Sometimes new discoveries or insights about the past not only challenge received views, but possess a wacky yet understandable aspect. Tibi Puiu explains why Romans knowingly used “non-random” dice. BBC News’ Vanessa Buschschluter offers another quirky hypothesis in Maya Rulers’ Ashes Turned into Pelota Balls – Expert. Again, the old archaeological standard “go to” explanation of “religious meaning or purposes” obtains, but what a way for a dead potentate to be “transmuted”! Going back ‘way farther, none other than the University of Bristol finds Scientists Relieved to Discover ‘Curious’ Creature with No Anus is Not Earliest Human Ancestor. A three-continent partnership using X-ray images and computers came up with this find, which makes “important amendments to the early phylogenetic tree and the understanding of how life developed.” Non-scientists feel better, too. And Tom Metcalfe offers up The 5 Craziest Ways Emperors Gained the Throne in Ancient Rome. In a civilization so long-lasting and consequential as the Romans, it’s more than a little odd that it lacked an “established procedure for transferring power when a Roman emperor died.” At least his remains didn’t become part of a ball game! (WM)
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