Old Kingdom 'Mona Lisa' a fake

New research indicates that a fourth dynasty painting, hailed as the 'Mona Lisa' of Egyptian art, is in fact a fake. It may contain an authentic painting underneath.

http://www.livescience.com/50309-egyptian-mona-lisa-may-be-fake.html

Gem with goddess' image found near King Herod's mausoleum

A gem engraved with an image of Diana or Artemis has been discovered near a mausoleum built by King Herod. The gem was likely worn by a Roman soldier who was stationed at the site long after Herod's death.

http://www.livescience.com/50156-engraved-gem-herod-mausoleum.html

Brutal Ancient Egyptian Tax Receipt Deciphered

An Egyptian tax receipt, dating to 98 B.C., has been deciphered, revealing a bill that would have taken 100 kg (220 lbs) worth of coins to pay.

http://www.livescience.com/50139-ancient-egyptian-tax-receipt.html

Olmec Jade Artifact Discovered Underwater in Mexico

A corncob shaped artifact, made of Jadeite, has been discovered underwater in Veracruz Mexico. It dates to somewhere between 900 BC and 400 BC and was created by a civilization which we call the Olmec.

http://www.livescience.com/50080-mysterious-jade-artifact-discovered-in-mexico.html

First Century Nazareth House Identified

Archaeologists working at the site of Nazareth have identified a house dating to the first century AD. They found that, in Byzantine times, the house was decorated with mosaics and a church known as the 'Church of the Nutrition' was built over it, protecting it. The archaeological finds, along with textual evidence, indicate that people in Byzantine times believe that this was the house where Jesus was raised by Joseph and Mary.

http://www.livescience.com/49997-jesus-house-possibly-found-nazareth.html