Lost cities, baffling pyramids, and ancient graveyards are just some of the mysteries covered in National Geographic News’s most viewed archaeology stories of 2008.
10. Inca Skull Surgeons Were “Highly Skilled”
Dangerous skull surgery was commonly and successfully performed among the Inca, likely as a treatment for head injuries suffered during combat, a May study found.
9. Ancient “Lost City” Discovered in Peru?
Stone ruins discovered in Peru this past January could be the ancient “lost city” of Paititi, according to claims that sparked serious but cautious responses from experts.
8. New Pyramid Found in Egypt: 4,300-Year-Old Queen’s Tomb
Long buried by deep sands, the once five-story-tall pyramid is a testament to a pharaoh’s reverence for his mother, experts said in November.
7. Alexander the Great’s “Crown,” Shield Discovered?
An ancient Greek tomb once thought to have been that of Alexander’s father is more recent than thought and may contain treasures belonging to Alexander himself, experts said in April.
6. Mystery Pyramid Built by Newfound Ancient Culture?
The Huapalcalco pyramid in central Mexico may be the work of a previously unknown culture of ancient people, the Huajomulco, archaeologists said in December.
5. Rare Egyptian “Warrior” Tomb Found
Feathered arrows lying near a well-preserved coffin suggest that the mummy inside, when alive, may have been a mercenary for an Egyptian king, experts said in February.
4. Stonehenge Was Cemetery First and Foremost
From the start 5,000 years ago, the site was a burial ground—perhaps for prehistoric rulers—and it remained so for centuries, a May study said. ALSO SEE: related photos and maps.
3. Maya May Have Caused Civilization-Ending Climate Change
A satellite program designed to improve environmental policies in Central America found evidence of ancient, self-induced climate change—offering lessons on how to combat today’s warming.
2. Great Pyramid Mystery to Be Solved by Hidden Room?
A sealed space in Egypt’s Great Pyramid may help solve a centuries-old mystery: How did the ancient Egyptians move two million 2.5-ton blocks to build the ancient wonder?
1. Portal to Maya Underworld Found in Mexico?
An underground labyrinth filled with stone temples and pyramids, found in August, likely relates to Maya myths of the afterlife, archaeologists said.
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