When did modern humans leave Africa? Primitive stone tools discovered at Jebel Faya in the United Arab Emirates suggest that it may have been more than 100,000 years ago. Lower sea levels would have made it possible to cross the Bab al-Mandab strait that separates the Horn of Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.  There’s a map at Wired.

German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt discusses his work at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey. He calls the site the “oldest yet found and excavated place of cultic activity,” but you may have read about it as the “world’s oldest temple.”  

French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin is making another bid to explore the Great Pyramid. “I am convinced there are antechambers in this pyramid. What I want is to find them,” he said. Egyptian authorities, however, are not buying it.  

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation is teaming up with Starr Hill Brewery to create Monticello Reserve Ale. Records show that beer was once brewed on the Virginia plantation, although the actual brew house has not been located.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Friday, January 28, 2011. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

Comments posted here do not represent the views or policies of the Archaeological Institute of America.