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We have finally found the land of Punt, where pharaohs got their gifts

We have finally found the land of Punt, where pharaohs got their gifts

14 December 2022

The land of Punt, a mysterious place where ancient Egyptians bought gold, incense and other luxury items, has been located using DNA from mummified baboons


Who is Ancestor X? The biggest mystery in human evolution

Who is Ancestor X? The biggest mystery in human evolution

31 August 2022

The search for the direct ancestor of humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans has been protracted and puzzling. Now, fresh clues are adding a surprising twist to the tale


Footprints image

Ancient footprints show children splashed in puddles 11,500 years ago

6 April 2022

A set of ancient footprints seems to show children splashing around in water that had pooled in tracks left by a now-extinct ground sloth


How fossil footprints are revealing the joy and fear of Stone Age life

How fossil footprints are revealing the joy and fear of Stone Age life

6 April 2022

A new wave of archaeological investigations is reconstructing intimate details of our ancestors' lives from fossilised footprints. They give us glimpses of everything from parent-child relationships to the thrill of a giant sloth hunt


Ancient shell beads may have been the first money used in the Americas

Ancient shell beads may have been the first money used in the Americas

16 December 2020

Shell beads created 2000 years ago by the Chumash, a Native American people, may be the first money used in the Americas


The reason we love to gather around the TV lies in Stone Age embers

The reason we love to gather around the TV lies in Stone Age embers

16 December 2020

Watching TV and staring at flickering flames produce similar physiological effects, offering intriguing clues to the enduring power of entertainment – and the origins of sociability


Ancient nomadic warrior women may have inspired the Mulan legend

Ancient nomadic warrior women may have inspired the Mulan legend

14 April 2020

Skeletal markings show that some women who lived on the Mongolian steppe 1850 years ago appear to have been warriors, perhaps providing inspiration for the famous Ballad of Mulan


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