Medieval moat discovered in Jerusalem
A deep 1,000-year-old rock-hewn moat and a mysterious hand imprint were uncovered next to the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem
Medieval English monasteries found ways to survive Viking attacks, archaeologists find
English monasteries were more resilient to Viking attacks than previously thought, archaeologists have concluded.
Timber building found in England might date back to 16th century
A historic timber-frame building has been discovered during restoration work in the northern city of Wakefield. It is believed that it could have been a house dating back to the 16th century.
New study reveals that Europe’s Bog Bodies stretched into the Middle Ages
An international team of archaeologists have analysed hundreds of ancient human remains found in Europe’s wetlands, revealing these “bog bodies” were part of a tradition that spanned millennia.
Two early medieval churches discovered in northeastern Africa
Archaeologists working in Eritrea have identified the remains of two Christian churches that were once part of the medieval Kingdom of Aksum. Construction on these churches may date as far back as the fifth century AD.
“Once-in-a-lifetime”: 7th-century gold and gemstone necklace discovered in England
An early medieval necklace made of gold, garnets and semi-precious stones has been found by archaeologists working in central England. Dubbed the ‘Harpole Treasure’, this is being called an internationally significant discovery.
Two medieval shipwrecks discovered in Sweden
The remains of two medieval merchant vessels, known as cogs, were discovered over the summer in western Sweden during an archaeological excavation. New evidence reveals that the ships were built outside of Scandinavia in the mid-14th century.
Viking Age silver treasure discovered in Norway
“This is quite an exceptional find. Finding this big a treasure from the Viking Age hasn’t happened in Norway for a long time.”
Archaeologists uncover medieval farm in England
An archaeological dig in northern England is uncovering a high-status medieval farm that had close links to the Cistercian monastery. The finds have included jet rosary beads, pottery and glazed tiles.
Beautiful medieval tiles discovered in Poland
Archaeologists working in eastern Poland have unearthed several hundred fragments of tiles that once decorated the walls and floor of a late-medieval stronghold.
Medieval shipwreck’s cargo revealed by researchers
Around the year 1440, a ship was sailing towards Belgium when it sank off the coast of Sweden. Researchers have now been able to determine its cargo – which included copper, oak timber, quicklime, tar, and bricks and roof tiles – offering insights into trade in northern Europe during the late Middle Ages.
The ‘Nuclear’ Hillforts of Early Medieval Scotland
The ‘nuclear’ fort was first proposed by R.B.K Stevenson (1949) as consisting of a central citadel that sits at the summit or centre of a hill with outworks connecting and looping off the central enclosure, thus creating a descending hierarchical organisation of space through terracing and multivallation.
Early medieval mosaics discovered in Israel
Archaeologists working in Israel have discovered mosaics from the early Middle Ages. They were found in a residence that was near Khirbat al-Minya, an Ummayad palace built in the eighth century.
Low water levels along French river help to reveal medieval fishery
The harsh drought across Europe this summer has led to water levels dropping heavily in lakes and rivers. This has led to finds being made along these waterways, which now includes the remains of a 12th-century fishery in France.
More faces from the Middle Ages revealed
The ability to digitally reconstruct how people from the Middle Ages looked like has greatly improved in recent years. This can be seen in a new project which has helped to reveal three people who lived 700 years ago in Scotland.
Hidden hoard of Byzantine gold coins discovered in Golan Heights
A hoard of 44 gold coins dating to the seventh century has been discovered in the ruins of Banias in the Golan Heights. They were found during archaeological excavations carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
ArcheoBotany and the Secrets of Plants
Have you ever heard of archeobotany? It’s the study of ancient plants! Alice Wolff tells Lucie Laumonier about her research, which takes her from the fields to the lab.
Medieval cog discovered off the coast of Sweden
A previously undiscovered shipwreck has been found off the west coast of Sweden. Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest cogs to be found in Europe.
Tunnel discovered during community dig at medieval abbey
Archaeologists in England believe they have located a tunnel that was once part of Hyde Abbey, a monastery located in Winchester which is the burial place of Alfred the Great.
Medieval kitchen discovered in Czech Republic
Archaeologists working in the Czech Republic have discovered the remains of a kitchen dating back to the 15th century. Many items have been found in remarkable condition, including pots with their lids intact and kitchen utensils.
Research from Viking latrines helps reveal the long history of a parasite
Using stool samples from Viking latrines, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have genetically mapped one of the oldest human parasites – the whipworm.
“Once-in-a-generation discovery”: Early Medieval Monastery found in England
An 8th-century monastery in southern England could have enjoyed similarly important status as a trade and production centre to larger towns like London and Southampton, a new excavation has revealed.
Identity, kinship and community: early medieval death and burial across south-eastern and north-western England
Oxford Archaeology’s fifth research seminar focused on early medieval cemeteries in south-eastern and north-western England.
1,200-year-old luxurious estate discovered in Israel
Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a 1,200-year-old luxurious estate in the Negev Desert. The site includes a unique vaulted complex overlying a three-meter-deep rock-hewn water cistern.