De Antiquis

New research shows Armenia’s “dragon stones” (vishap stelae) — carved monoliths dating to ca. 4200–4000 BCE — were not random monuments but sacred water markers and part of early irrigation systems. Fish-shaped stones cluster near high-altitude springs; cowhide-shaped stones appear in valley zones tied to agriculture. The pattern suggests the stones served both symbolic/ritual and functional roles in prehistoric Armenian society.

https://archaeologymag.com/2025/09/mystery-of-armenia-s-dragon-stones-solved/

Mystery of Armenia’s 6,000-year-old dragon stones solved New research reveals Armenia’s ancient dragon stones as sacred water markers and early irrigation symbols.

A new study shows that Maya children as young as 7 received jade inlays in their teeth. Analysis of three teeth from Guatemala revealed the gems were added while the children were alive, making this the earliest evidence of dental modification in Maya childhood.

https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/7-year-old-maya-child-had-green-jade-tooth-gem-new-study-finds

7-year-old Maya child had green jade 'tooth gem,' new study finds Archaeologists already knew that adult Maya had tooth inlays, but this is some of the first evidence that children also had tooth bling.

A detectorist in Dorset has uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman brooch, first mistaken for a toy. Made of bronze, the brooch was found intact after careful cleaning. Such brooches were used to fasten clothing and are rare in this part of Britain. The find was reported under the UK Treasure Act and could end up in a local museum.

https://arkeonews.net/from-toy-to-treasure-detectorists-lucky-mistake-reveals-2000-year-old-roman-brooch-in-dorset/

From Toy to Treasure: Detectorist’s ‘Lucky Mistake’ Reveals 2,000-Year-Old Roman Brooch in Dorset A metal detectorist in Dorset, southwest England, has unearthed a 2,000-year-old Roman brooch. Initially mistaken for a child’s toy, the...

A rare 1,900-year-old Roman oil lamp shaped like a theatrical mask has been uncovered in Cuijk, Netherlands—found in a 2nd-century grave among grave goods. A symbol of art, life & ritual lighting the way to the afterlife.

https://archaeologymag.com/2025/09/roman-mask-oil-lamp-unearthed-in-netherlands/

1,900-year-old Roman oil lamp shaped like a mask unearthed in Netherlands cemetery Archaeologists in Cuijk uncover a rare Roman oil lamp shaped like a theatrical mask in the largest Roman cemetery of North Brabant.

Costa Rica’s Diquís stone spheres are being restored! Three spheres from Finca 4 are getting conservation work after damage from erosion & microbes. These iconic artifacts help tell the story of the ruling elite & community alignments from 1500-300 BC.

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/09/project-is-restoring-costa-ricas-mysterious-stone-spheres/156015

Project is restoring Costa Rica’s mysterious stone spheres A joint team of specialists from Costa Rica and Mexico are restoring three stone spheres at the Finca 6 Museum Site in Palmar de Osa.

Monument in Jódar, Spain aligned with winter solstice rites: a 5.3m ph***ic monolith casts its shadow onto a vulva-shaped cave entrance, symbolizing a ritual union of solar hero & fertility goddess. Iberian star mythology comes to life.

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/09/monument-linked-to-iberian-star-mythology-discovered-in-jodar/156023

Monument linked to Iberian star mythology discovered in Jódar Archaeologists from the Research Institute for Iberian Archaeology (IAI) at the University of Jaén (UJA) have discovered a monument connected to the sun and other celestial bodies within Iberian mythology.

Maya ritual practices included use of psychoactive plants like pe**te, mushrooms, and ololiuqui, plus fermented drinks and to***co to induce visions & trance states in caves, temples & rituals.

https://archaeologymag.com/2023/05/hallucinogenic-drugs-maya/

The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture The ritual drug habits of the Maya were intricately woven into their religious practices and played a central role in their ceremonies.