This Week In History News, Dec. 17 – 23

Published December 22, 2023

Cat geoglyphs discovered in Peru, Roman mosaics featuring sea creatures found in Turkey, ancient battlefield uncovered in Switzerland.

Archaeologists Uncover 29 Massive Geoglyphs Dating Back 2,000 Years In Southern Peru

Geoglyph From Peru

Genry BautistaUnlike the more straightforward depictions of animals present in the famous Nazca Lines, these newly-discovered geoglyphs found nearby feature enigmatic renderings of mysterious deities and anthropomorphic animal warriors.

Starting around 800 B.C.E., the Paracas culture emerged in the Ica region of southern Peru. Though relatively little is certain about this civilization to this day, experts do know that they made stunning advancements in the textile arts, decorating their tombs in particular with cloths that feature ornate designs and vivid hues. In addition to textiles, the Paracas remain noteworthy for their geoglyphs, enormous carvings created centuries before the more famous ones made by the nearby Nazca people.

Now, archaeologists have uncovered 29 Paracas geoglyphs dating as far back as 300 B.C.E. Unlike the more straightforward depictions of animals present in the Nazca Lines, these newly-discovered geoglyphs found nearby feature enigmatic renderings of mysterious deities and anthropomorphic animal warriors.

Learn the full story behind this stunning find here.

Stunning Roman Mosaics Featuring Sea Creatures Unearthed In Turkey

Roman Mosaic Unearthed In Turkey

Anadolu AgencyFound in remarkably good condition, the mosaics feature sea creatures like octopuses, mussels, and seals.

In October 2023, archaeologists were summoned to an area known as Kela Hanma (Lady’s Castle) in Turkey’s southeastern Mardin province on a rescue mission. They’d heard reports of illegal excavations in the area, so they set out to protect the artifacts that remained. Though they encountered significant damage at the site, they also made a stunning find: an intricate Roman mosaic.

This astonishing mosaic stretches across 1,000 square feet and features geometric patterns including triangles, hexagons, octagons and arches as well as marine wildlife like octopuses, fish, mussels, seals, and aquatic plants.

Dig deeper in this report.

A Roman Dagger Found On A Swiss Hillside Just Helped Archaeologists Map An Ancient Battlefield

Roman Battlefield In Switzerland

Archaeological Service GraubündenArchaeologists at work uncovering evidence of a battle that was fought in the Julier Valley around 15 B.C.E.

Today, the Julier Valley in Switzerland is an idyllic place with majestic mountains and wide, green fields. But some 2,000 years ago, archaeologists now believe that it was the site of a fierce battle between Roman soldiers and local warriors, one which changed the course of history and helped lead to the Roman occupation of modern-day Switzerland.

Read on here.

author
Abby Norman
author
Abby Norman is a writer based in New England . Her work has been featured on The Rumpus, The Independent, Bustle, Mental Floss, Atlas Obscura, and Quartz.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
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.
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Norman, Abby. "This Week In History News, Dec. 17 – 23." AllThatsInteresting.com, December 22, 2023, https://allthatsinteresting.com/this-week-in-history-news-dec-17-23. Accessed May 3, 2024.