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BELOW A dramatic reconstruction by Simona Carrocillo of the sack of San Vincenzo al Volturno in AD 881.

881: Sacking San Vincenzo al Volturno

In the conclusion to this two-part article, Richard Hodges examines the circumstances surrounding the attack on the Benedictine monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno in AD 881.

World News: Saudia Arabia, South Africa, and Russia

The latest stories in archaeology from around the world, including the discovery of the oldest monumental landscape, new evidence of early human behaviour in South Africa, and the analysis of the Shigir Idol.

Ron Shaar taking samples for paleomagnestisim courtesy of Michael Chazan and the Wonderwerk excavation team

The Past

Dating techniques identify possible earliest evidence for cave occupation

Wonderwerk Cave was first excavated in the 1940s. Its archaeological stratigraphy comprises evidence of human activity spanning from the Early Stone Age in South Africa to the present day.

Far left Notre Dame cathedral in Paris ablaze on 15 April 2019. left The cathedral’s 19th century spire was completely destroyed in the fire. The French authorities have now stated that it will be rebuilt exactly as it was.

Saving Notre Dame

When flames ripped through the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris in April 2019, the world feared for its survival. Now a small team of scientists is working towards its restoration and discovering secrets along the way. Christa Lesté-Lasserre spoke to some of them about their work and its challenges.