Ancient nomads are virtually invisible in the archaeological record, as they left few traces of their lifestyle behind. Unlike sedentary populations, nomads did not have permanent structures, nor did they use pottery and ceramics, which are easily breakable for people on the move. Nevertheless, across the Eurasian steppe, ancient nomadic populations did leave a lasting mark on the world - the mysterious Balbal statues which stand like sentries in the vast plain of land that stretches from Ukraine to Mongolia.

Projectile puncture wounds, lithics embedded in bone, and healed and unhealed trauma – these are the signs of repeated violence at one of the oldest sites linked to human warfare.

Flat-topped pyramids, temples, sacrifices, sacred Andean animals, and astronomical observations – the Cochasqui archaeological site in Ecuador is massive in size and significance.