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Home » Weekly Roundup of History, Archaeology and Writing Wisdom Feb 13-19

Weekly Roundup of History, Archaeology and Writing Wisdom Feb 13-19

 

Logo of Left Coast Crime Cactus CaperJoin me this week, Thursday through Sunday at Left Coast Crime in Phoenix. An excellent conference for readers to meet their favorite mystery and crime writers. I get to visit with all my friends from around the country. I’m a panelist with some excellent writers—this should be highly enjoyable conversation about historical mysteries. I’m looking forward to it. 1:30 Saturday afternoon.
Ancient, Classical, and Medieval Mysteries with Susan McDuffie as moderator and panelists: Sharan Newman, John Maddox Roberts, Priscilla J. Royal, Judith Starkston

Click here for the Left Coast Crime panel schedule 

Here are some posts I enjoyed around the web this week.

image of badgerGo badger! While not trained in the niceties of documenting its find, a badger has revealed a Bronze Age burial (about 2,000 BCE) of an archer near Stonehenge. Or at least the cremated remains of someone who wanted to buried with a archer’s wrist guard and shaft straighteners for straightening arrows. He also had with him a bronze saw and a copper chisel, which are probably for making archery equipment, but we’re only guessing. I suppose we’re only guessing gender of the cremated human remains, also, based on the finds. The archaeologist in charge allows that it would have been better for these artifacts if said badger hadn’t dug them up, but even he has to admit he’s sort of glad it happened since they wouldn’t have been found otherwise and it’s quite an exciting find. I didn’t hear the badger dragged them half way across the world and neglected to note the find spot, so he’s done a lot less damage than humans have often done with ancient artifacts. And besides anyone with fond memories of Wind in the Willows can’t hold much against a badger. Click here for the BBC’s “Badger digs up Bronze Age burial near Stonehenge”

Guess who brought restaurant dining to France? The Romans, according to this article in Archaeology Magazine. Perhaps we shouldn’t say this in front of the French. An ancient Roman restaurant uncovered in Lattes, France complete with ovens and cast off bones. Click here for Achaeology Magaine “Ancient Roman Restaurant found in France” 

image of Achilles as Healer, Attic Red Figure Vase
Achilles as Healer, Attic Red Figure Vase

Apparently there is a Homer reading group at The Guardian Newspaper. I just discovered this. Here’s Sam Jordison’s take on Achilles. What do you think of his read of my favorite epic hero? Click here for The Guardian “Achilles is brutal, vain and pitiless–and a true hero” 

Harper Lee has died. Many memories of teaching Mockingbird countless times. Click here for The New York Times “Harper Lee Dies”