Scientists have analyzed proteins produced by the human immune system and determined that a 15-year-old Andean Incan girl, whose mummified remains were discovered in 1999, suffered from a chronic respiratory infection at the time of her death some 500 years ago. X-rays of her lungs showed signs of the infection as well. “Pathogen detection in ancient tissues isn’t new, but until now it’s been impossible to say whether the infectious agent was latent or active,” said Angelique Corthals of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. One of the two other mummies discovered with “The Maiden” was also tested, but did not show signs of a respiratory infection.

Scientists continue to debate whether the rise of modern humans, climate change, or a combination of these factors wiped out the Neanderthals. A new study tilts the argument in favor of modern humans, at least in the areas examined. A team of European researchers collected microscopic particles of volcanic glass from archaeological sites in central Europe, Libya, and Greece. The glass was left behind by an eruption known as the Campanian Ignimbrite, which occurred 40,000 years ago and has been suggested as a contributing factor to the demise of the Neanderthals. At all of the sites, the transition from Neanderthal tools to tools crafted by modern humans was found to have taken place before the eruption. “Climate was probably not directly responsible for Neanderthal extinction, and catastrophic events most certainly were not,” said William Davies of the University of Southampton.

Two life-sized lion sculptures dating to the Hittite Empire have been documented in southeastern Turkey. Sculpted from granite by different artists, the lions may have been intended to be part of a monument at a nearby spring. “I think it’s highly likely that the monument was going to be associated with one of the very copious springs that are quite close. There are good parallels for associations of Hittite sculptural traditions with water sources,” said Geoffrey Summers of the Middle East Technical University. The first lion was found at an ancient quarry near the village of Karakiz, the second was found to the northeast of the village. Both lions were damaged by looters looking for treasures.

Fishermen’s huts dating to the fifteenth century are being excavated on the coast of Iceland because the mounds containing them are threatened by erosion. The huts were long-term dwellings during fishing season. Archaeologists have recovered objects related to fishing, in addition to knitting needles and dice made from walrus ivory.

Five people have been convicted of violating the Archaeological Resource Protection Act by taking artifacts from public land managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Fines ranged from $250 to $500 and court costs.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Thursday, July 26, 2012. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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