PODCAST · history
The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast
by Speaking Archaeologically
Join us on a journey to bridge the gap between amateurs interested in history, travellers, and professional archaeologists. Every day, various sites and objects lie forgotten, undocumented, and misunderstood. Our podcast brings together experts to share knowledge, spark conversations, and recreate the stories of the past. Tune in to explore the fascinating world of archaeology and uncover the secrets that lie hidden in plain sight.
Episodes
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Early Career Conversations: Opportunities and Challenges in South Asian Archaeology
What are the opportunities and challenges shaping South Asian archaeology today, and where does Harappan archaeology fit into these conversations? Recorded on the final day of the Speaking Archaeologically ECR Conference, this episode brings together Dr Disha Ahluwalia and Dr Shriya Gautam for a...
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Early Career Conversations: The Urban Heritage Roundtable
We finished Day 2 of the Speaking Archaeologically ECR Conference 2026 with a very interesting roundtable discussion on urban heritage and its conservation. Tune in to listen to Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson, Dr. Shriya Gautam, Diptarka Datta, Simran Kaur Saini, Samarth Tyagi, Shrijee Sharma, Soumil...
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Early Career Conversations: Archaeology in the Digital Age
In this episode, Dr. Shriya Gautam sits down with Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson (UCL Institute of Archaeology) for a conversation on digital archaeology, exploring how emerging tools and technologies are transforming the way we excavate, record, analyse, and share the archaeological record. From...
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Early Career Conversations: Spatial Modelling with Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson
Day two of the Speaking Archaeologically ECR Conference brought together Team Speaking Archaeologically and Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson (UCL Institute of Archaeology) for a wide-ranging conversation spanning digital tools in archaeology, spatial analysis, and the archaeology of urban heritage. In…
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Early Career Conversations: Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson and Digital Archaeology Part 1
The second day of the Speaking Archaeologically ECR Conference saw a day full of exciting conversations between Team Speaking Archaeologically and Dr. Patrick Cuthbertson (UCL Institute of Archaeology). Ranging from use of digital tools in archaeology to spatial analysis and urban heritage…
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Early Career Conversations: Anti-Archaeology with Prof. Gabriel Moshenska
The first day of the Speaking Archaeologically ECR Conference saw a very important discussion that highlighted the importance of listening to and engaging in holistic dialogue with the public. Join Dr. Shriya Gautam and Mr. Diptarka Datta from Speaking Archaeologically as they talk to Prof.…
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Early Career Conversations with Speaking Archaeologically: The Beginning
We bring to you a brand new series: Early Career Conversations! At Speaking Archaeologically, we believe that dialogue does not necessarily need to happen at a certain place or within certain rooms. We believe that archaeological knowledge should move freely and everyone should be a part of these...
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Reading Ancient Landscapes with GIS: Hydrology and the Archaeology of Badami
How can GIS help archaeologists uncover patterns hidden within ancient landscapes? In this episode, Ms. Mythrayi Harshavardhan (WSP India) in conversation with Mr. Diptarka Datta (WSP India and Speaking Archaeologically) explore the role of Geographic Information Systems in archaeological…
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Heritage and the Public: The Idea of Authenticity
Ever wondered what it actually means when someone says the word "authentic"? What exactly is authenticity when looking at heritage? Can there be multiple meanings of the same word? Who gets to decide what heritage site is authentic and what is not? In this episode, join Ms. Simran Kaur as she...
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Discussing Early Indian Coinage with Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar
Join Dr. Shriya Gautam and Ms. Simran Kaur for an exciting conversation with Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar (University of Calcutta), a leading numismatist and epigraphist. Following from her recent talk at Speaking Archaeologically about early Indian coinage in the collections of UK museums, this...
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What Is Public Archaeology And Why Does It Matter?
Public archaeology is one of those terms that sounds self-explanatory: until you try to define it. It's not simply outreach. It's not just digging with volunteers or making documentaries. At its core, it's a question about who the past belongs to, and who gets to decide what it means. In this...
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Archaeology, Misinformation, and the Power of the Podcast
You have probably heard a theory about the ancient world that sounded just plausible enough. It seemed intriguing. Perhaps, even pulled you in further into the world of alternative archaeologies. In this episode, we explore how pseudoarchaeology conquered the internet, why professional silence is...
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Reimagining Heritage: The Promise and Challenges of Adaptive Reuse
What happens when a historic building can no longer serve its original purpose? Should it be preserved exactly as it is, or adapted for new uses? In this episode of the Speaking Archaeologically Podcast, Simran Kaur explores the concept of adaptive reuse in heritage conservation. From medieval...
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Recording Heritage Before It Disappears: The Case of Farrukhnagar
In this episode, join Simran Kaur as she explores the role of recording and sketching in preserving endangered heritage. Focusing on her doctoral fieldwork in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, the episode reflects on the discovery and subsequent demolition of a forgotten Mughal-period city gate, and asks…
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The Baolis of Delhi Project: Why Condition Surveys Matter?
In this episode, we up where we last left off: the step wells of Delhi! Built in 1506 and tucked away in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the Rajon ki Baoli was the site that set the entire Baolis of Delhi project in motion. But this episode isn't about its history or architecture. It is about...
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A Tryst With Delhi's Stepwells: An Introduction To The Baolis Of Delhi Project
What began as a routine site visit in December 2019 soon turned into a race against time. When members of the Speaking Archaeologically Delhi Research Wing encountered the stepwells of Rajon ki Baoli and Gandhak ki Baoli, they uncovered a larger, urgent story: one of disappearance, neglect, and...
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Capturing Sunder Nursery Through Art
Join Mr. Diptarka Datta as he delves into how Sunder Nursery has continued to captivate artists through history. The episode will unpack how the monuments within this historic complex have been perceived in art and how archaeological illustrations are an important tool to uncover a site's story!
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Uncovering the Monument's Story: When Art Meets Archaeology
Every excavation tells a story. Every artwork does too. Art allows archaeologists to trace the shifts that a monument goes through across time. In this episode, join panelists Diptarka Datta and Simran Kaur Saini as they explore Skhédíos, an art competition that aims to bring artists and...
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Are Museums Becoming Obsolete? Museums Between Legacy and Reinvention
Are museums slowly drifting into irrelevance? In an age of shrinking attention spans and endless digital content, many institutions face a pressing concern: disinterested visitors. At the same time, collections themselves tell a fractured story. Objects from a single site, culture, or historical...
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The Light and the Lotus: Reclaiming the Piprahwa Relics
In this episode of Speaking Archaeologically, we explore the Piprahwa Relics Exhibition at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex and its significance in India’s decolonisation journey. Tracing the relics’ discovery by William Claxton Peppe, their dispersal under colonial rule, and their dramatic 2025...
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Beyond the Glass Case: Decolonising South Asian Histories in Museums
What does decolonisation actually mean in museums and what does it look like beyond rewritten labels? In this episode of Speaking Archaeologically, Senior Research Panelist Simran Kaur explores how colonial histories continue to shape museum narratives, particularly around South Asian artefacts....
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Who Are Museums Speaking To? Visitor Engagement at the National Museum, Delhi
The National Museum, Delhi holds some of India’s most significant archaeological collections but how effectively do these objects speak to the public today? In this episode, we take a closer look at visitor engagement in Indian museums through the lens of the National Museum. Join Research Wing...
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Guarding the Stupa: Heritage Laws and Public Responsibility
How effective are our laws in protecting the past, and where does public responsibility begin? In this episode, we examine the protection of tangible heritage through the lens of legislation and public awareness, focusing on the UNESCO-listed Sanchi Stupa. Join Dr. Shriya Gautam as she unpacks…
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Are Museum Exhibitions Really All They’re Made Out To Be?
Last episode, we unpacked the challenges Indian museums face when it comes to visitor engagement. This time, we’re going a step further and asking the uncomfortable questions. Are museum exhibitions really what they claim to be? When museums showcase high-profile loans or speak the language of...
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Lost in the Galleries: Why India’s Museums Are Not Telling Their Best Stories
India’s past is anything but boring so why do so many museum visits feel that way? This episode takes a critical look at the state of museums in India, asking why artefacts often sit behind dull labels and disconnected displays. We unpack what’s holding museums back, how visitor experience can be...
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Beyond Monuments: Conserving Intangible Heritage at Bindu Sarovar Museum
What does it mean to conserve heritage that cannot be displayed in a case? This episode examines how the Bindu Sarovar Museum in Siddhpur, Gujarat, engages with intangible heritage, beliefs, practices, and living traditions, and the challenges and opportunities of preserving cultural memory…
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The Tale of the Heritage Laws: What It Means to Protect a Monument
In our last episode, we discussed how the Taj Mahal has been embroiled in the battle between conservation and pseudo-archaeology. In this year-end special episode, we take the discussion a little further and discuss how exactly is the Taj Mahal and similar monuments in India protected in the…
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Contesting the Taj: Mughal Memory in the Present
What happens when one of the world's most famous monuments becomes a site of ideological conflict? In this first episode of our brand new series, we explore how pseudo-archaeology, popular culture, and politics are reshaping the meaning of Taj Mahal in contemporary India.
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology Finale: The Three Big Pillars of Human Behaviour
Join us as we explore the three fundamental pillars of evolutionary psychology: mating, cooperation, and conflict. Uncover how each one has influenced the way we think, feel, and interact today. From the strategies we use to attract partners, to the deep roots of our social bonds, to the age-old...
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology: The Psychology of Disgust
Why does a single emotion make us recoil from spoiled food, wrinkle our noses at foul smells, and even judge other people? In this episode, we dive into the evolutionary psychology of disgust, a powerful behavioural immune system shaped to protect our ancestors from parasites, pathogens, and…
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology: The Psychology Behind Food Choices
Humans have always had a complicated relationship with food. In this episode, we explore the foundations of evolutionary psychology to understand why our brains crave sugar and fat, why we’re drawn to variety, and how ancient survival mechanisms still shape our choices today. From feast-or-famine...
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Adaptive Rage: How Evolution Shaped Our Emotions
Join us as we unpack the evolutionary origins of anger, revealing how this powerful emotion helped our ancestors navigate threats, negotiate resources, and maintain social cohesion. Unpack how those ancient mechanisms still influence us today!
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology: Testing Evolutionary Hypotheses
How do scientists actually test ideas about human evolution? In this episode, we explore the diverse toolkit researchers use to investigate evolutionary hypotheses: from cross-species comparisons that reveal shared adaptations, to cross-cultural studies that uncover universal versus variable...
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology: Evolved Psychological Mechanisms
Why do we think, feel, and act the way we do? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Evolved Psychological Mechanisms , the mental adaptations shaped by natural selection to solve challenges faced by our ancestors. From fear responses and mate choice to cooperation and moral…
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology: The Architecture of Evolution
We are back again after a break with the Evolutionary Psychology series! In this episode, we revisit the basic structures necessary to understand human evolution. Join us as we take a brief journey to explore the architecture of evolution!
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Unearthing Saqqara: Netflix, Tombs, and the Power of Public Archaeology
What happens when ancient tombs meet modern streaming? In this episode, we dig into Netflix’s Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb and explore how public archaeology is reshaping the way we understand and access ancient history. From the tombs of Egypt’s forgotten priests to the global reach of popular...
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Cleopatra: Queen of Myth and Media
Cleopatra has been portrayed as everything from a cunning seductress to a brilliant political strategist. In this episode, we dive into the world of televised archaeology to examine how Cleopatra is framed: what evidence is emphasised, what mysteries are spotlighted, and how modern narratives...
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Heritage At Crossroads: The Vanishing Heritage of A Modern World
In this final episode of our Heritage At Crossroads series, we explore the growing tension between preservation and progress. We look at how historic landmarks, ancient ruins, and cultural treasures vanish under the weight of modern development and economic ambition. Why are we so quick to trade...
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Heritage At Crossroads: The Story of Ctesiphon and Baku
As cities expand and economies grow, heritage sites often find themselves caught in the crossfire between progress and preservation. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between development and cultural conservation. What does it take to protect our historical landmarks in the…
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Heritage at Crossroads: Heritage Conservation in a Changing World
How do communities protect their cultural heritage while embracing modern development? In this episode, we explore the tensions and synergies between conserving historic places and meeting today’s needs. Join us as we look at the challenges and opportunities of heritage conservation in a rapidly...
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Heritage or Hotspot? The Dilemma of Tourism and Archaeology
Archaeological sites attract millions of visitors each year: But what does tourism mean for the sites themselves? What is at stake when the past becomes a destination? In this episode, we explore how archaeology and tourism intersect, balancing preservation with popularity. Join us as we dig into...
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The Conservation Dilemma: The Role of Collaborations in Saving Heritage
In this episode, we look at an issue that makes every archaeologist wince with sadness: the loss of heritage sites! Join us as we discuss the challenges that one faces while looking at conservation of historical sites, especially when looking at collaborative public archaeology projects.
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology Part II
Join Dr. Shriya Gautam as she unpacks the basics of evolutionary psychology in this new series! Discover how the brain and the body influence each other. In this exciting follow up episode to the first part, dive into the world of the evolution and understand why humans behave in a certain manner.
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Doing Differently With The Digital: In Conversation With Dr. Sara Perry
Join us for a very interesting conversation about the role of the digital in public archaeology with Dr. Sara Perry (UCL). In this episode, Dr. Perry reflects on the paradoxes her team has experienced in recent digital participatory work that they have been doing at different international sites....
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Basics of Evolutionary Psychology Part 1
Join Dr. Shriya Gautam as she unpacks the basics of evolutionary psychology in this new series! Why do people behave in a certain way? What about unlikely, unexpected behaviour? What is the role of biology in terms of influencing human behaviour? Tune in to know more about this interesting field…
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Why We Drink, Fight, and Love: An Evolutionary Psychology Deep Dive
Why do we really drink alcohol? Why is male violence so prevalent across human history? And how much of our behavior is shaped by ancient instincts we don’t even realize we have? In this explosive episode of Speaking Archaeologically, we crack open the world of evolutionary psychology — the…
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Epilogue: Tackling The Wrong Museum Provenance
You have heard us talk about the misidentified sculptures and paintings in the last episodes. But how does one break the cycle of the wrong provenance? Tune in as Ms. Shriya Gautam brings our 'Provenance in Museums' series to a close by discussing the ways in which all of us can contribute…
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Of Epics and Battles: A Scene From The Shahnama
Our saga of the wrongly identified objects continues in this special episode. Join us as we take a look at a painitng depicting Rustum and Sohrab from the famous Persian epic, Shahnama. But is it Rustum and Sohrab? Or perhaps a different scene altogether? Tune in to unravel the mystery of the...
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The Story of The Nayika
In this special episode, we take a closer look at the figure of the crying woman. Or is she crying really? Let's find out! Join Ms. Shriya Gautam as she unpacks the Ashtanayikas, the heroines, in Indic Art. Discover how the nayikas are often wrongly identified and why is that so.
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The Curious Case of The Museum Provenance
A lot of people mispronounce it, a lot of people misspell it, a lot of people have no idea what it means. Meet provenance. A thing without which archaeology and research is not possible. For everything that is archaeologically relevant, we need to have context. In this special episode, join Ms....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join us on a journey to bridge the gap between amateurs interested in history, travellers, and professional archaeologists. Every day, various sites and objects lie forgotten, undocumented, and misunderstood. Our podcast brings together experts to share knowledge, spark conversations, and recreate the stories of the past. Tune in to explore the fascinating world of archaeology and uncover the secrets that lie hidden in plain sight.
HOSTED BY
Speaking Archaeologically
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast have?
The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast about?
Join us on a journey to bridge the gap between amateurs interested in history, travellers, and professional archaeologists. Every day, various sites and objects lie forgotten, undocumented, and misunderstood. Our podcast brings together experts to share knowledge, spark conversations, and recreate...
How often does The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast release new episodes?
The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast?
You can listen to The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast?
The Speaking Archaeologically Podcast is created and hosted by Speaking Archaeologically.
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