Ancient Odysseys Blog

Fossilization, the transformative journey from living organism to rock is incredibly rare. Fossilization requires a perfect storm of conditions from the moment a living organism dies or is buried to encasing it or preserving it in rock. Where fossils are formed Fossil-formation begins when an organism dies, ideally in an environment conducive to preservation, like a riverbed or lake. Fossils usually form where dead organisms are quickly buried in sediment, such as on river fl

Dinosaurs continue to fascinate the public but movies and shows make dinosaur fossil discoveries appear almost effortless. Unlike movie depictions and even AI images, full fossilized skeletons aren’t just sitting on the ground waiting to be discovered. In real life it takes years of careful detective work, patience, and a whole lot of luck. Paleontologists don’t just wander around and stumble upon dinosaur fossils. They start with geology, maps, and a walking for miles with a

Could you really find a dinosaur fossil? Absolutely—just maybe not the way Hollywood portrays it. Dinosaur shows on Netflix and the Jurassic Park movies make it look like fossils are everywhere, but the fossilization process itself makes finding dinosaurs and other fossils very rare.   So, can I find dinosaur fossils myself? The honest answer is: yes but you have to know where to look!   Dinosaur bones have been discovered on every continent, and almost each of the states in

This holiday season, find the perfect gift for archaeology buffs, curated by Ancient Odysseys!

This holiday season, find the perfect dino-themed gifts, curated by Ancient Odysseys!

Have you ever wondered if it was possible to join an archaeology dig or if there are archaeology digs near you? You can step into the shoes of an archaeologist and become part of a real citizen science adventure. This is true even if you’ve never gone on an archaeology dig and have no prior experience. Whether you want to dig at archaeological sites in Europe, South America, the US, or beyond, there are opportunities for you to literally dig into the past. Where to Find Archa

About 252 million years ago, Earth experienced its most catastrophic extinction event. During the Permian-Triassic, roughly 90% of marine species and over 70% of terrestrial vertebrates died off. What Caused the Permian Extinction? At the end of the Permian, conditions became unsuitable for most life on land and in the seas. Many insects and plant species also went extinct during this time. There are several theories about the cause of the Permian Extinction, often referred t

The name Mary Anning looms large in the history of paleontology. She made groundbreaking fossil discoveries along England’s Jurassic Coast, transforming our understanding of prehistoric life. Anning’s work helped lay the foundation for modern paleontology and reshaped scientific debates about Earth’s history. What Did Mary Anning Discover? In the early 19th century, Anning and her brother combed the cliffs and beaches of Lyme Regis. They sought out fossils to sell and support

Sherwood Forest, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is rich in history and archaeology. It is globally known as the legendary home of Robin Hood. However, this picturesque woodland has a deeper past, dating back thousands of years prior to its association with the famous outlaw. The Origins of Sherwood Forest Sherwood Forest's history dates back to the end of the Last Glacial Period, around 10,000 years ago. Pollen sampling cores provide evidence of its ancient origins. Fli

About 66 million years ago, Earth experienced a transformative event called the  Cretaceous–Paleogene (called K–Pg or K-T) extinction...

Paranthropus  is one of the most fascinating and unusual members of the human family tree. Known for its distinctive features, such as...

Australopithecus, our ancient human ancestor, has fascinated scientists since the genus was discovered. Here are some of the most...

The Morrison Formation is one of the most significant fossil-rich geological features in North America. Some of the United States' most iconic dinosaurs have been discovered in this Morrison Formation by well-known fossil-hunters Othniel C. Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope .   Fascinating Facts about the Morrison Formation Geology and Age   The Morrison Formation dates from the Late Jurassic, or about 157 and 150 million years ago. Dinosaur bones and other fossils are found in t

The ferocious looking therapsids were considered the first proto-mammals on Earth and are among our very earliest ancestors. These animals lived about 300 million years ago during the Permian and Triassic periods.   10 Fascinating Facts about Therapsids Therapsids are weirdly amazing! They are considered to be the evolutionary link between reptiles and mammals and indeed, are often referred to as "mammal-like reptiles.” Therapsids are in our family tree as they are the evolut

Deep beneath the opal fields of Lightning Ridge lies a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders: opalized fossils. These...

The Triceratops  is one of the most recognizable dinosaur species in modern culture. This ancient rhinoceros-like animal roamed the Earth...

Find the perfect gift for archaeology and history buffs, curated by Ancient Odysseys!

This holiday season, find the perfect gift for fossil-lovers, curated by Ancient Odysseys!

Fun facts about the Eocene Epoch

It’s not uncommon to see ringforts dotted across the Irish landscape. But what do we know about these ancient structures?   Top Facts...