david meadows
2021-01-03 15:00:25 UTC
===============================================================
explorator 23.37 January 3, 2021
===============================================================
You can read explorator online at:
https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/
Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,
Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).
================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
350 000 years bp evidence of use of grinding tools by hominids from Tabun Cave (Israel):
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stone-found-in-israel-is-oldest-known-tool-used-for-delicate-abrading/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/haifa-university-350000-years-ago-fire-and-tools-were-used-to-play-games-653377
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-a-350-000-year-old-turning-point-in-human-evolution-found-in-israel-1.9402735
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/r1JoK7LTv
https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/28/tool-pre-dating-modern-humans-identified-in-northern-israel/
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/haifa-u-researchers-discover-oldest-vessel-made-by-humanoids/2020/12/27/
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/27/c_139622388.htm
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/350000-year-stone-found-in-israel-is.html
A study of the 'little foot' australopithecus' curved forearm:
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-forearm-curvature-foot-australopithecus-natural.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9348-201230-little-foot-arms
Some roundups (different) of human origins-related finds from 2020:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ten-new-things-we-learned-about-human-origins-2020-180976632/
https://www.livescience.com/human-ancestors-discoveries-2020.html
Review of a couple of books on the 'cutthroat world of paleoanthropology':
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/books/review/fossil-men-kermit-pattison-the-sediments-of-time-maeve-leakey.html
================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
A project to restore a number of sphinxes (sphinges) at Karnak:
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-launches-sphinx-restoration-project-at-luxors-karnak-temple/
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/02/egypt-restores-famous-ram-statues-at-karnak-temple/
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96000/Karnak
https://menafn.com/1101373786/Egypt-restores-famous-ram-statues-at-Karnak-Temple
The tomb of Ramses I has reopened after restoration:
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/03/egypt-reopens-tomb-of-ramses-i-following-restoration/
https://www.egyptindependent.com/photos-after-its-restoration-egypt-reopens-ramses-i-tomb-in-luxor-for-visitors/
Again, Egypt announces that they will be announcing something:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95802/New-archaeological-discovery-in-Saqqara-to-be-announced-early-2021
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95941/In-2021-Saqqara-will-continue-to-reveal-its-secrets-amaze
Overview of archaeology finds in Egypt this year:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/50/1207/397248/AlAhram-Weekly/Heritage/Yearender--Egypts-Archaeological-extravaganza-.aspx
More on Egypt dealing with increased illegal digging during COVID times:
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/28/c_139622582.htm
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2020/12/28/feature-egypt-faces-increased-home-illegal-digging-for-antiquities-amid-covid-19-pandemic
Feature on the Edwin Smith surgical papyrus:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/medical-papyrus-the-guide-for-ancient-egyptian-physicians/
Feature on the ritual of embalming papyrus and Herodotus' account:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/the-ritual-of-embalming-papyrus-and-herodotus-account/
Feature on the Rhind bilingual papyri:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/the-rhind-bilingual-papyri-mourning-and-magic-numbers/
Feature on Djoser's pyramid:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-pyramid-of-djoser-the-worlds-oldest-pyramid-is-often-overshadowed
Feature on Thutmose IV (including a facial reconstruction):
https://www.greenprophet.com/2020/12/meet-pharaoh-thutmoses-iv/
Opeddish on the hoped-for return of the bust of Nefertiti:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/nefertiti-will-iconic-berlin-resident.html
7000 years bp (and later) petroglyphs from a site near Nimvar (Iran):
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456345/Petroglyphs-dating-back-to-9th-millennium-BC-discovered-in-Iran
Speculation that the Jelogir Mound (Iran) may contain a ruined Achaemenid castle of some sort:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456318/Ancient-hill-may-contain-ruined-castle-near-Persepolis-archaeologist
A rock-cut relief of the 3rd century CE king Bahram II will be preserved:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456479/Royal-bas-relief-being-restored-preserved-for-future-generations
Feature on work going on at Tepe Hesar (Iran) which has evidence of three major periods of occupation:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456342/7-000-year-old-Tepe-Hesar-being-demarcated
Feature on various archaeological structures at Iraq Al Amir (Jordan):
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/caves-structures-iraq-al-amir-hold-clues-distant-past
https://en.ammonnews.net/article/45517
https://menafn.com/1101358675/Jordan-Caves-structures-of-Iraq-Al-Amir-hold-clues-to-distant-past
Feature on the rebuilding of Mosul:
https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-rebuilding-mosul-for-the-future/a-56053549
Feature on Assyrian art:
https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-ancient-assyrian-art/
Feature on Assyrian torture:
https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/assyrians-torture-60fabb7a9642
More on the apparent deciphering of Elamite:
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/12/30/french-archaeologist-deciphers-ancient-language/
A roundup of the top 'biblical archaeology' stories of 2020:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-jesus-crucifixion-a-cursed-king-and-mysterious-giant-mounds-top-biblical-archaeo-1.9404675
Analysis of a jar lid from Qumran suggests there may have been many more DSS (and maybe are still):
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/dead-sea-scrolls/decayed-papyrus-hints-that-more-dead-sea-scrolls-remain/?mqsc=E4125009&dk=ZE05D0ZF0
Feature on Israel Finkelstein's work at Kiryat Ye'arim:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-one-man-s-quest-for-the-ark-of-the-covenant-led-to-a-completely-different-find-1.9305352
Something about a deal to 'streamline' archaeological excavations at development sites in Israel:
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/new-deal-to-streamline-archaeological-excavations-at-development-sites-653967
More on evidence of a tsunami hitting the coast near Tel Dor some 10 000 or so years (give or take) bp:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/archaeologists-discover-massive-tsunami-hit-israel-during-neolithic-era-653754
https://gizmodo.com/archaeologists-find-evidence-that-a-massive-tsunami-hit-1845935925
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9342-201228-israel-neolithic-tsunami
More on the finds (including the 3800 years bp baby jar burial) from Jaffa:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israeli-dig-uncovers-bronze-age-baby-in-jar-d33gs68kb
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/archaeological-dig-in-jaffa-unearths-3800-year-old-baby-buried-in-a-jar-654116
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-remove-3800-year-old-baby-skeleton-jar-180976647/
More on the 2000 years bp mikveh from near Gethsemane:
https://aleteia.org/2020/12/29/2000-year-old-jewish-ritual-bath-discovered-under-israeli-highway/
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/remains-found-at-gethsemane/
More on evidence of Canaanites importing exotic foods from Asia:
http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/turmeric-banana-soybean-near-east-09198.html
Feature on rejection of idolatry in ancient Israel:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-why-jews-don-t-worship-statues-of-god-1.9405116
Feature on gluttony and drunkennes in Ancient Israel:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/eat-drink-and-be-merry/
A dispute over the identification of Jesus as 'Palestinian' by the BBC:
https://www.jpost.com/international/bbc-jesus-was-palestinian-despite-terms-use-century-after-crucifixion-653453
================================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
================================================================
Remains of a 2500 years bp temple of Aphrodite (and other finds from various periods) from Izmir:
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/2500-year-old-aphrodite-temple-discovered-in-turkeys-izmir
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/01/03/2500-year-old-greek-aphrodite-temple-discovered-in-turkeys-izmir-smyrna/
https://www.albawaba.com/node/1402595
I think we mentioned this 12th century BCE necropolis find from Larnaca:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/12th-century-bc-cemetery-found-during.html
Remains of a section of Roman road in Northumberland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-55497755
https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/roman-road-pre-dating-hadrians-wall-discovered-northumberland-3082660
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/hidden-part-roman-road-uncovered-19532420
https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/18976915.settlingstones-roman-road-remains-uncovered-northumbrian-water/
A 'lost' sanctuary of Apollo which had been excavated in the 1800s on Cyprus was relocated (we mentioned this):
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/31/archaeologists-locate-the-lost-sanctuary-of-apollo-in-cyprus/
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/31/sanctuary-of-apollo-located-by-archaeologists-at-lefkosia-cyprus/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/01/02/sanctuary-of-apollo-found/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/sanctuary-of-apollo-at-pera-oreinis.html
An Archaic necropolis found during house construction in Gela (Italian):
https://www.lasicilia.it/news/caltanissetta/382014/gela-rinvenuta-una-necropoli-arcaica-durante-i-lavori-per-realizzare-una-casa.html
https://www.ragusanews.com/2021/01/02/cultura/sicilia-fanno-fondamenta-casa-trovano-necrepoli/116989
Power line construction in the Mendip hills have revealed remains of a Roman settlement:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/remains-roman-settlement-unearthed-route-4790240
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/roman-pottery-among-finds-made-archaeologists-working-cable-route-worlds-largest-offshore-wind-farm-3082482
Not reading much about this find of a cache of Roman weapons (including shields) from Albacete (Spain):
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/12/31/roman-weapons-uncovered-in-central-spain/
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-29/hallado-en-albacete-un-excepcional-conjunto-de-armas-de-epoca-romana.html
A roundup of the digging at Anavarzna (Turkey) with finds from various periods:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/findings-in-anavarza-excite-archaeologists-161290
A major 2000 years bp Celtic coin hoard find (last September?) from Suffolk is being connected to Boudicca (we mentioned this):
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/war-coins-linked-to-ancient-rebellion-led-by-queen-boudicca-found-in-uk-653367
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/amateur-treasure-hunter-discovered-2000-year-old-coins-180976658/
In case you missed the Roman baths find from Amman:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-jordan-antiquities-idUKKBN2931GH
https://www.reuters.com/article/jordan-antiquities/drainage-works-unearth-roman-baths-in-heart-of-jordans-capital-idUSL8N2J925J
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/jordan-amman-roman-ruins-baths-archeology-excavation.html
https://news.yahoo.com/roman-ruins-discovered-downtown-amman-180034661.html
https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/30/baths-from-ancient-philadelphia-dug-up-in-modern-day-amman/
Feature on the 'rehabilitation' of the Roman tabernae in Trajan's Market:
https://www.archdaily.com/953939/rehabilitation-of-roman-tabernae-in-the-trajans-market-labics
More on the Regio V thermopolium excavation at Pompeii:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/dec/27/snack-bar-pompeii-offers-insights-ancient-eating-habits-video-report
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/26/exceptionally-well-preserved-snack-bar-unearthed-in-pompeii
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/27/950645473/whats-on-the-menu-in-ancient-pompeii-duck-goat-snail-researchers-say
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/951026718/archaeologists-in-ancient-city-of-pompeii-dig-up-a-roman-food-counter
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/26/world/europe/pompeii-snack-bar-thermopolium.html
https://www.thedailybeast.com/newly-unearthed-pompeii-snack-stand-still-has-bits-of-old-food
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-mallard-pompeii-fast-food-reveals.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pompeii-archaeologists-ancient-thermopolium-street-food-volcanic-eruption/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/mallard-to-go-dig-of-pompeii-fast-food-place-reveals-tastes/2020/12/26/8970c090-479e-11eb-ac2a-3ac0f2b8ceeb_story.html
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/28/pompeii-ancient-snack-bar-newsource-orig-vpx.cnn
https://www.dw.com/en/archaeologists-in-pompeii-discover-ancient-snack-bar/a-56064831
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-26/un-restaurante-de-comida-rapida-de-pompeya-el-nuevo-descubrimiento-bajo-las-cenizas-de-la-ciudad.html
https://www.ntd.com/archaeologists-unearth-roman-era-food-stall-in-pompeii-ruins_545690.html
https://www.wionews.com/videos/archaeologists-unearth-frescoed-food-shop-in-the-ancient-city-of-pompeii-352690
https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2020/12/29/22205141/ancient-fast-food-restaurant-discovered-in-pompeii
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/93wde8/an-ancient-roman-snack-bar-was-unearthed-in-pompeii
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-rome/pompeii-fast-food-restaurant-uncovered/?mqsc=E4124854&dk=ZE05D0ZF0
https://mashable.com/article/pompeii-snack-stand-thermopolium-discovery-photos/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/12/archaeologists-excavate-ancient-roman-takeout-counter-at-pompeii/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/archaeologists-uncover-fast-food-counter-at-pompeii/136591
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fast-food-joint-pompeii-served-snails-fish-and-wine-new-finds-suggest-180976651/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/street-food-shop-emerges-in-pompeii.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9345-201229-pompeii-snack-bar
More on the mosaics found in a Baalbek market:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1781856/middle-east
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/workers-uncover-roman-mosaic-in-baalbek.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9343-201228-lebanon-baalbek-mosaic
More on plans to rebuild the Colosseum floor:
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/42630-colosseum-in-rome-will-have-a-floor-for-the-first-time-in-1500-years.html
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/rome-rebuild-colosseum-retractable-floor-restoration-italy-01-02-2021/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/italy-plans-install-floors-colosseum-1-180976635/
More on plans to restore Pheidias' workshop at Olympia:
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/42602-workshop-of-iconic-sculptor-pheidias-to-be-restored-in-ancient-olympia-of-greece.html
An auction house needs help with a Greek inscription found in an English garden:
https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/18981510.help-needed-find-roman-slab-found-whiteparish/
Mary Beard reminiscing about the Sather Lectures and Elagabalus:
https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/the-sather-lectures-and-the-emperor-elagabalus/
Feature/virtual tour/hype for the reopening of the Mausoleum of Augustus:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mausoleum-romes-first-emperor-set-reopen-public-2021-180976645/
Feature on Diogenes:
https://greekreporter.com/was-greek-philosopher-diogenes-the-cynic-the-first-anarchist/
Feature on that Severan 'bribery inscription' from a few weeks ago:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-severus-inscription-and-how-ancient-political-losers-had-to-bribe-roman-emperors-for-peace
Feature on Kyniska:
https://neoskosmos.com/en/177935/hidden-women-of-history-kyniska-the-first-female-olympian/
Feature on being a Roman soldier:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/being-a-soldier-in-the-roman-army/
... and the challenges Roman soldiers faced:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/challenging-life-of-a-roman-soldier/
... and general Roman army stuff:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/roman-soldier-life-in-the-army-and-beyond/
Feature on Roman slavery:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/roman-slavery-who-were-the-roman-slaves/
Feature on the life of Roman enslaved persons:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/duties-and-life-of-a-roman-slave/
Feature on Roman freedmen:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/a-roman-slaves-life-after-freedom/
Another feature on the Greeks and perception of blue:
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2021/01/01/did-the-ancient-greeks-see-blue-like-we-do/
Feature on some ancient Greek vase types:
https://ourculturemag.com/2020/12/31/6-types-of-ancient-vases-styles-facts/
The baths at Bath had to close for pandemic reasons:
https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/roman-baths-pump-room-forced-4846458
Interesting Classical reception in a statue of Cornelia in Ohio:
https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/opinion/2020/12/28/were-statue-cornelia-and-her-jewels-honor-ohio-leaders/4060761001/
They've put some lighting on the Temple of Hephaestus and the Philopappos Monument:
https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/30/temple-hephaestus-illuminated/
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
================================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
================================================================
Plans to restore a recently-found priest's effigy that had been damaged by Henry VIII's soldiers:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/dec/27/desecrated-and-hidden-for-centuries-priests-effigy-is-restored-to-glory
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/derbyshire-resident-uncovered-earliest-alabaster-effigy-english-priest-180976636/
Remains of a possible medieval settlement beneath a Gloucester golf course:
https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/medieval-settlement-found-underneath-gloucester-4837647
A medieval Chinese coin find from a Hampshire field has obvious trade implications:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/chinese-coin-hints-at-vast-medieval-trade-route-z9hq8rb20
An intact medieval jug from a dig in Dublin:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/medieval-jug-found-on-ship-street-great-site-is-pitcher-perfect-9zchhzpmx
Assorted 'treasure' finds from Staffordshire:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/more-treasure-given-up-soil-19520122
... and a 2400 years bp (maybe) gold 'ornament' find from near Alson:
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18982395.gold-ornament-discovered-near-alston-declared-treasure/
An illegal New Year's Eve party at a 500 years bp church in East Hordon caused quite a bit of damage:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-55514853
Feature on restoring mosaics at St John Lateran:
https://www.osvnews.com/2020/12/28/come-to-the-water-mosaicists-bring-renewal-to-romes-first-baptistery/
... and the first known Nativity scene figurines were on display at Santa Maria Maggiore:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/first-known-nativity-scene-figurines-can-now-be-seen-in-st-mary-major-basilica-68998
Feature on restoration of a Spanish town's 'evil angels' church:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/30/spanish-town-looks-to-its-evil-angels-to-boost-its-fortunes
Feature on recent finds from various periods in North Wales:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/archaeological-secrets-unearthed-north-wales-19506972
Feature on restoration work going on at the Palazzo Silvestri-Rivaldi in rome:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/frescoes-of-romes-palazzo-silvestri-rivaldi-dazzle-once-again-0s09jd60w
Neil Price offers some Viking revisionism:
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-26/vikingos-queer-transculturales-y-bastante-inclusivos.html
More on 7000 years bp arrows made from (human) bones from 'Doggerland':
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/7000-year-old-arrows-made-from-human.html
----------
Archaeology in Europe News:
http://archaeology-in-europe.blogspot.com/
Medievalists.net:
https://www.medievalists.net/category/news/
Viking Archaeology Blog:
http://viking-archaeology-blog.blogspot.com/
================================================================
ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
================================================================
I think we mentioned this 3500 years bp tomb with evidence of sun worship from China's Xinjian Uygur Autonomous region:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/3500-year-old-tomb-in-nw-china.html
From the same area comes the find of a 3300 years bp settlement site:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-12/30/content_77064817.htm
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/30/c_139628812.htm
An 1800 years bp stone vessel has helped identify a mausoleum in Henan as belonging to the emperor Liu Zhi:
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/ruins-of-1800-year-old-vessel-helps-confirm-imperial-tomb-in-central-china/ar-BB1cjTyl
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-12/29/content_77061468.htm
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mausoleum-identified-resting-place-second-century-chinese-emperor-liu-zhi-180976668/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9347-201230-china-emperor-tomb
Feature on restoration work at China's Old Summer Palace:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-12-27/Old-Summer-Palace-starts-new-round-of-cultural-relic-restoration-Wz7ijD4dS8/index.html
A Neolithic axe from Somasila in Telangana:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/neolithic-tool-surfaces-at-somasila/articleshow/79980565.cms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/neolithic-axe-dated-4000-2000-bc-discovered-in-nagarkurnool-district/articleshow/79982865.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/neolithic-celt-discovered-in-a-nagarkurnool-village/article33432593.ece
Studying Indus Valley civilization water use:
https://www.eurasiareview.com/30122020-mapping-water-use-of-indus-valley-civilization/
Another Tami Brahmi inscription find from near Madurai:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/another-tamil-brahmi-inscription-stone-found-in-a-shambles/articleshow/79998508.cms
Hyping an impending dig at a mid-19th century hotel site near Melbourne:
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/walls-can-t-talk-but-dig-on-1853-hotel-ruin-may-yield-historical-gems-20201231-p56r0l.html
Feature on Australia's Peter Taylor, dubbed 'one of Australia's greatest shipwreck hunters':
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/holding-for-sunday-meet-the-retired-stonemason-who-has-become-one-of-australia-s-greatest-shipwreck-hunters-20200418-p54kzc.html
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
The US Senate passed a bill to protect historic Black cemeteries:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/legislation-protect-african-american-burial-grounds-passes-senate-180976642/
... and semi-related, I guess, is legislation to apply banking regulations to the antiquities market:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/arts/design/antiquities-market-regulation.html
Not sure if we mentioned the threat to a Native American archives in Seattle:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/30/seattle-national-archives-indigenous-people-property-sale
Feature on an enslaved person name Caesar, who was a chef in colonial Virgina:
https://theconversation.com/oppression-in-the-kitchen-delight-in-the-dining-room-the-story-of-caesar-an-enslaved-chef-and-chocolatier-in-colonial-virginia-151356
================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
================================================================
A study questioning whether Columbus found early Caribs when he arrived:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/12/facial-profiling-ancient-dna-tell-two-tales-of-early-caribbean-islanders/
Latest Easter Island study suggests deforestation happened after earlier postulated societal collapse:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/new-findings-about-prehistoric-easter-island/136619
Squatters have issued death threats to the archaeologist who found the remains of Caral (!):
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/03/squatters-ancient-ruins-peru-death-threats-archeologist-caral
Feature on Maya religion being more than just sacrifices:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-maya-civilizations-religion-was-more-than-just-ritual-sacrifices
Feature on crystal skulls:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-real-story-behind-aztec-crystal-skulls
Feature on how European viruses brought down the Aztec and Inca empires:
https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/european-viruses-aztec-inca-empires/
Peru is putting in place a reservation system to visit Machu Picchu:
https://www.elmostrador.cl/generacion-m/2020/12/30/peru-inicia-reserva-y-venta-de-entradas-para-visitar-machu-picchu/
More on the arrangement of ancient Amazonian villages:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1370294/archaeology-discovery-ancient-amazon-villages-native-american-cosmos-evg
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
================================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
================================================================
Assorted roundups of top archaeology stories of 2020 (not specific to any particular country):
https://www.livescience.com/biggest-archaeological-findings-2020.html
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-ghostly-genes-gal-gadot-and-stone-balls-best-archaeology-of-2020-1.9407261
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ninety-fascinating-finds-revealed-2020-180976608/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/best-art-and-archaeology-discoveries-2020-1930552
... and one focusing on ancient weapons:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-weapons-swords-found-in-2020.html
Feature on the impact of dams on the cultural heritage of the Middle East and North Africa:
http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2020/12/orientdams
How various famous authors might have described 2020:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/12/23/various-authors-describe-2020/
Latest frozen animal find is a 20 000 to 50 000 years bp wooly rhino from Siberia:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/dec/30/siberia-permafrost-yields-well-preserved-ice-age-woolly-rhino
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/well-preserved-ice-age-woolly-rhino.html
Britain is putting together a database of everyone who was an investor in the slave trade:
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/12/28/uk/britain-slave-trade-dictionary-scli-gbr-intl/index.html
Feature on all the recent 'women warrior' finds:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/opinion/man-the-hunter-woman-andes-viking-women-leaders-feminism.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/opinion/women-hunter-leader.html
On why the year begins on January 1:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/why-is-january-1-the-beginning-of-a-new-year
Feature on some ancient hangover cures:
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/ancient-hangover-cures-can-you-19543892
https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2021-01-01-ancient-hangover-cures-to-get-you-through-the-new-year/
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/ancient-hangover-cures-you-through-19544497
Pondering whether 2020 was the worst year ever:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/12/30/ranking-2020-worst-year-history/
Marking the 500th anniversary of Luther's excommunication:
https://www.dw.com/en/500-years-after-martin-luthers-excommunication-a-chance-for-ecumenical-christianity/a-56099590
Pondering whether Jews and Christians have the same Bible:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-bible-without-jesus-how-two-faiths-can-read-the-same-text-in-dissonant-ways/
Feature on EP Thompson:
https://aeon.co/essays/what-shaped-e-p-thompson-historian-and-champion-of-working-people
In search of Renaissance women artists:
https://www.npr.org/2021/01/02/951479764/where-are-the-women-uncovering-the-lost-works-of-female-renaissance-artists
Pondering the continuing appeal of the Great Gatsby:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/books/great-gatsby-fitzgerald-copyright.html
On Jefferson's attempts at figuring out Christianity:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/01/04/what-thomas-jefferson-could-never-understand-about-jesus
More on Banjo Paterson's chocolate:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55421008
More on Thomas Beckett's 'little book' identification (maybe):
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-55370722
================================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
================================================================
Solomon's Temple:
https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/metkids/2020/solomons-temple-model-judaica
Pictorial tumours:
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2020-12-24/tumores-pictoricos.html
Dante:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/01/italy-year-long-celebration-dante-700-anniversary-drawings
Chinese Maritime Relics:
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/29/c_139625214.htm
Sededunum Roman Fort:
https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/whats-on/obscurum-lux-see-segedunum-in-a-different-light
Arbeia Roman Fort:
https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk/whats-on/flesh-on-the-bones
Seeing Color:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/31/arts/design/nature-of-color-natural-history-museum.html
Feature on assorted goings-on at the Met:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/24/arts/design/metropolitan-museum-european-paintings-skylights.html
Egypt's Museum of Islamic Art launched a 3d virtual platform:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95845/Egypt-s-Min-of-Tourism-Antiquities-launches-virtual-visit-to
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95837/Video-Enjoy-a-tour-inside-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Museum-of-Islamic-Art
How the art world is adapting to COVID 19:
https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/events/how-art-world-adapts-to-global-pandemic-concept-during-covid-19
The Edward Valentine museum is confronting its Confederate past:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/richmond-sculptor-edward-valentine-created-many-of-the-statues-that-defined-lost-cause-mythology-now-his-familys-museum-is-confronting-the-legacy/2020/12/31/e9ed90c0-4b7b-11eb-a9d9-1e3ec4a928b9_story.html
More on Germany and it's colonial past in museums:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/germany-confronts-its-own-imperial-past-x33td5lsk
================================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
================================================================
Feature on coins in the upcoming NYINC coin auction:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ancient-coin-highlights-of-the-heritage-january-2021-nyinc-auction/
================================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
================================================================
Analyzing DNA from some 2200 years bp burials from Guam are shedding light on the peopling of the western Pacific:
https://www.mpg.de/16203822/1222-evan-ancient-dna-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-mariana-islands-150495-x
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9341-201228-marianas-guam-migration
More on DNA and the first settlers in the Caribbean:
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/ancient-dna-retells-story-of-caribbeans-first-people/
http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/caribbean-genetic-history-09192.html
https://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/ancient-dna-reveals-untold-story-of-caribbeans-first-islanders/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dna-study-shows-caribbean-was-populated-two-waves-180976646/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9344-201228-caribbean-migration-dna
================================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
================================================================
Archaeologists have created a 3d model of the Tepsi petroglyph site:
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-archaeologists-d-tepsei-archaeological-site.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/ksu-afk122420.php
In COVID times, it appears, archaeologists returned to the lab(s):
https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-covid-hit-archaeologists-turned-to-futuristic-labs-to-dig-up-ancient-history/
Latest facial recreation is a Black Civil War soldier:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/how-a-forensic-artist-attempted-to-re-create-the-face-of-a-black-civil-war-soldier/2020/12/22/614d8234-2db2-11eb-860d-f7999599cbc2_story.html
================================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
================================================================
Thuringia:
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-16-states-thuringia/a-4526005
Tenea:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/260712/gallery/ekathimerini/community/ancient-teneas-enduring-fascination
Debateable Lands:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200504-the-tiny-country-between-england-and-scotland
================================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
================================================================
Media Vita:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/arts/music/John-Sheppard-media-vita.html
================================================================
CRIME BEAT
================================================================
A major bust of antiquities found by Serbian authorities during a truck check:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/serbian-customs-find-2000-historic.html
Police in Tunisia seized three Roman sarcophagi:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/police-seize-three-roman-sarcophagi-in.html
Tombaroli operating at Heraclea Minoa (Italian):
https://www.agrigentonotizie.it/cronaca/eraclea-minoa-scavi-abusivi-tombaroli-denunce.html
Libya is calling for action regarding smuggling of artifacts:
https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/antiquities-authority-calls-urgent-action-against-smuggling-artifacts
----------
conflict antiquities:
http://conflictantiquities.wordpress.com/
anonymous swiss collector:
http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/
Portable Antiquity Collecting and Heritage Issues:
http://paul-barford.blogspot.ca/
Looting Matters:
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/
Illicit Cultural Property:
http://illicit-cultural-property.blogspot.com/
SAFE:
http://www.savingantiquities.org/blog/
================================================================
REPATRIATION AND RECOVERY
================================================================
A Late Period relief located in New York was returned to Egypt (we may have mentioned this one):
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/394156/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/A-Late-Period-relief-recovered-from-New-York.aspx
Switzerland return some 2800 years bp glazed bricks to Iran:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/switzerland-returns-2800-year-old.html
Feature on folks returning artifacts to Rome:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/29/render-unto-rome-contrite-tourists-return-pilfered-relics
A 16th century Nazi-looted bell is returning to Poland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55474030
The University of Minnesota is returning some Native American burial objects excavated in the 1920a:
https://www.startribune.com/after-decades-u-of-m-is-finally-on-track-to-return-native-burial-objects-dug-up-in-1920s/600005642/
================================================================
NUMISMATICA
================================================================
Feature on archaic and Classical Greek coins:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ancient-greek-coins-archaic-to-classical/
Feature on Greek coins from the Black Sea area:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/theodosia-gorgippia-phanagoria-ancient-greek-coins-of-the-black-seas-northern-coast/
Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v23/club_nbs_esylum_v23n52.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v23/club_nbs_esylum_v24n01.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
================================================================
OBITUARIES
================================================================
Father Reginald Foster:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/27/obituaries/reginald-foster-vatican-latinist-who-tweeted-in-the-language-dies-at-81.html
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/12/remembering-fr-reginald-foster-1939-2020
https://aleteia.org/2020/12/28/fr-reginald-foster-latin-teacher-par-excellence-dies-at-81/
https://www.publicradioeast.org/post/reginald-foster-worlds-renowned-latinist-dies-81
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2020/12/27/rev-reginald-foster-milwaukee-served-four-popes-vatican-latinist/4050992001/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/father-reginald-foster-used-latin-bring-history-present-180976657/
Jan Gabbert:
https://www.wright.edu/retirees-association/article/janice-j-gabbert-80-chair-and-professor-of-classics
Norman Golb:
https://chicagojewishfunerals.com/funeral-detail-page/?case=64BBCEC4-A495-4F41-B718-A9D475B3174C
David Starbuck:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Archeologist-who-unearth-history-of-early-15834729.php
https://poststar.com/news/local/david-starbuck-local-archaeologist-and-historian-remembered-for-his-work-passion/article_afbe0df9-d9e5-51c7-82b4-ae54f1be6cc1.html
Janice Benario:
https://www.ajc.com/news/janice-benario-97-worked-on-wwii-code-breaking-team/OHHZDVVGXJGIRBFSQYARAVH2OI/
Evan H. Turner:
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/12/evan-h-turner-set-course-for-bigger-bolder-cleveland-museum-of-art-as-director-1983-93.html
================================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
================================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3012-audio-news-from-archaeologica-december-20-through-december-26-2020
================================================================
GENERAL ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS BLOGS
================================================================
Archaeology Magazine News Page:
http://www.archaeology.org/news/
About.com Archaeology:
http://archaeology.about.com/
Archaeology Briefs:
http://archaeologybriefs.blogspot.com/
Atlas Obscura:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Heritage Daily:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/
Sapiens Archaeology:
https://www.sapiens.org/category/archaeology/
Taygete Atlantis excavations blogs aggregator:
http://planet.atlantides.org/taygete/
================================================================
PODCASTS/VODCASTS
================================================================
Archaeosoup:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Archaeos0up?feature=watch
Archaeology Podcast Network:
http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/
================================================================
EXPLORATOR is a free weekly newsletter bringing you the latest
news of archaeological finds, historical research and the like.
Various on-line news and magazine sources are scoured for news of
the 'ancient world' (broadly construed: practically anything relating
to archaeology or history up to a century or so ago is fair
game) and every Sunday they are delivered to your mailbox free of
charge!
================================================================
Useful Addresses
================================================================
You can read Explorator online at:
https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/
Past issues of Explorator are also available on the web via our
groups.io page:
https://groups.io/g/explorator
To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to:
explorator+***@groups.io
To unsubscribe, send a blank email message to:
Unsubscribe: explorator+***@groups.io
To send a 'heads up' to the editor or contact him for other
reasons:
***@gmail.com
================================================================
Explorator is Copyright (c) 2021 David Meadows. Feel free to
distribute these listings via email to your pals, students,
teachers, etc., but please include this copyright notice. These
links are not to be posted to any website by any means (whether
by direct posting or snagging from a usenet group or some other
email source) without my express written permission. I think it
is only right that I be made aware of public fora which are
making use of content gathered in Explorator. Thanks!
================================================================
explorator 23.37 January 3, 2021
===============================================================
You can read explorator online at:
https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/
Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,
Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).
================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
350 000 years bp evidence of use of grinding tools by hominids from Tabun Cave (Israel):
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stone-found-in-israel-is-oldest-known-tool-used-for-delicate-abrading/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/haifa-university-350000-years-ago-fire-and-tools-were-used-to-play-games-653377
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-a-350-000-year-old-turning-point-in-human-evolution-found-in-israel-1.9402735
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/r1JoK7LTv
https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/28/tool-pre-dating-modern-humans-identified-in-northern-israel/
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/haifa-u-researchers-discover-oldest-vessel-made-by-humanoids/2020/12/27/
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/27/c_139622388.htm
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/350000-year-stone-found-in-israel-is.html
A study of the 'little foot' australopithecus' curved forearm:
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-forearm-curvature-foot-australopithecus-natural.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9348-201230-little-foot-arms
Some roundups (different) of human origins-related finds from 2020:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ten-new-things-we-learned-about-human-origins-2020-180976632/
https://www.livescience.com/human-ancestors-discoveries-2020.html
Review of a couple of books on the 'cutthroat world of paleoanthropology':
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/books/review/fossil-men-kermit-pattison-the-sediments-of-time-maeve-leakey.html
================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
A project to restore a number of sphinxes (sphinges) at Karnak:
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-launches-sphinx-restoration-project-at-luxors-karnak-temple/
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/02/egypt-restores-famous-ram-statues-at-karnak-temple/
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96000/Karnak
https://menafn.com/1101373786/Egypt-restores-famous-ram-statues-at-Karnak-Temple
The tomb of Ramses I has reopened after restoration:
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/03/egypt-reopens-tomb-of-ramses-i-following-restoration/
https://www.egyptindependent.com/photos-after-its-restoration-egypt-reopens-ramses-i-tomb-in-luxor-for-visitors/
Again, Egypt announces that they will be announcing something:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95802/New-archaeological-discovery-in-Saqqara-to-be-announced-early-2021
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95941/In-2021-Saqqara-will-continue-to-reveal-its-secrets-amaze
Overview of archaeology finds in Egypt this year:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/50/1207/397248/AlAhram-Weekly/Heritage/Yearender--Egypts-Archaeological-extravaganza-.aspx
More on Egypt dealing with increased illegal digging during COVID times:
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/28/c_139622582.htm
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2020/12/28/feature-egypt-faces-increased-home-illegal-digging-for-antiquities-amid-covid-19-pandemic
Feature on the Edwin Smith surgical papyrus:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/medical-papyrus-the-guide-for-ancient-egyptian-physicians/
Feature on the ritual of embalming papyrus and Herodotus' account:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/the-ritual-of-embalming-papyrus-and-herodotus-account/
Feature on the Rhind bilingual papyri:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/the-rhind-bilingual-papyri-mourning-and-magic-numbers/
Feature on Djoser's pyramid:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-pyramid-of-djoser-the-worlds-oldest-pyramid-is-often-overshadowed
Feature on Thutmose IV (including a facial reconstruction):
https://www.greenprophet.com/2020/12/meet-pharaoh-thutmoses-iv/
Opeddish on the hoped-for return of the bust of Nefertiti:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/nefertiti-will-iconic-berlin-resident.html
7000 years bp (and later) petroglyphs from a site near Nimvar (Iran):
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456345/Petroglyphs-dating-back-to-9th-millennium-BC-discovered-in-Iran
Speculation that the Jelogir Mound (Iran) may contain a ruined Achaemenid castle of some sort:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456318/Ancient-hill-may-contain-ruined-castle-near-Persepolis-archaeologist
A rock-cut relief of the 3rd century CE king Bahram II will be preserved:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456479/Royal-bas-relief-being-restored-preserved-for-future-generations
Feature on work going on at Tepe Hesar (Iran) which has evidence of three major periods of occupation:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456342/7-000-year-old-Tepe-Hesar-being-demarcated
Feature on various archaeological structures at Iraq Al Amir (Jordan):
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/caves-structures-iraq-al-amir-hold-clues-distant-past
https://en.ammonnews.net/article/45517
https://menafn.com/1101358675/Jordan-Caves-structures-of-Iraq-Al-Amir-hold-clues-to-distant-past
Feature on the rebuilding of Mosul:
https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-rebuilding-mosul-for-the-future/a-56053549
Feature on Assyrian art:
https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-ancient-assyrian-art/
Feature on Assyrian torture:
https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/assyrians-torture-60fabb7a9642
More on the apparent deciphering of Elamite:
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/12/30/french-archaeologist-deciphers-ancient-language/
A roundup of the top 'biblical archaeology' stories of 2020:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-jesus-crucifixion-a-cursed-king-and-mysterious-giant-mounds-top-biblical-archaeo-1.9404675
Analysis of a jar lid from Qumran suggests there may have been many more DSS (and maybe are still):
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/dead-sea-scrolls/decayed-papyrus-hints-that-more-dead-sea-scrolls-remain/?mqsc=E4125009&dk=ZE05D0ZF0
Feature on Israel Finkelstein's work at Kiryat Ye'arim:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-one-man-s-quest-for-the-ark-of-the-covenant-led-to-a-completely-different-find-1.9305352
Something about a deal to 'streamline' archaeological excavations at development sites in Israel:
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/new-deal-to-streamline-archaeological-excavations-at-development-sites-653967
More on evidence of a tsunami hitting the coast near Tel Dor some 10 000 or so years (give or take) bp:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/archaeologists-discover-massive-tsunami-hit-israel-during-neolithic-era-653754
https://gizmodo.com/archaeologists-find-evidence-that-a-massive-tsunami-hit-1845935925
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9342-201228-israel-neolithic-tsunami
More on the finds (including the 3800 years bp baby jar burial) from Jaffa:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israeli-dig-uncovers-bronze-age-baby-in-jar-d33gs68kb
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/archaeological-dig-in-jaffa-unearths-3800-year-old-baby-buried-in-a-jar-654116
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-remove-3800-year-old-baby-skeleton-jar-180976647/
More on the 2000 years bp mikveh from near Gethsemane:
https://aleteia.org/2020/12/29/2000-year-old-jewish-ritual-bath-discovered-under-israeli-highway/
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/remains-found-at-gethsemane/
More on evidence of Canaanites importing exotic foods from Asia:
http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/turmeric-banana-soybean-near-east-09198.html
Feature on rejection of idolatry in ancient Israel:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-why-jews-don-t-worship-statues-of-god-1.9405116
Feature on gluttony and drunkennes in Ancient Israel:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/eat-drink-and-be-merry/
A dispute over the identification of Jesus as 'Palestinian' by the BBC:
https://www.jpost.com/international/bbc-jesus-was-palestinian-despite-terms-use-century-after-crucifixion-653453
================================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
================================================================
Remains of a 2500 years bp temple of Aphrodite (and other finds from various periods) from Izmir:
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/2500-year-old-aphrodite-temple-discovered-in-turkeys-izmir
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/01/03/2500-year-old-greek-aphrodite-temple-discovered-in-turkeys-izmir-smyrna/
https://www.albawaba.com/node/1402595
I think we mentioned this 12th century BCE necropolis find from Larnaca:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/12th-century-bc-cemetery-found-during.html
Remains of a section of Roman road in Northumberland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-55497755
https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/roman-road-pre-dating-hadrians-wall-discovered-northumberland-3082660
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/hidden-part-roman-road-uncovered-19532420
https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/18976915.settlingstones-roman-road-remains-uncovered-northumbrian-water/
A 'lost' sanctuary of Apollo which had been excavated in the 1800s on Cyprus was relocated (we mentioned this):
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/31/archaeologists-locate-the-lost-sanctuary-of-apollo-in-cyprus/
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/12/31/sanctuary-of-apollo-located-by-archaeologists-at-lefkosia-cyprus/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/01/02/sanctuary-of-apollo-found/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/sanctuary-of-apollo-at-pera-oreinis.html
An Archaic necropolis found during house construction in Gela (Italian):
https://www.lasicilia.it/news/caltanissetta/382014/gela-rinvenuta-una-necropoli-arcaica-durante-i-lavori-per-realizzare-una-casa.html
https://www.ragusanews.com/2021/01/02/cultura/sicilia-fanno-fondamenta-casa-trovano-necrepoli/116989
Power line construction in the Mendip hills have revealed remains of a Roman settlement:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/remains-roman-settlement-unearthed-route-4790240
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/roman-pottery-among-finds-made-archaeologists-working-cable-route-worlds-largest-offshore-wind-farm-3082482
Not reading much about this find of a cache of Roman weapons (including shields) from Albacete (Spain):
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/12/31/roman-weapons-uncovered-in-central-spain/
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-29/hallado-en-albacete-un-excepcional-conjunto-de-armas-de-epoca-romana.html
A roundup of the digging at Anavarzna (Turkey) with finds from various periods:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/findings-in-anavarza-excite-archaeologists-161290
A major 2000 years bp Celtic coin hoard find (last September?) from Suffolk is being connected to Boudicca (we mentioned this):
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/war-coins-linked-to-ancient-rebellion-led-by-queen-boudicca-found-in-uk-653367
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/amateur-treasure-hunter-discovered-2000-year-old-coins-180976658/
In case you missed the Roman baths find from Amman:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-jordan-antiquities-idUKKBN2931GH
https://www.reuters.com/article/jordan-antiquities/drainage-works-unearth-roman-baths-in-heart-of-jordans-capital-idUSL8N2J925J
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/jordan-amman-roman-ruins-baths-archeology-excavation.html
https://news.yahoo.com/roman-ruins-discovered-downtown-amman-180034661.html
https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/12/30/baths-from-ancient-philadelphia-dug-up-in-modern-day-amman/
Feature on the 'rehabilitation' of the Roman tabernae in Trajan's Market:
https://www.archdaily.com/953939/rehabilitation-of-roman-tabernae-in-the-trajans-market-labics
More on the Regio V thermopolium excavation at Pompeii:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/dec/27/snack-bar-pompeii-offers-insights-ancient-eating-habits-video-report
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/26/exceptionally-well-preserved-snack-bar-unearthed-in-pompeii
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/27/950645473/whats-on-the-menu-in-ancient-pompeii-duck-goat-snail-researchers-say
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/951026718/archaeologists-in-ancient-city-of-pompeii-dig-up-a-roman-food-counter
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/26/world/europe/pompeii-snack-bar-thermopolium.html
https://www.thedailybeast.com/newly-unearthed-pompeii-snack-stand-still-has-bits-of-old-food
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-mallard-pompeii-fast-food-reveals.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pompeii-archaeologists-ancient-thermopolium-street-food-volcanic-eruption/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/mallard-to-go-dig-of-pompeii-fast-food-place-reveals-tastes/2020/12/26/8970c090-479e-11eb-ac2a-3ac0f2b8ceeb_story.html
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2020/12/28/pompeii-ancient-snack-bar-newsource-orig-vpx.cnn
https://www.dw.com/en/archaeologists-in-pompeii-discover-ancient-snack-bar/a-56064831
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-26/un-restaurante-de-comida-rapida-de-pompeya-el-nuevo-descubrimiento-bajo-las-cenizas-de-la-ciudad.html
https://www.ntd.com/archaeologists-unearth-roman-era-food-stall-in-pompeii-ruins_545690.html
https://www.wionews.com/videos/archaeologists-unearth-frescoed-food-shop-in-the-ancient-city-of-pompeii-352690
https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2020/12/29/22205141/ancient-fast-food-restaurant-discovered-in-pompeii
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/93wde8/an-ancient-roman-snack-bar-was-unearthed-in-pompeii
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-rome/pompeii-fast-food-restaurant-uncovered/?mqsc=E4124854&dk=ZE05D0ZF0
https://mashable.com/article/pompeii-snack-stand-thermopolium-discovery-photos/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/12/archaeologists-excavate-ancient-roman-takeout-counter-at-pompeii/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/archaeologists-uncover-fast-food-counter-at-pompeii/136591
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fast-food-joint-pompeii-served-snails-fish-and-wine-new-finds-suggest-180976651/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/street-food-shop-emerges-in-pompeii.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9345-201229-pompeii-snack-bar
More on the mosaics found in a Baalbek market:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1781856/middle-east
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/workers-uncover-roman-mosaic-in-baalbek.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9343-201228-lebanon-baalbek-mosaic
More on plans to rebuild the Colosseum floor:
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/42630-colosseum-in-rome-will-have-a-floor-for-the-first-time-in-1500-years.html
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/rome-rebuild-colosseum-retractable-floor-restoration-italy-01-02-2021/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/italy-plans-install-floors-colosseum-1-180976635/
More on plans to restore Pheidias' workshop at Olympia:
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/42602-workshop-of-iconic-sculptor-pheidias-to-be-restored-in-ancient-olympia-of-greece.html
An auction house needs help with a Greek inscription found in an English garden:
https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/18981510.help-needed-find-roman-slab-found-whiteparish/
Mary Beard reminiscing about the Sather Lectures and Elagabalus:
https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/the-sather-lectures-and-the-emperor-elagabalus/
Feature/virtual tour/hype for the reopening of the Mausoleum of Augustus:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mausoleum-romes-first-emperor-set-reopen-public-2021-180976645/
Feature on Diogenes:
https://greekreporter.com/was-greek-philosopher-diogenes-the-cynic-the-first-anarchist/
Feature on that Severan 'bribery inscription' from a few weeks ago:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-severus-inscription-and-how-ancient-political-losers-had-to-bribe-roman-emperors-for-peace
Feature on Kyniska:
https://neoskosmos.com/en/177935/hidden-women-of-history-kyniska-the-first-female-olympian/
Feature on being a Roman soldier:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/being-a-soldier-in-the-roman-army/
... and the challenges Roman soldiers faced:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/challenging-life-of-a-roman-soldier/
... and general Roman army stuff:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/roman-soldier-life-in-the-army-and-beyond/
Feature on Roman slavery:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/roman-slavery-who-were-the-roman-slaves/
Feature on the life of Roman enslaved persons:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/duties-and-life-of-a-roman-slave/
Feature on Roman freedmen:
https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/a-roman-slaves-life-after-freedom/
Another feature on the Greeks and perception of blue:
https://greece.greekreporter.com/2021/01/01/did-the-ancient-greeks-see-blue-like-we-do/
Feature on some ancient Greek vase types:
https://ourculturemag.com/2020/12/31/6-types-of-ancient-vases-styles-facts/
The baths at Bath had to close for pandemic reasons:
https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/roman-baths-pump-room-forced-4846458
Interesting Classical reception in a statue of Cornelia in Ohio:
https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/opinion/2020/12/28/were-statue-cornelia-and-her-jewels-honor-ohio-leaders/4060761001/
They've put some lighting on the Temple of Hephaestus and the Philopappos Monument:
https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/12/30/temple-hephaestus-illuminated/
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
================================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
================================================================
Plans to restore a recently-found priest's effigy that had been damaged by Henry VIII's soldiers:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/dec/27/desecrated-and-hidden-for-centuries-priests-effigy-is-restored-to-glory
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/derbyshire-resident-uncovered-earliest-alabaster-effigy-english-priest-180976636/
Remains of a possible medieval settlement beneath a Gloucester golf course:
https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/medieval-settlement-found-underneath-gloucester-4837647
A medieval Chinese coin find from a Hampshire field has obvious trade implications:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/chinese-coin-hints-at-vast-medieval-trade-route-z9hq8rb20
An intact medieval jug from a dig in Dublin:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/medieval-jug-found-on-ship-street-great-site-is-pitcher-perfect-9zchhzpmx
Assorted 'treasure' finds from Staffordshire:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/more-treasure-given-up-soil-19520122
... and a 2400 years bp (maybe) gold 'ornament' find from near Alson:
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18982395.gold-ornament-discovered-near-alston-declared-treasure/
An illegal New Year's Eve party at a 500 years bp church in East Hordon caused quite a bit of damage:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-55514853
Feature on restoring mosaics at St John Lateran:
https://www.osvnews.com/2020/12/28/come-to-the-water-mosaicists-bring-renewal-to-romes-first-baptistery/
... and the first known Nativity scene figurines were on display at Santa Maria Maggiore:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/first-known-nativity-scene-figurines-can-now-be-seen-in-st-mary-major-basilica-68998
Feature on restoration of a Spanish town's 'evil angels' church:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/30/spanish-town-looks-to-its-evil-angels-to-boost-its-fortunes
Feature on recent finds from various periods in North Wales:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/archaeological-secrets-unearthed-north-wales-19506972
Feature on restoration work going on at the Palazzo Silvestri-Rivaldi in rome:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/frescoes-of-romes-palazzo-silvestri-rivaldi-dazzle-once-again-0s09jd60w
Neil Price offers some Viking revisionism:
https://elpais.com/cultura/2020-12-26/vikingos-queer-transculturales-y-bastante-inclusivos.html
More on 7000 years bp arrows made from (human) bones from 'Doggerland':
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/7000-year-old-arrows-made-from-human.html
----------
Archaeology in Europe News:
http://archaeology-in-europe.blogspot.com/
Medievalists.net:
https://www.medievalists.net/category/news/
Viking Archaeology Blog:
http://viking-archaeology-blog.blogspot.com/
================================================================
ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
================================================================
I think we mentioned this 3500 years bp tomb with evidence of sun worship from China's Xinjian Uygur Autonomous region:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/3500-year-old-tomb-in-nw-china.html
From the same area comes the find of a 3300 years bp settlement site:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-12/30/content_77064817.htm
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/30/c_139628812.htm
An 1800 years bp stone vessel has helped identify a mausoleum in Henan as belonging to the emperor Liu Zhi:
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/ruins-of-1800-year-old-vessel-helps-confirm-imperial-tomb-in-central-china/ar-BB1cjTyl
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2020-12/29/content_77061468.htm
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mausoleum-identified-resting-place-second-century-chinese-emperor-liu-zhi-180976668/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9347-201230-china-emperor-tomb
Feature on restoration work at China's Old Summer Palace:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-12-27/Old-Summer-Palace-starts-new-round-of-cultural-relic-restoration-Wz7ijD4dS8/index.html
A Neolithic axe from Somasila in Telangana:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/neolithic-tool-surfaces-at-somasila/articleshow/79980565.cms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/neolithic-axe-dated-4000-2000-bc-discovered-in-nagarkurnool-district/articleshow/79982865.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/neolithic-celt-discovered-in-a-nagarkurnool-village/article33432593.ece
Studying Indus Valley civilization water use:
https://www.eurasiareview.com/30122020-mapping-water-use-of-indus-valley-civilization/
Another Tami Brahmi inscription find from near Madurai:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/another-tamil-brahmi-inscription-stone-found-in-a-shambles/articleshow/79998508.cms
Hyping an impending dig at a mid-19th century hotel site near Melbourne:
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/walls-can-t-talk-but-dig-on-1853-hotel-ruin-may-yield-historical-gems-20201231-p56r0l.html
Feature on Australia's Peter Taylor, dubbed 'one of Australia's greatest shipwreck hunters':
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/holding-for-sunday-meet-the-retired-stonemason-who-has-become-one-of-australia-s-greatest-shipwreck-hunters-20200418-p54kzc.html
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
The US Senate passed a bill to protect historic Black cemeteries:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/legislation-protect-african-american-burial-grounds-passes-senate-180976642/
... and semi-related, I guess, is legislation to apply banking regulations to the antiquities market:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/arts/design/antiquities-market-regulation.html
Not sure if we mentioned the threat to a Native American archives in Seattle:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/30/seattle-national-archives-indigenous-people-property-sale
Feature on an enslaved person name Caesar, who was a chef in colonial Virgina:
https://theconversation.com/oppression-in-the-kitchen-delight-in-the-dining-room-the-story-of-caesar-an-enslaved-chef-and-chocolatier-in-colonial-virginia-151356
================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
================================================================
A study questioning whether Columbus found early Caribs when he arrived:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/12/facial-profiling-ancient-dna-tell-two-tales-of-early-caribbean-islanders/
Latest Easter Island study suggests deforestation happened after earlier postulated societal collapse:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2020/12/new-findings-about-prehistoric-easter-island/136619
Squatters have issued death threats to the archaeologist who found the remains of Caral (!):
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/03/squatters-ancient-ruins-peru-death-threats-archeologist-caral
Feature on Maya religion being more than just sacrifices:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-maya-civilizations-religion-was-more-than-just-ritual-sacrifices
Feature on crystal skulls:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-real-story-behind-aztec-crystal-skulls
Feature on how European viruses brought down the Aztec and Inca empires:
https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/european-viruses-aztec-inca-empires/
Peru is putting in place a reservation system to visit Machu Picchu:
https://www.elmostrador.cl/generacion-m/2020/12/30/peru-inicia-reserva-y-venta-de-entradas-para-visitar-machu-picchu/
More on the arrangement of ancient Amazonian villages:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1370294/archaeology-discovery-ancient-amazon-villages-native-american-cosmos-evg
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
================================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
================================================================
Assorted roundups of top archaeology stories of 2020 (not specific to any particular country):
https://www.livescience.com/biggest-archaeological-findings-2020.html
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-ghostly-genes-gal-gadot-and-stone-balls-best-archaeology-of-2020-1.9407261
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ninety-fascinating-finds-revealed-2020-180976608/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/best-art-and-archaeology-discoveries-2020-1930552
... and one focusing on ancient weapons:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-weapons-swords-found-in-2020.html
Feature on the impact of dams on the cultural heritage of the Middle East and North Africa:
http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2020/12/orientdams
How various famous authors might have described 2020:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/12/23/various-authors-describe-2020/
Latest frozen animal find is a 20 000 to 50 000 years bp wooly rhino from Siberia:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/dec/30/siberia-permafrost-yields-well-preserved-ice-age-woolly-rhino
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/well-preserved-ice-age-woolly-rhino.html
Britain is putting together a database of everyone who was an investor in the slave trade:
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/12/28/uk/britain-slave-trade-dictionary-scli-gbr-intl/index.html
Feature on all the recent 'women warrior' finds:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/opinion/man-the-hunter-woman-andes-viking-women-leaders-feminism.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/opinion/women-hunter-leader.html
On why the year begins on January 1:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/why-is-january-1-the-beginning-of-a-new-year
Feature on some ancient hangover cures:
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/ancient-hangover-cures-can-you-19543892
https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2021-01-01-ancient-hangover-cures-to-get-you-through-the-new-year/
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/ancient-hangover-cures-you-through-19544497
Pondering whether 2020 was the worst year ever:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/12/30/ranking-2020-worst-year-history/
Marking the 500th anniversary of Luther's excommunication:
https://www.dw.com/en/500-years-after-martin-luthers-excommunication-a-chance-for-ecumenical-christianity/a-56099590
Pondering whether Jews and Christians have the same Bible:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-bible-without-jesus-how-two-faiths-can-read-the-same-text-in-dissonant-ways/
Feature on EP Thompson:
https://aeon.co/essays/what-shaped-e-p-thompson-historian-and-champion-of-working-people
In search of Renaissance women artists:
https://www.npr.org/2021/01/02/951479764/where-are-the-women-uncovering-the-lost-works-of-female-renaissance-artists
Pondering the continuing appeal of the Great Gatsby:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/books/great-gatsby-fitzgerald-copyright.html
On Jefferson's attempts at figuring out Christianity:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/01/04/what-thomas-jefferson-could-never-understand-about-jesus
More on Banjo Paterson's chocolate:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55421008
More on Thomas Beckett's 'little book' identification (maybe):
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-55370722
================================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
================================================================
Solomon's Temple:
https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/metkids/2020/solomons-temple-model-judaica
Pictorial tumours:
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2020-12-24/tumores-pictoricos.html
Dante:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/01/italy-year-long-celebration-dante-700-anniversary-drawings
Chinese Maritime Relics:
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-12/29/c_139625214.htm
Sededunum Roman Fort:
https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/whats-on/obscurum-lux-see-segedunum-in-a-different-light
Arbeia Roman Fort:
https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk/whats-on/flesh-on-the-bones
Seeing Color:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/31/arts/design/nature-of-color-natural-history-museum.html
Feature on assorted goings-on at the Met:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/24/arts/design/metropolitan-museum-european-paintings-skylights.html
Egypt's Museum of Islamic Art launched a 3d virtual platform:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95845/Egypt-s-Min-of-Tourism-Antiquities-launches-virtual-visit-to
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/95837/Video-Enjoy-a-tour-inside-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Museum-of-Islamic-Art
How the art world is adapting to COVID 19:
https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/events/how-art-world-adapts-to-global-pandemic-concept-during-covid-19
The Edward Valentine museum is confronting its Confederate past:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/richmond-sculptor-edward-valentine-created-many-of-the-statues-that-defined-lost-cause-mythology-now-his-familys-museum-is-confronting-the-legacy/2020/12/31/e9ed90c0-4b7b-11eb-a9d9-1e3ec4a928b9_story.html
More on Germany and it's colonial past in museums:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/germany-confronts-its-own-imperial-past-x33td5lsk
================================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
================================================================
Feature on coins in the upcoming NYINC coin auction:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ancient-coin-highlights-of-the-heritage-january-2021-nyinc-auction/
================================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
================================================================
Analyzing DNA from some 2200 years bp burials from Guam are shedding light on the peopling of the western Pacific:
https://www.mpg.de/16203822/1222-evan-ancient-dna-sheds-light-on-the-peopling-of-the-mariana-islands-150495-x
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9341-201228-marianas-guam-migration
More on DNA and the first settlers in the Caribbean:
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/ancient-dna-retells-story-of-caribbeans-first-people/
http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/caribbean-genetic-history-09192.html
https://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/ancient-dna-reveals-untold-story-of-caribbeans-first-islanders/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dna-study-shows-caribbean-was-populated-two-waves-180976646/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9344-201228-caribbean-migration-dna
================================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
================================================================
Archaeologists have created a 3d model of the Tepsi petroglyph site:
https://phys.org/news/2020-12-archaeologists-d-tepsei-archaeological-site.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/ksu-afk122420.php
In COVID times, it appears, archaeologists returned to the lab(s):
https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-covid-hit-archaeologists-turned-to-futuristic-labs-to-dig-up-ancient-history/
Latest facial recreation is a Black Civil War soldier:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/how-a-forensic-artist-attempted-to-re-create-the-face-of-a-black-civil-war-soldier/2020/12/22/614d8234-2db2-11eb-860d-f7999599cbc2_story.html
================================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
================================================================
Thuringia:
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-16-states-thuringia/a-4526005
Tenea:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/260712/gallery/ekathimerini/community/ancient-teneas-enduring-fascination
Debateable Lands:
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200504-the-tiny-country-between-england-and-scotland
================================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
================================================================
Media Vita:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/arts/music/John-Sheppard-media-vita.html
================================================================
CRIME BEAT
================================================================
A major bust of antiquities found by Serbian authorities during a truck check:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/serbian-customs-find-2000-historic.html
Police in Tunisia seized three Roman sarcophagi:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/police-seize-three-roman-sarcophagi-in.html
Tombaroli operating at Heraclea Minoa (Italian):
https://www.agrigentonotizie.it/cronaca/eraclea-minoa-scavi-abusivi-tombaroli-denunce.html
Libya is calling for action regarding smuggling of artifacts:
https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/antiquities-authority-calls-urgent-action-against-smuggling-artifacts
----------
conflict antiquities:
http://conflictantiquities.wordpress.com/
anonymous swiss collector:
http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/
Portable Antiquity Collecting and Heritage Issues:
http://paul-barford.blogspot.ca/
Looting Matters:
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/
Illicit Cultural Property:
http://illicit-cultural-property.blogspot.com/
SAFE:
http://www.savingantiquities.org/blog/
================================================================
REPATRIATION AND RECOVERY
================================================================
A Late Period relief located in New York was returned to Egypt (we may have mentioned this one):
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/394156/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/A-Late-Period-relief-recovered-from-New-York.aspx
Switzerland return some 2800 years bp glazed bricks to Iran:
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/12/switzerland-returns-2800-year-old.html
Feature on folks returning artifacts to Rome:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/29/render-unto-rome-contrite-tourists-return-pilfered-relics
A 16th century Nazi-looted bell is returning to Poland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55474030
The University of Minnesota is returning some Native American burial objects excavated in the 1920a:
https://www.startribune.com/after-decades-u-of-m-is-finally-on-track-to-return-native-burial-objects-dug-up-in-1920s/600005642/
================================================================
NUMISMATICA
================================================================
Feature on archaic and Classical Greek coins:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ancient-greek-coins-archaic-to-classical/
Feature on Greek coins from the Black Sea area:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/theodosia-gorgippia-phanagoria-ancient-greek-coins-of-the-black-seas-northern-coast/
Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v23/club_nbs_esylum_v23n52.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v23/club_nbs_esylum_v24n01.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
================================================================
OBITUARIES
================================================================
Father Reginald Foster:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/27/obituaries/reginald-foster-vatican-latinist-who-tweeted-in-the-language-dies-at-81.html
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/12/remembering-fr-reginald-foster-1939-2020
https://aleteia.org/2020/12/28/fr-reginald-foster-latin-teacher-par-excellence-dies-at-81/
https://www.publicradioeast.org/post/reginald-foster-worlds-renowned-latinist-dies-81
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2020/12/27/rev-reginald-foster-milwaukee-served-four-popes-vatican-latinist/4050992001/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/father-reginald-foster-used-latin-bring-history-present-180976657/
Jan Gabbert:
https://www.wright.edu/retirees-association/article/janice-j-gabbert-80-chair-and-professor-of-classics
Norman Golb:
https://chicagojewishfunerals.com/funeral-detail-page/?case=64BBCEC4-A495-4F41-B718-A9D475B3174C
David Starbuck:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Archeologist-who-unearth-history-of-early-15834729.php
https://poststar.com/news/local/david-starbuck-local-archaeologist-and-historian-remembered-for-his-work-passion/article_afbe0df9-d9e5-51c7-82b4-ae54f1be6cc1.html
Janice Benario:
https://www.ajc.com/news/janice-benario-97-worked-on-wwii-code-breaking-team/OHHZDVVGXJGIRBFSQYARAVH2OI/
Evan H. Turner:
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/12/evan-h-turner-set-course-for-bigger-bolder-cleveland-museum-of-art-as-director-1983-93.html
================================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
================================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3012-audio-news-from-archaeologica-december-20-through-december-26-2020
================================================================
GENERAL ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS BLOGS
================================================================
Archaeology Magazine News Page:
http://www.archaeology.org/news/
About.com Archaeology:
http://archaeology.about.com/
Archaeology Briefs:
http://archaeologybriefs.blogspot.com/
Atlas Obscura:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Heritage Daily:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/
Sapiens Archaeology:
https://www.sapiens.org/category/archaeology/
Taygete Atlantis excavations blogs aggregator:
http://planet.atlantides.org/taygete/
================================================================
PODCASTS/VODCASTS
================================================================
Archaeosoup:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Archaeos0up?feature=watch
Archaeology Podcast Network:
http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/
================================================================
EXPLORATOR is a free weekly newsletter bringing you the latest
news of archaeological finds, historical research and the like.
Various on-line news and magazine sources are scoured for news of
the 'ancient world' (broadly construed: practically anything relating
to archaeology or history up to a century or so ago is fair
game) and every Sunday they are delivered to your mailbox free of
charge!
================================================================
Useful Addresses
================================================================
You can read Explorator online at:
https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/
Past issues of Explorator are also available on the web via our
groups.io page:
https://groups.io/g/explorator
To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to:
explorator+***@groups.io
To unsubscribe, send a blank email message to:
Unsubscribe: explorator+***@groups.io
To send a 'heads up' to the editor or contact him for other
reasons:
***@gmail.com
================================================================
Explorator is Copyright (c) 2021 David Meadows. Feel free to
distribute these listings via email to your pals, students,
teachers, etc., but please include this copyright notice. These
links are not to be posted to any website by any means (whether
by direct posting or snagging from a usenet group or some other
email source) without my express written permission. I think it
is only right that I be made aware of public fora which are
making use of content gathered in Explorator. Thanks!
================================================================
