Improved estimates of the mutation rates of DNA are aligning the genetic timeline with archaeological evidence. The new slower genetic clock would push the exodus of modern humans out of Africa back to 120,000 years ago, and into agreement with the dates of archaeological sites in the Middle East. It could also, however, complicate the fossil evidence for the earliest human ancestors. “My strong view right now is that the true value of the human mutation rate is an open question,” commented evolutionary geneticist David Reich of Harvard University.

Some 40 percent of a large mosaic floor from a Roman-era bath complex has been unearthed in southern Turkey. In 2002, Nick Rauh of Perdue University noticed that mosaic tiles were turning up in a plowed farmer’s field located near the ancient city of Antiochia ad Cragum, but excavations did not begin until last year by a team from the University of Nebraska and the local museum. The 1,600-square-foot floor is decorated with geometric designs on a white background, and it abuts a 25-foot-long pool flanked by porticos. These photographs show the excavation of the mosaic and the edge of the pool.

There’s more information on the two headless statues that were unearthed recently in Aphrodisias. The Roman-era statues had been recycled into building materials in the early medieval period. The older statue, which dates to ca. 200 A.D., was probably a depiction of a local public speaker. The second statue represents a high-ranking imperial officer. Here are some photographs of the excavation in progress.

While awaiting the results of a DNA comparison between a skeleton uncovered in Leicester, England, and a descendant of Richard III’s sister, members of the Richard III Foundation, Inc., are making a case to bury the remains of the last Yorkist king in York Minster. Richard III was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, and was buried in a nearby monastery, but his gravesite was eventually lost. “We are potentially dealing with the remains of an anointed king of England so it is important that we approach this decision in a dignified manner. However the final decision sits with the Royal Household,” writes Lynda Pidgeon of the Richard III Society.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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