Kumbukumbu za ulimwengu (World Archives)

Cultural relics carry unique historical significance and artistic value. The lost Chinese cultural relics from overseas are an important part of #China's cultural heritage. #ChinaSeen

The return of lost cultural relics has long been a hot topic on Chinese social media, with many netizens calling for overseas cultural institutions to return looted Chinese artifacts.

As of 2024, around 150,000 lost Chinese cultural relics have been returned to China. This return not only boosts national pride but also raises public awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage. (Photos via VCG)

Zanzibar

During an incredible dive into the depths of Lake Bracciano, near Rome, Italy, archaeologists have uncovered a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. While exploring the remains of the sunken Stone Age city, La Marmotta, they discovered five remarkably well-preserved canoes, dating back to at least 5,000 B.C.E. This discovery offers a rare opportunity to learn about the early people who lived around the shores of the lake more than 7,000 years ago.
The canoes, believed to have been used for fishing, transportation, and trade, were skillfully constructed from a variety of trees including alder, oak, poplar, and European beech. This mix of wood suggests the early inhabitants of the region had a deep understanding of their environment, carefully selecting materials that would provide strength and durability for their watercraft.
The city of La Marmotta, which once flourished during the Neolithic period, has long been an archaeological treasure trove, revealing insights into how early humans interacted with their environment, developed technologies, and organized their communities. The recent find of these ancient canoes adds a new layer of understanding to how these prehistoric people utilized the natural resources around them to thrive in a landscape that was very different from the one we know today.
With these discoveries, archaeologists are shedding light on a crucial chapter in human history, offering a vivid connection to our distant ancestors and their remarkable adaptability. These ancient canoes, some of the oldest examples ever found, highlight the innovation and ingenuity of early civilizations. The artifacts will undoubtedly continue to inspire researchers and history enthusiasts alike, as they piece together the story of human evolution.

The Lion hunt of Ashurbanipal, detail, Assyrian wall relief, c. 645 - 635 BC, gypsum alabaster, British Museum

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