Archaeology: Seeing Purple Dye
Archaeologists in Israel have found a textile fragment dating to King David dyed in precious purple murex. That’s a first.
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Archaeology: Placing Incan Prayers in a Lake
Laying votive offerings before the gods is a religious rite that occurs across human cultures and eras. I am intrigued by this Incan form of the practice and the parallels I see to the Hittites and other ancient peoples.
Archaeology: Saqqara Egypt in 3D
You may have toured the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt, location of the Djoser Step Pyramid. But now, thanks to the careful research and technical skills of archaeologist Elaine Sullivan you can tour in reconstructed 3D. Dive in. She has created a “real” view on the individual human level for each of the many dynastic periods of Saqqara’s history.
Archaeology: Catching the Celtic Gold of Boudica
A birdwatcher stumbled upon a hoard of Celtic gold coins dating to 40-50 CE, the period of Boudica’s rebellion. Was this her hidden deposit? Boudica’s popularity as a historical figure is reflected in two outstanding novels of historical fiction.
Archaeology: Stumbling on Aphrodite during a Surface Survey
When archaeologists conducted a major surface survey, they stumbled on a 5th century BCE temple of Aphrodite. But the biggest “discoveries” may lie in the unglamorous “big picture.”
Archaeology: Santiago Medieval Stonemason’s Humor
A bit of medieval play in stone hidden high in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Archaeology: Grab a hot snack in Pompeii
Archaeologists excavated a hot food and drink shop in Pompeii. Bright frescoes and food traces paint vivid picture of Roman daily life.
Roundup of Archaeology and History June 30-July 6
My round up of history and archaeology: carbon dating ancient cosmetic residues, the decapitated Pompeii skeleton tells more, Hobby Lobby’s looted tablets reveal details about a lost Mesopotamian city, a dig on Cyprus keeps revealing more and more about its Bronze Age glory.
Roundup of Archaeology and History June 9-June 15
My weekly roundup of history and archaeology: Faience head of Biblical king found in Israel w/ compelling expression, “Even Homer Nods” poetry inspired by the Iliad, new Pompeii finds despite dig moratorium
Roundup of Archaeology and History June 2-June 8
My roundup of history and archaeology: in Turkey a saint’s shrine turns out to be tomb of ancient Greek athlete, in Pompeii newly excavated skeleton was crushed by stone as he escaped, follow up find under said skeleton-his coin purse & what it shows about his class & social standing