Stuff You Missed in History Class
Unearthed! in Spring 2025, Part 1
Apr 14, 2025
Discover the latest archaeological wonders uncovered in Pompeii, including opulent bathing complexes and stunning frescoes that reveal elite lifestyles. Delve into the intriguing life of Filipina food scientist Maria Orosa and the reinterment of WWII heroes in Manila. Learn about the scents of well-preserved Egyptian mummies and their role in understanding preservation techniques. Explore groundbreaking research on art authentication and the hidden stories behind significant artworks, enriching our comprehension of history and culture.
40:22
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the impact of recent executive orders on American historical narratives, stressing concerns over the erasure of contributions from marginalized groups.
- Recent archaeological excavations in Pompeii reveal insights into ancient lifestyles, highlighting the importance of ongoing research in reshaping our understanding of history.
Deep dives
Recent Executive Orders and Their Implications
Recent executive orders have significantly impacted the narrative around American history, emphasizing a version that focuses solely on patriotism and American greatness. This approach has led to critiques of institutions like the Smithsonian, which are seen as embodying 'improper ideology.' Furthermore, these orders have prompted concerns about the erasure of contributions from marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ people, from historical narratives. As researchers face funding cuts and bureaucratic challenges, the implications of this shift threaten the integrity of academic inquiry and public discourse on history.
Unearthed Stories: Historical Figures and Discoveries
The podcast highlights the case of Filipina food scientist Maria Arosa, who was recently honored with a proper burial after decades in a mass grave following her death during World War II. Similarly, archaeological work at the site of Harriet Tubman's father's home has resulted in a virtual museum that documents its findings and aims to protect the site from environmental threats. These cases reinforce the importance of recognizing historically overlooked figures and their contributions, showcasing the ongoing relevance of historical research. Additionally, it emphasizes how modern discoveries can reshape understandings of past events and figures.
Exciting Archaeological Finds in Pompeii
Excavations in Pompeii have uncovered rich details about the lifestyles of its wealthiest inhabitants, including a newly discovered luxury bath complex with elaborate decorations and spacious facilities. Moreover, frescoes depicting the initiation rites of the cult of Dionysus have surfaced, providing insight into the religious practices of the time. The findings not only enhance our understanding of Pompeian life but also highlight the artistic and cultural exchanges within ancient societies. These discoveries underscore the significance of ongoing archaeological efforts in illuminating our historical narratives.
Art Attribution Mysteries and Discoveries
The realm of art attribution has seen intriguing developments, such as a painting once thought to be a generic work being confirmed as the creation of a notable 18th-century artist, Ami Phillips. A double-sided portrait discovery has sparked debates about the identity of the sitter, leading to speculation about potential familial ties or artistic conventions. Similarly, reattributions of portraits to Lavinia Fontana bring attention to the complexities of art history and the importance of rigorous investigation into artworks. These instances reflect how new insights can dramatically change our understanding of both artists and their historical contexts.
The first part of our springtime edition of Unearthed! for 2025 features so many updates! There are also finds related to Egypt and artwork.
Research:
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- Weber, G.W., Šimková, P.G., Fernandes, D. et al. The cranium from the Octagon in Ephesos. Sci Rep 15, 943 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83870-x
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- Lynch, Cherise. “Penn Museum, Egyptian archaeologists discover tomb of unnamed pharaoh.” 3/27/2025. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/penn-museum-egypt-unnamed-pharaoh/4145053/
- Melly, Brian. “The scent of the mummy. Research discovers ancient Egyptian remains smell nice.” Phys.org. 2/16/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-scent-mummy-ancient-egyptian-nice.html
- Lawson-Tancred, Jo. “Suitcase Belonging to King Tut Tomb Explorer Sells for More Than 11 Times Its Estimate.” ArtNet. 2/28/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/howard-carter-suitcase-king-tut-2612417
- Erb-Satullo, Nathaniel L. et al. “Mega-Fortresses in the South Caucasus: New Data from Southern Georgia.” Antiquity 99.403 (2025): 150–169. Web.
- Cranfield University. “Drone mapping unveils 3,000-year-old fortress, reshaping ancient history.” Phys.org. 1/8/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-drone-unveils-year-fortress-reshaping.html
- Randall, Ian. “Sprawling Lost City From 600 Years Ago Revealed.” 1/30/2025. https://www.newsweek.com/lost-city-mexico-guiengola-zapotec-forest-lidar-archaeology-2023494
- Anderson, Sonja. “Researchers Have Found an Inca Tunnel Beneath the Peruvian City of Cusco.” Smithsonian. 1/21/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-have-found-an-inca-tunnel-beneath-the-Peruvian-city-of-cusco-180985872/
- Politecnico di Milano. “Ground-penetrating radar reveals new secrets under Milan's Sforza Castle.” EurekAlert. 1/14/2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1070514
- Schrader, Adam. “Rare 19th-Century Painting by Beloved Black Artist Found in a Thrift Store.” Artnet. 1/6/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/william-henry-dorsey-thrift-store-painting-2595107
- Kinsella, Eileen. “Unique 19th-Century Double-Sided Portrait by American Folk Art Icon Resurfaces.” Artnet. 1/6/2025. https://news.artnet.com/market/ammi-phillips-double-portrait-rediscovered-christies-2595027
- Whiddington, Richard. “A Famed Painting of Venice’s Grand Canal Is Reattributed to a Precocious 16-Year-Old.” ArtNet. 3/11/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/a-grand-canal-painting-bellotto-wallace-collection-2618974
- Lawson-Tancred, Jo. “Lavinia Fontana’s Lost Miniature Resurfaces at Texas Auction.” 1/20/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/miniature-portrait-lavinia-fontana-2599828
- Wizevich, Eli. “Expert Rediscovers Painting by Renaissance Master Lavinia Fontana, One of the First Professional Female Artists.” Smithsonian. 3/26/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/experts-rediscover-painting-by-renaissance-master-lavinia-fontana-one-of-the-first-professional-female-artists-180986307/
- The Collector. “Digitization Reveals Cathedral’s Hidden Medieval Wall Paintings.” https://www.thecollector.com/digitization-reveals-hidden-medieval-wall-paintings/
- The History Blog. “Hidden 13th c. murals of Angers Cathedral documented for the 1st time.” 1/14/2025. https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72156
- Almeroth-Williams, Tom. “Islamic ‘altar tent’ discovery.” University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/islamic-altar-tent
- Lawson-Tancred, Jo. “Van Gogh Museum Rules $50 Garage Sale Painting Is Not a $15 Million Masterpiece.” Artnet. 1/29/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/van-gogh-lmi-group-2602847
- Lawson-Tancred, Jo. “$50 Van Gogh? Experts Say No, Offering Alternative Attribution in Dramatic Art Dispute.” ArtNet. 2/3/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/van-gogh-lmi-henning-elimar-attribution-2604921
- The History Blog. “Hellenistic era statue found in garbage bag.” 2/5/2025. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72363
- Lawson-Tancred, Jo. “18th-Century Drawing Rescued From a Dumpster Shatters Estimates at Auction.” Artnet. 3/14/2025. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/how-did-this-18th-century-english-drawing-end-up-in-a-new-york-dumpster-2611654
- “Police, art sleuth crack case of Brueghel stolen in Poland in 1974. 3/3/2025. https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20250303-police-art-sleuth-crack-case-of-brueghel-stolen-in-poland-in-1974
- Jeffries, Ella. “Eagle-Eyed Experts Say They’ve Solved the Mystery of a Missing Masterpiece—Half a Century After It Was Stolen.” Smithsonian. 3/5/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/eagle-eyed-experts-say-theyve-solved-the-mystery-of-a-missing-masterpiece-half-a-century-after-it-was-stolen-180986157/
- Heritage UK. “Could This Mysterious Portrait Be Lady Jane Grey?” 3/7/2025. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/search-news/could-this-mysterious-portrait-be-lady-jane-grey/
- Archaeology Magazine. “Ancient Greek Statues Smelled of Perfume.” https://archaeology.org/news/2025/03/17/ancient-greek-statues-smelled-of-perfume/
- Kuta, Sarah. “Man Finds Rare Trove of Winnie-the-Pooh Drawings and Manuscripts in His Father’s Attic.” Smithsonian. 1/28/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/man-finds-rare-trove-of-winnie-the-pooh-drawings-and-manuscripts-in-his-fathers-attic-180985907/
- Leiden University. “Keyhole surgery on old books leads to discovery of medieval fragments.” Phys.org. 1/13/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-keyhole-surgery-discovery-medieval-fragments.html
- Killgrove, Kristina. “Curse tablet found in Roman-era grave in France targets enemies by invoking Mars, the god of war.” 1/15/2025. https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/curse-tablet-found-in-roman-era-grave-in-france-targets-enemies-by-invoking-mars-the-god-of-war
- Wells, Robert. “Ancient artifacts unearthed in Iraq shed light on hidden history of Mesopotamia.” EurekAlert. 1/14/2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1070460
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- Whiddington, Richard. “Century-Old Bottle Turns Up Behind a Historic Theater Stage—With a Sealed Note.” Artnet. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/century-old-bottle-discovered-in-kings-theatre-2615505
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- net. “Over 110,000 Medieval Manuscripts May Have Been Copied by Women.” https://www.medievalists.net/2025/03/110000-medieval-manuscripts-women/
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- “Dried plants 19th-century Australian colonial institution indicate secret, illicit snacking among residents.” Phys.org. 1/21/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-dried-19th-century-australian-colonial.html
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- Archaeology Magazine. “Study Finds Evidence of Early Alcoholic Drinks in Brazil.” 2/18/2025. https://archaeology.org/news/2025/02/18/study-finds-evidence-of-early-alcoholic-drinks-in-brazil/
- University of York. “The early roots of Carnival? Research reveals evidence of seasonal celebrations in pre-colonial Brazil.” 5/2/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-early-roots-carnival-reveals-evidence.html
- net. “Medieval Birds of Prey Feasted on Human Waste, Study Finds.” https://www.medievalists.net/2025/01/medieval-birds-of-prey-feasted-on-human-waste-study-finds/
- Autonomous University of Barcelona. “Iberian Neolithic herders were already strategically managing cattle herds 6,000 years ago.” 2/3/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-iberian-neolithic-herders-strategically-cattle.html
- Kuta, Sarah. “Mammoth Bones Used to Build Mysterious 25,000-Year-Old Site in Russia Came From Different Herds.” 2/3/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mammoth-bones-used-to-build-mysterious-25000-year-old-site-in-russia-came-from-different-herds-180985977/
- Vrak Museum of Wrecks. “Oldest Carvel-built Ship from the Nordic Countries Discovered.” 2/21/2025. https://www.vrak.se/en/news/oldest-carvel-built-ship-in-nordics-found/
- Archaeology Magazine. “Brazilian Ship Struck by WWII U-Boat Located.” 2/19/2025. https://archaeology.org/news/2025/02/19/brazilian-ship-sunk-by-wwii-u-boat-located/
- Kuta, Sarah. “Warship Sunk by the Nazis During World War II Located Off the Coast of Brazil.” Smithsonian. 2/5/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/warship-sunk-by-the-nazis-during-world-war-ii-located-off-the-coast-of-brazil-180985996/
- Richmond, Todd. “Explorers discover wreckage of cargo ship that sank in Lake Superior storm more than 130 years ago.” Phys.org. 3/11/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-explorers-wreckage-cargo-ship-sank.html
- Wizevich, Eli. “Metal Detectorists Stumble Upon a Rare 2,000-Year-Old Roman Sword in Poland.” Smithsonian. 2/25/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/metal-detectorists-stumble-upon-a-rare-2000-year-old-roman-sword-in-poland-180986101/
- Anderson, Sonja. “Archaeologists Unearth Early Medieval Sword Engraved With Mysterious Runes in a Cemetery in England.” Smithsonian. 1/6/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-unearth-early-medieval-sword-engraved-with-mysterious-runes-in-a-cemetery-in-england-180985768/
- The History Blog. “Rare two-handed medieval sword, axes found in Poland.” 2/21/2025. https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72486
- The History Blog. “1,000-year-old scabbard fitting found in Poland.” 3/26/2025. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72759
- Pare, Sascha. “Pet cats arrived in China via the Silk Road 1,400 years ago, ancient DNA study finds.” LiveScience. 3/9/2025. https://www.livescience.com/animals/domestic-cats/pet-cats-arrived-in-china-via-the-silk-road-1-400-years-ago-ancient-dna-study-finds
- Kuta, Sarah. “Staffers Find a Japanese Hand Grenade From World War II at a Museum in Kentucky.” Smithsonian. 1/27/2025. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/staffers-find-a-japanese-hand-grenade-from-world-war-ii-at-a-museum-in-kentucky-180985885/
- Dimacali, Timothy James. “Ancient seafarers in Southeast Asia may have built advanced boats 40,000 years ago.” Phys.org. 2/21/2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-ancient-seafarers-southeast-asia-built.htm
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