Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

This episode goes right to the heart of the show’s beginnings with the emergence of the mythical figure of Indiana Jones and his character’s connections to the Oriental Institute (OI) at the University of Chicago. Today’s program begins with a discussion of the Indiana Jones character, his connections to the OI and the impacts of the world’s most famous archaeologist. The Oriental Institute is probably the most venerated research institute for Near Eastern archaeology. Both a museum and research facility, the OI was founded in 1919 and focuses on the ancient Near East, which includes modern day Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. In recent years the OI has modernized its exhibits, established major public outreach programs both to the profession and the local (Chicago) community while expanding its research venues across the greater Near East. Join our special guest, Dr. Jack Green, chief curator at the Oriental Institute, as we discuss Indiana Jones, the Oriental Institute, and the intersection of