A large temple built by people of the enigmatic Tiwanaku culture was discovered at the site of Palaspata near Lake Titicaca. The structure appears to have been aligned with the solar equinox. Abundant fragments of cups used to imbibe maize wine found at the complex suggest it hosted ritual feasts and celebrations. Scholars consider the Tiwanaku, whose state suddenly collapsed around a.d. 1000, to have been one of the earliest advanced Andean societies and precursors to the Inca.

More than 3,000 ancient standing stones are strewn across the Carnac region of Brittany, making it home to one of Europe’s highest concentrations of megalithic monuments. This may also be where this mysterious pan-European Neolithic tradition began. It has been difficult for archaeologists to precisely date when these megaliths were erected. However, new radiocarbon dates from the site of Le Plasker indicate that the megalithic complex there was created between 6,600 and 6,300 years ago, likely making it the oldest example in Europe.

Built in the 3rd century b.c., the Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the world’s tallest structures—until it was toppled by earthquakes around the 14th century. Recently, 22 massive blocks from the lighthouse were lifted from the seafloor. Archaeologists are scanning each block to create a virtual model that they hope will provide new clues about the monument’s construction, design, and eventual collapse.