david meadows
2023-01-15 17:11:03 UTC
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explorator 25.39 January 15, 2023
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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, Floris Strijbos,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).
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EARLY HOMINIDS
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Evidence that early hominids were meat eaters:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/which-animals-did-early-humans-mainly-hunt
Study of evidence for 60 000 years bp hunting in Israel:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-01-12/ty-article/archaeologists-find-surprising-moment-in-the-life-of-prehistoric-hunters-in-israel/00000185-a110-ddab-adff-e71591cd0000
Interview with Svante Paabo about perceptions of Neanderthals:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/12/svante-paabo-interview-nobel-prize
More on the million-year-old homo erectus skull from China:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202301/1283493.shtml
More on early humans 'sailing' across the Mediterranean:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/human-ancestors-may-have-sailed-across-the-mediterranean-sea-half-a-million-years-ago/
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AFRICA
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UNESCO protection for Meroe:
https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Archaeological_Sites_of_Island_of_Meroe_a_semi_desert_landscape_in_Sudan_protected_by_UNESCO-2443067
More on the Slave Wrecks Project at various African sites:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/08/a-search-for-ourselves-shipwreck-becomes-focus-of-slavery-debate
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ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
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A Thutmosis-era royal tomb from Luxor:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb.html
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/484227/Antiquities/Ancient-Egypt/Royal-tomb-from-Thutmosid-period-discovered-on-Lux.aspx
https://www.egyptindependent.com/ancient-egyptian-royal-tomb-uncovered-in-luxor/
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/121899/Egypt-announces-the-discovery-of-royal-tomb-in-the-Western
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-royal-burial-chamber-unearthed-in-egypts-luxor
https://www.trtworld.com/art-culture/egypt-unveils-royal-tomb-in-luxor-dating-back-around-3-500-years-64517
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypt-says-ancient-royal-tomb-unearthed-in-luxor/2023/01/14/ef26531c-941a-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ancient-royal-tomb-unearthed-in-luxor-by-archaeologists/
https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-unearths-new-royal-tomb-in-luxor/a-64394999
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728571
https://www.rfi.fr/en/middle-east/20230114-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb-in-luxor
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230114-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb-in-luxor
Genetic analysis/calculations suggest smallpox may go back at least to Egypt, some 3800 years bp:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230109112755.htm
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11124-230112-smallpox-virus-evolution
A study of illustrated papyrus from ancient Egypt:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27761-7
Egypt is reconstructing a shrine to the Old Kingdom ruler Winnie:
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/483946/Antiquities/Ancient-Egypt/Reconstruction-of-shrine-to-regional-Old-Kingdom-r.aspx
More on funerary finds from Fayum:
https://the-past.com/news/funerary-finds-in-fayum/
More on crocodile skulls from a pair of tombs near the Temple of Hatshepsut:
https://scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en/news/news%2C94751%2Cpolish-archaeologists-find-nine-crocodile-heads-ancient-egyptian-tombs.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/nine-crocodile-heads-found-in-ancient-egyptian-tombs/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11116-230110-egypt-crocodile-skulls
Feature on Tutankhamun's tomb and the 'curse':
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3206655/how-grave-pharaoh-tutankhamun-was-found-and-mummys-curse-media-peddled-when-digs-sponsor-died-soon
Ramses II's sarcophagus is going on tour to France:
https://www.rfi.fr/en/culture/20230113-sarcophagus-of-egyptian-pharaoh-ramses-ii-returns-to-france-in-rare-loan
Clay tablets from a Seljuk era site at the Jameh Mosque of Nushabad (Iran):
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480816/Ancient-clay-tablet-fragments-discovered-in-mosque
On the use of AI to read cuneiform Hittite tablets:
https://arkeonews.net/turkish-researchers-use-artificial-intelligence-to-read-cuneatic-hittite-tablets/
I think we've mentioned these 2700 years bp reliefs from Nineveh:
https://www.zmescience.com/other/did-you-know/2700-year-old-rock-carvings-tell-the-story-of-nineveh-the-wondrous-assyrian-city-youve-never-heard-of/
A medieval Muslim burial ground from Arakul (Azerbaijan):
https://www.azernews.az/nation/204973.html
Feature on the salt trade in Seleucid Babylonia:
https://www.asor.org/anetoday/2023/01/salt-traders-seleucid-babylonia
Remains of a Byzantine church with preserved mosaic floor from near Jericho:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spectacular-byzantine-church-mosaics-uncovered-near-jericho/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728243
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/ornate-collection-of-mosaics-uncovered-near-jericho/145920
A Byzantine woman's burial at Kadikalesi Castle in Turkiye:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/female-skeleton-unearthed-in-kadikalesi-179955
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11120-230111-turkey-castle-grave
Finds from excavations at Satala over the years are now on display:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/artifacts-of-satala-ancient-city-on-display-for-first-time-180100
Some 10 500 artifacts were 'added' to Turkish museums this past year:
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/around-10500-new-artifacts-added-to-turkish-museums-in-2022/news
More on Upper Paleolithic 'stone bladelet' production at the Al-Ansab 1 site in Jordan:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/11/mass-production-of-bladelets-shows-cultural-shift-in-levantine-paleolithic/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/cultural-shift-in-stone-tool-production-40000-years-ago/145893
A study of 'sedintarization' in the Bronze Age Levant:
https://jordantimes.com/news/local/archaeologist-explores-sedintarisation-southern-levant
8 ostrich eggs (4000-7000 years bp) next to a fire pit site in the Negev:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-ancient-ostrich-eggs-southern-israeli.html
https://www.timesofisrael.com/8-ostrich-eggs-over-4000-years-old-found-near-excavated-firepit-in-south/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728309
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-01-12/ty-article/israeli-archaeologists-discover-first-ever-cooked-ostrich-eggs-maybe/00000185-a53d-d7a2-a1af-a73d8cb70000
https://egyptindependent.com/ostrich-eggs-up-to-7500-years-old-found-next-to-ancient-fire-pit-in-israel/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64248488
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/13/middleeast/ostrich-eggs-discovery-israel-scn-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230112-ancient-ostrich-eggs-found-in-southern-israeli-desert
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/12/archaeology-4500-year-old-ostrich-eggs-found-in-israel_899fa202-941d-4520-8be4-28397c1d89fc.html
https://arkeonews.net/8-ostrich-eggs-over-4000-years-old-discovered-near-excavated-firepit-in-negev-desert/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/ancient-campsite-where-people-cooked-ostrich-eggs/145925
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/4000-year-old-ostrich-eggs-uncovered-in-the-negev-dunes/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11126-230113-israel-ostrich-eggs
The 'House of David' reference in the Mesha Stele was 'confirmed' this week:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728354
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/inscriptions/the-mesha-stele-and-king-david-of-the-bible/?mqsc=E4149201&dk=ZE3410ZF0
More on use of silver as currency in the Levant:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/study-claims-hoards-of-3600-year-old-cut-silver-pieces-are-first-currency-in-levant/
https://www.haaretz.com/2023-01-08/00000185-90aa-d94b-ad8d-beefc4410000
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-727956
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/hylnmhkci
https://israel247.org/2023/01/decouverte-de-pieces-dargent-utilisees-dans-lancien-israel-il-y-a-3-600-ans-et-toujours-rien-sur-le-passe-palestinien/
https://arkeonews.net/israeli-researchers-uncover-earliest-evidence-silver-used-as-currency-in-levant/
cf: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305440322001637
The Palestinian Authority is said to be planning to build on the Joshua's Altar site:
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365841
Feature on Michael Langlois' use of technology to expose ancient text forgeries:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-unorthodox-scholar-uses-technology-expose-biblical-forgeries-180981290/
Feature on Gath:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/philistine-capital-judahite-city/
Feature on ritual sacrifice in ancient Israel:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/ritual-sacrifice-in-ancient-israel/
More on plans for the Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-726942
Excavations are underway at the King Khalid Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2230961/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia registered 41 new historical sites:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2229336/saudi-arabia
UNESCO protection for petroglyphs in the Hail region of SA:
https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Rock_Art_in_the_Hail_Region_of_Saudi_Arabia___rich_array_of_ancient_art_protected_by_UNESCO-2441252
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This Week in the Ancient Near East Podcast:
https://thisweekintheancientneareast.podbean.com/
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ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
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Remains of a Roman wall and tiled floor from Gabes:
https://www.msn.com/fr-xl/afrique-du-nord/tunisie-actualite/d%C3%A9couverte-%C3%A0-gab%C3%A8s-des-vestiges-dun-mur-et-dun-sol-carrel%C3%A9-datant-de-l%C3%A9poque-romaine/ar-AA16a7zV?li=AAGN08W
A Roman 'ritual centre' from near Northampton:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9z0pj7vd1o
https://www.northantslive.news/news/northamptonshire-news/ancient-roman-shrine-bronze-age-8017550
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/archaeology-news-roman-ritual-center-unearthed-in-england-1234653283/
https://arkeonews.net/roman-ritual-center-discovered-in-england/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/roman-ritual-centre-found-near-northampton/145908
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11119-230111-england-ritual-center
Remains of several Roman cisterns from Maxula (Tunisia):
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/roman-cisterns-found-in-ancient-maxula/145905
The latest HS2 construction-related find is remains of Roman town near Blackgrounds:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
A Roman dodechedron find from Flanders:
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2023/01/10/second-mysterious-dodecahedron-found-in-flanders/
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2023/01/11/dodecahedron-linked-to-the-occult-the-underground-and-the-celts/
Drought in Spain is allowing archaeologists to reexamine the site of Augustobriga:
https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-01-11/drought-helps-expose-the-secrets-of-a-roman-city.html
https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-01-10/la-sequia-desvela-los-secretos-de-la-ciudad-romana-de-augustobriga.html
Plenty of coverage of the reopening of the restored House of the Vettii in Pompeii:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/10/astonishing-pompeii-home-of-men-freed-from-slavery-reopens-to-public
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2023/jan/11/casa-dei-vettii-pompeii-reopens-after-20-years-in-pictures
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64225813
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11618543/Newly-restored-house-Pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life.html
https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-europe-ap-top-news-world-news-arts-and-entertainment-4f7d78b61fb39b5fd3f71cd07ff3eded
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/newly-restored-house-in-pompeii-offers-glimpse-of-elite-life/2023/01/10/ae87bee6-90d6-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pompeii-house-restored-rare-look-life-ancient-elites-volcano-pummelled-city/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/newly-restored-house-pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life-rcna65067
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/newly-restored-house-pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life-96332320
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/01/10/ancient-pompeii-slave-home-reopens-cprog-orig-aw.cnn
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article271051947.html
https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Newly-restored-house-in-Pompeii-offers-glimpse-of-17707009.php
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2160053315521
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-11/pompeii-restored-house-of-vettii-revealed/101845912
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2023/01/12/elite-life-and-erotic-art-pompeii-house-reveals-its-secrets-after-20-year-restoration/
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/pompeii-reopens-casa-dei-vettii-after-20-years.html
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/10/pompeii-reopens-its-sistine-chapel-house-of-the-vettii_4f64bf1b-60ec-4fce-96fa-4b0b91bc4f15.html
https://www.artnews.com/gallery/art-news/news/pompeii-house-of-the-vetiii-refurbished-frescos-1234653314/
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/11/vast-pompeii-residence-unveiled-with-panel-depicting-a-giant-penis
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/house-of-the-vettii-in-pompeii-re-opened/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/after-decades-of-restoration-lavish-pompeii-house-reopens-to-public-180981419/
A 2000 years bp sarcophagus from Istanbul:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/2-000-year-old-sarcophagus-found-in-istanbul-179988
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2000-year-old-sarcophagus-with-human-remains-uncovered-in-istanbul-1234653711/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11118-230112-istanbul-roman-sarcophagus
More on the reasons for the durability of Roman concrete:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-secrets-self-healing-roman-concrete.html
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/scientists-chip-away-how-ancient-roman-concrete-stood-test-time-2023-01-09/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/still-standing-researchers-crack-secret-of-ancient-romes-self-healing-concrete/
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-master-engineers-roman-concrete-stands-test-of-time
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/researchers-dig-up-secrets-of-self-healing-roman-concrete-180004
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/14/1149245238/why-architectural-marvels-from-ancient-rome-are-still-standing
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article270962742.html
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/roman-concrete-mystery-ingredient-scn/index.html
https://www.zmescience.com/science/researchers-uncover-the-secrets-behind-the-insane-durability-of-roman-concrete/
https://bigthink.com/the-past/roman-concrete/
https://boingboing.net/2023/01/10/researchers-reverse-engineer-roman-concrete.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/12/riddle-solved-why-was-roman-concrete-so-durable/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/self-healing-concrete-may-have-preserved-ancient-roman-structures-180981411/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11122-230111-roman-concrete-quicklime
More on the Temple of Poseidon at Samikon (not sure why this is back in the news):
https://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/aktuell/16929_ENG_HTML.php
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-discovery-temple-poseidon-kleidi-site.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/976343
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728358
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/13/archaeologists-believe-they-found-the-temple-of-poseidon-in-greece/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/temple-of-poseidon-remains-further-revealed-at-peloponnesian-site/
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ancient-greek-temple-of-poseidon-identified-in-samikon-archaeologists-believe-1234653493/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11128-230113-greece-archaic-temple
More on Greek text on a rock in Tajikistan:
https://greekherald.com.au/culture/how-ancient-greek-letters-were-carved-on-a-rock-in-central-asia/
More on the Gallo-Roman mausoleum (maybe) find from Neris-les Bains:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/gallo-roman-mausoleum-archaeology-2240371
More on the translation of the 'hand of Irulegi' and its Basque connections:
https://www.ksut.org/history/2023-01-09/archaeological-artifact-sheds-light-on-mysterious-basque-language
Car parks in Colchester will be closed to allow excavation of a Roman wall:
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/two-colchester-car-parks-closing-8015670
Plans for the San Casciano bronzes to go on display:
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/lifestyle/arts/2023/01/09/san-casciano-bronzes-to-be-shown-at-quirinale-culture-min_1b54b261-ce99-4f06-a4db-aa50b32f6e8a.html
Seeking Heritage Status for the Appian Way:
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/01/10/appian-way-bids-for-unesco-status_eb7117d6-3ca1-4565-829d-e3081b94de99.html
On the PLATINUM project to collect Latin texts on papyrus:
https://arkeonews.net/ancient-latin-texts-written-on-papyrus-reveal-new-information-about-the-roman-world/
Elizabeth Greene is the new president of the AIA:
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/2023/01/12/brock-professor-elizabeth-greene-named-president-of-archaeological-institute-of-america.html
https://www.thestar.com/nd/news/niagara-region/2023/01/12/brock-professor-elizabeth-greene-named-president-of-archaeological-institute-of-america.html
Mathias Hanses is the new president of CAAS:
https://www.psu.edu/news/liberal-arts/story/mathias-hanses-elected-president-classical-association-atlantic-states/
Feature on Yale's Athena:
https://yalealumnimagazine.org/articles/5603-greek-drama
Feature on ancient homeric reunions:
https://theconversation.com/reunions-can-be-nostalgic-and-painful-as-well-as-happy-as-the-ancient-greek-heroes-achilles-and-odysseus-show-us-197379
https://news.yahoo.com/reunions-nostalgic-painful-well-happy-132201291.html
Feature on restoring Roman mosaics:
https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1538-a-new-way-to-restore-ancient-roman-mosaics
Feature on the founding of Rome:
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2023/01/how-was-rome-founded-not-in-a-day-and-not-by-twins
Feature on polarization and civil strife in ancient Greece:
https://theconversation.com/ancient-greece-had-extreme-polarization-and-civil-strife-too-how-thucydides-can-help-us-understand-jan-6-and-its-aftermath-196928
Feature on ancient Greek burial practices:
https://www.thecollector.com/ancient-burial-practices-greece/
Feature on some ancient stadiums:
https://www.history.com/news/ancient-stadiums-football
Feature on ancient Rome and trade with Africa:
https://www.thecollector.com/rome-trade-ancient-africa/
Feature on Roman auxiliary units:
https://www.thecollector.com/auxiliary-units-the-roman-army/
Feature on Plutarch:
https://www.upr.org/show/undisciplined/2023-01-12/undisciplined-the-2000-year-old-modern-scholar
Feature on Cleopatra Selene:
https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-egypt/cleopatras-daughter-who-what-life/
Feature on Zeno of Citium:
https://www.thecollector.com/who-is-zeno-of-citium-father-of-stoicism/
Feature on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus:
https://www.thecollector.com/mausoleum-of-halicarnassus-ancient-wonders/
Feature on Gallia Placida:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/misunderstood-roman-empress-willed-way-to-top-180981294/
Feature on ancient mercenaries:
https://www.thecollector.com/mercenary-military-units-ancient-greece/
Feature on the Venus de Milo:
https://christopherpjones.medium.com/whats-so-special-about-the-venus-de-milo-41d80abdc92c
Feature on an ivory Yakshi figurine from Pompeii:
https://smarthistory.org/indian-ivory-statuette-pompeii/
Feature on ancient horses:
https://www.thecollector.com/history-of-ancient-horses/
Feature on Thessaloniki:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/metro-construction-reveals-the-rich-history-of-thessaloniki/145871
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/09/thessaloniki-metro-ancient-city/
Pondering what the ancients would have thought of Harry and Meghan:
https://www.spectator.com.au/2023/01/family-fortunes/
Cleopatra was apparently 2022's most-viewed Wikipedia page for some reason:
https://theconversation.com/2022-wasnt-the-year-of-cleopatra-so-why-was-she-the-most-viewed-page-on-wikipedia-197350
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/2022-wasnt-cleopatra-why-she-055409625.html
The Parthenon Sculptures saga continued with a former British lawmaker opposing the return:
https://www.thenationalherald.com/british-ex-lawmaker-opposes-sending-parthenon-marbles-to-greece/
... and the UK's Culture Secretary saying the sculptures belong in the UK:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64235854
https://news.yahoo.com/uk-minister-rules-permanent-return-172742787.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/11/elgin-marbles-belong-uk-says-culture-secretary/
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/01/12/uk-culture-secretary-says-parthenon-sculptures-belong-in-britain
https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/01/12/news/greece/uk-minister-rules-out-permanent-return-of-parthenon-marbles-to-greece/
While we also read that a deal was close:
https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230108-british-museum-reportedly-close-to-deal-to-return-parthenon-marbles-to-greece
... but not easy:
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/09/ongoing-talks-on-parthenon-marbles-not-easy-athens_2d050a61-e703-4afe-8afe-88fa7328dbc2.html
https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/10/parthenon-marbles-loaned-greece-never-return/
... and Greece apparently rejected the 'deal':
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greek-pm-dashes-hopes-swift-return-parthenon-marbles-2023-01-11/
https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/01/11/greek-pm-dashes-hopes-of-swift-return-of-parthenon-marbles/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/greece-rejects-british-museum-loan-deal-parthenon-marbles-2241261
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/uk-rejects-permanent-return-of-parthenon-marbles-to-greece
https://tvpworld.com/65600146/dispute-over-parthenon-marbles-continues
https://www.artforum.com/news/greek-officials-refuse-british-museum-s-parthenon-marble-loan-offer-89964
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/13/british-museums-hopes-of-a-loan-arrangement-for-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles-imperilled-ahead-of-greek-elections
... and Greece reasserted the importance of 'ownership':
https://www.rfi.fr/en/health-and-lifestyle/20230109-greece-seeks-definitive-return-of-parthenon-marbles
https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/01/10/news/greece/greece-seeks-definitive-return-of-parthenon-marbles/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/changing-story-greece-now-says-parthenon-marbles-return-talks-on/
... and will continue to seek the return of the sculptures:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1202261/greece-will-continue-to-demand-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles-mendoni-says/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1201896/sculpture-talks-ongoing-says-government-spokesman/
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/48216-minister-greece-will-continue-to-demand-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230113-greece-insists-parthenon-marbles-return-debate-not-closed
There was pondering whether Osborne has the authority to return them:
https://theconversation.com/the-parthenon-marbles-george-osborne-wants-to-return-the-statues-to-athens-but-can-he-a-legal-expert-explains-197364
... and there were several OpEds of varying points of view:
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2023/01/andrew-marr-elgin-marbles-greece-british-museum
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/11/elgin-marbles-greek-professor/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/irish-columnist-makes-moral-case-for-the-parthenon-marbles-return/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11616975/Elgin-Marbles-remain-Britain-better-preserved-Greek-academic-says.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/14/george-osborne-playing-risky-game-political-chess-elgin-marbles/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/10/what-george-osbornes-game-marbles/
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/the-british-museum-return-elgin-marbles-offer-british-artefacts-2074332
https://www.thenationalherald.com/letter-from-athens-you-cant-loan-the-marbles-the-essence-of-greekness/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/14/british-museum-loses-marbles-nationalism-triumphs-humanitys/
Latest Pasts Imperfect newsletter:
https://pastsimperfect.substack.com/p/pasts-imperfect-11223
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
============================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
============================================================
A 7 000 years bp (or so) mass burial of headless people from a site in Slovakia:
https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/details/news/003-headless-skeletons
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-headless-skeletons-settlement-trench-year-old.html
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66159
https://arkeonews.net/headless-skeletons-discovered-in-prehistoric-mass-grave/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/archaeologists-find-prehistoric-mass-grave-with-headless-skeletons/145934
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11127-230113-slovakia-mass-grave
A 3 000 years bp 'sacrificial well' from Germering (Germany):
https://www.livescience.com/bronze-age-wishing-well-bavaria
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728090
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article270969882.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11123-230112-germany-wooden-well
Remains of an Iron Age communal feast of some sort near Cambridge:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271064082.html
https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/world/article271064082.html
A study of the 'tradition' associated with bog bodies:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-europe-famous-bog-bodies-tradition.html
https://www.livescience.com/bog-bodies-overview-europe
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/11/europe/bog-bodies-study-scn/index.html
https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/10/mystery-of-europes-bog-bodies-fascinates-scientists-in-new-study-18070871/
https://arkeonews.net/a-new-study-reveals-that-bog-bodies-were-part-of-a-millennia-old-tradition/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/bogs-reveal-millennia-old-stories-about-violence-and-religion/
A 'princely' Hun burial from Romania:
https://www.livescience.com/princely-tomb-hun-warrior-romania
A high status Viking burial from an Oslo garden:
https://www.livescience.com/viking-age-burial-discovered-oslo
Preliminary exploration of the site of the 13th century Sheffield Castle:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-64221478
Possible medieval burials beneath a Lindisfarne car park:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-64276417
https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-01-13/seven-skeletons-found-under-holy-island-car-park
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/holy-island-skeletons-car-park-25973502
I think we mentioned these possible remains of the original Thames River wall at Westminster:
https://the-past.com/news/possible-section-of-original-thames-river-wall-unearthed-beneath-palace-of-westminster/
A 17th century gold ring found by a metal detectorist in Walton-on-Trent has been declared treasure:
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/historic-ring-found-field-man-8003168
A pair of iron cannons and ammunition from the Bulgarian Northern Black Sea:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/ship-cannons-retrieved-from-the-bulgarian-northern-black-sea/
Construction workers in Poland came across a major cache of preWWII Jewish artifacts in Lodz:
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-728088
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2023-01-11/ty-article/.premium/hundreds-of-jewish-items-hidden-at-start-of-wwii-uncovered-in-lodz/00000185-9c09-d2b7-afd7-fc6db1970000
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/01/13/hundreds-of-personal-items-owned-by-jews-during-world-war-ii-found-in-polish-home/
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66134
https://www.jta.org/2023/01/09/global/massive-trove-of-prewar-jewish-artifacts-unearthed-by-construction-workers-in-poland
A major 'ship graveyard' off the southern coast of Norway:
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/196075/Huge-ship-graveyard-with-dozens-of-wrecks-discovered
More on purported 'writing' on ancient cave paintings:
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/history/archaeologists-cave-art-markings-language-25922986
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/13/1149135787/amateur-archaeologist-deciphers-20-000-year-old-cave-writing
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/ice-age-cave-symbols-1.6708025
https://www.sciencealert.com/mysterious-symbols-could-represent-the-earliest-writing-ever-found
More on that large Viking Hall, possibly connected to Harald Bluetooth, from Denmark:
https://www.livescience.com/viking-hall-bluetooth-denmark
More on the Elizabethen shipwreck found in a quarry in Kent:
https://www.livescience.com/ship-discovered-from-queen-elizabeth-reign
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-16th-century-ship-unearthed-in-england-180981414/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11113-230109-england-elizabethan-ship
Bells from a 16th century church in Cumbria have been removed for restoration:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-64203740
Plans to digitize and put online the archives associated with Avebury monuments:
https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2023-01-10/unique-archive-avebury-world-heritage-site-be-digitised-shared-first-time
https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2023/research/avebury-site-online-for-first-time/
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/york-archaeologist-to-help-share-the-secrets-of-the-worlds-largest-stone-circle-3977111
Coastal erosion concerns at various UK sites:
https://www.theguardian.com/focus/2023/jan/14/washed-away-can-britains-crumbling-castles-be-saved-from-the-sea
Feature on Patxi Perez Ramallo's work in the necropolis of the Compostela cathedral:
https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-01-09/el-vendedor-de-tiques-que-investiga-la-historia-del-camino-de-santiago-en-esqueletos-y-caracoles.html
Feature on the Red Lady of Paviland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-64264413
Feature on being 'filthy rich' in three different eras in Europe:
https://bigthink.com/the-past/wealth-history-inequality/
Review of Flora Fraser, *Flora Macdonald*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/books/review/flora-macdonald-fraser.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
============================================================
Assorted artifacts attesting to 40 000 years ap human presence in the region of Ziyang City in Sichuan:
http://www.china.org.cn/china/2023-01/15/content_85060713.htm
https://english.news.cn/20230115/9e3b6aa8d205427fb84f96fe8987a0c8/c.html
Remains of a 6000 years bp dwelling from Henan:
https://english.news.cn/20230109/642b1acd35f94056bb2d92bf17f28644/c.html
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301094911/
More terracotta warriors from outside Qin's mausoleum:
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301125048/
The remains of a palace and/or mausoleum assocated with the Eastern Han emperor Huan:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271062392.html
A considerable length of water channels from an imperial palace site in Luoyang:
https://english.news.cn/20230107/543cb2f37bd140fbb6b4ca014b432cbf/c.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11121-230111-china-water-channels
Tang Dynasty artifacts and structural remains from the Zhuyaling site in Henan:
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301094939/
A layer of mulberry and cypress branches, probably from a city wall, at a Song Dynasty site in Shangqiu (Henan):
https://english.news.cn/20230110/72d42678201e42b7a379bf7a5d1f234c/c.html
A number of Western Han Dynasty vertical pit tombs from Changsha:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article271126207.html
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271126207.html
An 800 years bp royal temple from the Guangyuanli site in Beijing:
https://www.thestate.com/news/nation-world/national/article271011797.html
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/nation-world/national/article271011797.html
More on the jade and stone artifacts from Lingjiatan:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/sacrificial-pit-containing-jade-tools-found-in-china/145898
Feature on the looting of Beijing's 'Garden of Eternal Brightness' in 1860:
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/avenging-century-humiliation-one-artefact-time
In case you missed it in the Classics section last week, a 2000 years bp 'kurgan' tomb from an 'unknown' culture was excavated in Siberia:
https://www.livescience.com/previously-unknown-hunter-gatherers-siberia
https://arkeonews.net/archaeologists-uncovered-a-kurgan-tomb-from-a-previously-unknown-culture/
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2000-year-old-cemetery-in-siberia-leads-archaeologists-to-discover-new-culture-1234653126/
A pair of 1200 years bp 'miniature stupas' from Nalanda:
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/asi-discovers-two-1200-year-old-miniature-stupas-at-nalanda-news-253066
Feature on important archaeological sites in northeast India:
https://www.sentinelassam.com/web-stories/important-archaeological-sites-of-northeast-india-2125
============================================================
NORTH AMERICA
============================================================
More on the excavation of the diary (and other finds) of the Franklin Expedition's Erebus:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/10/hms-erebus-journal-may-reveal-crews-fate-found-arctic-shipwreck/
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/1213/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/1213/pub/1213/page/57/article/NaN
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/archeologists-recovered-trove-rare-artifacts-220000535.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-recover-275-artifacts-from-franklin-shipwreck-in-the-canadian-arctic-180981391/
More on the oldest projectile points in the Americas:
https://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/news/found-in-idaho-county-osu-archaeologists-uncover-oldest-known-projectile-points-in-americas/article_636b8d54-9138-11ed-9527-bb168ae230ab.html
https://www.wired.com/story/what-this-fearsome-weapon-reveals-about-early-americans/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/archaeologists-uncover-oldest-known-projectile-points-in-the-americas/
Feature on Stacye Hathorn's contribution to Alabama archaeology:
https://spotonalabama.com/al-metropolitan/954048/archaeologist-stacye-hathorn-seeks-alabamas.html
An interesting summary of a slave narrative:
https://mailchi.mp/dailynutmeg/william-grimes-free-at-last?e=2c38baa027
Feature on efforts to preserve the memory of Addison Preston:
https://www.wcax.com/2023/01/13/new-generation-looks-preserve-piece-danvilles-past/
============================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
============================================================
A family outing came across an Arica mummy:
https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-tv/noticia/paseo-familiar-culmino-con-un-casual-hallazgo-de-una-momia-de-la-prehispanica-cultura-de-arica/GC25CF2UDVGHHM7A3CKI2CNMLQ/
Studying pyramids in the Chichen Itza region:
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2023/01/more-pyramids-around-the-chichen-itza-area-are-investigated-in-yucatan/
LiDAR has revealed a number of Maya settlements in Guatemala:
https://www.iflscience.com/enormous-maya-civilization-discovered-complete-with-roads-reservoirs-and-ballcourts-66804
Recent finds from excavations at the Aztec site of La Ventilla near Teotihuacan:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/inhabitants-of-teotihuacan-neighbourhood-were-linked-to-lapidary-production/145914
A Moyotlan Aztec sculpture of the 'flayed lord' found last year is now on display:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66147
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/moyotlan-sculpture-unveiled/145881
More on evidence of a 9000 years bp mammoth hunting camp on the shore of Lake Texcoco:
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/new-findings-ice-age-site/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11109-230106-mexico-hunter-gatherers
More on Mount Tlaloc as an ancient Aztec observatory:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728105
More on building alignments suggestive of the use of a Maya 260-day calendar:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-lidar-reveals-ancient-mesoamerican-aligned.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/laser-americas-olmec-maya-star-calendar
https://english.sta.si/3125622/slovenian-archaeologist-finds-maya-calendar-over-3-000-years-old
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11115-230110-mexico-maya-calendar
More on studies suggesting the Maya used market-based economics:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/new-study-suggests-mayas-utilized-market-based-economics/
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas lecture channels on Youtube:
https://mikeruggerisyoutube.tumblr.com/
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
============================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
============================================================
A lawsuit revolving around ownership of a Van Gogh at the Detroit IA:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/jan/12/van-gogh-painting-lawsuit-detroit-institute-of-art-stolen
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11629131/Art-collector-claims-Van-Gogh-painting-display-Detroit-STOLEN-him.html
https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-lawsuits-detroit-institute-of-arts-brazil-52fa81a726d49ccd3b559b88992bc043
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/detroit-institute-of-arts-van-gogh-lawsuit-2241548
cf: https://dia.org/events/exhibitions/van-gogh-america
Pondering the late Monsignor Michele Basso's art collection:
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/01/vatican-monsignor-dies-leaving-behind-mysterious-art-collection
A collector believes he has found Isaac Newton's personal copy of Opticks:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/collector-discovered-isaac-newtons-lost-personal-copy-of-opticks/
Conservation of some Spanish Armada maps suggest details were later added:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66142
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/10/conservation-of-spanish-armada-invasion-maps-reveals-red-ink-details-were-added-hundreds-of-years-later
Searching for more sources for Copernicus:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/12/many-sources-about-copernicus-still-await-discovery/
Plans to restore some Alexander Graham Bell recordings:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66166
Feature on 5 pioneering women of archaeology:
https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/5-pioneering-women-archaeology
Feature on biased data in archaeology:
https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/columns/2023/01/15/column-science-provides-tools-to-reveal-natures-hidden-secrets/69798587007/
Feature on a Nazi interpretation of a shaman's remains a century or so ago:
https://www.dw.com/en/how-nazis-whitewashed-a-shamans-prehistoric-remains/a-64196637
Feature on how various ancient human groups perceived the cosmos:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/ancient-humans-and-their-early-depictions-of-the-cosmos
Feature on ownership disputes over various shipwrecks around the world:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/10/almost-at-war-shipwreck-hunters-battle-it-out-for-sunken-treasure
Feature on Bessie Mae Kelley and her contributions to animation:
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145092476/bessie-mae-kelley-first-woman-animator
Feature on the six 'greatest' archaeological finds:
https://www.history.co.uk/articles/greatest-ancient-archaeological-finds-in-history
... or the 10 'most notable':
https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/archaeology-news-most-important-finds-1234651600/
Feature on the idea of 'decline and fall':
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/behind-times/decline-and-fall
Feature on Jim Thorpe:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/10/books/review/path-lit-by-lightning-david-maraniss.html
On the history of the speculum:
https://theconversation.com/speculum-the-creepy-history-of-this-ancient-gynaecological-device-and-why-its-still-feared-today-196977
In case you're wondering who received NEH grants:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/arts/design/national-endowment-for-the-humanities-grants.html
Review of Jamie Kreiner, *The Wandering Mind*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/books/review/the-wandering-mind-jamie-kreiner.html
Review of *The Diaries of Franz Kafka*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/books/kafka-diaries.html
============================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:
============================================================
On portraits of Muhammad in teaching:
https://theconversation.com/islamic-paintings-of-the-prophet-muhammad-are-an-important-piece-of-history-heres-why-art-historians-teach-them-197277
https://news.yahoo.com/islamic-paintings-prophet-muhammad-important-195831566.html
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/08/an-art-treasure-long-cherished-by-muslims-is-deemed-offensive-but-to-whom
Review of Nicolai Petro, *The Tragedy of Ukraine*:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/01/06/the-tragedy-of-ukraine/
More on Russian looting of Ukraine's art:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/14/world/asia/ukraine-art-russia-steal.html
============================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
============================================================
Michaelina Wautier:
https://www.brown.edu/news/2022-12-07/wautier
Murillo:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/arts/design/murillo-kimbell-review.html
Carpaccio:
https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-italy-painting-25d52af118f91add1f314947ff20f9a8
... related:
https://apnews.com/article/videos-bb8d5291f61a4372b7bbd9fc43de9520
The Charleston Museum is 250 years old:
https://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-museum-celebrates-250-years-looks-back-looks-ahead/article_ff5e9b2a-718f-11ed-81b5-87dc64a65d4e.html
London's National Portrait Gallery has acquired a Victorian restroom:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/national-portrait-gallery-london-acquires-bathroom-2238188
The Frick has acquired a Moroni:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-frick-just-added-its-first-renaissance-portrait-of-a-woman-to-its-storied-collection-of-old-masters-2239713
Greece has decided on a design for the new National Archaeological Museum:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1201884/winning-entry-for-new-national-archaeological-museum-is-announced/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/multimedia/images/1201917/design-for-new-archaeological-museum-revamp-selected/
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/48194-winning-entry-for-new-national-archaeological-museum-of-athens-is-announced.html
https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/10/greece-reveals-new-national-archaeological-museum-design/
https://news.gtp.gr/2023/01/10/design-for-athens-new-national-archaeological-museum-selected/
https://greekherald.com.au/culture/new-archaeological-museum-of-athens-will-showcase-unseen-monuments/
The Hunterian Museum is (finally) removing the skeleton of the 'Irish Giant' from display:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/museum-skeleton-removed-gbr-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.sciencealert.com/irish-giant-finally-finds-some-privacy-200-years-after-body-snatching-incident
https://www.irishpost.com/news/irish-giant-charles-byrnes-skeleton-removed-from-controversial-display-after-two-centuries-245730
https://www.iflscience.com/skeleton-of-charles-byrne-the-irish-giant-to-be-removed-from-london-museum-display-67068
The Louvre is limiting numbers of visitors:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/arts/design/louvre-attendance-covid.html
============================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
============================================================
The Wolf Family Collection is coming to auction:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a42476519/wolf-family-collection-auction-sothebys-2023/
A 10-aurei medallion of Diocletian fetched a nice price:
https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/unique-gold-10-aurei-of-diocletian-tops-2-million-in-sale
============================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
============================================================
DNA suggests there was a 'backflow' from North America across the Bering Sea:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-ancient-siberian-genomes-reveal-genetic.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230112113206.htm
https://www.science.org/content/article/native-americans-and-their-genes-traveled-back-siberia-new-genomes-reveal?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-americans-crossed-back-into-siberia-in-a-two-way-migration-new-evidence-shows/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient-dna-evidence-charts-native-american-migrations-back-across-the-bering-sea-180981435/
What DNA from a colonial cemetery reveals about enslaved peoples' origins:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-dna-slave-skeletons-interred-unmarked.html
https://www.livescience.com/genetics-reveal-enslaved-people-origins
More on what we learn from DNA from Viking-era Scandinavia:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-years-genetic-history-scandinavia-elucidates.html
https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-01-08/the-enigma-of-the-viking-worlds-lost-diversity.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/exceptional-migration-to-scandinavia-during-the-viking-era/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-dna-reveals-a-genetic-history-of-the-viking-age-180981404/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11114-230109-scandinavia-genetic-history
============================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
============================================================
A facial reconstruction of the 'Jericho Skull':
https://www.livescience.com/jericho-skull-facial-approximation
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728212
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/leiza-neutron-imaging-medieval-pendant-germany-2240948
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-face-of-a-neolithic-man-who-lived-in-jericho-9500-years-ago-180981426/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11117-230110-jericho-skull-reconstruction
A facial reconstruction of Ramesses II:
https://www.livescience.com/ramesses-ii-facial-reconstruction
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11125-230112-ramesses-facial-reconstruction
More on the neutron analysis of a medieval pendant:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/leiza-neutron-imaging-medieval-pendant-germany-2240948
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/neutrons-expose-the-insides-of-a-medieval-pendant/
More on the examination of a medieval murder victim from Cittiglio:
https://www.sciencealert.com/shattered-skull-details-gruesome-final-moments-of-a-medieval-murder-victim
============================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
============================================================
Fayoum:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/egypt-oasis-mummies-crocodiles-pottery-mysterious-temples
Appian Way:
https://www.thetravel.com/hiking-appian-way-in-rome/
Ravenna:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/where-find-ruins-roman-empire-last-years-180981295/
Heracleion:
https://www.thetravel.com/lost-city-of-heracleion-egypt/
Versailles:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230112-the-hidden-history-of-versailles
King's Highway:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230109-the-kings-highway-the-road-that-reveals-jordans-history
Royston Cave:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20221212-a-secret-site-for-the-knights-templar
cf: https://www.roystoncave.co.uk/
Portitxol de Xabia:
https://elpais.com/espana/comunidad-valenciana/2023-01-09/el-portitxol-de-los-fenicios-a-instagram.html
============================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
============================================================
Feature on Vicente Lusitano:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/arts/music/vincente-lusitano.html
============================================================
TV/DOCUMENTARY HYPISH THINGS
============================================================
Hyping Iron Age and Roman finds on Digging for Britain:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-64213669
https://le.ac.uk/news/2023/january/digging-for-britain
... and the Haverfordwest friary:
https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23231648.pembrokeshires-medieval-mystery-soon-unravelled-say-top-archaeologists/
Canyon del Muerto:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/15/tom-felton-film-female-archaeologist-canyon-del-muerto-ann-axtell-morris
============================================================
CRIME BEAT
============================================================
Three guys were arrested trying to steal a 10-ton (!) statue of Rameses II in Egypt:
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/484043.aspx
https://egyptindependent.com/egyptian-authorities-detain-thieves-who-attempted-to-steal-10-ton-ramses-ii-statue/
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2229401/middle-east
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-pharaoah-statue-trying-steal-arrested
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/11/egypt-detains-three-for-trying-to-steal-10-tonne-pharaoh-statue
https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/egypt/2023/01/11/men-arrested-for-trying-to-steal-10-tonne-statue-of-egyptian-pharaoh/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-foils-theft-of-10-ton-ancient-ramses-ii-statue/
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/egypt-stops-bid-to-steal-10-ton-ancient-statue-180032
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/egypt-pharaoh-ancient-statue-ramses/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/01/11/egypt-thieves-detained-steal-statue-ramesses-ii-crane/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/three-people-arrested-for-trying-to-steal-ramesses-ii-statue/
Four members of a gang caught trafficking antiquities in Iraq:
https://ina.iq/eng/24097-fiia-captures-4-gang-members-for-trafficking-in-antiquities-in-babil-and-salah-al-din.html
Police in Colorado recovered several items of stolen artwork:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/police-recover-400k-worth-of-stolen-artwork-in-colorado-180981422/
Police seized a Rubens from an exhibition in Genoa:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/42-million-rubens-painting-seized-from-exhibition-as-part-of-a-criminal-investigation-180981418/
A 1200 years bp Lord Vishna idol was stolen from an ASI shed in Patna:
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/1200-year-old-lord-vishnu-idol-stolen-from-asi-shed-in-patna-1179695.html
https://theprint.in/india/1200-year-old-sculpture-of-lord-vishnu-stolen-from-asis-shed-in-patna/1307896/
More on the stolen artifacts found in a pair of Spanish residences:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/police-discover-hundreds-of-stolen-artifacts-at-spanish-residences-180981401/
Feature on Subhash Kapoor's activities:
https://www.thejuggernaut.com/subhash-kapoor-art-dealer-antiquities-theft
Feature on the 'crooked' antiquities market:
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/antiquities-a-crooked-market/
----------
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
============================================================
Feature on the idea of museums returning items:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a42350431/return-looted-antiquities/
============================================================
NUMISMATICA
============================================================
Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v26/club_nbs_esylum_v26n02.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v26/club_nbs_esylum_v26n03.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
============================================================
OBITUARIES
============================================================
Wayne Meeks:
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/wayne-meeks-1932-2023
F. Bryce:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/northfieldnews/name/f-bryce-obituary?id=38614146
Paul Johnson:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/books/paul-johnson-dead.html
Paul Bidwell:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paul-bidwell-obituary-mmbl8r08j
Bev Nicholson:
https://www.brandonu.ca/news/2023/01/12/brandon-university-mourns-passing-of-professor-emeritus-dr-bev-nicholson/
John Michael Morgan:
https://www.ajc.com/news/john-michael-morgan-74-collector-of-rare-bibles-dies/FEJSOFKBNNB2JCHA5BQ3ONV6H4/
============================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
============================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3231-audio-news-from-archaeologica-january-1st-through-the-7th-2023
============================================================
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:
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Explorator is Copyright (c) 2023 David Meadows. Feel free to
distribute these listings via email to your pals, students,
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making use of content gathered in Explorator. Thanks!
===========================================================
explorator 25.39 January 15, 2023
===========================================================
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, Floris Strijbos,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).
============================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
============================================================
Evidence that early hominids were meat eaters:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/which-animals-did-early-humans-mainly-hunt
Study of evidence for 60 000 years bp hunting in Israel:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-01-12/ty-article/archaeologists-find-surprising-moment-in-the-life-of-prehistoric-hunters-in-israel/00000185-a110-ddab-adff-e71591cd0000
Interview with Svante Paabo about perceptions of Neanderthals:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/12/svante-paabo-interview-nobel-prize
More on the million-year-old homo erectus skull from China:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202301/1283493.shtml
More on early humans 'sailing' across the Mediterranean:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/human-ancestors-may-have-sailed-across-the-mediterranean-sea-half-a-million-years-ago/
============================================================
AFRICA
============================================================
UNESCO protection for Meroe:
https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Archaeological_Sites_of_Island_of_Meroe_a_semi_desert_landscape_in_Sudan_protected_by_UNESCO-2443067
More on the Slave Wrecks Project at various African sites:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/08/a-search-for-ourselves-shipwreck-becomes-focus-of-slavery-debate
============================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
============================================================
A Thutmosis-era royal tomb from Luxor:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb.html
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/484227/Antiquities/Ancient-Egypt/Royal-tomb-from-Thutmosid-period-discovered-on-Lux.aspx
https://www.egyptindependent.com/ancient-egyptian-royal-tomb-uncovered-in-luxor/
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/121899/Egypt-announces-the-discovery-of-royal-tomb-in-the-Western
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-royal-burial-chamber-unearthed-in-egypts-luxor
https://www.trtworld.com/art-culture/egypt-unveils-royal-tomb-in-luxor-dating-back-around-3-500-years-64517
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypt-says-ancient-royal-tomb-unearthed-in-luxor/2023/01/14/ef26531c-941a-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ancient-royal-tomb-unearthed-in-luxor-by-archaeologists/
https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-unearths-new-royal-tomb-in-luxor/a-64394999
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728571
https://www.rfi.fr/en/middle-east/20230114-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb-in-luxor
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230114-egypt-unveils-ancient-royal-tomb-in-luxor
Genetic analysis/calculations suggest smallpox may go back at least to Egypt, some 3800 years bp:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230109112755.htm
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11124-230112-smallpox-virus-evolution
A study of illustrated papyrus from ancient Egypt:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27761-7
Egypt is reconstructing a shrine to the Old Kingdom ruler Winnie:
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/483946/Antiquities/Ancient-Egypt/Reconstruction-of-shrine-to-regional-Old-Kingdom-r.aspx
More on funerary finds from Fayum:
https://the-past.com/news/funerary-finds-in-fayum/
More on crocodile skulls from a pair of tombs near the Temple of Hatshepsut:
https://scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en/news/news%2C94751%2Cpolish-archaeologists-find-nine-crocodile-heads-ancient-egyptian-tombs.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/nine-crocodile-heads-found-in-ancient-egyptian-tombs/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11116-230110-egypt-crocodile-skulls
Feature on Tutankhamun's tomb and the 'curse':
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3206655/how-grave-pharaoh-tutankhamun-was-found-and-mummys-curse-media-peddled-when-digs-sponsor-died-soon
Ramses II's sarcophagus is going on tour to France:
https://www.rfi.fr/en/culture/20230113-sarcophagus-of-egyptian-pharaoh-ramses-ii-returns-to-france-in-rare-loan
Clay tablets from a Seljuk era site at the Jameh Mosque of Nushabad (Iran):
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/480816/Ancient-clay-tablet-fragments-discovered-in-mosque
On the use of AI to read cuneiform Hittite tablets:
https://arkeonews.net/turkish-researchers-use-artificial-intelligence-to-read-cuneatic-hittite-tablets/
I think we've mentioned these 2700 years bp reliefs from Nineveh:
https://www.zmescience.com/other/did-you-know/2700-year-old-rock-carvings-tell-the-story-of-nineveh-the-wondrous-assyrian-city-youve-never-heard-of/
A medieval Muslim burial ground from Arakul (Azerbaijan):
https://www.azernews.az/nation/204973.html
Feature on the salt trade in Seleucid Babylonia:
https://www.asor.org/anetoday/2023/01/salt-traders-seleucid-babylonia
Remains of a Byzantine church with preserved mosaic floor from near Jericho:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spectacular-byzantine-church-mosaics-uncovered-near-jericho/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728243
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/ornate-collection-of-mosaics-uncovered-near-jericho/145920
A Byzantine woman's burial at Kadikalesi Castle in Turkiye:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/female-skeleton-unearthed-in-kadikalesi-179955
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11120-230111-turkey-castle-grave
Finds from excavations at Satala over the years are now on display:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/artifacts-of-satala-ancient-city-on-display-for-first-time-180100
Some 10 500 artifacts were 'added' to Turkish museums this past year:
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/around-10500-new-artifacts-added-to-turkish-museums-in-2022/news
More on Upper Paleolithic 'stone bladelet' production at the Al-Ansab 1 site in Jordan:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/11/mass-production-of-bladelets-shows-cultural-shift-in-levantine-paleolithic/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/cultural-shift-in-stone-tool-production-40000-years-ago/145893
A study of 'sedintarization' in the Bronze Age Levant:
https://jordantimes.com/news/local/archaeologist-explores-sedintarisation-southern-levant
8 ostrich eggs (4000-7000 years bp) next to a fire pit site in the Negev:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-ancient-ostrich-eggs-southern-israeli.html
https://www.timesofisrael.com/8-ostrich-eggs-over-4000-years-old-found-near-excavated-firepit-in-south/
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728309
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-01-12/ty-article/israeli-archaeologists-discover-first-ever-cooked-ostrich-eggs-maybe/00000185-a53d-d7a2-a1af-a73d8cb70000
https://egyptindependent.com/ostrich-eggs-up-to-7500-years-old-found-next-to-ancient-fire-pit-in-israel/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64248488
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/13/middleeast/ostrich-eggs-discovery-israel-scn-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230112-ancient-ostrich-eggs-found-in-southern-israeli-desert
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/12/archaeology-4500-year-old-ostrich-eggs-found-in-israel_899fa202-941d-4520-8be4-28397c1d89fc.html
https://arkeonews.net/8-ostrich-eggs-over-4000-years-old-discovered-near-excavated-firepit-in-negev-desert/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/ancient-campsite-where-people-cooked-ostrich-eggs/145925
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/4000-year-old-ostrich-eggs-uncovered-in-the-negev-dunes/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11126-230113-israel-ostrich-eggs
The 'House of David' reference in the Mesha Stele was 'confirmed' this week:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728354
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/inscriptions/the-mesha-stele-and-king-david-of-the-bible/?mqsc=E4149201&dk=ZE3410ZF0
More on use of silver as currency in the Levant:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/study-claims-hoards-of-3600-year-old-cut-silver-pieces-are-first-currency-in-levant/
https://www.haaretz.com/2023-01-08/00000185-90aa-d94b-ad8d-beefc4410000
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-727956
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/hylnmhkci
https://israel247.org/2023/01/decouverte-de-pieces-dargent-utilisees-dans-lancien-israel-il-y-a-3-600-ans-et-toujours-rien-sur-le-passe-palestinien/
https://arkeonews.net/israeli-researchers-uncover-earliest-evidence-silver-used-as-currency-in-levant/
cf: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305440322001637
The Palestinian Authority is said to be planning to build on the Joshua's Altar site:
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365841
Feature on Michael Langlois' use of technology to expose ancient text forgeries:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-unorthodox-scholar-uses-technology-expose-biblical-forgeries-180981290/
Feature on Gath:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/philistine-capital-judahite-city/
Feature on ritual sacrifice in ancient Israel:
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/ritual-sacrifice-in-ancient-israel/
More on plans for the Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-726942
Excavations are underway at the King Khalid Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2230961/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia registered 41 new historical sites:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2229336/saudi-arabia
UNESCO protection for petroglyphs in the Hail region of SA:
https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Rock_Art_in_the_Hail_Region_of_Saudi_Arabia___rich_array_of_ancient_art_protected_by_UNESCO-2441252
-----
This Week in the Ancient Near East Podcast:
https://thisweekintheancientneareast.podbean.com/
============================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
============================================================
Remains of a Roman wall and tiled floor from Gabes:
https://www.msn.com/fr-xl/afrique-du-nord/tunisie-actualite/d%C3%A9couverte-%C3%A0-gab%C3%A8s-des-vestiges-dun-mur-et-dun-sol-carrel%C3%A9-datant-de-l%C3%A9poque-romaine/ar-AA16a7zV?li=AAGN08W
A Roman 'ritual centre' from near Northampton:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9z0pj7vd1o
https://www.northantslive.news/news/northamptonshire-news/ancient-roman-shrine-bronze-age-8017550
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/archaeology-news-roman-ritual-center-unearthed-in-england-1234653283/
https://arkeonews.net/roman-ritual-center-discovered-in-england/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/roman-ritual-centre-found-near-northampton/145908
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11119-230111-england-ritual-center
Remains of several Roman cisterns from Maxula (Tunisia):
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/roman-cisterns-found-in-ancient-maxula/145905
The latest HS2 construction-related find is remains of Roman town near Blackgrounds:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article271067732.html
A Roman dodechedron find from Flanders:
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2023/01/10/second-mysterious-dodecahedron-found-in-flanders/
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2023/01/11/dodecahedron-linked-to-the-occult-the-underground-and-the-celts/
Drought in Spain is allowing archaeologists to reexamine the site of Augustobriga:
https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-01-11/drought-helps-expose-the-secrets-of-a-roman-city.html
https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-01-10/la-sequia-desvela-los-secretos-de-la-ciudad-romana-de-augustobriga.html
Plenty of coverage of the reopening of the restored House of the Vettii in Pompeii:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/10/astonishing-pompeii-home-of-men-freed-from-slavery-reopens-to-public
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2023/jan/11/casa-dei-vettii-pompeii-reopens-after-20-years-in-pictures
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64225813
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11618543/Newly-restored-house-Pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life.html
https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-europe-ap-top-news-world-news-arts-and-entertainment-4f7d78b61fb39b5fd3f71cd07ff3eded
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/newly-restored-house-in-pompeii-offers-glimpse-of-elite-life/2023/01/10/ae87bee6-90d6-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pompeii-house-restored-rare-look-life-ancient-elites-volcano-pummelled-city/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/newly-restored-house-pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life-rcna65067
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/newly-restored-house-pompeii-offers-glimpse-elite-life-96332320
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/01/10/ancient-pompeii-slave-home-reopens-cprog-orig-aw.cnn
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article271051947.html
https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Newly-restored-house-in-Pompeii-offers-glimpse-of-17707009.php
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2160053315521
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-11/pompeii-restored-house-of-vettii-revealed/101845912
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2023/01/12/elite-life-and-erotic-art-pompeii-house-reveals-its-secrets-after-20-year-restoration/
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/pompeii-reopens-casa-dei-vettii-after-20-years.html
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/10/pompeii-reopens-its-sistine-chapel-house-of-the-vettii_4f64bf1b-60ec-4fce-96fa-4b0b91bc4f15.html
https://www.artnews.com/gallery/art-news/news/pompeii-house-of-the-vetiii-refurbished-frescos-1234653314/
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/11/vast-pompeii-residence-unveiled-with-panel-depicting-a-giant-penis
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/house-of-the-vettii-in-pompeii-re-opened/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/after-decades-of-restoration-lavish-pompeii-house-reopens-to-public-180981419/
A 2000 years bp sarcophagus from Istanbul:
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/2-000-year-old-sarcophagus-found-in-istanbul-179988
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2000-year-old-sarcophagus-with-human-remains-uncovered-in-istanbul-1234653711/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11118-230112-istanbul-roman-sarcophagus
More on the reasons for the durability of Roman concrete:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-secrets-self-healing-roman-concrete.html
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/scientists-chip-away-how-ancient-roman-concrete-stood-test-time-2023-01-09/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/still-standing-researchers-crack-secret-of-ancient-romes-self-healing-concrete/
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-master-engineers-roman-concrete-stands-test-of-time
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/researchers-dig-up-secrets-of-self-healing-roman-concrete-180004
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/14/1149245238/why-architectural-marvels-from-ancient-rome-are-still-standing
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article270962742.html
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/roman-concrete-mystery-ingredient-scn/index.html
https://www.zmescience.com/science/researchers-uncover-the-secrets-behind-the-insane-durability-of-roman-concrete/
https://bigthink.com/the-past/roman-concrete/
https://boingboing.net/2023/01/10/researchers-reverse-engineer-roman-concrete.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/12/riddle-solved-why-was-roman-concrete-so-durable/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/self-healing-concrete-may-have-preserved-ancient-roman-structures-180981411/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11122-230111-roman-concrete-quicklime
More on the Temple of Poseidon at Samikon (not sure why this is back in the news):
https://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/aktuell/16929_ENG_HTML.php
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-discovery-temple-poseidon-kleidi-site.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/976343
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728358
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/13/archaeologists-believe-they-found-the-temple-of-poseidon-in-greece/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/temple-of-poseidon-remains-further-revealed-at-peloponnesian-site/
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ancient-greek-temple-of-poseidon-identified-in-samikon-archaeologists-believe-1234653493/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11128-230113-greece-archaic-temple
More on Greek text on a rock in Tajikistan:
https://greekherald.com.au/culture/how-ancient-greek-letters-were-carved-on-a-rock-in-central-asia/
More on the Gallo-Roman mausoleum (maybe) find from Neris-les Bains:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/gallo-roman-mausoleum-archaeology-2240371
More on the translation of the 'hand of Irulegi' and its Basque connections:
https://www.ksut.org/history/2023-01-09/archaeological-artifact-sheds-light-on-mysterious-basque-language
Car parks in Colchester will be closed to allow excavation of a Roman wall:
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/two-colchester-car-parks-closing-8015670
Plans for the San Casciano bronzes to go on display:
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/lifestyle/arts/2023/01/09/san-casciano-bronzes-to-be-shown-at-quirinale-culture-min_1b54b261-ce99-4f06-a4db-aa50b32f6e8a.html
Seeking Heritage Status for the Appian Way:
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/01/10/appian-way-bids-for-unesco-status_eb7117d6-3ca1-4565-829d-e3081b94de99.html
On the PLATINUM project to collect Latin texts on papyrus:
https://arkeonews.net/ancient-latin-texts-written-on-papyrus-reveal-new-information-about-the-roman-world/
Elizabeth Greene is the new president of the AIA:
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/2023/01/12/brock-professor-elizabeth-greene-named-president-of-archaeological-institute-of-america.html
https://www.thestar.com/nd/news/niagara-region/2023/01/12/brock-professor-elizabeth-greene-named-president-of-archaeological-institute-of-america.html
Mathias Hanses is the new president of CAAS:
https://www.psu.edu/news/liberal-arts/story/mathias-hanses-elected-president-classical-association-atlantic-states/
Feature on Yale's Athena:
https://yalealumnimagazine.org/articles/5603-greek-drama
Feature on ancient homeric reunions:
https://theconversation.com/reunions-can-be-nostalgic-and-painful-as-well-as-happy-as-the-ancient-greek-heroes-achilles-and-odysseus-show-us-197379
https://news.yahoo.com/reunions-nostalgic-painful-well-happy-132201291.html
Feature on restoring Roman mosaics:
https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1538-a-new-way-to-restore-ancient-roman-mosaics
Feature on the founding of Rome:
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2023/01/how-was-rome-founded-not-in-a-day-and-not-by-twins
Feature on polarization and civil strife in ancient Greece:
https://theconversation.com/ancient-greece-had-extreme-polarization-and-civil-strife-too-how-thucydides-can-help-us-understand-jan-6-and-its-aftermath-196928
Feature on ancient Greek burial practices:
https://www.thecollector.com/ancient-burial-practices-greece/
Feature on some ancient stadiums:
https://www.history.com/news/ancient-stadiums-football
Feature on ancient Rome and trade with Africa:
https://www.thecollector.com/rome-trade-ancient-africa/
Feature on Roman auxiliary units:
https://www.thecollector.com/auxiliary-units-the-roman-army/
Feature on Plutarch:
https://www.upr.org/show/undisciplined/2023-01-12/undisciplined-the-2000-year-old-modern-scholar
Feature on Cleopatra Selene:
https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-egypt/cleopatras-daughter-who-what-life/
Feature on Zeno of Citium:
https://www.thecollector.com/who-is-zeno-of-citium-father-of-stoicism/
Feature on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus:
https://www.thecollector.com/mausoleum-of-halicarnassus-ancient-wonders/
Feature on Gallia Placida:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/misunderstood-roman-empress-willed-way-to-top-180981294/
Feature on ancient mercenaries:
https://www.thecollector.com/mercenary-military-units-ancient-greece/
Feature on the Venus de Milo:
https://christopherpjones.medium.com/whats-so-special-about-the-venus-de-milo-41d80abdc92c
Feature on an ivory Yakshi figurine from Pompeii:
https://smarthistory.org/indian-ivory-statuette-pompeii/
Feature on ancient horses:
https://www.thecollector.com/history-of-ancient-horses/
Feature on Thessaloniki:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/metro-construction-reveals-the-rich-history-of-thessaloniki/145871
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/09/thessaloniki-metro-ancient-city/
Pondering what the ancients would have thought of Harry and Meghan:
https://www.spectator.com.au/2023/01/family-fortunes/
Cleopatra was apparently 2022's most-viewed Wikipedia page for some reason:
https://theconversation.com/2022-wasnt-the-year-of-cleopatra-so-why-was-she-the-most-viewed-page-on-wikipedia-197350
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/2022-wasnt-cleopatra-why-she-055409625.html
The Parthenon Sculptures saga continued with a former British lawmaker opposing the return:
https://www.thenationalherald.com/british-ex-lawmaker-opposes-sending-parthenon-marbles-to-greece/
... and the UK's Culture Secretary saying the sculptures belong in the UK:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64235854
https://news.yahoo.com/uk-minister-rules-permanent-return-172742787.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/11/elgin-marbles-belong-uk-says-culture-secretary/
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/01/12/uk-culture-secretary-says-parthenon-sculptures-belong-in-britain
https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/01/12/news/greece/uk-minister-rules-out-permanent-return-of-parthenon-marbles-to-greece/
While we also read that a deal was close:
https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230108-british-museum-reportedly-close-to-deal-to-return-parthenon-marbles-to-greece
... but not easy:
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2023/01/09/ongoing-talks-on-parthenon-marbles-not-easy-athens_2d050a61-e703-4afe-8afe-88fa7328dbc2.html
https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/10/parthenon-marbles-loaned-greece-never-return/
... and Greece apparently rejected the 'deal':
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greek-pm-dashes-hopes-swift-return-parthenon-marbles-2023-01-11/
https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/01/11/greek-pm-dashes-hopes-of-swift-return-of-parthenon-marbles/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/greece-rejects-british-museum-loan-deal-parthenon-marbles-2241261
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/uk-rejects-permanent-return-of-parthenon-marbles-to-greece
https://tvpworld.com/65600146/dispute-over-parthenon-marbles-continues
https://www.artforum.com/news/greek-officials-refuse-british-museum-s-parthenon-marble-loan-offer-89964
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/13/british-museums-hopes-of-a-loan-arrangement-for-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles-imperilled-ahead-of-greek-elections
... and Greece reasserted the importance of 'ownership':
https://www.rfi.fr/en/health-and-lifestyle/20230109-greece-seeks-definitive-return-of-parthenon-marbles
https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/01/10/news/greece/greece-seeks-definitive-return-of-parthenon-marbles/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/changing-story-greece-now-says-parthenon-marbles-return-talks-on/
... and will continue to seek the return of the sculptures:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1202261/greece-will-continue-to-demand-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles-mendoni-says/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1201896/sculpture-talks-ongoing-says-government-spokesman/
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/48216-minister-greece-will-continue-to-demand-the-return-of-the-parthenon-marbles.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230113-greece-insists-parthenon-marbles-return-debate-not-closed
There was pondering whether Osborne has the authority to return them:
https://theconversation.com/the-parthenon-marbles-george-osborne-wants-to-return-the-statues-to-athens-but-can-he-a-legal-expert-explains-197364
... and there were several OpEds of varying points of view:
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2023/01/andrew-marr-elgin-marbles-greece-british-museum
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/01/11/elgin-marbles-greek-professor/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/irish-columnist-makes-moral-case-for-the-parthenon-marbles-return/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11616975/Elgin-Marbles-remain-Britain-better-preserved-Greek-academic-says.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/14/george-osborne-playing-risky-game-political-chess-elgin-marbles/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/10/what-george-osbornes-game-marbles/
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/the-british-museum-return-elgin-marbles-offer-british-artefacts-2074332
https://www.thenationalherald.com/letter-from-athens-you-cant-loan-the-marbles-the-essence-of-greekness/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/14/british-museum-loses-marbles-nationalism-triumphs-humanitys/
Latest Pasts Imperfect newsletter:
https://pastsimperfect.substack.com/p/pasts-imperfect-11223
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
============================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
============================================================
A 7 000 years bp (or so) mass burial of headless people from a site in Slovakia:
https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/details/news/003-headless-skeletons
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-headless-skeletons-settlement-trench-year-old.html
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66159
https://arkeonews.net/headless-skeletons-discovered-in-prehistoric-mass-grave/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/archaeologists-find-prehistoric-mass-grave-with-headless-skeletons/145934
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11127-230113-slovakia-mass-grave
A 3 000 years bp 'sacrificial well' from Germering (Germany):
https://www.livescience.com/bronze-age-wishing-well-bavaria
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728090
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article270969882.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11123-230112-germany-wooden-well
Remains of an Iron Age communal feast of some sort near Cambridge:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271064082.html
https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/world/article271064082.html
A study of the 'tradition' associated with bog bodies:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-europe-famous-bog-bodies-tradition.html
https://www.livescience.com/bog-bodies-overview-europe
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/11/europe/bog-bodies-study-scn/index.html
https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/10/mystery-of-europes-bog-bodies-fascinates-scientists-in-new-study-18070871/
https://arkeonews.net/a-new-study-reveals-that-bog-bodies-were-part-of-a-millennia-old-tradition/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/bogs-reveal-millennia-old-stories-about-violence-and-religion/
A 'princely' Hun burial from Romania:
https://www.livescience.com/princely-tomb-hun-warrior-romania
A high status Viking burial from an Oslo garden:
https://www.livescience.com/viking-age-burial-discovered-oslo
Preliminary exploration of the site of the 13th century Sheffield Castle:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-64221478
Possible medieval burials beneath a Lindisfarne car park:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tyne-64276417
https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-01-13/seven-skeletons-found-under-holy-island-car-park
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/holy-island-skeletons-car-park-25973502
I think we mentioned these possible remains of the original Thames River wall at Westminster:
https://the-past.com/news/possible-section-of-original-thames-river-wall-unearthed-beneath-palace-of-westminster/
A 17th century gold ring found by a metal detectorist in Walton-on-Trent has been declared treasure:
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/historic-ring-found-field-man-8003168
A pair of iron cannons and ammunition from the Bulgarian Northern Black Sea:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/ship-cannons-retrieved-from-the-bulgarian-northern-black-sea/
Construction workers in Poland came across a major cache of preWWII Jewish artifacts in Lodz:
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-728088
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2023-01-11/ty-article/.premium/hundreds-of-jewish-items-hidden-at-start-of-wwii-uncovered-in-lodz/00000185-9c09-d2b7-afd7-fc6db1970000
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/01/13/hundreds-of-personal-items-owned-by-jews-during-world-war-ii-found-in-polish-home/
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66134
https://www.jta.org/2023/01/09/global/massive-trove-of-prewar-jewish-artifacts-unearthed-by-construction-workers-in-poland
A major 'ship graveyard' off the southern coast of Norway:
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/196075/Huge-ship-graveyard-with-dozens-of-wrecks-discovered
More on purported 'writing' on ancient cave paintings:
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/history/archaeologists-cave-art-markings-language-25922986
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/13/1149135787/amateur-archaeologist-deciphers-20-000-year-old-cave-writing
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/ice-age-cave-symbols-1.6708025
https://www.sciencealert.com/mysterious-symbols-could-represent-the-earliest-writing-ever-found
More on that large Viking Hall, possibly connected to Harald Bluetooth, from Denmark:
https://www.livescience.com/viking-hall-bluetooth-denmark
More on the Elizabethen shipwreck found in a quarry in Kent:
https://www.livescience.com/ship-discovered-from-queen-elizabeth-reign
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-16th-century-ship-unearthed-in-england-180981414/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11113-230109-england-elizabethan-ship
Bells from a 16th century church in Cumbria have been removed for restoration:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-64203740
Plans to digitize and put online the archives associated with Avebury monuments:
https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2023-01-10/unique-archive-avebury-world-heritage-site-be-digitised-shared-first-time
https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2023/research/avebury-site-online-for-first-time/
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/york-archaeologist-to-help-share-the-secrets-of-the-worlds-largest-stone-circle-3977111
Coastal erosion concerns at various UK sites:
https://www.theguardian.com/focus/2023/jan/14/washed-away-can-britains-crumbling-castles-be-saved-from-the-sea
Feature on Patxi Perez Ramallo's work in the necropolis of the Compostela cathedral:
https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-01-09/el-vendedor-de-tiques-que-investiga-la-historia-del-camino-de-santiago-en-esqueletos-y-caracoles.html
Feature on the Red Lady of Paviland:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-64264413
Feature on being 'filthy rich' in three different eras in Europe:
https://bigthink.com/the-past/wealth-history-inequality/
Review of Flora Fraser, *Flora Macdonald*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/books/review/flora-macdonald-fraser.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
============================================================
Assorted artifacts attesting to 40 000 years ap human presence in the region of Ziyang City in Sichuan:
http://www.china.org.cn/china/2023-01/15/content_85060713.htm
https://english.news.cn/20230115/9e3b6aa8d205427fb84f96fe8987a0c8/c.html
Remains of a 6000 years bp dwelling from Henan:
https://english.news.cn/20230109/642b1acd35f94056bb2d92bf17f28644/c.html
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301094911/
More terracotta warriors from outside Qin's mausoleum:
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301125048/
The remains of a palace and/or mausoleum assocated with the Eastern Han emperor Huan:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271062392.html
A considerable length of water channels from an imperial palace site in Luoyang:
https://english.news.cn/20230107/543cb2f37bd140fbb6b4ca014b432cbf/c.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11121-230111-china-water-channels
Tang Dynasty artifacts and structural remains from the Zhuyaling site in Henan:
https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2301094939/
A layer of mulberry and cypress branches, probably from a city wall, at a Song Dynasty site in Shangqiu (Henan):
https://english.news.cn/20230110/72d42678201e42b7a379bf7a5d1f234c/c.html
A number of Western Han Dynasty vertical pit tombs from Changsha:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/world/article271126207.html
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/world/article271126207.html
An 800 years bp royal temple from the Guangyuanli site in Beijing:
https://www.thestate.com/news/nation-world/national/article271011797.html
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/nation-world/national/article271011797.html
More on the jade and stone artifacts from Lingjiatan:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/sacrificial-pit-containing-jade-tools-found-in-china/145898
Feature on the looting of Beijing's 'Garden of Eternal Brightness' in 1860:
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/avenging-century-humiliation-one-artefact-time
In case you missed it in the Classics section last week, a 2000 years bp 'kurgan' tomb from an 'unknown' culture was excavated in Siberia:
https://www.livescience.com/previously-unknown-hunter-gatherers-siberia
https://arkeonews.net/archaeologists-uncovered-a-kurgan-tomb-from-a-previously-unknown-culture/
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2000-year-old-cemetery-in-siberia-leads-archaeologists-to-discover-new-culture-1234653126/
A pair of 1200 years bp 'miniature stupas' from Nalanda:
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/asi-discovers-two-1200-year-old-miniature-stupas-at-nalanda-news-253066
Feature on important archaeological sites in northeast India:
https://www.sentinelassam.com/web-stories/important-archaeological-sites-of-northeast-india-2125
============================================================
NORTH AMERICA
============================================================
More on the excavation of the diary (and other finds) of the Franklin Expedition's Erebus:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/10/hms-erebus-journal-may-reveal-crews-fate-found-arctic-shipwreck/
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/1213/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/1213/pub/1213/page/57/article/NaN
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/archeologists-recovered-trove-rare-artifacts-220000535.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-recover-275-artifacts-from-franklin-shipwreck-in-the-canadian-arctic-180981391/
More on the oldest projectile points in the Americas:
https://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/news/found-in-idaho-county-osu-archaeologists-uncover-oldest-known-projectile-points-in-americas/article_636b8d54-9138-11ed-9527-bb168ae230ab.html
https://www.wired.com/story/what-this-fearsome-weapon-reveals-about-early-americans/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/archaeologists-uncover-oldest-known-projectile-points-in-the-americas/
Feature on Stacye Hathorn's contribution to Alabama archaeology:
https://spotonalabama.com/al-metropolitan/954048/archaeologist-stacye-hathorn-seeks-alabamas.html
An interesting summary of a slave narrative:
https://mailchi.mp/dailynutmeg/william-grimes-free-at-last?e=2c38baa027
Feature on efforts to preserve the memory of Addison Preston:
https://www.wcax.com/2023/01/13/new-generation-looks-preserve-piece-danvilles-past/
============================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
============================================================
A family outing came across an Arica mummy:
https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-tv/noticia/paseo-familiar-culmino-con-un-casual-hallazgo-de-una-momia-de-la-prehispanica-cultura-de-arica/GC25CF2UDVGHHM7A3CKI2CNMLQ/
Studying pyramids in the Chichen Itza region:
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2023/01/more-pyramids-around-the-chichen-itza-area-are-investigated-in-yucatan/
LiDAR has revealed a number of Maya settlements in Guatemala:
https://www.iflscience.com/enormous-maya-civilization-discovered-complete-with-roads-reservoirs-and-ballcourts-66804
Recent finds from excavations at the Aztec site of La Ventilla near Teotihuacan:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/inhabitants-of-teotihuacan-neighbourhood-were-linked-to-lapidary-production/145914
A Moyotlan Aztec sculpture of the 'flayed lord' found last year is now on display:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66147
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/moyotlan-sculpture-unveiled/145881
More on evidence of a 9000 years bp mammoth hunting camp on the shore of Lake Texcoco:
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/new-findings-ice-age-site/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11109-230106-mexico-hunter-gatherers
More on Mount Tlaloc as an ancient Aztec observatory:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728105
More on building alignments suggestive of the use of a Maya 260-day calendar:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-lidar-reveals-ancient-mesoamerican-aligned.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/laser-americas-olmec-maya-star-calendar
https://english.sta.si/3125622/slovenian-archaeologist-finds-maya-calendar-over-3-000-years-old
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11115-230110-mexico-maya-calendar
More on studies suggesting the Maya used market-based economics:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/new-study-suggests-mayas-utilized-market-based-economics/
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas lecture channels on Youtube:
https://mikeruggerisyoutube.tumblr.com/
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
============================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
============================================================
A lawsuit revolving around ownership of a Van Gogh at the Detroit IA:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/jan/12/van-gogh-painting-lawsuit-detroit-institute-of-art-stolen
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11629131/Art-collector-claims-Van-Gogh-painting-display-Detroit-STOLEN-him.html
https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-lawsuits-detroit-institute-of-arts-brazil-52fa81a726d49ccd3b559b88992bc043
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/detroit-institute-of-arts-van-gogh-lawsuit-2241548
cf: https://dia.org/events/exhibitions/van-gogh-america
Pondering the late Monsignor Michele Basso's art collection:
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/01/vatican-monsignor-dies-leaving-behind-mysterious-art-collection
A collector believes he has found Isaac Newton's personal copy of Opticks:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/collector-discovered-isaac-newtons-lost-personal-copy-of-opticks/
Conservation of some Spanish Armada maps suggest details were later added:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66142
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/01/10/conservation-of-spanish-armada-invasion-maps-reveals-red-ink-details-were-added-hundreds-of-years-later
Searching for more sources for Copernicus:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/12/many-sources-about-copernicus-still-await-discovery/
Plans to restore some Alexander Graham Bell recordings:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66166
Feature on 5 pioneering women of archaeology:
https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/5-pioneering-women-archaeology
Feature on biased data in archaeology:
https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/columns/2023/01/15/column-science-provides-tools-to-reveal-natures-hidden-secrets/69798587007/
Feature on a Nazi interpretation of a shaman's remains a century or so ago:
https://www.dw.com/en/how-nazis-whitewashed-a-shamans-prehistoric-remains/a-64196637
Feature on how various ancient human groups perceived the cosmos:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/ancient-humans-and-their-early-depictions-of-the-cosmos
Feature on ownership disputes over various shipwrecks around the world:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/10/almost-at-war-shipwreck-hunters-battle-it-out-for-sunken-treasure
Feature on Bessie Mae Kelley and her contributions to animation:
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145092476/bessie-mae-kelley-first-woman-animator
Feature on the six 'greatest' archaeological finds:
https://www.history.co.uk/articles/greatest-ancient-archaeological-finds-in-history
... or the 10 'most notable':
https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/archaeology-news-most-important-finds-1234651600/
Feature on the idea of 'decline and fall':
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/behind-times/decline-and-fall
Feature on Jim Thorpe:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/10/books/review/path-lit-by-lightning-david-maraniss.html
On the history of the speculum:
https://theconversation.com/speculum-the-creepy-history-of-this-ancient-gynaecological-device-and-why-its-still-feared-today-196977
In case you're wondering who received NEH grants:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/arts/design/national-endowment-for-the-humanities-grants.html
Review of Jamie Kreiner, *The Wandering Mind*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/books/review/the-wandering-mind-jamie-kreiner.html
Review of *The Diaries of Franz Kafka*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/books/kafka-diaries.html
============================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:
============================================================
On portraits of Muhammad in teaching:
https://theconversation.com/islamic-paintings-of-the-prophet-muhammad-are-an-important-piece-of-history-heres-why-art-historians-teach-them-197277
https://news.yahoo.com/islamic-paintings-prophet-muhammad-important-195831566.html
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/08/an-art-treasure-long-cherished-by-muslims-is-deemed-offensive-but-to-whom
Review of Nicolai Petro, *The Tragedy of Ukraine*:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/01/06/the-tragedy-of-ukraine/
More on Russian looting of Ukraine's art:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/14/world/asia/ukraine-art-russia-steal.html
============================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
============================================================
Michaelina Wautier:
https://www.brown.edu/news/2022-12-07/wautier
Murillo:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/arts/design/murillo-kimbell-review.html
Carpaccio:
https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-italy-painting-25d52af118f91add1f314947ff20f9a8
... related:
https://apnews.com/article/videos-bb8d5291f61a4372b7bbd9fc43de9520
The Charleston Museum is 250 years old:
https://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-museum-celebrates-250-years-looks-back-looks-ahead/article_ff5e9b2a-718f-11ed-81b5-87dc64a65d4e.html
London's National Portrait Gallery has acquired a Victorian restroom:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/national-portrait-gallery-london-acquires-bathroom-2238188
The Frick has acquired a Moroni:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-frick-just-added-its-first-renaissance-portrait-of-a-woman-to-its-storied-collection-of-old-masters-2239713
Greece has decided on a design for the new National Archaeological Museum:
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1201884/winning-entry-for-new-national-archaeological-museum-is-announced/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/multimedia/images/1201917/design-for-new-archaeological-museum-revamp-selected/
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/48194-winning-entry-for-new-national-archaeological-museum-of-athens-is-announced.html
https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/10/greece-reveals-new-national-archaeological-museum-design/
https://news.gtp.gr/2023/01/10/design-for-athens-new-national-archaeological-museum-selected/
https://greekherald.com.au/culture/new-archaeological-museum-of-athens-will-showcase-unseen-monuments/
The Hunterian Museum is (finally) removing the skeleton of the 'Irish Giant' from display:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/museum-skeleton-removed-gbr-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.sciencealert.com/irish-giant-finally-finds-some-privacy-200-years-after-body-snatching-incident
https://www.irishpost.com/news/irish-giant-charles-byrnes-skeleton-removed-from-controversial-display-after-two-centuries-245730
https://www.iflscience.com/skeleton-of-charles-byrne-the-irish-giant-to-be-removed-from-london-museum-display-67068
The Louvre is limiting numbers of visitors:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/arts/design/louvre-attendance-covid.html
============================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
============================================================
The Wolf Family Collection is coming to auction:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a42476519/wolf-family-collection-auction-sothebys-2023/
A 10-aurei medallion of Diocletian fetched a nice price:
https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/unique-gold-10-aurei-of-diocletian-tops-2-million-in-sale
============================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
============================================================
DNA suggests there was a 'backflow' from North America across the Bering Sea:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-ancient-siberian-genomes-reveal-genetic.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230112113206.htm
https://www.science.org/content/article/native-americans-and-their-genes-traveled-back-siberia-new-genomes-reveal?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-americans-crossed-back-into-siberia-in-a-two-way-migration-new-evidence-shows/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient-dna-evidence-charts-native-american-migrations-back-across-the-bering-sea-180981435/
What DNA from a colonial cemetery reveals about enslaved peoples' origins:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-dna-slave-skeletons-interred-unmarked.html
https://www.livescience.com/genetics-reveal-enslaved-people-origins
More on what we learn from DNA from Viking-era Scandinavia:
https://phys.org/news/2023-01-years-genetic-history-scandinavia-elucidates.html
https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-01-08/the-enigma-of-the-viking-worlds-lost-diversity.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/09/exceptional-migration-to-scandinavia-during-the-viking-era/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-dna-reveals-a-genetic-history-of-the-viking-age-180981404/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11114-230109-scandinavia-genetic-history
============================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
============================================================
A facial reconstruction of the 'Jericho Skull':
https://www.livescience.com/jericho-skull-facial-approximation
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-728212
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/leiza-neutron-imaging-medieval-pendant-germany-2240948
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-face-of-a-neolithic-man-who-lived-in-jericho-9500-years-ago-180981426/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/11117-230110-jericho-skull-reconstruction
A facial reconstruction of Ramesses II:
https://www.livescience.com/ramesses-ii-facial-reconstruction
http://www.archaeology.org/news/11125-230112-ramesses-facial-reconstruction
More on the neutron analysis of a medieval pendant:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/leiza-neutron-imaging-medieval-pendant-germany-2240948
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/10/neutrons-expose-the-insides-of-a-medieval-pendant/
More on the examination of a medieval murder victim from Cittiglio:
https://www.sciencealert.com/shattered-skull-details-gruesome-final-moments-of-a-medieval-murder-victim
============================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
============================================================
Fayoum:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/egypt-oasis-mummies-crocodiles-pottery-mysterious-temples
Appian Way:
https://www.thetravel.com/hiking-appian-way-in-rome/
Ravenna:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/where-find-ruins-roman-empire-last-years-180981295/
Heracleion:
https://www.thetravel.com/lost-city-of-heracleion-egypt/
Versailles:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230112-the-hidden-history-of-versailles
King's Highway:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230109-the-kings-highway-the-road-that-reveals-jordans-history
Royston Cave:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20221212-a-secret-site-for-the-knights-templar
cf: https://www.roystoncave.co.uk/
Portitxol de Xabia:
https://elpais.com/espana/comunidad-valenciana/2023-01-09/el-portitxol-de-los-fenicios-a-instagram.html
============================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
============================================================
Feature on Vicente Lusitano:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/arts/music/vincente-lusitano.html
============================================================
TV/DOCUMENTARY HYPISH THINGS
============================================================
Hyping Iron Age and Roman finds on Digging for Britain:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-64213669
https://le.ac.uk/news/2023/january/digging-for-britain
... and the Haverfordwest friary:
https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23231648.pembrokeshires-medieval-mystery-soon-unravelled-say-top-archaeologists/
Canyon del Muerto:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/15/tom-felton-film-female-archaeologist-canyon-del-muerto-ann-axtell-morris
============================================================
CRIME BEAT
============================================================
Three guys were arrested trying to steal a 10-ton (!) statue of Rameses II in Egypt:
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/484043.aspx
https://egyptindependent.com/egyptian-authorities-detain-thieves-who-attempted-to-steal-10-ton-ramses-ii-statue/
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2229401/middle-east
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-pharaoah-statue-trying-steal-arrested
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/11/egypt-detains-three-for-trying-to-steal-10-tonne-pharaoh-statue
https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/egypt/2023/01/11/men-arrested-for-trying-to-steal-10-tonne-statue-of-egyptian-pharaoh/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-foils-theft-of-10-ton-ancient-ramses-ii-statue/
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/egypt-stops-bid-to-steal-10-ton-ancient-statue-180032
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/egypt-pharaoh-ancient-statue-ramses/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/01/11/egypt-thieves-detained-steal-statue-ramesses-ii-crane/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2023/01/13/three-people-arrested-for-trying-to-steal-ramesses-ii-statue/
Four members of a gang caught trafficking antiquities in Iraq:
https://ina.iq/eng/24097-fiia-captures-4-gang-members-for-trafficking-in-antiquities-in-babil-and-salah-al-din.html
Police in Colorado recovered several items of stolen artwork:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/police-recover-400k-worth-of-stolen-artwork-in-colorado-180981422/
Police seized a Rubens from an exhibition in Genoa:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/42-million-rubens-painting-seized-from-exhibition-as-part-of-a-criminal-investigation-180981418/
A 1200 years bp Lord Vishna idol was stolen from an ASI shed in Patna:
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/1200-year-old-lord-vishnu-idol-stolen-from-asi-shed-in-patna-1179695.html
https://theprint.in/india/1200-year-old-sculpture-of-lord-vishnu-stolen-from-asis-shed-in-patna/1307896/
More on the stolen artifacts found in a pair of Spanish residences:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/police-discover-hundreds-of-stolen-artifacts-at-spanish-residences-180981401/
Feature on Subhash Kapoor's activities:
https://www.thejuggernaut.com/subhash-kapoor-art-dealer-antiquities-theft
Feature on the 'crooked' antiquities market:
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/antiquities-a-crooked-market/
----------
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/
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REPATRIATION AND RECOVERY
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Feature on the idea of museums returning items:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a42350431/return-looted-antiquities/
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NUMISMATICA
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Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v26/club_nbs_esylum_v26n02.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v26/club_nbs_esylum_v26n03.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
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OBITUARIES
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Wayne Meeks:
https://divinity.yale.edu/news/wayne-meeks-1932-2023
F. Bryce:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/northfieldnews/name/f-bryce-obituary?id=38614146
Paul Johnson:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/books/paul-johnson-dead.html
Paul Bidwell:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paul-bidwell-obituary-mmbl8r08j
Bev Nicholson:
https://www.brandonu.ca/news/2023/01/12/brandon-university-mourns-passing-of-professor-emeritus-dr-bev-nicholson/
John Michael Morgan:
https://www.ajc.com/news/john-michael-morgan-74-collector-of-rare-bibles-dies/FEJSOFKBNNB2JCHA5BQ3ONV6H4/
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AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
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Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3231-audio-news-from-archaeologica-january-1st-through-the-7th-2023
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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/
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PODCASTS/VODCASTS
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Archaeosoup:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Archaeos0up?feature=watch
Archaeology Podcast Network:
http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/
============================================================
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