trade in Taxila and link to India According to the researchers, the presence of lapiz lazuli in Taxila is proof that the region was part of long-distance trade networks across Central and South Asia. Taxila was connected to the Mauryan capital Pataliputra (Patna, Bihar) by the ancient "Royal Highway". This means that trade and cultural exchange took place between the regions. However, Taxila-specific coins have not been found within Bihar. Overall, they prove religious pluralism and that Taxila was politically and economically important under the Kushans. Archaeological records also show that Taxila turned into a major centre of administration under rulers like Kanishka the Great. Not only this, but the kingdom also promoted Buddhism, trade, and Gandharan art, combined with Greek, Persian, Roman, and Indian influences.

Taxila was once a major trade hub and is an ancient city in Pakistan. It flourished under the Mauryan and Kushan empires. Archaeologists recently discovered 2,000-year-old coins from the time of the Kushans in a place near Taxila, along with a semi-precious stone.

2,000-year-old coins from time of King Vasudeva discovered in Pakistan prove something about religious beliefs

The Voynich Manuscript, described as the world's most mysterious book, could be a cypher from the early 15th century, according to a fresh analysis. This text has remained an enigma among archaeologists, with its strange illustrations of plants, an unknown script, diagrams linked to astrology, castles and human figures. Decoding it has remained impossible, and no one has been able to explain what the text is about or who wrote it. Scientists continue to be intrigued by it, and now a fresh study has offered an explanation for its content, albeit not fully. A recent peer-reviewed study published in Cryptologia states that a scribe likely used a real historical cypher-like method to produce text that looks like Voynichese.&nbsp;Science journalist Michael Greshko tried to test whether a historically realistic encryption system could have been used to generate the characters and unusual statistical features seen in the Voynich Manuscript. He developed a method named the "Naibbe cypher". Instead of decoding the manuscript, the cypher goes backwards, and tries to see whether the system creates the same characters and items seen in the book. It picks ordinary Latin or Italian text and turns it into glyph sequences that closely resemble Voynichese. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/500-year-old-rumoured-labyrinth-under-peru-temple-proves-to-be-real-we-suspect-that-1767603037927">500-year-old rumoured labyrinth under Peru temple proves to be real: ‘We suspect that...’</a><h2>How the cypher works?</h2>For this purpose, the cypher breaks continuous text into short groupings of letters and substitutes them with elements of randomness. It uses structured tables for this, and the randomness is introduced through tools such as dice and playing cards. Both these objects were widely available in the 15th century.&nbsp;The Naibbe cypher was applied to various samples, and many of the key properties of the Voynich Manuscript, such as the frequency of symbols, the typical length of “words,” and certain positional patterns, matched with the results. It also allowed for the original linguistic structure to be retained in the form of short letter sequences. The study upholds the cypher hypothesis that has been proposed in the past as well. It also offers a cypher that would have looked like the original system used back then. However, the Voynich Manuscript remains undeciphered with still no viable explanation for its creation.

A researcher has offered an explanation for how the Voynich Manuscript was created. The world's most mysterious book is filled with strange symbols, diagrams of plants, images of castles and an unknown script, and continues to remain the most mysterious book to ever exist.  

The Voynich Manuscript, described as the world's most mysterious book, could be a cypher from the early 15th century, according to a fresh analysis. This text has remained an enigma among archaeologists, with its strange illustrations of plants, an unknown script, diagrams linked to astrology, castles and human figures. Decoding it has remained impossible, and no one has been able to explain what the text is about or who wrote it. Scientists continue to be intrigued by it, and now a fresh study has offered an explanation for its content, albeit not fully. A recent peer-reviewed study published in Cryptologia states that a scribe likely used a real historical cypher-like method to produce text that looks like Voynichese. Science journalist Michael Greshko tried to test whether a historically realistic encryption system could have been used to generate the characters and unusual statistical features seen in the Voynich Manuscript. He developed a method named the "Naibbe cypher". Instead of decoding the manuscript, the cypher goes backwards, and tries to see whether the system creates the same characters and items seen in the book. It picks ordinary Latin or Italian text and turns it into glyph sequences that closely resemble Voynichese. Also Read: 500-year-old rumoured labyrinth under Peru temple proves to be real: ‘We suspect that...’ How the cypher works? For this purpose, the cypher breaks continuous text into short groupings of letters and substitutes them with elements of randomness. It uses structured tables for this, and the randomness is introduced through tools such as dice and playing cards. Both these objects were widely available in the 15th century. The Naibbe cypher was applied to various samples, and many of the key properties of the Voynich Manuscript, such as the frequency of symbols, the typical length of “words,” and certain positional patterns, matched with the results. It also allowed for the original linguistic structure to be retained in the form of short letter sequences. The study upholds the cypher hypothesis that has been proposed in the past as well. It also offers a cypher that would have looked like the original system used back then. However, the Voynich Manuscript remains undeciphered with still no viable explanation for its creation.

A researcher has offered an explanation for how the Voynich Manuscript was created. The world's most mysterious book is filled with strange symbols, diagrams of plants, images of castles and an unknown script, and continues to remain the most mysterious book to ever exist. &nbsp;

World's most mysterious book could be hiding a secret message encoded using a cypher

Archaeologists have discovered a labyrinth of tunnels under the Incan Temple of the Sun in Cusco, Peruvian Andes. Some of them stretch for 1.6 kilometres, and confirm what has been suspected for several years. This labyrinth is known as a chincana and does not find a direct reference in any texts, except vague hints. One of the historical texts dates as far back as the 16th century. Now, we finally have confirmation that this labyrinth of tunnels was real. A main branch connects the temple to the fortress of Sacsahuaman, around two kilometres away, archaeologist Jorge Calero Flores said at a news conference. His team found three smaller branches—one near the Church of San Cristóbal, another to an area near the fortress, and a third to an area known as Callispuquio.&nbsp;Flores added that the tunnel system is roughly 8.5 feet wide and 5.2 feet high. "We suspect that the Inca could have been carried in litters through there," he was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post, adding that the Inca people built these tunnels. Construction included digging up the trenches and then adding stone walls and carved-beam ceilings for support. According to the Flores team, the tunnels mirrored the above-ground street network of the ancient Incan city of Cusco.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mexico-s-yucatan-peninsula-is-hiding-world-s-longest-underwater-cave-filled-with-ice-palaces-and-sinkholes-1764075399743">Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is hiding world's longest underwater cave filled with ice palaces and sinkholes</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/leonardo-da-vinci-painting-secret-tunnels-italian-castle-1748314075573">Secret tunnels seen only in Leonardo da Vinci's painting have been discovered under an ancient Italian castle</a><h2>Ancient texts carried accounts of tunnels in Inca</h2>The team found clues about the tunnels in the 16th-century Jesuit texts and another document by a chronicler named Anello de Oliva. The first one carried an account by an anonymous Spanish Jesuit who wrote about a tunnel in 1594 connecting the bishop’s housing to the Cusco Cathedral. This was a hint that this tunnel originated at the Temple of the Sun. The second one by de Oliva discussed multiple underground passages in the city. There were accounts of how construction workers made sure not to disturb the tunnel network that started at a cave in the fortress.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/20000-year-old-labyrinth-with-3000-rooms-lies-under-egypt-pyramid-9012892">20,000-year-old labyrinth with 3,000 rooms lies under Egypt pyramid, centuries-old claim resurfaces</a>&nbsp;To create a specific map of Chincana, the researchers first checked for hollow areas using acoustic prospecting. Then they proceeded to deploy ground-penetrating radar on these areas, leading to the detection of the tunnel labyrinth. The researchers are now planning to enter these tunnels to learn more about them.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Folklore, rumours and beliefs about the presence of a complex tunnel system under the Incan Temple of the Sun in Cusco have all been confirmed. Scientists have found a labyrinth known as a chincana in this region, which supposedly mirrored the streets above.

Archaeologists have discovered a labyrinth of tunnels under the Incan Temple of the Sun in Cusco, Peruvian Andes. Some of them stretch for 1.6 kilometres, and confirm what has been suspected for several years. This labyrinth is known as a chincana and does not find a direct reference in any texts, except vague hints. One of the historical texts dates as far back as the 16th century. Now, we finally have confirmation that this labyrinth of tunnels was real. A main branch connects the temple to the fortress of Sacsahuaman, around two kilometres away, archaeologist Jorge Calero Flores said at a news conference. His team found three smaller branches—one near the Church of San Cristóbal, another to an area near the fortress, and a third to an area known as Callispuquio. Flores added that the tunnel system is roughly 8.5 feet wide and 5.2 feet high. "We suspect that the Inca could have been carried in litters through there," he was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post, adding that the Inca people built these tunnels. Construction included digging up the trenches and then adding stone walls and carved-beam ceilings for support. According to the Flores team, the tunnels mirrored the above-ground street network of the ancient Incan city of Cusco. Also Read: Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is hiding world's longest underwater cave filled with ice palaces and sinkholes Also Read: Secret tunnels seen only in Leonardo da Vinci's painting have been discovered under an ancient Italian castle Ancient texts carried accounts of tunnels in Inca The team found clues about the tunnels in the 16th-century Jesuit texts and another document by a chronicler named Anello de Oliva. The first one carried an account by an anonymous Spanish Jesuit who wrote about a tunnel in 1594 connecting the bishop’s housing to the Cusco Cathedral. This was a hint that this tunnel originated at the Temple of the Sun. The second one by de Oliva discussed multiple underground passages in the city. There were accounts of how construction workers made sure not to disturb the tunnel network that started at a cave in the fortress. Also Read: 20,000-year-old labyrinth with 3,000 rooms lies under Egypt pyramid, centuries-old claim resurfaces To create a specific map of Chincana, the researchers first checked for hollow areas using acoustic prospecting. Then they proceeded to deploy ground-penetrating radar on these areas, leading to the detection of the tunnel labyrinth. The researchers are now planning to enter these tunnels to learn more about them.

Folklore, rumours and beliefs about the presence of a complex tunnel system under the Incan Temple of the Sun in Cusco have all been confirmed. Scientists have found a labyrinth known as a chincana in this region, which supposedly mirrored the streets above.

500-year-old rumoured labyrinth under Peru temple proves to be real: 'We suspect that...'

A 2,700-year-old treasure of the Mexican-based Olmec that was stolen sometime in the early 20th century has been found. It was the Olmec Cave Mask, also known as a Portal al Inframundo (“passage to the underworld”). Measuring six-foot-by-five-foot, it depicted the Olmec jaguar god Tepeyollotlicuhti with its flaring eyes and gaping mouth, Popular Mechanics reported. After being looted from Chalcatzingo in the Mexican state of Morelos, the statue went around the world. From museums and private collections in the United States, it reached Denver in 2023. The Antiquities Trafficking Unit based in New York City sent its officers to secure the statue, and it ultimately returned to its original location.&nbsp;New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg released a statement on the matter. He said, “This incredible, ancient piece is a rare window into the past of Olmec society," adding that the "Olmec Cave Mask was broken into several different pieces to make the smuggling process simpler." The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a part of Mexico's Ministry of Culture, said the statue was broken into 25 pieces. So elements were added to “provide greater stability and coherent visual reading."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dinosaur-era-bird-found-with-800-stones-jammed-in-its-throat-1767012949400">Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why?</a>&nbsp;“Some elements that make it up are original, but others, such as a metal structure based on bolts, cement reinforcements and replacements of missing parts and shapes, were added to give it stability again, even though the techniques and materials were not the most appropriate,” INAH’s Castro Barrera said in a statement.<h2>Many artefacts have been taken away from their native land</h2>Archaeologist David Grove was the first to link the Olmec artefact to the one missing from Chalcatzingo. INAH’s Mario Córdova Tello then solved the mystery and eventually proved that it was the same one that had been looted from Mexico. He revealed that the statue was with a private collector. The Tepeyollotlicuhti portal is not the only piece of artefact that was removed from its native land and placed in museums and collections at other places. Lately, there has been pressure on museums to return such pieces to the original countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An artefact named “passage to the underworld” was stolen from Mexico decades ago. It was placed in different museums and collections before finally making it back to its native place. It was broken into 25 pieces to ease smuggling. 

A 2,700-year-old treasure of the Mexican-based Olmec that was stolen sometime in the early 20th century has been found. It was the Olmec Cave Mask, also known as a Portal al Inframundo (“passage to the underworld”). Measuring six-foot-by-five-foot, it depicted the Olmec jaguar god Tepeyollotlicuhti with its flaring eyes and gaping mouth, Popular Mechanics reported. After being looted from Chalcatzingo in the Mexican state of Morelos, the statue went around the world. From museums and private collections in the United States, it reached Denver in 2023. The Antiquities Trafficking Unit based in New York City sent its officers to secure the statue, and it ultimately returned to its original location. New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg released a statement on the matter. He said, “This incredible, ancient piece is a rare window into the past of Olmec society," adding that the "Olmec Cave Mask was broken into several different pieces to make the smuggling process simpler." The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a part of Mexico's Ministry of Culture, said the statue was broken into 25 pieces. So elements were added to “provide greater stability and coherent visual reading." Also Read: Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why? “Some elements that make it up are original, but others, such as a metal structure based on bolts, cement reinforcements and replacements of missing parts and shapes, were added to give it stability again, even though the techniques and materials were not the most appropriate,” INAH’s Castro Barrera said in a statement. Many artefacts have been taken away from their native land Archaeologist David Grove was the first to link the Olmec artefact to the one missing from Chalcatzingo. INAH’s Mario Córdova Tello then solved the mystery and eventually proved that it was the same one that had been looted from Mexico. He revealed that the statue was with a private collector. The Tepeyollotlicuhti portal is not the only piece of artefact that was removed from its native land and placed in museums and collections at other places. Lately, there has been pressure on museums to return such pieces to the original countries.

An artefact named “passage to the underworld” was stolen from Mexico decades ago. It was placed in different museums and collections before finally making it back to its native place. It was broken into 25 pieces to ease smuggling.&nbsp;

'Portal to underworld' found in Denver: Stolen in early 20th century, it was broken into 25 pieces

Homo juluensis, a human ancestor that had an unusually fat head, lived in northern China at the same time as the Denisovans, researchers have found. Uranium-series dating led them to the conclusion that this man roamed the region between about 140,000 and 230,000 years ago, the same as Homo longi, or the “Dragon Man". China during the Middle Pleistocene was populated by a mix of different groups of humans, some of whom are yet to be classified. This is why this period in human evolution is not greatly understood and is also known as the "muddle in the middle". Fossils found in the region show that H. juluensis, meaning “Large-Headed Man”, inhabited the region at this time, according to a study published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews.&nbsp;Its fossils were first discovered in Hebei Province in the 1970s, but the species was only named in 2024. Researchers thought it was a new human species. Dating attempts on the old Big Head over the years never produced any conclusive results. Magnetostratigraphic dating of minerals in the sediment layer in which the fossils were found hinted that it could be around half a million years old. But later, infrared stimulated luminescence dating showed the species lived only about 69,000 years ago.<h2>How researchers confirmed the two lived together</h2>So researchers of the new study decided to go with uranium-series dating. Five H. juluensis fossils and the bones of other mammals found in the same layer were analysed. They conclusively found that their findings clearly show that the species roamed this site sometime between 138,000 and 228,000 years ago. Meanwhile, the Dragon Man also inhabited northern China around 150,000 years ago, which means their time in the region overlapped. &nbsp;“These results indicate that at least two morphologically distinct hominin taxa (H. juluensis and H. longi) likely coexisted in northern China,” the study authors wrote.&nbsp;Both of them are also believed to belong to the same branch of the human family tree. While it is not exactly clear how closely related they might have been, both H. longi and H. juluensis likely belong to the Denisovan heritage, with the former recently confirmed to have hailed from the species.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The northern China region was inhabited by different human species at a time. New research has confirmed that a species of fat headed humans lived alongside the Dragon Man between 138,000 and 228,000 years ago.

Homo juluensis, a human ancestor that had an unusually fat head, lived in northern China at the same time as the Denisovans, researchers have found. Uranium-series dating led them to the conclusion that this man roamed the region between about 140,000 and 230,000 years ago, the same as Homo longi, or the “Dragon Man". China during the Middle Pleistocene was populated by a mix of different groups of humans, some of whom are yet to be classified. This is why this period in human evolution is not greatly understood and is also known as the "muddle in the middle". Fossils found in the region show that H. juluensis, meaning “Large-Headed Man”, inhabited the region at this time, according to a study published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews. Its fossils were first discovered in Hebei Province in the 1970s, but the species was only named in 2024. Researchers thought it was a new human species. Dating attempts on the old Big Head over the years never produced any conclusive results. Magnetostratigraphic dating of minerals in the sediment layer in which the fossils were found hinted that it could be around half a million years old. But later, infrared stimulated luminescence dating showed the species lived only about 69,000 years ago. How researchers confirmed the two lived together So researchers of the new study decided to go with uranium-series dating. Five H. juluensis fossils and the bones of other mammals found in the same layer were analysed. They conclusively found that their findings clearly show that the species roamed this site sometime between 138,000 and 228,000 years ago. Meanwhile, the Dragon Man also inhabited northern China around 150,000 years ago, which means their time in the region overlapped. “These results indicate that at least two morphologically distinct hominin taxa (H. juluensis and H. longi) likely coexisted in northern China,” the study authors wrote. Both of them are also believed to belong to the same branch of the human family tree. While it is not exactly clear how closely related they might have been, both H. longi and H. juluensis likely belong to the Denisovan heritage, with the former recently confirmed to have hailed from the species.

The northern China region was inhabited by different human species at a time. New research has confirmed that a species of fat-headed humans lived alongside the Dragon Man between 138,000 and 228,000 years ago.

Fat head humans and Dragon Man roamed the same China region 150,000 years ago

Scientists have found proof of mathematics being used by a society long before formal numbers were invented. The Halafian culture of northern Mesopotamia painted floral patterns on pottery that follow mathematical systems, such as geometry, symmetry, and spatial long division. A new study published in the Journal of World Prehistory reveals how mathematics was known even during prehistoric times, without even the existence of numbers. Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem came across pottery from a prehistoric culture known as the Halafian. This society lived in northern Mesopotamia from 6200 to 5500 BCE, that is 8,200 to 7,500 years ago. Analysis of the flower motifs on them showed that they were placed in a pattern. Around 700 fragments with such depictions were found.&nbsp;The researchers put them under the scanner and found that they followed a geometrical pattern. Study authors Yosef Garfinkel and Sarah Krulwich found that the petals were arranged in a geometric sequence: 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. This was a time when the formal number system did not exist. This means that the scientists have found proof of mathematics being used even when it wasn't a thing. The flower motifs on the pottery showed the Halafian people knew about spatial long division before the invention of numbers. The mathematical concepts on these pottery are years older than the first written mathematical texts from Sumer in southern Mesopotamia.<h2>Divisions and sequence through art</h2>The study authors said that it is hard to know how much mathematical ability prehistoric communities had without the existence of written evidence. But the discovery and analysis of the vegetal decoration of Halafian pottery vessels "enables some understanding of these aspects." Krulwich said in a statement, "These patterns show that mathematical thinking began long before writing. People visualised divisions, sequences, and balance through their art." Garfinkel believes the Halafians were using these concepts in their daily lives, such as for "sharing harvests or allocating communal fields."&nbsp;The other thing about the discovery is the use of flowers in an artistic medium. The pieces discovered from the time of ancient humans till now only had animals and humans on them. Plants only appeared after early Homo sapiens were already using them for various uses. The latest finding shows the time when flowers became a part of human artistic expression. &nbsp;

Mathematical concepts were being used by a society that lived way before formal numbers started being used. Scientists have found evidence of long division and geometry being used by the Halafian culture, as depicted on their pottery.

Scientists have found proof of mathematics being used by a society long before formal numbers were invented. The Halafian culture of northern Mesopotamia painted floral patterns on pottery that follow mathematical systems, such as geometry, symmetry, and spatial long division. A new study published in the Journal of World Prehistory reveals how mathematics was known even during prehistoric times, without even the existence of numbers. Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem came across pottery from a prehistoric culture known as the Halafian. This society lived in northern Mesopotamia from 6200 to 5500 BCE, that is 8,200 to 7,500 years ago. Analysis of the flower motifs on them showed that they were placed in a pattern. Around 700 fragments with such depictions were found. The researchers put them under the scanner and found that they followed a geometrical pattern. Study authors Yosef Garfinkel and Sarah Krulwich found that the petals were arranged in a geometric sequence: 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. This was a time when the formal number system did not exist. This means that the scientists have found proof of mathematics being used even when it wasn't a thing. The flower motifs on the pottery showed the Halafian people knew about spatial long division before the invention of numbers. The mathematical concepts on these pottery are years older than the first written mathematical texts from Sumer in southern Mesopotamia. Divisions and sequence through art The study authors said that it is hard to know how much mathematical ability prehistoric communities had without the existence of written evidence. But the discovery and analysis of the vegetal decoration of Halafian pottery vessels "enables some understanding of these aspects." Krulwich said in a statement, "These patterns show that mathematical thinking began long before writing. People visualised divisions, sequences, and balance through their art." Garfinkel believes the Halafians were using these concepts in their daily lives, such as for "sharing harvests or allocating communal fields." The other thing about the discovery is the use of flowers in an artistic medium. The pieces discovered from the time of ancient humans till now only had animals and humans on them. Plants only appeared after early Homo sapiens were already using them for various uses. The latest finding shows the time when flowers became a part of human artistic expression.

Mathematical concepts were being used by a society that lived way before formal numbers started being used. Scientists have found evidence of long division and geometry being used by the Halafian culture, as depicted on their pottery.

8,200-year-old calculations: Ancient humans knew geometry and long division way before numbers were invented

Archaeologists have unearthed a skull shaped like a cube in Mexico, spilling some more secrets about the ancient world. Experts at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) dated the skull to be 1,400 years old and belonging to a 40-year-old man who lived in Mexico's Classic period, between 400 and 900 AD. The discovery was made at the Balcón de Montezuma archaeological site in the state of Tamaulipas. However, this skull does not belong to a new species that evaded detection, but can be pinpointed to a practice of the mountainous region. This man spent his entire life in this area of Mexico, and his skull is a cube because of intentional cranial deformation. It is the practice of using flat boards and bandages for years to change the shape of a baby's soft head. This does not cause any harm or pain to the baby since an infant's skull bones take shape depending on the pressure on the head. It was a traditional practice among the inhabitants of the region.&nbsp;Scientists are calling the discovery "unprecedented" since a cube-shaped skull has never been found near Huasteca before. This is not the first instance of changing the shape of human skulls, as a variety of intentionally modified skulls have been discovered across ancient Mexico in the past. Elongated cone-like shapes among the Olmec and Maya are the most well-known ones. The reason for changing the skull shape depended on the different ancient civilisations. For the Mayans, this was primarily done for beauty purposes. However, the main mystery here is why this man was the only one to undergo this process in this ancient society in Tamaulipas.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sixty-years-after-being-discovered-from-a-cave-wall-300-000-year-old-skull-is-found-to-be-a-hominid-1756626672662">Sixty years after being discovered from a cave wall, 300,000-year-old skull is found to be a hominid</a><h2>Scientists checked for water ‘fingerprints’ in the man</h2>Researchers at INAH are stumped to find only one such skull in the region. Skulls with a cube shape have been previously found at sites like El Zapotal in Veracruz and scattered Maya settlements in southeastern Mexico. These places are far from the mountainous region of Tamaulipas, where the new skull was found. To be sure that this person did not travel from some other place, the researchers checked the "stable oxygen isotopes" present in his bones. These are like fingerprints of the water available in an area and change from location to location. Their analysis proved that the man was born and lived his entire life in Tamaulipas. Scientists are now trying to solve the mystery of this man's identity and why he had this unique skull shape.&nbsp;

The mystery of the cube-shaped skull: Skulls of different shapes, such as cones, have been found in the past. But one shaped like a cube has left experts puzzled. It belongs to a man, and only one such skull has ever been found in this region of Mexico.

Archaeologists have unearthed a skull shaped like a cube in Mexico, spilling some more secrets about the ancient world. Experts at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) dated the skull to be 1,400 years old and belonging to a 40-year-old man who lived in Mexico's Classic period, between 400 and 900 AD. The discovery was made at the Balcón de Montezuma archaeological site in the state of Tamaulipas. However, this skull does not belong to a new species that evaded detection, but can be pinpointed to a practice of the mountainous region. This man spent his entire life in this area of Mexico, and his skull is a cube because of intentional cranial deformation. It is the practice of using flat boards and bandages for years to change the shape of a baby's soft head. This does not cause any harm or pain to the baby since an infant's skull bones take shape depending on the pressure on the head. It was a traditional practice among the inhabitants of the region. Scientists are calling the discovery "unprecedented" since a cube-shaped skull has never been found near Huasteca before. This is not the first instance of changing the shape of human skulls, as a variety of intentionally modified skulls have been discovered across ancient Mexico in the past. Elongated cone-like shapes among the Olmec and Maya are the most well-known ones. The reason for changing the skull shape depended on the different ancient civilisations. For the Mayans, this was primarily done for beauty purposes. However, the main mystery here is why this man was the only one to undergo this process in this ancient society in Tamaulipas. Also Read: Sixty years after being discovered from a cave wall, 300,000-year-old skull is found to be a hominid Scientists checked for water ‘fingerprints’ in the man Researchers at INAH are stumped to find only one such skull in the region. Skulls with a cube shape have been previously found at sites like El Zapotal in Veracruz and scattered Maya settlements in southeastern Mexico. These places are far from the mountainous region of Tamaulipas, where the new skull was found. To be sure that this person did not travel from some other place, the researchers checked the "stable oxygen isotopes" present in his bones. These are like fingerprints of the water available in an area and change from location to location. Their analysis proved that the man was born and lived his entire life in Tamaulipas. Scientists are now trying to solve the mystery of this man's identity and why he had this unique skull shape.

The mystery of the cube-shaped skull: Skulls of different shapes, such as cones, have been found in the past. But one shaped like a cube has left experts puzzled. It belongs to a man, and only one such skull has ever been found in this region of Mexico.

Cube-shaped skull discovery in Mexico stumps scientists: Why is there only one?

Scientists have discovered a rare, 520-million-year-old fossil with its internal organs fully preserved, which offers insights into the earliest ancestors of arthropods. The researchers at the University of Durham made the discovery in China and published their findings in the journal Nature. The fossil has been named Youti yuanshi, and is linked to modern-day animals like crabs, lobsters, spiders, insects and centipedes. Scientists say this fossil belonged to a larva and is extremely tiny. So scanning it needed complex technology. The team relied on advanced scanning technology to scan Youti yuanshi. They stated in a press release that 3D imaging of "the miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes" was carried out.&nbsp;A dream come&nbsp;Dr Martin Smith of Durham University, the lead author of the study, described the discovery of the fossil as something he had dreamt of for a long time. “When I used to daydream about the one fossil I’d most like to discover, I’d always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to understanding their evolution,” he said. The fossil is currently at Yunnan University in China.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/700-years-of-built-up-stress-could-trigger-two-mw-8-8-earthquakes-in-himalayas-study-warns-1764759762523">700 years of built-up stress could trigger two Mw 8.8 earthquakes in Himalayas, study warns</a>&nbsp;He added that larvae are extremely fragile, which is why it was believed to be almost impossible to find a fossil. However, when the team came across this specimen, they were surprised since they had not only found a fossilised larva, but one with its organs fully intact. Smith said his jaw just dropped when he saw the structures preserved under its skin. "How could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later?"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A fossil discovery in China has left scientists in shock since they had never hoped to find something like this. It belongs to a larva, a fragile creature. Something this delicate is hard to fossilise, but the researchers found one with its organs intact.

Scientists have discovered a rare, 520-million-year-old fossil with its internal organs fully preserved, which offers insights into the earliest ancestors of arthropods. The researchers at the University of Durham made the discovery in China and published their findings in the journal Nature. The fossil has been named Youti yuanshi, and is linked to modern-day animals like crabs, lobsters, spiders, insects and centipedes. Scientists say this fossil belonged to a larva and is extremely tiny. So scanning it needed complex technology. The team relied on advanced scanning technology to scan Youti yuanshi. They stated in a press release that 3D imaging of "the miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes" was carried out. A dream come Dr Martin Smith of Durham University, the lead author of the study, described the discovery of the fossil as something he had dreamt of for a long time. “When I used to daydream about the one fossil I’d most like to discover, I’d always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to understanding their evolution,” he said. The fossil is currently at Yunnan University in China. Also Read: 700 years of built-up stress could trigger two Mw 8.8 earthquakes in Himalayas, study warns He added that larvae are extremely fragile, which is why it was believed to be almost impossible to find a fossil. However, when the team came across this specimen, they were surprised since they had not only found a fossilised larva, but one with its organs fully intact. Smith said his jaw just dropped when he saw the structures preserved under its skin. "How could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later?"

A fossil discovery in China has left scientists in shock since they had never hoped to find something like this. It belongs to a larva, a fragile creature. Something this delicate is hard to fossilise, but the researchers found one with its organs intact.

520-million-year-old discovery in China leaves scientists stunned - Miniature brain and nerves

A civilisation that lived in Argentina for at least 8,000 years has only now been discovered, thousands of years after it was wiped off the face of Earth. How it managed to evade detection for all these years boils down to its way of life. This group of early humans did not mingle with anyone and lived largely in isolation. This meant that despite environmental and cultural changes, its genetic identity remained unchanged. According to a study published in the journal Nature, this lineage was unique to central Argentina, and the roots of Indigenous people in the country can be traced back to this civilisation. Javier Maravall López, a Harvard University evolutionary biologist and lead author of the study, said this marks the discovery of a "major episode of the history of the continent that we just weren’t aware of."&nbsp;Scientists say that even though humans spread out from Africa to the southernmost part of South America roughly 14,000 years ago, knowledge about the inhabitants of the latter has remained limited. David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the paper, calls this part of the world "a blank spot on the map."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a><h2>Scientists created and compared a DNA dataset</h2>To learn more about the people who lived, the team analysed bones and teeth of 238 ancient individuals found across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Some of them were as old as 10,000 years, and helped build the largest ancient DNA dataset ever assembled from this region. This was compared with DNA from 588 other ancient individuals across the Americas, spanning 12,000 years. They found that by around 8,500 years ago, a genetically distinct population had emerged in what is now central Argentina.&nbsp;“We found this new lineage, a new group of people we didn’t know about before, that has persisted as the main ancestry component for at least the last 8,000 years up to the present day,” said Maravall López. They were different from those who lived in the Andes and from those in Brazil’s tropical forests. This ancient Argentine lineage also had limited interaction with others nearby, and only around 3,300 years ago started mingling with the Pampas to the south. They married their close kin as extended families formed tight-knit economic and political units.

Archaeologists have discovered a civilisation in Argentina that had evaded all detection till now. The early humans lived here thousands of years ago, yet scientists had never seen any signs of them till now. They lived among themselves and barely mingled with outsiders.

A civilisation that lived in Argentina for at least 8,000 years has only now been discovered, thousands of years after it was wiped off the face of Earth. How it managed to evade detection for all these years boils down to its way of life. This group of early humans did not mingle with anyone and lived largely in isolation. This meant that despite environmental and cultural changes, its genetic identity remained unchanged. According to a study published in the journal Nature, this lineage was unique to central Argentina, and the roots of Indigenous people in the country can be traced back to this civilisation. Javier Maravall López, a Harvard University evolutionary biologist and lead author of the study, said this marks the discovery of a "major episode of the history of the continent that we just weren’t aware of." Scientists say that even though humans spread out from Africa to the southernmost part of South America roughly 14,000 years ago, knowledge about the inhabitants of the latter has remained limited. David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the paper, calls this part of the world "a blank spot on the map." Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Scientists created and compared a DNA dataset To learn more about the people who lived, the team analysed bones and teeth of 238 ancient individuals found across Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Some of them were as old as 10,000 years, and helped build the largest ancient DNA dataset ever assembled from this region. This was compared with DNA from 588 other ancient individuals across the Americas, spanning 12,000 years. They found that by around 8,500 years ago, a genetically distinct population had emerged in what is now central Argentina. “We found this new lineage, a new group of people we didn’t know about before, that has persisted as the main ancestry component for at least the last 8,000 years up to the present day,” said Maravall López. They were different from those who lived in the Andes and from those in Brazil’s tropical forests. This ancient Argentine lineage also had limited interaction with others nearby, and only around 3,300 years ago started mingling with the Pampas to the south. They married their close kin as extended families formed tight-knit economic and political units.

Archaeologists have discovered a civilisation in Argentina that had evaded all detection till now. The early humans lived here thousands of years ago, yet scientists had never seen any signs of them till now. They lived among themselves and barely mingled with outsiders.

Lost Argentine civilisation 'no one knew existed' discovered in region termed 'blank spot on the map'

The Indus Valley Civilisation flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia, comprising portions of India and Pakistan, 3,500 to 5,000 years ago. &nbsp;Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were its main cities, and it was known for its advanced urban planning, the street layouts and drainage system. However, it declined suddenly, and archaeologists have never been able to conclusively find the reason. A new study, published Thursday (November 27) in the journal Communications Earth &amp; Environment, states that decades-long droughts likely spelt doom for the Indus Valley Civilisation. "Successive major droughts, each lasting longer than 85 years, were likely a key factor in the eventual fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation," the team stated.&nbsp;As the water started drying up, the population shifted to regions where water sources were still present and accessible. This led to a gradual decline in the number of people who inhabited the Indus Valley, ultimately leading to its demise. The researchers point to one particular drought that extended for 100 years, 3,500 years ago, coinciding with "widespread deurbanization and cultural abandonment of major [cities]."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a><h2>Global simulations show rivers dried up, rainfall patterns changed</h2>The researchers relied on three different global climate simulations to understand how the climate has changed over thousands of years. They analysed how rainfall and temperature witnessed shifts between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago. They also determined how rivers, streams and other bodies of water in the region changed over time, and that settlements consistently moved to stay close to water sources. Surprisingly, they found droughts slammed the region in all three simulations. &nbsp;&nbsp;"The consistent decline in rainfall from 5000 to 3000 years ago in all three simulations shows that multi-century droughts, monsoon weakening, or winter rainfall shifts are real, persistent signals and not artefacts of a single model," Hiren Solanki, a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Technology at Gandhinagar, and lead author of the study, said. To be fully sure of their results, the team also looked at previous studies to gauge the growth speed of stalagmites and stalactites in caves, since less precipitation means slower growth. They also looked at sedimentary deposits in lakes. These studies matched their research and strengthened the new research on the fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation. &nbsp;

Indian scientists in Gujarat have found that the Indus Valley Civilisation faced multiple droughts, one after the other, that lasted for decades. One of them went on for 100 years, and ultimately led to the demise of one of the most advanced civilisations. 

The Indus Valley Civilisation flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia, comprising portions of India and Pakistan, 3,500 to 5,000 years ago. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were its main cities, and it was known for its advanced urban planning, the street layouts and drainage system. However, it declined suddenly, and archaeologists have never been able to conclusively find the reason. A new study, published Thursday (November 27) in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, states that decades-long droughts likely spelt doom for the Indus Valley Civilisation. "Successive major droughts, each lasting longer than 85 years, were likely a key factor in the eventual fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation," the team stated. As the water started drying up, the population shifted to regions where water sources were still present and accessible. This led to a gradual decline in the number of people who inhabited the Indus Valley, ultimately leading to its demise. The researchers point to one particular drought that extended for 100 years, 3,500 years ago, coinciding with "widespread deurbanization and cultural abandonment of major [cities]." Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Global simulations show rivers dried up, rainfall patterns changed The researchers relied on three different global climate simulations to understand how the climate has changed over thousands of years. They analysed how rainfall and temperature witnessed shifts between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago. They also determined how rivers, streams and other bodies of water in the region changed over time, and that settlements consistently moved to stay close to water sources. Surprisingly, they found droughts slammed the region in all three simulations. "The consistent decline in rainfall from 5000 to 3000 years ago in all three simulations shows that multi-century droughts, monsoon weakening, or winter rainfall shifts are real, persistent signals and not artefacts of a single model," Hiren Solanki, a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Technology at Gandhinagar, and lead author of the study, said. To be fully sure of their results, the team also looked at previous studies to gauge the growth speed of stalagmites and stalactites in caves, since less precipitation means slower growth. They also looked at sedimentary deposits in lakes. These studies matched their research and strengthened the new research on the fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Indian scientists in Gujarat have found that the Indus Valley Civilisation faced multiple droughts, one after the other, that lasted for decades. One of them went on for 100 years, and ultimately led to the demise of one of the most advanced civilisations.&nbsp;

Indus Valley Civilisation died a slow death - Scientists reveal what really led to its fall

Indian scientists have discovered a bamboo stem from the Ice Age that continued to thrive while the others died as they couldn't endure the harsh cold in Europe and other colder regions. Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institution of Palaeosciences (BSIP) found an intact bamboo stem with thorn marks in the Chirang River in Manipur’s Imphal Valley. The 37,000-year-old stem is the earliest thorny bamboo fossil found in Asia, and can reveal the continent’s botanical history, and possibly alter it. It is rare to find bamboo fossils since its hollow stems and fibrous tissues decay pretty quickly. The only way to learn about the history of bamboo is to compare modern species with their habitats.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-finds-earliest-evidence-that-rig-veda-verses-influenced-civilisations-outside-india-1755591662063">Scientist finds earliest evidence that Rig Veda verses influenced civilisations outside India</a><h2>Finding the marks on the bamboo stem was completely unexpected</h2>But when researchers from the institute stumbled upon this bamboo with scars all over it during a field survey, they knew that they had found something rare. The nature of the unusual markings wasn't clear initially. A detailed analysis was carried out to understand the bamboo species and what those marks could be. Scientists from the autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) found that the marks were left behind by thorns the bamboo once had. The stem was also assigned to the genus Chimonobambusa. Not only was there a bamboo stem fossil, but it was one with fossilised thorn marks.&nbsp;They then compared the stem with living thorny bamboos such as Bambusa bambos and Chimonobambusa callosa to learn about how it defended itself and its place in the ecological chain. The thorns act as a way for bamboos to protect themselves against herbivores. This is the first fossil evidence that bamboos in Asia had already developed thorniness during the Ice Age. The discovery points to the fact that the warm and humid conditions of Northeast India were a haven for bamboo at a time when other regions were too cold, where bamboos perished.The research was published in the journal Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology and carried out by Harshita Bhatia, Pushpa Kumari, NH Singh and Gaurav Srivastava.

A fossilised bamboo stem from the Ice Age has been found in Manipur, which throws light on how the warm and humid conditions of Northeast India supported plant life at a time when other regions proved too cold and killed the bamboos.

Indian scientists have discovered a bamboo stem from the Ice Age that continued to thrive while the others died as they couldn't endure the harsh cold in Europe and other colder regions. Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institution of Palaeosciences (BSIP) found an intact bamboo stem with thorn marks in the Chirang River in Manipur’s Imphal Valley. The 37,000-year-old stem is the earliest thorny bamboo fossil found in Asia, and can reveal the continent’s botanical history, and possibly alter it. It is rare to find bamboo fossils since its hollow stems and fibrous tissues decay pretty quickly. The only way to learn about the history of bamboo is to compare modern species with their habitats. Also Read: Scientist finds earliest evidence that Rig Veda verses influenced civilisations outside India Finding the marks on the bamboo stem was completely unexpected But when researchers from the institute stumbled upon this bamboo with scars all over it during a field survey, they knew that they had found something rare. The nature of the unusual markings wasn't clear initially. A detailed analysis was carried out to understand the bamboo species and what those marks could be. Scientists from the autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) found that the marks were left behind by thorns the bamboo once had. The stem was also assigned to the genus Chimonobambusa. Not only was there a bamboo stem fossil, but it was one with fossilised thorn marks. They then compared the stem with living thorny bamboos such as Bambusa bambos and Chimonobambusa callosa to learn about how it defended itself and its place in the ecological chain. The thorns act as a way for bamboos to protect themselves against herbivores. This is the first fossil evidence that bamboos in Asia had already developed thorniness during the Ice Age. The discovery points to the fact that the warm and humid conditions of Northeast India were a haven for bamboo at a time when other regions were too cold, where bamboos perished. The research was published in the journal Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology and carried out by Harshita Bhatia, Pushpa Kumari, NH Singh and Gaurav Srivastava.

A fossilised bamboo stem from the Ice Age has been found in Manipur, which throws light on how the warm and humid conditions of Northeast India supported plant life at a time when other regions proved too cold and killed the bamboos.

Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia

The Late Pleistocene epoch, or the final part of this period, witnessed significant climatic and environmental changes. This was also the time when several large mammals also went extinct. However, this was not solely because of the changing climate, which didn't exactly happen due to natural causes. A study has determined that a comet was partly responsible for the extinction of woolly mammoths and mastodons. The cosmic rock exploded nearly 13,000 years ago, causing a dramatic climate shift. After the Last Glacial Period ended, Earth began to become slowly warm. But for some reason, things changed again, and it started returning to near–ice age conditions, which lasted for nearly 1,000 years. This cometary explosion is also believed to be the reason for the sudden disappearance of the Clovis culture from North America’s archaeological record.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cold-war-era-doomsday-radio-triggers-world-war-iii-fears-with-strange-message-1763523374917">Cold War era 'Doomsday Radio' triggers World War III fears with strange message</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-swedish-ghost-town-that-was-abandoned-twice-unearthed-400-years-later-1763389202531">The Swedish ghost town that was abandoned twice unearthed 400 years later</a><h2>Mammoths and Clovis people disappeared</h2>A study published in PLOS One cited the discovery of shocked quartz (sand grains altered by intense heat and pressure) at three key Clovis sites in the United States to support the claim. UC Santa Barbara Emeritus Professor of Earth Science James Kennett and his team found this quartz at Murray Springs in Arizona, Blackwater Draw in New Mexico, and Arlington Canyon in California’s Channel Islands. “These three sites were classic sites in the discovery and the documentation of the megafaunal extinctions in North America and the disappearance of the Clovis culture,” Kennett said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/500-year-old-crypt-under-polish-church-reveals-coffins-covered-in-tar-triggering-a-hunt-for-answers-1763381820212">500-year-old crypt under Polish church reveals coffins covered in tar, triggering a hunt for answers</a>&nbsp;The disappearance of the Clovis people and the extinction of large Ice Age animals happened right about the same time that the Younger Dryas occurred. During this period, Earth suddenly cooled. Several theories have been put forward to explain this occurrence over the years. Researchers of the latest study say this could have happened because of a fragmented comet that exploded in the atmosphere. Intense heat and shockwaves took over the planet, triggering a sudden shift in the climate. “In other words, all hell broke loose,” Kennett said. Everything started burning, causing smoke and soot, while the force also resulted in dust that eventually blocked the sun. So Earth witnessed an "impact winter", and this is what likely killed the megafauna and also led to the disappearance of the Clovis culture. &nbsp;

What killed the woolly mammoths and mastodons? It was not just the changing climate, but a cosmic event that triggered a chain of events that dramatically twisted things on Earth. Not only did the large Ice Age animals go extinct, but a category of people also vanished. 

The Late Pleistocene epoch, or the final part of this period, witnessed significant climatic and environmental changes. This was also the time when several large mammals also went extinct. However, this was not solely because of the changing climate, which didn't exactly happen due to natural causes. A study has determined that a comet was partly responsible for the extinction of woolly mammoths and mastodons. The cosmic rock exploded nearly 13,000 years ago, causing a dramatic climate shift. After the Last Glacial Period ended, Earth began to become slowly warm. But for some reason, things changed again, and it started returning to near–ice age conditions, which lasted for nearly 1,000 years. This cometary explosion is also believed to be the reason for the sudden disappearance of the Clovis culture from North America’s archaeological record. Also Read: Cold War era 'Doomsday Radio' triggers World War III fears with strange message Also Read: The Swedish ghost town that was abandoned twice unearthed 400 years later Mammoths and Clovis people disappeared A study published in PLOS One cited the discovery of shocked quartz (sand grains altered by intense heat and pressure) at three key Clovis sites in the United States to support the claim. UC Santa Barbara Emeritus Professor of Earth Science James Kennett and his team found this quartz at Murray Springs in Arizona, Blackwater Draw in New Mexico, and Arlington Canyon in California’s Channel Islands. “These three sites were classic sites in the discovery and the documentation of the megafaunal extinctions in North America and the disappearance of the Clovis culture,” Kennett said. Also Read: 500-year-old crypt under Polish church reveals coffins covered in tar, triggering a hunt for answers The disappearance of the Clovis people and the extinction of large Ice Age animals happened right about the same time that the Younger Dryas occurred. During this period, Earth suddenly cooled. Several theories have been put forward to explain this occurrence over the years. Researchers of the latest study say this could have happened because of a fragmented comet that exploded in the atmosphere. Intense heat and shockwaves took over the planet, triggering a sudden shift in the climate. “In other words, all hell broke loose,” Kennett said. Everything started burning, causing smoke and soot, while the force also resulted in dust that eventually blocked the sun. So Earth witnessed an "impact winter", and this is what likely killed the megafauna and also led to the disappearance of the Clovis culture.

What killed the woolly mammoths and mastodons? It wasn't just the changing climate but a cosmic event that triggered a chain of events that dramatically twisted things on Earth. Not only did the large Ice Age animals go extinct, but a category of people also vanished.&nbsp;

13,000 years ago, a tribe vanished, and mammoths died - When a cosmic explosion ripped Earth

The pyramid of Menkaure, the third-largest in Giza, has been found hiding air in two pockets. Archaeologists were surprised when scans revealed these pockets, which they say are an anomaly. Their shape, size, and layout hint that the pyramid had a very different construction history and was built for a very different purpose compared to the other two pyramids - The Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre. Earlier, a huge internal void was discovered in the Great Pyramid of Khufu, along with a corridor near its northern entrance. But the one in Menkaure is evidently different from Khufu. "The images revealed two anomalies directly behind the polished granite blocks, which would indicate the presence of air-filled voids," the team wrote in the research published in NDT &amp; E International.&nbsp;&nbsp;Led by Khalid Helal and Mohamed Elkarmoty of Cairo University, the researchers used a combination of three different scanning techniques to see what lay behind the granite cladding on the lower portion of Menkaure. The pyramid of Menkaure has an unfinished facade of reddish granite over the limestone structure. It hasn't been studied as much as the Great Pyramid, and so this team decided to peer into what it could be hiding. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/radical-new-theory-claims-great-pyramid-was-a-machine-that-built-itself-from-inside-out-1761653423230">Radical new theory claims Great Pyramid was a machine that built itself from inside out</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-detect-huge-city-under-the-giza-pyramids-in-egypt-8880016">Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say</a> &nbsp;<h2>What do the pockets of air in the pyramid suggest?&nbsp;</h2>Using Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and ultrasonic testing (UT), the team discovered two small anomalies on the eastern face. They found that these two points were different from the surrounding limestone and were most likely pockets of air, not joints between the blocks. "The first one was found 4.6 feet below the granite, and measured around 1.5 meters wide and 1 meter high. The second, roughly 1.1 meters under the granite, measured 0.9 by 0.7 meters," the study states.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/great-pyramid-mystery-solved-group-of-work-gangs-not-slaves-likely-built-the-giza-structure-1751538000323">THIS 'gang' could have built the Great Pyramid of Giza, expert offers proof that...</a>&nbsp;They ran further simulations to understand the signals. "It was concluded that both anomalies likely represent air-filled voids within a limestone medium, beginning directly behind the outer granite casing of the eastern face," the researchers wrote. Helal and his teams noted that the configuration of the granite blocks covering the Menkaure voids is very similar to the blocks around the pyramid's north entrance. In 2019, independent researcher Stijn van den Hoven suggested that the pyramid might have a second entrance on its eastern side. The depth of these pockets is not known, and cosmic-ray muography could be used to determine the same, the researchers suggested. They further suggested that Egyptologists should discuss these anomalies. &nbsp;

The Giza pyramids have been standing tall for over 4,000 years, and yet have several more secrets. Archaeologists have found a strange feature in the pyramid of Menkaure, which suggests that it could be harbouring a hidden entrance.

The pyramid of Menkaure, the third-largest in Giza, has been found hiding air in two pockets. Archaeologists were surprised when scans revealed these pockets, which they say are an anomaly. Their shape, size, and layout hint that the pyramid had a very different construction history and was built for a very different purpose compared to the other two pyramids - The Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre. Earlier, a huge internal void was discovered in the Great Pyramid of Khufu, along with a corridor near its northern entrance. But the one in Menkaure is evidently different from Khufu. "The images revealed two anomalies directly behind the polished granite blocks, which would indicate the presence of air-filled voids," the team wrote in the research published in NDT & E International. Led by Khalid Helal and Mohamed Elkarmoty of Cairo University, the researchers used a combination of three different scanning techniques to see what lay behind the granite cladding on the lower portion of Menkaure. The pyramid of Menkaure has an unfinished facade of reddish granite over the limestone structure. It hasn't been studied as much as the Great Pyramid, and so this team decided to peer into what it could be hiding. Also Read: Radical new theory claims Great Pyramid was a machine that built itself from inside out Also Read: Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say What do the pockets of air in the pyramid suggest? Using Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and ultrasonic testing (UT), the team discovered two small anomalies on the eastern face. They found that these two points were different from the surrounding limestone and were most likely pockets of air, not joints between the blocks. "The first one was found 4.6 feet below the granite, and measured around 1.5 meters wide and 1 meter high. The second, roughly 1.1 meters under the granite, measured 0.9 by 0.7 meters," the study states. Also Read: THIS 'gang' could have built the Great Pyramid of Giza, expert offers proof that... They ran further simulations to understand the signals. "It was concluded that both anomalies likely represent air-filled voids within a limestone medium, beginning directly behind the outer granite casing of the eastern face," the researchers wrote. Helal and his teams noted that the configuration of the granite blocks covering the Menkaure voids is very similar to the blocks around the pyramid's north entrance. In 2019, independent researcher Stijn van den Hoven suggested that the pyramid might have a second entrance on its eastern side. The depth of these pockets is not known, and cosmic-ray muography could be used to determine the same, the researchers suggested. They further suggested that Egyptologists should discuss these anomalies.

The Giza pyramids have been standing tall for over 4,000 years, and yet have several more secrets. Archaeologists have found a strange feature in the pyramid of Menkaure, which suggests that it could be harbouring a hidden entrance.

Giza pyramid hiding pockets with nothing but air hints at a secret entrance

A city in Sweden has been hiding another city under it for over 400 years and was only recently discovered. Gothenburg, the second-largest city in the country, has revealed the lost Late Middle Ages city of Nya Lödöse. This ancient city started taking shape in the late 1400s and became a ghost town by 1624. According to Arkeologerna, the State Historical Museums, archaeologists found the southern part of Nya Lödöse in the excavations. The city had an earthen rampart, a moat, foundations of a house on the street and a fortified southern gate. Researchers say this city was abandoned not once but twice. In the initial days, it served as an agricultural site, around the late 1400s, while the rampart and moat were likely built around 1530. But around 17 years later, the inhabitants left the city and shifted to Alvsborg.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/500-year-old-crypt-under-polish-church-reveals-coffins-covered-in-tar-triggering-a-hunt-for-answers-1763381820212">500-year-old crypt under Polish church reveals coffins covered in tar, triggering a hunt for answers</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/20000-year-old-labyrinth-with-3000-rooms-lies-under-egypt-pyramid-9012892">20,000-year-old labyrinth with 3,000 rooms lies under Egypt pyramid, centuries-old claim resurfaces</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;However, they returned after a couple of decades to Nya Lödöse and built forts around it. They built the southern entrance again with a stone-paved gate. It acted as a crucial entry point into the city because the main street was north-south and went towards the Säveån River. Archaeologists also unearthed a building here, which might have acted as a tollhouse for the gate, while timber still lined the gate's site. The southern part of the city did not have as much population as the north. But evidence suggests that even so, the houses were nicely built within the rampart and on the main street.&nbsp;<h2>Why was Nya Lödöse abandoned?</h2>Excavations also threw light on the life of people here, with ceramics, bones, coins, glass, wooden objects, and tools offering a crucial insight. &nbsp;But then in 1621, Gothenburg was founded nearby and was a better prospect for trading and defence because of the location. By 1624, Nya Lödöse had reached its end. According to the Museum of Gothenburg, even though the new city was under the control of Sweden, the Danish king exercised control over some counties nearby. It had high earthen banks and a moat, which led people to move there. It only took three years for Nya Lödöse to be completely abandoned. Later, Gothenburg's industrial area was built over the lost city in the 1870s.

Archaeologists in Sweden have found a lost city under one of the most bustling industrial cities of the country. Nya Lödöse was abandoned by its residents when the new city was built and became a more promising place for trade and defence.

A city in Sweden has been hiding another city under it for over 400 years and was only recently discovered. Gothenburg, the second-largest city in the country, has revealed the lost Late Middle Ages city of Nya Lödöse. This ancient city started taking shape in the late 1400s and became a ghost town by 1624. According to Arkeologerna, the State Historical Museums, archaeologists found the southern part of Nya Lödöse in the excavations. The city had an earthen rampart, a moat, foundations of a house on the street and a fortified southern gate. Researchers say this city was abandoned not once but twice. In the initial days, it served as an agricultural site, around the late 1400s, while the rampart and moat were likely built around 1530. But around 17 years later, the inhabitants left the city and shifted to Alvsborg. Also Read: 500-year-old crypt under Polish church reveals coffins covered in tar, triggering a hunt for answers Also Read: 20,000-year-old labyrinth with 3,000 rooms lies under Egypt pyramid, centuries-old claim resurfaces However, they returned after a couple of decades to Nya Lödöse and built forts around it. They built the southern entrance again with a stone-paved gate. It acted as a crucial entry point into the city because the main street was north-south and went towards the Säveån River. Archaeologists also unearthed a building here, which might have acted as a tollhouse for the gate, while timber still lined the gate's site. The southern part of the city did not have as much population as the north. But evidence suggests that even so, the houses were nicely built within the rampart and on the main street. Why was Nya Lödöse abandoned? Excavations also threw light on the life of people here, with ceramics, bones, coins, glass, wooden objects, and tools offering a crucial insight. But then in 1621, Gothenburg was founded nearby and was a better prospect for trading and defence because of the location. By 1624, Nya Lödöse had reached its end. According to the Museum of Gothenburg, even though the new city was under the control of Sweden, the Danish king exercised control over some counties nearby. It had high earthen banks and a moat, which led people to move there. It only took three years for Nya Lödöse to be completely abandoned. Later, Gothenburg's industrial area was built over the lost city in the 1870s.

Archaeologists in Sweden have found a lost city under one of the most bustling industrial cities of the country. Nya Lödöse was abandoned by its residents when the new city was built and became a more promising place for trade and defence.

The Swedish ghost town that was abandoned twice unearthed 400 years later

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