This Week In History News, Dec. 15 – 21

Published December 20, 2019

"World's oldest story" found in Indonesia, remains of ancient shield found alongside rider and chariot, suspected mass grace from historic massacre discovered.

44,000-Year-Old Animal Painting Found In Indonesian Cave Could Be “World’s Oldest Story”

Indonesian Animal Cave Painting

Ratno SardiScientists have determined a cave painting depicting what looks to be a hunting scene is more than 44,000 years old.

Two years ago, an Indonesian archaeologist named Hamrullah — who is also an avid caver — climbed up a fig tree to access the narrow entryway of a cave in southern Sulawesi. There, the researcher discovered an incredible sight: a brown-reddish rock painting unlike any other found before.

Hamrullah snapped a blurry photo of the rock art on his phone and sent it to his Australian colleague, Adam Brumm, who was stunned by what he saw.

See more here.

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Remarkable 2,200-Year-Old Celtic Warrior Grave Complete With Horses, Chariot, And Shield Unearthed In Yorkshire

Horse And Chariot

Archeology & ArtsRemains of ancient horses beside an Iron Age chariot.

Ancient Celtic burials were regarded with great solemnity. A successful transition into the afterlife was of the utmost importance. These beliefs are especially evident in the recent discovery of an elaborate 2,200-year-old Celtic warrior grave which included an entire chariot with the rider, skeletal remains of the horses, and an extremely rare gilded shield.

According to the Yorkshire Post, there have been roughly 20 “chariot graves” like this found in the last century across England, and mostly in Yorkshire. This particular grave was first unearthed about a year ago, but it has continued to yield ancient treasures.

Dig deeper in this report.

Researchers May Have Just Located A Mass Grave From The 1921 Tulsa Race Riots

Tulsa Race Riots

Library of Congress
Researchers believe they have found a mass grave filled with bodies belonging to victims of the Tulsa race riots.

Those demanding answers for the black victims killed in the 1921 Tulsa race riots are getting much closer to their wish, after the city announced the possible discovery of a mass grave site believed to be linked to the tragedy.

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma believe they have uncovered a possible mass grave site of the riot victims in the city’s Oaklawn Cemetery. The finding was announced by Scott Hammerstedt, a senior researcher for the Oklahoma Archeological Survey, during a public hearing of the city’s ongoing investigation into the massacre.

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All That's Interesting
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Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.
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John Kuroski
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John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.