Archaeologists Uncover Major Ancient Sites in Jordan, Peru, Central Europe, Turkey, India

Recent archaeological discoveries across the globe have revealed significant insights into ancient civilizations and religious sites. In Jordan, researchers uncovered the Byzantine-era city of Tharais, marked on the Madaba Mosaic Map, revealing a religious and commercial hub complete with a basilica, olive oil presses, and funerary inscriptions. In Turkey, excavations at the ancient city of Olympus revealed intricate fifth-century mosaics and inscriptions at an early Christian church, highlighting the city’s wealth and evolving urban landscape during the Byzantine period. Meanwhile, in India’s Trichy region, restoration efforts are underway on the Pattatharasi Amman Temple, buried for nearly a century, as villagers celebrate its rediscovery despite challenges like poor road access. In the Czech Republic, archaeologists uncovered one of Central Europe’s largest Celtic settlements from the La Tène period, revealing a sophisticated center of commerce and culture that thrived for centuries without signs of violent destruction. Additionally, in Peru, the discovery of the 3,500-year-old trading town of Peñico near Caral offers new understanding of early Andean civilizations and their trade networks.