History & Culture

Credit: Dagmara Socha

Polish researchers analyse Inca pilgrimages to volcanic peaks

The Incas made pilgrimages to volcano peaks to sacrifice children and women. The pilgrimage movement was an efficient machine, part of which were high-mountain tambos, places of rituals and rest for hundreds of pilgrims. Polish researchers analyse the way they were used.

  • Bones from the collection of the Archaeological Museum in Kraków. Credit: Dariusz Bobak, Thomas Terberger.

    Research confirms cannibalistic practices of prehistoric inhabitants of Maszycka Cave

    The latest analysis of over 60 bones from Maszycka Cave (Lesser Poland) shows that people living there 18 thousand years ago practiced cannibalism. This is indicated by traces on the preserved bones, including attempts to extract bone marrow, archaeologist Dariusz Bobak told PAP.

  • Credit: Jagiellonian University

    Małopolska/ Researchers discover oldest traces of metal extraction in Poland

    Lead ornaments from the early Iron Age from the Silesian-Kraków Upland were made of lead from Olkusz deposits, research shows. They are the oldest confirmed evidence of metal ore mining and metallurgy in the Polish lands.

  • Credit: Judyta Bąk

    Study: Pre-Columbian tattoos often more intricate than modern ones

    Precision of pre-Columbian tattoos often exceeded modern tattooing techniques. The thinnest lines were probably made with a single cactus needle or sharpened animal bone, an analysis of over 100 tattooed human remains of the Chancay culture has shown.

  • Source: Mateusz Iskra. Research at the Davti Blur site

    Armenia/ Polish and Armenian researchers discover remains of 6th century BCE houses and traces of earthquake

    Remains of houses from the 6th century BCE, an urn cemetery, and traces of a strong earthquake were discovered in Armenia by an Armenian-Polish team of archaeologists. This is the first Polish research at the Davti Blur site.

  • Adobe Stock

    Archaeologist: Illegal searches can destroy valuable sources of historical knowledge

    If, by accident or during amateur searches, you find an object that may have historical value, you should mark the place of discovery, take a photo of the object and alert the appropriate services. Failing to do that could destroy a valuable source of knowledge, says archaeologist Grzegorz Kurka.

  • Credit: Wikipedia/ public domain

    What did Maria Skłodowska-Curie and Albert Einstein write to each other about? Book collection of their letters published

    The 32 letters exchanged between Maria Skłodowska-Curie and Albert Einstein in 1911-1932 - along with commentaries - are now available in a new book publication. Einstein believed that the relationship between him an Skłodowska was one of the most beautiful things in his life.

  • Source: Facebook/ Museum of the History of the Kamień Land

    Silver Otto Adelheid Pfennig discovered near Kamień Pomorski

    A silver Otto Adelheid Pfennig was found near Kamień Pomorski. These coins were characterized by high quality silver and precise workmanship. They are among the most interesting numismatic relics discovered in Poland, the Museum of the History of the Kamień Land reports.

  • Acropolis of Ptolemais, December 2024. Credit: Szymon Lenarczyk

    Part of city residence and surprising mask - discoveries of Polish archaeologists in Libya

    Polish archaeologists working in the ancient city of Ptolemais on the Mediterranean coast discovered the utility part of a city residence, equipped with an advanced system for collecting drinking water, and, among other things, a mysterious mask depicting a human face. The archaeologists are now beginning research on the local acropolis.

  • 20.04.2021. Flint in the 'Wojciech' shaft in the Archaeological Museum and Reserve 'Krzemionki' in Krzemionki Opatowskie. PAP/Piotr Polak

    Świętokrzyskie/ Researchers to examine rock paintings from Neolithic mines in Krzemionki

    In Krzemionki (Świętokrzyskie), one of the most important archaeological sites in Poland, research will begin on rock paintings made by Neolithic miners. Researchers aim to uncover invisible details of the paintings, determine their original appearance, and better understand the intentions of their creators.

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  • The image displayed in front of the eyes is visible in the movement of photosensitive cells on the retina. Credit: M. Wojtkowski

    Polish researchers observe eye cells seeing something

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