Archaeologists in Baltinglass, Ireland, used LiDAR to uncover ancient "pathways for the dead," including five Middle Neolithic cursus monuments. These discoveries challenged previous assumptions about the area's history, shedding light on complex spiritual and cultural practices of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies. LiDAR's precision mapping revealed hidden landscapes, showcasing the interconnectedness of daily life, agriculture, and spiritual beliefs in ancient communities. This groundbreaking discovery underscored humanity's enduring quest for understanding and connection to the past.
A new study shows evidence of ritual sacrifices in Neolithic Europe, where victims were tied up and buried alive in a practice tied to agricultural rituals.