Archaeologists have uncovered one of the most significant Iron Age metalwork deposits found in Britain on farmland near Melsonby, North Yorkshire. First identified in 2021 and excavated in 2022, the discovery consists of two closely related hoards dating from around 100 BC to AD 70. Located less than a kilometre from the major Late Iron Age centre at Stanwick, the finds are reshaping understanding of wealth, technology and ritual practices in ancient Britain. The discovery site was first identified when metal detectorist Peter Heads, working with the landowner’s permission, located unusual artefacts and alerted archaeologists at Durham University. Subsequent investigations confirmed the site’s importance, prompting a full excavation supported by the British Museum and Portable Antiquities Scheme. Geophysical surveys revealed the hoards lay within a complex landscape of enclosures, trackways and settlement features linked to the nearby Stanwick “royal site,” associated with the Brigantes tribe. Between them, these two hoards—now called Hoard 1 and Hoard 2—were hidden underground in ditches within this landscape. The larger deposit, Hoard 1, was littered with a dense pile of items such as 28 deliberately bent iron wheel tyres, horse harness fittings, weapons and vessels. Among these were an inverted cauldron, a large lidded container and odd iron brackets believed to connect to vehicles. Several objects had been methodically laid out, and the evidence suggested a single, intentional act of deposition. Hoard 2, found 25 metres away, was smaller but just as intriguing. Due to severe corrosion, it was removed intact and analysed by CT scan. The scans found tightly bundled artefacts, including spears, harness components and copper-alloy tubes, which were probably wrapped in organic material before burial. And in contrast to Hoard 1, most objects found in this deposit remained intact rather than damaged. The hoards, in all, comprise about 950 fragments of at least 300 original objects. A roughly three-quarters relate to horse-drawn vehicles, with fittings that indicate the presence of four-wheeled wagons—previously unknown in Iron Age Britain but common in continental Europe. This suggests new technological connections and influences during the period. Radiocarbon dating places both deposits in the late first century BC to early first century AD, around the time of increasing contact with the Roman world. The scale and composition of the finds suggest they were not simply scrap metal, but part of a highly structured and symbolic event. Archaeologists believe the hoards may represent ritual deposition, possibly linked to elite funerary practices or displays of power and wealth. The Melsonby discoveries highlight the importance of northern Britain during the Iron Age, revealing a society capable of extraordinary craftsmanship and large-scale ceremonial acts. Ongoing conservation and research are expected to provide further insights into this remarkable find. Sources : Antiquity – Adams S, Armstrong J, Bayliss A, Moore T, Williams E. Vehicles of change: two exceptional deposits of destroyed chariots or wagons from Late Iron Age Britain. Antiquity. Published online 2026:1-21. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2026.10311

Remarkable images captured beneath the waters of the Dicle Dam lake in southeastern Türkiye have revealed a hidden archaeological landscape dating back approximately 2,400 years. The submerged remains were recorded in the Eğil district of Diyarbakır, a region long celebrated for its deep historical and cultural legacy. Situated around 52 kilometres from the city centre, Eğil has witnessed continuous human occupation for thousands of years, serving as a crossroads for major civilisations including the Hurri-Mitanni, Assyrians, Urartians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, before coming under Islamic rule in the 7th century. Much of this rich heritage now lies beneath the waters of the Dicle Dam Lake. The reservoir was created following the construction of the Dicle Dam, which began in 1986 and became operational in 1997. While the dam remains a critical source of drinking and utility water for the region, its creation also led to the submergence of extensive historical settlements along the Tigris River, fundamentally reshaping the landscape. Among the remains preserved underwater are rock-cut tombs, religious complexes and civic structures spanning multiple historical periods. Particularly significant are the submerged mosque and tomb associated with the Prophet Elisha, alongside the Ottoman-era Caferiye—also known as Lala Kasım—Madrasa, as well as large cemetery areas. Image Credit : ANADOLU AGENCY The tomb of the Prophet Zulkifl was also impacted by rising waters; however, both prophets’ tombs were relocated to higher ground in 1995 in an effort to safeguard them from complete inundation. Additional structures, including the Byzantine-era Deran Bath, remain remarkably intact beneath the lake. Experts note that many of these buildings have retained a surprising degree of structural preservation despite decades underwater, offering valuable opportunities for further study. Prof. Dr. İrfan Yıldız, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design at Dicle University, underscored the significance of the discovery. He explained that the construction of the dam brought profound changes to the district, submerging entire neighbourhoods—most notably Tekke and Hacıyan—along with their historical landmarks and cultural fabric. Footage captured during recent dives further highlights the scale and condition of these submerged remains, reinforcing the importance of continued research into this hidden archaeological landscape. Sources : AA

Burnt mounds—enigmatic archaeological features scattered across Britain and Ireland—have long puzzled researchers. Composed of heat-shattered stones, flint, and charcoal, these sites are typically found in low-lying areas near rivers, marshes, and springs. Although once prominent in the landscape, centuries of agriculture have flattened most of these mounds, leaving behind only spreads of debris filling pits, troughs, and wells. Burnt mounds dating from prehistoric times, including the Beaker era, show clear signs of repeated use over decades or even centuries. Archaeological analysis indicates that stones were heated and rapidly cooled in water, but the purpose of this process has not been well understood. Theories have ranged widely from cooking and brewing to textile production, woodworking, and sauna-like bathing. However, new research into their likely use led by Cotswold Archaeology is shedding fresh light on this matter. Excavations at three sites—Marham Park in Fornham All Saints, as well as Laxfield and Hepworth—have produced compelling evidence suggesting that burnt mounds were primarily used for hide tanning. Two major findings support this interpretation. The bone preservation at these sites are predominantly from cattle, an animal closely associated with leather production. Flint tools at these sites are additional evidence in favour of the theory. Analysis of microwear shows patterns similar to scraping, piercing, and cutting dry hides, all processes involved in the tanning process. Chemical analysis has added to this evidence. Researchers found a “greasy fill” in one trough at Marham Park containing lipids derived from cattle and other animals. This residue strongly indicates processing of animal products—possibly associated with hide preparation. Environmental evidence is consistent with seasonal activity. Geoarchaeological surveys show Marham Park’s water sources were only reliable during certain times of the year, implying intermittent use. Pollen data for all three sites depict landscapes covered mainly by pasture, with slight seasonal fluctuations consistent with periods of intensified activity. This timing aligns with broader archaeological patterns, which suggest that burnt mound use often peaked in late summer or early autumn—coinciding with seasonal culling and the preparation of hides. The remote locations of these sites may also reflect the unpleasant odors associated with tanning, keeping such activities away from settlements. While debate continues, these findings offer one of the clearest explanations yet for burnt mounds. As excavation techniques and scientific analyses advance, archaeologists are steadily uncovering new insights into the practical realities of prehistoric life. Sources : Cotswold Archaeology

Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered two stuccoed high reliefs in Tetlatlahuca, Mexico, offering new insight into the region’s pre-Hispanic past. The objects were uncovered during an emergency archaeological excavation launched in February 2026 at Cerro de las Tres Cruces, located in Tetlatlahuca, Tlaxcala. Dating to the Epiclassic period (AD 650–900), archaeologists suggest that the carvings symbolise the authority of an ancient Indigenous lineage and hold ritual or symbolic significance. Archaeologist Ramón Santacruz Cano said that while the reliefs are incomplete, they include fertility and elite power references, such as serpent bodies; one of them also preserves the distal part of a forked tongue and fragments of fangs that could be associated with the god Tláloc (the god of rain, water, lightning, and fertility). Serpent motifs were central to Mesoamerican symbolism, often associated with authority and sacred spaces. Similar imagery has been identified at major Epiclassic centres such as Xochicalco and Cacaxtla, typically in elite or ceremonial contexts. Image Credit : INAH The reliefs were found within what appears to be a palatial courtyard, indicating the presence of a larger residential or administrative complex. Excavations have also revealed floors, stucco-coated walls and fragments of mural paintings resembling the “Cacaxtla style”, reinforcing connections to elite traditions. The discovery contributes to broader debates on Epiclassic political organisation. Rather than being concentrated in a single centre like Cacaxtla, power may have been distributed across multiple settlements, including Tetlatlahuca, Teacalco and San Juan Huactzinco. “The high reliefs were reinforced with compatible materials to prevent their collapse, and in the short term they will be covered to ensure their preservation until conditions are suitable for public access. The Tetlatlahuca City Council committed to installing fencing to delimit the archaeological site and to continuing to provide security for it,” said INAH. Sources : INAH

Six U.S. Western allies announced in a joint statement on Thursday their support for a potential coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial ships and oil tankers. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement, saying, “We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels […] The post Six Western Allies Pledge to Help Open the Strait of Hormuz appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

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'Parallel Prosperity for Main Street and Wall Street.'

Ahead of President Donald Trump’s next meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a Republican congressman is leaning on the president to fight for the liberation of prisoners in China. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., held an event on Thursday at the U.S. Capitol with the daughters of two figures being held prisoner in China: Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai and Pastor Ezra Jin. Moolenaar, who chairs the House Select Committee on China, announced he had “sent a letter to President Trump about all the prisoners of conscience China is holding.” He said of China’s prisoners, “These courageous people are persecuted for their religious beliefs, or political opinion, or other activism that the [Chinese Communist Party] opposes, and I’m urging the president to [press] for the release of prisoners of conscience held captive by the CCP in any future meeting with Xi Jinping.” At the event, Grace Drexel, the daughter of Ezra Jin, and Claire Lai, the daughter of Jimmy Lai, spoke of their fathers’ imprisonment. Ezra Jin, the pastor of Zion Church, was detained in November 2025. He is one of 18 members of the church who are currently imprisoned, his daughter said. “They are all being held under their charge of illegal use of information networks,” said Drexel. “Really what they are in prison for is because my father’s church wanted to be able to make the sacred decisions … like who becomes a pastor, what they can preach on, what kind of small groups they can host, how many people can be baptized, whether or not kids can come into the services.” She added, “I just want him to be back with us in the U.S. as soon as possible.” Claire Lai similarly called for the release of her father, “who wishes only to spend his remaining days serving our Lord and with his family.” Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong businessman who founded the anti-communist newspaper Apple Daily. According to his daughter, he “had his political awakening in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 and entered the Catholic Church the year of Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997.” The democratic activist was arrested in 2020. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February 2026 for allegedly seeking to undermine national security with his publications and remains in solitary confinement, his daughter told reporters. He is 78 years old. The House’s China committee was formed in 2023 and focuses on America’s economic and military competition with the nation, as well as issues of human rights in China.  Moolenaar told The Daily Signal that much of the committee’s work involves public pressure, and the upcoming Sino-American summit provides a valuable chance for its members to apply pressure through Trump. “With a future summit occurring, there’s a real opportunity to raise these issues,” said Moolenaar. “Quite frankly, I think one of our main roles for the committee is to highlight and put a spotlight on what’s occurring here.” The meeting between Trump and Xi, originally scheduled for April 1, has been delayed at Trump’s request amid the war with Iran. Lai, who was a guest of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. at Trump’s State of the Union address, says she is grateful for statements from administration officials in support of her father. “Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio has tweeted calling for my father’s humanitarian release, and we are so extremely grateful for that,” she said.  “President Trump himself has mentioned my father a number of times, and he has shown … a commitment for the release of my father. We are just extremely grateful for the support, and we hope that our father will be released soon,” Lai added. The Chinese Embassy to the United States did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The post Congressman Asks Trump to Press China to Release Prisoners appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Officials from Fulton County, Georgia, wanted to quash a subpoena from the Georgia State Board of Elections because providing “approximately 750 boxes” of material would be too burdensome.  Yet, when the FBI came knocking in a Jan. 28 raid, federal agents left with 656 boxes (653 by one count), prompting a top Georgia election official to wonder about the gap in the number.  “That’s almost 100 boxes of evidence,” Janice Johnston, vice chair of the Georgia State Election Board, told The Daily Signal.  She referenced one county affidavit that only estimated “over 700 boxes” at the county elections hub. She said, “Even 50 [extra] boxes would be a lot of evidence.” !! WHAT IS GOING ON??!!*FULTON 2020 ELECTION BALLOTS & DOCUMENTS*First there were 750 boxes of election documents, then there were 700 boxes of election documents,and now… only 653 boxes of election documents were turned over to the FBI!! @FBIDirectorKash WHERE ARE 100… pic.twitter.com/5nLBOFrPwk— Dr. Jan-Election Advocate (@Election_Adv) February 26, 2026 In a post on X, Johnston posed the questions, “WHERE ARE 100 BOXES OF ELECTION DOCUMENTS?!! … WHO HAS THE BOXES?!!” A rough estimate does not excuse such a large numerical disparity in an affidavit or court filings, Johnston said. The State Election Board has since made a records request to the Fulton County Board of Elections to provide information about materials delivered or removed from storage in the four weeks preceding the FBI raid. “Fulton County is effectively the person of interest in this case,” Johnston said. “We are not assured that everything was available.”  The FBI seized materials from the 2020 election that included ballots, tabulator tapes, and ballot images from a recount, Georgia Public Broadcasting reported, citing court documents that supported the search warrant. About 370,000 ballot images are missing, Johnston noted.  Someone is LYING to the FBI and COURTS!!Ballot Images WERE required to be kept in the 2020 ELECTION in Georgia!!WHO is LYING? WHO is REPEATING the LIE?Over 370,000 ballot images are missing from the original ballot count of November 3,… pic.twitter.com/fkpSHQQ0KN— Dr. Jan-Election Advocate (@Election_Adv) March 12, 2026 After the raid, Fulton County sued the Justice Department, calling for a return of the documents. The lawsuit also asked the court to prevent the FBI from reviewing the documents.  Johnston called the lawsuit “over the top.”  “They have been fighting the State Elections Board over the same documents,” Johnston said.  The Daily Signal sought comment from Fulton County Board of Elections Chairwoman Sherri Allen and Elections Director Nadine Williams. A Fulton County spokesperson responded to the inquiry. “Fulton County complied fully with the search warrant executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on January 28, 2026, seeking records related to the 2020 Election,” Fulton County spokeswoman Jessica Corbitt told The Daily Signal in an email.  “Agents spent more than 8 hours at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center and had the opportunity to review all files related to the 2020 Election,” Corbitt continued. “Agents were made aware of all 2020 documents and selected the files that they removed from the premises. This is now a matter that is being handled by the courts.” An FBI spokesperson declined to comment on this story.  Fulton County, in a court filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, said 656 boxes were taken.  “The United States executed the Warrant later that day, seizing and removing approximately 656 boxes containing the original versions of 2020 election-related materials from the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court,” the complaint filed on Feb. 5 says. “Robert L. ‘Robb’ Pitts, Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, and the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections respectfully request the return of all original seized materials and an order instructing the Respondent to maintain, but not review, any copies of the seized materials until this matter is resolved.”  That estimate of 656 boxes was smaller than a figure given in a petition to quash a November 2024 subpoena. That petition asserted that it would be an “unreasonable and oppressive substantive burden” to produce records on the 2020 election.  “The substantive request in the subpoenas would require a review of all materials retained from the 2020 election, which have been archived in approximately 750 boxes,” wrote Michael Tyler, a lawyer representing the county, in the Nov. 15, 2024, petition. “Petitioners estimate temporary staff of approximately 20 full-time people will need to be retained to review the documents.” Then, on Feb. 4, 2025, Williams, the election director, provided a sworn affidavit and reduced the estimate for both boxes and staff time from the November response. “Fulton County’s 2020 election materials are stored in over 700 boxes, each of which must be opened, searched, and sorted systematically to locate the majority of the documents requested in the subpoenas,” Williams said in the affidavit.  “The DRE [Department of Registration and Elections] does not have sufficient staff to conduct this search and make copies of the documents requested,” Williams added. “I estimate that we would need to hire 15 temporary staff members to work full time (40 hours a week), at approximately $26/hour, for a period of approximately 15 weeks to conduct the searching and copying necessary to comply with the subpoena.”  The post ‘Who Has the Boxes?’: Fulton County Estimates on 2020 Evidence Before and After FBI Raid appeared first on The Daily Signal.

A Fight Over Water Rights Thanks to a Planned DHS Detention Center