Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

As we come up on President Obama’s State of the Union Address and evaluate where we stand as a nation, it’s fascinating to ponder how human society has evolved. Twenty thousand years ago everyone was living in small, mobile bands – today, everyone is living within a large, bureaucratic, market-oriented state. How did that happen? There have historically been two answers. One (going back to Darwin and Malthus) is that population growth forces cultural innovation and change. The other (going back to Marx and Morgan) is that technological innovations have allowed cultural change (and population growth) to take place. Both are simplistic, and there is supporting and refuting evidence for both. Join our guest Dr. Peter Neal Peregrine as he discusses cultural evolution and the importance of understanding it, explores its relationship with population and technology, and reconsiders these two factors as prime movers in the evolutionary process.

Miss the SHA conference this month? Join our host Dr. Joe Schuldenrein and recently elected president of the Society for Historical Archaeology Dr. Charles Ewen as they discuss Public Archaeology and the importance of communicating what we do as archaeologists with the general public. Everyone agrees that engaging the public to make archaeology relevant to society and promote stewardship of the past is a good idea, but how we go about it is a different matter. On the one hand, many criticize academics for talking over the heads of a general audience; on the other, many archaeologists feel that popularizing archaeology with shows like National Geographic’s Diggers compromises our ethics. The task of finding a balance between the two is a challenging one. As we come up on the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, what do we have to show for the billions that have been invested in Cultural Resource Management? What do we have to show that the general public will think was worth it?

The rise of archaeology as a profession has done much to enrich our understanding of prehistoric eras, which had been a long misunderstood chapter in the human story. But what can the pursuit of archaeology contribute to our knowledge of more recent historical time periods, which already provide textual clues about the way people lived? It turns out that archaeological research often reveals quite a different story than the one passed down to us by the written word. Join our guest Dr. Charles Orser, Jr., who will be discussing his research on the daily life of the rural Irish on the eve of and during the Great Famine of 1845-50. From 1994-2007, Dr. Orser excavated at 6 house sites in counties Roscommon, Sligo, and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. This was the first sustained archaeological effort to investigate the lives of the common families who suffered through the Famine and who eventually came to the United States (as well as to Canada and Australia) as a result. His research there has documented

Do you ever wonder what the ancients would say to our modern understanding of their customs and beliefs? Well, imagine what future scientists might make of our civilization! Picture Manhattan as an archaeological site in the distant future. With modern technological developments and the mass consumption of goods, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that we would leave behind a wealth of material remains. What sorts of artefacts would future excavators find amidst the ruins of this once bustling, towering city? Will your apartment building survive? Your ipod? These may sound like questions more appropriate for a novelist to ask than a scientist, but based on our knowledge of modern refuse patterns and how archaeological sites form, it is possible to speculate what the future site of Manhattan would yield. Join our host Dr. Joe Schuldenrein as he considers these questions and discusses what archaeologists might conclude about us as a society based on the artefacts we leave behind.

Sad the holidays are almost over? Missed the Holiday special or can’t get enough of Yuletide-related archaeology? Then tune in for a repeat of the Archaeology of Christmas with guest Dr. Michael Laughy and welcome in the New Year! He’ll discuss the surprising number of continuities exist in the archaeological record between ancient wintertime celebrations, from Neolithic solstice observances to Roman Saturnalia, and our own Christmas pastimes. What can archaeology tell us about Christmas prior to Charles Dickens’ popularization of the holiday with his novel, A Christmas Carol? What might future archaeologists infer from the material remains of our society’s seasonal shopping sprees? Before you finish the last of the eggnog and all the gingerbread cookies disappear, join us tonight at 6pm ET to learn how our ancient ancestors partied during the winter months and discover how these rites and rituals evolved over thousands of years into our modern Christmastime traditions.

The lights are up, the shopping’s (hopefully) done, and Santa’s on his way – yep, it’s finally Christmas! With the growing emphasis on gift-giving and commercialism during the holiday season, it can be hard to remember that Christmas has origins far beyond the rise of Christianity; people have been celebrating winter solstice since the Stone Age and well into antiquity. In fact, a surprising number of continuities exist in the archaeological record between ancient wintertime celebrations, from Neolithic solstice observances to Roman Saturnalia, and our own Christmas pastimes. What can archaeology tell us about Christmas prior to Charles Dickens’ popularization of the holiday with his novel, A Christmas Carol? What might future archaeologists infer from the material remains of our society’s seasonal shopping sprees? Before you finish the last of the eggnog and all the gingerbread cookies disappear, join us tonight at 6pm ET to learn how our ancient ancestors partied during the winter months and discover

Is the December chill getting to you already? The next time you wish you were warmer, just imagine what life must have been like wintering at a Viking camp in 9th Century England! Tune in tonight at 6pm ET as Viking Age England specialist Dr. Julian Richards discusses his work at sites like Torksey, where the Great Viking Army whiled away the winter months. Learn about the role of this project and others in illuminating Viking Age England, as well as the pursuit of Norse Archaeology in the modern UK. If you’re familiar with films like Valhalla Rising and How to Train Your Dragon, then the common stereotypes and misconceptions concerning everything from Viking fashion and speech to the nature of Viking society are readily apparent. You’ll find that Norse archaeology is less about beefy blond men running around with horned helmets and axes, and more about a complex society of people whose presence contributed to the growth and development of urban settlements in England.

Were you feeling anxious last year because of the impending holiday shopping? Or were you resting easy knowing that the Mayan apocalypse meant you didn’t have to sit in traffic at the mall? Although we know now that the reports were based on a misunderstanding, we’re still left wondering, if the Mayans didn’t predict the end of the world, what did they write down? Turns out, they left us a rich history of births, deaths, wars, feasts, and conquest—if we’ve got the translation right. Tonight we will be taking a closer look at the cryptic world of Mayan hieroglyphs. Join us and our guest, Dr. Marc Zender, as we discuss the issues surrounding the interpretation of a writing system that developed over the course of 2,000 years! Whether you’re an art historian, an archaeologist, an epigrapher, or an Indiana Jones enthusiast, you won’t want to miss our latest archaeological discussion tonight at 6 PM ET.

The complex of Mes Aynak represents one of the most spectacular archaeological treasures in the world. Situated in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Mes Aynak is South Asia's earliest mining complexes and distribution centers. This 2,600 year old city was also the center of Buddhist monasteries that flourished at around the time of Christ. Today the entire site is in danger of destruction because of pressure to develop this ancient mining site into the most profitable copper mine in a country. Archaeologists have been working on the site for several years, but their efforts have been uneven, often disjunct, and discontinuous. Today's guests, Brent Huffman, a documentary film maker who has visited the site on numerous occasions, and well-known South Asia archaeologist, Dr. Rita Wright, provide new insights into the potential cultural tragedy that may seal the site's fate unless large scale appeals to save the site are championed by concerned diplomats, politicians, and the public at large.

Thanksgiving calls to mind a series of foods whose origins are assumed to be uniquely North American or European. In addition to the turkey, native to North America but domesticated in Europe, the balance of the traditional Thanksgiving diet consists of roots, berries, and plant foods whose origins are as exotic as they are diverse. Archaeology provides insights into former diets and environments because the remains of foods and plants are often preserved at ancient sites. They include burnt seeds, fossil grasses, and ancient pollen (yes, the kind that cause spring sneezing!). Their presence is readily detectable on ancient house floors and within sediments that often contain plant matter indicative of former vegetation and climates. One of the best dietary indicators is fossilized human waste that preserves a wide range of ingested foodstuffs. Our guest is Dr. Linda Scott-Cummings a recognized authority in reconstructing natural vegetation histories and ancient human dietary patterns.

Most Sci-Fi movies warn of the dangers of technology for the future of mankind. But if the number of people glued to their phones at a restaurant, on the subway, or in line at the store is any indication, technology has become an integral and necessary part of our daily lives. So how do archaeologists concerned with the past make their way in this new cyber world? At the 9,000 year old site of Catalhoyuk in Turkey, archaeologists are experimenting with 21st century technologies and archaeological excavation. The initial results seem to be directly out of the future! Tonight, our guest Dr. Maurizio Forte will discuss his work with the latest virtual reality and 3D visualization tools at Catalhoyuk, and the exciting opportunities these new technologies afford archaeologists and the public. Join us tonight at 6 PM ET as we welcome our new cyber overlords!

On September 30, 2013 House Representatives Eric Cantor and Lamar Smith published an article in USA Today that criticized government funding of science research through the National Science Foundation (NSF). Many of the projects they questioned were from the social and behavioral sciences. The article generated an outcry in the academic community, including archaeologists, of whom several published replies via personal blogs and professional websites. The article even generated a Twitter hashtag #WhyArchMatters. The debate generated by the Congressmen’s short article is indicative of a larger question facing society today: With the current economic situation and the need to curtail government spending, what types of projects should taxpayers’ money go towards? On our show tonight, we will be discussing this issue with Dr. Rosemary Joyce, Dr. Adam Smith, and Dr. James Doyle. Join as we discuss the importance of archaeological research in the modern world and answer the Representatives’ question: Why doe

“Archaeology…what are you going to do with that?” If you’re an archaeologist, or thinking about becoming one, you’ve heard this sentence at some point in your career. For many their love of archaeology began with Indiana Jones. You may have bought the hat, taken bull-whip lessons, or even watched the 4th installment of the movies! But what’s next? What kind of opportunities are there for fedora-wearing intrepid explorers and how do you train to take Indy’s place? Join us and our guest, Dr. Stanton Green, as we discuss academic and professional archaeological careers, the anthropological training you’ll need in college, and how archaeological training can translate into NON-academic careers. If you’re a student considering archaeology, or an archaeology student contemplating the job market, you’ll want to tune in!

Imagine that you are an archaeologist carrying your equipment to site only to meet a polar bear along the way! Once you’ve arrived at site, weather conditions may mean the ground is too frozen to dig or you have a chance of getting hypothermia if you try waterscreening. While Indiana Jones is well known for his travels to far off places and harrowing recovery of artifacts, what are the dangers of archaeology in less desirable destinations? Our guest, Dr. Anne Jensen, has over 30 years experience working in Barrow, Alaska, the ninth northernmost city in the world! Although remote, the climate of Alaska’s north coast allows for the recovery of some remarkable items including ivory harpoons, plank floors, and even seal oil. Join our guest, Dr. Anne Jensen, and us as we discuss her archaeological work in this far-flung part of the world and how her findings challenge the idea that such environments are inhospitable for human occupation.

Archaeological discoveries and the lives of archaeologists have long captured the public’s imagination. However, few people realize that archaeology exists as close as their back door, or that they do not have to be an expert to be involved with archaeological projects and objects. Have you always been interested in archaeology but unsure how to find out more? Do you pick up National Geographic at the newsstand or subscribe to Archaeology magazine? Do you wish you could learn more about archaeology in your area? Turns out you’re not alone! Over 60,000 people participated in last year’s National Archaeology Day hosted by the Archaeological Institute of America. This year is expected to be even bigger requiring an entire month of celebration and including an international component. Tune in as we talk to Ben Thomas, the Director of Programs for the AIA, and discuss the events International Archaeology Day has inspired. You’ll be able to learn more about the 300 events planned in celebration and find

While pirates have always been a source of public fascination, piracy has seen a recent surge in both news headlines and popular culture, including the newly-released film Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks. While the term pirate readily conjures up a variety of images, including peg-legs, nefarious skull and cross bone flags, and squawking parrots, pirates cannot be separated from treasure. But what do we really know about pirates? Most of our understanding comes from popular fictional characters like Long John Silver or Captain Hook. Such images, however beloved, have complicated our understanding of these already mysterious historical figures. So who were these figures and what kind of “treasures” did they leave at the bottom of the sea? Join us and Dr. Frederick Hanselmann, from Texas State University, as we discuss his work on shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the difficulties of archaeological excavation underwater.

Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization, has long been the focus of archaeologists studying the origins of domestication and farming. The latest in food based studies in this area (contemporary southern Iraq), centers on a unique project that merges some of the earliest Bronze Age texts with advanced geochemical techniques and residue studies to examine the origins of beer brewing. The project was initiated by several graduate students at the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute, together with the owner of the Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland. While this study is sure to capture the attention of the beer drinking public, it also has ramifications bearing on patterned changes in food and drink production, consumption, and distribution through time. Our special guest is PhD student Tate Paulette, one of the chief architects of this study who offers a unique perspective on the evolution of a key recreational libation that is much older than many of us ever imagined.

In a city that never sleeps, the constant push for progress can sometimes collide head on with the remnants of the past. In 1991, construction on a federal office building was halted when several skeletons were uncovered. The skeletons represented not just a forgotten burial site, but a forgotten history as well. Over two decades, researchers uncovered the remains of more than 400 individuals, of both African and African American descent. The controversy surrounding the discovery, analysis, and interpretation of the burial ground was a hot topic in the press and led to the development of the African Burial Ground Monument and Museum. How has the analysis of the remains changed our understanding of African American history in the U.S.? How can archaeology play a role in human right arguments? Does this role affect the interpretation of the past? We talk to Dr. Michael Blakey about the African American Burial Ground Monument and the struggle for human rights.

Are you upset about the cancellation of BBCAmerica’s TV drama “Copper”? Maybe you’re a fan of Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” or Caleb Carr’s “The Alienist”? If so, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with New York’s most infamous slum, the Five Points neighborhood. But how dangerous and depraved was this historical intersection? Archaeological research by Dr. Rebecca Yamin has shown that despite its dark reputation, Five Points was a neighborhood where the American Dream could and did prosper. Who were the people that lived here? What conditions did they live in? Which ones succeeded, and which ones didn’t? What does an overcrowded, unsanitary tenement neighborhood from the 19th century tell us about our history and ourselves? Join us as we talk with Dr. Yamin, who will tell the stories of several residents in the 19th century neighborhood. How has she overcome the difficulties such a famous site poses and what has new work in the city told us about this key time in New York’s history? Tune in, and list

This week marks the two year anniversary of the show, and while we have come a long way since the first episode (Indie’s Footprint), was broadcast on September 21, 2011 there is always room for change and improvement. We asked listeners to complete a short survey and give feedback on their experience with the show so far, and received a variety of answers. In this episode, Dr. Schuldenrein will discuss these findings and talk about how your ideas and suggestions will be incorporated into the show going forward. Tune in to see if your response makes it on air, and hear what the future of Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality, and 21st Century Archaeology holds!