Archaeology News Update for 1 March 2009

Each sunday we compile the best news on the net and post the stories here for your eyes.  Here's what's happening this week.

13,000-Year-Old Stone Tool Cache In Colorado Shows Evidence Of Camel, Horse Butchering

A biochemical analysis of a rare Clovis-era stone tool cache recently unearthed in the city limits of Boulder, Colo., indicates some of the implements were used to butcher ice-age camels and horses that roamed North America until their extinction about 13,000 years ago, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder study. (Read more and watch the video...)

Fossil footprints reveal our modern walk in the making

Footprints laid down near Lake Turkana in Kenya 1.5 million years ago were made by human ancestors with essentially modern foot anatomy and gait, a new study has found.

These are the second oldest hominin footprints known, after the 3.7-million-year-old Laetoli printsfound by anthropologist Mary Leakey in 1978. More importantly, they are the oldest made by human ancestors - most likely early Homo erectus - who shared our stature, foot anatomy and springy, efficient stride.  (Read more...)

Ancient Mass Graves of Soldiers, Babies Found in Italy

More than 10,000 graves containing ancient amphorae, "baby bottles," and the bodies of soldiers who fought the Carthaginians were found near the ancient Greek colony of Himera, in Italy, archaeologists announced recently.

"It's probably the largest Greek necropolis in Sicily," said Stefano Vassallo, the lead archaeologist of the team that made the discoveries, in September. (Read more...)

Sinkhole Holds 12,000-Year-Old Clues to Early Americans

Divers exploring a southern Florida sinkhole have uncovered clues to what life was like for some of America's first residents.

Led by University of Miami professor John Gifford, underwater archaeologists are exploring Little Salt Spring, 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Sarasota.

Earlier this year, students working about 30 feet (9 meters) below the surface found the remains of a gourd that probably was used as a canteen by an ancient hunter about 8,000 or 9,000 years ago, according to Gifford.  (Read more…)

That's all for now.  If anything breaks during the week, you'll see it here.  Otherwise, more news next Sunday!

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