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Viking’s silver treasure, an ancient Korean crown and three more discoveries

A 1,400-year-old crown found in a tomb in Gyeongju, South Korea is among recent archaeological discoveries.
A 1,400-year-old crown found in a tomb in Gyeongju, South Korea is among recent archaeological discoveries. Photo from Korea Heritage Service

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past.

Here are some of the latest discoveries:

1,400-year-old crown — still decorated with insect wings — found in South Korea

A diagram shows what the ancient crown would have looked like originally and the arrangement of its insect wings decorations.
A diagram shows what the ancient crown would have looked like originally and the arrangement of its insect wings decorations. Photo from Korea Heritage Service

In Gyeongju, South Korea, archaeologists uncovered a 1,400-year-old crown adorned with jewel beetle wings from the Silla Kingdom. This ornate crown, found in a burial site, is a first-of-its-kind discovery in the region. The crown’s intricate decorations, including gold beads and jade pieces, highlight the craftsmanship of the era. | Published May 22 | Read More |

Hobbyist studying old map notices odd mark that leads to medieval find in Sweden

Ground-penetrating radar showed very clear lines in the ground, denoting the presence of an a medieval monastery buried beneath the field, experts said.
Ground-penetrating radar showed very clear lines in the ground, denoting the presence of an a medieval monastery buried beneath the field, experts said. Photo by Göran Bengtsson

In Derome, Sweden, a hobby archaeologist discovered the remains of a medieval monastery using an 18th-century map and modern technology. The site, likely dating back to the late 12th century, revealed thick walls and pillar foundations. This find sheds light on the region’s monastic history and the Order of Cistercians. | Published May 22 | Read More |

Students locate ancient Roman army camp beyond empire’s northern border. See it

An aerial reconstruction shows the walls (white lines) and entrances (red lines) of the ancient Roman military camp.
An aerial reconstruction shows the walls (white lines) and entrances (red lines) of the ancient Roman military camp. Photo from Constructing the Limes

In the Netherlands, university students discovered a rare ancient Roman military camp beyond the empire’s northern border. Using computer models and LiDAR surveys, they confirmed the presence of Roman walls and a moat near Hoog Buurlo. | Published May 28 | Read More |

Viking-era silver treasures found on farm in Sweden and restored. See them shine

Archaeologists found some unique silver treasures at a Viking Age site in Sweden then cleaned and restored the artifacts, photos show.
Archaeologists found some unique silver treasures at a Viking Age site in Sweden then cleaned and restored the artifacts, photos show. Photo from Arkeologerna, SHM

In Täby, Sweden, archaeologists unearthed a collection of Viking-era silver treasures, including arm rings, necklaces and coin pendants. The site, occupied for 500 years, also revealed structures from the Viking Age. The silver collection is notable for its size and preservation. | Published May 30 | Read More |

Ancient waste shows surprising ‘luxury’ food item was not only for Roman elite

This was likely a seasonal menu item among street vendors in the ancient city of Pollentia, a study said.
This was likely a seasonal menu item among street vendors in the ancient city of Pollentia, a study said. Screen grab of YouTube video posted by Institute of Archaeology of the University of Barcelona (IAUB).

In Pollentia, Mallorca, researchers found evidence of thrushes, a luxury food item, being sold by street vendors in ancient Rome. The discovery in a cesspit challenges the belief that thrushes were exclusive to elite banquets. This find suggests that thrushes were a common part of the urban diet in Roman times. | Published June 3 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of intriguing archaeological discoveries from around the globe. Check back to see the latest finds.

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This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Viking’s silver treasure, an ancient Korean crown and three more discoveries."

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