Article Abstract:
Human fossils from the Sima de los Huesos or Pit of Bones in northern Spain appear to be remains of the ancestors of Neandertals. Dating from 200,000 to 500,000 years ago, the remains of at least 32 individuals have been found. The skulls have small brain cases without the occipital chignon or bun characteristic of Neandertals, large faces, broad nasal apertures, swept-back cheekbones and mandibles without chins. Teeth show patterns of wear that suggest the use of toothpicks. The oldest individual was probably aged between 30 and 40 years when he died. That skull has been reconstructed to give an idea of the appearance in life.
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Article Abstract:
Recent archaeological excavations at more than 20 significant sites have shed new light on the history of the city of Moscow, Russia. Some sites provide indications of settlement before 1147, the traditional founding date given in chronicles. The Moscow Department for the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments, headed by Alexander G. Veksler, is overseeing most of the archaeological activity in the city, including a rescue excavation of Manege Square. Over 50 treasure hoards have also been recovered, including a cache at the Old Gostiny Dvor with more than 95,000 coins from the 15th-17th centuries.
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Article Abstract:
Salvage excavations of some 753,200 square feet of Athenian land occasioned by the building of a new subway system are described. These granted a unique opportunity to observe changes in the Grecian city's topography and settlement patterns from the Neolithic period to the present. Many artifacts were found and will be exhibited at the Museum of Cycladic Art until Deceber 2001.
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