The hottest Archaeology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

O-Day - NOON

Remote View • 157 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. There is a livestream event on Feb 14, 2023 at 21:00 CET, so review previous materials beforehand.
  2. The post includes a list of references discussing various topics like solitons, plasmoids, and symbols from different cultures.
  3. The content hints at connections between ancient symbols, cosmic powers, and historical artifacts, suggesting deeper meanings or connections.

King Tut's meteorite dagger: A weapon from the heavens

The Exformation Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💾 History Archaeology
  1. King Tut's iron dagger made from a meteorite was more valuable than his gold one, showcasing the significance of minerals in history and power.
  2. Ancient Egypt's peak power was not during the time of the pyramids, but between 1550 BC and 1200 BC when they were a Great Power expanding their empire.
  3. Minerals like tin were crucial for advancements like bronze, highlighting their importance in shaping ancient civilizations and trade patterns.

Online archaeology

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Archaeology
  1. The experience of moving to a new area can help deepen one’s connection to a community. It's not just about visiting places, but really immersing yourself in the daily life and character of the neighborhood.
  2. Every place has its stories, and the internet can help uncover the hidden histories of local businesses or people. Finding these stories online can create a unique connection to your surroundings and the people who lived there.
  3. Once a business is gone, its physical presence fades, but its legacy can live on through online records. The internet can preserve these memories, allowing people to feel connected to the past even when they can't experience it firsthand.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part IV: The Axe Man

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Archaeology
  1. The linguistic relationship between the words for 'hammer' and 'stone' in Germanic languages is surprisingly close, suggesting an early association between concepts and tools like axes and hammers.
  2. The early Germanic thunder god may have carried an array of weapons, including axes, clubs, hammers, and thunderstones, which over time converged into the iconic image of Thor's hammer.
  3. Related mythologies from regions like Finland, the Baltic, and Slavic cultures show strong similarities to the Norse thunder god Thor, often wielding axes and other weapons, indicating possible shared traditions or exchanges of ideas over time.

Secrets of the mummy factory

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. An artisan in Los Angeles made a fortune creating fake Egyptian mummies for exhibitions and museums, using intricate methods to deceive even experts.
  2. The mummy-making process involved using wood, excelsior, plaster, glue, bamboo, and human skeletons to create realistic-looking replicas sold for up to $1000.
  3. The artisan, Fisher, blurred the line between fraud and honesty, creating a large number of fake mummies and other curious artifacts for profit, then later transitioning to giving talks about his craft.

"One Man's Trash": Historical Treasures Once Damaged or Discarded

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Many important historical discoveries come from things that were discarded or damaged. This shows how lucky historians are when they find these pieces of the past.
  2. Sometimes, tragic events lead to amazing finds. For example, when fires burned clay tablets, they were preserved instead of destroyed, giving us insight into ancient civilizations.
  3. Items thought to be worthless or trash can turn out to be incredibly valuable. Old manuscripts and documents that were nearly lost have changed our understanding of history significantly.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. The rise and fall of different cultures in pre-Roman Germany was influenced by successive trends in artifacts and genetics, highlighting a transition from Bronze Age patriarchies to new ruling elites.
  2. The Beaker revolution in Central Europe saw the replacement of Corded Ware male lineages dominated by R1a with a rise in the R1b haplogroup, indicating a shift in ruling elite and population dynamics.
  3. The Beaker people's expansion from western Germany led to genetic subsuming of previous populations in Britain and Ireland, contributing to the formation of proto-Germanic tribes in antiquity.

Technology is Reshaping Human History

The Digital Anthropologist • 59 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. Digital technologies are reshaping human history, impacting our future in significant ways. It's an exciting time to be alive.
  2. Advancements like AI and genetic engineering are revealing new insights into ancient civilizations, genetics, and human evolution.
  3. Technologies such as LIDAR, genetic analysis tools, and AI are helping discover ancient civilizations and rewrite textbooks in anthropology and archaeology.

The Thundergod is Humanity's Hero

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Archaeology
  1. Ancient Germanic people believed Thor, the Thundergod, played a crucial role in protecting humanity from evil creatures like jotuns through artifacts like the Canterbury Charm and Kvinneby Amulet.
  2. Thor was invoked through magical incantations to heal people afflicted by ailments caused by supernatural beings, showcasing his role as a hero and protector.
  3. Pop-culture depictions of Norse gods and jotuns in shades of gray are contrary to historical beliefs, as Thor was seen as a mighty hero who safeguarded humanity against threats from evil creatures.

First letters found in new scroll

Vesuvius Challenge • 62 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. A new scroll called PHerc. 172 has been discovered, and it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 AD.
  2. Scientists are excited because they clearly see ink in the scroll for the first time, allowing them to start reading its Greek text.
  3. The team is looking for help to further analyze the scroll and unlock more of its content, as many words are already close to being readable.

23 Jan 2024 – Missing bombers and spy satellites

Outsider Art • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. During WWII, Japan captured American B-17 bombers for examination, but some mysteriously disappeared after the war, sparking lingering curiosity and theories.
  2. Historical mysteries like missing planes and unexplained phenomena continue to capture the imagination and intrigue readers and researchers alike.
  3. Modern surveillance technology, like spy planes and satellites, has advanced significantly, raising privacy concerns and prompting some individuals to prefer living away from prying eyes.

Shipping News

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 12 May 22
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Ballast is the heavy material ships carry to keep stable, and it has been made from various materials over time, like rocks, bricks, and even lentils in ancient times.
  2. In Seattle, ballast rocks from trade ships resulted in an area called Ballast Island, which became a refuge for Native people displaced by urban development.
  3. Ballast has often been overlooked and discarded, even though it holds many stories about history, trade, and the connections between places.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part II: Thunder Goes Clubbing

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
💾 History Archaeology
  1. The word 'Thor' is derived from Old Norse 'Þórr' and was used for the thunder god, representing both the sound of thunder and the divine being behind it.
  2. In the ancient Germanic world, the term for thundergod, 'Þórr,' evolved into 'donar' in Old High German and 'þunor' in Old English, eventually leading to the term 'thunder' in Modern English.
  3. Archaeological findings indicate a trend of Germanic club-shaped pendants, possibly associated with Hercules, before the prevalence of Thor's hammer pendants during the Viking Age.

Jane Meenaghan: Tartaria

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Tartaria is an alternative historical theory that questions mainstream narratives of history and embraces a nationalistic perspective.
  2. The concept of Tartaria has evolved into a global phenomenon, with a focus on conspiracy theories related to ancient civilizations and advanced technologies.
  3. The idea of Tartaria represents a form of hyperstitional pure land, uniting conspiracy theorists around the world in challenging established historical norms.

The Aliens You Are Waiting For Are The Earth Itself And Sun In The Sky.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Many believe aliens have visited Earth, but some argue that we should look at our planet and sun as the true wonders. Instead of seeking external beings, let's appreciate what we already have.
  2. There's a perspective that ancient civilizations like the Egyptians are often misrepresented, particularly regarding the construction of structures like the pyramids. It's important to recognize their achievements without attributing them to mythical aliens.
  3. Historical narratives can be manipulated by those in power, and it's crucial to question the stories we accept. The rewriting of history often serves to control how we understand our past and present.

How did the Babylonians know √2 up to six digits?

The Palindrome • 1 implied HN point • 21 Jan 26
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Ancient Babylonians recorded the square root of 2 to about six decimal places, achieving roughly 99.9999% accuracy for their time.
  2. Researchers can reconstruct the computational methods they likely used, showing how simple iterative algorithms produce very high-precision square roots.
  3. There is a modern, practical workshop that digs into the math behind machine learning—especially building linear regression from scratch—with vector/matrix theory, optimization, code notebooks, bonus materials, and a limited-time discount.

An Astronomical Archaeology

Orbis Tertius • 86 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. The Golden Records sent aboard the Voyager probes contain information for potential extraterrestrial encounters, including a map of our solar system.
  2. The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient device, was ahead of its time in predicting solar eclipses and movements of the sun and moon.
  3. Artifacts like the Nebra Sky Disc and Phaistos Disc offer unique insights into ancient astronomical knowledge through complex inscriptions and depictions.

Ancient Aliens, Easter Island, and Truth

Skeptic • 46 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. Reason and science should take precedence over fantasy and entertainment for a safer society.
  2. Skepticism and critical analysis are important in evaluating claims about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial theories.
  3. Engaging in open conversation, dialogue, and debate can help in seeking the truth and understanding different perspectives.

Tsunamis in the Tsound

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. Tsunamis can occur in the Puget Sound area due to earthquakes, with one significant event happening around 1,100 years ago. This caused large waves and impacted the land.
  2. Some past tsunamis affected local communities, leading to temporary abandonment of villages. This shows the lasting impact of natural disasters on people's lives.
  3. Recent geological activities, like the Tongan eruption, remind us of the powerful forces of nature. These events can create unusual phenomena, like waves and atmospheric changes, showing how connected we are to the Earth.

The Birth of Israel

Cosmographia • 3 HN points • 04 Apr 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. The birth of Israel dates back to ancient times, with the earliest mention of Israel on the Merneptah Stele in around 1208 BC, indicating their presence and significance.
  2. The origins of the Israelites are complex, involving gradual settlements, interactions with various groups like the Philistines, and the assimilation of diverse traditions into a shared cultural identity.
  3. Archaeological evidence and historical context suggest that the Israelites likely originated as pastoralist groups like the Shasu, gradually forming a distinct group in the highlands of Canaan, challenging the established Canaanite and Egyptian powers.

What Lies Beneath

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 11 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Archaeology
  1. There are coal cars from 1875 sitting at the bottom of Lake Washington. They sank during a storm and divers found them in the 1990s.
  2. Submerged forests in Lake Washington are remnants from an earthquake about 1,100 years ago. Some trees are still well-preserved under the water.
  3. Excavations for light rail in Seattle uncovered old items like shoes and bottles, showing the area's diverse history. These findings help us understand the past better.

A New Map Of Medieval London

Londonist: Time Machine • 1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Archaeology
  1. A detailed map of medieval London has been created, showing intricate parish boundaries, city structures, and landmarks from the 13th century.
  2. The Historic Towns Trust has produced detailed maps of Tudor and medieval London, using extensive research and archaeological knowledge.
  3. Mapping the city's past presents challenges due to gaps in historical records, uncertainties in field boundaries, and complexities of plotting locations like churches in ancient London.

Exciting acceleration in community activity

Vesuvius Challenge • 12 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge is rewarding contributors with $48,500 in prizes for their innovative work on ancient scrolls. This money encourages creativity and progress in understanding these old texts.
  2. One exciting project introduced a new method for segmenting scrolls, which could make the process faster and more accurate. This kind of innovation is really important as it helps researchers figure out how to read the scrolls better.
  3. Several contributors are developing tools and techniques to improve ink detection and data analysis for the scrolls. These advancements are pushing the boundaries of what we can learn from these ancient artifacts.

The King of the Werewolves

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Human sacrifices were believed to have happened at Mt. Lykaion in Greece, where a significant discovery of human bones was made in 2016.
  2. The area is linked to King Lycaon, who supposedly challenged Zeus and was transformed into a wolf as a result of his actions.
  3. This site also shows that other cultures, like the Romans, had practices of human sacrifice to please their gods, highlighting a widespread ancient belief in the need for sacrifices.

THE MAN WITH NO TONGUE

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Archaeologists discovered a mysterious burial involving a man with his tongue amputated and a flat stone placed in his mouth.
  2. Similar unusual substitutions for missing body parts were found in other burials from Roman Britain.
  3. Different burial practices like sickles across necks and stones in mouths indicate beliefs in vampires and fears of the dead returning.

🧐 Ancient Beat #96: Leisure, hallucinogenics, and not-so-abrupt tool revolutions

Ancient Beat • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Ancient tool technology may have evolved gradually rather than through a single abrupt revolution during human dispersals, challenging previous notions of advancement.
  2. Archaeological findings suggest intentional use of hallucinogenic plants like henbane in ancient Roman settlements for medicinal or narcotic purposes.
  3. Discovery of possible ancient game boards in Kenya provides insights into the recreational activities of past civilizations, indicating strategic gameplay in ancient times.

'Making a Handaxe': a knot in time.

lifeboat • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Archaeology
  1. Archaeology can be a creative and imaginative practice that involves physical and practical work.
  2. Objects like handaxes hold secrets of their making, usage, and the passage of time, providing a meditation on time.
  3. Engravings of artifacts can capture the intelligence of the hand and communicate the process and skill involved in crafting the objects.

The Manis Mastodon

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 21
🔬 Science Archaeology
  1. The Manis Mastodon is a significant archaeological site where a mastodon was found with a projectile point embedded in its rib, suggesting early human hunting around 13,800 years ago.
  2. Another discovery of bison bones on Orcas Island showed signs of butchering, providing more evidence that ancient humans hunted large animals for food.
  3. Some scientists are skeptical about the human connection to these finds, suggesting that the animals could have died from natural causes or other means, not necessarily human actions.

Papyrology Q&A pre-game

Vesuvius Challenge • 0 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Papyrology Q&A session happening on May 25th at 8am PST.
  2. Experts discussing whether Scroll 1 was folded before being rolled up.
  3. CT scans suggest that the folded portion of Scroll 1 may have been intentionally done to create a more solid middle.

Strange Discoveries in Minnesota

Marlene’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
💾 History Archaeology
  1. In 1890, a boy named George Bacon discovered a woman's body in a cave while hunting for a wildcat. This shocking find was mostly dismissed by the townspeople.
  2. In 1931, another important discovery was made in Minnesota: the remains of a teenage girl, which helped prove that humans lived there much earlier than previously thought.
  3. A mummy bought in Egypt by a Minnesotan family was found to be much younger than expected, dating back to a time when Egypt was under Roman rule.

🧐 Ancient Beat #95: The Gravettian culture(s), unique dolmens, and Alexander the Great's fam

Ancient Beat • 0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology
  1. Ice Age hunters in Europe were not one homogenous group, but actually comprised of multiple distinct cultures.
  2. Neanderthals and humans coexisted in Northern Europe 45,000 years ago, shifting previous knowledge about the timeline and interaction between species.
  3. Recent excavation in Sweden revealed a unique dolmen burial chamber from 3500 BCE with missing skeletal parts, hinting at possible ritualistic practices.