Archaeology News Weekly 29.03.09

Wrapped URLs may require cut-and-paste restoration. Longer URLs have
been shortened using SnipURL. Some articles may "time out" after
several days. Some news sites requiree free registration (for a third-
party username and password, try http://bugmenot.com/ ). My apologies
if any repeats have slipped through - sometimes old news is disguised
as new.

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Excavation in Turkey set to rewrite history of Iron Age
The Asahi Shimbun [Japan], 2009/3/27

Japanese researchers digging in Turkey have pushed back the start of
the Iron Age, until now presumed to have begun around 1500 B.C., with
the discovery of fragments of an iron tool that predate previous
finds by several centuries. The implication of the excavations at
Kaman-Kalehoyuk, about 100 kilometers southeast of Ankara, is that
the history of iron tool production may have to be rewritten. They
said iron fragments believed to be part of a blade were found in a
geological layer dating from 2100 B.C. to 1950 B.C. Until now, the
first use of man-made iron tools and weapons was believed to have
been around 1500 B.C. by Hittites who lived in the Anatolian
Peninsula. The artifact, which is in pieces, would have a total
length of 5 centimeters if connected. Although the tool was badly
corroded, an X-ray of a cross section produced an image of a sharp
edge. Researchers believe the tool was a single-edged dagger. Another
fragment, a piece of iron slag, measures 2 centimeters in diameter.
Two rocks containing iron were also found, suggesting that iron
workshops existed at the site.
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200903270034.html

Italian dig uncovers "oldest" temple in Cyprus
Reuters, Mar 27, 2009

An Italian archaeologist says she has discovered what is believed to
be the oldest site of religious worship in Cyprus, a temple which is
about 4,000 years old. The find at the Pyrgos-Mavroraki site close to
the southern city of Limassol predates any other discoveries in
Cyprus by about 1,000 years, Italian archaeologist Maria Rosaria
Belgiorno said. "This is the first evidence of religion in Cyprus at
the beginning of the second millennium BC," she was quoted as telling
the Cyprus Weekly newspaper from Rome. Belgiorno said she had found
the outline of a triangular-shaped temple, comprised of two rooms, on
the site. There was a sacrificial altar flanked by a channel on two
sides. "We found no statues, but there is evidence that it is a
monotheistic temple," she said. It was probably destroyed in an
earthquake and abandoned in 1800 BC.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE52Q2PM20090327?rpc=401&

Greek fisherman nets 2,200-year-old bronze statue
The News & Observer [USA], Mar. 23, 2009

ATHENS, Greece -- A Greek fisherman must have been expecting a
monster of a catch when he brought up his nets in the Aegean Sea last
week. Instead, Greek authorities say his haul was a section of a
2,200-year-old bronze statue of a horseman. A Culture Ministry
announcement said Monday the accidental find was made in waters
between the eastern islands of Kos and Kalymnos. The fisherman handed
over the corroded metal figure to authorities, who have started the
cleaning process.
http://www.newsobserver.com/1635/story/1454954.html

Four-thousand-years-old male skeleton unearthed in Tajikistan
Itar-Tass [Russia], 28.03.2009

A unique archeological find has been made in the foothills near the
old Tajik village of Tudakavsh, the Kulyab Region, in the country’s
southeast. According to Tajik mass media, a group of local residents
found a well-preserved ancient male skeleton while doing earth-moving
work. Experts say the skeleton is at least four thousand years old.
The man was about two meters tall. On a finger bone there was a ring
of unusual shape. The rector of the Kulyab University, Karimdjon
Kodiri and his students – future archaeologists – went to see the
site where the skeleton was found. After preliminary excavation they
discovered several clay jars next to the remains. Judging by the
skeleton’s facedown posture the specialists that the ancient man was
not buried, but died in battle, the specialists said. The chief of
the archeology department at the Institute of History, Archeology and
Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences, Yusuf Yakubov, has
told Itar-Tass he does not rule out that the human remains and the
artifacts found next to it most probably date back to the Bronze Age
some 2,500 years B.C.
http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=13729283&PageNum=0

Roman finds at park-and-ride site
BBC, 23 March 2009

Excavation of a proposed park-and-ride site in Taunton has revealed
one of the largest prehistoric roundhouses in Britain and a number of
Roman burials. The house dates from the Iron Age (400-100 BC) and was
constructed from wooden posts with a thatched roof and had a diameter
of 17m (56ft). Archaeologists also found three Iron Age spearheads, a
pair of Roman shears loom weights, Roman brooches and large amounts
of pottery. Experts said there were originally four houses on the
site that were next to fields where mixed agriculture of cereal crop
and sheep farming were practised.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/7958965.stm

5,000-year-old home of capital's first farmers discovered
The Scotsman, 23 March 2009

THE remains of a hilltop home believed to be about 5,000 years old
have been discovered on the outskirts of Edinburgh, The Scotsman can
reveal. The Neolithic roundhouse, found on a site where a quarry is
due to be expanded, is one of the oldest prehistoric buildings to be
discovered in the capital. Archaeologists have hailed it as one of
the most important finds ever made in Edinburgh because of its age –
about the same as Skara Brae in Orkney – and unique location. It is
also expected to help fill in a largely unknown chapter in Scottish
history, when farming had only recently spread to Britain from
Europe. Experts believe the roundhouse was probably built by one of
the first families of farmers to start producing their own food in
the area.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epjfp
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/5000yearold-home-of-capital39s-
first.5097272.jp

Medieval murder mystery at Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny People [Scotland], 25 March 2009

A HUMAN skull believed to be that of a murder victim dating back to
medieval times has been unearthed embedded in the walls of the moat
of Kilkenny Castle. The moat walls were discovered on Tuesday by
archaeologists working on the Parade development. The moat is
believed to date back some 800 years to 1209. "This is the most
significant find since we began our excavations last April. We always
believed that the moat existed but it was never found and we thought
that it was located closer to where the Kilkenny Design Centre
presently is," consultant archaeologist Patrick Neary told the
Kilkenny People.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epiiz
http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/Medieval-murder-mystery-at-Kilkenny.
5107420.jp

Historic flood defences uncovered
Environment Agency News [UK], 2009-03-24

Work to improve flood protection for a Northumberland village has
uncovered flood defences built centuries earlier. Environment Agency
contractors remodelling a flood bank near Corbridge uncovered
stonework which is thought to have been built as a flood defence 300
years ago. Experts from TWM Archaeology had a watching brief during
the work on site and moved in to investigate a block sandstone
surface which was uncovered during excavations for the new flood
defences. The stonework, sloping at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees from
the horizontal, was close to where Corbridge’s Roman bridge was
discovered but archaeologists identified it as having been built at a
later date, to reinforce a bank or weir constructed parallel to the
course of the River Tyne. The Environment Agency’s contractors traced
the course of the weir for 40 metres. TWM believe it was designed to
act as a flood defence to protect agricultural land south of the river.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/105808.aspx?

Paupers' graves found at school site
BBC, 23 March 2009

The discovery of paupers' graves in County Down has delayed the
construction of a new school. Minister of Education Caitríona Ruane
said archaeologists had been called in to do trial excavations at the
site at Strangford Road, Downpatrick. Human remains were found at the
scene and a decision was taken to leave them where they were. The
archaeologists are due to report on the find and a decision on the
fate of the remains will be taken.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7959404.stm

Archaeological Dig Uncovers Historic Tavern
First Coast News [USA], 3/24/2009

Off the beaten path from bustling St. George Street in St. Augustine,
tucked into the back streets, there are quaint bars, cozy
restaurants, and tiny B&B's. There is also a vacant corner lot of
Cuna Street and Spanish Street which appears to have once been a
happening hot spot of its own. Granted, it was a couple hundred years
ago. An archaeological dig is underway on the corner lot that has a
picket fence wrapped around it. The City of St. Augustine's
Archaeologist, Carl Halbirt, leads a team of archaeologists there. A
scattering of rectangular holes in the dirt that are only a few feet
long and about a foot wide that are scattered across the lot are
"windows to the past," Halbirt explained. And, apparently, the "past"
at this corner was a social one! "We think we have a possible tavern
here," Halbirt said bluntly. A tavern from the late 1700's!
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epjx7
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/mostpopular/news-article.aspx?
storyid=134552&provider=top

Pre-Inca citadel, cemetery found in Amazonas region
Living in Peru, 23 March, 2009

A pre-Inca citadel, and cemetery, have been discovered near the
Chucmar village in Bagua Grande, capital of Utcubamba, province in
the jungle region of Amazonas. The archaeological complex, located in
one of the highest part of a mountain with lush vegetation, has
several circular stone houses. The expedition found also stone pestle
to crush seeds, as well as stone axes and pottery bowls. A number of
skulls and another ancient human remains were found at the cemetery
area.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/eppem
http://www.livinginperu.com/news-8515-peru-pre-inca-citadel-cemetery-
found-amazonas-region

Rare talisman fragments found at Nara tomb
The Yomiuri Shimbun [Japan], Mar. 26, 2009

The Nara prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Institute has announced
that pieces of a vessel-shaped haniwa clay object with rare markings
has been excavated at the Suyama ancient burial mound in Koryocho,
Nara Prefecture. The patterned pieces are believed to be part of a
talisman and were found on the north side of the 220-meter-long,
keyhole-shaped tomb mound built between the late fourth century and
the early fifth century. Three years ago, a wooden ship with similar
surface patterns was excavated from the moat surrounding the tomb.
"The discovery indicates that people from that age shared a view that
souls of the dead are transported to the afterlife by a ship," an
institute researcher said Thursday,
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090326TDY02302.htm

Mound of ruins Bengal’s oldest Buddhist site
The Telegraph [India], March 27 2009

The Murshidabad mound that yielded Bengal’s largest sixth century
ruins was today designated the state’s earliest Buddhist site. The
confirmation came from epigraphist Suresh Chandra Bhattacharya, who
deciphered the inscriptions on a clutch of terracotta seals found at
the site as “Vijayachandrasya” and “Vainya” and the writing as
Brahmi, an ancient script that was widely used in Buddhist texts.
Bhattacharya said the terracotta artefacts were personal seals that
might have been used at the time like visiting cards of the modern
age. “The characters, as would appear from the style of writing, may
be assigned to the sixth century. The head marks are not as developed
as in scripts of the later period (Siddhamatrika or Kutila).”
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090328/jsp/frontpage/story_10733775.jsp

Early agriculture left traces in animal bones
EurekAlert [USA], 23-Mar-2009

Unraveling the origins of agriculture in different regions around the
globe has been a challenge for archeologists. Now researchers writing
in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences report finding
evidence of early human experiments with grain cultivation in East
Asia. They gathered this information from an unlikely source - dog
and pig bones. The dog and pig bones, as well as bones of other
animals analyzed in the study, come from an archaeological site in a
region of northwest China considered to be a possible early center of
East Asian agriculture. Chemical traces within the dog bones suggest
a diet high in millet, a grain that wild dogs are unlikely to eat in
large quantities, but that was a staple of early agricultural
societies in northwest China.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/ci-eal032309.php

Researchers find the earliest evidence of domesticated maize
EurekAlert [USA], 23-Mar-2009

Maize was domesticated from its wild ancestor more than 8700 years
according to biological evidence uncovered by researchers in the
Mexico's Central Balsas River Valley. This is the earliest dated
evidence -- by 1200 years -- for the presence and use of domesticated
maize. The researchers, led by Anthony Ranere of Temple University
and Dolores Piperno of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural
History, reported their findings in two studies -- "The Cultural and
chronological context of early Holocene maize and squash
domestication in the Central Balsas River Valley, Mexcio" and "Starch
grain and phytolith evidence for early ninth millennium B.P. maize
from the Central Balsas River Valley, Mexico" -- being published in
the PNAS Early edition, March 24.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/tu-rft032109.php
Also:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/s-nrr032009.php

East China city to renovate 1,000 ancient buildings within five years
Xinhua News Agency [China], 2009-03-27

The scenic city of Huangshan in east China plans to renovate 1,000
ancient buildings, or relics of the country's late agricultural era,
in the coming five years, according to the city's cultural
preservation bureau Friday. The city will renovate 200 buildings in
each of the five years, with an average 1.2 million yuan (175,650
U.S. dollars) for each residence, said Hu Rongsun, head of the city's
bureau of cultural relics preservation, Friday. A survey by local
experts last year suggests that 5 percent of the ancient buildings,
most of which are residences, in Huangshan would perish every year
without necessary repairs. Some buildings, including those dating
back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), could collapse at any time as
roof damage and rotten timber components are common in most
buildings, said Wang Wei, who led the survey.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/27/content_11083034.htm

Hungary's archaeologists object to public access to listed sites
Hungarian News Agency, March 28 2009

Hungary's association of archaeologists has raised concern about a
new government decision under which public access will be granted to
listed sites, Nepszabadsag daily said on Saturday. The decision
coming into force on April 1 is intended to enable buyers to see if
the land they plan to purchase is on a listed archaeological site. In
case it is, then before they do any work on the new property, they
are obliged to have it excavated at their own cost. The Hungarian
Archaeology Association has published a statement protesting against
the new regulation, stating that it will endanger listed sites and
make them available to looters.
http://english.mti.hu/default.asp?menu=1&theme=2&cat=25&newsid=260463

Archaeology probe call over latest abbey plans
Dundee Courier [Scotland], 26 March 2009

THE NATIONAL Trust for Scotland has called for an archaeological
investigation to be conducted if new houses are to be built near
Balmerino Abbey. Revised plans have been lodged with Fife Council for
houses to be constructed on land west of the ruined 13th century
Cistercian abbey. Previous proposals for 11 houses on two sites in
the hamlet of Balmerino prompted a backlash. Among those who spoke
out against them was BBC TV Coast presenter Mark Horton who said they
would seriously jeopardise the setting of a beautiful and historic
site. Headon Developments of St Andrews now has plans to construct
five homes on one site only. The National Trust for Scotland, which
along with Historic Scotland opposed the earlier proposals, said it
would not object.
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2009/03/26/newsstory12831264t0.asp

Archaeological worries over barrage plan
WalesOnline, Mar 28 2009

IRREPLACEABLE treasures dating back millions of years will be lost if
plans to build the Severn Barrage go ahead, experts have warned.
Creating the 10-mile structure across the Severn Estuary could lead
to a catastrophic rise in its tide levels, which one of Wales’
leading academics has warned will “drown” ancient relics buried deep
within the waters. The estuary is home to some of the country’s – and
the world’s – best-loved archaeological finds, including the remains
of Iron Age settlements and the prehistoric footprints. It is one of
only two sites on Earth that offers a rare glimpse into life millions
of years ago before modern civilisations developed. Professor Simon
Haslett, who made the claims, said that building the unique tidal
power system could cause the upstream sea levels to rise by around
three metres.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/eshru
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/03/28/
archaeological-worries-over-barrage-plan-91466-23251117/

Centuries old monoliths lie in ruins
The Morung Express [India], March 25 2009

The ancient Kachari Rajbari ruins, one of the only remnants
symbolising the existence of the Kachari kingdom in Dimapur, is lying
in ‘ruins’. The 16th century ancient site has transformed into a mini-
jungle attracting few visitors and more hooligans who enter the area
to have a good time. The monoliths, shaped as chess pieces, and brick
gateway have been badly damaged due to the harsh climate causing
cracks to form and parts to chip off. Toxic smoke emanating from a
row of blacksmiths’ shops adjacent to the site is also causing damage
to the monoliths. Added to that is the uneven land surface which was
once used by the Army as training ground, and visitors can be sure of
falling into shallow pits covered under thick grass.
http://www.morungexpress.com/local/18121.html

Savar ancient site left 'unprotected'
The Daily Star [Bangladesh], March 25, 2009

The "Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi" in Savar may appear to the visitors
as a dump, garage, poultry farm or any sleazy place, but obviously
never a 'protected' archaeological site. The way the Department of
Archaeology maintains the site only 32 kilometres off from the
capital would definitely take visitors, if there is any, by surprise.
They might even wonder what is happening to those sites scattered
elsewhere across the country. But it's really no wonder the scenario
is the same in almost everywhere in Bangladesh. The government has
not yet conducted a nationwide survey to trace or detect how many
ancient sites are there in the country. As many as 391 archaeological
sites, many of which have already been encroached, have so far been
announced "protected" since the British rule here. "Harishchandra
Rajar Dhibi" in Savar is one of those.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=81219

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More on:

Lost Crusaders' Tunnels Found Near Palace on Malta
National Geographic News, March 25, 2009

For centuries it's been said that the crusading Knights of Malta
constructed an underground city on the Mediterranean island of Malta,
sparking rumors of secret carriageways and military labyrinths. Now a
tunnel network has been uncovered beneath the historic heart of the
Maltese capital of Valletta, researchers say. But the tunnels—likely
from an ahead-of-its-time water system—may render previous theories
all wet. The newfound tunnels are said to date back to the 16th and
early 17th centuries, when the knights—one of the major Christian
military orders of the 11th- to 13th-century Crusades—fortified
Valletta against Muslim attack.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epguy
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/090325-malta-tunnels-
crusaders.html

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Continuing Sagas:

Revealed: the man who may have sunk the Mary Rose
The Guardian [UK], 23 March 2009

Eyes bleared from gunsmoke and salt spray, the face of the man who
may have sunk the Mary Rose has been revealed, more than 400 years
after he went to the bottom of the Solent in the wreck of Henry
VIII's flagship. The head has been modelled by the internationally
renowned forensic artist Richard Neave from a skull recovered from
the wreck. Only a handful of the more than 400 crew and soldiers
survived when the ship sank so fast and so close to shore that
helpless watchers on the cliffs heard the screams of the drowning
men. For the first time, the face of one of the victims can be seen.
The remains of more than 170 individuals have been recovered, but few
can be identified as specific members of the crew. This man was found
with the emblem of his comparatively senior status, his bosun's call
- a whistle - proving he was the man who may have been at least
partly responsible for the disaster.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/mar/23/mary-rose-ship

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Features:

Byzantine Bathhouse Provides Shelter Amid Rocket Attacks
Arutz Sheva [Israel], 03/26/09

Despite Kassam rockets, a team of archaeologists has nearly completed
the excavation of a Byzantine village containing the largest
bathhouse ever discovered in Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority
started excavating the site of a large Byzantine village this past
January. A few weeks ago, archaeologists found a bathhouse dating
back to the Byzantine period. The excavation, which is expected to be
completed in a week’s time, is located in the Shaar HaNegev region
near Kibbutz Gevim, at the site of Horvat Lasan. Archaeologist
Gregory Serai, director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel
Antiquities Authority, stated that the Byzantine village reveals an
economy based on the production of wine and the manufacturing of
pottery vessels. The site was situated on a road that linked Be’er
Sheva with Gaza, and probably began as a road station during the
Roman period.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/130621

Germany's stone age cannibalism
The Guardian [UK], March 25th 2009

The German city of Speyer, in Rheinland-Palatinate, well known for
its -Romanesque cathedral, also boasts some much more macabre relics.
A collection of skulls, shin bones and vertebrae might not seem
unusual in an archaeology museum, but these particular remains are
special. They all show signs of having been cut, scraped or broken,
indicating that their owners were cannibalised. "Look at these
grooves, running from the base of the nose to the back of the neck,
or here on the temples," says Andrea Zeeb-Lanz, the regional head of
archaeology, holding up a skull. "The grooves show, beyond all
possible doubt, that the flesh was torn off." It takes good eyesight
to catch the fine parallel incisions made by the cutting edge of the
flint stone. She then shows me a piece of thigh-bone the end of which
has been crushed. Judging by the state of the bone tissue, it was
smashed shortly after the victim was killed.
http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=1000&catID=17

Vibrant Civilization uncovered in Oman
Middle East Online [UK], 2009-03-28

The Sultanate of Oman is gifted with geographical diversity, its
coastline that stretches for 3,165 kilometers including islands and
gulfs, and its land area of 309,500 square kilometers, all of which
have attracted travelers, traders, and immigrants throughout history.
Its geographical position forms a local point of contact with other
nations and civilizations, and enables the Omanies with their
neighbors to shape the historical events in their region. In many
regions of Oman different forms of coastal settlements dating back to
the Stone Age have been discovered. Archaeological evidence has
confirmed the existence of such settlements. The discovery of
agriculture, animal domestication and primitive production such as
spinning, weaving, pottery and the making of metal tools, followed by
the spread of the copper mining industry and trading with other
countries like Mesopotamia, India and China, have chronicled Oman’s
strategic role through the pages of history to modern times.
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=31244

Ancient life unearthed
The National [UAE], March 29. 2009

The ancient secrets lay buried in the sand for centuries. In the end,
and not without irony, it was the hunt for oil – the driving force of
the UAE’s future – that unearthed its forgotten past. Fifty years ago
this month, an expedition of Danish archaeologists from the Aarhus
Museum of Prehistory began work on the island of Umm al-Nar, a few
hundred metres off the coast. Today, Umm al-Nar is home to the
infrastructure of a modern city – a port, power station, desalination
plant – but in 1959 Peter Glob, director of the National Museum in
Copenhagen, and his colleagues found a barren landscape ripe for
discovery, containing evidence of a settlement and graves and a
people who were skilful in smelting copper and had strong trade ties
with other parts of Asia.
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090329/NATIONAL/900160589/-1/ART

Civil War naval clashes uncovered at Bayport
St. Petersburg Times [USA], March 27, 2009

At least five times between 1863 and 1865, Union ships confronted
blockade-runners in or near Bayport. Three of these cargo ships were
burned, either by Union sailors who had captured them or Confederates
who wanted to prevent their seizure. In the most dramatic engagement,
in April 1863, one Confederate soldier was killed and at least three
were wounded. Yet until recently, the details of the Union blockade
of Bayport and the profiteers who tried to skirt it remained obscure
even to avid historians such as former teacher and Brooksville Mayor
John Tucker. An archaeologist hired by the group to map artifacts,
Gary Ellis, uncovered some of the naval records describing the
encounters, Tucker said. Another member, retired paleontologist Dave
Letasi, is sifting through the documents to write the text for a
historical marker at the park.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/article987389.ece

Each to their own
Al-Ahram [Egypt], 26 March - 1 April 2009

Nubia's curious geographical location as a corridor between Africa
south of the Sahara, Egypt and the Arab world coupled with a somewhat
schizophrenic outlook -- simultaneously espousing historical
isolation and integration with its neighbours -- created a unique
culture that Nubians appear eager for outsiders to comprehend, writes
Gamal Nkrumah ...
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/940/heritage.htm

VIDEO: Pre-Incan mummy unveiled
Reuters, Mar. 24, 2009

Peruvian archaeologists have unveiled a female mummy unearthed in
2004, thought to be an elite member of the Pre-Incan Ichma culture.
According to archaeologists, the mummy of a 50-year-old woman,
discovered next to the remains of two children on San Lorenzo island,
was most likely a prominent figure in her society.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epis1
http://uk.reuters.com/news/video?
rpc=401&videoId=100878&feedType=VideoRSS&feedName=TopNews&rpc=401&videoC
hannel=1

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Miscellany:

Giza Pyramids Align Toward City of Sun God
Discovery News, March 24, 2009

Some of Egypt's most magnificent pyramids were deliberately designed
to follow a pattern of invisible diagonal lines, an Italian study has
concluded. According to Giulio Magli, professor of archaeoastronomy
at Milan's Polytechnic University, these invisible lines would
connect most of the funerary complexes raised by the kings of the Old
Kingdom between 2630 and 2323 B.C. "Following these diagonals, it
appears clear that the arrangement of the monuments was carefully
chosen in order to satisfy a number of criteria, which include
dynastic lineage, religion and astronomical alignments," Magli told
Discovery News.
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/24/giza-pyramids.html

It's a boy! Hospital brain scanner reveals the identity of 2,000-year-
old Egyptian mummy
The Daily Mail [UK], The Sun [UK], 27th March 2009

For two thousands years, their secrets have remained locked inside
intricate layers of linen. Now, the details of their life - and death
- are being exposed with the help of 21st century technology. Three
child mummies have been virtually unwrapped by sophisticated X-ray
scanners more usually used to detect brain tumours in hospitals.
Using a CT scanner, scientists have been able to peer through the
multiple layers of tightly wrapped linen that protected the
youngsters on their journey to the afterlife. Within just an hour of
starting the scans at BMI The Blackheath Hospital, in London, the
scientists made a startling discovery. A gold-masked mummy, long
thought to belong to a girl was in fact the remains of a boy of
around two years old. Forensic Egyptologist Janet Davey said: 'We
have already been stunned to discover, and amused too, that one of
the mummies is in fact a boy.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/ephid
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1165317/Its-boy-
Hospital-brain-scanner-reveals-identity-2-000-year-old-Egyptian-
mummy.html
See also The Sun [UK]:
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epha5
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2345745.ece?OTC-
RSS&ATTR=News

Egypt wants 3,000-year-old coffin back from US
Middle East Online [UK], 2009-03-23

Egypt will soon file an official request with US authorities to
return a 3,000-year-old wooden coffin illegally smuggled out of the
country more than a century ago, the country's top archaeologist said
Sunday. In a statement, Zahi Hawass said the nearly 5-foot-long
coffin was taken from Egypt in 1884 after it was stolen from a tomb
in Luxor, an ancient pharaonic capital in southern Egypt. Hawass says
the ornamented coffin belonged to Pharaoh Ames of the 21st Dynasty,
which ruled over Egypt from 1081-931 B.C. The coffin is currently in
the hands of the customs authority in Miami, Florida, who confiscated
it after it was shipped to the United States from Spain, added the
statement.
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=31126

Nation's first smokers unearthed
BBC, 27 March 2009

A new display of archaeological finds on show in the Borders includes
pipes thought to have belonged to some of Scotland's first regular
smokers. The items were found during a 1980s excavation at Smailholm
Tower. Among the discoveries were a number of early 17th Century clay
tobacco pipes which were found in the kitchen block. Experts believe
this shows that the Pringle family - which lived there until 1645 -
were "among the first in Scotland to take up the habit".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/
7966261.stm

Roman wall escapes archaeologists' trowels
Gloucester Citizen [UK], March 26, 2009

MEDIEVAL recyclers may have helped themselves to parts of
Gloucester's Roman wall to build their own homes. That's one of the
more unusual theories to come out of an archaeological investigation
in the centre of Gloucester. Gloucestershire County Council's
archaeology team was given the chance to explore an area where the
Kimbrose Triangle meets Southgate Street before work begins in the
summer to connect the Docks to the city centre in a more defined way.
And although they made a number of significant discoveries, they were
frustrated in their search for the line of the old Roman wall. The
section between Parliament Street and Ladybellegate Street is the
only piece of the city's Roman wall that has not been physically
accounted for. It was hoped that the recent dig may uncover it.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epi6u
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucester/headlines/Roman-
wall-escapes-archaeologists-trowels/article-844739-detail/article.html

Museum building work uncovers 100-year-old message
Sommerset County Gazette [UK], 23rd March 2009

A FASCINATING insight into building works from 100 years ago has been
uncovered at Taunton Castle. A note from the tradesman who made and
installed the bookcases in the Adam Library in 1911, together with
his screwdriver and a chocolate bar wrapper, have been found during
work on the £6.9m Museum of Somerset project. The note says that the
bookcases were made and fixed “after much labour, irritation and
anxiety” by Albert Paul Churchill, “the one that did the work”. His
three colleagues are described as “The General Lookers on” and “The
one that helped”. The Adam Library is undergoing renovation work as
part of a scheme to restore Taunton Castle and bring up to date the
museum housed there.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/eppiu
http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/
4225186.Museum_building_work_uncovers_100_year_old_message/

Bones of 39 saints discovered in British Museum
The Irish Times, March 24, 2009

THE NEW medieval gallery at the British Museum in London is full of
beautiful images of saints in ivory, stone, gold and wood – but
invisible to visitors, it also holds the bones of 39 real saints,
whose discovery came as a shock to their curator. The relics, packed
in tiny bundles of cloth, including one scrap of fabric more than
1,000 years old, were found when a 12th-century German portable altar
was opened for the first time since it came into the British Museum
collection in 1902. It was in for a condition check and cleaning
before going on display tomorrow. But to the amazement of James
Robinson, curator of medieval antiquities, when it was opened a linen
cloth was revealed, and inside it dozens of tiny bundles of cloth,
each neatly labelled on little pieces of vellum.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0324/1224243318094.html

Rare Burns book found at museum
BBC, 26 March 2009

A rare book which belonged to Robert Burns has been discovered at a
museum in South Ayrshire. The copy of "A Select Collection of
Original Scottish Airs", which was co-edited by the poet, was found
at the Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. Burns gave the book -
which prominently features his handwriting - as a gift to his boss's
daughter. It came to light as books and artefacts at the museum were
being cleared for preservation and restoration treatment. The current
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is closing to pave the way for a £21m
development, taking in surrounding Burns' attractions. The new
facilities will open in summer 2010. Museum curator David Hopes
described the book as a "hidden treasure".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7966027.stm

Extinct passenger pigeon discovered at Brodsworth Hall
24 Hour Museum [UK], 24 March 2009

Curators at Brodsworth Hall have unearthed a fascinating feathered
find roosting in the hall’s impressive taxidermy collection. The
North American passenger pigeon, which became extinct nearly 100
years ago, has been causing a flap at the English Heritage property
since it was discovered by local taxidermy expert Martin Limbert,
who is also Natural Science Officer at Doncaster Museum and Art
Gallery. He discovered the bird amongst a stuffed zoo of weasels,
pheasants and badgers in its original case in the Lathe Room at
Brodsworth, whose collection of stuffed animals is a fantastic
example of the Victorian passion for taxidermy.
http://www.culture24.org.uk/science+%2526+nature/animals/taxidermy/
art67087

Live bomb unearthed at Duxford war museum
Saffron Walden Reporter [UK], 26 March 2009

A WAR museum had to be evacuated after workmen discovered and an
unexploded bomb yesterday afternoon (Wednesday). The device was
discovered by construction workers digging up a road at the Imperial
War Museum Duxford. A museum spokesman said: "We can confirm an
unexploded device has been located at the museum. "It was found at
4pm and all staff and visitors left the site safely. We can assure
that no one was in danger at any time." Police and fire services
attended the scene and recommended the device was not disturbed until
it could be destroyed in a controlled explosion due to be carried out
some time this morning (Thursday).
Short URL: http://snipr.com/epi0s
http://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/content/saffron/news/
story.aspx?
brand=SAFOnline&category=NewsSaffron&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=n
ewslatestSAF&itemid=WEED26%20Mar%202009%2009%3A54%3A07%3A823

Will 2012 be the end of the world?
The News-Journal [USA], March 29, 2009

Lightning rips open overcast skies. Pelting rain pours down, flooding
the land as hurricane-force winds lash coconut trees. Rising ocean
waves smash the shores and raging fires consume forests. The video
images in the introduction of the documentary, "2012: Science or
Fiction," with eerie background music paint a scary scene of what
might happen on Dec. 21, 2012, when the Maya predicted an end to the
world -- or did they? The date marks the end of the Maya Long Count
Calendar, but no one really knows if that indicates the end of days
-- or simply the time to turn the page on a new calendar. The date is
mentioned only once in Maya hieroglyphics, yet some scholars
interpret it to signify the end of the world. Others believe the date
denotes a conscious change humans will experience about their
existence. Nearly all the theories are proposed by non-Maya people.
Short URL: http://snipr.com/esi1m
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/
frtHEAD04032909.htm

Time for a change: to 600 antique cuckoo clocks
The Times [UK], March 28, 2009

Knutsford Roman Piekarski listens to the workings of a cuckoo clock
as he begins the time-consuming task of adjusting the 600 antique
clocks at the Cuckooland Museum in readiness for tomorrow’s change to
British Summer Time. The museum in Tabley, near Knutsford, Cheshire,
has the largest collection of Black Forest cuckoo clocks in the world
and it can take Mr Piekarski, its owner, up to 12 hours to adjust all
the timepieces. “I wish we could just stick to the same time all year
round,” he said. “It just takes ages to change them all – and I have
to do it twice a year.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5989439.ece

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