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Continuation of the Caral Culture
Caral is considered to be one of the oldest civilisations in the Americas, emerging c.3000 BC on the north-central coast of Peru. Its main settlement is believed to have been a site known as Caral-Supe, which appears to have been largely abandoned around 1800 BC, possibly in response to persistent droughts and crop failure. Recent excavations 13km (8 miles) upriver of Caral-Supe, however, are revealing a new settlement linked to this culture, known as Peñico.
Covering an area of 19.4ha (48 acres) with 18 structures uncovered so far – including a central plaza, ceremonial buildings, and residential complexes – it is believed that the location of this new settlement was chosen for its better access to glacial meltwater. One of the latest discoveries is a small area outlined by a semicircle of pebbles covered with a large stone, under which more than 40 objects of wood and bone, many featuring intricately carved anthropomorphic and zoomorphic aspects, were found. They appear to have been deposited c.1800 BC, when the site was first founded, perhaps as part of a ceremony consecrating the space.
‘Pilgrim’s hoard’ found in Saudi Arabia
Excavations at Dhariyah in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia have uncovered a clay pot filled with gold pieces, copper fragments, and jewellery decorated with semi-precious gemstones, floral patterns, and geometric motifs. Nicknamed the ‘Dhariyah Treasure’, it is believed to date to c.1,200 years ago and may have been buried by a medieval pilgrim during the early years of the Abbasid Caliphate (AD 750-1258). During this period, Dhariyah was an important stopping point on the Hajj pilgrimage from the port city of Basra in southern Iraq to Mecca.
Etruscan religious well discovered
Excavations at the Etruscan city of Kainua, on the outskirts of modern-day Bologna, have revealed the remains of a well that may have been used for religious ceremonies.
First discovered in the 19th century, Kainua has been the subject of regular excavations by the University of Bologna since 1988. Recent investigations have focused on the city’s religious centre, where two monumental temples were previously found – one dedicated to Tinia (corresponding to the Graeco-Roman Zeus/Jupiter) and the other to his consort Uni (equivalent to Hera/Juno). Now the team have found a well, at the bottom of which was a collection of well-preserved bronze objects, including two female statuettes and a bowl. The artefacts are believed to date to the late 6th to early 5th century BC, when the city was founded. The excavators believe that the objects may have been placed in the well to consecrate it, with the water then used perhaps in ceremonies or rituals that took place in the nearby temples.
Text: Kathryn Krakowka
