Archaeologists Stunned by 2,200-Year-Old Shackles at Egyptian Gold Mine

<p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BnStY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BnStY.jpg"/> </p> <p> Archaeologists have unearthed a chilling discovery at an ancient Egyptian gold mine—two sets of <strong> iron shackles </strong> dating back 2,200 years. The find, located at the Ghozza mine in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, sheds stark light on the harsh and often brutal realities of gold mining during the Ptolemaic dynasty (305–30 B.C.). </p> <p> According to findings published in the journal <em> The Archaeology of the Egyptian Eastern Desert: Recent Discoveries and Research </em> , researchers believe the shackles provide undeniable evidence that forced labor was a driving force behind Egypt’s gold industry, raising serious questions about the human cost of sustaining the ancient empire’s wealth and power. </p> <h2> A Dark Past Buried In The Desert </h2> <p> The discovery was made at <strong> Ghozza </strong> , the northernmost known Ptolemaic gold mine , which was operational between <strong> 250 and 200 B.C. </strong> While historical records suggested that Egyptian mines housed both paid laborers and enslaved workers. </p> <p> Archaeologist <strong> Bérangère Redon </strong> , who led the research, explained that the shackles were found in an <strong> ancient storage building </strong> , buried among iron tools and discarded ore. One set contained <strong> seven ankle rings and two links </strong> , while the other had <strong> four links and two ankle-ring fragments </strong> . Their purpose was clear: restraining miners to prevent escape. </p> <p> Redon noted that these shackles closely resemble those used in <strong> Greek silver mines at Laurion </strong> , suggesting that <strong> Greek engineering techniques </strong> —and perhaps their system of labor control—were imported into Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. </p> <h2> Forced Labor In Egypt’s Gold Industry </h2> <p> After <strong> Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt </strong> , the Ptolemies opened numerous mines across the desert to extract gold, which <strong> funded their military campaigns </strong> . While some workers received wages, the discovery at Ghozza indicates that others had no choice in their labor. </p> <p> Ancient texts mention that <strong> prisoners of war and criminals </strong> were often sent to these mines as punishment, forced to endure extreme conditions. Yet, at Ghozza, researchers previously believed that most workers were free laborers since no <strong> guarded dormitories </strong> were found—unlike at other mining sites, where structures were built specifically to control enslaved workers. </p> <p> The newly discovered shackles <strong> contradict that assumption </strong> . “These objects give us irrefutable proof of the miners’ status, which we did not have until now,” Redon stated. </p> <p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BnXtQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BnXtQ.jpg"/> </p> <h2> Life And Death In The Gold Mine </h2> <p> The Ptolemaic gold mines were notorious for their <strong> harsh conditions </strong> . Workers used <strong> handheld grinding stones </strong> to extract gold from natural ore, a backbreaking process performed under <strong> scorching desert heat </strong> . Housing for laborers varied, with <strong> some sites heavily guarded </strong> , preventing enslaved workers from escaping. </p> <p> At Ghozza, archaeologists also found <strong> hundreds of ostraca </strong> —pottery fragments used as <strong> scrap paper </strong> —which provide glimpses into daily life. Some miners received wages, but others, as the shackles suggest, were forcibly detained. </p> <p> While no human remains were found in connection with the shackles, historical accounts indicate that <strong> miners often worked until they died </strong> . Ancient Greek historian <strong> Diodorus Siculus </strong> described Egyptian mines as <strong> hellish prisons </strong> , where men were condemned to endless labor, subjected to extreme hunger and thirst, and rarely saw the light of day. </p> <p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BnXtU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BnXtU.jpg"/> </p> <h2> A Legacy of Suffering </h2> <p> The Ghozza discovery adds to a growing body of evidence that <strong> gold mining in ancient Egypt </strong> was not just an economic enterprise, but a brutal system of exploitation. While the <strong> gold extracted from these mines </strong> helped fund Ptolemaic expansion and maintain the royal court’s lavish lifestyle, it came at an enormous human cost. </p> <p> The findings also highlight the continuities between ancient mining practices across the Mediterranean world , showing that techniques—and systems of oppression—were often imported and adapted. </p> <p> <strong> Enjoyed this article? </strong> Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news. </p> <p> For more news like this, visit . </p>

Archaeologists Stunned by 2,200-Year-Old Shackles at Egyptian Gold Mine

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Archaeologists have unearthed a chilling discovery at an ancient Egyptian gold mine—two sets of iron shackles dating back 2,200 years. The find, located at the Ghozza mine in Egypt’s Easter…

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Britons 'were mostly black 5,000 years ago', new study suggests

<p class="mol-para-with-font"> The Britons responsible for the building of the iconic Stonehenge were probably black people, a study has suggested. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Data from 348 ancient genomes gathered from across Eurasia have been reconstructed by scientists at the University of Ferrara in <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/italy/index.html"> Italy </a> which show almost all Europeans had dark skin until around 3,000 years ago. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> With Stonehenge, just outside the town of <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/glastonbury/index.html"> Glastonbury </a> , being constructed around 5,000 years ago, experts have said we can assume the builders had dark skin. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Until around 1,700 years ago, the majority of Europeans had dark skin, the authors of the study say, adding that most of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and the Britons who built Stonehenge, had dark skin, eyes and hair. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The study confirms that the shift to lighter skin, thanks to the movement of people to higher latitudes and more vitamin D intake as a result, was slower than previously thought. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Experts are still unsure why the change from darker to light skin was so slow. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, scientists believe farmers may have compensations for vitamin D deficiencies in their diet with accessible sources such as milk and meat. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Samples for the study were taken from the British Isles, mainland Europe, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/russia-ukraine-conflict/index.html"> Russia </a> , central <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/asia/index.html"> Asia </a> and the Middle East. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A6Wpb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A6Wpb.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A6Y1v" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A6Y1v.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A6OSu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A6OSu.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Dr Silvia Ghirotto, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Ferrara in Italy who led the work, told <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/"> The Telegraph </a> : 'By analysing ancient DNA from 348 individuals spanning 45,000 years, we reconstructed an intricate picture in which light pigmentation emerged sporadically during the first phases of our presence in Europe. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Our ancestors had dark skin until very recent times. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Given that Stonehenge was built during the transition from Neolithic to Bronze Age, and given the high frequency of dark-skinned samples we inferred for that period even in northern Europe, it is likely that Britons who built Stonehenge displayed dark features'. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Stonehenge is an iconic part of Britain's history. It is largely sealed off to the public, with visitors no longer being permitted to touch the stones, but they are able to walk around the monument from a short distance away. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The whole monument, now ruinous, is aligned towards the sunrise on the and sunset on the winter solstice. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Large crowds can usually be seen at the monument during the solstice periods as it is considered a place of worship to Neo-Druids, Pagans and other 'earth based' or 'old' religions. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> English Heritage does, however, permit access during the summer and winter solstice, and the spring and autumn equinox. </p> <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14454011/Britons-black-study-stonehenge.html"> Read more </a>

Britons 'were mostly black 5,000 years ago', new study suggests

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The Britons responsible for the building of the iconic Stonehenge were probably black people, a study has suggested. Data from 348 ancient genomes gathered from across Eurasia have been reconstruct…

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New Study Suggests: Britons Were Predominantly Black 5,000 Years Ago

<p class="mol-para-with-font"> A study suggests that the people behind the construction of the famous Stonehenge might have been Black individuals. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Scientists from the University of Ferrara have reconstructed data from 348 ancient genomes collected throughout Eurasia. Italy Which indicates that nearly all Europeans had dark skin up until about 3,000 years ago. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Near Stonehenge, which lies just beyond the town of Glastonbury , estimated to be built about 5,000 years ago, experts suggest we can infer that the constructors likely had dark complexions. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Up until about 1,700 years ago, most Europeans had dark complexions, according to the researchers behind the study. They also noted that many ancient Greeks and Romans as well as the Britons who constructed Stonehenge possessed dark skin, eyes, and hair. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The research indicates that the transition towards fairer skin, due to population migration to higher latitudes and increased consumption of vitamin D, occurred at a pace slower than earlier believed. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Specialists remain baffled as to why the shift from dark to fairer skin progressed at such a gradual pace. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, scientists believe farmers may have compensations for vitamin D deficiencies in their diet with accessible sources such as milk and meat. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Samples for the study were taken from the British Isles, mainland Europe, Russia , central Asia and the Middle East. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A6Wmv" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A6Wmv.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A70mF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A70mF.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1A6RBD" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A6RBD.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Dr Silvia Ghirotto, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Ferrara in Italy who led the work, told The Telegraph : 'By analysing ancient DNA from 348 individuals spanning 45,000 years, we reconstructed an intricate picture in which light pigmentation emerged sporadically during the first phases of our presence in Europe. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Our ancestors had dark skin until very recent times. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Given that Stonehenge was built during the transition from Neolithic to Bronze Age, and given the high frequency of dark-skinned samples we inferred for that period even in northern Europe, it is likely that Britons who built Stonehenge displayed dark features'. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Stonehenge is an iconic part of Britain's history. It is largely sealed off to the public, with visitors no longer being permitted to touch the stones, but they are able to walk around the monument from a short distance away. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The whole monument, now ruinous, is aligned towards the sunrise on the and sunset on the winter solstice. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Big groups often gather at the monument around the time of the solstices because it serves as a site for Neo-Druids, Pagans, and various 'nature-based' or 'ancient' faiths to practice their beliefs. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Nonetheless, English Heritage allows entry during the summer and winter solstices, as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes. </p> Read more

New Study Suggests: Britons Were Predominantly Black 5,000 Years Ago

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A study suggests that the people behind the construction of the famous Stonehenge might have been Black individuals. Scientists from the University of Ferrara have reconstructed data from 348 ancie…

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10 Ancient Wonders You Can Still Visit Today!

<p> <h2 id="h-the-great-wall-of-china-a-stretch-of-human-endeavor"> The Great Wall of China: A Stretch of Human Endeavor </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWTsW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWTsW.jpg"/> <p> The Great Wall of China is not just a wall; it's a symbol of stamina and defense capabilities. Dating back to the 7th century BC, it stretches over 13,000 miles across the Chinese landscape, snaking through rugged mountains and serene deserts. </p> <p> Travelers often flock to the sections around Beijing, especially the well-preserved parts like Mutianyu. Imagine standing atop this ancient giant, seeing the land twist below like a dragon's back. </p> <p> Visiting during autumn, you'll be embraced by rich hues as leaves transform into shades of crimson and gold. Besides the wall, you'll encounter the fascinating watchtowers and fortresses that the soldiers of ancient times once roamed, making the experience even more enchanting. </p> <h2 id="h-machu-picchu-the-lost-city-of-the-incas"> Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWYjf" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWYjf.jpg"/> <p> Tucked within the Andes Mountains in Peru, Machu Picchu remains a mystifying testament to the brilliance of Incan craftsmanship. Built in the 15th century, it stands as a relic of history soaked in mist and magic. </p> <p> Its terraced hills and stone structures evoke a sense of wonder. When the morning fog lifts, revealing the Urubamba River Valley below, one's imagination can't help but ponder the lives once lived in this sky-high sanctuary. </p> <p> Hummingbirds flit from flower to flower, and the verdant landscape sings with life. Engaging with local guides provides tales of archaeology and lore, weaving a tapestry of stories you're unlikely to forget. </p> <h2 id="h-the-pyramids-of-giza-iconic-triangles-of-civilization"> The Pyramids of Giza: Iconic Triangles of Civilization </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWYjj" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWYjj.jpg"/> <p> Gazing at the Pyramids of Giza fills you with an overwhelming sense of history's weight and wonder. Standing proudly on the sands of Egypt, these ancient mausoleums, built during the Fourth Dynasty, showcase ancient Egyptian grandeur. </p> <p> The Great Pyramid, the largest, was originally built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. This site allows visitors to speculate on architectural techniques of the ancient world, given its astonishing precision and scale. </p> <p> Interestingly, camels wander about, providing rides, as vendors enthusiastically peddle their wares. The sunlight casts a golden tint over the setting, enhancing the majestic appearance of the buildings with an almost magical radiance. </p> <p> The Sphinx, a stone guardian with a lion's body and Pharaoh's face, watches over, contemplating the ages. </p> <h2 id="h-petra-the-rose-red-city-of-sandstone-secrets"> Petra: The Rose-Red City of Sandstone Secrets </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWTt4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWTt4.jpg"/> <p> In the heart of Jordan lies Petra, a city carved into rose-red rock cliffs, dating back to 400 BC. Once an important trade route nexus, Petra is teeming with ancient wonders. </p> <p> The Treasury stands as its crown jewel, a breathtaking facade that explorers first glimpse after a winding walk through the Siq, a natural rock gorge. As day turns to dusk, the buildings light up, welcoming a twinkling twilight story. </p> <p> Bedouins still inhabit the region, continuing traditional lifestyles amidst the ruins. As you journey further in, exploring temples and tombs, the quiet whispers of history echo in your mind, revealing tales of kings, queens, and ancient trade secrets. </p> <h2 id="h-the-colosseum-romes-arenas-of-ancient-entertainment"> The Colosseum: Rome’s Arenas of Ancient Entertainment </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWRce" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWRce.jpg"/> <p> The Colosseum of Rome, a marvel of ancient architecture, stands as an iconic symbol of imperial Rome. Erected between 70-80 AD, its colossal walls once echoed with the cheers of over 50,000 spectators, applauding gladiators and theatrical plays. </p> <p> Imagine a stage where history's characters, from Roman emperors to common citizens, had their stories unfold. Today, its vast corridors evoke a bygone era, with shadows finding refuge in its mystical nooks. </p> <p> Beyond its historic ramparts, the vibrant contemporary city exudes an atmosphere that clashes but harmoniously enhances the location’s rich history. Each cobblestone echoes stories of battles, civilization, and grand events. </p> <h2 id="h-angkor-wat-cambodiaaposs-architectural-jewel"> Angkor Wat: The Architectural Masterpiece of Cambodia </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWRci" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWRci.jpg"/> <p> Nestled within the verdant forests of Cambodia lies Angkor Wat, an extensive temple complex showcasing the brilliance and craftsmanship of the Khmer Empire. Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu sanctuary, it later evolved into a Buddhist destination, seamlessly blending two profound religious traditions. </p> <p> The scene is particularly captivating during sunrise as the emerging sunlight illuminates its towers, projecting magical shadows onto the lotus-filled pond. The detailed low reliefs narrate myths and legends with every piece of rock serving as a chapter from times long past. </p> <p> The fauna around you, such as parakeets and monkeys, bring an air of enigma to your explorations. Travellers frequently speak about this adventure as akin to a sacred quest, a voyage through time and piety. </p> <h2 id="h-stonehenge-englandaposs-enigmatic-array-of-stones"> Stonehenge: England's Mysterious Ring of Stones </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vWVzZ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vWVzZ.jpg"/> <p> Located on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is possibly one of the most contentious and enigmatic ancient monuments ever discovered. Believed to date from around 3000 BC, these enormous stone formations arranged in circular patterns have sparked numerous hypotheses about their function. </p> <p> A few believe it served as a burial site, whereas others think it functioned as an astronomical calendar. Overhead, the stars shimmer brightly whilst the age-old stones stand guard quietly, murmuring mysteries lost to time. </p> <p> Nearby archaeological discoveries beckon aficionados to unravel their enigmas. Strolling through the tranquil English landscape instills a feeling of serenity and awe, weaving a link among nature, history, and legend. </p> <h2 id="h-the-acropolis-of-athens-a-beacon-of-ancient-civilization"> The Acropolis of Athens: An Illuminating Symbol of Early Civilisation </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vX0ux" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vX0ux.jpg"/> <p> Above Athens stands the majestic Acropolis, embodying the essence of ancient Greek ingenuity and splendour. On top of this hill sits the Parthenon, epitomising the architectural and artistic triumphs of the 5th century BCE. </p> <p> Strolling through these remains is akin to stepping into a metropolis brushed with layers of history and philosophy, where luminaries such as Socrates and Plato once walked. Tourists are captivated by the juxtaposition of historic remnants above and the contemporary city sprawling beneath them. </p> <p> Attractions such as the Theater of Dionysus suggest a vibrant cultural scene from centuries past. The nearby olive orchards and the essence of the Mediterranean enhance this encounter, turning the Acropolis into an eternal repository of historical wonder. </p> </p> <p> What are your views on this subject? Please share your opinions in the section below—We're eager to get insights from you! Looking for more tales like this one? Stay connected with us to ensure you never miss a beat! </p>

10 Ancient Wonders You Can Still Visit Today!

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The Great Wall of China: A Stretch of Human Endeavor The Great Wall of China is not just a wall; it's a symbol of stamina and defense capabilities. Dating back to the 7th century BC, it s…

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Archaeologists Unveil World's Oldest Rune Stone: Pre-dating Vikings by Centuries

<p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yBRAx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yBRAx.jpg"/> </p> <p> Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered what might be the <strong> oldest known rune stone </strong> , pushing back the origins of runic writing further than ever imagined. Estimated to date between <strong> 50 BCE and 275 CE </strong> , this <strong> extraordinary find </strong> challenges what we thought we knew about the early <strong> Germanic alphabets </strong> and their evolution. </p> <h2> A Silent Witness to Ancient Words </h2> <p> Rune stones are <strong> engraved slabs </strong> bearing inscriptions in the runic alphabet, used by <strong> Germanic and Scandinavian </strong> peoples before the adoption of the Latin script . Most rune stones were raised between the <strong> 3rd and 12th centuries </strong> , often serving <strong> memorial </strong> or <strong> funerary </strong> purposes, marking the graves of warriors, leaders, and even invoking the gods. </p> <p> Sweden holds the record for the most rune stones, with over <strong> 2,500 </strong> discovered, but similar inscriptions have been found across <strong> Norway, Denmark, Britain, and Central Europe </strong> . Each stone offers a glimpse into the past, preserving <strong> language, beliefs, and history </strong> . </p> <h2> A Groundbreaking Find in Norway </h2> <p> The newly discovered <strong> Svingerud stone </strong> , unearthed in a <strong> Norwegian burial site </strong> , is <strong> potentially the oldest rune stone ever found </strong> . Archaeologists recovered several sandstone fragments from ancient graves, which fit together like a puzzle to form a single engraved slab. </p> <p> Using <strong> radiocarbon dating </strong> , experts determined that the stone’s inscription dates back nearly <strong> 2,000 years </strong> — <strong> significantly older </strong> than previously known rune stones. This <strong> dramatic discovery </strong> suggests that the runic writing system was in use much earlier than believed, reshaping our understanding of early Scandinavian literacy. </p> <p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yBRAB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yBRAB.jpg"/> </p> <h2> Mysterious Inscriptions and Evolving Symbols </h2> <p> The stone’s carvings <strong> don’t match </strong> the fully developed runic alphabets found on later artifacts. Instead, the engravings are a mix of <strong> recognizable runes </strong> and <strong> unknown symbols </strong> , hinting at an early experimental phase of writing. This <strong> linguistic puzzle </strong> raises exciting questions: </p> <p> ・Were these runes proto-forms of the later futhark alphabets? </p> <p> ・Did different regions develop unique runic traditions before a standardized system emerged? </p> <p> The stone is thought to have served a <strong> funerary purpose </strong> , possibly marking the resting place of an important individual. Over time, it was <strong> broken and repurposed </strong> in other graves, a practice that may reflect <strong> symbolic ancestral connections </strong> —a tradition where elements of earlier burials were incorporated into new ones. </p> <h2> A Turning Point in Runology </h2> <p> This discovery is more than just a piece of <strong> ancient sandstone </strong> —it is a key to unlocking the <strong> evolution of early writing in Northern Europe </strong> . Many previously found rune stones lack clear archaeological contexts, making precise dating difficult. But the <strong> Svingerud stone </strong> , preserved within a burial site, provides <strong> a rare and reliable time capsule </strong> . </p> <p> With this groundbreaking find, researchers are now re-evaluating <strong> other runic inscriptions </strong> And considering future digs. Might more ancient rune stones lie concealed under Scandinavia’s terrain, poised to alter our understanding of history yet again? </p> <p> <strong> Enjoyed this article? </strong> Sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter For captivating tales, special material, and up-to-date information. </p> <p> To find more stories like this one, check out . </p>

Archaeologists Unveil World's Oldest Rune Stone: Pre-dating Vikings by Centuries

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Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered what might be the oldest known rune stone , pushing back the origins of runic writing further than ever imagined. Estimated to date between 50 BC…

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FOUR ancient sites to visit in South Africa

<p> Historians believe that South Africa was home to the earliest modern humans over 100 000 years ago. With such a significant history, South Africa is home to many ancient archaeological sites to visit. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> 1. ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape </h2> <p> The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape is located on the border between Botswana and Namibia. The large expanse of sand contains evidence of human occupation from the Stone Age to the present time. Visitors can explore the culture of the formerly nomadic ǂKhomani San people and the strategies they used to adapt to harsh desert conditions. It is undoubtedly one of the most astonishing ancient sites to visit in South Africa. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> 2. Mapungubwe: a special part of history </h2> <p> Visitors to Mapungubwe in Limpopo can discover an ancient African Kingdom, Southern Africa’s first, that was established at Mapungubwe Hill between 1200 and 1290 AD. This is where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom. Almost-untouched remains of the palace sites survived up to the present day. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1pGsUu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1pGsUu.jpg"/> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> 3. Bushman’s Kloof </h2> <p> Bushman’s Kloof is a private reserve in the Cederberg Mountains with over 130 San rock art sites that are well-preserved. Some of the sites date back over 10 000 years and symbolise the San people’s cultural and spiritual practices. </p> <p> History and geology enthusiasts will find the history of this reserve interesting, especially the geological formation of the land. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1pGox9" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1pGox9.jpg"/> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> 4. History unfolds at Border Cave </h2> <p> Border Cave is a deep gash in a cliff face, high in the Lebombo Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal. It has yielded significant archaeological finds. People have discovered tools, preserved plant materials, and bones that date back over 200 000 years in Border Cave. </p> <p> A few years ago, Lyn Wadley, an archaeologist at the University of the Witwatersrand, discovered plant remains that point to evidence that the cave’s occupants used grass bedding. She was excavating Border Cave with her team when she discovered what appeared to be preserved bedding . The quantities of grass suggest people brought it into the cave intentionally, Wadley said. The sediment showed repeating layers of plant and ash suggesting that people used the material to create a clean and comfortable floor surface. Researchers speculate that the cave’s occupants laid their bedding on ash to repel insects. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"> Have you visited any of these? </h3> <p> Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news. </p>

FOUR ancient sites to visit in South Africa

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Historians believe that South Africa was home to the earliest modern humans over 100 000 years ago. With such a significant history, South Africa is home to many ancient archaeological sites to visi…

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