Mayan Council House with Sculpted Art Discovered in Guatemala

A Mayan council house dating back about 700 years has been discovered in Guatemala. Among the artifacts is an incense burner showing the head of Itzamna, who was the "shaman" of the Maya gods.

http://www.livescience.com/46215-ancient-mayan-artwork-discovered.html

New research tells tale of first American citizen to meet Chinese Emperor

In 1795 an American citizen, as part of a Dutch delegation, made an overland journey from Canton to Beijing. He entered the Forbidden City and met the Qianlong Emperor, the man who ruled China. 

http://www.livescience.com/45917-american-visit-to-china-forbidden-city.html

Intentionally buried 18th century artifacts found on two Caribbean Islands

Archaeologists exploring two Caribbean islands have discovered artifacts intentionally buried beneath two 18th century plantation houses. They believe that for the inhabitants the artifacts held a spiritual power and were intended to protect them from harm.

http://www.livescience.com/45696-artifacts-unearthed-in-caribbean.html

'Gospel of Jesus's Wife' Looks More and More Like a Fake

Several developments on the Gospel of Jesus's Wife Story:

-Analysis of a second papyrus from the anonymous GJW owner reveals that it is a fake. The ink and handwriting are similar to GJW raising more doubts about GJW authenticity.

-Harvard University has fallen silent on the artifact, not responding to requests for comment on new developments suggesting GJW is a forgery.

-Smithsonian Channel says they are still planning to air their documentary on Monday.

-Grave doubts about Hans-Ulrich Laukamp's previous ownership of GJW. He would have to be an almost fantastic figure at this point.

http://www.livescience.com/45328-gospel-of-jesus-wife-may-be-fake.html

Four foundation deposits discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings

Four foundation deposits in a box like shape have been discovered in the western valley of Egypt's Valley of the Kings. They include the head of a cow, a blue painted vase and flint tools, their wooden handles still preserved after almost three millennia.

http://www.livescience.com/45271-artifacts-discovered-in-egypt-valley-of-the-kings.html

New sources cast doubt on origins of Jesus wife papyrus

According to documents published in Harvard Theological Review Hans-Ulrich Laukamp obtained the papyrus from Potsdam in 1963 and sold it in 1999. I interviewed a representative from his estate and a close business associate. Both men say that Laukamp never collected antiquities or owned this papyrus. If accurate this throws the provenance of the papyrus into doubt.

http://www.livescience.com/45020-gospel-of-jesus-wife-questioned.html

Ancient contract to fix a wrestling match deciphered

A contract between two athletes to fix a wrestling match has been deciphered. Its dates to AD 267 and was found at Oxyrhychus in Egypt.

http://www.livescience.com/44867-ancient-wrestling-match-was-fixed.html