Origins of Minoans and Mycenaeans revealed by DNA analysis

Researchers analysing the DNA of members of Europe’s first literate Bronze Age societies of Minoans (c. 2600 to 1100 BC) and Mycenaeans (c. 1700 to 1050 BC), revealed the origins of these populations. It turned out that ancestors of both civilisations were populations from Neolithic Western Anatolia and Greece, and that Minoans had deep roots in the Aegean.

Earliest Christian graves in Asia-Pacific found

The only record about the colony was in the European archives. There was nothing archaeologically speaking.Burials of individuals with hands joined in prayer have been found on the Taiwanese island of Heping Dao. They date to 17th century, belonging to Spanish settlers and are possibly the earliest Christian graves in Asia-Pacific.

Burial pit with 48 Black Death victims uncovered

Excavations near near Immingham in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, revealed a mass burial pit of victims of the Black Death pandemic. Carbon dating shows that the skeletons come from 14th century while DNA tests confirmed presence of the plague bacteria.