![]() ![]() There were excavation delays caused by World War I, but a hopeful Carter pressed on. The man who uncovered these treasures was Howard Carter, an archaeologist who was given permission by excavation backer Lord Carnarvon to explore the Valley of the Kings in 1914. Of course, there are many artifacts from the tomb of King Tutankhamen, who died in 1324 B.C. Wikimedia Commons Howard Carter and his famous discovery, the sarcophagus of the Egyptian King Tutankhamen. "I think we're going to find that these early people were smarter than we think." King Tut's Tomb "The ultimate purpose of putting something on yourself, your house, your walls is to make a statement about who you are," said Alison Brooks, an anthropologist at George Washington University. According to Science Mag, "The conceptual ability to source, combine, and store substances that enhance technology or social practices represent a benchmark in the evolution of complex human cognition."įurthermore, it's a benchmark in individuality. It was pretty complex chemistry for the time. "We can see where the small quartz grains that had adhered to the finger had left a very tiny trace in the shell." "Above and below each shell and to the side of each shell was a complete kit that was used for producing a pigmented mixture," Henshilwood said. Grindstones and hammerstones were other tools that assisted in the preparation of the materials. Archaeologist Christopher Henshilwood uncovered two abalone shells with ocher ground into them.Īncient people would add bone and charcoal to a liquid mixture to make it sticky, and ocher provided the color. In 2011, archaeologists found 100,000-year-old tools used for paint-making - the oldest evidence of mixing paint - inside the South African Blombos cave. Science/AAAS An abalone shell with a grindstone on the shell lip, evidence of the earliest paint-making. The technology fueling the Antikythera mechanism proved so advanced that some people believed aliens helped create the device. However, it wasn't until X-ray technology became available that the complexity of the device was fully revealed. Technology like this would not be seen again in Europe for another 1,000 years.Īrchaeologists were amazed at the discovery. The astoundingly modern-looking ancient artifact consisted of 82 pieces, including about 30 interlocking gear wheels. ![]() Its two metal dials displayed the zodiac and the days of the year, with pointers indicating the location of the Sun, the Moon, and the five planets that were known to the Greeks at the time (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). Often referred to as "the world's first computer," the Antikythera mechanism was actually a tool used in astronomy. The "lump" had cracked open a bit - and inside he saw gear wheels. But in 1902, one of the archaeologists examining wreckage from a sunken Greek ship from 85 B.C. The Antikythera MechanismĮlectropod/Flickr A reconstruction of the Antikythera mechanism.Īt first glance, the Antikythera mechanism looked like an innocuous lump of bronze and wood on an ancient shipwreck. With that, let's take a deeper dive into some of the more fascinating ancient artifacts from around the world. Each state has an office of preservation or a state archaeologist, and they can assist you. Unfortunately, in the U.S., if you're not an archaeologist and you find an artifact, you're required to report it. They are a valuable learning tool, and many hobbyists dream of finding a spectacular specimen themselves. Often, artifacts speak louder than written words ever could. Since many ancient peoples didn't develop a written language, these artifacts are the only clues as to how they lived, worked, and played. ![]() Perhaps you prefer reading about the Assyrians and their infamous battle cry: "I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire."įrom the 3.3 million-year-old stone tools found in Kenya to the ancient Egyptians' treasure-filled tombs, artifacts are defined as any objects made, modified, or used by a human, anywhere in the world. Or maybe you're a fan of the prehistoric Mesopotamians, with their uncanny ability to make just about anything out of clay. Maybe you enjoy learning about ancient Egypt, with its mystic pyramids, hieroglyphics, and love of cats. Whether it's a tool or a chair, there's an ancient artifact that represents it. From practical items to magnificent artworks, humankind's ingenuity has always led us to create items we see in our imagination. While ancient times seem like they happened so long ago, some things never change - and these artifacts are all the proof you need. ![]()
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