Stuff You Missed in History Class
Episode: Unearthed! Year-end 2024, Part 2
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy V. Wilson
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Unearthed! Year-end 2024, Part 2

In this second installment of their year-end special, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson dive deep into a plethora of fascinating historical discoveries unearthed in 2024. From ancient artifacts and groundbreaking archaeological findings to intriguing studies on historical food practices, this episode offers a rich tapestry of knowledge for history enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Archaeological Marvels

Ancient Pottery with Feline Imprints

Timestamp: [03:28] – [04:12]

Holly and Tracy begin with a captivating discovery from Mount Zion outside Jerusalem’s Old City. A shard of pottery dating back approximately 1,200 years to the Abbasid period was unearthed, featuring not just a cat print but also claw marks and an imprint from a cat’s foreleg. Tracy remarks, “I love this a lot. I love the cat prints that are randomly in pieces of artwork” ([03:54]).

This artifact suggests that a cat likely interacted with the drying clay, adding a whimsical touch to historical daily life scenes.

Norse and Inuit Interactions Revealed Through DNA

Timestamp: [04:13] – [08:38]

Delving into Viking-era research, Tracy discusses DNA analysis of walrus ivory which revolutionizes our understanding of Norse activities in Greenland. Contrary to previous beliefs that the Norse hunted walruses in southern Greenland, findings indicate they ventured into the high Arctic regions. This implies sustained contact and trading relationships with the Inuit as early as the 11th century.

Holly adds, “This may be the first time that DNA has been recovered from a specific person described in one of the Sagas” ([08:38]), highlighting the significance of merging literary sources with genetic research to piece together historical narratives.

Discovery of a Previously Unknown Chopin Waltz

Timestamp: [05:37] – [07:42]

At the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, a previously unknown Waltz by Frederic Chopin was discovered. This handwritten manuscript, about the size of an index card, contains 24 measures intended for a single performance. Holly notes, “It’s the first significant discovery of a previously unknown piece by Chopin since the late 1930s” ([06:47]). This find enriches our understanding of Chopin's lesser-known works and his personal practices of gifting music.

Rediscovered Remains of a Norwegian King

Timestamp: [06:15] – [08:52]

Holly and Tracy recount the excavation of skeletal remains at the Castle of 12th-century Norwegian King Sverre Sigurdsson. Initially discovered in 1938 but not fully excavated until recently, DNA analysis suggests the remains may belong to an individual from southern Norway, possibly one of the invaders described in the Svaris saga. Tracy reflects, “If it is all correct, this may be the first time that DNA has been recovered from a specific person described in one of the Sagas” ([08:38]).

Hidden Trove of Artifacts in Athens

Timestamp: [08:52] – [10:34]

During an eviction in Athens, a hidden trap door was discovered leading to a storage area brimming with over 100 artifacts dating from 1100 BCE to 32 BCE. These included figurines, vessels, religious pieces, and thousands of coins. Holly highlights the mystery surrounding how these artifacts remained hidden for decades, noting, “Why were they still down there decades later?” ([10:01]).

15th-Century Wooden Shoe from Alkmaar

Timestamp: [10:34] – [11:51]

In Alkmaar, Netherlands, archaeologists uncovered a well-preserved birchwood shoe from a 15th-century cesspit. Unique for its material and craftsmanship, the shoe suggests higher social status, diverging from the common perception of wooden shoes as utilitarian labor footwear. Holly muses, “Maybe a more wealthier, more affluent person's footwear” ([11:03]).

Tomb Discovery at Petra’s Al Khazna

Timestamp: [11:51] – [14:10]

A hidden tomb beneath Petra’s Al Khazna monument revealed twelve human skeletons and artifacts estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Tracy expresses frustration with media portrayals linking Petra solely to the "Indiana Jones" franchise, stating, “All the coverage just seemingly boiling it down to a 35-year-old movie kind of irritated me” ([12:31]).

Culinary Archaeology: Unveiling Ancient Food Practices

7,700-Year-Old Cooked Snails in Tunisia

Timestamp: [19:02] – [20:15]

Researchers in Tunisia discovered remnants of cooked snails featuring intact epiphrams, membranes that protect snails from moisture loss. Tracy explains, “This may be cultural knowledge that was passed down through hundreds of generations” ([19:27]), indicating sophisticated preservation techniques employed by ancient communities.

Martu Aboriginal Seed Dispersal Study

Timestamp: [21:00] – [22:34]

In Australia, collaboration with the Martu Aboriginal people revealed how indigenous practices influence seed dispersal of native plants like bush tomato and bush raisin. Tracy notes, “This was especially true of the bush tomato,” emphasizing the integral role of indigenous knowledge in ecological sustainability ([21:34]).

Ancient Hazelnut Cultivation in British Columbia

Timestamp: [22:34] – [23:41]

Studies in British Columbia combined indigenous oral traditions with DNA research, uncovering intentional cultivation and transplanting of hazelnuts by indigenous peoples over 7,000 years ago. Tracy highlights the misconception of these regions as "wild and uncultivated," underscoring the profound agricultural practices of indigenous communities ([23:41]).

Neolithic Baking with Husking Trays in Mesopotamia

Timestamp: [23:41] – [25:04]

Analysis of residues in Neolithic husking trays from Mesopotamia suggests the baking of focaccia-like bread. Holly remarks, “They were a lot softer and more flavorful, much like focaccia” ([24:09]), showcasing early advancements in baking techniques and ingredient use.

2800-Year-Old Bakery in Southern Germany

Timestamp: [25:04] – [25:23]

A well-preserved bakery site in southern Germany revealed grain-based remains, including oats and spelt, alongside cooking tools. This discovery provides invaluable insights into ancient baking and dietary habits.

Grinding Stones in Funen, Denmark: Beyond Flour

Timestamp: [25:23] – [26:35]

Contrary to common archaeological assumptions, grinding stones found in Funen were not used for cereal flour but rather processed unidentified plants into porridge. Holly summarizes, “They were making them into a porridge or a gruel, rather than turning them into flour and making them into bread” ([26:35]).

Rye from the James R. Bentley Shipwreck for Whiskey Production

Timestamp: [26:35] – [28:08]

Divers recovered rye from the 1878 shipwreck of the James R. Bentley in Lake Huron. Although some grain was spoiled, researchers aim to clone the rye through DNA analysis to create a unique whiskey strain. Tracy explains, “They plan to transfer chromosomal segments... to become plantable, growable seed” ([27:24]).

10,000-Year-Old Rice Beer in China

Timestamp: [28:08] – [29:42]

Residues on pottery fragments in China indicate the production of rice beer over 10,000 years ago. Holly notes, “There was also some evidence of yeast that are still used in traditional brewing methods today” ([28:55]), highlighting the long history of fermentation practices.

Ancient Bronze Distilling Vessel in China

Timestamp: [28:55] – [30:02]

A bronze distilling vessel from the Western Han Dynasty, associated with a short-lived emperor, was tested and successfully used to distill wine. Tracy states, “Their successful attempt to distill wine suggests that it was at least possible that the vessel was used for that purpose” ([29:42]).

Spread of Peach Trees in Pre-Colonial Americas

Timestamp: [30:02] – [31:11]

Research published in Nature Communications revealed that peach trees were widespread among indigenous settlements in the Southeast Americas by 1620, prior to extensive European colonization. Tracy emphasizes, “This really contradicts descriptions of these parts of North America in terms like, 'wild and uncultivated'” ([30:02]).

2000-Year-Old Fig Remains in Ireland

Timestamp: [31:11] – [31:32]

Archaeologists in Ireland uncovered charred fig remains at a Roman-era trading post. Holly mentions, “This is the earliest example of the actual fruit, which survived because it had been burned” ([31:32]).

Original Kitchen of Oriel College, Oxford

Timestamp: [31:32] – [31:56]

Excavations at Oriel College unearthed its original kitchen, complete with a roasting hearth and oven base. This discovery offers a glimpse into the culinary practices of the medieval academic community.

Books and Letters: Unveiling Historical Texts

13-Line Inscription Honoring Wrestler Kikilianus in Turkey

Timestamp: [36:48] – [37:27]

In the Turkish port city of Annemerium, archaeologists found a complete 13-line Greek inscription honoring a wrestler named Kikilianus. Holly explains, “It's possible that this stone was originally the base of a statue that was meant to honor this wrestler” ([36:48]).

Rediscovered Bram Stoker Short Story "Gibbet Hill"

Timestamp: [37:27] – [38:18]

A previously unknown short story by Bram Stoker, titled "Gibbet Hill," was found after a modern pharmacist, Brian Cleary, discovered a reference in an old newspaper advertisement. Tracy highlights its significance, noting, “This one also could have gone in the update section since we have an episode on Bram Stoker” ([37:27]).

British Library’s Medieval Women in Their Own Words Exhibition

Timestamp: [38:18] – [40:03]

The British Library unveiled an exhibition featuring manuscripts related to medieval women, including a rare leaf from the Poor Clares of Cologne. Holly describes the leaf as part of a mass chant manuscript, complete with an inscription from Sister Isabella of Guelders contributing funds ([39:05]).

Khipus Connection Study in Chile

Timestamp: [40:03] – [41:25]

Research published in the Nyawa Pacha Journal explored the relationship between two khipus found in northern Chile. Holly notes, “These two khipus contain the same information, but that information is presented differently” ([41:01]). This study advances our understanding of the complex communication systems used by the Inca Empire.

Message in a Bottle from Viking Ship Excavation

Timestamp: [41:25] – [42:31]

A message in a bottle containing coins, a business card, and a note by Norwegian archaeologist Anders La Ronge was found at a Viking ship burial site. Tracy appreciates the historical communication, stating, “I kind of love that he left his sort of research notes as a message in a bottle for future archaeologists” ([41:25]).

Deciphered Inscription on Arslan Kaya, Turkey

Timestamp: [43:08] – [43:50]

Historian Mark Munn decoded an ancient Phrygian inscription on volcanic rock in eastern Turkey, identifying it as an homage to the Phrygian mother goddess Mataran. Holly comments on the meticulous work, “He came to the conclusion that this monument honored the Phrygian mother goddess Mataran” ([43:50]).

Deciphering Tower of London Graffiti

Timestamp: [43:50] – [45:02]

Advanced techniques like X-ray analysis and laser scanning revealed and deciphered previously illegible graffiti in the Tower of London. Tracy notes, “Most of these inscriptions are by prisoners who were essentially leaving evidence that they had been there” ([44:15]).

Ancient Christian Prayer on Silver Amulet

Timestamp: [45:02] – [46:15]

A tiny scroll within a silver amulet from a German grave, dated around 1800 years ago, was read using high-resolution CT scanning. It contains a prayer for protection, potentially the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. Holly highlights its secretive nature, “It was likely hidden in the amulet and then kept secret” ([45:02]).

Engraved Slate Plaques as Genealogical Records in Iberia

Timestamp: [46:15] – [47:25]

Research in the European Journal of Archaeology suggests that geometric slate plaques from Iberian tombs (3200–2200 BCE) may serve as genealogical records. Tracy explains, “The number of lines or motifs on a plaque might represent how far a person is away from a specific ancestor” ([46:37]).

Oldest Known Alphabet in Syria

Timestamp: [47:25] – [47:52]

Archaeologists in Syria discovered clay cylinders etched with what may be the oldest alphabetic writing, dated to about 2400 BCE. Tracy remarks, “This is about 500 years older than the previous earliest known alphabetic writing” ([47:52]).

Experimental Archaeology: Recreating Ancient Weaponry

Bronze Age Spear Combat Experiments

Timestamp: [47:52] – [48:50]

Researchers replicated prehistoric spears and shields to understand their usage in Bronze Age combat. Published in Archaeological Science, the study analyzed wear patterns and trauma, offering insights into ancient combat techniques. Holly comments, “They basically analyzed the wear and tear on the spears and the shields” ([48:50]).

Effect of Elevation on Thrown Weapons

Timestamp: [48:50] – [49:40]

A collaboration between Kent State University and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History examined how elevation affects the accuracy of javelins and atlatl-thrown darts. Findings indicated that higher elevations increased javelin effectiveness but reduced the accuracy of darts. Tracy muses, “This may mean that prehistoric peoples chose one weapon over the other based on the terrain” ([49:40]).

Aboriginal Australian Weapons Biomechanics

Timestamp: [49:40] – [50:47]

Originating from the TV show First Weapons, researchers studied replicas of Aboriginal Australian weapons like the Liango club and Koich axe. Published in Scientific Reports, the study highlighted the Liango’s power and the Koich’s maneuverability. Holly remarks, “The Liango was more effective at delivering powerful blows” ([50:47]).

Listener Mail: Tarantula Tales

Timestamp: [50:55] – [56:28]

Listener Janelle writes to discuss the potential lethality of tarantula bites, clarifying that North American species lack medically significant venom. Tracy shares personal anecdotes about handling tarantulas as a child, while Holly expresses her love for these delicate creatures. Tracy concludes, “Thank you so much, Janelle, for that information about tarantulas” ([50:56]).

Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Holly and Tracy wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming segments, including a deeper dive into Petra’s historical significance beyond its cinematic fame. They encourage listeners to submit their thoughts and questions via their email, ensuring an engaging and interactive experience.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy V. Wilson: “This may be cultural knowledge that was passed down through hundreds of generations.” ([19:27])
• Holly Fry: “It’s probably the first time that DNA has been recovered from a specific person described in one of the Sagas.” ([08:38])
• Tracy V. Wilson: “This may mean that prehistoric peoples chose one weapon over the other based on the terrain.” ([49:40])
• Holly Fry: “I love tarantulas.” ([51:49])

Final Thoughts

Unearthed! Year-end 2024, Part 2 of Stuff You Missed in History Class is a treasure trove of historical insights and discoveries. Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson skillfully weave together archaeological findings, ancient culinary practices, and deciphered historical texts, all while maintaining an engaging and informative narrative. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the past, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of the myriad ways history continues to unfold beneath our feet.

Listen to Stuff You Missed in History Class on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.