Evidence of a 600-year-old Maori settlement, including ovens, food remains, a shell bead, and a small fired clay ball, has been unearthed during excavation of a waste-water pipe near Christchurch, New Zealand.

A metal detector enthusiast found a medieval coin in Gloucester, England, that fills in a knowledge gap. “The discovery of this coin therefore proves that the mint was in operation throughout the whole reign of William I,” according to a report from Portable Antiquities Scheme.

An analysis of fossilized pollen from the royal gardens of Ramat Rahel, which sits on a hilltop overlooking Jerusalem, has allowed scientists from Tel Aviv University to identify the native and imported plants that grew there. The pollen had been trapped in the plaster that lined the garden’s advanced irrigation system.

Nearly 30 Buddhist statues at the Maldives National Museum were destroyed by vandals. Officials say the attack was motivated by religious extremism. “The collection was totally, totally smashed. The whole pre-Islamic history is gone,” said Ali Waheed, director of the museum.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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