Roman town discovered in Britain
British workers building a high-speed rail line have unearthed what appears to be a Roman trading town near Northamptonshire. The discovery, announced in January, included 300 Roman coins and the remains of roads, houses, workshops, kilns, as well as jewelry, cosmetics and pottery.
According to archaeologists’ research, the excavated site was a “bustling and bustling area”, with everything from commercial to industrial elements and wealthy residents.
Breakthrough discovery about Queen Cleopatra’s tomb
In November 2022, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that a research team had found a 1,305-meter-long tunnel, located 13 meters underground, that could lead to the tomb of Queen Cleopatra.
So far, excavations of the tomb have uncovered more than 1,500 artifacts including sculptures and coins. However, according to archaeologist Katherine Martinez, the most exciting discovery is the network of tunnels leading to the Mediterranean Sea and the submerged structure.
Van Gogh’s Hidden Self-Portrait
Art conservators in Scotland have discovered a Van Gogh self-portrait hidden behind his painting “The Peasant Woman” when they X-rayed his work.
“It’s very rare to find something like this,” said Frances Fowle, senior curator of French art at the National Galleries of Scotland. The question of how to safely separate Van Gogh’s self-portrait from his work is still being considered as conservationists continue their research.
600 year old diamond encrusted gold ring
A man in rural England has stumbled upon a medieval gold ring during his second attempt at metal detecting. The piece of jewelry, discovered by David Board, is designed to symbolize the bond of marriage. The ring also features a pyramid-shaped diamond and the back is engraved with the words “We keep each other faithful” in French.
“Magic Mirror” Reflects Amitabha Buddha
The curator of East Asian art at the Cincinnati Museum of Art discovered a bronze mirror in storage that can reproduce the image of Amitabha Buddha when direct light is shone on it. The magic mirror originated in China around the 16th century and is extremely rare because it is difficult to produce.
Largest pink diamond discovered in 300 years
In the summer of 2022, Australian diamond mining company Lucapa discovered a 170-carat diamond dubbed the “Lulo Rose.” The valuable gem was found in Angola and was hailed by the government as a historic discovery. In 2017, a 59.60-carat pink diamond sold for more than $71 million.
Farmer discovers ancient painting in family garden
A Palestinian farmer and his son stumbled upon a stunning Byzantine mosaic in Bureij, central Gaza Strip, while plowing their garden. Despite being around 15 centuries old, the mosaic is still in perfect condition with intricate patterns. “I consider it a treasure, even more precious than a treasure. It does not belong to anyone, it belongs to all Palestinians,” the farmer said.
The Precious Necklace of a Powerful Woman
In April 2022, archaeologists discovered the tomb of a powerful 8th-century woman in Northamptonshire, England. A necklace made of gold, rubies and other precious stones, along with a large cross made of pure silver, were notable artifacts. The team is not sure about the woman’s identity, but they claim that she was a powerful and devout person, possibly a princess or an abbot.
The painting was carved 2,900 years underground
Five years after a secret chamber in Türkiye was broken into, archaeologists have found an Iron Age complex at the site. In May 2022, the team discovered an unfinished piece of art carved into a stone wall from the 9th century BC, showing the blending of different cultures during the Iron Age.
Treasures from the mysterious Sanxingdui culture
The Sanxingdui archaeological site in China continues to yield thousands of artifacts for archaeologists. During the latest excavation, a research team discovered 3,155 artifacts, including a turtle-shaped box and a sacrificial altar of great value, supporting future research on the Sanxingdui culture.
