We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. How many times have you overlooked an odd-shaped vase at the thrift store? You might have assumed that you can't get much use out of these ...

Vase in the shape of a bull or aurochs, dating from 4700 to 4600 BC, found at Aubevoye (Eure) in 2003. HERVÉ PAITIER/INRAP When the time machine of archaeology reaches deep into the distant past ...