Humans have left clues of our existence throughout time, leaving behind burials, artifacts and written records that hint at our evolution, beliefs, practices and cultures. Studying the archaeological record shows us that the oldest known bones belonging to Homo sapiens are 300,000 years old, or that the world’s oldest civilizations arose at least 6,000 years ago.
Whether you’re looking for facts about the ancient Egyptians, the discovery of an ancient human skull, a gold hoard dating to the fall of the Roman Empire or how the latest technology is helping us find hidden pyramids, Live Science's expert science writers and editors are here to give you the latest coverage on our past with archaeology news, articles and features.
Latest about Archaeology
DNA reveals inbreeding, smallpox and violent ends among cave-dwelling Christians in medieval Spain
It's unclear why people chose to live in the caves, but DNA is shedding light on their lives.
World War I British warship that sank in a surprise U-boat attack 110 years ago discovered in North Sea
HMS Hawke sank after an explosion caused by an enemy torpedo, with the loss of more than 500 of its crew.
Ancient submerged bridge in Spain reveals that humans inhabited Mediterranean island nearly 6,000 years ago
After analyzing a submerged bridge found in a Spanish cave, researchers have determined that humans inhabited the area earlier than previously thought.
2,200-year old battering ram from epic battle between Rome and Carthage found in Mediterranean
Researchers have uncovered a bronze battering ram off the coast of Sicily. The weapon would have been used during the Battle of the Aegates between Rome and Carthage.
Ancient Egyptians used so much copper, they polluted the harbor near the pyramids, study finds
New geoarchaeological research shows that metalworking in ancient Egypt led to significant contamination in a nearby port.
'Everything we found shattered our expectations': Archaeologists discover 1st astronomical observatory from ancient Egypt
This first ancient Egyptian observatory discovered in modern times showcases advanced knowledge of astronomy and its profound link to the Egyptians' spiritual and ritualistic practices.
1st Americans impaled and killed mammoths with pikes, not spears, study suggests
Ancient hunters may have mounted Clovis points on sophisticated pikes that fractured inside large mammals like woolly mammoths to inflict fatal injuries, archaeologists say.
Ancient people in Taiwan yanked healthy teeth from their mouths for 'aesthetic expression' and 'tests of courage,' study finds
For thousands of years, people in Taiwan pulled out healthy teeth. Now we know why they underwent this painful procedure.
