Into the Dust Archaeology

In this week's Archaeology Porn, we visit the Nazca Lines in Peru, a series of hundreds of geoglyphs that likely constitute the largest archaeology site on the planet. We document how and when they were made, and by whom as well as how they survived until today, awaiting our visit!In this week's Archaeology News, we cover 3 exciting stories:1) West African DNA confirmed in Early Medieval England - Ancient DNA study from two cemeteries - one in Kent and the other in Dorset - confirm that people of African descent lived 1,500 years ago in England. I covered both of these sites in my own dissertation, so I love this story!2) Middle-Class Khipu - Khipus are an ancient accounting and record-keeping device known from the Incan Empire. However, it pre and post-dates the empire, and some new scientific studies reveal it may not have been the elite item we thought it was, suggesting a wider-spread educational attainment in the Andean world.3) Palace in Sardis, Turkey - New excavations at Sardis suggest monumental architecture there pre-dates Greek Antiquity, suggesting conventional wisdom that the Lydian kingdom was an offshoot of Greek culture might not be exactly correct.Links & Resources Ancient genomes reveal cosmopolitan ancestry and maternal kinship patterns at post-Roman Worth Matravers, Dorset: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/ancient-genomes-reveal-cosmopolitan-ancestry-and-maternal-kinship-patterns-at-postroman-worth-matravers-dorset/9C48D0B3B23DB598ECA0576344025AF8West African ancestry in seventh-century England: two individuals from Kent and Dorset: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/west-african-ancestry-in-seventhcentury-england-two-individuals-from-kent-and-dorset/F00D6E3182A79B643ADC8994F2EA5818Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

In this episode of Archaeology Crime, we are going on a wild goose chase to recover a pair of stolen cultural treasures which were literally ripped off a small early Medieval church in rural Spain. The case was taken up by the leading art detective, who located the stone carvings in an unlikely place: a garden in England! Along the way, we'll learn a bit about the Visigoths, little known today but an influential people in European history.In this week's Archaeology News, we delve into 4 stories:1. A new cache of creepy Mesoamerican puppets, called bolinas, have been found in context in a way never before seen. Some of the unique features of these specimens are providing further clues as to their meaning and function.2. A gladiator grave has been discovered at Liternum, where we previously saw that newly uncovered "Tomb of Cerberus". Among a bunch of other finds, its publicity proves the enduring hold the concept of gladiators have on the popular imagination.3. A new Linear A, the longest ever discovered other than on the Disc of Phaistos, has been discovered right next to Knossos. Could it hold the keys to cracking the code of this long-lost script?4. A tourist beatdown in Mexico shows why we need to remember our etiquette for visiting archaeology sites!Links & Resources Of puppets and puppeteers: Preclassic clay figurines from San Isidro, El Salvador: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/of-puppets-and-puppeteers-preclassic-clay-figurines-from-san-isidro-el-salvador/A6E2C8408DEAB88D1EBE4BCFDC1FCBAARelated Episodes The Phaistos Disk, Greece: 4000 Year Old Lost Language - An Ancient Artifact | Archaeology Porn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAGUEm1FBZAThe Tomb of Cerberus: Archaeology Reveals the Hell Hound's Secrets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McAJss9-DckHelp us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

In today's site visit, we go to Kilmartin Glen County Argyll in Scotland, where thousands of years of archaeology are jam packed into a small glen between the hills. When it comes to stone, they've got it all - Neolithic stone circles, cairns, cist graves, Celtic crosses ... you name it! The indoor museum combined with the outdoor walk among the monuments creates a sublime archaeological experience in which you see the artefacts up close and personal in the excellent newly renovated exhibit and then outside where they were found. It't not a famous place and not easy to get to, but make sure to seek out this spot the next time you're in Scotland.This week's archaeology news delves into a number of exciting recent headlines from the archaeology news, including:1) The first unlooted Etruscan tomb ever excavated using the most modern archaeological techniques2) A Roman wall painting from London that comprised the world's most insane jigsaw puzzle to reconstruct3) A lost city discovered in PeruLinks & Resources Rare Intact Etruscan Tomb in Italy Discovered by International Baylor-led Archaeological Research Team: https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2025/rare-intact-etruscan-tomb-italy-discovered-international-baylor-led-archaeologicalThe ‘world’s most difficult jigsaw puzzle’: a once in a lifetime discovery from Roman Southwark: https://www.mola.org.uk/discoveries/news/worlds-most-difficult-jigsaw-puzzle-once-lifetime-discovery-roman-southwarkPeñico: La nueva joya arqueológica de los valles de Supe y Huaura abre sus puertas al Perú y al mundo: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/caral/noticias/1203647-penico-la-nueva-joya-arqueologica-de-los-valles-de-supe-y-huaura-abre-sus-puertas-al-peru-y-al-mundoRelated Episodes Before Rome - The Eternal Etruscans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Xg4ib2XooTop 10 Most Underrated Archaeological Sites in the World (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZktbt_3IcYHelp us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

In today's episode, we are going to delve into the Etruscan society. Whenever you hear about Antiquity, it's all GREECE, GREECE, GREECE, ROME, ROME, ROME. Well what if I told you before Rome was a powerhouse, the Italian peninsula and indeed the western Mediterranean was dominated by the Etruscan civilisation. Though their language has not been fully decoded, the archaeology they left behind tells us a lot of their story. Let's get a deep look into this lost culture, which survives in traces today - you just don't know it yet.In today's archaeology news, we examine some recent archaeological discoveries involving ancient coins which have given important clues to deciphering the past. We'll cover three stories:1) Coins confirm the identity of the San Jose, the lost Spanish treasure galleon2) An Anglo-Saxon coin gives insight into early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England3) Viking silver hoard reveals early Medieval globalizationLinks & Resources The cobs in the archaeological context of the San JoséGalleon shipwreck: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/cobs-in-the-archaeological-context-of-the-san-jose-galleon-shipwreck/66532DCA302A8C08A1EBFE4AC7E4E6C1New report on a Viking-era farm, graves and unique silver treasure in Täby: https://arkeologerna.com/bloggar/undefined/pm-ny-rapport-om-en-vikingatida-gard-gravar-och-unik-silverskatt-i-taby/One of a kind 7th Century gold coin found in field: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg85nd5r9oRelated Episodes The Best of Viking Archaeology - Myths, Legends, and Navigation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV0JKcA-EIEArchaeology News Edition #1: Multi-Billion Treasure Ship, Drone Discoveries & Ancient Carpenter!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTI-xvXaZz8 Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

In this week's episode of Archaeology Porn, we explore the Derveni Krater, an ancient Greek - or more accurately, Macedonian - drinking vessel, which would have been the center of a symposium...basically a raging keg party to our ancient ancestors. However, contrary to its sheen, this krater is actually made of Bronze, not gold. However, its incredible imagery, with inlaid metals and reliefs depicting Dionysus and other characters - both familiar and mysterious - more than make up for this! It likely belonged to a member of the Macedonian court, meaning they would have likely have lived just after Alexander the Great's life. It was discovered in a tomb just outside the ancient city of Thessaloniki.Next, we move onto Archaeology News, we explore recent archaeological excavations at Jamestown, site of the first English colony in North America. When researchers came across the original 1608 church at Jamestown, they discovered human remains. A mixture of bone analysis, DNA analysis, and historical research revealed the identities of the bodies and a scandalous paternity mystery involving the leading aristocratic family in those early colonial days...Links & Resources Historical and archaeogenomic identification of high-status Englishmen at Jamestown, Virginia: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/historical-and-archaeogenomic-identification-of-highstatus-englishmen-at-jamestown-virginia/E04D83E224FA5C15B5CC08D0703FE9B0Related Episodes Secrets Of Slavery: Archaeological Finds At Mount Vernon & Charleston | Into The Dust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjoHJTEFBdoY Chromosome - How A Single Chromosome Reveals Our Past! (Archaeology): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkmZcWyIeDQ Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

In this week's episode of Archaeology Crime, Jason takes you through the looting of the Iraq Museum in the wake of the US-led invasion of 2003. As Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime was crumbling, international antiquities traffickers were already at work selecting their targets from among the Iraq Museum's many treasures. Though many of the looters were just normal Iraqis looking to make a buck or simply attack a symbol of the hated regime, professionals were definitely involved, and they knew what they were doing. Through hard work and determination by the Iraqis, Americans, and others, many of the cultural treasures have been recovered, but much is left to be done.Next, we move onto Archaeology News. This week, we have 3 exciting stories: 1) The police are called in to resolve a Neanderthal archaeology mystery, identifying the world's oldest fingerprints 2) Ancient canal system discovered in Iraq, near the world's oldest city 3) Ancient population discovered in Colombia Links & Resources A 6000-year-long genomic transect from the Bogotá Altiplano reveals multiple genetic shifts in the demographic history of Colombia: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads6284 Identifying the preserved network of irrigation canals in the Eridu region, southern Mesopotamia: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/identifying-the-preserved-network-of-irrigation-canals-in-the-eridu-region-southern-mesopotamia/2B2BE82BACA8A2BEFCB4C43A140419C5 Related Episodes Easter Island Wine Mystery & Ancient Bear Bone Discovery! Archaeology News Edition 8 | Into The Dust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH3RBgywOEMThe Best of Neanderthal Archaeology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogu-JmwLjgU Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jason finishes his list of the (now Top 15) most Underrated Archaeological Sites. We visit:1) Merv, Turkmenistan2) Çatalhöyük, Turkey3) Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China4) Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe5) Hegra, Saudi ArabiaThen, we do a rundown of recent archaeology news. The stories featured are:1) Ancient footprint patterns and drag marks in New Mexico's White Sands National Park which suggest the oldest transportation technology ever found and a means of transporting little kids2) The discovery beneath Lake Bolsena of some prehistoric artefacts related to a Bronze Age site. The official story is that these were votive offerings, but they sound like childrens' toys to me! One clay figurine still bore the fingerprints of the person who made it!3) A Pharaonic tomb founds in Abydos - remarkably the second royal tomb found this year alone! However, was the other one found a few months ago really the first to be discovered since King Tut...?Links & Resources:The ichnology of White Sands (New Mexico): Linear traces and human footprints, evidence of transport technology?: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666033425000103Related Episodes Top 10 Most Underrated Archaeological Sites in the World (Part I): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNIVekY4wsTop 10 Most Underrated Archaeological Sites in the World (Part II): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNIVekY4wsHelp us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Episode Summary In this episode, Jason continues taking you to some seriously underrated sites where you can nevertheless make some amazing archaeological discoveries. We cover sites in South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania:1) Timgad, Algeria 2) Caral, Peru 3) Meroë, Sudan 4) Plain of Jars, Laos 5) Nan Madol, MicronesiaNext, Archaeology News delves into the intriguing findings from North Africa, particularly the Maghreb region. It highlights the genetic distinctions between Eastern and Western Maghreb populations through ancient DNA analysis and old-fashioned archaeology, revealing a successful hunter-gatherer lifestyle that persisted in the East. The next story then shifts to the Phoenician settlements in the Western Maghreb, uncovering evidence of earlier civilizations that thrived before the Phoenicians arrived, challenging previous historical narratives that the area was unpopulated at the outset of Antiquity. Links & Resources High continuity of forager ancestry in the Neolithic period of the eastern Maghreb: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08699-4Rethinking late prehistoric Mediterranean Africa: architecture, farming and materiality at Kach Kouch, Morocco: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/rethinking-late-prehistoric-mediterranean-africa-architecture-farming-and-materiality-at-kach-kouch-morocco/62D5077593941A815BA6B1C14E9185BB Related Episodes Top 10 Most Underrated Archaeological Sites in the World (Part I): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNIVekY4wsArchaeology Smackdown Over Supposed Indo-European Ethnolinguistic Homeland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRSfsER_MH4 Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Episode Summary In this episode, Jason takes you on a tour of top 10 most underrated archaeological sites in the world, or at least that he knows about! Because there is so much to get to, it’s broken down into two parts, with this first segment focusing on North America and Europe. The sites to be featured are:1) Herculaneum, Italy2) Carnac, France3) Skara Brae, Scotland4) Poverty Point, Louisiana, USA5) Cahokia Mounds, Illinois, USAAnd for today’s Archaeology News, we focus on a epic archaeology smackdown that recently occurred over an ancient DNA (aDNA) study. The paper, led by some renowned Harvard scholars, claimed (with evidence!) to have found an “ethnolinguistic” homeland for Indo-European language speakers. The problem? Language is not detectable archaeologically, plus some bad folks have glommed on to similar theories. We’ll go through the whole argument step-by-step.  Timestamps 1:09: Herculaneum2:27: Alignements de Carnac4:14: Skara Brae5:50: Poverty Point8:17: Cahokia Mounds10:26: Archaeology News – The aDNA Smackdown Links & Resources The genetic origin of the Indo-Europeans: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08531-5A genomic history of the North Pontic Region from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08372-2#:~:text=Genome%2Dwide%20studies%20of%20ancient,%2Dgatherers3%20(EHGs)%20inRelated Episodes Mysteries Of The Carnac Standing Stones In France: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xu517cshWE Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/ 

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The episode begins with the gripping tale of Giacomo Medici, one of history’s most infamous antiquities traffickers. Known as the kingpin of looted artifacts, Medici masterminded a vast smuggling network involving tomb raiders, Swiss Freeport warehouses, and high-profile museums. Host Jason Cohen unravels how these looted treasures, like the famed Euphronios Krater, were laundered through polished auction houses and ended up in major institutions such as the Met. Despite his attempts to escape justice, Medici's empire came crashing down, leading to the return of hundreds of artifacts to their rightful home. It's a story of greed, intrigue, and the long road to justice.Next, we take a wild detour to Herculaneum, where a young man caught in Mount Vesuvius' eruption provides one of the most bizarre archaeological discoveries. His brain appears to have been "vitrified," essentially turned into glass by a combination of superheated ash and rapid cooling. The podcast dives into the highly specific conditions required to create this one-in-a-billion phenomenon and the debate it sparked among scientists.Finally, Jason explores a potential contender for the world’s oldest 3D map. Deep within a cave in France, researchers identified carvings and features that resemble a topographical map of the surrounding area, complete with rivers and valleys. The theory is that this Paleolithic creation, dating at least 12,000 years, might have served practical purposes like hunting coordination or even ritualistic meanings tied to fertility and life.Timestamps 00:14: Unveiling Giacomo Medici: The Antiquities Trafficker06:12: The Downfall of a Trafficking Kingpin10:14: Ripple Effects: Justice and Repatriation of Artifacts12:29: Brains of GLASS? An vitrified brain in ancient Herculaneum17:39: Ladyparts in an ancient cave help to form the world's oldest 3D map?  Links & Resources Unique formation of organic glass from a human brain in the Vesuvius eruption of 79 CE: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88894-5Palaeolithic Map Engraved For Staging Water Flows In A Paris Basin Shelter: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ojoa.12316 Related Episodes Archaeology News: Mysteriously Preserved Human Brains Unearthed - A New Archaeological Discovery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjpdbQ4kkzIThe Oldest European Map Discovery: Story Of Saint Belec Slab - Bronze Age 3D Map: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUu5YmHFGaQ Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Episode Summary Episode 46 of Into the Dust dives straight into an essential guide for visiting archaeological sites and preserving their historical integrity. Host Jason Cohen alternates between "do's" and "don'ts," offering practical advice infused with humor and insight. From sticking to marked trails and avoiding the temptation to pocket small souvenirs, to studying a site's history in advance and respecting local rules and traditions, Jason emphasizes the importance of being a thoughtful and respectful visitor. Along the way, he shares vivid anecdotes, like imagining ancient hands creating stenciled cave art or marveling at Neolithic engineering feats. His playful tone keeps the content engaging while driving home the serious need to preserve these fragile sites for future generations.Jason also takes listeners on a virtual exploration of two incredible archaeological sites in Chengdu, China—Sanxingdui and Jinsha. Sanxingdui dazzles with visually stunning artifacts like alien-like bronze heads, intricate gold masks, and a monumental bronze tree, although much of it was discovered out of proper archaeological context. Meanwhile, the less Instagrammable Jinsha provides a deeper understanding of the Shu culture through preserved villages, burials, and stratigraphy-rich excavation sites. Jason juxtaposes the two sites to highlight the critical archaeological lesson that context often outweighs aesthetics in historical value. If you're planning a visit to Chengdu, Jason's tips will help you turn a confusing day into an enriching and awe-inspiring experience.Timestamps 00:00: Introduction0:19: Introduction to Archaeological Site Visits3:19: Essential Do's and Don'ts for Visitors5:04: Enhancing Your Archaeological Experience8:29: Historical and Archaeological Introduction 12:52: Visit to Sanxingdui23:31: Visit to Jinsha29:23: ConclusionHelp us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Get ready to dig deep into one of the greatest archaeological finds in British history! This episode explores the legendary Sutton Hoo Helmet, from its discovery in a 1939 ship burial to its painstaking restoration and fascinating design. Learn about how this intricate piece of Anglo-Saxon artistry was pieced together from fragments, what its stunning carvings and face mask reveal, and the theories about who might have worn it—perhaps even King Rædwald of East Anglia. But it gets even juicier. Could this ornate helmet have belonged to a mercenary who once fought for the Byzantine Empire? We break down the evidence, the arguments, and the cultural connections that transport us to a surprisingly globalized seventh-century England. Plus, want to see it up close? We’ll tell you where to find it today and why Sutton Hoo is still delivering new discoveries.In the second segment, join us as we travel back 9,000 years to explore an incredible archaeological discovery in Israel—the burial of a six-fingered shaman woman unearthed at Motza near Jerusalem. This episode dives into the fascinating world of Neolithic religious beliefs, the significance of physical abnormalities in ancient societies, and how this discovery compares with similar burials in Europe. Discover how spirituality, community, and the supernatural intertwine through these powerful archaeological finds. From Israel's Neolithic past to Germany's Mesolithic graves and the Celtic tombs of the Vix Princess, we reveal the stories of unique women who shaped ancient societies as spiritual leaders. Could physical differences have been seen as symbols of power? Tune in to uncover the "archaeology of ableism" and its implications on understanding humanity's earliest beliefs. Timestamps 0:13: Introduction to the Sutton Hoo ship burial3:07: Detailed description of the Helmet5:53: Who was the Helmet for?7:49: New theory – A mercenary treasure?9:20: The Helmet and Sutton Hoo today10:21: Introduction to Archaeology News11:28: Discovery of ancient site at Motza16:13: Grave of the Shaman17:37: Global Connections in Shamanic Burials  20:46: Archaeology of Ableism Links & Resources ·        Sutton Hoo and Syria: The Anglo-Saxons Who Served in the Byzantine Army?: https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/ceae213·        The Emergence of Worship and Religion in the Neolithic Period: Direct and Indirect Evidence from Moẓa (Motza):  Related Episodes Staffordshire Hoard: The Greatest Discovery of Medieval Gold in History: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_BnX6eaiUq4What Is The Three-Age System Theory: Stone Age, Bronze Age, And Iron Age Explained - Archaeology: https://publications.iaa.org.il/atiqot/vol116/iss1/2/ Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/   

Episode 44 Summary Welcome to this episode of Into the Dust! This week, we’re covering two topics from the world of archaeology. First, we’ll deep-dive into swashbucklimg pirate archaeology, uncovering artifacts and shipwrecks from the Barbary corsairs and legendary pirate Blackbeard. Then, we’ll explore groundbreaking finds made possible through LIDAR technology, revealing ancient civilizations long hidden from view. Get ready for a thrilling mix of history, technology, and discovery!Part 1: Barbary Corsairs and Blackbeard  What do North Africa’s fearsome Barbary pirates and the infamous Blackbeard have in common? Both made headlines this week, but for very different reasons. A recently discovered 18th-century Barbary pirate shipwreck has raised questions about the intersection of treasure hunting and archaeology. Laden with pottery, guns, and potential links to the slave trade, this ship opens a window into the brutal reality of Mediterranean piracy. Meanwhile, the salvage of Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge off the coast of North Carolina offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of piracy, with recovered artifacts and community archaeology enriching the pirate’s all-too-real story.Part 2: Ancient Civilizations Uncovered by LIDAR  LIDAR strikes again! This revolutionary technology has uncovered astonishing discoveries across the globe, including ancient Amazonian settlements in Ecuador, complete with roads, platforms, and a civilization rivaling the grandeur of the Maya. Archaeologists also used LIDAR to map two high-altitude medieval cities in Uzbekistan, rewriting what we thought we knew about the ancient Silk Road. The insights gained from these hidden cities offer a testament to the potential of technology to rewrite archaeology’s history books. Timestamps 00:00: Barbary Pirate Corsair Discovered 08:26: Visit to the OBX – Blackbeard’s Stomping Waters19:20: Lost City of the Amazon Discovered in the Upano Valley, Ecuador25:53: Bronze Age City in Uzbekistan  Links & Resources Barbary Rouges & Renegades: Wreck Watch Issue 16-17 Summer 2024 www.wreckwatchmag.comQueen Anne’s Revenge Project: https://www.qaronline.org/ North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort – https://ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com/Two thousand years of garden urbanism in the Upper Amazon: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi6317Large-scale medieval urbanism traced by UAV–lidar in highland Central Asia: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08086-5  Related Episodes Lost Pirate Shipwreck Discovered - The Barbary Pirates: Archaeology News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_JHt8EAeD0Unearthing the Unexpected: Archaeology in the Outer Banks (Pirates, horses & lost colony, OH MY!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbt46_gunzAArchaeology News Edition #2 Highlights: MS Origins, Lost Amazon Cities & Anglo-Saxon Treasures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6NcihZQlawArchaeology News - Fake News at Petra, Lost Cities of the Silk Road, and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kKNoFafUhg Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website:

This week’s episode features previous segments about two iconic groups in history— Neanderthals and Vikings. We uncover fascinating discoveries about their lives, cultures, and legacies through groundbreaking archaeological research. From understanding Neanderthal DNA’s impact on modern humans to unraveling the secrets of Viking exploration and burial practices, this episode is packed with insights for history enthusiasts. We look into 6 different topics:00:14: Overview of the Neanderthals15:20: Impact of modern humans in Neanderthal DNA21:27: Graves of early humans vs. Neanderthals28:16: Ancient carved bear bone – Neanderthal Art?34:38: Mystery Viking objects examined – ancient navigational devices?37:58: Dendrochronology study yields clues about real-world RagnarokLinks & Resources Recurrent gene flow between Neanderthals and modern humans over the past 200,000 years: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi1768 Neandertal burial practices in Western Asia: How different are they from those of the early Homo sapiens?: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003552124000682A Middle Palaeolithic incised bear bone from the Dziadowa Skała Cave, Poland: the oldest marked object north of the Carpathian Mountains: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000372 The impact of the volcanic double event in AD 536 and AD 539/540 on tree-ring growth and felling activity in Danish oak trees: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352409X24003171 A Middle Palaeolithic incised bear bone from the Dziadowa Skała Cave, Poland: the oldest marked object north of the Carpathian Mountains: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000372  Help us by…·       Rating & Reviewing on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019·       Subscribing on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch·       Contributing on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IntotheDustArchaeology·       Visiting our website: https://www.intothedustarchaeology.com/

Segment 1 - Latchford's Looting of Cambodia' Cultural HeritageA deep dive into the looting of Cambodia's cultural heritage by a 'respectable' collector, Douglas LatchfordSometimes even the most respected people have a dark side...And one of those people would be Douglas Latchford, a renowned collector and amateur scholar of Khmer antiquities. At the same time, he was actually responsible for stealing a huge portion of Cambodia's cultural heritage through decades of art trafficking. The sad part however is that he wasn't exactly a criminal mastermind...he committed his archaeology crime right under the noses of everyone - governments, auction houses, museums and other buyers - and many of his wares had obvious signs of looting. While a strange twist of fate allowed him to escape punishment, at least much of his ill-gotten gains did wind up in the right hands.Segment 2 - Archaeological Tour of AngkorArchaeological tour of Angkor, temple city in the jungles of Cambodia - history, archaeology & travel tipsPrepare to explore the majestic history and breathtaking archaeological wonders of Angkor, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the world. Jason takes us to the sprawling 400-square-kilometer site in Siem Reap, Cambodia—home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, and countless other astonishing temples and ruins of the Khmer Empire.  Dive deep into the history of the Khmer Empire, from its founding by Jayavarman II in the 9th century to its eventual decline in the 15th century. Along the way, uncover the stories of legendary rulers like Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII, whose architectural and cultural legacies are still felt today.  Learn how the combination of Hinduism and Buddhism shaped the temples’ unique designs, discover the purpose of Angkor’s intricate water management systems, and gain insight into its rediscovery by French explorers in the 19th century. Plus, Jason shares practical travel tips for visiting modern-day Angkor, from must-see temples to navigating the bustling streets of Siem Reap.  Links & Resources  Angkor Wat UNESCO Listing: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/World Monuments Fund: https://www.wmf.org/monuments/angkor-archaeological-parkTourism of Cambodia: https://www.tourismcambodia.com/attractions/angkor.htmRelated Episodes  Borobudur Site Visit: Astounding Buddhist Temple in Java: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vebzqXZo1E8 Khmer Antiquities Caper - Looting Cambodia's Cultural Heritage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk3aCqx0kRUWatch the video version (it's better!): https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_ArchRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019#archaeology #archeology #archaeologicaldiscoveries #ancienthistory #traveltips

Episode SummaryThis episode covers one of the ultimate archaeology site visits: the Terracotta Warriors, just outside of Xi'an, China. Created to guard the tomb of the infamous Emperor Qin Shi Huang, builder of the Great Wall of China, this veritable archaeological army was among the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. In this episode, we discover its history, its unlikely discovery by a farmer, and how to visit.Also, in Archaeology News, we look at 3 recent archaeological discoveries making headlines in the archaeology world:1) DNA Study sheds light on who the Silk Road Sogdian people were2) Innovative Indigenous Archaeology project in Australia3) One of the best intact and oldest Neolithic villages discovered in the French RivieraUseful Links:All you need to know about the Terracotta Army: SmithsonianWho were the Sodgians? HEREAustralian Aboriginal Archaeology HERENeolithic village in France HEREWatch the video version (it's better!): https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_ArchRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/into-the-dust-archaeology/id1726480019#archaeology #archeology #archaeologicaldiscoveries #ancienthistory #traveltips

In this episode, we delve into one of the biggest antiquities heists of the last few decades based on how long it lasted, how much stuff was looted and how many different places it all wound up...everywhere from local flea markets to the most venerable museums in the world. This is a story of the wholesale looting of India's cultural heritage and the fight for justice and to bring back the stolen antiquities.We then review two recent ancient DNA studies - one of Iron Age Britain and the other of the Avars, Central Asian nomadic peoples who settled in Central Europe. These studies support the historical record that suggested a high status of women in "Celtic" Britain and the opposite in Avar society. Patrilocality vs. Matrilocality, and Patrilineality vs. Matrilineality. It's an archaeological battle of the sexes, thanks to Ancient DNA!For the video version, see: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch#archaeology #ancientsocieties #antiquities #archaeologicaldiscoveries #archeology

In this episode, we take an archaeological tour of the largest single Buddhist temple on earth, Borobudur in Central Java. Rediscovered by outsiders in 1814, the enormity and intricacy of this temple tells us a lot about the advanced civilization that constructed it, but also leave a lot of open questions.We then do an archaeology news update, featuring royal treasures of Lithuania which were recently rediscovered, a 3,000 year-old city unearthed in southern China and a possible resolution of a mystery surrounding some mysterious Viking objects.For the video version, see: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch#archaeology #history #antiquities #archaeologicaldiscoveries #archeology

In this episode of Into the Dust, Jason reveals the history and secrets of the Rosetta Stone and how it allowed archaeologists and historians to access Ancient Egypt like never before. We also review some exciting archaeology news from the holidays and early January:1) Discovery of a sorcerer-doctor-dentist at the pharaoh's court in Ancient Egypt2) A Bronze Age site in Georgia - Dmanisis Gora - revealed to be much larger than before and thrived through the Bronze Age Collapse3) Previously unknown Roman town (vicus) uncovered in Southwest GermanyFor the video version, see: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_ArchEnjoy!#archaeology # archeology #Ancienthistory #AncientEgypt

In this episode, Jason breaks down his version of the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2024 (the final 5). Among these: 6) A pot of gold (literally) found in Turkey7) Cleopatra's real face?8) Deciphering a Herculaneum scroll 9) Bread at Çatalhöyük 10) Ancient Australian Aboriginal cultural practices confirmed at Clogg's CaveWe also investigate the murders at Lindow Moss, where a confusing muddle of ancient human sacrifices and modern day killing made for a confusing (and tragic) homicide investigation.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason breaks down his version of the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2024 (the first 5 anyway!). Among these: 1) Lost cities in the Amazon2) Oldest cave art ever discovered confirmed in Indonesia3) Neanderthal-human mixing4) Newly recognized geoglyphs in Peru5) Reindeer hunting wallWe also take a site visit to Bergen, founded by the early Norwegian kingdom in 1070 - the late Viking era - but it came into prominence as one of the kontors of the Hanseatic League. Bergen is chock full of archaeology - but also food, outdoor action and modern amusements.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason describes and amazing, one-of-a-kind artefact, The Bronze Hand of Prêles. This is an archaeology crime even though the detectorists who found it were not traffickers. In fact, they reported it as required, but apparently they were illegally metal detecting, so they were slapped with a fine.In honor of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), we also feature the top treasures of King Tut's tomb.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch#archaeology #Egypt #Ancienthistory

In this episode, we delve into Zooarchaeology, the archaeology of animals. As they can be peoples' best friend, animals do tell a lot about society and how humans live. We also investigate another archaeology crime, this time the theft of a US$1.8M Celtic gold coin hoard in Manching, southern Germany. A sophisticated heist which involved cutting electricity to the entire city, it's difficult to see how the archaeology and heritage community fights that. However, there still are some lessons learned.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch#archaeology #history #ancienthistory #realcrimestories

Following his site visits to the Outer Banks, Jason visited with Scott Dawson, head of the Croatoan Archaeological Society, whose passion for the history of his Croatoan ancestors led to a lifelong passion to find set the history of the Outer Banks - and hence the United States of America as a nation - right.At the center of this story is the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke myth, in which colonists simply disappeared, perhaps massacred or enslaved by the local Native Americans. The truth, as is being revealed by Dawson's historical research and community-led archaeology, is far different from this standard version of history... Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

Jason recently took a road trip to the OBX, and the reality there is perhaps more interesting than anything you'll find on Netflix. He encountered recent findings relating to two of early Colonial America's most iconic tales - The "Lost Colony" of Roanoke and the fearsome pirate Blackbeard - as well as side-stories regarding the famous OBX wild horses. Truly, you can find archaeology where it's least expected!And, particularly related to the Croatoan Indians, a lot of this community archaeology, so these are folks who operate with a passion, but not a lot of money.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In today's archaeology site visit, Jason delves into the fascinating world of Petra, an archaeological marvel in Jordan popularized as an Indiana Jones film location. Together, we explore its rich history, the enigmatic Nabataeans, and the significance of the site. Given that its one of the largest archaeology sites in the world, it's important to experience Petra beyond a day tour, in order to take in the various attractions within the archaeological park. Moreover, we explore what little is known about the Nabataean culture, their trade dominance, and the historical context of Petra in order to better understand the context of this ancient city, lost to time until documented by a Swiss explorer in the 19th century.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason delves deeper into the field of genetics to explain the significance of Y-chromosomes for understanding ancient DNA. He also explores one of the biggest mysteries of the Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean: the Disc of Phaistos. A relic of Minoan Civilizations, archaeologists can only guess as to its secrets.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

This week, Jason introduces X-Ray Fluorescent technology and its amazing ability to detect the elemental composition of artefacts. Then, we go deep into archaeological crime with one of the biggest scandals in museum history: the systematic looting of the British Museum over many years by one if its own staff -  The classic inside job!Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

Today, Jason brakes down the Wheeler Box Grid method for excavation, somewhat outdated, but still an oldie-but-goodie. In Archaeology News, he looks at a Danish dendrochronology study which looks for the truth behind Norse mythology as well as a study in China to explore ancient cosmetics.Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

For today's interview, we're speaking with a leading academic focusing on antiquities trafficking - a subject which has recently broken out into the news in some very high-profile cases.This episode is done in conjunction with www.real-archaeology.com, a collective of online creators who produce fact-based content about the past. Our goal is to collaborate in creating, promoting, and sharing entertaining and educational media with the wider public on the wonders of our shared history.Check them out to find other great archaeological content!Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch#RealArchaeology

In this episode, we go through a varve dating, a powerful tool for absolute dating that surpasses even dendrochronology. Jason also will introduce you to the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project (SHARP), a great example of community archaeology. Since the 1990's, SHARP has been excavating at an Early Medieval cemetery in Norfolk.Sorry for the lateness of this episode - major technical difficulties over here!

In this episode, Jason reviews the basics of urban archaeology. It is exactly what it sounds like - archaeology in an urban context - but it's a lot more complicated than you think! We also do a site visit to a great urban archaeology site, the NYC Tenement Museum.

In this episode, we examine an amazing remnant of the "Celtic" period in Europe - the largest booze bucket of antiquity, the Vix Krater. Found in northeastern France, it belonged to a powerful female ruler or holy woman.We also do a site visit to La Tène in Switzerland, where we encounter an incredible archaeological treasure trove encompassing the full range of historical periods, from the paleolithic to the modern times. Though the site gives its name for the entire second half of the Celtic era, there is so much more to be uncovered in the incredible Laténium museum.  

For episode 25, we are going to focus our Archaeology Porn on an amazing celestial device from the early Bronze Age as well as the real crime story of its discovery and recovery. With antiquities, unfortunately crime often does pay...but not in this case!As for Archaeology News, we're going to look at two stories from the Near East: the discovery of a Bronze Age fort in Egypt some are citing as evidence for the existence of the mysterious Sea People during the Bronze Age Collapse, and some more insight into the co-development among homo sapiens and Neanderthals of the burial rite.

Today we're going to delve into the Three Age System, which breaks history up into the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Age. It's definitely an imperfect concept, but it still kinda works.Then, as we've already covered lots of Stone Age stuff, we're jumping into the early Bronze Age with a segment on Saint-Bélec Slab, the oldest map every found in Europe and perhaps even the world.

In today's episode, we learn about stratigraphy, the bread n' butter of all archaeological practice and we take a site visit to the Megalithic Temples of Malta, which are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A flashpoint of controversy among those looking for ancient lost civilizations, let's see what this whole thing is all about...

In this episode, we are visiting two Bronze Age sites in and around Peterborough, UK: an exhibit on Must Farm, known as "Britain's Pompei", and Flag Fen. You'd never believe how much amazing archaeology is right in your back yard - no need to go to Egypt or Greece, folks!  

You thought you knew about Radiocarbon dating? Well, it's a lot more complicated than you thought! We explain it all in the ABCs of Archaeology.Also, we review two exciting news stories - the discovery on a Barbary corsair and an exciting new hypothesis about the construction of one of the famous pyramids of Egypt but NOT at Giza.

Learn the virtues of quarter sectioning, visit a quartet of sites in Oman, and learn about some intriguing sites uncovered in Archaeology News: the Tomb of Cerberus, dinosaur cave art in Brazil, and Star Carr in England.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cazdebC3Yfc

This week's episode is a site visit from my journey back to where it all began - the REAL Olympics at ancient Olympia. The bad news is it's a lesser-visited site in Greece. The good news is you'll have a lot of the place to yourself!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAuXrSObhuY#Ancienthistory #Olympics #Archaelology

Today we try to unpick palimpsests, drop ancient megalithic sites in Ireland and learn about a re-dating of hominin settlement in Europe thanks to advanced dating techniques.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg5C0v6PIbQ#Archaeology #Ireland #AncientHistory

Learn about how archaeologists use bones to reveal ancient secrets, delve into some major ancient bling - the Tara Brooch, and catch up with the latest archaeology news. This week, we learn about an exciting new ancient DNA study of Neanderthals, stone circles in Saudi Arabia, and newly discovered cave art in Venezuela.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHmtqvkNnI#Archaeology #Ireland # AncientHistory

Today we take a deep dive into Neanderthal living, visit the vast megalithic field at Carnac in Brittany, and cover an intriguing hilltop find in Crete on Archaeology News.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq41bGMx9e8

Join us on an extraordinary archaeological site visit to the Hunley in Charleston, South Carolina, where we delve into the history and mysteries of this remarkable Civil War submarine.The Hunley, known for being the first submarine to sink an enemy ship successfully, is a marvel of naval technology and a fascinating piece of marine archaeology. This video explores its historical significance, the mystery of its sinking, and the incredible efforts to raise and preserve it. Discover how this pioneering vessel represents the human spirit's conquest of new frontiers and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of technology.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5b7cQclkQ&list=PLcH4-BWqVM6KHP2Ih6UEq4_G1qRq8MgSn&index=13#Archaeology #civilwar #travel

Do you want to make a difference in archaeology but don't know how? Let's get some inspiration going with a few exciting stories:1) Ogham stone discovered while gardening2) Helping out by doing remote archaeology - LIDAR and satellite imagery (https://digventures.com/)3) Community archaeology in rural EnglandWatch the YouTube version of this podcast to get video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM1lDYWshbw#Archaeology #history #travel

Archaeology NewsGiven some ongoing projects, we'll be on a reduced output for the next few weeks, but I did still want to update on some fun news.1) Preserved brains! Not normally something you'd expect to find in the archaeological record, but there are thousands of brains preserved, some as old as 12,000 years. We're not 100% sure how, but these brains can serve as a valuable resource for understanding neurodegenerative disorders and human evolution.2) Incredibly detail-oriented experimental archaeology project to test Greek Mycenaean era armor with the help of some long-suffering Greek marines.3) Establishing ancient human presence in Saudi Arabia's lava caves at Umm Jirsan4) An update on the mega treasure ship the San Jose#Archaeology #history #worldtraveler

In this episode, Jason goes through 3 segments – The ABCs of Archaeology, a special about a study of Avar DNA, and Archaeology News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8U8IYIyz04&list=PLcH4-BWqVM6KHP2Ih6UEq4_G1qRq8MgSn&index=14ABCs of Archaeology – M is for Microwear Analysis Sometimes when archaeologists find stuff, they aren’t sure what it was used for, if it was used, or even what it is. In this case, Microwear Analysis is our friend! By looking very closely at a range of materials – stone, bone, wood, teeth, and even fabric, for example – we can get some real clues into the life of an artefact and therefore the people who made and used it. Thanks to advanced microscopy and scanning techniques, archaeologists gotten even better at this type of analysis. Let’s see it at work at Vindolanda, a site we on this channel know well.  Special Episode – Avar DNAThe Avars – who we briefly mentioned in our Scythian Archaeology Porn episode – were a mysterious group of people who made it all the way from Central Asia to Hungary in the Early Medieval era, becoming a scourge to their neighbors, especially the Byzantines. However, relatively little was known about them…UNTIL NOW! Thanks to a massive DNA project which sequenced the genomes of four entire Avar villages, we know much more about their family structure, immigration patterns, and social practices. This case study reveals how powerful ancient DNA analysis can be, and now that it is becoming so much cheaper and faster…buckle up! Archaeology and DNA together will increasingly reveal secrets of the human past we never thought it possible to uncover.  Archaeology News – Zombie ArchaeologyArchaeology can be spooky because it really just tells us the story of the human past, and that involves all kinds of ghosties, ghoulies, and things that go bump in the night. We talk about two recent discoveries: a revenant burial in Germany and a highway for the dead in Ireland. The dead walk the earth in this edition of archaeology news!·       Sourceso   https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a60649902/zombie-grave-discovered/o   https://newsweek.com/archaeologists-unearth-grave-zombie-ancient-folk-wanted-buried-forever-1894751o   https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/exploring-the-baltinglass-cursus-complex-routes-for-the-dead/81B05D3592918A99143EAE71B083B436#archaeology #history #zombies

In this episode, Jason goes through 3 segments – The ABCs of Archaeology, Archaeology Porn, and Archaeology News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5b7cQclkQ&list=PLcH4-BWqVM6KHP2Ih6UEq4_G1qRq8MgSn&index=13ABCs of Archaeology – L is for Landscape ArchaeologyArchaeology isn’t just about artefacts and buildings and the environment separately. When you put those things together, you get a whole landscape – the place people inhabit which they shape…and it also shapes them! And it’s not only about the physical space, but how people socialize in that space and how they think about it. This all is called Landscape Archaeology, and it is increasingly a core part of the discipline. UNESCO has recognized cultural landscapes for over 30 years now. Let’s learn a bit more about how it’s done, how it started, and why it’s important.Archaeology Porn – Scythian TreasuresGold, fancy footwear and ermmmm, sheets of human skin? The Scythians are a mysterious group into which some of Ancient Greek historian Herodotus’ works give us a glimpse, albeit a likely exaggerated and biased one. Luckily, as they originated all the way in the eastern Eurasian Steppe and made it all the way to Europe, the Scythians left an amazing archaeological trail. Well, thanks to finds from some of their elaborate tombs preserved in tundra, we have learned they were prolific tattoo artists and makers of pretty bad-ass shoes. Their archaeological legacy is some of the best preserved and frankly most relatable that you’ll ever see from the ancient world. Or, actually it may be a long time before you ever see it considering most of the stuff is behind the Iron Curtain in St. Petersburg. Well, at least you’ll have this video!  Archaeology News The legacy of slavery in the US is something that history has been actively exploring in recent years, but a lot of it can only be told by archaeology because enslaved people were deliberately written out of or simply overlooked in most written accounts – they were not viewed as “important” or fully human. So, a lot of what can be reconstructed about their lives is thanks to the material record – archaeology. Today, we explore two stories which reveal a bit about this legacy as well as some other more famous Americans. Sources: ·       https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/george-washingtons-stash-of-centuries-old-cherries-found-hidden-under-mount-vernon-floor ·       https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2024/04/22/cherries-george-washington-mount-vernon-1770/ ·       https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/11/us/politics/charleston-nc-slavery-black-history-dna.html·       https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/10/nyregion/anger-over-fate-resting-place-for-poor-blacks-church-fighting-town-for-ownership.html #archaeology #history #science

Episode 11 – K for Knapping, Alfred Jewel, and Archaeology News In this episode, Jason goes through 3 segments – The ABCs of Archaeology, Archaeology Porn, and Archaeology News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2NIqH-qEpw&list=PLcH4-BWqVM6KHP2Ih6UEq4_G1qRq8MgSn&index=12ABCs of Archaeology – K is KnappingWow, who knew we could learn so much from a bunch of old stone tools?! Knapping (silent K) is the art of shaping stone into (hopefully) useful tools. Why is it some important? Being able to identify worked stone is critical to dating very ancient artefacts, especially as stone tools were used by early humans (and even pre-human hominids) just about wherever they lived. Identifying worked stone sounds simple, but it takes some time to learn. You need two out of three of these features: (1) A striking platform (2) A bulb of percussion and (3) Ripples. Believe it or not, a lot of people still pursue knapping as a hobby or even artform today. Sources1.      How to identify worked flinto   https://peterborougharchaeology.org/archaeology-skills-techniques/identification-of-knapped-flints/o   https://projects.digventures.com/spodden-valley/timeline/diary/how-to-tell-if-that-flint-tool-you-found-was-really-made-by-humans/o   https://www.cafg.net/docs/articles/FlintGuide.pdf2.      Flint knapping courseso   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEReutMt8Is04N4UxGS6J1Vu1fmEkWK-Io   https://www.will-lord.co.uk/courses/flint-knapping-courses/ Archaeology Porn – The Alfred JewelThe jewel of the collection at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, the Alfred Jewel is like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Luckily, this is one situation in which, regarding the history, I don’t have to keep saying “we just don’t know” over and over again. Between the written historical and archaeological evidence, combined with a good dose of common sense, we actually have a pretty good idea of what this thing is: an aestel, or pointer, to go along with a book King Alfred the Great of Wessex sent around to all the bishops of his kingdom. Let’s go through the evidence and admire this arresting and unusual artefact! Archaeology News Genetic tests of feral grapes om Rapa Nui / Easter Island are shedding light on its 19th century history and helping modern economic development. Meanwhile, some interesting new research demonstrates how we can wring new insights out of old artefacts using modern-day technology. However, I’m not sure I’m totally on board with the findings… Sources: ·       https://www.foodandwine.com/news/easter-island-vineyard-winery#:~:text=A%20diverse%20group%20of%20entrepreneurs,on%20the%20island's%20southwestern%20tip.·       https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0028825X.2024.2332117 ·       https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S03054403