In 2024, the archeology It continues to transform thanks to the use of new technologies that allow us to discover hidden secrets of past civilizations. Since the use of LIDAR to discover cities under dense jungles, until the application of artificial intelligence to read scrolls burned more than two thousand years ago, this year’s advances allow us to know more than ever about our history.
Below are some of the most important findings of 2024, in which technology has played a fundamental role.
He ancient egypt remains a constant source of fascination for archaeologists. In 2024, important finds have been made in several regions of the country, offering a deeper insight into funerary practices and daily life in ancient Egypt.
One of the most notable discoveries was the unearthing of 33 tombs in southern Egypt and another 63 in the Nile deltawhere they were found gold amulets, coinsy ceramics. These artifacts, around 2,000 years old, correspond to later periods in Egyptian history, and are expected to reveal more about the funerary practices of the time and the objects that accompanied the dead on their journey to the afterlife.
In addition, researchers have found evidence of the harmful posture of egyptian scribes during their work, which could shed more light on the working conditions of this trade so crucial to the administration of Ancient Egypt. It has also been discovered a lost arm of the Nilewhich, in ancient times, was used to transport stones for the construction of the pyramids of giza. This discovery not only opens new lines of research into the logistics of the construction of these majestic structures, but also reaffirms the importance of the Nile in the organization of Egyptian society.
In PetraJordan, the ancient Nabataean city in the Jordanian desert, one of the most notable discoveries of 2024 occurred. Under the iconic Petra’s Treasurealso known as Al-Khazneharchaeologists found 12 skeletons in a tomb, offering a unique insight into the life and customs of the Nabataeans, an early Arab people. Petra, famous for its impressive buildings carved into the rock, was once the capital of this town and a melting pot of cultures due to its strategic location on the Spice Route.
The Nabataeans were known for their skill in hydraulic engineering, and their tombs, many of which are in hard-to-reach places, offer tangible testimony to their wealth and complex society. The discovery of this tomb under the Petra’s Treasure is invaluable as it is hoped to provide new insights into the funerary practices and way of life of this ancient people.
The artificial intelligence (AI) has proven to be an invaluable tool for modern archaeology, and 2024 was no exception. In a scientific milestone, researchers used AI to read parts of a burnt parchment due to the eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 AD, the same one that destroyed Pompeii. These scrolls, found in the ancient city of Herculaneumhad been almost completely charred, making them illegible with traditional techniques.
However, with the use of x-rays and artificial intelligence, researchers were able to decipher a fragment of the scroll that contained 15 columns of text. The content seems to be related to the thoughts of the Greek philosopher Epicurusspecifically about how to enjoy life, which opens up new possibilities for studying the influence of Greek philosophies on the Roman Empire.
This breakthrough underscores the potential for AI to unlock ancient texts that might otherwise remain out of reach. As these techniques are perfected, it is likely that other ancient manuscripts and scrolls that are still unknown to us will be deciphered.
Another important discovery in 2024 was the discovery of the oldest saddle never found, dating back 2,700 years. This artifact was unearthed in the Yanghai cemeterynear the desert Taklamakanin the northwest of China. Although horses were domesticated long before, the saddle represents a crucial technological advance in the history of horsemanship.
Made of stitched leather and filled with straw and animal hairthis mount is a testament to the practices of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia, and its preservation is largely due to the extremely dry desert environment, which preserved the organic materials. This discovery helps understand how ancient civilizations adapted new technologies to facilitate transportation and warfare.
In 2024, important secrets about the Mayan civilization continue to be revealed, with several significant finds in tombs offering new insights into their rituals and beliefs. One of the most notable discoveries was the discovery of a jade mask in a grave in the southern region of Mexico. This finely crafted mask is believed to have belonged to a high-ranking figure, probably a leader or priest, and was intended to accompany him on his journey to the afterlife. Jade, considered a sacred material by the Mayans, symbolized immortality and rebirth, essential characteristics in their religious beliefs.
This find is part of a larger set of discoveries in Mayan tombs, which include jade jewelry, ceramics and other ritual objects. The unearthed tombs have revealed key details about Mayan funerary rituals, which involved offerings and sacrifices, intended to ensure a successful transition to the spirit world. Archaeologists have also found remains of jade snakeswhich symbolize the connection between the underworld and the underworld, in addition to stone masks which reflect the high degree of sophistication in the funerary practices of the Mayans.
A recent discovery in Stonehengethe Neolithic monument located in the southwest of Englandhas shed new light on its construction. 2024 researchers found that altar stone of Stonehenge, located near the center of the monument, comes from Scotlandmore than 300 kilometers away. This revelation shows that the builders of Stonehenge They transported this enormous stone of more than six tons at a time when wheels were not yet used.
This finding continues to expand knowledge about the construction of Stonehengewhich is considered one of the most enigmatic sites in European prehistory. Previous studies had already shown that the gigantic sarsen stones in the main circle of Stonehenge were brought from a local quarry, but the blue stones, which form the inner circle, came from Galesmore than 160 kilometers away. These discoveries continue to raise questions about the purpose and construction techniques of the monument, considered an important religious center in the Bronze Age.
The technology LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has allowed us to reveal great secrets in various parts of the world. This system, which uses laser pulses to map terrain, has revolutionized archeology by being able to penetrate dense vegetation and difficult terrain, revealing structures that were previously invisible to archaeologists. In 2024, LIDAR continued to demonstrate its enormous potential.
One of the most impressive discoveries was the discovery of Mayan settlements in the region of Campechein southern Mexico. Thanks to this technology, archaeologists were able to identify ancient road and canal systems that reveal how the Mayans managed their environment in advanced ways. Furthermore, in the Ecuadorin the Amazon rainforest, a landscape composed of gardens, paths and rivers was discovered, suggesting a more complex civilization than previously thought.
On the other hand, the Tonga island in the Pacific was also the scene of surprising finds, with ruins that could change our understanding of the region’s first civilizations. and in Uzbekistanalong the ancient Silk Road, the remains of two medieval cities who were in contact with various cultures of Central Asia.
These types of discoveries underline the impact that LIDAR has on modern archaeology, allowing large areas to be explored and accurate maps of underground structures to be obtained without the need for invasive excavations.
