Civilization

Mysterious Carvings and Evidence of Human Sacrifice Uncovered in Ancient City

Discoveries at the sprawling site have archaeologists rethinking the roots of Chinese civilization.

National Geographic

Book Review: The Pandemic May Be the Least of It

In The Precipice, Toby Ord sees humanity at a crossroads, and examines the many existential risks to our survival.

Undark

Ancient DNA Reveals Staying Power of Early People of the Andes

Despite cultural upheavals, highlands residents persisted.

Science

What Fossils Will Modern-Day Civilization Leave Behind?

Science chats with two experts about what future paleontologists — or perhaps even visiting aliens — might find.

Science

One of Earth’s First Cities Suffered the Same Issues Metropolises Face Today

Researchers now believe that diseases, overcrowding, and climate change eventually forced community members to move away from the settlement.

Inverse

Feasting Rituals — and the Cooperation They Require — Are a Crucial Step Toward Human Civilization

How did civilization emerge from small groups of hunter-gatherers? Some archaeologists focus on cooperation as the vital ingredient — and find evidence for it in the form of feast-related artifacts.

The Conversation

What Happened to Turkey’s Ancient Utopia?

Turkey’s Neolithic city of Çatalhöyük may have been an orderly society built on tolerance and equality — until it fell apart.

Discover