New Delhi: Archaeological discoveries never cease to amaze even the best of us. Artifacts and whole cities dating up to several million years ago have been dug up to be revealed to the world.


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Whether it is Egyptian tombs, carvings, ancient tools from primitive or medieval times, ruins, etc, archaeological excavations have turned out baffling results.


Now, the archaeology department of Telangana has unearthed the world's largest capstone after excavating an ancient human burial site in Siddipet district, officials said.


"The ancient human burial site excavated by Telangana Archaeology in Narmeta village in Nangunuru mandal has led to a stunning discovery of the world's largest capstone," said D Ramulu Naik, assistant director, Archaeology Department.


The efforts to lift this massive capstone was coordinated by S S Rangacharyulu, archaeology consultant and K Padmanabha, assistant director (museums), as this mission required great precision and caution, Department officials said.


A large crane lifted this huge capstone at the excavation site in Narmeta village on March 21, they said adding, "the capstone of the menhir burial reportedly weighs about 40 tonnes".


The department is all set to undertake DNA testing of various artefacts that have been discovered at this site which will help in tracing the lineage of pre-historic humans, their food habits, lifestyle and how their population later became extinct, the officials said.


(With PTI inputs)