The influence of extraterrestrial beings on ancient civilizations is often the stuff of science fiction movies and quack theories, but new archaeological findings from the University College London (UCL) show that alien objects may have spawned the Iron Age. The study was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

UCL researchers have discovered that nine ancient Egyptian beads, crafted and strung together over 5,000 years ago, contain traces of iron from meteors. The meteorites were set into a necklace with gold and gemstones, highlighting the high value of these otherworldly rocks.

Read the rest at iScienceTimes.com.

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These are meteoric iron beads (center), including the tubular lapis lazuli (blue), carnelian (brownish/red), agate, and gold beads that they were originally strung with UCL Petrie Museum/Rob Eagle
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The meteoric iron beads, shown next to a hand for size reference. UCL Petrie Museum/Rob Eagle
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Closeup of the meteoric iron beads. UCL Petrie Museum/Rob Eagle