A large religious complex dating to the first to third centuries A.D. has been discovered near the ancient city of Vindunum, in northern France. “Given the size of the site, hundreds of pilgrims, possibly thousands, would have come here to honor the gods. They probably held other mass events here too,” said Gérard Guillier of the National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research.

The devastating flooding in southern Pakistan is threatening archaeological sites. “There is danger to the 5,000-year-old Moenjodaro and Aamri archaeological sites,” said Karim Lashari, chief of the provincial antiquities department.  

Humans drove a species of giant turtle extinct 3,000 years ago on the island of Vanuatu, according to an Australian research team. The scientists found turtle leg bones, but not their shells or skulls. “You have this amazing beast that’s been around for tens of millions of years surviving as a relic population on this island. Then these people arrived and they basically disappear in a couple of hundred years,” said Chris Turney of the University of Exeter.  

The stockade known as Camp Lawton, which replaced the Confederate Andersonville prison in 1864, has been found in Georgia. “Archaeologists call it one of the most significant Civil War discoveries in decades,” declared a joint statement released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Georgia Southern University. Union prisoners were only held at Camp Lawton for six weeks, when they were moved because of the impending arrival of General Sherman.  

The grave of a Moche teenager has been unearthed in northern Peru, near the site of the Lord of Sipan’s tomb. Four large jars containing food and copper headgear were found with the skeleton.  

A Byzantine monastery has been identified on the Asian side of Istanbul. “We found beautifully decorated marble floors, golden mosaics, wonderful coins, and beautiful art objects that deserve to be displayed in a museum,” said Alessandra Ricci of Koç University.  

Copper mining has prompted the excavation of Buddhist sites dating to the fifth century in an area south of Kabul, Afghanistan. Archaeologists have uncovered a temple, stupas, statues, frescoes, and coins. “We need foreign assistance to preserve these and their expertise to help us with further excavations,” said Mohammad Nader Rasouli, head of the Afghan Archaeological Department.  

Are traits like fairness, curiosity, and the ability to play unique to humans? Psychologist Sarah Brosnan thinks that such traits are necessary for social animals to survive and live together.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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