Six historical mysteries decoded by scientists in 2023

Paleogenetics, artificial intelligence, and chemical analysis have played pivotal roles in illuminating the past

Web Desk

December 24, 2023

Scientists have revealed the true appearance of Otzi the iceman, whose mummified remains were discovered on 1991 in the Italian alps.—AFP

In 2023, scientific advancements have unravelled captivating mysteries of human history, revealing secrets concealed for millennia.

Paleogenetics, artificial intelligence, and chemical analysis have played pivotal roles in illuminating the past. Here are six historical enigmas that scientists successfully cracked.

1. Gender identity of a prehistoric leader

The crystal dagger was found was buried with the body of a 5,000-year-old female prehistoric leader.—Research Group ATLAS from University of Sevilla

A 5,000-year-old skeleton near Seville, Spain, adorned with precious artefacts, initially thought to be a young man, was revealed to be a woman through tooth enamel analysis. This challenges preconceived notions and promises a new era in understanding prehistoric social structures.

2. Ingredient behind Roman concrete's strength

Romes Pantheon was built under Roman Emperor Augustus between 27 and 25 BC to celebrate all gods worshipped in ancient Rome. It was rebuilt under Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 128 AD.—AFP — Rome's Pantheon was built under Roman Emperor Augustus between 27 and 25 BC to celebrate all gods worshipped in ancient Rome. It was rebuilt under Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 128 AD.—AFP

Scientists identified lime clasts in Roman concrete as the key to its durability. The white chunks, previously overlooked, contribute to healing cracks over time, explaining the remarkable longevity of structures like the Pantheon.

3. True appearance of Ötzi the Iceman

A close-up of the head of the 5,300-year-old frozen corpse of Ötzi in the Archaeological Museum in Bolzano.—Südtiroler Museum

A DNA analysis of Ötzi's pelvis contradicted previous depictions, revealing dark skin, dark eyes, and likely baldness. This updated portrayal challenges popular reconstructions of this well-preserved mummy.

4. Wearer of a 20,000-year-old pendant revealed

The deer tooth pendant contained DNA left by its wearer. —Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Ancient human DNA extracted from a deer bone pendant in Siberia identified its wearer as a woman from the Ancient North Eurasian group, shedding light on a person who lived 19,000 to 25,000 years ago.

5. Decoding ancient scrolls with AI

The scroll was one of hundreds retrieved from the remains of a lavish villa at Herculaneum, which along with Pompeii was one of several Roman towns that were destroyed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.—AFP

Using artificial intelligence and computerised tomography imaging, a word in ancient Greek was decoded from the Herculaneum scrolls, offering insight into the vast library from classical antiquity.

6. Materials for making a mummy

An artists reconstruction of an embalming scene with a priest in an underground chamber.—AFP — An artist's reconstruction of an embalming scene with a priest in an underground chamber.—AFP

Chemical analysis of residues in embalming workshop pots unveiled the substances Egyptians used for mummification, including plant oils, resins, animal fat, and beeswax. This discovery adds depth to our understanding of ancient Egyptian practices.