Global Events – A Look Back

Archaeologists in Rome have made an exciting discovery of a well-preserved Roman residence dating back to the late Republican period. Named the Domus del Vicus Tuscus, the site was first uncovered in 2018 and recently excavated by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo. The luxurious house, built in three phases between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, featured multiple floors and a specus aestivus, a large vaulted room resembling a grotto. Complete with water features and a unique mosaic made of shells, marble, and pebbles, the domus was likely used for dining and entertaining during the summer months.

In another archaeological find, a royal Maya tomb was unearthed at the site of Chochkitam in Guatemala. Led by Professor Francisco Estrada-Belli from Tulane University, the team discovered an elaborate burial untouched by looters. The tomb contained a human skeleton, a jade mosaic mask, engraved human femurs, ceramic vessels, a stingray spine, and Spondylus shells reserved for Maya royalty. The jade mask, depicting the Maya storm god, has been carefully pieced back together during conservation.

A recent study published in PLOS One has shed light on the source of leather found at Scythian sites in southern Ukraine dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Using palaeoproteomics, researchers identified various animal species used to produce the leather, including sheep, goat, cattle, and horse. Surprisingly, two samples were made from human skin, suggesting a possible connection to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus’ claim that Scythians used human skin for leather covers on their quivers. This discovery adds a fascinating twist to the understanding of Scythian culture and practices.