Archaeology
Permafrost preservation reveals evidence for early yak milk consumption
According to a study by the University of Michigan, the elites of the Mongol Empire first consumed yaks’ milk during the 13th century based on proteomic evidence.
By analysing proteins found within ancient dental calculus from individuals buried in permafrost, the study provides direct evidence for consumption of milk from multiple ruminants such as Yak, as well as milk and blood proteins linked to horses and ruminants.
Yak products serve as a crucial source of calories and commodities for local consumption and trade in eastern Eurasia’s high-altitude communities. Until now, little evidence has been found regarding the early history of yaks in Mongolia, and it is often uncertain whether yaks were domesticated or not. The sole identifiable archaeological specimen discovered is a yak cranium recovered from the Denjiin Navtan site, which is tentatively dated to the Late Bronze or Early Iron Age.
Due to the limited archaeological and historical records regarding the domesticated yak in Mongolia, the analysis of proteins provides an important opportunity to gain insights into the animal’s early uses and spread.
Novel protein findings have been presented in the study from the Mongol Khorig cemeteries, where elite burials took place on high-altitude ridgelines in the Khovsgol mountains in northern Mongolia. The burials are situated within the permafrost, which has allowed for exceptional preservation of organic materials such as silk, felt, and leather, as well as residues found in ceramic vessels.
“Our most important finding was an elite woman buried with a birchbark hat called a bogtog and silk robes depicting a golden five-clawed dragon. Our proteomic analyses concluded that she drank yak milk during her lifetime,” said Alicia Ventresca-Miller, U-M assistant professor of anthropology. “This helped us verify the long-term use of this iconic animal in the region and its ties to elite rulers.”
Proteins were extracted from the dental calculus of 11 individuals from Khorig where 10 of 11 samples yielded proteins typically found in the oral cavity.
According to the study: “The results suggest that yak milk was likely consumed in Mongolia by ~AD 1270. Given the paucity of existing evidence for yak dairying and, indeed, yak exploitation more broadly in the Mongolian and greater global archaeological record, this finding is significant. We acknowledge that this is a relatively late date for yak milk consumption, which probably occurred in earlier eras but has until now not been identified.”
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04723-3
Header Image Credit : iStock
A recent study, published in the journal ResearchGate, proposes that the Pyramid of Djoser could have been constructed using hydraulic lift.
The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, is a proto-pyramid built as the final resting place of Djoser, the first or second pharaoh of Egypt’s 3rd Dynasty (2670–2650 BC) during the Old Kingdom period.
The pyramid rises from the Saqqara plateau in six steps to a height of around 60 to 62 metres, serving as the centre of a vast mortuary complex.
Due to the absence of authentic sources from the pyramid architects’ working sphere, there is currently no confirmed comprehensive model for the method used in the pyramid construction.
The prevailing theory suggests that the heavy stone blocks were transported on apparatuses such as rollers, and raised to height using a series of ramps.
In the study, a survey of watersheds near to the pyramid indicate that the Gisr el-Mudir (enclosure) has features of a check dam for trapping sediment and water. Furthermore, the topography beyond the “dam” shows a possible ephemeral lake west of the Djoser complex, and water flow inside the moat surrounding it.
The study authors explain: “In the southern section of the moat, we show that the monumental linear rock-cut structure consisting of successive, deep compartments, combines the technical requirements of a water treatment facility: a settling basin, a retention basin, and a purification system.”
Based on this finding, the study proposes that the Gisr el-Mudir and moat’s inner south section worked as a unified hydraulic system for regulating flow and improving water quality. In addition, the pyramid’s internal architecture is consistent with a hydraulic elevation mechanism never reported before.
“The ancient architects likely raised the stones from the pyramid centre in a volcano fashion using the sediment-free water from the Dry Moat’s south section. Ancient Egyptians are famous for their pioneering and mastery of hydraulics through canals for irrigation purposes and barges to transport huge stones. This work opens a new line of research: the use of hydraulic force to erect the massive structures built by Pharaohs,” said the study authors.
Please note: This study was submitted to PLOS ONE on December 7, 2023. After two rounds of review by peers, the paper was formally accepted by PLOS ONE on June 27, 2024. Since July 23, 2024, it has been the subject of new consultations and review by the PLOS ONE Editorial Board.
Header Image Credit : Shutterstock
Sources : ResearchGate | Piton, Guillaume. (2024). On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the Step Pyramid of Saqqara. PLOS ONE.
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
Constructed between 1630 and 1633 in a Renaissance-Baroque style, the Great Synagogue of Vilnius served as the religious centre of a complex of synagogues, mikvahs, and community institutions devoted to Torah study in Vilnius, Lithuania.
According to a press statement by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA): “The Great Synagogue of Vilna was the beating heart of the Lithuanian Jewry, which included 12 synagogues and study houses, the community council building, the home of Rabbi Eliyahu – the Vilna Gaon, Kosher meat stalls, the famous ‘Strashun’ library, a bathhouse and more.”
During World War II, the synagogue was looted, burned, and partially destroyed by the Nazis in the holocaust. Soviet authorities completely demolished the remaining structure to build a school, intending to prevent any future restoration of Jewish worship.
Only three original pieces of the synagogue survived the destruction: a door of the Holy Ark, a reader’s desk, and a bas-relief with the Ten Commandments, which are now on display at the Vilna Gaon Jewish Museum.
Image Credit : Israel Antiquities Authority
In a recent study conducted by the IAA, the Association of Lithuanian Archaeology, the Good Will Foundation, and the Jewish Community of Lithuania, archaeologists have rediscovered traces of the synagogue’s decorated walls and remnants of flooring with red, black, and white floral patterns that paved the main hall.
Excavations also uncovered huge water reservoirs to feed halachically pure water to the mikva’ot, and one of the giant pillars that surrounded the Bimah (prayer platform).
Dr. Jon Seligman from the IAA and Justinas Rakas from the Lithuanian Archaeological Society, said: “The magnificent remains we are rediscovering bring back moments in the life of a lost vibrant community.”
Header Image Credit : Israel Antiquities Authority
Sources : IAA
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
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