Brenna Hassett
Brenna Hassett
110 reportsEditor
Archaeology, Human Origins and Bioarchaeology Editor
Brenna Hassett is an archaeology and bioarchaeology editor covering human origins, ancient health, burial practices and the scientific methods used to study past populations. She focuses on what bones, teeth, artifacts and environmental evidence can genuinely reveal and where interpretation remains uncertain.
Latest articles by Brenna Hassett
New Finds at Tel Abu Saify Suggest Link to Lost City of Msen
Archaeologists at Tel Abu Saify in Egypt have uncovered fortifications, roads, and inscriptions that may connect the site to the ancient city of Msen, offering new evidence for the route and function of the Horus Military Road
Ancient Libyan Gateway Marks Reveal Hellenistic Construction System
Archaeologists have analyzed over 620 carved marks on the Tauchira Gate at Ptolemais, Libya, uncovering evidence for organized labor, material transport, and possible payment tracking in a major Hellenistic building project more than 2,000 years ago
10th-Century Chamber Grave in Suzdal Reveals Early Elite Burial
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare 10th-century chamber grave at Gnezdilovo near Suzdal, containing a man, horse, and dog, with weapons and riding gear, offering new evidence for early elite presence in north-eastern Rus'
Medieval Skull Injuries at Visby Linked to Spiked Club Weapons
A new forensic analysis of 14th-century skeletons from the Battle of Visby in Sweden has identified spiked clubs as the likely cause of distinctive square cranial injuries, challenging assumptions about medieval militia training and combat methods
Low Danube Reveals WWII German Soldiers and Motorcycle in Budapest
Exceptionally low water levels in the Danube have exposed the remains of two German soldiers, their identification tags, a military motorcycle, and anti-tank mines in Budapest, offering new evidence of the conflict's final months and the challenges of identification decades later
Roman-Era Mass Grave Near Vienna Reveals Unusual Groin Injuries
Bioarchaeologists have analyzed over 120 skeletons from a Roman-period mass grave in Vienna, uncovering a high frequency of perimortem trauma-especially to the pelvis-raising new questions about conflict and identity in the region
Puma-Headed Pottery Sheds Light on Rituals at Marcahuamachuco
Archaeologists at Marcahuamachuco in northern Peru have uncovered a unique puma-headed ceramic vessel and animal remains, offering new evidence for ceremonial practices and daily life at the site between 850 and 950 CE
Roman-Era Well in Croatia Yields 43 Skeletons Linked to Ancient Plague
Archaeologists have examined 43 skeletons from a Roman-period well in Osijek, Croatia. The absence of trauma suggests these individuals may have died during a third-century epidemic, offering new insight into ancient disease and burial practices.
Medieval Monastery Remains Mapped Beneath Danish Football Field
Archaeologists in Roskilde, Denmark, have identified the buried remains of the 13th-century St Clara Monastery using ground-penetrating radar, revealing a well-preserved monastic layout beneath a modern sports field ahead of planned construction
Victorian-Era Sword Emerges From Chiddingstone Castle Lake
A heavily corroded sword, likely dating to the early 19th century, has been recovered from the receding waters of Chiddingstone Castle's lake in Kent, raising questions about its origin and deposition
Mixtec Turquoise-Mosaic Skull Returns to Mexico After Six Decades
A rare pre-Hispanic human skull with a turquoise mosaic, linked to the Mixtec tradition, has been repatriated to Mexico after decades in a Dutch museum. Scientific analysis confirms its pre-Hispanic origin, but its precise archaeological context remains uncertain
Ancient Gordion Tomb Likely Built for King Midas' Father, Not Midas
Archaeologists at Gordion in central Türkiye have re-examined the so-called Midas Tumulus, concluding that the monumental burial mound was likely constructed for Gordias, the father of the legendary King Midas, based on new analysis of its structure and contents
Ancient Fortress in Eastern Türkiye May Mark Urartian Expansion
Archaeologists have mapped a massive stone fortress near Mescidli in Muş Province, Türkiye, using satellite imagery and fieldwork to reveal defensive walls and architectural features that could shed light on the early Urartian state
Neanderthal Gene Variant Linked to Muscle Mass in Modern Humans
A newly published study identifies a Neanderthal-derived gene variant in the growth hormone receptor that increases muscle mass in some modern humans. Researchers analyzed ancient DNA and over a million modern genomes to trace its distribution and effects.
Wreck of HMS Tiger Identified After 118 Years in English Channel
Archaeologists and maritime historians have located the remains of HMS Tiger, a Royal Navy destroyer lost in 1908, using archival research and underwater survey methods. The find highlights evolving legal protections for historic military wrecks
