Archaeological research is undergoing a period of unprecedented advancement, driven by the swift pace of technological innovation. These breakthroughs are revolutionizing our understanding of prehistoric societies, our ancestors, and other enigmas of ancient times. However, amidst the flurry of progress, several extraordinary archaeological discoveries from the past decade may have flown under your radar. Here are some of the more recent examples.
Related: Once-in-a-Lifetime Discoveries: 16 Astonishing Pics
1. This loaf of bread was baked at a Pompeii bakery on the morning Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in ash. That was the year 79 AD, about 2,000 years ago!
2. The oldest pair of Levi's 501 jeans in the world, dating all the way back to 1879
3. This 2000-year-old Roman face cream container was discovered on the Thames River's south bank, and it still bears the fingerprints of its previous owner
4. This toothbrush, dental powder, and tongue scraper from England is more than 350 years old!
5. The Swedish warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Amazingly, it was salvaged in such amazing shape that it is now known as the best-preserved 17th-century ship in the world
6. This Corinthian helmet was worn by a Greek soldier at the Battle of Marathon in 490 AD
7. This Titanic life vest is one of only six (out of 3,500) that have survived to this day. It was discovered from the debris field by Robert Edwards, the quartermaster of a ship contracted by the White Star Line to hunt for bodies
8. Here's a first-class menu from the actual Titanic cruise! After finishing her lunch, a traveler placed it in her purse and eventually made it to safety in a lifeboat.
9. Can you believe they had prosthetic hands like this wonderfully intact one 500 years ago?
10. This is St. Kevin's Church in Wicklow, Ireland, which was built in the 12th century. It still stands intact, nearly a millennium later!
11. These ancient Roman sandals are over 2,000 years old
12. These exquisite gold earrings are from Iran around the 11th or 12th century
13. This oil lamp in the shape of a human foot dates from the mid-second century in Rome
14. This gorgeous Japanese fan is 150 years old
15. This stunning mural, sometimes known as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt, was discovered inside the tomb of Nefertari, Pharaoh Ramesses II's wife. She died in 1255 BC, meaning the artwork was created 3,300 years ago
16. This elegant gaming table was buried beside Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun and is 3,400 years old
