A List for 2008

Where to start?!In my prolonged absence from on being unexceptional (sorry about that) archaeology has exploded! Okay, so not literally exploded, that would have been disastrous, but a lot of stuff has been happening.

So before we start the New Year with a big bang, a few streamers and a sleazy old man giving you a wink with a toothless grin, I thought it might not be a bad time to mention some of the most popular archaeological discoveries of 2008. The National Geographic web page has released their most popular stories for 2008.

At Number 10: The Inca O-R

In may, archaeologists found that Inca skull surgeons had developed highly sophisticated techniques for a surgical procedure similar to Trepanation. It was even said that by the 1400’s survival rates from the surgery were up to 90%, probably aided by the use of medicinal plants.

Number 9: The not so Lost City of Paititi

Ever heard of Paititi? Stone city, lots of golden statues…anything ringing a bell?No, not El Dorado, but it was similarly pursued by many of explorers and treasure hunters.

Paititi is believed to have been located somewhere east of the Andes Mountains
in the rain forest of southeastern Peru, southwestern Brazil, or northern
Bolivia

Despite the fact that no thoroughly conclusive studies have been presented, premature plans are already in place to make the place a tourist hot spot.

Number 8: A Mother’s Tomb

Good Old Teti, being the loving son and god-king built his mother Sesheshet a tomb to preserve her body for her journey into the afterlife. As he should have, given that Sesheshet’s nobility would probably have greatly aided his shot at the thrown. Quite a feat really, I mean, I think we can all remember the big shit fight that occurred at the end of the fifth dynasty! What a disaster.
Number 7: Stolen Goods? No, it was in the will I swear!

I imagine, as Alexander (a.k.a. the man of my dreams) lay in Babylon on his deathbed, the conversation with his half brother may have followed something along the lines of this:

Alexander: (mutters and murmurs something unintelligible)
Philip II: Hello brother dear (bounds into the room) I’ve just got a few
questions about the will.
Alexander: (continues to mutter, slipping into unconsciousness)
Philip II: Oh come now Alex, I’m trying to discuss something serious I need
you to brighten up a bit! Good god man! What are you wearing? Is that apricot?
Since when do you wear apricot.
Alexander: Phil…..
Philip II: Ah, yes, sorry, right, now regarding the army, I think it would
be best for me to take command.
Alexander: ah…
Philip II: Really?! I’m so glad you agree!
Alexander: but…
Philip II: Oho! Stop it Alex, this flatter will really make me blush oh ho
ho ho!
Alexander: Ph…argh
Philip II: Now that you mention it, you won’t really have much use for
those little ornaments and fancy shields and crowns will you? I mean, why have
it if you can’t flaunt it?
Alexander: garh….
Philip II: Wait! I know! You can give them to me! What a brilliant idea!
Well now that we’ve sorted that, I’d better be off. You know how it is, when
you’re popular, ah it is a hard existence. Toodle pip.

I apologise for that.

Number 6: Huapalcalco Pyramid

I think this discovery, if it is legitimate, is a testament to how much we still don’t know about past peoples, and how much there is still left for us to discover. The pyramid, located in the valley of Tulancingo and associated artefacts do not fit any of the known cultures in the area. Dating suggests that the culture may have been post-Teotihuacan, where several smaller states formed at the collapse of the empire, just before the beginning of the Tula/Toltec.

Number 5: Tomb of the “Excellent One”

You know you have it made in Ancient Egypt when you can afford a tomb at Luxor for your passage into the afterlife. Although, I imagine you may be a bit miffed to find out Hatshepsut’s general planted his necropolis directly over your own tomb, what a twat! Although quite rare, warrior tomb’s are found occasionally, presumably because they gained quite a bit of respect, honour and wealth dealing with civil wars and disruption, particularly at the end of each dynasty.

Number 4: Stonehenge was…wait for it…a Cemetery!

The history of Stonehenge is very complex and the debates are endless. Previous theories all agreed that the monument did have some connection to the dead, but disagreed as to when this occurred – some theories suggested that the monument in its early construction was associated with life and the living, while it was later dedicated to the dead. New analysis of human remains has led archaeologists to now believe that from the very outset, Stonehenge was built as a cemetery.

Number 3: Collapse of the Maya

Self induced drought and climatic oscillations is said to be the main cause behind the collapse of the empire. Research suggests that the Maya relied on seasonal wetlands to help feed a growing population. These places, likely decimated by climatic change, resulted in disastrous consequences. This is a very interesting topic, if you have the time; I definitely recommend you read into it. Furthermore, the research used to support this conclusion may also help contemporary populations tackle the depletion of resources and biodiversity on a local and global scale. GO TEAM!

Number 2: It Was NOT Aliens!

There are two theories concerning how the Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids:

1) Monuments built using external Ramp
2) Monuments build inside out via spiralling inclined tunnel.

A new room discovered inside Khufu’s tomb – that’s the big one, is said to support the second theory. Plans are in place for infrared imaging to take place to record subtle difference in interior materials and temperature, and by proxy reveal “phantoms” of the spiral tunnel. They just have to get a permission slip first. Please, Oh Please Mr. Hawass!

Number 1: Xibalba! I knew it!

This is one of my personal favourites for 2008. Archaeologists uncovered a complex of temples and pyramids within a cave system in Mexico, believed to be a physical construction of the Underworld! Pretty much everything is connected to life, death and sacrifice, which begs the question, what did they do here? Was it used a portal to the afterlife? Was it a sacred area, only seen by few? How often did they use this place? I’m so jealous of the guys who get to go and play in there right now. Fancy a hard working student? Drag me along and we can best friends for life I promise!

I don’t think the list is all that great, there have been plenty of very interesting discoveries that did not make the list. Like Otzi’s genetic heritage or the mummy with the hash stash. What do you guys think? What would make your own top 10 of 2008?