6. English Gladiator Grave Discovered
Where: York, England
Discovered in 2010;
Estimated value (human remains): N/A
The York Archaeological Trust in York, England claims that this discovery is the sole "well-preserved" Roman gladiator grave. This cemetery, which was discovered beneath York in 2003, exposes the actual savagery of antiquity. These buried, severed Gladiators had lion bites on their bodies and colossal muscles on abnormally enormous guys.
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York, England: Roman Gladiator Grave Discovered @dailymail/Pinterest
Before lion bites were discovered, the Roman Gladiators' grave was once believed to be a prisoner's grave. Then it dawned on archaeologists that what they were seeing was the last resting place of gladiators who had participated in the notorious bloodsport competitions in ancient Rome. The men's arms provided yet another important hint as to who these guys were. In many of the remains, one arm was significantly larger than the other, indicating that these Gladiators had been trained from an early age to locate a weapon in their dominant hand.
7. Asian "Hobbit" Skeletons Found
Location: Indonesia's Liang Bua Cave
Discovered in 2004
Estimated Value (Human Remains): N/A
Millions of people have read Lord of the Rings, but did you know that J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastical universe actually contains some truth? Human remains resembling hobbits have been found in caves on a secluded island in Indonesia.
The remarkable discovery of Asia's "Hobbit" skeletons was announced by @SilpaWattanatham on Facebook, capturing the imagination of both the scientific community and the public. These ancient hominins, scientifically known as Homo floresiensis, were found on the Indonesian island of Flores and have been dated to have lived approximately 17,000 years ago. The most striking feature of these "hobbits" is their diminutive stature and grapefruit-sized skulls, characteristics that set them apart from other hominin species.
The discovery of Homo floresiensis was made in the Liang Bua Caves, a site that has since become a focal point for paleoanthropological research. The skeletons revealed that these small, yet remarkably adapted, humans coexisted with an array of unique and now-extinct fauna, including Pygmy Elephants and Komodo Dragons. This coexistence paints a vivid picture of a prehistoric ecosystem that was both diverse and dynamic.
Homo floresiensis is considered one of the closest relatives of modern humans, Homo sapiens. The discovery has provided crucial insights into the evolution and diversity of the human lineage. Unlike other hominins that migrated out of Africa and spread across the globe, the "hobbits" of Flores evolved in isolation, leading to their unique physical characteristics. This phenomenon, known as island dwarfism, is also observed in the other species they lived alongside, such as the Pygmy Elephants.
The find in Liang Bua Caves has significantly expanded our understanding of human evolution. It challenges previously held notions about the capabilities and adaptability of early human species. The "hobbits" were capable of making and using tools, hunting, and possibly even controlling fire, despite their small brain size. These abilities suggest a complex social structure and cognitive skills that were previously thought to be exclusive to larger-brained hominins.
The discovery of Homo floresiensis has not only enriched our knowledge of human ancestry but also highlighted the incredible biodiversity of prehistoric times. It underscores the importance of continued archaeological and paleontological exploration, as each new find has the potential to reshape our understanding of the past. The "hobbits" of Flores remain one of the most fascinating chapters in the story of human evolution, offering a glimpse into a world that existed thousands of years before our own.
