Unearthed! In Spring 2026, Part 2

In this second part of the 'Unearthed!' series, hosts Tracy B. Wilson and Holly Frey explore a wide array of recent archaeological and historical discoveries from around the world. The episode begins with a trove of Roman-era whetstones found in England, suggesting a major industrial site, and delves into genetic research revealing the ancestry of the Mongol Golden Horde elite. Insights from Neolithic burial sites in Hungary suggest complex gender roles, including individuals who defied traditional norms. Animal finds include a potential war elephant bone from the Punic Wars, a Viking woman buried with her dog, and ancient goat lineages in Ireland. Artistic discoveries range from rock art of extinct Tasmanian animals in Australia to carbon-14-dated cave paintings in France, and the rediscovery of lost Renaissance masterpieces by Sofonisba Anguissola and Hans Baldung Grün. The edibles and potables segment highlights the ancient domestication of the Four Corners potato, early dairy consumption by Scythians, and sophisticated culinary practices evidenced in prehistoric pottery. Shipwreck findings include a Roman merchant vessel in Switzerland, a massive 15th-century cog in Denmark, and the long-lost Lac La Belle in Lake Michigan, alongside the recovery of a Parthenon marble from Lord Elgin’s shipwreck. The episode closes with a heartfelt listener email praising the podcast’s impact on a museum visit, underscoring the show’s enduring educational value.