archaeology
Archaeologists Discover Infants Wearing Skull Helmets, In Unique Ancient Burial Practice
Two infants unearthed in ancient burial mounds in Salango, Ecuador were buried wearing helmets crafted from the skulls of other children, in what researchers believe was a unique practice perhaps intended to protect the infants’ souls during their journey to the afterlife. The research team – composed of UNC Charlotte’s Juengst and Abigail Bythell and Richard Lunniss and Juan José Ortiz Aguilu of Universidad Técnica de Manabí in Ecuador – published their findings in November in the journal Latin American Antiquity.
Archaeological Evidence Verifies Medieval Accounts Of First Crusade
Finds at the UNC Charlotte-led archaeological dig on Jerusalem’s Mount Zion confirm previously unverified details from nearly thousand-year-old historical accounts of the First Crusade. This is history that had never been confirmed regarding the five-week siege, conquest, sack and massacre of the Fatimid (Muslim)-controlled city in July of 1099.
Ogundiran Appointed As Editor-in-Chief Of “African Archaeological Review”
Africana Studies outgoing chair Akin Ogundiran will serve as Editor-in-Chief of African Archaeological Review (AAR). This is the oldest continent-wide journal in the field of African archaeology. The five-year appointment will provide students with the opportunity to be part of the editorial process of a major international journal, in addition to providing UNC Charlotte with more visibility as a research university, Ogundiran said.