david meadows
2021-01-17 15:25:51 UTC
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explorator 23.39 January 17, 2021
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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, Michael Joyce,
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
================================================================
A study of the 780 000+ years bp 'Meipu Teeth' from China come from a species that lived prior to the arrival of homo erectus:
https://www.cenieh.es/en/press/news/meipu-teeth-shed-light-human-settlement-asia
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-meipu-teeth-human-settlement-asia.html
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/meipu-teeth-shed-light-on-human.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9373-210114-china-meipu-teeth
What we know (apparently) about Neanderthal sexual relations:
http://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210112-heres-what-sex-with-neanderthals-was-like
... and the lives of Neanderthal women:
https://aeon.co/essays/what-do-we-know-about-the-lives-of-neanderthal-women
Plenty of coverage of a 45 000 years bp cave painting of a wild pig from Indonesia:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-world-oldest-cave-indonesia.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55657257
https://www.livescience.com/pig-oldest-cave-animal-drawing.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/science/cave-painting-indonesia.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/oldest-known-cave-painting-art-pig-found-indonesia
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/13/worlds-oldest-known-cave-painting-found-in-indonesia
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/cave-art-indonesia-oldest-figurative-art-animal-image-scn-trnd/index.html
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/478/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/478/pub/478/page/66/article/123347
https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210114-archaeologists-find-world-s-oldest-known-cave-painting-in-indonesia
https://www.dw.com/en/worlds-oldest-known-cave-painting-found-in-indonesia/a-56220464
https://smarthistory.org/oldest-cave-art-found-in-sulawesi/
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2021-01-13/la-pintura-de-un-jabali-de-hace-45500-anos-es-la-obra-de-arte-figurativo-mas-antigua-del-mundo.html
https://www.latercera.com/que-pasa/noticia/descubren-en-indonesia-el-dibujo-de-animales-mas-antiguo-del-mundo-45000-anos/LELLWTD2NBBQVCIUL4JDRSNHUY/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/this-painted-pig-is-the-worlds-oldest-figurative-art/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/worlds-oldest-cave-art-discovered-in.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9376-210115-indonesia-cave-art
... and a podcast on same:
https://play.acast.com/s/the-ancients/groundbreakingindonesiancaveartdiscovery
I think we mentioned this 'oldest abrasion tool' find (350 000 years bp) from Tabun Cave on Mount Carmel:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/worlds-first-food-processor-from-350000-years-ago-found-near-haifa-655428
More on those 2 million+ years bp stone tools from Tanzania:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/08/world/early-humans-environment-adaptation-scn/index.html
http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/ewass-oldupa-stone-tools-09236.html
More on possibility our ancestors hibernated:
https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/humans-hibernation
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AFRICA
================================================================
The Mesolithic lasted longer in west Africa than previously thought:
https://www.shh.mpg.de/1938020/scerri-young-middle-stone-age
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-human-culture-years-longer-thought.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/mpif-fhc010721.php
https://www.earth.com/news/middle-stone-age-culture-lasted-20000-years-longer-than-expected/
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/civillisations/young-tools-rewrite-old-history/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/12/first-human-culture-lasted-20000-years-longer-than-thought/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/first-human-culture-lasted-20000-years.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9369-210112-west-africa-toolkits
Feature on the importance of the Nile for ancient Nubia and Egypt:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-nile-was-a-lifeline-in-the-desert-for-ancient-nubia-and-egypt
More on baboon skulls and their connection to Punt:
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2021-01-10/dos-craneos-de-babuinos-de-hace-3300-anos-revelan-el-lugar-de-origen-de-una-misteriosa-civilizacion.html
================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
(Finally!) Egypt announced the find of 50+ sarcophagi, a funerary temple of Queen Naert, and three warehouses at Saqqara:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/398931/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/In-Photos-Egyptian-archaeological-mission-at-Saqqa.aspx
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/17/archaeologists-uncover-new-treasure-trove-at-egypts-saqqara-necropolis
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210116-egypt-makes-major-discoveries-at-saqqara-archaeological-site
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/archaeologists-discover-new-trove-of-treasures-50-sarcophagi-in-cairo-necropolis
http://www.meteoweb.eu/2021/01/scopera-egitto-tempio-funerario-sarcofagi/1534207/
... not sure if this is the same find:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96305/Coffins-mummies-found-in-new-discovery-at-Saqqara-dating-back
... and an interesting '3d study' of the Saqqara site (not related to the most recent finds):
http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2021/01/saqqara-3d
The restored Temple of Isis at Aswan is opening to the public:
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-reopens-isis-temple-to-the-public-following-restoration-work/
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/16/egypt-opens-newly-renovated-temple-of-isis-with-redeveloped-tourism-services/
I think we mentioned the tomb of Ramses I has reopened to the public:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/11/tomb-of-ramesses/
Some Islamic domes in Cairo have been added to the list of registered monuments:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96336/Egypt%E2%80%99s-domes-of-Al-Atris-Al-Aidarous-are-registered-among
A new project to excavate and preserve Alexandria's underwater heritage:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/egypt-alexandria-underwater-antiquities-preserve-heritage.html
Zahi Hawass was presenting an award for archaeological restoration:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96504/Egypt%E2%80%99s-Zahi-Hawass-presents-annual-award-for-Best-Archaeological-and
Google and the ARCE are cooperating in an online project called 'Preserving Egypt's Layered History':
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/17/google-american-research-center-join-forces-to-preserve-egypts-layered-history/
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/new-google-arts-and-culture-initiative-egypt
Interesting feature on a 2300 years bp painter's palette (with pigment) at the Met:
https://mymodernmet.com/ancient-egyptian-painters-palette/
The Theban Mapping Project website is back up and operating:
https://thebanmappingproject.com/valley-kings
More on the efforts to excavate that Laodicea Temple in Iran:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456885/Archaeologists-to-make-final-attempt-to-unearth-Laodicea-Temple
Feature on the OI's Persian expeditions in the 1930s:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456888/Oriental-Institute-and-its-Persian-expeditions-in-1930s
Feature on correspondence and legal documents of an Assyrian business woman ca 1900 BCE:
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210111-the-secret-letters-of-historys-first-businesswomen
Not sure about this 'pyramid shaped burial monument' recently found in Lebanon:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pyramid-discovery-points-to-a-first-for-lebanon-5kmx58wg5
Qatar revealed some burials dating 300 BCE to 300 CE this week:
https://www.dohanews.co/qatar-discovers-historical-archaeological-remains-in-lusail/
The grave of the sultan Kilij Arslan I (11th/12th century CE) was found prior to construction work in northern Turkey:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/2nd-anatolian-seljuk-sultans-grave-found-in-se-turkey/2107545
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/grave-sultan-who-defeated-crusaders-uncovered-180976761/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9372-210113-turkey-sultan-grave
The Saudi Arabian site of Hegra has opened to the public (Nabataean):
https://mymodernmet.com/hegra-tourism/
Interesting study of the actual length of ancient scrolls:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239831
Feature on nine of Israel's mosaics:
https://www.jns.org/nine-magnificent-ancient-mosaics-of-israel/
https://www.israel21c.org/9-magnificent-ancient-mosaics-of-israel/
Feature on the siege of Masada:
https://medium.com/history-of-yesterday/masada-e8e860ab3ba1
Review of a couple of books on Masada:
https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2021/01/14/what-happened-at-masada
More on the Crusader-era ramp found at Ashkelon:
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/crusader-era-siege-ramp-protecting-israeli-city-from-the-desert-1.9421886
In case you missed the Greek inscription from the Negev:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/1400-year-old-tombstone-of-christian-woman-discovered-at-negev-park/
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/byzantine-tombstone-discovered-in-negev/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/11/byzantine-greek-inscription-discovered-near-nitzana-in-the-negev/
In case you missed the cisterns at Metropolis:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/huge-cisterns-provided-water-ancient-city-metropolis-discovered-180976685/
================================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
================================================================
A 2000 years bp child+puppy burial from central France:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/2000-year-old-remains-of-infant-and-pet-dog-uncovered-in-france
An 'observer' at a construction site in Turkey spotted a Roman (it appears) inscription:
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/onlooker-notices-roman-era-stele-at-construction-site-in-northwest-turkey/news
A Roman gem from Colchester is older than previously thought, apparently:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-55662415
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/colchester-castle-roman-gem-older-than-thought-6902438
Plans for more excavations in the wake of major Roman finds in Carlisle:
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19011356.plans-exploration-major-city-roman-find/
I think we mentioned these burials from Pannonia exhibiting cranial modifications a while ago:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1384273/archaeology-news-roman-cemetery-excavation-modified-head-discovery-evg
Gardens associated with Caligula are opening to the public:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/science/caligula-archaeology-rome-horti-lamiani.html
https://www.startribune.com/caligula-s-garden-of-delights-unearthed-and-restored/600010763/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2021/01/16/caligulas-long-hidden-garden-to-open-as-new-subterranean-gallery-in-rome/
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/16/a-garden-of-delights-for-romes-creepiest-emperor-caligulas-purported-hangout-open-to-public/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/underground-gallery-showcase-caligulas-imperial-garden-180976745/
New dating for the eruption of Santorini:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/weizmann-scientists-date-santorini-eruption-with-modern-olive-branch-655162
The columns in Pompeii's House of the Faun have been restored:
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2021/01/14/pompeii-house-of-the-faun-columns-restored_dfae7fde-d8fa-4816-9d4d-f99cf8f6b207.html
... and the Colosseum is hosting a Pompeii exhibition:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/romes-colosseum-to-host-pompeii-exhibition.html
... and it's reopening, of course:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/italy-colosseum-is-ready-to-reopen-on-16-january.html
... as is Pompeii:
https://www.napolitoday.it/social/scavi-pompei-aperti.html
... as is the Domus Tiberiana:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/rome-to-reopen-domus-tiberiana-imperial-palace-on-palatine-hill.html
Another couple of features on modern applications of stoicism:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/stoic-philosophy-answer-lockdown-blues/
https://chicagomaroon.com/article/2021/1/13/stoicism-101/
Another feature on what Cleopatra really looked like:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/what-did-cleopatra-really-look-like
... and who the 'real Cleopatra' was:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/the-real-cleopatra/index.html
Feature on links between Mithras and Gandalf:
https://www.ancientworldmagazine.com/articles/mithra-ndir-gandalf-mithras/
Feature on Isca Augusta:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/isca-augusta-the-roman-legionary-fortress/136784
Feature on identifying Roman emperors by their beard:
https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/identify-roman-emperor-by-beard/
Feature on some misconceptions about the Roman empire:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/639743/roman-empire-misconceptions
... and 'ten facts' about ancient Greece:
https://greekherald.com.au/news/ten-facts-about-ancient-greece-you-probably-didnt-know/
Feature on the Riace bonzes:
https://eu.greekreporter.com/2021/01/13/the-mystery-over-the-ancient-greek-masterpieces-recovered-off-italy/
Feature on the Roman conquest of Wales:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/the-roman-conquest-of-wales/136796
Feature on an ancient Greek earring at the Boston MFA:
https://usa.greekreporter.com/2021/01/14/exquisite-ancient-greek-earring-one-of-treasures-at-boston-museum/
Feature on Melina Mercouri's fight for the Parthenon Marbles' return:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-55664796
On the importance of Philip and Alexander:
https://hellenicnews.com/philip-and-alexander-matter/
Feature on Penelope and the suitors in art:
https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/the-aberdonian/the-myth-behind-the-art-penelope-and-the-suitors/
Reviews of three books relating to the Augustan era:
https://www.newstatesman.com/last-assassin-peter-stothard-aenid-shadi-bartsch-ovid-llewlyn-morgan-review
More on statues of Asclepius and Serapis from Kibyra:
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-statue-and-bust-of-asclepius-serapis-unearthed-in-burdurs-kibyra
More on that Greek inscription 'slab' from an English garden:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/rock-slab-relic-roman-hampshire-whiteparish-b1785945.html
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/roman-slab-mystery-gbr-scli-intl-scn/index.html
More on that Roman bath site in Amman bing reburied:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/roman-bath-site-in-jordan-will-be-reburied-for-lack-of-funds-nvxtdqt27
More on that Temple of Aphrodite find from Turkey:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-aphrodite-temple-discovered-turkey.html
More on that Severus 'bribe' inscription:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/10/roman-town-paid-huge-amount-silver-bribe-new-emperor-inscription/
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/441/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/441/pub/441/page/69/article/121847
More on the thermopolium from Pompeii:
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/10/archeologists-just-uncovered-food-stalls-in-pompeii-i-recreated-a-stew-inspired-by-their-findings/
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/after-2-000-years-pompeii-wine-bar-to-reopen-this-spring
More on plans for the Colosseum floor:
https://www.archdaily.com/954743/italy-to-rebuild-the-colosseum-with-retractable-floor
On the ancient roots of Wonder Woman:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210111-the-ancient-roots-of-wonder-woman
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
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EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
================================================================
Plenty of grave goods from a major Anglo-Saxon cemetery find in Northamptonshire:
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/grave-goods-including-weapons-found-large-anglo-saxon-cemetery-uncovered-northamptonshire-3093088
A pair of Iron Age (maybe) burials found during pipeline construction near Navenby:
https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/archaeologists-uncover-skeletons-anglian-water-pipeline-sites-3100197
https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/two-iron-age-skeletons-found-4895574
A medieval (and Roman) coin hoard found in central Hungary a year ago:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-gold-coins-discovered-hungary.html
https://www.9news.com.au/world/archaeologists-discover-treasure-trove-of-coins-on-farm-in-hungary/3583d4ca-3e87-4f67-a040-80defc971b44
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/archaeologists-discover-medieval-treasure-hoard-in-central-hungary/136764
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/12/archaeologists-discover-medieval-treasure-hoard-in-central-hungary/
Plenty of features on Sutton Hoo this week (related to 'The Dig'):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-55652661
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/17/the-farmers-boy-and-the-ship-of-gold-uncovering-the-treasures-of-sutton-hoo
http://www.archaeology.org/issues/152-1411/features/2588-england-sutton-hoo-palace
Some new insights from the Domesday survey:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-insights-domesday-survey-revealed.html
Part of the masonry of the 13th century Methoni Castle collapsed:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/13/collapse-of-part-of-the-masonry-of-methoni-castle/
Concerns for Budapest's Jewish Quarter:
https://m.jpost.com/diaspora/the-continued-destruction-of-budapests-jewish-quarter-655248
COVID-related concerns for a an ancient site on Orkney:
https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/ancient-orkney-site-where-picts-and-vikings-settled-now-under-threat-pandemic-3100870
A study of the role of Viking women in raids:
https://sciencenorway.no/archaeology-gender-and-society-viking-age/viking-women-played-an-important-role-in-raids/1797859
A 16th century statue predating the Knights of Malta's arrival is being restored:
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/statue-predating-knights-arrival-being-restored.845049
More on that Victorian-era bathhouse find beneath a Manchester car park:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/10/victorian-mayfield-bathhouse-uncovered-archaeologist-beneath-manchester-car-park
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60433
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/639717/victorian-bathhouse-manchester-parking-lot
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/park-construction-project-uncovers-victorian-bathhouse-manchester-england-180976730/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9363-210111-manchester-victorian-bathhouse
More on 'plastic contamination' at the Castell Henllys Iron Age village site in Wales:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/06/world/iron-age-roundhouses-plastic-scn/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion
----------
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
================================================================
A Shang Dynasty copper workshop site from Hubei:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2021-01/15/content_77118075.htm
Tang Dynasty murals from Shaanxi:
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/tang-dynasty-murals-unearthed-in-chinas-shaanxi/ar-BB1cAeA7
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60449
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9366-210112-china-shaanxi-murals
From the same period in Yunnan comes a State of Nanzhao temple complex:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2021-01/17/content_77123957.htm
A 'batch' of Spring and Autumn Period Chu culture artifacts from a site in Yueyang:
http://www.ecns.cn/news/2021-01-12/detail-ihafqmaz1835483.shtml
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9371-210113-china-chu-state
Remains of an 850 years bp city wall and moat from Beijing:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1212755.shtml
More on the identification of a tomb belonging to the Han emperor Liu Zhi:
https://www.livescience.com/tomb-of-murderous-chinese-emperor-identified.html
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/archaeologists-discover-ancient-chinese-emperor-tomb-1936167
Interesting study suggests 8200 years bp cultures in Karelia (Russia) were dependent on elk:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/language-culture/teeth-pendants-speak-of-the-elks-prominent-status-in-the-stone-age
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-teeth-pendants-elk-prominent-status.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/uoh-tps011421.php
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/15/teeth-pendants-speak-of-the-elks-prominent-status-in-the-stone-age/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9374-210115-elk-tooth-pendants
... and a review of a book on the Silk Road and the folks who used it:
https://asianreviewofbooks.com/content/along-the-silk-roads-in-mongol-eurasia-generals-merchants-and-intellectuals/
A study suggests there was a halt to domestic wine production in 17th century Japan:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/ku-teo010721.php
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-domestic-wine-17th-century-japan.html
Plenty of sites found during a survey of the region around the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/prayagraj-team-of-archaeologists-from-isdc-finds-4-dozen-archaeological-sites-besides-ganga/articleshow/80235671.cms
Concerns for a 16th century mandapam structure in Tirupati:
https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/tirupathi/tirupati-16th-century-structure-cries-for-attention-667044
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/archaeologist-calls-for-restoration-of-16th-century-mandapam-near-tirupati/articleshow/80312778.cms
A prehistoric site 'liberated from Armenia's occupation' in Azerbaijan:
https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/azerbaijan-shows-video-footage-of-prehistoric-settlement-liberated-from-armenias-occupation-2021-1-10-0/
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
A survey in Raleigh prior to highway construction has identified some 155 sites from various periods:
https://abc11.com/nc-artifacts-triangle-expressway-complete-540-ancient-in/9625300/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9375-210115-north-carolina-prehistory
19th century artifacts from a tavern site (maybe) in Kentucky:
https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article248267215.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9367-210112-kentucky-tavern
A dig in Huntington, NY related to African American history is kicking off Black History Month there:
https://patch.com/new-york/huntington/huntington-archaeological-dig-kicks-black-history-month
Review of Oakes, *The Crooked Path to Abolition*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/books/review/james-oakes-the-crooked-path-to-abolition.html
Feature on the Fort Ancient earthworks:
https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2021/01/17/lepper-fort-ancient-similar-but-different-newark-earthwork/4161210001/
Feature on native clay pipes from Roanoke and their influence:
https://www.pilotonline.com/history/vp-nw-clay-pipe-20210116-chfxnr6xpvg7zkqzb5z4ivbw3q-story.html
Feature on a rabies epidemic in early 20th century Nevada:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/16/covid-19-rabies-epidemic-nevada-100-years-ago/4154991001/
Rio Tinto and partners have approval to mine copper on Native American land in Arizona:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/16/sacred-native-american-land-arizona-oak-flat
================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
================================================================
The contents of some 'Maya drug containers' have been identified:
https://news.wsu.edu/2021/01/15/wsu-scientists-identify-contents-ancient-maya-drug-containers/
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/wsu-wsi011421.php
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-scientists-contents-ancient-maya-drug.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210115110339.htm
45 pre-Inca ceremonial objects from Tiwanaku:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60467
A study of chuno use and development in ancient Peru:
https://www.news.ucsb.edu/2021/020140/microscopic-map-past
A stucco mask from Ucanha (Yucatan) has been restored:
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2021/01/the-stucco-mask-of-ucanha-yucatan-a-new-discovery/
On efforts to immunize Chile against smallpox in 1812:
https://www.latercera.com/culto/2021/01/10/la-desconocida-vacuna-de-jose-miguel-carrera-la-campana-para-inmunizar-a-chile-contra-la-viruela-en-1812/
More on that 15th/16th century goddess/woman statue from a Mexican citrus grove:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-mexican-farmers-rare-female-statue.html
https://www.livescience.com/statue-woman-headdress-mexico.html
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/mexican-farmers-find-rare-female-statue-in-citrus-grove/
https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-tv/noticia/hallan-escultura-femenina-prehispanica-unica-en-su-tipo/RROGJYCSMJAIDFFMDTDY2KQBZA/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/mexican-farmers-find-rare-female-statue.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-unearth-rare-female-statue-citrus-grove-180976746/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9368-210112-mexico-huasteca-statue
More on the latest 'skull tower' finds:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/mexico-citys-tower-of-skulls-could-tell-us-about-pre-columbian-life/
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
================================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
================================================================
Assorted items relating to sudden craze for sea shanties:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/style/sea-shanty-tiktok-wellerman.html
https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-sea-shanties/
https://daily.jstor.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-shanty-and-a-sea-song/
https://www.dw.com/en/why-200-year-old-shanty-songs-embody-the-spirit-of-2021/a-56223648
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/entertainment/sea-shanty-shanties-wellerman-tiktok-music-trnd/index.html
https://www.wbur.org/artery/2021/01/15/why-is-everyone-obsessed-with-sea-shanties-a-gloucester-shanty-singer-explains
Feature on smallpox vaccine distribution in the 19th century:
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/01/orphans-smallpox-vaccine-distribution/617646/
One of the Tower of London's ravens has gone missing:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55651104
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead
A project to recreate sounds of the 'Stone Age':
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/stone-age-sounds
Pondering how many French revolutions there were:
https://www.livescience.com/how-many-french-revolutions.html
On the vices of various artists:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jan/11/do-all-great-artists-need-a-vice
The pandemic has put the efforts to recover the Titanic's radio on hold:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Pandemic-has-imperiled-plans-to-retrieve-15864848.php
Feature on Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/t-magazine/art-cornelis-cornelisz-van-haarlem.html
Marking the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/13/uffizi-gallery-celebrates-700th-anniversary-of-dantes-death/
On the Portuguese origins of tempura:
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117672/tempura-isnt-japan-how-fried-portuguese-classic-became-staple
... and curry puffs:
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117240/curry-puffs-how-portuguese-snack-arrived-southeast-asia-1500s
On the relationship between diet and language:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-insights-diet-ultimately-reshapes-language.html
Feature on land claims in human history:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/01/18/human-history-and-the-hunger-for-land
Feature on some old photos of Notre Dame:
https://fr.aleteia.org/2021/01/10/en-images-les-plus-anciennes-photos-de-notre-dame-de-paris/
On 'Orwellian' as a term of abuse:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/books/orwellian-1984.html
On the Great Gatsby in public domain:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/books/the-great-gatsby-public-domain.html
Feature on some unethical medical experimentation of the past:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/5-unethical-medical-experiments-brought-out-of-the-shadows-of-history
Plans to turn the Champs Elysees into a garden:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/10/paris-approves-plan-to-turn-champs-elysees-into-extraordinary-garden-anne-hidalgo
How medieval Europe got over Roman numerals:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-medieval-europe-finally-ditched-roman-numerals
Feature on a note from Napoleon's doctor:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-doctors-note-offers-glimpse-napoleons-agonizing-final-years-180976731/
Feature on the discovery of zero:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-we-discovered-the-number-zero
Rimbaud's remains won't be going to the Pantheon:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/rimbaud-remains-will-not-be-moved-to-pantheon-rules-macron
================================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:
================================================================
Assorted items occasioned, it appears, by events in Washington last week ...
How Trump would have fared in ancient Greece:
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-how-the-ancient-greeks-would-have-handled-trump-20210113-iyrnuocptbfkhmhsbhosm4bdy4-story.html
Some Roman-inspired satire in the same vein:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/14/trump-impeachment-healing-julius-caesar/
How Romans would have responded to the storming of the Capitol:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/15/roman-historians-wouldnt-bat-eyelid-storming-capitol2/
On 'respectable people' and post-Civil War backlash:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/thoroughly-respectable-rioters/617644/
On what Reconstruction-era history might (or not) apply to the current times:
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/01/reconstruction-history-lessons-trump-terrorism.html
An account of the 1898 Wilmington (NC) coup:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55648011
... and an attempt to block tallying of votes in 1861:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/opinion/capitol-protest-1861-lincoln.html
There were concerns for some of the artworks in the Capitol Rotunda:
https://dailygazette.com/2021/01/11/historic-painting-of-saratoga-battle-was-topic-of-concern-during-capitol-insurrection/
... and folks were making connections between Goya's works and the events:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/jan/12/capitol-rioters-inflamed-hate-drunk-mobs-painted-goya-new-york-met
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2020/goyas-graphic-imagination
================================================================
ANIMAL AND PLANT DOMESTICATIONS
================================================================
More on leftovers and dog domestication:
https://www.dailypress.com/life/pets/sns-nyt-humans-domesticated-wolves-with-meat-20210110-jvxr2vqb6ffxdjdzjv4p65nlqm-story.html
================================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
================================================================
The Art of Archaeological Science:
https://www.livescience.com/microscopy-art-from-artifacts.html
https://www.penn.museum/on-view/galleries-exhibitions/invisible-beauty
Pondering the existence of museums via the latest Wonder Woman flick:
https://hyperallergic.com/613003/wonder-woman-the-museum-worker-is-a-less-convincing-disguise-than-clark-kents/
Egypt has approved a Pharaonic exhibition in a number of cities:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/egypt-foreign-exhibition-pharaohs-tourism-archaeology.html
Feature on some of the items being transferred to the NMEC in Egypt:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96446/Know-about-Egyptian-Museum-s-artifacts-to-be-transferred-to
Iran and France are expanding their museum cooperation:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456972/Iran-France-preparing-to-expand-museum-cooperation
The Mosul Museum has reopened:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/iraq-mosul-museum-antiquities-islamic-state-assyrian-reopen.html
The Vatican museums hope to reopen next month:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-museums-hope-to-reopen-in-february-10810
The Guggenheim has its first African-American Deputy Curator and Chief Curator:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/arts/design/guggenheim-curator-beckwith.html
A virtual tour of the Met is in the works:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/12/tech/verizon-met-5g-virtual-tour/index.html
================================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
================================================================
After decades of legal fights, artifacts from a pair of 19th century shipwrecks associated with Nelson are coming to auction:
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/478/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/478/pub/478/page/12/article/123415
================================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
================================================================
A study of some ancient genomes from Siberia includes some traces of yersinia pestis along with hints about migration:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/plague-bacteria-die-offs-ancient-siberians-genetics-dna
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9365-210111-siberia-genome-plague
Perhaps of interest is a study suggesting dire wolves weren't really related to modern wolves:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/du-adr010821.php
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/world/dire-wolves-grey-wolves-intl-scli-scn/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/science/dire-wolf-genome.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03082-x
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-dire-wolf-was-distinct-species.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/14/ancient-dna-reveals-secrets-of-dire-wolves/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2021/01/dire-wolf-dna-study-reveals-surprises/
================================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
================================================================
Latest facial reconstructions are a Scythian 'king and queen':
http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/faces-of-siberian-tutankhamun-and-his-queen-buried-in-tuva-some-2600-years-ago-reconstructed-by-science/
https://www.9news.com.au/world/history-science-faces-of-ancient-rulers-from-2600-years-ago-reconstructed-from-rotted-skulls/8179df5e-194c-4e1d-9a15-ab45f88bd832
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9364-210111-scythian-faces-reconstructed
More on archaeologists using Cold War-era spy satellite photos:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/corona-spy-satellite-photographs-1935836
================================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
================================================================
Venice has a new high tech surveillance system watching tourists:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-control-room-tourism/index.html
Egypt:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/6/96460/%E2%80%98Seemingly-limitless%E2%80%99-ancient-wonders-among-reasons-why-you-should-visit
Hiking Hadrian's Wall:
https://sanjuanislander.com/opinion/columnists/column-by-mike-vouri/32115/mike-vouri-on-hadrian-s-wall-a-hike-across-england
Venice's Jewish ghetto:
https://elviajero.elpais.com/elviajero/2021/01/07/actualidad/1610009607_247777.html
================================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
================================================================
The Dig:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/13/the-dig-review-carey-mulligan-ralph-fiennes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-dig-movie-review/2021/01/13/11a1f210-54ef-11eb-a08b-f1381ef3d207_story.html
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/14/the-dig-review-netflix/
https://nypost.com/2021/01/14/the-dig-unearths-an-intimate-true-story/
Oresteia:
https://napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/greek-tragedy-from-cal-shakes-the-orestia-is-online-on-jan-15/article_87d3c84f-84cd-5383-ae5a-ca14e731ddcd.html
================================================================
CRIME BEAT
================================================================
New Zealand police are looking for owners of some stolen artworks:
https://art-crime.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-zealand-police-want-help-in-finding.html
Not quite sure where to put this pondering the impact of the new US antiquities law:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/congress-increase-regulations-antiquities-trade-us-180976712/
... nor this one about the UK's new policies:
https://hyperallergic.com/613855/uk-rejects-european-union-regulations-to-reduce-illegal-antiquity-trafficking/
https://www.occrp.org/en/27-ccwatch/cc-watch-briefs/13629-after-brexit-the-uk-is-open-to-almost-unrestrained-antiquities-trade
... and one in Sri Lanka (I think):
https://island.lk/proposed-amendment-to-antiquities-ordinance-a-boost-to-destruction-of-antiquities/
Review of a book on Nazi looting:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/books/jonathan-petropoulos-gorings-man-paris-nazi-art.html
More on that major bust in Israel last week:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/israeli-authorities-seize-trove-thousands-stolen-antiques-180976739/
More on Gaza being unable to crack down on antiquities smuggling:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/gaza-hunger-tourism-antiquities-museum.html
----------
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
================================================================
The last of the Gurlitt-associated Nazi loot has been returned to owners' heirs:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55644230
================================================================
NUMISMATICA
================================================================
Feature on ancient gold coins from shipwrecks:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/treasure-coins-ancient-gold-coins-recovered-from-shipwrecks/
An upcoming talk from the Antigonid Coins Online project:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/agenta/the-antigonid-coins-online-project/
Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n02.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n03.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
================================================================
OBITUARIES
================================================================
Emil Homerin:
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/emil-homerin-an-american-religion-scholar-remembered-465642/
Carrie Dann:
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/emil-homerin-an-american-religion-scholar-remembered-465642/
Norman Golb:
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/norman-golb-renowned-scholar-medieval-jewish-history-1928-2020
Michele Casanova:
https://archeorient.hypotheses.org/15635
Mary Catherine Bateson:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/books/mary-catherine-bateson-dead.html
Helga Weyhe:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/world/europe/helga-weyhe-dead.html
================================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
================================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3017-audio-news-from-archaeologica-january-3-through-january-9-2021
================================================================
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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Past issues of Explorator are also available on the web via our
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Explorator is Copyright (c) 2021 David Meadows. Feel free to
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making use of content gathered in Explorator. Thanks!
================================================================
explorator 23.39 January 17, 2021
===============================================================
You can read explorator online at:
https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/
Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,
Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay, Michael Joyce,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).
================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
A study of the 780 000+ years bp 'Meipu Teeth' from China come from a species that lived prior to the arrival of homo erectus:
https://www.cenieh.es/en/press/news/meipu-teeth-shed-light-human-settlement-asia
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-meipu-teeth-human-settlement-asia.html
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/meipu-teeth-shed-light-on-human.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9373-210114-china-meipu-teeth
What we know (apparently) about Neanderthal sexual relations:
http://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210112-heres-what-sex-with-neanderthals-was-like
... and the lives of Neanderthal women:
https://aeon.co/essays/what-do-we-know-about-the-lives-of-neanderthal-women
Plenty of coverage of a 45 000 years bp cave painting of a wild pig from Indonesia:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-world-oldest-cave-indonesia.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55657257
https://www.livescience.com/pig-oldest-cave-animal-drawing.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/science/cave-painting-indonesia.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/oldest-known-cave-painting-art-pig-found-indonesia
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/13/worlds-oldest-known-cave-painting-found-in-indonesia
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/cave-art-indonesia-oldest-figurative-art-animal-image-scn-trnd/index.html
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/478/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/478/pub/478/page/66/article/123347
https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210114-archaeologists-find-world-s-oldest-known-cave-painting-in-indonesia
https://www.dw.com/en/worlds-oldest-known-cave-painting-found-in-indonesia/a-56220464
https://smarthistory.org/oldest-cave-art-found-in-sulawesi/
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2021-01-13/la-pintura-de-un-jabali-de-hace-45500-anos-es-la-obra-de-arte-figurativo-mas-antigua-del-mundo.html
https://www.latercera.com/que-pasa/noticia/descubren-en-indonesia-el-dibujo-de-animales-mas-antiguo-del-mundo-45000-anos/LELLWTD2NBBQVCIUL4JDRSNHUY/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/this-painted-pig-is-the-worlds-oldest-figurative-art/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/worlds-oldest-cave-art-discovered-in.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9376-210115-indonesia-cave-art
... and a podcast on same:
https://play.acast.com/s/the-ancients/groundbreakingindonesiancaveartdiscovery
I think we mentioned this 'oldest abrasion tool' find (350 000 years bp) from Tabun Cave on Mount Carmel:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/worlds-first-food-processor-from-350000-years-ago-found-near-haifa-655428
More on those 2 million+ years bp stone tools from Tanzania:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/08/world/early-humans-environment-adaptation-scn/index.html
http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/ewass-oldupa-stone-tools-09236.html
More on possibility our ancestors hibernated:
https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/humans-hibernation
================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
The Mesolithic lasted longer in west Africa than previously thought:
https://www.shh.mpg.de/1938020/scerri-young-middle-stone-age
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-human-culture-years-longer-thought.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/mpif-fhc010721.php
https://www.earth.com/news/middle-stone-age-culture-lasted-20000-years-longer-than-expected/
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/civillisations/young-tools-rewrite-old-history/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/12/first-human-culture-lasted-20000-years-longer-than-thought/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/first-human-culture-lasted-20000-years.html
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9369-210112-west-africa-toolkits
Feature on the importance of the Nile for ancient Nubia and Egypt:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-nile-was-a-lifeline-in-the-desert-for-ancient-nubia-and-egypt
More on baboon skulls and their connection to Punt:
https://elpais.com/ciencia/2021-01-10/dos-craneos-de-babuinos-de-hace-3300-anos-revelan-el-lugar-de-origen-de-una-misteriosa-civilizacion.html
================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
(Finally!) Egypt announced the find of 50+ sarcophagi, a funerary temple of Queen Naert, and three warehouses at Saqqara:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/398931/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/In-Photos-Egyptian-archaeological-mission-at-Saqqa.aspx
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/17/archaeologists-uncover-new-treasure-trove-at-egypts-saqqara-necropolis
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210116-egypt-makes-major-discoveries-at-saqqara-archaeological-site
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/archaeologists-discover-new-trove-of-treasures-50-sarcophagi-in-cairo-necropolis
http://www.meteoweb.eu/2021/01/scopera-egitto-tempio-funerario-sarcofagi/1534207/
... not sure if this is the same find:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96305/Coffins-mummies-found-in-new-discovery-at-Saqqara-dating-back
... and an interesting '3d study' of the Saqqara site (not related to the most recent finds):
http://www.asor.org/anetoday/2021/01/saqqara-3d
The restored Temple of Isis at Aswan is opening to the public:
https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-reopens-isis-temple-to-the-public-following-restoration-work/
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/16/egypt-opens-newly-renovated-temple-of-isis-with-redeveloped-tourism-services/
I think we mentioned the tomb of Ramses I has reopened to the public:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/11/tomb-of-ramesses/
Some Islamic domes in Cairo have been added to the list of registered monuments:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96336/Egypt%E2%80%99s-domes-of-Al-Atris-Al-Aidarous-are-registered-among
A new project to excavate and preserve Alexandria's underwater heritage:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/egypt-alexandria-underwater-antiquities-preserve-heritage.html
Zahi Hawass was presenting an award for archaeological restoration:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96504/Egypt%E2%80%99s-Zahi-Hawass-presents-annual-award-for-Best-Archaeological-and
Google and the ARCE are cooperating in an online project called 'Preserving Egypt's Layered History':
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/01/17/google-american-research-center-join-forces-to-preserve-egypts-layered-history/
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/new-google-arts-and-culture-initiative-egypt
Interesting feature on a 2300 years bp painter's palette (with pigment) at the Met:
https://mymodernmet.com/ancient-egyptian-painters-palette/
The Theban Mapping Project website is back up and operating:
https://thebanmappingproject.com/valley-kings
More on the efforts to excavate that Laodicea Temple in Iran:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456885/Archaeologists-to-make-final-attempt-to-unearth-Laodicea-Temple
Feature on the OI's Persian expeditions in the 1930s:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456888/Oriental-Institute-and-its-Persian-expeditions-in-1930s
Feature on correspondence and legal documents of an Assyrian business woman ca 1900 BCE:
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210111-the-secret-letters-of-historys-first-businesswomen
Not sure about this 'pyramid shaped burial monument' recently found in Lebanon:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pyramid-discovery-points-to-a-first-for-lebanon-5kmx58wg5
Qatar revealed some burials dating 300 BCE to 300 CE this week:
https://www.dohanews.co/qatar-discovers-historical-archaeological-remains-in-lusail/
The grave of the sultan Kilij Arslan I (11th/12th century CE) was found prior to construction work in northern Turkey:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/2nd-anatolian-seljuk-sultans-grave-found-in-se-turkey/2107545
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/grave-sultan-who-defeated-crusaders-uncovered-180976761/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9372-210113-turkey-sultan-grave
The Saudi Arabian site of Hegra has opened to the public (Nabataean):
https://mymodernmet.com/hegra-tourism/
Interesting study of the actual length of ancient scrolls:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239831
Feature on nine of Israel's mosaics:
https://www.jns.org/nine-magnificent-ancient-mosaics-of-israel/
https://www.israel21c.org/9-magnificent-ancient-mosaics-of-israel/
Feature on the siege of Masada:
https://medium.com/history-of-yesterday/masada-e8e860ab3ba1
Review of a couple of books on Masada:
https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2021/01/14/what-happened-at-masada
More on the Crusader-era ramp found at Ashkelon:
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/crusader-era-siege-ramp-protecting-israeli-city-from-the-desert-1.9421886
In case you missed the Greek inscription from the Negev:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/1400-year-old-tombstone-of-christian-woman-discovered-at-negev-park/
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/byzantine-tombstone-discovered-in-negev/
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/11/byzantine-greek-inscription-discovered-near-nitzana-in-the-negev/
In case you missed the cisterns at Metropolis:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/huge-cisterns-provided-water-ancient-city-metropolis-discovered-180976685/
================================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
================================================================
A 2000 years bp child+puppy burial from central France:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/2000-year-old-remains-of-infant-and-pet-dog-uncovered-in-france
An 'observer' at a construction site in Turkey spotted a Roman (it appears) inscription:
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/onlooker-notices-roman-era-stele-at-construction-site-in-northwest-turkey/news
A Roman gem from Colchester is older than previously thought, apparently:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-55662415
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/colchester-castle-roman-gem-older-than-thought-6902438
Plans for more excavations in the wake of major Roman finds in Carlisle:
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19011356.plans-exploration-major-city-roman-find/
I think we mentioned these burials from Pannonia exhibiting cranial modifications a while ago:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1384273/archaeology-news-roman-cemetery-excavation-modified-head-discovery-evg
Gardens associated with Caligula are opening to the public:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/science/caligula-archaeology-rome-horti-lamiani.html
https://www.startribune.com/caligula-s-garden-of-delights-unearthed-and-restored/600010763/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2021/01/16/caligulas-long-hidden-garden-to-open-as-new-subterranean-gallery-in-rome/
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/16/a-garden-of-delights-for-romes-creepiest-emperor-caligulas-purported-hangout-open-to-public/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/underground-gallery-showcase-caligulas-imperial-garden-180976745/
New dating for the eruption of Santorini:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/weizmann-scientists-date-santorini-eruption-with-modern-olive-branch-655162
The columns in Pompeii's House of the Faun have been restored:
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2021/01/14/pompeii-house-of-the-faun-columns-restored_dfae7fde-d8fa-4816-9d4d-f99cf8f6b207.html
... and the Colosseum is hosting a Pompeii exhibition:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/romes-colosseum-to-host-pompeii-exhibition.html
... and it's reopening, of course:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/italy-colosseum-is-ready-to-reopen-on-16-january.html
... as is Pompeii:
https://www.napolitoday.it/social/scavi-pompei-aperti.html
... as is the Domus Tiberiana:
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/rome-to-reopen-domus-tiberiana-imperial-palace-on-palatine-hill.html
Another couple of features on modern applications of stoicism:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/stoic-philosophy-answer-lockdown-blues/
https://chicagomaroon.com/article/2021/1/13/stoicism-101/
Another feature on what Cleopatra really looked like:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/what-did-cleopatra-really-look-like
... and who the 'real Cleopatra' was:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/the-real-cleopatra/index.html
Feature on links between Mithras and Gandalf:
https://www.ancientworldmagazine.com/articles/mithra-ndir-gandalf-mithras/
Feature on Isca Augusta:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/isca-augusta-the-roman-legionary-fortress/136784
Feature on identifying Roman emperors by their beard:
https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/identify-roman-emperor-by-beard/
Feature on some misconceptions about the Roman empire:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/639743/roman-empire-misconceptions
... and 'ten facts' about ancient Greece:
https://greekherald.com.au/news/ten-facts-about-ancient-greece-you-probably-didnt-know/
Feature on the Riace bonzes:
https://eu.greekreporter.com/2021/01/13/the-mystery-over-the-ancient-greek-masterpieces-recovered-off-italy/
Feature on the Roman conquest of Wales:
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/the-roman-conquest-of-wales/136796
Feature on an ancient Greek earring at the Boston MFA:
https://usa.greekreporter.com/2021/01/14/exquisite-ancient-greek-earring-one-of-treasures-at-boston-museum/
Feature on Melina Mercouri's fight for the Parthenon Marbles' return:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-55664796
On the importance of Philip and Alexander:
https://hellenicnews.com/philip-and-alexander-matter/
Feature on Penelope and the suitors in art:
https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/the-aberdonian/the-myth-behind-the-art-penelope-and-the-suitors/
Reviews of three books relating to the Augustan era:
https://www.newstatesman.com/last-assassin-peter-stothard-aenid-shadi-bartsch-ovid-llewlyn-morgan-review
More on statues of Asclepius and Serapis from Kibyra:
https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-statue-and-bust-of-asclepius-serapis-unearthed-in-burdurs-kibyra
More on that Greek inscription 'slab' from an English garden:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/rock-slab-relic-roman-hampshire-whiteparish-b1785945.html
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/roman-slab-mystery-gbr-scli-intl-scn/index.html
More on that Roman bath site in Amman bing reburied:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/roman-bath-site-in-jordan-will-be-reburied-for-lack-of-funds-nvxtdqt27
More on that Temple of Aphrodite find from Turkey:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-aphrodite-temple-discovered-turkey.html
More on that Severus 'bribe' inscription:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/10/roman-town-paid-huge-amount-silver-bribe-new-emperor-inscription/
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/441/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/441/pub/441/page/69/article/121847
More on the thermopolium from Pompeii:
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/10/archeologists-just-uncovered-food-stalls-in-pompeii-i-recreated-a-stew-inspired-by-their-findings/
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/after-2-000-years-pompeii-wine-bar-to-reopen-this-spring
More on plans for the Colosseum floor:
https://www.archdaily.com/954743/italy-to-rebuild-the-colosseum-with-retractable-floor
On the ancient roots of Wonder Woman:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210111-the-ancient-roots-of-wonder-woman
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:
http://romanarc.blogspot.com/
Rogueclassicism:
http://rogueclassicism.com/
================================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
================================================================
Plenty of grave goods from a major Anglo-Saxon cemetery find in Northamptonshire:
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/grave-goods-including-weapons-found-large-anglo-saxon-cemetery-uncovered-northamptonshire-3093088
A pair of Iron Age (maybe) burials found during pipeline construction near Navenby:
https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/archaeologists-uncover-skeletons-anglian-water-pipeline-sites-3100197
https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/two-iron-age-skeletons-found-4895574
A medieval (and Roman) coin hoard found in central Hungary a year ago:
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-gold-coins-discovered-hungary.html
https://www.9news.com.au/world/archaeologists-discover-treasure-trove-of-coins-on-farm-in-hungary/3583d4ca-3e87-4f67-a040-80defc971b44
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/01/archaeologists-discover-medieval-treasure-hoard-in-central-hungary/136764
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/12/archaeologists-discover-medieval-treasure-hoard-in-central-hungary/
Plenty of features on Sutton Hoo this week (related to 'The Dig'):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-55652661
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/17/the-farmers-boy-and-the-ship-of-gold-uncovering-the-treasures-of-sutton-hoo
http://www.archaeology.org/issues/152-1411/features/2588-england-sutton-hoo-palace
Some new insights from the Domesday survey:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-insights-domesday-survey-revealed.html
Part of the masonry of the 13th century Methoni Castle collapsed:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/13/collapse-of-part-of-the-masonry-of-methoni-castle/
Concerns for Budapest's Jewish Quarter:
https://m.jpost.com/diaspora/the-continued-destruction-of-budapests-jewish-quarter-655248
COVID-related concerns for a an ancient site on Orkney:
https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/ancient-orkney-site-where-picts-and-vikings-settled-now-under-threat-pandemic-3100870
A study of the role of Viking women in raids:
https://sciencenorway.no/archaeology-gender-and-society-viking-age/viking-women-played-an-important-role-in-raids/1797859
A 16th century statue predating the Knights of Malta's arrival is being restored:
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/statue-predating-knights-arrival-being-restored.845049
More on that Victorian-era bathhouse find beneath a Manchester car park:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/10/victorian-mayfield-bathhouse-uncovered-archaeologist-beneath-manchester-car-park
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60433
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/639717/victorian-bathhouse-manchester-parking-lot
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/park-construction-project-uncovers-victorian-bathhouse-manchester-england-180976730/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9363-210111-manchester-victorian-bathhouse
More on 'plastic contamination' at the Castell Henllys Iron Age village site in Wales:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/06/world/iron-age-roundhouses-plastic-scn/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion
----------
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
================================================================
A Shang Dynasty copper workshop site from Hubei:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2021-01/15/content_77118075.htm
Tang Dynasty murals from Shaanxi:
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/tang-dynasty-murals-unearthed-in-chinas-shaanxi/ar-BB1cAeA7
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60449
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9366-210112-china-shaanxi-murals
From the same period in Yunnan comes a State of Nanzhao temple complex:
http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2021-01/17/content_77123957.htm
A 'batch' of Spring and Autumn Period Chu culture artifacts from a site in Yueyang:
http://www.ecns.cn/news/2021-01-12/detail-ihafqmaz1835483.shtml
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9371-210113-china-chu-state
Remains of an 850 years bp city wall and moat from Beijing:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1212755.shtml
More on the identification of a tomb belonging to the Han emperor Liu Zhi:
https://www.livescience.com/tomb-of-murderous-chinese-emperor-identified.html
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/archaeologists-discover-ancient-chinese-emperor-tomb-1936167
Interesting study suggests 8200 years bp cultures in Karelia (Russia) were dependent on elk:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/language-culture/teeth-pendants-speak-of-the-elks-prominent-status-in-the-stone-age
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-teeth-pendants-elk-prominent-status.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/uoh-tps011421.php
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/15/teeth-pendants-speak-of-the-elks-prominent-status-in-the-stone-age/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9374-210115-elk-tooth-pendants
... and a review of a book on the Silk Road and the folks who used it:
https://asianreviewofbooks.com/content/along-the-silk-roads-in-mongol-eurasia-generals-merchants-and-intellectuals/
A study suggests there was a halt to domestic wine production in 17th century Japan:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/ku-teo010721.php
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-domestic-wine-17th-century-japan.html
Plenty of sites found during a survey of the region around the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/prayagraj-team-of-archaeologists-from-isdc-finds-4-dozen-archaeological-sites-besides-ganga/articleshow/80235671.cms
Concerns for a 16th century mandapam structure in Tirupati:
https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/tirupathi/tirupati-16th-century-structure-cries-for-attention-667044
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/archaeologist-calls-for-restoration-of-16th-century-mandapam-near-tirupati/articleshow/80312778.cms
A prehistoric site 'liberated from Armenia's occupation' in Azerbaijan:
https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/azerbaijan-shows-video-footage-of-prehistoric-settlement-liberated-from-armenias-occupation-2021-1-10-0/
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
A survey in Raleigh prior to highway construction has identified some 155 sites from various periods:
https://abc11.com/nc-artifacts-triangle-expressway-complete-540-ancient-in/9625300/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9375-210115-north-carolina-prehistory
19th century artifacts from a tavern site (maybe) in Kentucky:
https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article248267215.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9367-210112-kentucky-tavern
A dig in Huntington, NY related to African American history is kicking off Black History Month there:
https://patch.com/new-york/huntington/huntington-archaeological-dig-kicks-black-history-month
Review of Oakes, *The Crooked Path to Abolition*:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/books/review/james-oakes-the-crooked-path-to-abolition.html
Feature on the Fort Ancient earthworks:
https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2021/01/17/lepper-fort-ancient-similar-but-different-newark-earthwork/4161210001/
Feature on native clay pipes from Roanoke and their influence:
https://www.pilotonline.com/history/vp-nw-clay-pipe-20210116-chfxnr6xpvg7zkqzb5z4ivbw3q-story.html
Feature on a rabies epidemic in early 20th century Nevada:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/16/covid-19-rabies-epidemic-nevada-100-years-ago/4154991001/
Rio Tinto and partners have approval to mine copper on Native American land in Arizona:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/16/sacred-native-american-land-arizona-oak-flat
================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
================================================================
The contents of some 'Maya drug containers' have been identified:
https://news.wsu.edu/2021/01/15/wsu-scientists-identify-contents-ancient-maya-drug-containers/
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/wsu-wsi011421.php
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-scientists-contents-ancient-maya-drug.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210115110339.htm
45 pre-Inca ceremonial objects from Tiwanaku:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/60467
A study of chuno use and development in ancient Peru:
https://www.news.ucsb.edu/2021/020140/microscopic-map-past
A stucco mask from Ucanha (Yucatan) has been restored:
https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2021/01/the-stucco-mask-of-ucanha-yucatan-a-new-discovery/
On efforts to immunize Chile against smallpox in 1812:
https://www.latercera.com/culto/2021/01/10/la-desconocida-vacuna-de-jose-miguel-carrera-la-campana-para-inmunizar-a-chile-contra-la-viruela-en-1812/
More on that 15th/16th century goddess/woman statue from a Mexican citrus grove:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-mexican-farmers-rare-female-statue.html
https://www.livescience.com/statue-woman-headdress-mexico.html
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/mexican-farmers-find-rare-female-statue-in-citrus-grove/
https://www.latercera.com/la-tercera-tv/noticia/hallan-escultura-femenina-prehispanica-unica-en-su-tipo/RROGJYCSMJAIDFFMDTDY2KQBZA/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/mexican-farmers-find-rare-female-statue.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-unearth-rare-female-statue-citrus-grove-180976746/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/9368-210112-mexico-huasteca-statue
More on the latest 'skull tower' finds:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/mexico-citys-tower-of-skulls-could-tell-us-about-pre-columbian-life/
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:
http://goo.gl/1VdeA
Ancient MesoAmerica News:
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
================================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
================================================================
Assorted items relating to sudden craze for sea shanties:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/style/sea-shanty-tiktok-wellerman.html
https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-sea-shanties/
https://daily.jstor.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-shanty-and-a-sea-song/
https://www.dw.com/en/why-200-year-old-shanty-songs-embody-the-spirit-of-2021/a-56223648
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/entertainment/sea-shanty-shanties-wellerman-tiktok-music-trnd/index.html
https://www.wbur.org/artery/2021/01/15/why-is-everyone-obsessed-with-sea-shanties-a-gloucester-shanty-singer-explains
Feature on smallpox vaccine distribution in the 19th century:
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/01/orphans-smallpox-vaccine-distribution/617646/
One of the Tower of London's ravens has gone missing:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55651104
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/14/tower-of-london-raven-missing-feared-dead
A project to recreate sounds of the 'Stone Age':
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/stone-age-sounds
Pondering how many French revolutions there were:
https://www.livescience.com/how-many-french-revolutions.html
On the vices of various artists:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jan/11/do-all-great-artists-need-a-vice
The pandemic has put the efforts to recover the Titanic's radio on hold:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Pandemic-has-imperiled-plans-to-retrieve-15864848.php
Feature on Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/t-magazine/art-cornelis-cornelisz-van-haarlem.html
Marking the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/13/uffizi-gallery-celebrates-700th-anniversary-of-dantes-death/
On the Portuguese origins of tempura:
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117672/tempura-isnt-japan-how-fried-portuguese-classic-became-staple
... and curry puffs:
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117240/curry-puffs-how-portuguese-snack-arrived-southeast-asia-1500s
On the relationship between diet and language:
https://phys.org/news/2021-01-insights-diet-ultimately-reshapes-language.html
Feature on land claims in human history:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/01/18/human-history-and-the-hunger-for-land
Feature on some old photos of Notre Dame:
https://fr.aleteia.org/2021/01/10/en-images-les-plus-anciennes-photos-de-notre-dame-de-paris/
On 'Orwellian' as a term of abuse:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/books/orwellian-1984.html
On the Great Gatsby in public domain:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/books/the-great-gatsby-public-domain.html
Feature on some unethical medical experimentation of the past:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/5-unethical-medical-experiments-brought-out-of-the-shadows-of-history
Plans to turn the Champs Elysees into a garden:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/10/paris-approves-plan-to-turn-champs-elysees-into-extraordinary-garden-anne-hidalgo
How medieval Europe got over Roman numerals:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-medieval-europe-finally-ditched-roman-numerals
Feature on a note from Napoleon's doctor:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-doctors-note-offers-glimpse-napoleons-agonizing-final-years-180976731/
Feature on the discovery of zero:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-we-discovered-the-number-zero
Rimbaud's remains won't be going to the Pantheon:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/rimbaud-remains-will-not-be-moved-to-pantheon-rules-macron
================================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:
================================================================
Assorted items occasioned, it appears, by events in Washington last week ...
How Trump would have fared in ancient Greece:
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-how-the-ancient-greeks-would-have-handled-trump-20210113-iyrnuocptbfkhmhsbhosm4bdy4-story.html
Some Roman-inspired satire in the same vein:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/14/trump-impeachment-healing-julius-caesar/
How Romans would have responded to the storming of the Capitol:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/15/roman-historians-wouldnt-bat-eyelid-storming-capitol2/
On 'respectable people' and post-Civil War backlash:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/thoroughly-respectable-rioters/617644/
On what Reconstruction-era history might (or not) apply to the current times:
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/01/reconstruction-history-lessons-trump-terrorism.html
An account of the 1898 Wilmington (NC) coup:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55648011
... and an attempt to block tallying of votes in 1861:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/opinion/capitol-protest-1861-lincoln.html
There were concerns for some of the artworks in the Capitol Rotunda:
https://dailygazette.com/2021/01/11/historic-painting-of-saratoga-battle-was-topic-of-concern-during-capitol-insurrection/
... and folks were making connections between Goya's works and the events:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/jan/12/capitol-rioters-inflamed-hate-drunk-mobs-painted-goya-new-york-met
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2020/goyas-graphic-imagination
================================================================
ANIMAL AND PLANT DOMESTICATIONS
================================================================
More on leftovers and dog domestication:
https://www.dailypress.com/life/pets/sns-nyt-humans-domesticated-wolves-with-meat-20210110-jvxr2vqb6ffxdjdzjv4p65nlqm-story.html
================================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
================================================================
The Art of Archaeological Science:
https://www.livescience.com/microscopy-art-from-artifacts.html
https://www.penn.museum/on-view/galleries-exhibitions/invisible-beauty
Pondering the existence of museums via the latest Wonder Woman flick:
https://hyperallergic.com/613003/wonder-woman-the-museum-worker-is-a-less-convincing-disguise-than-clark-kents/
Egypt has approved a Pharaonic exhibition in a number of cities:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/egypt-foreign-exhibition-pharaohs-tourism-archaeology.html
Feature on some of the items being transferred to the NMEC in Egypt:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/96446/Know-about-Egyptian-Museum-s-artifacts-to-be-transferred-to
Iran and France are expanding their museum cooperation:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456972/Iran-France-preparing-to-expand-museum-cooperation
The Mosul Museum has reopened:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/iraq-mosul-museum-antiquities-islamic-state-assyrian-reopen.html
The Vatican museums hope to reopen next month:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-museums-hope-to-reopen-in-february-10810
The Guggenheim has its first African-American Deputy Curator and Chief Curator:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/arts/design/guggenheim-curator-beckwith.html
A virtual tour of the Met is in the works:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/12/tech/verizon-met-5g-virtual-tour/index.html
================================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
================================================================
After decades of legal fights, artifacts from a pair of 19th century shipwrecks associated with Nelson are coming to auction:
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/478/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/478/pub/478/page/12/article/123415
================================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
================================================================
A study of some ancient genomes from Siberia includes some traces of yersinia pestis along with hints about migration:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/plague-bacteria-die-offs-ancient-siberians-genetics-dna
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9365-210111-siberia-genome-plague
Perhaps of interest is a study suggesting dire wolves weren't really related to modern wolves:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/du-adr010821.php
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/world/dire-wolves-grey-wolves-intl-scli-scn/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/science/dire-wolf-genome.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03082-x
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-dire-wolf-was-distinct-species.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/01/14/ancient-dna-reveals-secrets-of-dire-wolves/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2021/01/dire-wolf-dna-study-reveals-surprises/
================================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
================================================================
Latest facial reconstructions are a Scythian 'king and queen':
http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/faces-of-siberian-tutankhamun-and-his-queen-buried-in-tuva-some-2600-years-ago-reconstructed-by-science/
https://www.9news.com.au/world/history-science-faces-of-ancient-rulers-from-2600-years-ago-reconstructed-from-rotted-skulls/8179df5e-194c-4e1d-9a15-ab45f88bd832
http://www.archaeology.org/news/9364-210111-scythian-faces-reconstructed
More on archaeologists using Cold War-era spy satellite photos:
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/corona-spy-satellite-photographs-1935836
================================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
================================================================
Venice has a new high tech surveillance system watching tourists:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-control-room-tourism/index.html
Egypt:
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/6/96460/%E2%80%98Seemingly-limitless%E2%80%99-ancient-wonders-among-reasons-why-you-should-visit
Hiking Hadrian's Wall:
https://sanjuanislander.com/opinion/columnists/column-by-mike-vouri/32115/mike-vouri-on-hadrian-s-wall-a-hike-across-england
Venice's Jewish ghetto:
https://elviajero.elpais.com/elviajero/2021/01/07/actualidad/1610009607_247777.html
================================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
================================================================
The Dig:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/13/the-dig-review-carey-mulligan-ralph-fiennes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/the-dig-movie-review/2021/01/13/11a1f210-54ef-11eb-a08b-f1381ef3d207_story.html
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/14/the-dig-review-netflix/
https://nypost.com/2021/01/14/the-dig-unearths-an-intimate-true-story/
Oresteia:
https://napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/greek-tragedy-from-cal-shakes-the-orestia-is-online-on-jan-15/article_87d3c84f-84cd-5383-ae5a-ca14e731ddcd.html
================================================================
CRIME BEAT
================================================================
New Zealand police are looking for owners of some stolen artworks:
https://art-crime.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-zealand-police-want-help-in-finding.html
Not quite sure where to put this pondering the impact of the new US antiquities law:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/congress-increase-regulations-antiquities-trade-us-180976712/
... nor this one about the UK's new policies:
https://hyperallergic.com/613855/uk-rejects-european-union-regulations-to-reduce-illegal-antiquity-trafficking/
https://www.occrp.org/en/27-ccwatch/cc-watch-briefs/13629-after-brexit-the-uk-is-open-to-almost-unrestrained-antiquities-trade
... and one in Sri Lanka (I think):
https://island.lk/proposed-amendment-to-antiquities-ordinance-a-boost-to-destruction-of-antiquities/
Review of a book on Nazi looting:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/books/jonathan-petropoulos-gorings-man-paris-nazi-art.html
More on that major bust in Israel last week:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/israeli-authorities-seize-trove-thousands-stolen-antiques-180976739/
More on Gaza being unable to crack down on antiquities smuggling:
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/gaza-hunger-tourism-antiquities-museum.html
----------
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
================================================================
The last of the Gurlitt-associated Nazi loot has been returned to owners' heirs:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55644230
================================================================
NUMISMATICA
================================================================
Feature on ancient gold coins from shipwrecks:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/treasure-coins-ancient-gold-coins-recovered-from-shipwrecks/
An upcoming talk from the Antigonid Coins Online project:
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/agenta/the-antigonid-coins-online-project/
Latest e-Sylum:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n02.html
... and the one which should appear later today:
http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n03.html
------------------------
Coin Week:
http://www.coinweek.com/
================================================================
OBITUARIES
================================================================
Emil Homerin:
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/emil-homerin-an-american-religion-scholar-remembered-465642/
Carrie Dann:
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/emil-homerin-an-american-religion-scholar-remembered-465642/
Norman Golb:
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/norman-golb-renowned-scholar-medieval-jewish-history-1928-2020
Michele Casanova:
https://archeorient.hypotheses.org/15635
Mary Catherine Bateson:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/books/mary-catherine-bateson-dead.html
Helga Weyhe:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/world/europe/helga-weyhe-dead.html
================================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
================================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:
https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3017-audio-news-from-archaeologica-january-3-through-january-9-2021
================================================================
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/
================================================================
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