5 Ancient Finds of 2024
One of the most interesting things about bushcraft is learning how people survived in ancient times with such primitive technology. Each time a new discovery is made, it gives us a glimpse into the past and a better understanding of the lives of those long passed. Below are five of the most intriguing discoveries of the year.
1. 4,000-Year-Old Tomb in Upper Egypt
In October, archaeologists unearthed a tomb from the 12th Dynasty in Western Assiut Mountain, Upper Egypt. Belonging to Edi, the daughter of a local governor, the tomb dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Senwosret I (1961–1917 BCE). Though looted in antiquity, it revealed intricately painted wooden coffins and fragments of canopic jars, highlighting ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs in the afterlife. This discovery adds depth to our understanding of regional governance and funerary practices during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom.
2. Rare Blue Shrine in Pompeii
A vivid blue shrine was uncovered in Pompeii’s Regio IX, an area previously unexcavated. The walls, adorned with frescoes of female figures representing the seasons and agricultural themes, suggest its use as a sacrarium for sacred rituals. The discovery is particularly significant due to the rarity and expense of blue pigments in Roman art. The shrine contained household items and construction materials, providing insights into daily life and religious practices in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
3. Mycenaean Building on Mount Ellanio
(Some of the remains recovered from the mountain side)
On the Greek island of Aegina, archaeologists uncovered a 4.5m by 3m building dating to the Mycenaean palatial period (1200–1050 BCE). The structure housed over 30 ceramic vessels, believed to be associated with storage or ritual use. This find, on the summit of Mount Ellanio, highlights the religious and cultural significance of the site in the Late Bronze Age, offering clues to the spiritual practices of Mycenaean Greece.
4. Ancient Roman Glassware in Nîmes, France
(Glassworks recovered from the site, Photo credit to C. Coeuret)
In Nîmes, known in antiquity as Nemausus, a treasure trove of Roman-era glassware was unearthed. The collection included ornate vases, lamps, and fragments of amphorae, showcasing the city’s prosperity as a Roman colony in the 1st century BCE. These artifacts provide evidence of advanced glass-making techniques and the cultural importance of finely crafted goods in Roman society.
5. 7,000-Year-Old Neolithic Settlement in Serbia
(A ground scan of the site showing the layout of buildings and walls)
A vast Late Neolithic settlement, covering 11-13 hectares and surrounded by ditches, was discovered near the Timiş River in northeastern Serbia. Linked to the Vinča culture (5400–4400 BCE), this site features structures that reveal early agricultural practices, social organization, and architectural innovation. Its scale and complexity underscore the sophistication of Neolithic communities in the Balkans.
