January/February 2018 Issue

ISRAEL: A unique 7,000-year-old ceramic vessel from the site of Tel Tsaf in the Jordan Valley may have been used in early food rituals associated with grain storage. The site contains numerous silos that are believed to be the oldest large-scale storage containers that existed in the region at the time. Experts think the unusual pot, which is topped with red-painted clay balls and resembles a miniature silo, was used during ceremonies that preceded the placement or removal of grain. —Jason Urbanus

RWANDA: Excavations have begun at a palace built by King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri in 1874. The royal residence, situated near the shore of Lake Kivu in Western Province, was often frequented by the king as he hosted feasts and celebrations. Archaeologists are hoping to learn more about the physical layout of the complex and gain insight into the activities that occurred there, as part of an effort to collect and preserve more of Rwanda’s cultural heritage. —Jason Urbanus

TUNISIA: After seven years of searching, the long-lost submerged Roman city of Neapolis was discovered off the coast of Nabeul. Thanks to unexpectedly clear conditions, divers were able to explore the streets and buildings of the nearly 50-acre site. Amid the ruins, they counted nearly 100 tanks used to produce garum, a popular Roman fermented fish sauce of the time. Neapolis was partially destroyed by a tsunami in a.d. 365, an event recorded by the Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus. —Jason Urbanus