World

Mysterious ruins and ancient Egyptian tombs: Look inside recent discoveries

Archaeologists excavating an area near Ramesseum Temple found several ancient tombs with canopic jars and hundreds of statues, photos show.
Archaeologists excavating an area near Ramesseum Temple found several ancient tombs with canopic jars and hundreds of statues, photos show. Photo from Getty Images / iStockphoto

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past.

Here are some of the latest discoveries:

2,500-year-old tombs unearthed near iconic Egyptian temple. See their treasures

Several canopic jars, used for holding the organs of the deceased, found in a 2,500-year-old tomb.
Several canopic jars, used for holding the organs of the deceased, found in a 2,500-year-old tomb. Photo from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

In Luxor, Egypt, archaeologists discovered several 2,500-year-old tombs near the Ramesseum Temple, unearthing hundreds of treasures. These finds include canopic jars and over 400 ushabti figures, revealing more about the temple’s functions and daily life. The discovery highlights the Ramesseum as not just a religious center but also a hub for storing and redistributing goods. | Published April 4 | Read More |

Ancient artifacts made of volcanic glass keep turning up in Canada. But how?

Obsidian found in Alberta came mostly from Idaho, Wyoming, and British Columbia.
Obsidian found in Alberta came mostly from Idaho, Wyoming, and British Columbia. Photo by Todd Kristensen

In western Canada, over 500 archaeological sites have revealed artifacts made of volcanic glass, or obsidian, which geologically shouldn’t be there. Researchers traced 383 obsidian artifacts to sources in Idaho, Wyoming and British Columbia, suggesting long-distance trade among prehistoric populations. This study highlights the complex trade networks and interconnectedness of Indigenous communities before European contact. | Published April 7 | Read More |

4,000-year-old musical instrument unearthed in Oman. See the ‘rare’ finds

Archaeologists excavating ruins in Dahwa, Oman, found a “rare” 4,000-year-old pair of cymbals likely buried as a ritual offering.
Archaeologists excavating ruins in Dahwa, Oman, found a “rare” 4,000-year-old pair of cymbals likely buried as a ritual offering. Photo from Antiquity

Archaeologists in Oman uncovered a 4,000-year-old musical instrument, a pair of copper cymbals, in the ruins of an ancient building in Dahwa. The cymbals, likely used for ritual activities, offer a rare glimpse into the region’s history and connections with the Indus Valley Civilization. This discovery suggests that music and communal dancing played a significant role in mediating contact between various communities during the Bronze Age. | Published April 8 | Read More |

Locals notice dusty items in empty lot — and find 500-year-old treasures in Peru

Locals outside Lima, Peru, noticed some dusty items in a vacant lot. Archaeologists excavated, found dozens of 500-year-old items.
Locals outside Lima, Peru, noticed some dusty items in a vacant lot. Archaeologists excavated, found dozens of 500-year-old items. Photo from Peru’s Ministry of Culture

In Lima, Peru, locals stumbled upon 500-year-old treasures in a vacant lot, including pre-Hispanic artifacts and human remains from the Late Horizon period. The finds include colorful textiles, metal pins and weaving tools, offering insights into the Puente Piedra district’s history. | Published April 9 | Read More |

Mystery ruins turn out to be ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ ancient find in North Macedonia

Some of the ruins found at the Gradishte site.
Some of the ruins found at the Gradishte site. Photo from Cal Poly Humboldt's Cultural Resources Facility

In North Macedonia, archaeologists uncovered ancient ruins at the Gradishte site, revealing a forgotten city established by ancient Macedonians. The discovery includes a silver coin from the time of Alexander the Great and various artifacts, suggesting the city’s importance along trade routes. This find sheds light on the “complex networks and power structures of ancient Macedonia.” | Published April 10 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of intriguing archaeological discoveries from around the globe. Check back to see the latest finds.

Read Next

This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 12:57 PM with the headline "Mysterious ruins and ancient Egyptian tombs: Look inside recent discoveries."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER