The story of the discovery of a prehistoric American Indian cremation pit on Ossabaw Island, Georgia, has been picked up by the Associated Press, which has provided more information about the significance of the find. “Burials from the Woodland Period tend to be shallow, bowl-shaped pits with bodies flexed in an almost fetal position on their side. What makes this particular site unusual is that the individual was apparently cremated and then the remains were presumably taken from this pit and interred somewhere else,” said Dave Crass, Georgia’s state archaeologist.

Anthropologist Kieran McNulty and other researchers have used 3D modeling methods to compare the skull of a “hobbit” to a simulated fossil human of similar stature. He concludes that Homo floresiensis may have branched off from Homo erectus, and then undergone a process of size reduction. “I think the majority of researchers favor recognizing this as a new species. The evidence is becoming overwhelming, and this study helps confirm that view,” McNulty said.   

The Dakar Rally, which will take place in Argentina and Chile because of security fears in Africa, could damage archaeological sites. “It will be an avalanche of metal, smoke, and roar of motors,” said Norma Ratto, head of the Argentine Association of Archaeologists.  

The first UNESCO inspection since 2003 of Nimrud, Ninevah, Ashur, and Hatra has found no evidence of recent looting, but considerable evidence of looting in the 1980s and 90s.  

A volunteer who was sifting dirt removed from Jerusalem’s Temple Mount in 1999 found an ancient half shekel coin, used to pay temple taxes.  

A mummy from England’s Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will undergo a CT scan to see if a metal object in his neck caused his death. Other mummies from the museum will also be scanned to learn more about causes of death and burial practices.  

Two oyster hunters found a shipwreck off the coast of Sri Lanka. They reported it to the authorities, who are conducting excavations. 

Trained gladiators from Rome’s modern gladiator schools will fight at the Colosseum, according to Umberto Broccoli, head of archaeology at Rome City Council.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Friday, December 19, 2008. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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