1. Largest Stone Block From Antiquity Found
At Baalbek in Lebanon, German archaeologists have discovered the largest stone ever carved by human hands, possibly over 2,000 years old. Known as Heliopolis, “the city of the sun,” Baalbek was one of the largest sanctuaries in the empire during the Roman rule. Read more at Discovery.com.
2. Bones of Red Deer Antlers from 500 AD Found in Ireland
The antlers, skulls, jaws and bones of the animals, dating back 1,500 years, were located by Brian O’Carra and Mike Williams — on an inter-tidal zone west of Galway city. Marks indicate these bones may have been used in ‘ritual ceremony.’ Read more at The Irish Times.
3. Seventeen-hundred-year-old Silk Road Cemetery Contains Carvings of the Four Mythological Symbols of China
Archaeologists in China have discovered a 1,700-year-old cemetery along the old Silk Road consisting of magnificent tombs that contain carvings of the four mythological symbols of China – the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the Black Turtle of the North and the Azure Dragon of the East. Read more at Ancient Origins.
4. Richard III: A 500-Year-Old Cold Case Closed
An international research team, led by Dr Turi King (University of Leicester Department of Genetics), has determined with nearly 100-percent accuracy that the remains discovered under a municipal parking lot in Leicester, England, belonged to King Richard III. He was the last King of England to die in battle. Read more at PBS NewsHour.
5. Richard III DNA: Evidence of Infidelity in His Family Tree Found
More Richard III findings came to light this week. Scientists who studied genetic material from remains believed to be King Richard III found in the Leicester car park say the finding might have profound historical implications. Depending on where in the family tree it occurred, it could cast doubt on the Tudor claim to the English throne or, indeed, on Richard’s. Read more at BBC. Watch full episode of Resurrecting Richard III and learn more.