Unearthed! in July 2025, Part 2 – Detailed Summary

Released July 23, 2025 by Stuff You Missed in History Class via iHeartPodcasts

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson explore a myriad of fascinating historical discoveries and research findings. Structured into distinct sections, this installment—Unearthed! in July 2025, Part 2—delves deep into topics ranging from ancient DNA studies to remarkable shipwreck discoveries, and from historic culinary practices to significant exhumations. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.

Potpourri

1. DNA Connections Between Picures Pueblo and Chaco Canyon [03:31 – 04:56]

Tracy introduces groundbreaking DNA research conducted at the request of the Picures Pueblo, which confirms ancestral ties to sites in and near Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The study compared DNA from 16 individuals who lived between 1300 and 1500 AD with that of 13 contemporary Picures Pueblo members, incorporating oral histories to enrich the findings.

Tracy V. Wilson [03:56]: "DNA research can be really controversial among Indigenous communities... However, in this case, Pueblo members and leaders wanted to use this as a tool to have a greater say in what happens in Chaco Canyon."

This collaboration aims to empower the Pueblo community in decision-making processes regarding environmental concerns like oil and gas drilling, while also striving to bridge gaps in their oral histories.

2. Ancient Seafaring in Malta [04:56 – 05:39]

Holly discusses the discovery of stone tools, food waste, and hearths in a Maltese cave, dating back approximately 8,500 years. The findings indicate evidence of cooking and eating both marine animals and now-extinct mammals, suggesting that ancient peoples undertook long-distance seafaring voyages—covering roughly 62 miles of open water—in dugout canoes. This discovery pushes back the timeline for known long-distance ocean voyages, highlighting the advanced maritime capabilities of early humans.

3. Neanderthal Fingerprint in Spain [05:39 – 07:18]

Tracy highlights a remarkable find in Central Spain: a distinctive red ochre fingerprint on a rock, believed to have been made by an adult male Neanderthal over 42,000 years ago. The fingerprint is thought to represent an abstract depiction of a face, potentially marking the rock's "nose."

Tracy V. Wilson [06:35]: "Maybe that Neanderthal put the dot there to add to that effect, marking the end of the rock's nose."

This discovery raises intriguing questions about Neanderthal cognitive abilities and their capacity for abstract and symbolic thought.

4. Roman Soldier’s Wrist Purse in Czech Republic [07:18 – 09:48]

Archaeologists unearthed a bronze wrist purse from a Roman soldier, approximately 1,800 years old, in an area not under direct Roman control during that period. The purse, resembling a money box, could have held up to 50 silver denarii, equivalent to nearly a year's pay for a common soldier. The presence of such a purse in this region suggests it may have belonged to an officer or someone requiring larger sums of money for their duties.

Tracy V. Wilson [08:03]: "This might have belonged to an officer or to someone whose duties required that they carry larger amounts of money."

5. Byzantine-Era Bucket at Sutton Hoo [09:48 – 10:06]

An ornate Byzantine bucket, predating the Sutton Hoo burial site's historical use, was discovered and identified as the Broomswell Bucket. Initially thought to be a diplomatic gift, recent excavations revealed it was repurposed as a cremation vessel, containing cremated human and animal remains, likely a horse. This finding provides deeper insights into the burial practices and cultural exchanges of the period.

Shipwrecks

1. Car Found on USS Yorktown [10:16 – 11:38]

Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) discovered a 1940s Ford car in the aft hangar deck of the USS Yorktown, a carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway in World War II (1942). The vehicle, marked with "ship, service, navy," appears to be a civilian model, leading to speculation about its presence aboard a military vessel.

Tracy V. Wilson [10:42]: "It's possible that this was a car that officers of the ship would use while the ship was in port."

2. Medieval Ship Hull in Barcelona [11:38 – 12:24]

Archaeologists in Barcelona uncovered the hull of a medieval ship dating back to the 15th or 16th centuries near Ciutadella Park. Comprising approximately 30 wooden ribs, the vessel is believed to have originated from present-day Turkey, indicating extensive trade routes and cultural exchanges during that era. Preservation efforts are underway to conserve the waterlogged remains.

3. Kunning Willem de Tweed Wreck in South Australia [12:24 – 13:57]

Off the coast of South Australia, researchers identified the wreck of the Kunning Willem de Tweed, a Dutch merchant ship that sank in a storm in 1857, resulting in the loss of 16 out of 25 crew members. Notably, the ship had recently transported around 400 Chinese miners during a gold rush, highlighting the maritime links between Europe and Asia in the mid-19th century.

4. USS F1 Submarine Discovery [13:57 – 14:41]

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) located the USS F1, a submarine that sank in 1917 during a training exercise, resulting in the deaths of all 19 personnel aboard. The wreck is remarkably intact for its age, and the high-resolution imagery captured has been utilized to create a detailed 3D digital model for further study and preservation.

5. San Jose Wreck Confirmation [14:41 – 15:38]

The San Jose, a Spanish galley sunk in 1708, has been conclusively identified through the analysis of onboard cob coins and Chinese porcelain. Published in the journal Antiquity, this confirmation solidifies decades of hypothesis and investigation, underscoring the ship's role in early 18th-century transoceanic trade.

Tracy V. Wilson [15:38]: "When I got into this part of the research I was like, what do you mean confirmed? We've been talking about this shipwreck for a decade."

6. French Wreck in Deep Waters [15:38 – 16:40]

A 500-year-old shipwreck was discovered in the deepest parts of French waters. Identified through sonar as part of routine underwater surveying by the French Navy, the wreck contains hundreds of ceramic pots. While its depth offers protection from looting, the presence of modern debris like a presumably beer can highlights ongoing environmental challenges.

Edibles and Potables

1. Oldest Vanilla Pod in Europe [21:46 – 22:26]

Excavations at Prague Castle revealed Europe's oldest vanilla pod, dating between the early 16th and mid-17th centuries. Originating from Mesoamerica, the pod underscores the complexities of early spice trade routes dominated by Spain and Portugal. Given vanilla's rarity during this period, it was likely prized for alchemical experiments rather than culinary uses.

2. Domestication of Grape Vines in Italy [22:26 – 23:38]

Research published in PLOS ONE traces the domestication of grapevines in Italy, a process spanning roughly 1000 BCE to 600 CE. Analysis of over 1,700 grape seeds from 25 archaeological sites reveals a gradual transition from wild to domesticated varieties, with continual experimentation and mixing by ancient growers to develop diverse grape breeds.

3. 5,300-Year-Old Bread in Turkey [23:38 – 24:16]

At Kuloba Mound in Turkey, archaeologists unearthed a nearly intact loaf of bread from 5,300 years ago, made primarily from wild emmer wheat and lentils. The dough was fermented before baking, demonstrating early advancements in bread-making techniques. The loaf is now showcased at the Esciseje Archaeological Museum, inspiring contemporary recreations using similar recipes.

Holly Fry [24:16]: "This bread was made from wild emmer wheat as well as lentils, and the dough was fermented before it was baked."

4. Roman Culinary Practices in Mallorca [24:16 – 25:39]

Studies in Palencia, Mallorca indicate that fried thrushes were consumed not only in lavish Roman banquets but also by the working class. Analysis of animal bones in cesspits linked to tabernas (Roman fast food establishments) showed a variety of food waste, including thrush bones, suggesting democratized access to what was once considered a delicacy.

5. Great Bustards in Northern Morocco [25:39 – 26:28]

Research published in Ibis: International Journal of Avian Science reveals that 15,000-year-old inhabitants of northern Morocco partook in feasting and burying great bustards during funerary rituals. This practice highlights the cultural significance of these large birds, paralleling current conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered modern population.

6. Ancient Agricultural Site in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula [26:28 – 27:21]

Collaborative research by Dartmouth College and the Menominee tribal authorities uncovered one of the most complete ancient agricultural sites in the eastern United States. Using drones and remote sensing, archaeologists identified extensive ringed garden beds used from the 10th century over six centuries, cultivating maize, beans, and squash—the revered "Three Sisters" of indigenous agriculture.

7. Early Meat Smoking Hypothesis [27:21 – 28:49]

A study in Frontiers in Nutrition proposes that early humans may have begun smoking meat a million years ago to preserve large quantities, supplementing individual meal preparations. This practice would have also served to deter predators, offering a dual purpose for controlled fire usage in early hominid societies.

8. Earliest Rice Evidence in Pacific Islands [28:49 – 29:30]

Published in Science Advances, researchers discovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific at an ancient cave site in Guam, dating back approximately 3,500 years. Likely transported intentionally from the Philippines, this finding supports theories of deliberate, long-distance voyaging by the first settlers of the Pacific Islands, rather than accidental drift.

9. Neanderthal Fat Processing in Germany [29:30 – 30:48]

Archaeologists in Helle, Germany, identified a "fat factory" where Neanderthals processed large quantities of bone to extract marrow and nutrients. Analysis of around 120,000 bone fragments and 16,000 flint tools suggests a systematic approach to resource utilization, highlighting advanced processing techniques and communal effort in Neanderthal societies.

10. Avocado Domestication in Honduras [30:48 – 32:05]

At El Gigante Rock Shelter in Honduras, researchers traced the domestication and use of avocados over 11,000 years. Indigenous farmers selectively bred avocados for larger fruits with thicker skins, enhancing both yield and transportability. This meticulous cultivation process underscores the deep agricultural knowledge and adaptation of early Central American societies.

Books and Letters

1. Medieval Book Bindings with Seal Skins [37:12 – 38:09]

Researchers at Clairvaux Abbey in France discovered that certain medieval books were uniquely bound with seal skins—specifically harbor seals and harp seals—rather than more common animal hides like boar or deer. DNA analysis traced the origins of these seals to regions connected by the Hanseatic League, such as Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, and Greenland. This finding suggests extensive trade networks and possibly limited knowledge of seal species by the Cistercian monks.

Holly Fry [37:12]: "It's speculated that these hides were chosen for their color. These books were bound by Cistercian monks who were known for their use of the color white."

2. Digitally Unfolded 13th-Century Manuscript [38:09 – 39:35]

The Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory at Cambridge University Library utilized advanced technologies—such as high-resolution multispectral imaging and CT scanning—to digitally unfold a 13th-century manuscript embedded within 16th-century property records. This innovative method allowed scholars to study the contents without physically damaging the fragile document. The manuscript is part of the French Suite Vulgate du Merlin, a rare extension of the King Arthur legends, now accessible in about 40 known manuscripts.

Holly Fry [39:06]: "This process involved high-resolution multispectral imaging, CT scanning, and hundreds of images..."

3. Oldest English Language Book About Cheese [39:35 – 40:31]

The University of Leeds has fully digitized what is considered the oldest known English language book focused solely on cheese: a 16th-century, 12-page handwritten pamphlet titled "A Pamphlet Compiled of Cheese". Spelled as "P A M F L Y T," it meticulously details the differences, nature, qualities, and benefits of various cheeses. Food historian Peter Breers regards it as the first comprehensive academic study of a single foodstuff in the English language.

Holly Fry [39:35]: "Food historian Peter Breers has described this as probably the first comprehensive academic study of a single foodstuff to be written in the English language."

4. Shakespeare’s Possible Letter to Anne Hathaway [40:31 – 42:01]

Research published in Shakespeare suggests that a letter discovered in 1978 addressed to a “good Mrs. Shakespeare” might have been intended for Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. The letter references the death of a Mr. Butts and requests financial assistance for his son, indicating personal concerns that imply a composite relationship beyond the commonly portrayed abandonment.

Holly Fry [42:01]: "If this really was a letter to Anne Hathaway, it does suggest that she had ongoing contact with her husband and even that she lived with him in London at some points."

5. Finless Porpoise Decline Tracked via Chinese Poetry [42:01 – 43:31]

A novel study published in Current Biology leveraged historical Chinese poetry to trace the population decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise, the only known freshwater porpoise globally. By examining over 700 poetic references, researchers estimated a 65% reduction in the porpoise’s range since the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), with a dramatic decline in connected tributaries and lakes—over 90% loss—primarily due to human activities such as dam construction.

Tracy V. Wilson [42:30]: "This new research... estimated that the range of the finless porpoise has decreased by 65% since the Tang Dynasty."

6. Magna Carta Copy at Harvard Law School [43:31 – 44:26]

A Magna Carta copy, purchased by Harvard Law School in 1946 for a mere $27.50, was re-evaluated using digitized imagery and expert analysis by Professor David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent. They confirmed its authenticity as an official copy from King Edward I’s 1300 reissue, making it one of only seven surviving documents from that edition.

Holly Fry [43:31]: "It adheres exactly to the 1300 text, that makes it one of only seven surviving documents from that reissue."

7. Detecting Toxins in Historical Books [44:26 – 45:43]

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews developed an innovative tool to detect poisonous substances like arsenic in historical books. Utilizing various wavelengths of light, the instrument measures reflected light to identify emerald green pigments commonly used in medieval bookbindings. This technology ensures safer handling and preservation of valuable texts, preventing health risks associated with arsenic exposure.

Exhumations

1. Salem Train Derailment Victim Identification [45:43 – 47:05]

Henry Morton, a journalism student from the University of Missouri, spearheaded the effort to exhume an unidentified body from the 1971 train derailment near Salem, Illinois, which resulted in 11 deaths. The exhumation revealed that multiple individuals were interred in the same grave, suggesting either multiple victims or previously unrecorded casualties. DNA testing is anticipated to provide clarity on the identities involved.

2. Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tomb, Ireland [47:05 – 48:12]

Eleven years following the revelation by historian Catherine Corlis that 796 children died at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby home in Tomb, Ireland, excavation commenced in June 2025. The project aims to exhume remains from a mass grave and, where possible, return them to surviving family members. The work is expected to span at least two years, continuing the efforts to address historical injustices.

3. Poland and Ukraine Joint Exhumations [48:12 – 49:13]

Despite a contentious history marked by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army's WWII-era massacres of Polish civilians, Poland and Ukraine have formed a joint Polish-Ukrainian Working Group to collaborate on exhumations. Recent efforts include excavating the 1945 Volun massacre victims and the 1939 Zvoiska site—now part of Viv, Ukraine—where approximately 120 Polish soldiers were killed battling Nazi forces. This cooperation marks significant progress in reconciling historical grievances and honoring past victims.

Conservation PSA: Giant's Causeway [49:13 – 50:26]

As a closing note, Holly and Tracy issue a public service announcement regarding the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Visitors are urged not to jam coins into the basalt columns, as the corrosive effects of the salty air accelerate the degradation of both the coins and the rock formations.

Holly Fry [50:46]: "There are conservation specialists who have done a test project to remove the coins in one part of the causeway, which was successful. So it's hoped that a bigger project can be taken on to take care of the rest of the site."

The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a pristine natural wonder, and ongoing conservation efforts are essential to preserve its integrity for future generations.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson illuminate a spectrum of historical discoveries and research endeavors. From ancient DNA studies and maritime archaeology to the meticulous conservation of historical artifacts and exhumations addressing past tragedies, the hosts provide rich, engaging insights into the depths of human history. Notable quotes throughout the episode underscore the significance and intrigue of each discovery, offering listeners a vivid understanding of events and their broader implications.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy V. Wilson [03:56]: "DNA research can be really controversial among Indigenous communities... However, in this case, Pueblo members and leaders wanted to use this as a tool to have a greater say in what happens in Chaco Canyon."

• Holly Fry [06:35]: "Maybe that Neanderthal put the dot there to add to that effect, marking the end of the rock's nose."

• Tracy V. Wilson [15:38]: "When I got into this part of the research I was like, what do you mean confirmed? We've been talking about this shipwreck for a decade."

• Holly Fry [24:16]: "This bread was made from wild emmer wheat as well as lentils, and the dough was fermented before it was baked."

• Holly Fry [43:31]: "It adheres exactly to the 1300 text, that makes it one of only seven surviving documents from that reissue."

Whether you're a history aficionado or simply curious about the untold stories of our past, this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a treasure trove of knowledge and intriguing narratives that bridge the ancient and the modern.