Once again, we review the archaeological discoveries of the year that has just ended. This time, we have selected 14 from those we had the opportunity to feature, which had a special impact among our readers.

All of them are astonishing and exciting discoveries that made us enjoy, a small sample of everything that archaeology offered us in 2024. If you don’t want to miss any of those that will take place this year, you can follow us in multiple ways. We explain it here: Follow us.

Island of Fraile: A Roman Shopping Center on the Coast of Murcia

Isla del Fraile archaeological site
Isla del Fraile archaeological site. Credit: J. Rodríguez Pandozi / Antiquity

Island of Fraile, located off the coast of Águilas (Murcia), has revealed itself to be an important commercial hub during the Roman period. Research from the Archaeology Institute of the University of Granada indicates continuous occupation since the 1st century BC, reaching its peak in the 4th and 5th centuries AD.

Mosaics and glass from Tunisia have been found, showing trade connections with North Africa. Additionally, facilities for the production of salted fish and fishing tools were identified, suggesting that the island operated as a redistribution center for African foodstuffs.

Read more in The Small Island of Fraile, in Southeast Spain, Discovered to Have Been an Important Commercial Center in Roman Times .


Intact Roman Defensive Stakes in Germany

Profile of the inner pointed moat of the small fort of the "Blöskopf". The "pila fossata" were driven into the upper part of the moat in groups of three
Profile of the inner pointed moat of the small fort of the “Blöskopf”. The “pila fossata” were driven into the upper part of the moat in groups of three. Credit: Frederic Auth / Goethe Universität Frankfurt

Archaeologists have for the first time discovered pila fossata, sharpened wooden stakes used by the Roman army as defense, in a military camp near Bad Ems, Germany. Dated to the 1st century AD, these stakes were found in their original position within a defensive trench, confirming historical descriptions by authors such as Caesar.

The exceptional preservation of the wood is attributed to permanently flooded conditions. The findings were restored at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology and presented to the public in Mainz.

Read more in First-Ever Discovery of “Pila Fossata”, Intact Defensive Wooden Stakes of the Roman Army in Germany .


Tools and Construction Materials in a Domus in Pompeii

Yellow roof tiles and tuff stone blocks found in Pompeii
Yellow roof tiles and tuff stone blocks found in Pompeii. Credit: Parco Archeologico di Pompei

In Insula IX-10 in Pompeii, archaeologists have unearthed a domus under renovation at the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, revealing Roman construction techniques. Tools such as lead weights, hoes, shovels, and chisels, as well as tiles, tuff bricks, and piles of lime, were found.

Notably, a hot mix of quicklime and pozzolana was used to make concrete, speeding up drying and optimizing construction. This discovery provides a detailed look into the methods and materials used by Pompeian stoneworkers in building and renovating structures.

Read more in Discoveries in a Pompeii Domus Reveal Tools and Materials Used by the City’s Stonemasons.


5th-Century Roman Shipwreck in Mallorca Transported Fish Sauce from Cartagena

Remains of the 12 meter long Roman shipwreck with its cargo found in Mallorca
Remains of the 12 meter long Roman shipwreck with its cargo found in Mallorca. Credit: Arqueomallornauta – Consell de Mallorca / Universitat de Barcelona / Universidad de Cádiz / Universitat de les Illes Balears

Off the coast of Mallorca, a 5th-century Roman shipwreck in remarkable condition has been found. Petrographic analysis of the amphorae suggests the vessel set sail from Cartagena, in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula.

The cargo primarily contained “liquaminis flos”, a fish sauce made with anchovies and sardines, along with oil and grape derivatives. This finding provides valuable information about trade routes and the economy in the Late Antiquity period.

Read more in A 5th-Century Roman Shipwreck off the Coast of Mallorca Came from Cartagena and Carried “Liquaminis Flos”, a Fish Sauce.



Roman Centurion Letters in Berenike, Egypt

One of the texts found
One of the texts found. Credit: K. Braulińska

Polish archaeologists have found papyri containing letters from Roman centurions stationed in Egypt in Berenike, an ancient Roman port on the Red Sea. These unique documents were found alongside Italian ceramics, Roman coins, and a fibula, possibly in the remains of a centurion’s office.

The correspondence mentions names such as Haosus, Lucinius, and Petronius, and reflects logistical and commercial activities, including instructions like: “I am sending them with dromedarius, take care of them”. This discovery provides valuable information about the Roman military presence and operations in Egypt at the time.

Read more in Letters from Roman Centurions Found in Ancient Berenike, Egypt: “I Send Them with Dromedarius, Take Care of Them”.


A Warrior Woman Buried with Monks of the Order of Calatrava in Guadalajara

The remains were exhumed from the cemetery of the castle of Zorita de los Canes, in Guadalajara.
The remains were exhumed from the cemetery of the castle of Zorita de los Canes, in Guadalajara. Credit: Guillermo Carvajal / labrujulaverde.com

Researchers from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the Max Planck Institute have discovered the remains of a woman buried alongside 23 warrior monks of the Order of Calatrava in Zorita de los Canes Castle, Guadalajara. Analysis of the skeletons, dated between the 12th and 15th centuries, reveals that most of them suffered violent deaths in battle.

The presence of a woman among the warriors suggests that she may have actively participated in battles, challenging traditional perceptions of the female role in the Middle Ages.

Read more in The Body of a Woman Killed in Battle, Buried with 23 Warrior Monks of the Order of Calatrava Discovered in Guadalajara (Spain).


A Minoan Labyrinthine Structure with 8 Rings in Crete

A unique circular and labyrinthine structure, dating back to the Minoan period, discovered on the island of Crete
A unique circular and labyrinthine structure, dating back to the Minoan period, discovered on the island of Crete. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture

On the top of Papoura Hill, 494 meters above sea level in Crete, archaeologists have discovered a unique monumental circular structure from the Minoan civilization. With a diameter of approximately 48 meters and composed of 8 overlapping stone rings, 1.40 meters thick and up to 1.7 meters high, the construction dates back to the Middle Minoan period (2000-1700 BC) and continued in use during the Neo-Palatial period (1700-1400 BC).

The internal arrangement, with radial walls and interconnected spaces, suggests a labyrinthine layout, possibly with entrances on the southwest and northwest sides.

Read more in Extraordinary Circular Labyrinthine Structure from the Minoan Era Formed by 8 Stone Rings, Discovered in Crete.


A 3-Kilometer Wall Built by Crassus to Capture Spartacus

Detail of the uncovered wall
Detail of the uncovered wall. Credit: Ministero della Cultura

Archaeologists have rediscovered at Dossone della Melia, Calabria, a wall nearly 3 kilometers long that traverses forests, plains, and a stream. The discovery of Roman weapons dated to the late Republic period suggests that this structure was erected by Consul Marcus Licinius Crassus in 72 BC to trap Spartacus and his followers, preventing them from accessing supplies.

According to Plutarch, the Romans quickly built a fortification 330 stadia long, 15 feet wide and deep, flanked by a remarkably high and sturdy wall.

Read more in A 3-kilometer wall built by Consul Marcus Licinius Crassus to capture Spartacus and his followers, discovered in Italy.


An Isolated Community in Caves on the Border Between Al-Andalus and the Christian Kingdoms

Aerial view of the excavated area in the early medieval settlement of Las Gobas (Condado de Treviño, Spain).
Aerial view of the excavated area in the early medieval settlement of Las Gobas (Condado de Treviño, Spain). Credit: GPAC (Grupo de investigación en Patrimonio Construido) / Basque Country University

Archaeogenetic research has revealed a community that lived in caves on the border between Al-Andalus and the Christian kingdoms of northern Iberia from the mid-6th to the 11th century. This settlement, known as Las Gobas, was characterized by notable endogamy and isolation, with little North African genetic influence.

DNA studies of 39 individuals buried at the site have shown a high degree of consanguinity and the presence of various diseases, including an ancient case of smallpox. Additionally, evidence of violence, such as weapon wounds, was found in some of the individuals analyzed.

Read more in A Violent Community Lived in Isolation for Five Centuries in Caves on the Border Between Al-Andalus and the Christian Kingdoms.


Barracks, Warehouses, and a Bronze Sword of Ramses II in an Egyptian Fort

La espada de Ramsés II encontrada
Ramses II sword found. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered an adobe brick complex at Tell Al-Abqain, Behera, that includes military barracks and warehouses from the New Kingdom period. Among the findings is a bronze sword with the emblem of Ramses II, as well as personal items belonging to the soldiers.

This fort, located on the western military road, protected Egypt’s northwest borders from invasions by Libyan tribes and the Sea Peoples. Preliminary studies indicate that some structures served as storage for the soldiers’ daily supplies.

Read more in Quarters, Warehouses, Weapons, and a Bronze Sword of Ramesses II Discovered in the Fort That Protected Northern Egypt from the Sea Peoples.


The Tomb of a German Soldier with Historical Artifacts in Poland

German soldier's grave
German soldier’s grave discovered in Poland Credit: Wdecki Park Krajobrazowy

In the Tuchola Forest, Poland, archaeologists have found the tomb of a German soldier who fell in combat in February 1945, during World War II. Excavations around the tomb revealed Mesolithic stone tools, Neolithic ceramics from the Globular Amphora culture, and, notably, Roman and Byzantine coins.

Among them is a follis from the Byzantine Empire, minted under Emperor Basil II between the late 10th and early 11th centuries, a highly rare find in the region.

Read more in German WWII Soldier’s Grave Found in Poland with Mesolithic Tools, Roman and Byzantine Coins, and Other Artifacts.


Roman and Merovingian Tombs Under a Romanesque Church in Dijon

Dijon church merovingian roman sarcophagi
Excavations inside the church of Dijon where Merovingian and Roman sarcophagi have been found. Credit: Christophe Fouquin / INRAP

During excavations at the Romanesque church of Saint-Philibert in Dijon, France, remnants of an earlier church were found, and beneath it, Merovingian tombs (6th to 8th centuries). These tombs contain stone sarcophagi covering older ones, dating to the end of the Roman Empire.

One of the sarcophagi stands out for its sculpted lid, indicating the site’s importance as a burial center for the elite.

Read more in Beneath a Romanesque church in France archaeologists uncovered an earlier one, and beneath Merovingian tombs, and beneath Roman sarcophagi.


Bronze Statues and Thousands of Coins in the Etrusco-Roman Sanctuary of San Casciano dei Bagni

Casciano Bagni
Bronze head found in the Etruscan-Roman sanctuary of San Casciano dei Bagni. Credit: Ministero della Cultura

In the Italian municipality of San Casciano dei Bagni, Siena province, archaeological excavations at the Etrusco-Roman sanctuary of Bagno Grande have revealed significant findings. High-quality bronze statues have been found, including a child figure representing an augur with an inscription in Etruscan and a pentagonal ball that could have been used in divination rituals.

Additionally, thousands of coins from the Roman Republic and Empire, as well as other votive objects like lamps, glass ointment jars, and bronze figures, have been discovered. These findings provide a detailed view of the religious and cultural practices of the Etruscan and Roman civilizations in the region.

Read more in Spectacular Bronze Statues and Thousands of Coins Found in the Etruscan-Roman Sanctuary of San Casciano dei Bagni.


  • Share on:

Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.