Archaeology News: March 15, 2013

Chinese coin found on the island of Manda, Kenya
(John Weinstein / The Field Museum)

600 Year Old Chinese Coin Found on Kenyan Island

An expedition of archaeologists has unearthed a 600-year-old Chinese coin on the island of Manda, off the northern coast of Kenya. “This finding is significant. We know Africa has always been connected to the rest of the world, but this coin opens a discussion about the relationship between China and Indian Ocean nations,” said Dr Chapurukha Kusimba of the Field Museum, who co-led the expedition with Dr Sloan Williams of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

'Black Death' skeletons found in the Crossrail closet

Crossrail workers are shocked to discover 13 skeletons buried under a square in the City of London - and archaeologists say there could be a mass grave containing the bones of 50,000 people nearby.

Archaeology director digs out skeletons from dept cupboard

Director of the State Archaeology department, R Gopal, made a startling revelation on Thursday that his department was “run by a mafia”. Speaking at the 125th year celebrations of the Department of Epigraphy at the Exhibition Grounds here, Gopal said fake bills to the tune of Rs 40 crore had been prepared at the house of conservation engineer S M Pujari at Siddartha Nagar in the city. Gopal said there was little room for corruption, as long as the department was receiving Rs one crore from the government. However, the situation started “degenerating” after funds were sanctioned in several crores of rupees.

So, what did the Romans do for us? New digs reveal truth about Hadrian's Wall

Stretching the breadth of northern England, Hadrian's Wall is a majestic reminder of the ambition and might of the Roman Empire's conquest in Britain. Now, new archaeological evidence has suggested, contrary to previous belief, that the Romans far from co-existing peacefully with the locals, ejected them by force in order to build the 73-mile divide.

Will the study of archaeology soon become a thing of the past?

Richard III's discovery showcased UK academia, says Michael Braddick. But as student demand for certain subjects falls, should we have grave concerns for our future knowledge base? Finding Richard III (on the premises of Leicester social services no less) is testament to the ingenuity of archaeologists. Weaving together findings from historical analysis of texts with scientific analysis of the skeleton and the site, they have made an overwhelming case that these are the remains of the king.

‘Lost’ Indian village discovery topic of archaeology talk

Diligent research and methodical investigation has solved a long-standing local mystery. Mary Ann Levine, associate professor of anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College, is convinced she's discovered Otstonwakin, the long-lost Woodlands Indian village once inhabited by "Madame" Catherine Montour along the Loyalsock Creek. Levine will discuss her research and conclusions at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Lycoming County Historical Society's Taber Museum, 858 W. Fourth St. The talk, " Uncovering Madame Montour's Otstonwakin: Archaeological Excavations at an 18th-Century Native American Village," is free and open to the public.

Florida College students win archaeology grant

For local students, an appreciation for Florida's rich history has paid off. Two New College of Florida students, Matt Andersen and Jodi Johnson, won Cornelia D. Futor Archaeology Student Grants, sponsored by the Time Sifters Archaeology Society of Sarasota. The grants are to be used at the students' discretion to continue with their studies. Andersen, the first-place winner, received $200. Johnson received $100 for second place. The grant competition is open to undergraduate and pre-doctoral graduate students enrolled at a college in the Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Tampa area and is based on excellence in archaeology research papers.