SandeeOster
@sandeeoster.bsky.social
I am an archaeologist who loves pondering the enigmas of bygone eras and sharing brand-new archaeological discoveries
A ~27,900-year-old skeleton in Italy was likely the oldest known bear mauling victim. Il Principe survived 2–3 days after the attack, and his community honored his death with an elaborate burial. medium.com/the-academic...
Mauled, Savaged and Left to Die: Study of an Over 27,000 Year Old Bear Mauling in Italy
Recent Study Provides First Full Analysis of Trauma on Italy’s Famous Upper Paleolithic Burial
medium.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:33 AM
A ~27,900-year-old skeleton in Italy was likely the oldest known bear mauling victim. Il Principe survived 2–3 days after the attack, and his community honored his death with an elaborate burial. medium.com/the-academic...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Archaeologists may have found the first physical evidence of Carthage's war elephants in Europe: a single bone unearthed in Córdoba, Spain, dating to the Second Punic War. medium.com/science-spec...
Hannibal’s Elephants: Is This the First Physical Evidence of Carthage’s War Elephants?
A recent study identifies what may be the first elephant bone from a Punic context in Europe
medium.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Archaeologists may have found the first physical evidence of Carthage's war elephants in Europe: a single bone unearthed in Córdoba, Spain, dating to the Second Punic War. medium.com/science-spec...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Study finds the first mass grave from the Justinian Plague at Jerash, Jordan. DNA and isotope analysis revealed victims weren't just locals, they were people from across Africa, Europe, and the Near East, trapped by the pandemic mid-journey medium.com/the-academic...
The Plague Is Upon Us: The First Confirmed Mass Grave of the Justinian Plague
New study analyzes the aDNA and stable isotopes of victims of the Plague of Justinian at Jerash
medium.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Study finds the first mass grave from the Justinian Plague at Jerash, Jordan. DNA and isotope analysis revealed victims weren't just locals, they were people from across Africa, Europe, and the Near East, trapped by the pandemic mid-journey medium.com/the-academic...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Archaeologists just discovered a hidden lead pipeline in Petra's 'Ain Braq aqueduct. The 116-meter pressurized lead pipe was eventually sealed and replaced with terracotta likely because cost and maintenance outweighed its benefits. medium.com/the-academic...
The Sealed Pipeline: Petra’s Forgotten Experiment in Roman Engineering
A new survey of the ‘Ain Braq aqueduct reveals a previously unknown lead pipeline and sheds light on Nabataean hydraulic expertise
medium.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Archaeologists just discovered a hidden lead pipeline in Petra's 'Ain Braq aqueduct. The 116-meter pressurized lead pipe was eventually sealed and replaced with terracotta likely because cost and maintenance outweighed its benefits. medium.com/the-academic...
Archaeologists may have found the first physical evidence of Carthage's war elephants in Europe: a single bone unearthed in Córdoba, Spain, dating to the Second Punic War. medium.com/science-spec...
Hannibal’s Elephants: Is This the First Physical Evidence of Carthage’s War Elephants?
A recent study identifies what may be the first elephant bone from a Punic context in Europe
medium.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Archaeologists may have found the first physical evidence of Carthage's war elephants in Europe: a single bone unearthed in Córdoba, Spain, dating to the Second Punic War. medium.com/science-spec...
Reposted by SandeeOster
New research analyzed 'smell' in mummy samples spanning 2,000 years to find out embalming ingredients. Early mummies used simple oils while later ones used complex ingredients like beeswax and bitumen. medium.com/the-academic...
The Scent of Death: How Mummy Odors Reveal Ancient Egyptian Embalming Methods
New study uses volatile organic compounds to reveal ancient Egyptian embalming recipes and their evolution over 2,000 years
medium.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:49 AM
New research analyzed 'smell' in mummy samples spanning 2,000 years to find out embalming ingredients. Early mummies used simple oils while later ones used complex ingredients like beeswax and bitumen. medium.com/the-academic...
Reposted by SandeeOster
New study sheds light on the "cornet" mystery, revealing these unique Chalcolithic ceramic cones likely served as sophisticated beeswax lamps for ritual processions. Researchers found that their varied shapes and handles were designed for hand-holding or hanging medium.com/the-academic...
Rituals of the Chalcolithic: Mystery of the Ancient Cornets That Puzzled Archaeologists for Decades
New research sheds light on the making and meaning of Chalcolithic cornets
medium.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM
New study sheds light on the "cornet" mystery, revealing these unique Chalcolithic ceramic cones likely served as sophisticated beeswax lamps for ritual processions. Researchers found that their varied shapes and handles were designed for hand-holding or hanging medium.com/the-academic...
New study sheds light on the "cornet" mystery, revealing these unique Chalcolithic ceramic cones likely served as sophisticated beeswax lamps for ritual processions. Researchers found that their varied shapes and handles were designed for hand-holding or hanging medium.com/the-academic...
Rituals of the Chalcolithic: Mystery of the Ancient Cornets That Puzzled Archaeologists for Decades
New research sheds light on the making and meaning of Chalcolithic cornets
medium.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM
New study sheds light on the "cornet" mystery, revealing these unique Chalcolithic ceramic cones likely served as sophisticated beeswax lamps for ritual processions. Researchers found that their varied shapes and handles were designed for hand-holding or hanging medium.com/the-academic...
New research analyzed 'smell' in mummy samples spanning 2,000 years to find out embalming ingredients. Early mummies used simple oils while later ones used complex ingredients like beeswax and bitumen. medium.com/the-academic...
The Scent of Death: How Mummy Odors Reveal Ancient Egyptian Embalming Methods
New study uses volatile organic compounds to reveal ancient Egyptian embalming recipes and their evolution over 2,000 years
medium.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:49 AM
New research analyzed 'smell' in mummy samples spanning 2,000 years to find out embalming ingredients. Early mummies used simple oils while later ones used complex ingredients like beeswax and bitumen. medium.com/the-academic...
Archaeologists just discovered a hidden lead pipeline in Petra's 'Ain Braq aqueduct. The 116-meter pressurized lead pipe was eventually sealed and replaced with terracotta likely because cost and maintenance outweighed its benefits. medium.com/the-academic...
The Sealed Pipeline: Petra’s Forgotten Experiment in Roman Engineering
A new survey of the ‘Ain Braq aqueduct reveals a previously unknown lead pipeline and sheds light on Nabataean hydraulic expertise
medium.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Archaeologists just discovered a hidden lead pipeline in Petra's 'Ain Braq aqueduct. The 116-meter pressurized lead pipe was eventually sealed and replaced with terracotta likely because cost and maintenance outweighed its benefits. medium.com/the-academic...
Study finds the first mass grave from the Justinian Plague at Jerash, Jordan. DNA and isotope analysis revealed victims weren't just locals, they were people from across Africa, Europe, and the Near East, trapped by the pandemic mid-journey medium.com/the-academic...
The Plague Is Upon Us: The First Confirmed Mass Grave of the Justinian Plague
New study analyzes the aDNA and stable isotopes of victims of the Plague of Justinian at Jerash
medium.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Study finds the first mass grave from the Justinian Plague at Jerash, Jordan. DNA and isotope analysis revealed victims weren't just locals, they were people from across Africa, Europe, and the Near East, trapped by the pandemic mid-journey medium.com/the-academic...
Scientists just discovered the world's oldest proven poisoned weapons, toxic arrows over 60,000 years old from South Africa's Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter. The find reveals the remarkable skill and planning abilities of ancient hunter-gatherers. medium.com/science-spec...
Toxic Arrows: Study Uncovers the World’s Oldest Poisoned Weapons
Recent Study Reveals 60,000+-Year-Old Toxic Alkaloids on Microliths from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter, South Africa
medium.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Scientists just discovered the world's oldest proven poisoned weapons, toxic arrows over 60,000 years old from South Africa's Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter. The find reveals the remarkable skill and planning abilities of ancient hunter-gatherers. medium.com/science-spec...
Two 6,500-year-old fetuses buried just 3 meters apart in prehistoric Iran, yet treated completely differently. One received grave offerings; the other, nothing. Same age, same time period, same culture. medium.com/science-spec...
Two Fetuses, Two Fates: Recent Study Examines 6,500-Year-Old Rare Fetuses Treated Differently in…
Differential burial practices in mid-5th millennium BC Chaparabad reveal variability in Dalma culture fetal interment traditions
medium.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:50 AM
Two 6,500-year-old fetuses buried just 3 meters apart in prehistoric Iran, yet treated completely differently. One received grave offerings; the other, nothing. Same age, same time period, same culture. medium.com/science-spec...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Rediscovered Japanese military maps from 1901-1922 revealed the precise route of the forgotten Great Mongolian Road, a major Silk Road network. Field verification found the maps were remarkably accurate, with wells, caves, & monasteries still standing exactly where marked.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Mapping the Great Mongolian Road: How Japanese Military Maps Revealed a Forgotten Silk Road
New study reveals the forgotten military maps that captured the Great Mongolian Road
medium.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:22 AM
Rediscovered Japanese military maps from 1901-1922 revealed the precise route of the forgotten Great Mongolian Road, a major Silk Road network. Field verification found the maps were remarkably accurate, with wells, caves, & monasteries still standing exactly where marked.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Rediscovered Japanese military maps from 1901-1922 revealed the precise route of the forgotten Great Mongolian Road, a major Silk Road network. Field verification found the maps were remarkably accurate, with wells, caves, & monasteries still standing exactly where marked.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Mapping the Great Mongolian Road: How Japanese Military Maps Revealed a Forgotten Silk Road
New study reveals the forgotten military maps that captured the Great Mongolian Road
medium.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:22 AM
Rediscovered Japanese military maps from 1901-1922 revealed the precise route of the forgotten Great Mongolian Road, a major Silk Road network. Field verification found the maps were remarkably accurate, with wells, caves, & monasteries still standing exactly where marked.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Scientists found woolly rhino DNA in a 14,400-year-old mummified wolf puppy's stomach, revealing they didn't slowly decline but vanished rapidly. The genetic evidence suggests their extinction was not due to millennia of inbreeding medium.com/fossils-et-a...
Unusual DNA: Woolly Rhino DNA Found Inside Mummified Wolf ’s Stomach May Provide Insight into Their…
Recent study discovered and analyzed woolly rhino DNA discovered in a mummified wolf stomach
medium.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Scientists found woolly rhino DNA in a 14,400-year-old mummified wolf puppy's stomach, revealing they didn't slowly decline but vanished rapidly. The genetic evidence suggests their extinction was not due to millennia of inbreeding medium.com/fossils-et-a...
Ancient Mesopotamian doctors had an unexpected first step: sending patients to seek divine favor at temples before treatment. A new study of medical prescriptions reveals good omens were essential for diagnosis and prognosis, especially for ear & spleen/pancreas ailments. medium.com/the-academic...
Temples, Omens, and Earaches: Why Ancient Mesopotamian Doctors Sent Patients to the Gods First
New study examines 12 medical prescriptions from ancient Mesopotamia, finding that seeking divine favor may have been a prerequisite for…
medium.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Ancient Mesopotamian doctors had an unexpected first step: sending patients to seek divine favor at temples before treatment. A new study of medical prescriptions reveals good omens were essential for diagnosis and prognosis, especially for ear & spleen/pancreas ailments. medium.com/the-academic...
Ancient San rock art reveals dance wasn't just movement, it was medicine, ritual, and joy. New research catalogues trance dances where shamans transformed into animals, girls' initiation ceremonies, and scenes of people simply dancing for fun. medium.com/teatime-hist...
The Art Of Dance: Healing, Initiation, and Joy in Ancient San Rock Art
Recent Study Identifies Trance, Female and Male Initiation, and Entertainment Dances in South African Rock Art
medium.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:11 AM
Ancient San rock art reveals dance wasn't just movement, it was medicine, ritual, and joy. New research catalogues trance dances where shamans transformed into animals, girls' initiation ceremonies, and scenes of people simply dancing for fun. medium.com/teatime-hist...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Researchers just traced two turquoise ceramic fragments found amongst 9000+ other sherds from remote Mongolian herding camps back to medieval Persia. How luxury goods ended up in the middle of the Gobi Desert remains a mystery. sciencespectrumu.com/lost-in-the-...
Lost in the Desert: How Did Persian Luxury Goods End Up at a Remote Mongolian Campsite?
Recent study uses chemical analysis to trace two unusual blue-green ceramic fragments from the Gobi Desert back to medieval Persia
sciencespectrumu.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Researchers just traced two turquoise ceramic fragments found amongst 9000+ other sherds from remote Mongolian herding camps back to medieval Persia. How luxury goods ended up in the middle of the Gobi Desert remains a mystery. sciencespectrumu.com/lost-in-the-...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Humans were making fire WAY earlier than we thought. A new study reveals evidence of deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago, 350,000 years earlier than previous records. Ancient hominins carried pyrite to strike sparks and ignite flames in Barnham, UK medium.com/the-academic...
The First Fire Makers: New Study Pushes Back the Origins of Fire-Making by 350,000 Years
New evidence from Barnham, UK, reveals deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago years ago
medium.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Humans were making fire WAY earlier than we thought. A new study reveals evidence of deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago, 350,000 years earlier than previous records. Ancient hominins carried pyrite to strike sparks and ignite flames in Barnham, UK medium.com/the-academic...
Humans were making fire WAY earlier than we thought. A new study reveals evidence of deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago, 350,000 years earlier than previous records. Ancient hominins carried pyrite to strike sparks and ignite flames in Barnham, UK medium.com/the-academic...
The First Fire Makers: New Study Pushes Back the Origins of Fire-Making by 350,000 Years
New evidence from Barnham, UK, reveals deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago years ago
medium.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Humans were making fire WAY earlier than we thought. A new study reveals evidence of deliberate fire-making 400,000 years ago, 350,000 years earlier than previous records. Ancient hominins carried pyrite to strike sparks and ignite flames in Barnham, UK medium.com/the-academic...
Researchers just traced two turquoise ceramic fragments found amongst 9000+ other sherds from remote Mongolian herding camps back to medieval Persia. How luxury goods ended up in the middle of the Gobi Desert remains a mystery. sciencespectrumu.com/lost-in-the-...
Lost in the Desert: How Did Persian Luxury Goods End Up at a Remote Mongolian Campsite?
Recent study uses chemical analysis to trace two unusual blue-green ceramic fragments from the Gobi Desert back to medieval Persia
sciencespectrumu.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Researchers just traced two turquoise ceramic fragments found amongst 9000+ other sherds from remote Mongolian herding camps back to medieval Persia. How luxury goods ended up in the middle of the Gobi Desert remains a mystery. sciencespectrumu.com/lost-in-the-...
New research proposes the Bayeux Tapestry was created for monks at St. Augustine's Abbey to view during mealtimes. Its remarkable preservation may be due to decades spent in storage after construction delays left its original purpose forgotten.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Pass the Bread, Read the Conquest: The Bayeux Tapestry Was Likely Meant For Monastic Mealtime…
Recent study proposes the Bayeux Tapestry was created as mealtime reading for monks at St. Augustine’s Abbey
medium.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:15 PM
New research proposes the Bayeux Tapestry was created for monks at St. Augustine's Abbey to view during mealtimes. Its remarkable preservation may be due to decades spent in storage after construction delays left its original purpose forgotten.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
New research reveals what likely killed off the "hobbits" of Flores Island; a centuries-long drought that began around 61,000 years ago. Scientists analyzed stalagmite oxygen isotopes and found summer rainfall collapsed by 56% drying up the rivers they depended on
medium.com/fossils-et-a...
medium.com/fossils-et-a...
Mystery of Flores Island: What Caused the Hobbits to Disappear?
Recent study analyzes stalagmite oxygen isotopes and Mg/Ca ratios to reveal a centuries-long drought coincided with the disappearance of…
medium.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:16 PM
New research reveals what likely killed off the "hobbits" of Flores Island; a centuries-long drought that began around 61,000 years ago. Scientists analyzed stalagmite oxygen isotopes and found summer rainfall collapsed by 56% drying up the rivers they depended on
medium.com/fossils-et-a...
medium.com/fossils-et-a...
Reposted by SandeeOster
Roman soldiers kept Indian macaques as exotic pets in ancient Egypt. These monkeys were status symbols imported across the Indian Ocean and buried with elaborate grave goods. Sadly, most died young from poor nutrition: fed bread and dates instead of their natural diet.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...
Roman Soldiers Likely Kept Indian Macaques as Pets in Egypt
New study reveals that Roman soldiers kept Indian macaques as pets, marking the first archaeological evidence of primate imports from…
medium.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Roman soldiers kept Indian macaques as exotic pets in ancient Egypt. These monkeys were status symbols imported across the Indian Ocean and buried with elaborate grave goods. Sadly, most died young from poor nutrition: fed bread and dates instead of their natural diet.
medium.com/the-academic...
medium.com/the-academic...