Video Texas archaeologists uncover ancient king’s tomb in Belize
Recently, Texas archaeologists Arlen Chase and Diane Chase unearthed the 4th-century sepulcher of Te’ K’ab Chaak, the primary sovereign of Caracol, a significant Mayan metropolis in Belize. (Source: Caracol Archaeological Project; University of Houston)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Investigators have lately pinpointed Indonesian cave paintings originating from about 68,000 years prior — a ground-breaking finding that represents one of the most ancient displays of human imagination.
The prehistoric artwork was located within a grotto on Sulawesi Island, a tropical landmass situated in central Indonesia, to the northeast of Java and Bali.
Images of the finding display reddish-brown imprints of hands — exhibiting somewhat extended or subtly pointed digits on the cavern’s wall.
The impressions were crafted by dispersing pigment upon hands positioned upon the cave surfaces, with certain fingertips purposefully changed.
As per the investigators, the cave paintings serve as the “earliest archaeological proof uncovered thus far regarding our species’ existence” within the Wallacea region of Indonesia. The outcomes were documented recently within the publication Nature.
Researchers indicate that newly evaluated cave depictions from Indonesia might symbolize some of the earliest recognized instances of early human ingenuity. (Maxime Aubert via AP)
Study creator Maxime Aubert, an archaeologist from Griffith University located in Australia, communicated to The Associated Press that the stencils could be evidence of an intricate rock painting custom disseminated across various civilizations.
Scientists remain uncertain regarding the precise human type responsible for creating the imprints.
One likelihood involves the Denisovans, a vanished group of early humans who inhabited the area and potentially interacted with Homo sapiens.
“For us, this finding does not signify the culmination. Rather, it encourages continued exploration.”
The prints might also have been formed by modern humans whose forerunners journeyed from Africa via the Middle East and into Indonesia.
Scientists have articulated intentions to proceed with their inspection of the vicinity, seeking even older cases of ancient artwork.
Genevieve von Petzinger, an autonomous paleoanthropologist not affiliated with the investigation, informed The Associated Press that she “emitted a soft shriek of delight” upon observing the conclusions.
“It aligns entirely with my contemplations,” she stated.
Researchers unearthed the age-old cave artistry on Sulawesi, an isle in central Indonesia positioned to the northeast of Java and Bali. (Ahdi Agus Oktaviana/Maxime Aubert via AP)
This revelation arises as researchers uncover progressively earlier proof of early human inventiveness.
“For us, this discovery is not the end of the story,” Aubert remarked. “It is an invitation to keep looking.”
Researchers have expressed intentions to persist in surveying the locale for akin instances of primeval artistry. (Maxime Aubert via AP)
In a similarly arresting discovery, researchers lately recognized the most ancient documented poisoned projectiles, dating back roughly 60,000 years.
During the prior month, researchers publicized indications of the most ancient recognized intentional fire creation conducted by humans, which dates back about 400,000 years.
Reporting was contributed by The Associated Press.