ancient

A chemical analysis of the bones of ancient Nubians shows that they were regularly consuming tetracycline, most likely in their beer. The finding is the strongest evidence yet that the art of making antibiotics, which officially dates to the discovery of penicillin in 1928, was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago. The research, led by anthropologist George Armelagos, is published in the ‘American Journal of Physical Anthropology’. Says Armelagos, “We tend to associate drugs that cure diseases with modern medicine. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that this prehistoric population was using empirical evidence to develop therapeutic agents.”

The ancient Incan sanctuary of Machu Picchu is considered one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements. Built in a remote Andean setting atop a narrow ridge high above a precipitous river canyon, the site is renowned for its perfect integration with the spectacular landscape. But the sanctuary’s location has long puzzled scientists: Why did the Incas build their masterpiece in such an inaccessible place? Research from the Geological Society of America now suggests that the Incas intentionally built Machu Picchu and some of their cities in locations where tectonic faults meet; and it would be impossible to build such a site in the high mountains if the substrate was not fractured. Says researcher Rualdo Menegat, “The faults and fractures underlying Machu Picchu helped drain the site during the intense rainstorms prevalent in the region. The pre-existing fractures aided this process and help account for its remarkable preservation. Machu Picchu shows us that the Incan civilization was an empire of fractured rocks.”

University of Cincinnati archaeologists have discovered two Bronze Age family tombs near the grave of the Griffin Warrior, a Greek military leader who was buried with armour, weapons and jewellery, and was found in 2015. Among the priceless objects of art found in his tomb was an agate sealstone depicting mortal combat with such fine detail that Archaeology magazine hailed it as a “Bronze Age masterpiece”. The new round tombs, called Tholos VI and VII, were once lined with gold foil and contained artwork emblazoned with mythological creatures. An agate sealstone featured two lion-like creatures called genii standing upright on clawed feet. The team has also found a serving vase and an incense burner, a tribute for the altar before them featuring a sprouting sapling between horns of consecration. “I think these are probably people who were very sophisticated for their time,” says researcher Sharon Stocker. “You have this explosion of wealth. It’s the formative years that will give rise to the Classic Age of Greece.”