archaeology

A Flooded Tomb Reveals Its Secrets - TAS 285

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This week we check back in with recent archaeology in the news! First, we look at new research on the oldest known battlefield in Europe. Then, we take a look a home renovation in France that turned into an early medieval cemetery excavation! And finally, a flooded Kushite tomb in Sudan is finally revealing it’s secrets thanks to the work of underwater archaeologists.

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The Conservation of Gorian Dray (part 2) - Trowel 30

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It’s part two of our quest to conserve the portrait of Gorian Dray, with special guest and professional conservation expert Jessica van Dam. But should we actually be conserving this portrait at all? After all, you could argue that it is itself a person. So what are the ethics around working with human remains in archaeology? How would we approach this particular fantastical example? And where in this world is Gorian Dray? Tune in to find out!

Books Mentioned

  • Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw)

  • The Truth (Terry Pratchett)

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Presenting Indigenous Archaeology on the World Stage: Reflections from JAGFOS 2024 in Kyoto, Japan - Plains 06

In this special episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover shares his experiences presenting his work in Indigenous Archaeology at the 2024 Japanese-American-German Frontiers of Science Symposium cohosted by the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany). This prestigious gathering brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, offering Carlton a unique opportunity to introduce the archaeology of the Great Plains to a global, multi-disciplinary audience. Carlton reflects on the challenges and rewards of communicating Indigenous perspectives to a broader scientific community, discussing how cross-cultural dialogue enriches our understanding of archaeology and the narratives of the past. Tune in to hear insights from his presentation, the conversations it sparked, and his takeaways from engaging with international scholars. Whether you’re interested in Indigenous Archaeology or the role of science in cross-cultural exchange, this episode provides a firsthand account of sharing Plains history and Indigenous perspectives on a world stage.

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300 Episodes: Did we make a difference? - CRMArch 300

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As we record episode 300 we reflect on the last 299 episodes and 11 years of podcasting. Did we make a difference in anyone’s career? Was it all worth it? Should we keep going? We go deep on this one. Here’s to 300 more and good luck to Heather at the helm of the next chapter of the CRM Archaeology Podcast.

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Saving Mes Aynak, Cultural Heritage in Conflict with Brent E Huffman - MM 22

10 Years ago, Brent was interviewed by Tristan about the film Saving Mes Aynak and now they are reuinted in podcast form once again.

Across the world, cultural heritage faces the threat of human development, for things like housing or resources. 10 years ago Saving Mes Aynak was a film about a Buhddist archaeological site of the same name in Afgahistan and followed the stories of Afgan archaeologists in their attempts to record and perserve the archaeological record under the threat of the Taliban and more directly, a Chinese mining company, looking to extract copper from the area.

In this episode, Brent recounts his time filming Saving Mes Aynak and reflects on the political changes in the country since then. Also discussed in his current project, which is about cultural heritage under threat, and telling the stories of the people who are attempting to rescue it.

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Monoliths! With Dr. Charlotte Coull - Aliens 73

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The episode features a lively and critical dialogue between Fredrik and Dr. Charlotte Coull, a public historian specializing in the cultural significance of stone. They explore the problematic narratives surrounding megaliths and ancient sites as portrayed in the popular television show Ancient Aliens. A key focus of their discussion is the site of Avebury, where Dr. Coull emphasizes the emotional and historical connections people have with stone structures, urging listeners to recognize the deep cultural roots these sites have in human history rather than relegating them to mere alien constructs.

The conversation also touches upon the stone spheres of Costa Rica and their misrepresentation in the media, arguing that erosion and natural processes can explain their shape, rather than attributing them to alien technology.

Fredrik and Dr. Coull's engaging exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking in the face of alternative histories that often prioritize spectacle over fact. They encourage listeners to appreciate the complexities of ancient craftsmanship and the human stories woven into the fabric of these historical sites, advocating for a respectful and informed exploration of our past. The episode is a compelling call to action for those interested in archaeology and history to challenge sensationalist narratives and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the ancient world.

Dr. Charlotte Coull's projects:

The Applied Historian

Elemental Tours

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The intro music is Lily of the woods by Sandra Marteleur, and the outro is named “Folie hatt” by Trallskruv.

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Modern Myth Returns - MM 21

It’s been a while, so here’s a little note from Tristan, to re-establish the Modern Myth project from hiatus. Expect to hear about a wide range of topics, including museums, liberation, working conditions, specialist analysis and the power of public archaeology.

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National Museum of the American Indian and Washington DC - TAS 284

This week we talk out our recent visit to Washington DC where we went to The National Museum of the American Indian, Ford’s Theater, the National Archives and the National Museum of Natural History.

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The Neolithic Origins of Halloween - TPM 4

Journey to the ancient tombs of Ireland as we delve into the history behind Halloween's earliest roots. Explore the Celtic festival of Samhain, where the veil between the worlds thinned, and bonfires blazed atop ancient passage tombs. Discover the Neolithic tombs aligned with the Samhain sunrise, the goddesses and heroes associated with this liminal time, and trace the connections between these ancient rituals and the haunted traditions we celebrate today. This episode reveals the 5,000 year old tombs that helped shape our modern Halloween celebrations.

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Ethnocynology and the Apocalypse - Ethno 04

In this episode of Ethnocynology with David Ian Howe, David gives an introduction to an idea he’s had for a while to discuss and explore the anthropological themes of apocalyptic fiction.

Apocalypse stories are often set in a bleak world, telling bleak stories. Yet they are fundamentally always HUMAN stories, using a bleak world to explore questions regarding philosophy, morality, and above all…what it means to be human.

But in these stories, the philosophical aspects of what it means to be human are often explored. Yet I think a reason we are so addicted to these stories is that we have a yearning to explore the lives of our past, zoological selves. It’s hard to write a story about the Paleolithic…the set design, the languages, the limited world restricted by the fear of shitty animation (mammoths, ice age fauna). Yet in [post apocalypse stories, we explore the world before civilization, by exploring the world after it. It’s far easier to portray English speaking humans behaving zoologically in the ruins outside of Boston, than it is a period piece set in Paleolithic France with proto-dene-Caucasian subtitles.

We yearn to live in a world without our modern complexities and burdens (last march of the Ents).

If you don’t believe me, think of how much money we spend on hiking, camping, and traveling to areas to spend a day, let alone a week a year outside? Then we must ask for PTO. We must pay for gas, or a plane ticket, or even a campsite – we literally pay to sleep in nature (albeit I don’t mind bc the money goes to keeping the area natural).

So in stories like the Last of US, I Am Legend, and Station Eleven, we explore stories In what I would call the Organic Apocalypse. A world reclaimed by nature, where the earth very much alive, green, and returned to it’s natural state, rid of the disease of humans.

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Rock Art with Dr. George Harold Nash - Rock Art 133

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Join us on this week’s episode, as Alan sits down with Dr. George Harold Nash, a prominent specialist in the field of prehistoric rock art from the University of Liverpool. Dr. Nash has extensive experience in researching rock art in places across the world, the US and South America. He’s currently working in Rising Star Cave in South Africa and several Upper Palaeolithic caves in his native South Wales.

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Theophrastus and the ‘Obtuse Man’ - ADHDBCE 3

Theophrastus wrote a series of character descriptions in 3rd C BCE Athens. The Obtuse Man describes a fictional character based on Theophrastus' encounters with real Athenians and perfectly describes the distractible and often frustrating symptoms of ADHD.

Dr Gina Musket of the Univesity of Liverpool Classics department talks about 3rd/4th C Athens, Theophrastus and life in Ancient Greece.

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My name is Oss, you bent my sword, prepare to die! - Ep 32

This month we’re getting elite as Matilda chats all about chieftain burials with archaeologist, curator, editor, and model Dr Sasja van der Vaart-Verschoof (also known on her online platforms as The Overdressed Archaeologist). Well, they’re talking about one chieftain burial in particular - that found in Oss in the Netherlands - and they’re especially talking about why the burial included a large and beautifully made iron sword bent into a ring. Why did people break or bend swords before burying them in the past? How could such a sword be bent into a ring? And how does Sasja manage to juggle so many different jobs and specialisms? Listen in to find out!

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  • Email: matilda@thearchaeologiststeacup.com

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UNEARTHED - The Mystery of the Shaman Woman - 2024 Arkhaios Grand Prize Winner - TAS 283

Today’s episode is a special one where we interview Director Christian Stiefenhofer. In the first segment he gets a special announcement from Arkhaios Film Festival founder Jean F. Guilleux. We discuss the amazing documentary that Christian and his team put together and in the last segment, Rachel and Chris wrap up the show with a discussion about the film.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3VWgYoOok9Y

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The Conservation of Gorian Dray (part 1) - Trowel 29

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Ash and Tilly have discovered an old and dilapidated painting in the corner of their office, although arguably the most dilapidated part is the man pictured in it - a Mr Gorian Dray. Could it be a soul-bound object? And if so, how can they possibly go about conserving it? Luckily, they are joined by professional art conservator Jessica van Dam, and together they look at the world of fantasy and back in time through archaeology to see just what they are dealing with!

Books Mentioned

  • Prince Caspian films

  • Lord of the Rings (J.R.R.Tolkien)

  • Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (Susanna Clarke)

  • Harry Potter (J.K.Rowling)

  • Witches Abroad (Terry Pratchett)

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Hell Gap: A Window into Paleoindian Life on the Great Plains - Plains 05

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover takes listeners to one of the most significant Paleoindian sites in North America: the Hell Gap National Historic Landmark. Located in eastern Wyoming, Hell Gap has provided a treasure trove of archaeological insights into the earliest inhabitants of the Great Plains. Carlton explores the history of this iconic site, from its discovery in the 1950s to its designation as a National Historic Landmark, highlighting its importance in understanding Paleoindian culture. We’ll delve into the various Paleoindian components uncovered at Hell Gap, including artifacts from Clovis, Folsom, and other key traditions, and discuss how these finds have helped archaeologists reconstruct lifeways, tool technologies, and hunting strategies. The episode also features a history of the site’s excavations, from the groundbreaking early digs to more recent research efforts. Whether you're fascinated by ancient history or want to learn more about how sites like Hell Gap shape our understanding of the Paleoindian past, this episode offers a captivating look at one of the Great Plains' most remarkable archaeological landmarks.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/EvzAaRURSSg

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What's your end game, final job and retirement? - CRMArch 299

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What’s your plan? Do you have a plan for retirement? We don’t just mean financially. What do you want to do when you “grow up” in archaeology or cultural resources management? Do you want to teach? Do you want to run a company? Where do you see yourself in 25 years? We ask, and answer, the tough questions on this week’s episode.

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Unmasking the Myths of Crystal Skulls: Fact vs. Fiction - Aliens 72

The legend of crystal skulls captivates the imagination, interweaving tales of ancient wisdom, extraterrestrial artifacts, and mystical powers. However, a closer examination reveals that many of these claims are steeped in modern invention rather than historical fact. Frederick meticulously investigates the origins of the most notorious crystal skulls, notably the Mitchell-Hedges Skull, which has been venerated by some as an ancient artifact with supernatural qualities. Contrary to popular belief, extensive research indicates that these skulls were likely manufactured in Germany, utilizing modern tools and techniques that were not available to ancient civilizations.

Throughout this captivating exploration, Frederick addresses the pseudoscientific narratives that have proliferated around these skulls, exposing the lack of credible evidence supporting their supposed ancient origins. The episode further critiques the appropriation of Indigenous cultures in the promotion of these myths, spotlighting how New Age movements often fabricate connections to Native American spiritual practices to enhance the allure of these artifacts. The discussion serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misrepresenting cultural histories and the commercialization of spiritual beliefs, reminding listeners that the enchanting stories surrounding crystal skulls are often just that—stories—rather than grounded realities. Ultimately, this episode calls for a more nuanced understanding of these artifacts, advocating for recognition of their artistic value while dispelling the myths that have overshadowed their true origins.

A fully sourced transcript can be found at the episode page at: https://diggingupancientaliens.com/episode-72-the-crystal-skulls

Remember to visit Real-Archaeology.com to learn more about the event, which will take place between October 25 and October 27, 2024!

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Music

The intro music is Lily of the woods by Sandra Marteleur, and the outro is named “Folie hatt” by Trallskruv.

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Rapa Nui - HeVo 91

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On today’s episode, Jessica talks with Friar Francisco Nahoe and Mata'u Rapu about how a priest and a filmmaker got involved in repatriation efforts for Rapa Nui (Easter Island). We learn how 19th and 20th Century European sheepherding ventures circulated Polynesian crania from Rapa Nui across the world; how UNESCO recognition can harm indigenous communities; the close relationship between environmental protection, cultural heritage, and indigenous rights; and most of all how the Rapanui people themselves provide an outstanding example of resilience in the face of environmental precarity and Euro-American colonization. Finally, we explore the challenges of living up to the leadership and legacy of both ancient ancestors and living elders in the effort to find a collective, multi-generational Polynesian voice.

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Uncovering the Secrets of the Pyramids - TPM 03

Uncover the engineering marvels behind Egypt’s iconic pyramids and new archaeological findings about their construction. Explore unfinished Third Dynasty pyramids, Sneferu's architectural experimentations, and the wonder that is the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Learn about the pyramid towns that supported a large, skilled workforce and harbors that were part of the extensive transport network required to move materials. This episode sheds light on how the process of constructing massive monuments for the dead led to technological innovations and shaped the lives of ancient Egyptians.

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