Climate changes surprise archaeologists

ArabiaWeather - Climate change has greatly affected the field of archaeology, as several distinctive archaeological discoveries can be linked to these changes. In this context, it appears that the accelerating melting of glaciers and the further decline of permafrost have paved the way for the discovery of treasures that had been protected for many centuries. At the same time, it led to a serious threat to valuable archaeological finds.

In recent years, there have been many amazing discoveries resulting from the melting of ice that had been frozen for long periods, making it vulnerable to scientific curiosity, destruction, or even looting. Although this discovery contributed to our obtaining knowledge from the past, the high temperatures and resulting drought About Climate change also threatens the extinction of organisms protected for thousands of years in cold and humid climates.

Unfortunately, eternal ice no longer permanently preserves the finds, as researchers cannot rely on the exceptional condition of such “Otzi the Iceman,” which was discovered in 1991 and provided a rare window into human life in the Alps 5,300 years ago. Thanks to its excellent condition, Studies have shown how humans and others lived in that time period.

As another example of this phenomenon, researchers from Peru and Poland reconstructed the face of an Inca mummy known as “Juanita,” who was a 14-year- old girl who was sacrificed more than 500 years ago. This frozen mummy was found at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters . At Mount Ambato in southern Peru in 1995 , as the ice melted, it eroded and fell from its original location into the volcanic crater.

These finds form a kind of "frozen time capsules" , as people in the Alps and Scandinavia frequently stumble upon weapons, skis and clothing dating back to Roman or medieval times. The discoveries occur in areas where the retreat of ice is most accelerating, such as the Antarctic, where photographs appear. Radar ancient rivers under the ice. In Alaska, where it now reveals thousands of ancient settlements. In Siberia, researchers have discovered the remains of mummies believed to be more than 3 million years old. In Canada, even a perfectly mummified baby mammoth has been discovered.

Climate challenges and amazing discoveries

These discoveries happen by chance, but the wheel of time seems to turn quickly and challenges still face archaeologists as a result of melting glaciers, heavy rainfall and rising sea levels. In the Mediterranean region, many ancient coastal cities are under threat, but these challenges reveal sunken treasures.

Drought reveals sunken treasures

Climate changes are not only about melting ice and floods, they are also causing massive droughts, and although archaeologists may bet that this may be partly good for uncovering ancient sites, in reality, it is a disaster for the ecosystems and populations in the affected areas. This phenomenon leads to the mass death of fish, makes cultivation of fields impossible, and makes drinking water scarce.

In Iraq, for example, a 3,400-year- old city was suddenly wiped out by a severe drought, and German and Kurdish archaeologists briefly explored this Bronze Age city before it returned as a former vital center of the Mitanni Empire.

In western Spain, the Dolmen of Guadalperal, also known as the "Spanish Stonehenge," suddenly became visible due to drought. This megalithic monument of more than 150 standing stone pieces was built about 7,000 years ago.

Shipwrecks have been uncovered in the dry US Mississippi River , elsewhere and in Europe. The Danube River saw a record low in its water levels, revealing German warships from World War II in Serbia. Shipwrecks are not only a challenge for shipping, but are often carried with them. ammunition, which is dangerous to the environment and more.

Unexpected discoveries from the ancient Amazon reveal distinctive relics

Brazil faces enormous challenges with the effects of a massive drought in the Amazon region, but this drought led to the emergence of amazing discoveries in the city of Manaus, represented by engravings of ancient faces on various rocks. These engravings, which represent various facial expressions from smiles to frightening looks, reveal a mysterious language of... The past, where the indigenous people of the Amazon in prehistoric times carved these works of art about 2,000 years ago.

These discoveries are considered "priceless" discoveries, according to the discoverer, Beatriz Carneiro, a historian and member of the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage in Brazil. Carneiro expresses her regret about the recurrence of these discoveries as a result of severe drought, pointing to the environmental and economic challenges faced by the local population. Because of this weather phenomenon.

The drying of the Amazon reveals engravings dating back 2,000 years

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Sources:

dw.com