7 archaeological discoveries that changed the scientific world

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

One of the most interesting nuances in archeology is that it is an ever-changing science, forcing people to revise their previously seemingly unshakable ideas about the past and the people who inhabited the world before. Scientists often make truly impressive discoveries that will forever change the understanding of civilization.

1. Knossos, Crete

Arthur Evans 1900-1905 During excavations, he discovered a huge palace complex of the Middle Bronze Age (circa 1900-1450 BC), numbering about 1300 rooms, many of which were decorated with colorful frescoes of dolphins, griffins and athletes jumping over bulls. The most important discovery, however, was the thousands of baked clay tablets. These tablets bore inscriptions in a never-before-seen language called Linear B. No one could read the ancient records, and it was only 50 years later that Michael Ventris was able to decipher them.

2. Tutankhamun's tomb, Egypt

Perhaps one of the most famous (and impressive) archaeological discoveries of all time was Howard Carter's excavation in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. Thanks to him, the ruling and, perhaps, politically not very important pharaoh got into the history books for a very short time. Tutankhamun died in adolescence, but his grave was literally "filled" with beautiful objects corresponding to his royal status. And, what is most amazing and unusual, it was not plundered.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

This monumental "lost" Inca citadel, which was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, was built in the middle of the 15th century on the top of a mountain. The stunning natural surroundings and impressive remains make this place a vivid reminder of the technological capabilities and power of the Inca empire at its peak. Terraced platforms and cave cemeteries have provided a fascinating insight into the lives of about 1,000 people who once lived here.

4. Sutton Hoo, England

Finding a stunning mound necropolis in the UK was thanks to the inquisitive lover of spiritualism, Edith Mary Pritty. During the excavation of a group of low grassy mounds in Suffolk, something surprising was discovered: a huge funerary boat with a rich "catch" of Anglo-Saxon artifacts, including imported Byzantine objects, mysterious religious symbols, objects for recreation and leisure and weapons. They provided a vivid view of the Anglo-Saxon world.

5. Rosetta Stone, Egypt

It was this find that gave the key to the modern understanding of hieroglyphs more than 1000 years after the knowledge of how to read ancient Egyptian symbols was completely lost. Discovered by Napoleon's army during the construction of the fort, this stone slab contained inscriptions in three languages: Greek, demotic and hieroglyphics. Thanks to the Greek translation, the French school teacher Jean-François Champollion was able to publish the complete translation in 1822.

6. Tomb of the first emperor, China

Around 8,000 terracotta soldiers stand in orderly ranks to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, who unified China and became its first emperor. They are accompanied by 130 chariots drawn by over 500 horses, 150 cavalrymen, as well as civil officials, acrobats and musicians. Discovered by farmers in 1974, the burial in which they are located is a World Heritage Site. It is simply a fantastic symbol of the power and creativity of the rulers of ancient China.

7. Akrotiri, Greece

While this remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age city on the Greek island of Santorini is not as well known as the Roman ruins in Pompeii, it provides an equally vivid insight into the lives of its inhabitants. Recently opened to the public, Akrotiri was once a thriving shopping center, abandoned after a volcanic eruption buried the city under a layer of ash. Many two- and three-story houses in the city survived, along with furniture and pottery, remaining intact for 3,500 years until the site was excavated by Spyridon Marianatos in 1967.