The latest archaeological finds around the world demonstrate that climate change benefits archeology and its discoveries. However, it is not all positive, some archaeological treasures could be lost forever for the same reason. Due to the change in climate, glaciers are receding more and more and the same is happening with permafrost. In turn, rivers, lakes and streams dry up, revealing valuable treasures for science and archeology, which were hidden for centuries.
More archaeological treasures are discovered due to climate change
The ice preserved the Neolithic man Ötzi almost intact, which they discovered in 1991. Its excellent state of preservation allowed us to learn what life was like 5,300 years ago at the site of the discovery, the Alps. In this mountain range, between Italy and Switzerland, more and more archaeological treasures are found, as is also the case in Scandinavia.
Weapons, clothing in good condition, utensils, sleds, among other things, are found with increasing frequency. This allows archaeologists to learn about the way of life in Roman times, the Middle Ages and even more remote times.
However, all these findings are possible thanks to the melting of permafrost, which, unfortunately, is receding by leaps and bounds. As happened in Siberia, where the remains of a three-million-year-old mammoth were found, or in Canada, where a baby mammoth was found in perfect condition.
Does climate change benefit or harm archaeology?
Glacial melt and torrential rains result in a rise in ocean levels and endanger many of these discoveries. You have to act quickly to prevent everything from becoming a stain on the ground.
Climate change represents a real problem for the planet’s inhabitants and also for ecosystems. Although for archaeologists it is an opportunity.
Also, the intense drought that affects large areas on all continents helps researchers make amazing findings.
Some recent discoveries
In Iraq, a 3,400-year-old city emerged in a reservoir as its waters receded. In Spain, more precisely in Cáceres, the Guadal Peral dolmens appeared.
This kind of Stonehenge in Spain emerged due to the intense downturn that occurred in a reservoir caused by drought. This megalithic monument is made up of more than 150 stone blocks that date back to about 7 thousand years old. Also in the Danube River, sunken German warships appeared during World War II.
In Brazil, the Amazon is going through one of its worst downpours and exposed facial carvings in the Manaus region. Some sizes show smiles, others amazement and some also show terror, they are very similar to current emojis. These “emojis of the past” were probably carved about 2 thousand years ago.
