IN THE DEPTHS OFF ITALY, DIVERS MADE A DIScovery that could rewrite history. They found a series of ancient, enigmatic artifacts made from volcanic glass, potentially linked to a Neolithic shipwreck-a revelation that could be, as one expert put it in language not usually found in the domain of scientific research, "mind-blowing."
In October, divers from the underwater unit of the Naples Police identified the submerged remains, which are made from a material called obsidian, near Capri-an island in the Bay of Naples overlooked by the volcano Mount Vesuvius on the mainland.
The pieces of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava with a particular chemical composition, lie on the seabed at a depth of 100 to 130 feet, close to a sea cave on the island's coast known as the Grotta Bianca, or White Grotto, according to the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape (SABAP) for the Naples Metropolitan Area.
The organization said in a press release that the obsidian artifacts could have been part of the cargo of a ship from the Neolithic era, or New Stone Age. The date range for this stage of human development differs depending on geographic location. In Europe as a whole, the Neolithic era roughly spanned the years 70002000 B.C. But in the central-western region of the Mediterranean, where Capri lies, the timespan is closer to 6000-3500 B.C.
If evidence of a Neolithic wreck is found at the site, the discovery would be of great significance, Sean Kingsley, editor-in-chief of Wreckwatch magazine, told Newsweek. But at the moment, no actual parts of a Neolithic vessel have been found at the site, and some experts have urged caution regarding this interpretation of the obsidian artifacts.
This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Most Loved Workplaces 2024
A THE WORLD'S MOST LOVED WORKPLACES ARE REMARKABLE FOR A variety of reasons.
Maya Hawke
MAYA HAWKE WEARS MANY HATS: ACTOR, WRITER, SINGER. BUT FOR Hawke, everything comes down to words.
Jacob Anderson
ANNE RICE'S NOVEL INTERVIEW WITH THE Vampire has a rabid fan base, intensely protective of the story and any adaptations of it.
VOTES OF NO CONFIDENCE
Why recent U.K. election results will ring alarm bells for Joe Biden
BIDEN'S BATTLEGROUND ELECTION
A small number of Democrats PROTESTING the president's support for Israel's war in Gaza could PREVENT him from winning a second term
'It's Time to Treat Addiction Like Cancer'
Both are serious illnesses but, unlike those struggling with substance use disorders, didn’t face shame and stigma when seeking help over my tumors
Could Influencers Survive a Tik Tok Ban?
With some content creators able to make good money from views and brand collaborations on the app, losing access to it could come ata high price
All Welcome, Except Some
A Chinese foreign agent is behind an Asian American parade in New York City with Mayor Eric Adams, but not everyone is invited
America's Maternity Hospitals 2024
The arrival of a healthy baby brings unparalleled joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.
THE WEST SHOULD EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE RUSSIA PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR ITS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
RUSSIA'S FULL-SCALE INVASION of Ukraine in February 2022 awakened the worst memories for Georgians.