Palaeolithic bone tool workshop identified in Spanish cave
Archaeologists found an alignment of large limestone rocks and sandstone cobbles that appears to have been arranged by the cave’s occupants.
Spain
Researchers identify first direct evidence of ancient drug use in Europe
Until now, evidence of drug use in prehistoric Europe has mostly been derived from archaeobotanical remains, artistic depictions, and chemical analysis of artefacts
Hand of Irulegi
What is it? This 2,100-year-old piece of bronze sheet cut into the shape of a life-size right hand has been dubbed the ‘Hand of Irulegi’, after the site in Spain where it was found. The hand is 143mm tall, 128mm…
World news in brief: hominin footprints and hunter-gatherer cooking practices
A round-up of some of the latest archaeological news from across the globe, including: Etruscan bronze statues found in Italy; a hominin footprint found in Spain; and a study of hunter-gatherer cooking practices.
Hominin footprints in Spain 200,000 years older than previously thought
New analysis has revealed that the layer containing the footprints dates to c.295,8000 years ago.
World news: discoveries in Borneo, Spain, and Micronesia
A round-up of some of the latest archaeological news from across the globe.
Research sheds light on major megalithic site in Spain
The site, known as La Torre- La Janera, covers an area of c.600ha near the Guadiana River in the province of Huelva.
On show: exhibitions from around the world in 2022 and 2023
The dates listed below may have changed since we went to print. Check the websites of the museums for the most up-to-date information and bookings.
Early ear surgery
Analysis of the remains of an elderly woman buried at the Dolmen of El Pendón, in northern Spain, has identified the earliest known evidence of successful ear surgery, 5,300 years ago. The skull was discovered by researchers from the University…
Earliest evidence of ear surgery identified in Neolithic skull
Archaeologists in Spain have unearthed a 5,300-year-old Neolithic skull bearing the earliest known evidence of ear surgery ‘in the history of humankind’. Since 2016, excavations at the Dolmen of El Pendón in Burgos, Spain, have shed light on a megalithic…
Earliest evidence of mercury poisoning identified in 5,000-year-old bones
The researchers attribute the incidence of mercury poisoning during the Chalcolithic period to the increased exploitation of cinnabar, a mercury sulfide mineral
World News: possible new hominin species, ancient shark attack, Mesolithic honey-gathering
Current Archaeology rounds up some of the latest discoveries across the globe, including the world's oldest shark attack victim found in Japan, a scene of honey-gathering from a cave in Spain, and the analysis of a previously unknown ancient hominin species.
Revealing the Lady of Baza’s true colours
The painted sculpture depicting a seated woman was found inside a burial chamber with other rich grave goods.
Newly-discovered Spanish cave art depicts honey-gathering
According to the researchers, this is the most elaborate and well-preserved depiction of honey-gathering documented within Levantine art to date.
Palaeolithic children’s footprints discovered in Spanish cave
The footprints were left by a group children, aged between six to seven years old, playing in the cave recess sometime during the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic c. 60,000-15,000 years ago.
Roman bath complex emerges from Spanish sand dunes
Whilst searching for old lagoons and marshy sites that may have been used as a fish or crustacean farm, the archaeologists came across the 4m-high walls of the Roman baths emerging from the sand.
Fishguard, February 1797: the last French invasion of Britain
Patrick Mercer begins an occasional series looking at some of history’s less well-known battles.
Artists on the edge of the world: exploring the British Isles’ earliest art at Les Varines, Jersey
Archaeologists excavating a 15,000-year-old campsite at Les Varines, Jersey, have recovered ten fragments of stone decorated with hundreds of interweaving lines. Recently published analysis of these ‘plaquettes’ suggests that they may represent the earliest artworks yet identified in the British Isles. Carly Hilts reports.
World News: Norway, Indonesia, Spain
Viking ship burial in Norway A Viking ship burial was recently discovered at Gjellestad, Norway, during a ground-penetrating radar survey. It is now being excavated by the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. The ship is just one part of…
World news in brief
10,000 year old footprints identified in New Mexico, Neolithic assemblage found in Norway, and AMS dating of Upper Palaeolithic cave art in Spain.
Scipio Africanus
Graham Goodlad examines the career of the general who finally overcame Rome’s most formidable foe.
Guernica, 1937 Pablo Picasso
On the afternoon of 26 April 1937, the air force of Nazi Germany’s Condor Legion, working on behalf of the Spanish Nationalists led by General Franco, sent its bombers over the ancient Basque town of Guernica. It was a Monday…
Identifying Armada wrecks off Co. Sligo
'The ship operated as a trade vessel, but was commandeered three times, before being finally ordered into service by Philip II of Spain as part of his Armada campaign.’