
Owen Jarus
Owen Jarus is a regular contributor to Live Science who writes about archaeology and humans' past. He has also written for The Independent (UK), The Canadian Press (CP) and The Associated Press (AP), among others. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Ryerson University.
Latest articles by Owen Jarus

Newly deciphered papyrus describes 'miracle' performed by 5-year-old Jesus
By Owen Jarus published
A manuscript written in the fourth or fifth century describes how Jesus brought clay birds to life as a child.

Chichén Itzá: Maya temples in the Yucatán
By Owen Jarus last updated
The ruins of Chichén Itzá in eastern Mexico were built about 1,200 years ago.

32 haunting shipwrecks from the ancient world
By Owen Jarus published
Shipwrecks can reveal information about traded goods and even which rituals people partook in centuries ago. Here's a look at shipwrecks from ancient times found around the world.

Why are so many ancient Egyptians buried at the Saqqara necropolis?
By Owen Jarus published
The ancient Egyptians buried their dead at Saqqara for thousands of years. Why was the necropolis so important to them?

3,500-year-old rock art of wild sheep and double-humped camels revealed in Kazakhstan
By Owen Jarus published
Volunteers on an environmental clean-up in Kazakhstan uncovered rock art dating to the Bronze or Iron ages, but archaeologists say they already knew about the site.

Jamestown colonists killed and ate the dogs of Indigenous Americans
By Owen Jarus last updated
Archaeologists investigating Jamestown have discovered that colonists likely butchered and ate the dogs of Indigenous Americans.

32 stunning centuries-old hoards unearthed by metal detectorists
By Owen Jarus published
Archaeologists and amateurs armed with metal detectors have discovered previous hoards from centuries past.

Long-lost branch of the Nile was 'indispensable for building the pyramids,' research shows
By Owen Jarus published
The Nile's now-extinct branch likely helped the ancient Egyptians move materials to pyramid building sites.

Mysterious L-shaped structure found near Egyptian pyramids of Giza baffles scientists
By Owen Jarus published
An enigmatic L-shaped structure found underground near the pyramids at Giza may be an entrance to a mysterious deeper feature below it.

2,500-year-old Illyrian helmet found in burial mound likely caused 'awe in the enemy'
By Owen Jarus published
Archaeologists excavating a burial mound in Croatia have discovered a 2,500-year-old Illyrian helmet that may have been a votive offering.

3,500-year-old 'rest house' used by ancient Egyptian army discovered in Sinai desert
By Owen Jarus published
A 3,500-year-old rest house in the Sinai desert may have been used by an Egyptian pharaoh.

Rare 'Excalibur' sword from Spain dates to Islamic period 1,000 years ago
By Owen Jarus published
The sword is the first weapon from the Islamic period to be found in the Spanish city of Valencia.

32 times lasers revealed hidden forts and settlements from centuries ago
By Owen Jarus published
Lasers have helped uncover ancient human-made structures the world over.

Teotihuacan: Ancient city of pyramids
By Owen Jarus last updated
This 2,000-year-old complex in Mexico was one of the largest urban centers in the ancient world.

Humans were living in a lava tube 7,000 years ago on the Arabian Peninsula
By Owen Jarus published
An analysis of a lava tube in Saudi Arabia reveals that humans have lived there for at least 7,000 years.

32 astonishing ancient burials, from 'vampire' decapitations to riches for the afterlife
By Owen Jarus published
Archaeologists have discovered lavish and grisly burials the world over.

King Tutankhamun: Life, death and mummy of ancient Egypt's boy pharaoh
By Owen Jarus last updated
Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh whose lavish tomb became world-famous upon its discovery in 1922.

Centuries-old Aztec texts detail history of their capital, conquests and fall to the Spanish
By Owen Jarus published
Three codices from the 16th and 17th century describe historical details about the Aztecs and the area that is now Mexico City.

4,300-year-old Egyptian tomb with stunning wall paintings was burial place of priestess and royal official
By Owen Jarus published
The ancient Egyptian tomb has colorful wall paintings depicting what life was like 4,300 years ago.

20 biggest historical mysteries that will probably never be solved
By Owen Jarus last updated
From the identity location of Cleopatra's tomb to the fate of the Ark of the Covenant, some historical mysteries may never be solved.

Archaeologists find top half of giant Ramesses II statue, completing a century-long puzzle
By Owen Jarus published
Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the upper half of a large statue depicting the famous pharaoh Ramesses II.

1,900-year-old coins from Jewish revolt against the Romans discovered in the Judaean desert
By Owen Jarus published
Archaeologists in the Judaen desert have found four coins dating to the Jewish Bar Kokhba revolt against the Roman Empire.

4,000-year-old copper dagger unearthed by metal detectorist in Poland
By Owen Jarus published
The rare copper dagger may have belonged to "a warrior of a very high social status."
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