Volcanic eruption in Alaska linked to social conflict in ancient Egypt? - With Dr Joe Manning - S2E6

Historical accounts, archaeological data and recent environmental research brought to light multiple accounts, where the fates of entire civilizations have been affected by climatic events and resulting social conflict. In this episode of archaeological context, we focus on the first century BCE in the eastern Mediterranean region. A period marked by the end of the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. Recent multidisciplinary research by the guest of this episode, Dr Joe Manning from the Yale University, has highlighted the pivotal role played by a massive volcanic eruption in Alaska and resulting climatic fluctuations, that likely helped to trigger this transformative moment in the middle of the first century BCE.

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The real El Dorado? Muisca gold artefacts and Lake Guatavita – With Dr Marcos Martinón-Torres - S2E5

The myth of El Dorado played a significant role in driving the European conquistadors to explore and conquer large parts South America starting in the sixteenth century CE. But did this El Dorado actually exist, and where was it, or better who was it? In this episode of archaeological context, we will cover the source of the El Dorado legend, as it originates from specific rituals performed by the Muisca, indigenous peoples in nowadays Colombia, specifically at a small mountain lake called Guatavita. In addition, Dr Marcos Martinón-Torres, Professor at the University of Cambridge shares results of his research project examining Muisca gold artefacts.

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Uncovering the history of the Christiansborg colonial fort in Ghana – With Prof Fritz Biveridge - S2E4

In this special episode of archaeological context, I want to highlight a bit of a different topic, as we will focus on a time period and especially geographical region, not often featured in archaeological discussions: A 17thcentury UNESCO world heritage site, located on the Westcoast of Africa. Specifically, we will explore Christiansborg Castle in Osu, a suburb of Accra, the capitol of Ghana. I aim to cover the interesting and dark history, as well as results of recent excavations and I had the pleasure to talk about this with Prof Fritz Biveridge from the University of Ghana.

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Looting and destruction of Syria’s antiquities by ISIS – With Dr Amr Al-Azm - S2E3

Since 2011 the Syrian civil war, with armed confrontations between regime and various opposition forces, led to a traumatic process that has strained the ethnic and social fabric of the country. Much of Syria lies in ruins, and also its archaeological heritage has been a major casualty of the conflict, especially regarding the deliberate destruction and systematic looting of antiquities by forces of the so-called Islamic State terror organization. I had the pleasure to discuss some of the intricate details of these actions with Dr Amr Al-Azm on this episode of archaeological context.

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Stone age Cannibals? Examining the 7000-year-old ritual site of Herxheim – With Dr Andrea Zeeb-Lanz - S2E2

The stone age site of Herxheim in Western Germany is counted among the most important and at the same time enigmatic prehistoric localities of Europe, because in the ditches surrounding an Early Neolithic settlement, the skeletal remains of hundreds of individuals were found. But these were not proper burials, as the bones were smashed beyond recognition and the skulls shaped to bowl-like artefacts. Soon after this discovery, the possibility of ritualized mass cannibalism was debated, as all the evidence hints to complex ceremonies taking place at this site. To find out more, I had a discussion with my friend Dr. Andrea Zeeb-Lanz on this episode of archaeological context.

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Targeting of Ukrainian archaeological heritage - With Dr Pavlo Shydlovski and Dr Marta Andriiovych - S2E1

The unprovoked Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022 marks the largest armed conflict in Europe since the second World War, and at least six million Ukrainians had to flee their home country. This ongoing war also damaged or destroyed many archaeological sites and museums featuring the rich cultural heritage in eastern and southern Ukraine. My friends Dr Pavlo Shydlovski and Dr Marta Andriiovych talk about their their experiences and share evidence of the looting of artefacts on this episode of archaeological context.

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