Centuries-old Austrian mummy found to be exceptionally well preserved thanks to unusual embalming method

Researchers found a centuries-old mummy from Austria exceptionally well preserved – likely the result of a never-before reported embalming method using wood chips, twigs, fabric, and zinc chloride.

Fri, May 2, 2025

Viking colonizers of Iceland and nearby Faroe Islands had very different origins, study finds

Band of Viking men from all over Scandinavia first settled Faroe Islands show geneticists.

Mon, Nov 25, 2024

‘Screaming Woman’ mummy may have died in agony 3,500 years ago

Egyptian woman was embalmed with costly imported ingredients, suggesting her expression was caused by pain, not poor embalming.

Fri, Aug 2, 2024

Cook like a Neanderthal: Scientists try to replicate ancient butchering methods to learn how Neanderthals ate birds

A pilot study indicates that fire-roasted birds are easier to process, but only birds butchered raw show cutmarks — evidence that we can use to understand Neanderthal diets.

Wed, Jul 24, 2024

Pompeii skeleton discovery shows another natural disaster may have made Vesuvius eruption even more deadly

Scientists think that skeletons of individuals trapped and killed inside buildings by earthquakes during the 79CE eruption of Vesuvius could provide a more complete history of destruction.

Thu, Jul 18, 2024

‘Extraordinary’ 4,000-year-old Egyptian skull may show signs of attempts to treat cancer

Cutmarks on a 4,000-year-old skull could be indications that the ancient Egyptians tried to operate on excessive tissue growth or learn more about cancerous disorders after a patient’s death.

Wed, May 29, 2024

‘Golden boy’ mummy was protected by 49 precious amulets, CT scans reveal

‘Digital unwrapping’ shows that unopened 2,300-year-old mummy is showcase of ancient Egyptian beliefs.

Tue, Jan 24, 2023

Ancient Maya cities were dangerously contaminated with mercury

Exposure to mercury may have posed health hazard for ancient Maya.

Sat, Sep 24, 2022