Archaeologists in Malaysia have spent over a year investigating an area that will soon be submerged underwater. During their exploration, they have uncovered more than 70,000 artifacts, including skeletal remains from prehistoric burials dating back 16,000 years.
The excavation of the site commenced in March 2022 and concluded in October 2023, as reported by the government-owned Bernama news agency in Malaysia via Live Science.
The research area includes caves in Malaysia’s Nenggiri Valley, which is slated to be flooded with the development of a hydroelectric power plant in the coming years.
The Nenggiri Valley, where the ancient artifacts were discovered, is around 135 miles from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. (Ian Teh/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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The artifacts found in the area consist of stone tools, pottery, and stone ornaments, according to reports.
Zuliskandar Ramli, an archaeologist at the National University of Malaysia, mentioned that 16 individuals were found buried in 13 limestone caves across four sites.
A majority of the skeletons were found in a “fully flexed” position, indicating pre-Neolithic burials, as explained by Ramli through Live Science.
The Nenggiri hydroelectric power plant in Kelantan is anticipated to be completed by 2027. (Zhu Wei/Xinhua via Getty Images/File)
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One skeleton was positioned differently from the rest, indicating it belonged to the Neolithic era around 6,000 years ago, based on sedimentary layer dating within the cave.
Among the notable discoveries was a fully intact human skeleton in Gua Keledung Kecil, estimated to be between 14,000 and 16,000 years old.
“This is the oldest and most complete fully flexed skeleton found in the country,” Ramli stated to Live Science.
Ramli further noted that several items unearthed were grave goods, objects intentionally buried with the deceased.
Skeleton discoveries worldwide often provide valuable insights through extensive research and analysis.
For instance, unearthed skeletal remains in the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy, announced in August, revealed chilling details of the individuals’ final moments.
In August, a press release revealed the discovery of skeletal remains in the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy. (Archaeological Park of Pompeii)
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“We know the woman was between 35 and 45 years old, while the man was younger, between 15 and 20 years old,” noted Sophie Hay, an archaeologist associated with the park, in an email to Fox News Digital. “We don’t have information on their relationship or social status.”
“The woman had a purse and possibly a small casket, both filled with valuable objects such as gold, silver, bronze coins, engraved gemstones, pendants, and gold and pearl earrings,” Hay added.
“The objects had a monetary value, but their sentimental value and significance to her during the chaos and fear she faced can never be truly known. These items likely held importance to her, whether for their monetary worth or personal meaning, especially in the case of jewelry,” she concluded.
The archaeological research in Malaysia’s Nenggiri Valley is anticipated to conclude with the completion of the hydroelectric power plant by mid-2027.
