Archaeology
Cache of ancient canoes found in Lake Mendota
In 2021, Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, discovered a partially obscured dugout canoe in the depths of Lake Mendota in Madison, United States.
Following the discovery, a second canoe was identified by archaeologists, leading to a groundbreaking recovery project in 2021 and 2022 between the Wisconsin Historical Society, in partnership with Native Nations in Wisconsin.
Both canoes were carved from a single tree, with the first canoe dating to 1,200-years-ago, and the second dating from 3,000-years ago.
Ongoing studies in the vicinity of where both canoes were recovered has revealed a cache of at least ten canoes, and possibly 11 pending further analysis of wood fragments (this grouping includes the two previous recovered canoes).
Image Credit : Tamara Thomsen
Archaeologists theorise that the canoes may have been intentionally submerged and deposited in Lake Mendota to prevent the wood warping in the freezing winter months, but were buried by lake sediment overtime.
The cache is concentrated along what was likely the lake’s ancient shoreline. However, due to environmental shifts in the region, this shoreline became submerged and is now located at a depth of 30 feet.
Dr Amy Rosebrough, State Archaeologist for the Wisconsin Historical Society, said: “What we thought was an isolated discovery in Lake Mendota has now evolved into a significant archaeological site that reveals new insights into the people who lived and thrived in this area over thousands of years.”
Samples were taken from each canoe for carbon dating and wood type analysis. The results revealed that the earliest canoe dates from 4,500-years-ago, making this the oldest example found in the Great Lakes region.
The wood type analysis, conducted by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, has identified Elm, Ash, White Oak, Cottonwood, and Red Oak, signalling environmental shifts that impacted forest composition.
A survey using ground penetrating radar (GPR) has also discovered lakebed anomalies, suggesting the possibility of a submerged ancient village beneath Lake Mendota.
“We have a lot to learn from the Mendota canoe site, and the research happening today allows us to better understand and share the stories of the people who lived here and had a thriving culture here since time immemorial,” said Larry Plucinski, the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.
Header Image Credit : Wisconsin Historical Foundation
Sources : Wisconsin Historical Society
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
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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