More exciting news is emerging from China regarding ancient diets. Through starch grain analysis, researchers have identified unexpected plant species that are believed to have been consumed. This would suggest that an indigenous agricultural system was in place prior to the arrival of domesticated rice.
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Use-wear and starch-grain analysis is showing a new picture of the origins of agriculture in northern China. The results show that various wild plants were processed with these tools, pushing back the exploitation of plants by 12,000 years, placing this region on par with similar activities in the Middle East.
The origins of the Maya civilization has baffled archaeologists for decades. New radiocarbon dates from Ceibal pushes back the earliest occupation of this ancient Maya site. This research is key to archaeologists who are interested in understanding the role that the timing that the Olmec civilization played in the rise of the Maya. This new research provides some fodder for more questions regarding this issue.
When you think of the ancient Egyptian pyramid builders, one does not immediately imagine a comfortable life. At least with regards to their diet, it seems they ate quite well, as suggested by the faunal analysis which indicates that about 4,000 pounds of meat were being slaughtered a day to feed these workers. Also, the data revealed that those who oversaw the workers and the construction, ate mostly beef, which was the most prized meat during that time.
The oldest medieval cookbook has been discovered, dating back to 1140. The cookbook, considered a health book by the scholars, features recipes containing herbs and spices typical of a Mediterranean diet. The recipes will be recreated and tasted later this month.
Maya Blue has long fascinated scientists, and new research suggests that a third ingredient, known as dehydroindigo is the third component of Maya Blue, besides indigo and palygorskite. This new component, which is yellow in color, gives Maya Blue the distinct greenish hue.
Auction house Sotheby's is planning on selling archaeological artifacts, and the Mexican government is demanding to halt this auction, as Mexico has a law that bans the selling or purchasing of archaeological artifacts. Other artifacts in the collection are being labeled as fakes or imitations. An important case to follow for those interested in archaeology, patrimony, and cultural heritage.
13 bodies dated to the mid-14th century have been revealed following railroad construction just outside London. These bodies are believed to have died from the plague, just before the epidemic spread. DNA studies are expected to reveal information regarding the early stages of the bacteria that cause the massive epidemic.
This discovery is only one of numerous archaeological finds resulting from this railroad project. Extracting residues from pipes, scientists are confirming that these were used for smoking tobacco as early as AD 860. This finding strengthens the notion that tobacco was smoked prior to European arrival in the area, and adds to the scant data archaeologists have of tobacco smoking in antiquity.
Archaeologists in Israel have found what they believe to be a wine press, dating to the Byzantine period (sixth century – early seventh century CE). This was exposed due to construction and development, in one of Tel Aviv's municipalities.
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