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Archaeology and palaeontology

Researchers have proved that the Lion of Venice statue which stands in St Mark’s Square, Venice, originated in China. Photo: Shutterstock

Sacred Lion of Venice was made in China, new research suggests

It is the emblem of the Italian city. But now scientists say this ancient statue originated much further east.

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What did the biggest bug on Earth look like? Scientists recreate its head

China set to conduct nation’s first expeditions in the ‘land of the dinosaurs’

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Chopsticks date back millennia, silver versions used by elites in China and Korea

Recent discovery of 800-year-old chopsticks highlights just how little the technology has changed over thousands of years.

A recent excavation in Sichuan province revealed a remarkably preserved pair of metal chopsticks from the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279). Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/kaogu.cssn.cn

10,000 gold, bronze relics unearthed as China’s Sanxingdui ruins give up secrets

Bronze items buried under hundreds of elephant tusks in attempt to ‘fully conceal’, paper by archaeologists behind the find says.

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Chinese scientists find world’s oldest cheese buried with Xinjiang mummies

DNA tests suggest Bronze Age people who lived in far west China 3,500 years ago made kefir cheese, challenging beliefs about ancient diets.

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These 3 individuals shaped ancient Chinese history during their childhood

Whether they were progeny philosophers or boy emperors, their names are stamped in Chinese history.

Three individuals whose early life experiences significantly shaped ancient Chinese history. Photo: SCMP composite/Wikipedia

Recent study into China oracle bones highlights how AI is changing archaeology

Pattern recognition algorithm could determine if a 3,000-year-old oracle bone was written by someone left-handed or right-handed.

Remarkable tales of resilience among women throughout China’s history

Researchers analysed two examples of resilience among ancient women and found a propensity to survive after traumatic injury.

5,000-year tradition of healthy tooth removal reveals indigenous culture in Taiwan

A team of researchers painted an in-depth picture of the practice of tooth ablation, which was extremely common among Taiwan’s indigenous population.

Traditional tooth removal, practised by ancient Austronesians in Taiwan, remains a custom to this day. Photo: SCMP composite/Archaeological Research in Asia

5-year-old accidentally smashes 3,500-year-old jar during museum trip

The jar, dating back to the Bronze Age, was displayed without glass barriers.

A five-year-old accidentally smashed a 3,500-year-old jar at the Hecht Museum in Israel. Photo: Hecht Museum staff

Egypt recovers 3 artefacts found in the Netherlands, including a mummified head

The items include a mummified head from the Hellenistic period. Two of the items were for sale in an antiques shop, Egyptian officials said.

Israel to open Roman-era tombs to the public

The tombs, which date back more than 1,600 years and were discovered over 50 years apart, are decorated with murals of mythological figures.

Ancient ‘elite’ grave may tell tale of the years that led to rise of Genghis Khan

Archaeologists excavating a 12th-century grave believe it can help them better understand the years that paved the way towards Genghis Khan.

The discovery of an ancient grave belonging to an “elite woman” offers valuable insights into the rise of the Mongolian Empire. Photo: SCMP composite/Archaeological Research in Asia

Chinese and Kenyan researchers find Stone Age ‘production line’ for tools

The team unearthed hundreds of stone tools made using a distinctive technique that helped early humans shape and sharpen their blades.

The discoveries were made by a joint Chinese-Kenyan team at two sites in the Rift Valley. Photo: Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology

4,000-year-old bone workshop signals China’s transition out of Neolithic age

A bone needle workshop in northwest China represents an important example of tool-making industrialisation.

Chinese-led study finds uneven polar ice melt could cause global disruption

Ice sheets and sea ice are melting faster in Northern Hemisphere than Southern Hemisphere, which could trigger another climate event: paper.

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Chinese scientists track ‘once-in-a-millennium’ storm through snail shells

Chinese researchers say isotopic changes detected in snail shells are a record of Zhengzhou’s 2021 super rainstorm.

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Scientists researching climate change collected snails before a deadly storm hit Zhengzhou in central China in 2021 to study isotope changes. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Ancient China shipwreck unveils insights into Song-era smuggling, government apathy

The excavation of the Nanhai No 1 shipwreck revealed a robust smuggling operation in ancient China and a government that condoned it.

Ancient human sacrifice in China likely served to reinforce social hierarchies

A team of scientists analysing a victim of human sacrifice concluded that the man was likely used as an offering to the inhabitants of the tombs.

Fossilised rib bone suggests Denisovans may have lived alongside ancient humans

Scientists analysing a fossilised rib bone believe it belonged to a Denisovan, the mysterious ancient cousin of Homo sapiens.

A fossilised rib bone suggests Denisovans may have lived alongside ancient humans. Photo: SCMP composite/Nature/Wikipedia

Chinese archaeologists unearth 3,400-year-old jade workshop at Sanxingdui ruins

Discovery in southwest China sheds light on handicraft industry and layout of ancient city believed to be at heart of mysterious Shu kingdom.

The latest artefacts discovered at the Sanxingdui site include pieces of finished and raw jade, as well as stone scraps and fragments, representing various stages of the production process. Photo: Xinhua

From border skirmishes to polo players, how violence manifested along Silk Road

The Silk Road was a dangerous place in ancient Asia, and a duo of researchers painted a picture of how the violence manifested thousands of years ago.

Taiwan human skeletons suggest indigenous tribes chewed betel nuts 2,500 years ago

A pair of ancient bones found in Taiwan featured red stains on their teeth, which experts say is proof of betel nut consumption.

Stunning murals discovered in Tang-era tomb depict eighth-century everyday life

Archaeologists in China revealed beautifully preserved murals from a small tomb dated back to the 8th century.

Archaeologists in northern China recently unveiled a small brick tomb containing stunningly preserved and exquisite murals from the 8th century. Photo: SCMP composite/chinanews.com/Wikipedia

Stonehenge of the sea built 4,000 years ago as a prayer for warmer climate

New research into “Seahenge” suggests the monuments were built as a plea to extend summer amid a frigid climate.

During an era of severe cold, “Seahenge”, a 4,000-year-old structure, was constructed to purportedly prolong the summer season through ritualistic means. Photo: SCMP composite/Springer Link

How a beautiful Song dynasty pagoda stood for over 1,000 years in China

Archaeologists in China revealed the remarkable architecture that allowed a Song dynasty pagoda to stand for more than 1,000 years.

Opinion | Want Americans to care about Chinese history? Emphasise their role in it

While US interest in China’s ancient artefacts may be limited, more Americans might care if the narrative includes their efforts to return lost relics.

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Archaeology and palaeontology
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Archaeology and palaeontology. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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