Nostr notes by Nina Willburger

A remarkable archaeological discovery beneath the waters of Lake ...

2026-03-26T09:44:48Z

A remarkable archaeological discovery beneath the waters of Lake Neuchâtel!
In November 2024, the remains of a Roman cargo ship dating back to the 1st century AD was discovered. The wreck contained hundreds of potteryvessels, Spanish olive oil amphorae, as well as tools and weapons, including the sword shown here.
This find offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient trade routes and life in the Roman era.

👇
https://www.derstandard.de/story/3000000314068/ausgezeichnet-erhaltene-roemische-fundstuecke-in-schweizer-see-entdeckt

#archaeology ##RomanArchaeology

Usually I don't post things older than the late Palaeolithic ...

2026-03-25T09:25:18Z

Usually I don't post things older than the late Palaeolithic period, but #insects embedded in amber never cease to amaze me - the sheer age!

This ant preserved in its finest detail is some 50-million-year old.

Found in Gujarat, India.

📷 Photo: University of Bonn

Fascinating world of #glass: Glass vessels from the 16th and ...

2026-03-24T09:48:30Z

Fascinating world of #glass: Glass vessels from the 16th and early 17th century, found in a latrine in Ulm.
Latrines were commonly used for waste disposal.

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

#archaeology

An amazing gold bowl with depictions of animals, crescent moons ...

2026-03-22T07:38:07Z

An amazing gold bowl with depictions of animals, crescent moons and cirlcles representing suns and/or full moons.
It was discovered in 1906 during the construction of a railway line in Zurich-Altstetten, Switzerland. Dating around 1000 BC. With a weight of 910 grams it's one of the heaviest gold vessels of the late Bronze Age ever found.

On display at Landesmuseum Zurich

📷 me

A helmet made of the tusks of wild boars. From Mycenae, 16th ...

2026-03-20T08:16:39Z

A helmet made of the tusks of wild boars. From Mycenae, 16th century BC. Hunting wild boars was dangerous, but popular with the Mycenaean elite. The helmet served as trophy and testified to bravery.

📷 me

#archaeology

For #ReliefWednesday the so called Gemma Claudia, made of ...

2026-03-18T09:38:11Z

For #ReliefWednesday the so called Gemma Claudia, made of five-layered onyx. Emperor Claudius and his forth wife Agrippina minor are depicted on the left, opposite her parents Germanicus - brother of Claudius - and Agrippina maior.
The cameo was presumably made on the occasion of Claudius' and Agrippina's wedding in 49 AD.
Agrippina was the mother of Nero. It was rumoured that she poisoned her husband and uncle Claudius with a dish of mushrooms

On display at Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

📷 me

A fleeting moment preserved for millennia: around 1,900 years ...

2026-03-17T12:22:49Z

A fleeting moment preserved for millennia: around 1,900 years ago, a child stepped onto a Roman tile left to dry in the sun before firing, leaving behind a footprint that still speaks across the centuries.

Found in Nijmegen, on display at Museum Het Valkhof.

📷 me

#TilesOnTuesday
#archaeology #romanarchaeology

I do have the best job in the world!! Our “Mammutle” (little ...

2026-03-16T14:22:07Z

I do have the best job in the world!!

Our “Mammutle” (little mammoth) is heading to a special exhibition in Halle/Saale - what an incredible opportunity to take a closer look at this Ice Age masterpiece.

Crafted around 40,000 years ago from mammoth ivory, is one of the earliest known examples of figurative art.
Found in the Vogelherd cave on the Swabian Jura,.

Moments like these remind me how special it is to work so closely with objects that connect us directly to our deep human past.

Just a casual reminder that today is the Ides of March. 🗡️ ...

2026-03-15T07:06:58Z

Just a casual reminder that today is the Ides of March. 🗡️

#FindsFriday! Glass beads were a luxury product in Bronze Age ...

2026-03-13T08:53:34Z

#FindsFriday! Glass beads were a luxury product in Bronze Age central Europe. These 3,000 year-old beads were found in the pile-dwelling settlements of Sipplingen and Hagnau-Burg at Lake Constance. They were probably made in the Alpine foothills from raw glass imported from Italy.

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

#archaeology

This marvellous head of a drunken old woman is associated with ...

2026-03-12T14:28:35Z

This marvellous head of a drunken old woman is associated with the cult of Dionysus, god of wine, indicated by the ivy wreath on her head. 🍷

Dating to the Hellenistic period.
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

📷 me

#Archaeology

This 6,000-year-old necklace offers a glimpse into the artistry ...

2026-03-10T08:20:31Z

This 6,000-year-old necklace offers a glimpse into the artistry of the Neolithic Schussenried culture in southwest Germany. Its three marble pendants and jet‑and‑limestone beads create a striking black‑and‑white contrast, characteristic of the Schussenried culture's jewellery design.

Found in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt.

On display at Landesmuseum Württemberg.

📷 me

#archaeology

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: This #Roman flask in the ...

2026-03-08T08:19:01Z

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: This #Roman flask in the form of a fish was found in Cologne, 3rd c. AD.
We don't know what is was used for, maybe the shape relates to the content (fish sauce), maybe it was used to hold oil.

📷
#archaeology

Things used in everyday life are the real archaeological ...

2026-03-06T06:35:51Z

Things used in everyday life are the real archaeological treasures! This sewing needle was made from animal bone some 13,000 years ago. Some designs simply don't need to be improved, because form and functions were perfectly matched from the start

Length: 5.6cm

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg

#archaeology

A terracotta antefix with the head of Medusa, the snake-haired ...

2026-03-04T10:42:27Z

A terracotta antefix with the head of Medusa, the snake-haired creature whose sight turns everyone to stone.
Medusa’s head was a popular motif and used to ward off any evil.
Antifixes were used to conceal the ends of the tiles that ran along the edge of roofs. Ca. 480 BC.

On display at Landesmuseum Württemberg

📷 me

🏺

Beloved #toys: a pair of #Roman ivory #dolls with articulated ...

2026-03-03T09:42:59Z

Beloved #toys: a pair of #Roman ivory #dolls with articulated arms and legs found in a tomb of a little #girl from a wealthy family in Emona, Ljubljana/Slovenia.

The majority of the dolls in Roman times were made of less valuable materials such as clay, wood or linen.

The two dolls that could be dressed with clothes must have been very precious to the girl who died far too young.

Dating 2nd half of the 3rd c. AD.

📷 National Museum of Slovenia

#archaeology #romanarchaeology

An adorable #Roman shoe, made for a #baby too young to walk. The ...

2026-03-02T13:53:22Z

An adorable #Roman shoe, made for a #baby too young to walk. The shoe imitates the footwear of Roman soldiers (caligae). The cut-out design would have shown off the kid’s socks!

From Bordeaux, dating 1st/2nd AD.

📷 Bordeaux, Musée d’Aquitaine

#archaeology #romanarchaeology

The early medieval burial from Gammertingen, 6th century AD. The ...

2026-03-01T08:11:54Z

The early medieval burial from Gammertingen, 6th century AD.
The high-ranking warrior died in his early 30s and was buried with a Byzantine helmet (a so-called Spangenhelm), his weapons, and his mail armour, which consisted of about 45,000 iron rings!

📷Landesmuseum Württemberg

#archaeology

Beer for the afterlife! An #Egyptian figurine of a servant with a ...

2026-02-25T13:09:23Z

Beer for the afterlife!
An #Egyptian figurine of a servant with a basket full of #beer jars.
Figurine of servants were deposited in tombs to ensure that the deceased would enjoy the products and services represented.
Beer was a dietary staple in #Egypt, so it’s not surprising to find a figurine such as this one.

From the tomb of the priest Djasha, Giza, 2504-2347 BC.

On display at Egyptological Museum Universität Leipzig

📷 me

This ca. 5,000-year-old Neolithic polished flint axe with its ...

2026-02-24T07:38:57Z

This ca. 5,000-year-old Neolithic polished flint axe with its original ash wood handle is remarkable well preserved.

During the Neolithic period in Denmark, as agriculture began to expand, farmers had to clear the forests, which involved felling trees and burning away brushwood in preparation for cultivation. They used polished flint axes for both tree felling and timber work.

Fount at Sigerslev bog, Denmark, dating 3,100-3,000 BC.

On display National Museum Copenhagen

📷 me
#archaeology

Roman 'voodoo doll' from Eining: Hand-modeled clay ...

2026-02-23T17:12:51Z

Roman 'voodoo doll' from Eining: Hand-modeled clay figurines with puncture holes are commonly referred to as 'voodoo dolls'. Archaeological and epigraphic evidence indicates that these figurines were pierced with nails or needles by individuals attempting to influence or harm a person.

Dating 2nd/3rd century AD.

On display at Archäologische Staatssammlung München

📷️ me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Eye inlays from an Egyptian coffin 👀 The frame is made of ...

2026-02-20T06:29:49Z

Eye inlays from an Egyptian coffin 👀
The frame is made of bronze, the eye of calcite and obsidian. Dating ca 1500-1200 BC.

On display at Staatliches Museum für Ägyptische Kunst.

📷 me

A #Roman face bead: the miniature human face was made either ...

2026-02-19T12:58:37Z

A #Roman face bead: the miniature human face was made either through the cold bundling of rods or the hot working of pre-made parts to form the visage, which was then stretched to make a cane that was cut into sections with identical faces. This facial design had a relatively short production period between the 1st c. BC and the 1st c AD.

Overall W: 1.5cm

📷 Corning Museum of Glass

#archaeology #romanarchaeology

Two perforated altar reliefs from the Mithraeum at Mundelsheim. ...

2026-02-16T11:47:11Z

Two perforated altar reliefs from the Mithraeum at Mundelsheim. One depicts Sol, the sun god, with the radiant. The other shows Luna, the goddess of the moon, with the crescent.

In Roman times, they were illuminated from behind, creating a striking play of light and shadow that must have transformed the dark sanctuary into a dramatic stage.

Dating 2nd/3rd cantury AD.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg

#archaeology #romanarchaeology

This is a marvelous example of whimsy and craftsmanship! A rare ...

2026-02-15T08:58:28Z

This is a marvelous example of whimsy and craftsmanship! A rare Greek askos, made in the shape of a lobster claw. Dating back to approximately 450 BC, the vessel was used to hold perfumed oil. 🦞

📷 Antikensammlung Kassel #archaeology

🏺

We all need a a timeline cleanse! A tiny #Egyptian #frog amulet, ...

2026-02-14T19:56:05Z

We all need a a timeline cleanse!

A tiny #Egyptian #frog amulet, made of carnelian (height 0.9 cm). Because of their numerous offspring, #frogs were considered a symbol of fertility. Dating c. 1540-1296 BC, New Kingdom.

A lovely weekend to all of you

📷Cleveland Museum of Art

In the early medieval period, colorful glass beads were a mark of ...

2026-02-12T11:27:12Z

In the early medieval period, colorful glass beads were a mark of prestige and fashion. This striking necklace, comprising over 60 beads in vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and intricate patterns, was discovered in the burial of a woman at Bissingen, southwest Germany, dating 7th century.
Handcrafted and traded across regions, these beads highlight her social status.

📷 Landesamt für Denkmalpflege/Y. Mühleis

#archaeology

A 15,000-year-old painted limestone, from the Hohle Fels Cave, ...

2026-02-10T11:46:27Z

A 15,000-year-old painted limestone, from the Hohle Fels Cave, Swabian Jura. The shapes of the dots are symmetrical and executed precisely. The accuracy indicates that the dot rows were painted using a tool or stamp. On display at our branch museum urmu, Blaubeuren

📷 me

#archaeology

Elephant bone finding in Spain may be from time of Hannibal's ...

2026-02-07T09:07:14Z

Elephant bone finding in Spain may be from time of Hannibal's war against Rome.

A recent study suggests that a 2,200-year-old bone, which was discovered in 2020 near Córdoba, Spain, might have originated from one of Hannibal's war elephants during the Second Punic War.

https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/romans/landmark-elephant-bone-finding-in-spain-may-be-from-time-of-hannibals-war-against-rome

For #ReliefWednesday a representation of Minerva, the #Roman ...

2026-02-04T07:28:12Z

For #ReliefWednesday a representation of Minerva, the #Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, crafts, and warfare. She's carrying the helmet, a lance and a shield. The deity is accompanied by an #owl, her sacred animal.
Found in Burgstall an der Murr.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemnberg

🏺 #archaeology

For #EpigraphyTuesday a Roman infantry helmet (Weisenau type) ...

2026-02-03T07:47:04Z

For #EpigraphyTuesday a Roman infantry helmet (Weisenau type) with an owner’s inscription formed by punched dots on the neck guard: the helmet belonged to Lucius Lucretius Celer, legionary in the centuria of Gaius Mummius Lolianus of the legio I adiutrix.

Found near Mainz in the River Rhine. Dating 1st century AD.

On dislpay at Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nürnberg

📷 me

#archaeology #romansarchaeology

This one never gets old. We all need a good laugh these days. ...

2026-02-01T09:24:15Z

This one never gets old.

We all need a good laugh these days. 😆

A #Roman bronze medicine box, with a sliding lid and separate ...

2026-01-29T16:30:06Z

A #Roman bronze medicine box, with a sliding lid and separate compartments to store medical substances like herbs and mineral products.
Found in Nida, present-day Frankfurt-Heddernheim, dating 2nd/3rd century AD.
On display at Archäologisches Museum Frankfurt.

📷 me

#archaeology
#RomanArchaeology

New discovery: A wooden structure, identified as river bank ...

2026-01-28T21:24:46Z

New discovery: A wooden structure, identified as river bank protection, has been unearthed at the Roman harbor in Cologne.

https://www.stadt-koeln.de/politik-und-verwaltung/presse/mitteilungen/28168/index.html

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: One of my favourite #Roman ...

2026-01-28T12:11:49Z

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: One of my favourite #Roman objects made of glass is this little basket (height 6.5cm). It is not clear what it was used for, possibly to hold cosmetics.

From Syria, dating 3rd century AD.

On display at British Museum

📷 me

#archaeology

Given the news, it seems appropriate to share this photograph ...

2026-01-25T10:11:06Z

Given the news, it seems appropriate to share this photograph once more. Feel free to share.

Hand of a gilded bronze statue of an Roman emperor.

From Kempten, 1st to 3rd c. AD
On display at Archäologische Staatssammlung

📷 me

It has been quite a week! We all need a timeline cleanse. Have a ...

2026-01-24T09:06:01Z

It has been quite a week! We all need a timeline cleanse.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

An Egyptian relief plaque with a face of an #owl 🦉.

The owl hieroglyph represents the sound m.

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period. From Egypt, 400–30 BC.

📷 Metropolitan Museum

This beautiful #Roman enamelled copper alloy flask in hexagonal ...

2026-01-23T10:07:36Z

This beautiful #Roman enamelled copper alloy flask in hexagonal shape was found in Welzheim.
The small vessel was a product of a workshop in Britain or Gaul and was presumably used to hold perfume.
Dating 2. century AD.

#Romanarchaeology #archaeology

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

Kids loved playing with toys in #Roman times too! Some 1,800 ...

2026-01-18T08:22:01Z

Kids loved playing with toys in #Roman times too!

Some 1,800 years ago, a child in Cologne was buried with a terracotta horse with a rider on for wheels. It was definitely a beloved toy that the kid was also meant to play with in the afterlife.

📷 Römisch-Germanisches Museum Köln

#RomanArchaeology #archaeology

Weekend timeline cleanse! A #Greek rhyton in the shape of a ...

2026-01-17T08:17:45Z

Weekend timeline cleanse!

A #Greek rhyton in the shape of a #dog's head. 🐕🐶

Vessels such as this were used in drinking parties. Since they didn't have a base, their contents had to be consumed before the vessel could be put down

Dating ca. 475 BC.

📷 Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia

#archaeology

Only few pieces of furniture from early medieval times have been ...

2026-01-15T17:38:43Z

Only few pieces of furniture from early medieval times have been preserved. Due to the water-logged condition of the area, many wooden objects such as this terrific chair made from maple and ash wood survived in a burial at Trossingen.
Dating 580 AD.

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

#archaeology

During these challenging times, we could all benefit from a ...

2026-01-09T09:07:05Z

During these challenging times, we could all benefit from a smile, so I would like to present the oldest smile in the world: the Mannetje van Willemstad (the little man from Willemstad, Netherlands).
The #Mesolithic figurine, dating about 5400 BC, was carved in oak wood. Its intended purpose remains uncertain, prompting consideration of whether it served a ritualistic function or perhaps as a doll.

Height 12.5 cm.

On display at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden.

📷 me

#archaeology

This one never gets old. #Epiphany ...

2026-01-06T08:07:30Z

This one never gets old.

#Epiphany

For New Year’s Day a small #Roman #glass bottle in the shape of ...

2026-01-01T08:19:43Z

For New Year’s Day a small #Roman #glass bottle in the shape of a date: Dates, figs, and honey were traditional Roman New Year's gifts. According to the poet Ovid, these items were believed to ensure that the coming months would be sweet ones.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! 🍀

📷 me, taken in the Pompejanum Aschaffenburg

As 2026 approaches a happy new year's toast to you all with ...

2025-12-31T07:22:11Z

As 2026 approaches a happy new year's toast to you all with this marvellous 4th century Roman cage-cup, which bears an inscription, a toast that reads:

BIBE MULTIS ANNIS - Drink for many years!

Cheers and here's to a far better year in 2026! 🥂

#NewYear2026 🍀

On display at Antikensammlung München

This funerary wreath is made of everlasting flowers (Helichrysum ...

2025-12-30T08:17:09Z

This funerary wreath is made of everlasting flowers (Helichrysum stoechas) and is more than 1,700 years old!
It was found in a tomb of the #Roman period in Hawara/#Egypt and has survived due to Egypt's dry climate.
Dating 2nd/3rd c. AD.

On display at British Museum

📷 me

#archaeology

A Bronze Age horned helmet from Brøns Mose at Viksø, decorated ...

2025-12-26T08:17:31Z

A Bronze Age horned helmet from Brøns Mose at Viksø, decorated with bosses and adorned with eyes and a beak. The helmet was found with an identical one in a bog. They were probably used at religious ceremonies. Later on, they were deposited in the bog as offerings.

On display at National Museum Copenhagen.
Further information:

https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-bronze-age/the-viksoe-helmets/

#archaeology

Happy #WinterSolstice! Astronomical #winter starts today. ...

2025-12-21T08:07:57Z

Happy #WinterSolstice!

Astronomical #winter starts today. It's the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight with the sun starting to set later each day until Summer Solstice.
The mosaic depicts the dancing Genii (protective spirits) of the four seasons. The Genius of #winter is wrapped in a heavy cloak.

Dating 5th/6th c. AD.
Found in the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra/Ravenna

A charming #Egyptian figurine of a hedgehog, made of faience, ...

2025-12-13T09:40:16Z

A charming #Egyptian figurine of a hedgehog, made of faience, dating ca 1900 BC, from Thebes, #Egypt. The Egyptians associated hedgehogs with rebirth. On display at Neues Museum Berlin

📷 me

#archaeology

For #FrescoFriday a #Roman wall painting from the Casa dei Cervi, ...

2025-12-12T13:44:26Z

For #FrescoFriday a #Roman wall painting from the Casa dei Cervi, Herculaneum, depicting Cupids playing hide and seek. I especially like the one who covers his eyes - some things haven't changed since Roman times! In Roman wall painting of the 1st c. AD, scenes depicting Cupid in everyday activities were very popular. The fresco dates 50/60 AD. Now at Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

📷 Egisto Sani https://www.flickr.com/photos/69716881@N02/8246684773/

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Moments in time captured in fired clay! Somewhere in a Roman ...

2025-12-02T07:03:55Z

Moments in time captured in fired clay!
Somewhere in a Roman brickyard, around 1800 years ago, a fresh tile was drying peacefully ahead of firing - until a small dog trotted straight across it.
Centuries later, the tile has made it into a museum: not because of an emperor or a legion, but thanks to one dog who accidentally walked his way into history.

Found in Ladenburg, on display at Lobdengau-Museum.

📷me

around 1800 years old

2025-11-30T18:18:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…6xvl
_________________________

around 1800 years old

A #Roman basket found in a well at the eastern fort at Welzheim. ...

2025-11-30T12:20:47Z

A #Roman basket found in a well at the eastern fort at Welzheim. The damp environment has preserved it in a good condition.

On display at our branch museum Limesmuseum Aalen

#RomanArchaeology #archaeology

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

Things used in everyday life are the real archaeological ...

2025-11-29T09:23:17Z

Things used in everyday life are the real archaeological treasures! These sewing #needles were made from animal bone some 15,000 years ago. Some designs simply don't need to be improved, because form and functions were perfectly matched from the start. Form follows function!
Found in the Grotte du Placard à Vilhonneur (Charente).

Photo: RMNGP/MAN

#archaeology

Neolithic flint dagger blades from various sites around Lake ...

2025-11-27T07:57:54Z

Neolithic flint dagger blades from various sites around Lake Constance. The wooden handles have not survived. The flint material was sourced from the Southern Alpine region, highlighting early trade networks and cultural connections between the Alpine Foreland and the Southern Alps during the Neolithic period. These daggers represent the skilled craftsmanship and wide-ranging interactions of prehistoric communities.

📷 Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

#archaeology

#FindsFriday! An arrowhead made of #meteorite iron: around 1,500 ...

2025-11-21T17:05:59Z

#FindsFriday!
An arrowhead made of #meteorite iron: around 1,500 BC, a meteorite struck #Estonia. A fragment of it arrived - presumably in the baggage of an amber trader - at what is now Lake Biel, #Switzerland. An arrowhead was then made there from the cosmic iron.
From Mörigen, 900-800 BC.

📷 me

Some archaeological finds may appear unremarkable and ordinary, ...

2025-11-20T17:52:04Z

Some archaeological finds may appear unremarkable and ordinary, yet they often are more interesting than any treasure, such as this Roman glass square bottle remarkably containing a rare find – preserved ointment. The waxy mass of fatty acids and glycerine contains plant fibres from wood, pollen and seeds.

Found in Wederath, dating 1st century AD.

#archaeology

A complete pottery vessel, featuring repairs mid-body and a cord ...

2025-11-17T06:48:45Z

A complete pottery vessel, featuring repairs mid-body and a cord tied around its neck.

Found in a Neolithic well in Altscherbitz, Saxony, dating 5100-5000 BC. Multiple complete vessels have been discovered within the well. They may have been intentionally placed there as part of a ritual associated with the well's closure and subsequent filling.

On display at Staatliches Museum für Archäologie Chemnitz

📷 me

#archaeology

Like a time capsule: a Roman tile marked with #finger lines, ...

2025-11-11T08:10:19Z

Like a time capsule: a Roman tile marked with #finger lines, hobnail #shoe prints, dog's paw prints, and a #stamp of the LEG(io) XIIII G(emina). Tiles with imprints are very common, since tiles were laid out to dry in the open air ahead of firing, where animals and people could step on them - though footprints might have been evidence to check whether the clay was set enough.
The finger lines might have been batch marks.
Found in Carnuntum, Austria.

📷 Landessammlungen Niederösterreich

For #AncientSiteSunday the #Hellenistic theatre at Pergamon, ...

2025-11-09T08:09:35Z

For #AncientSiteSunday the #Hellenistic theatre at Pergamon, #Türkiye, built in the 3rd century BC, alterations were made in the #Roman period. It's one of the steepest known ancient theatres. The capacity was about 10,000 spectators.

📷 C. Bredfeldt

#archaeology

It's time for #Caturday and a timeline cleanse! A terracotta ...

2025-11-08T08:21:10Z

It's time for #Caturday and a timeline cleanse!

A terracotta figurine of a #cat playing the harp.

From #Egypt, #Roman period, late 1st century AD.

On display at Museum August Kestner, Hannover.

Have a lovely #weekend!

📷 me

#archaeology

Today, a friend involved in the Esna restoration project has ...

2025-11-07T08:57:13Z

Today, a friend involved in the Esna restoration project has shared with me his latest stunning photos of the restored ceiling and columns of the Temple of Khnum in Esna, Upper #Egypt. During a multi-year restoration project, the dirt and soot that had obscured the colors of the reliefs and inscriptions within the building for ca 2000 years were carefully removed. The temple is located 60 kilometers south of Luxor.

📷 D. v. Recklinghausen

I just leave this one for #PhallusThursday 👃 Bronze amulet ...

2025-11-06T07:57:53Z

I just leave this one for #PhallusThursday 👃

Bronze amulet from Egypt, 1st c. BC.
Mougins, Musée d’art classique de Mougin

📷 me

#archaeology

Today's a perfect day to post some beautiful blue glass! A ...

2025-11-05T08:52:13Z

Today's a perfect day to post some beautiful blue glass!
A gorgeous #Roman flask in the form of a shell, mold-blown from dark blue glass. It was used to hold perfume. Dating 1st century AD.

On display at British Museum.

📷 me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

It's time for a timeline cleanse! A small Corinthian ...

2025-10-26T08:07:56Z

It's time for a timeline cleanse!

A small Corinthian aryballos in the shape of an owl (circa 630 BC). It served as a perfume container.

On display at Antikensammlung München

A lovely Sunday to all of you 🌞

📷 me

#archaeology

This bronze cobra with eyes inlaid likely originated from a ...

2025-10-19T06:41:59Z

This bronze cobra with eyes inlaid likely originated from a workshop in Alexandria. The cobra motif is prevalent in Egyptian iconography, symbolizing royal authority and safeguarding against the Pharaoh's enemies.
The Greek author Plutarch indicates that Cleopatra favored a quick death through a cobra bite. This narrative is nowadays questioned, considering the painful and prolonged impact of cobra venom.

Currently on display at the Caesar and Cleopatra exhibition in Speyer

📷 me

Off to Trier for the Major State Exhibition "Marcus ...

2025-10-14T07:29:11Z

Off to Trier for the Major State Exhibition "Marcus Aurelius."

The photo shows the Porta Nigra in Trier, a Roman city gate, dating 2nd century AD.

Models of everyday life were deposited in #Egyptian tombs. They ...

2025-10-04T06:01:09Z

Models of everyday life were deposited in #Egyptian tombs. They were supposed to support the deceased in the afterlife. One of the most charming examples is the model of a #cow giving birth.
Carved in wood, painted.
Probably from Meir, #Egypt, dating c. 2040-1985 BC.

📷 Royal Ontario Museum

#archaeology

The Roos Carr figures are dating to the Late Bronze Age or Early ...

2025-09-20T11:45:52Z

The Roos Carr figures are dating to the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. They were inadvertently unearthed by laborers during ditch maintenance at Roos Carr in 1836.
The workers discovered wooden artifacts, including several warrior figures crafted from yew wood with quartzite eyes and a serpent-headed boat.
The figures, which range from 35 to 41 cm in height. They are around 2,600 years old and may have served as offerings, perhaps to deities or ancestors.

📷 me

#archaeology

An early medieval fibula (a decorative pin for fastening ...

2025-09-11T10:38:41Z

An early medieval fibula (a decorative pin for fastening garments/a brooch) in the form of an eagle, made of gold and silver inlaid with garnets and lapis lazuli. It's part of the so-called Domagnano Hoard consisting of 21 pieces. They belonged to an Ostrogothic noblewoman linked to the court of Theodoric.

Found in Domagnano, San Marino, dating around ca. 500 AD

📷 fibula https://objektkatalog.gnm.de/wisski/navigate/4428/view

📷 reconstrucion Musei di Stato di San Marino

#archaeology

A #Roman helmet found in Theilenhofen at the Upper German-Raetian ...

2025-09-07T07:36:25Z

A #Roman helmet found in Theilenhofen at the Upper German-Raetian Limes. It's not a parade helmet as often stated, but a pseudo-Attic cavalry battle helmet ot the Worthing/Theilenhofen variant.
Dating to the second half of the 2nd century AD.
On display Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nürnberg

📷 me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: This magnificent #Roman ...

2025-09-06T05:46:06Z

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: This magnificent #Roman #fish-shaped flask was found during the excavation of a storeroom in Begram/Afghanistan. It was probably made in a workshop at Alexandria/Egypt, dating 1st/2nd century AD. Begram was a major trading city at the Silk Road, the flask was found in one of two storerooms of a merchant, filled with luxury good.
National Museum of Afghanistan

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Today, I had the opportunity to visit my colleagues from the ...

2025-09-02T16:23:27Z

Today, I had the opportunity to visit my colleagues from the Department of Wetland Archaeology at the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments at the excavation site of the prehistoric settlement in Reute-Schorrenried. Dendrochronological analysis has confirmed that the wooden dwellings were constructed between 3738 and 3731 BC. The settlement comprised around twenty-four buildings. It is considered to be one of the most important wetland sites in southwestern Germany.

A sleeved tunic, made from linen, from Egypt, 4th c. AD. The ...

2025-08-24T07:56:30Z

A sleeved tunic, made from linen, from Egypt, 4th c. AD.
The garment, designed for a ca 5 year old child, is well preserved well due to the arid climate. The tunic's design allowed for adjustments as the child grew.
Horizontal lines at the waiste indicate an initial folding point, which could be adjusted as the child matured.The linen fabric is adorned with purple embroidery,while the woolen appliqués, though ancient, were added after discovery

On display at Archäologische Staatssammlung
📷 me

For #RomanSiteSaturday let's go to my favourite #Roman site: ...

2025-08-23T05:22:13Z

For #RomanSiteSaturday let's go to my favourite #Roman site: the temple complex of #Baalbek, located in the Bekaa Valley/#Lebanon. The breathtaking
site contains some of the largest Roman temples ever built. The so-called Bacchus temple is one of the best preserved temples of the Roman period.
Baalbek is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 and one of the most amazing places I have ever been to.

📷 Rami Rizk

#RomanArchaeology #archaeology

#FindsFriday! One of the oldest known musical instruments in the ...

2025-08-22T13:01:23Z

#FindsFriday! One of the oldest known musical instruments in the world: a #Palaeolithic #flute made from a #vulture bone some 38,000 years ago! This is one of eight known flutes found on the Swabian Jura. The finds suggest that music played an important role in this region.
Found in the Hohle Fels cave near Schelklingen.

On display at Urgeschichtliches Museum Blaubeuren, one of our branch museums.

📷 me

#archaeology #music

An impressive #Roman cavalry helmet with a face mask that was ...

2025-08-19T10:57:57Z

An impressive #Roman cavalry helmet with a face mask that was made of iron and plated with silver (Nijmegen-Kops Plateau type). The mask was attached to the iron helmet, which was covered with horse hair showing an elaborate and highly decorative hairstyle.
Helmets such as this one from the 1st century AD were used in tournaments as well as in battle. Fully masked cavalrymen certainly intimidated the enemy.

Found in Nijmegen.

Helmet and replica on display at Museum Het Valkhof Nijmegen

📷 me

For #MosaicMonday this fantastic photo of a mosaic (and a lovely ...

2025-08-18T07:45:52Z

For #MosaicMonday this fantastic photo of a mosaic (and a lovely fish 🐟) that was discovered in the submerged ruins of #Roman Baiae.

Photo: Parco Archeologico Campi Flegrei

For #ancientsitesunday this stunning aerial view of the Parco ...

2025-08-17T07:36:37Z

For #ancientsitesunday this stunning aerial view of the Parco degli Acquedotti, south east of #Rome. The park is named for its seven aqueducts which supplied the city with water.

Photo: Valentino Ligori

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

WOW! A 2,000-year-old felt hat intended to keep Roman soldiers ...

2025-08-11T19:27:01Z

WOW! A 2,000-year-old felt hat intended to keep Roman soldiers cool in the heat of the desert of Egypt has been painstakingly brought back to life.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pegg403zo

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Egyptian blue pigment found in Augusta Raurica, Switzerland. The ...

2025-07-27T09:27:25Z

Egyptian blue pigment found in Augusta Raurica, Switzerland. The pigments were used in wall paintings. In Roman times, Egyptian blue was distributed throughout the Empire in a more or less standardised form of small balls of 15-20 mm in diameter. The painter could define the respective grain size and thus the shade of blue and the covering capacity of the ground up artificial pigment himself.

On display at Museum Augusta Raurica

📷 me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Stunning photos of the restored ceiling and columns of the Temple ...

2025-07-20T08:16:14Z

Stunning photos of the restored ceiling and columns of the Temple of Khnum in Esna, Upper #Egypt. During a multi-year restoration project, the dirt and soot that had obscured the colors of the reliefs and inscriptions within the building for approximately 2000 years were carefully removed.
The temple is located 60 kilometers south of Luxor, Egypt.

📷 D. v. Recklinghausen

For today's #MosaicMonday a hilarious #Roman mosaic depicting ...

2025-07-14T06:38:22Z

For today's #MosaicMonday a hilarious #Roman mosaic depicting a boisterous #dog knocking over a basket and pulling out the contents. Life without #dogs is possible but pointless!
On display at the Archaeological Museum Irbid/Jordan.

#RomanArchaeology #archaeology

The pretzel is supposedly a Swabian invention (I know, Bavarians, ...

2025-07-02T06:00:08Z

The pretzel is supposedly a Swabian invention (I know, Bavarians, you’ll disagree 😁). As a Swabian, I have to share this unique Viking Age pretzel-shaped gold brooch - was the pretzel actually invented by Vikings?😱
The brooch is decorated with animal heads in the Scandinavian style and was probably made in Denmark.
From Gåbense, Falster, first half of the 10th century

On display at National Museum Copenhagen

📷 me

#archaeology

One of the oldest wheels in the world! A ca. 5,000 year-old ...

2025-06-29T06:36:26Z

One of the oldest wheels in the world!
A ca. 5,000 year-old wooden disc wheel from Olzreute-Enzisholz. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps." The waterlogged, anaerobic environment provided ideal conditions for the preservation of organic materials such as wood. Three disc wheels have been found at Olzreute-Enzisholz, dating around 2,900 BC.

On display at our branch museum Federseemuseum Bad Buchau.

📷me

#archaeology

Fashionable some 6,000 years ago: a stunning Neolithic three-row ...

2025-06-26T14:23:11Z

Fashionable some 6,000 years ago: a stunning Neolithic three-row necklace from Sachsenheim, dating to around 4,000 BC. This remarkable piece, which comprises more than 500 limestone and jet beads, is a witness to both craftsmanship and style.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg

#Archaeology

During the early Iron Age, the Pomeranian culture in Poland ...

2025-06-24T05:12:21Z

During the early Iron Age, the Pomeranian culture in Poland developed distinctive clay vessels for cremated remains, influenced by southern European cultures such as the Etruscans. These urns are characterized by human faces and hat-shaped lids, and are frequently adorned with symbolic engravings of celestial bodies, trees, and waves. Depictions of clothing and adornment are also present, figurative scenes of people and animals are rare.
6th/5th c. BC.

On display at Neues Museum Berlin.

📷 me

A pair of gold bull head earrings, decorated with granulation, ...

2025-06-23T12:12:29Z

A pair of gold bull head earrings, decorated with granulation, filigree and garnets. Dating late 4th century BC.

Hoops formed of wound wire with animal-head finials were a very popular type of earring during the #Hellenistic period.

📷 me

On display at Landesmuseum Württemberg

#archaeology

For #findsfriday the most adorable chess piece ever! A knight, ...

2025-06-20T06:57:05Z

For #findsfriday the most adorable chess piece ever! A knight, made of antler. Dating 11/12th century
Found at the Burgstein, Lichtenstein-Holzelfingen.

📷 me

#archaeology

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: A magnificent #Roman striped ...

2025-06-18T07:24:51Z

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: A magnificent #Roman striped mosaic bowl, made of preformed rods and canes fused on or in mold. Timeless beauty!

Dating late 1st BC–early 1st AD, found in Cuora, Cavarzere, Italy
Photo: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Adria

#archaeology #romanarchaeology

A fibula (pin for fastening garments) in the shape of a #frog. ...

2025-06-16T12:52:17Z

A fibula (pin for fastening garments) in the shape of a #frog. Animal-shaped fibulae were popular in the northwestern provinces of the Roman empire. It has been suggested that frogs had an apotropaic value (i. e. to avert evil), but there is no evidence for this.

📷Morgan Library

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

In the village of Ehrenstein in southern Germany, Neolithic ...

2025-06-14T07:14:53Z

In the village of Ehrenstein in southern Germany, Neolithic limestone discs adorned with incised lines are a common find. These discs featured a striking black and white contrast, achieved by filling the incisions with dark birch pitch. They measured up to 12 centimeters in diameter. Marks on their reverse sides suggest they may have functioned as fasteners.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg and me

#archaeology

Nostr event nevent1qqsfn5trhqf8g0mhlnn2jypqtewznu09y5yckfs6fcchwyrppk06ufszyq9w9p5k2mm4hvp05p6mzsqz2aflhvl55q7n4pqzjn7vz40nw45duzv883y

2025-06-12T21:39:28Z

A section of the #Roman Eifel #aqueduct that supplied water to ...

2025-06-12T09:16:46Z

A section of the #Roman Eifel #aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Cologne. The vaulted underground tunnel with an inspection shaft at Mechernich-Breitenbenden was unearthed during construction work in the late 1970s. The estimated maximum flow rate of the aqueduct was 250 litres per second. At that rate, the aqueduct would have supplied Cologne with 20 million litres of water each day!

📷 https://www.krefeld.de/de/vermessung/fernwasserleitungen/

#RomanArchaeology #archaeology

A very stylish #Roman enclosed boot with a highly decorative and ...

2025-06-07T06:25:57Z

A very stylish #Roman enclosed boot with a highly decorative and intricate cut-out design that would have shown off the wearer’s socks.

Found in London, dating c. 75-125 AD.

From the collections at the Museum of London.

📸 me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

A more than 3000-year-old #Egyptian basket of coiled palm fibre ...

2025-05-31T07:33:56Z

A more than 3000-year-old #Egyptian basket of coiled palm fibre with fitting lid.
Baskets served as household containers and were frequently placed in tombs, containing grave goods such as jewelry or food offerings.
The basket has been remarkably preserved because of Egypt's arid desert climate.

On display at Staatliche Museum Ägyptischer Kunst, München.

📷 me

A stunning find from Nijmegen: a #Roman rock crystal ring ...

2025-05-29T07:43:42Z

A stunning find from Nijmegen: a #Roman rock crystal ring decorated with a crescent and stars inlaid with gold leaves, found in a woman's burial, dating 1st c. AD. The decoration had a meaning associated with death, the crescent and stars were symbols for eternity and afterlife. On display at Museum Het Valkhof

📷 me

#archaeology #RomanArchaeology

Amazing new discovery: Oldest full human fingerprint discovered. ...

2025-05-28T20:06:48Z

Amazing new discovery: Oldest full human fingerprint discovered. A Neanderthal is believed to have dipped a finger in red pigment to paint a nose on a pebble around 43,000 years ago. The rock was discovered in the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, Spain

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0g9jv707yo

In an early medieval grave at Gültlingen a warrior was buried ...

2025-05-23T09:05:25Z

In an early medieval grave at Gültlingen a warrior was buried with a gold hilt spatha (sword) - a status symbol that displays his high rank - and a ‘Spangenhelm‘. Helmets like this were part of the equipment of the late Roman army. Not only the helmet was made in byzantine workshop, but so were the spatha and an ornate belt. The warrior probably served as a mercenary in the Byzantine army. Dating 460-480 AD.

📷 Landesmuseum Württemberg

#archaeology

A Cycladic idol, 2500-2000BC. During the Early Bronze Age ...

2025-05-22T14:28:02Z

A Cycladic idol, 2500-2000BC.
During the Early Bronze Age figurines were made from marble on the Cyclades, islands in the Aegean Sea. The most common are female figurines with folded arms. Most of them were found in graves.The intended purpose of these figurines remains unknown.

📷me

#archaeology