Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

Early Hominin Structures, Pompeii Discoveries, and the Band of Holes in Peru - TAS 328

Early Hominin Structures, Pompeii Discoveries, and the Band of Holes in Peru - TAS 328
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In this week’s episode, we cover three archaeology news stories. First up, a Nature-backed report on unusually old woodworking from Kalambo Falls, where waterlogged conditions preserved a wedge, digging stick, and notched logs dated by luminescence to about 476,000 years ago, suggesting advanced planning and challenging simple “Stone Age” assumptions. We then discuss a Pompeii discovery of two skeletons outside the city walls near Porta Stabia, including a man apparently shielding his head with a terracotta bowl and carrying an oil lamp, and we debate the benefits and risks of an AI-generated scene reconstruction. Finally, we examine Peru’s Monte Sierpe “Band of Holes,” over 5,200 aligned pits mapped by drones and analyzed via microbotanical remains, with a study proposing early market use and later Inca-style accounting patterns resembling quipu, while we question how and why such a vast system was built and used.

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Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

Unraveling Ancient DNA: Neanderthals, Natural Selection, and Burial Mysteries - TAS 327

Unraveling Ancient DNA: Neanderthals, Natural Selection, and Burial Mysteries - TAS 327
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In our latest episode, we unravel fascinating stories of ancient DNA in the news! Uncover the touching story of Anglo-Saxon siblings buried together over 1400 years ago. Then we look at groundbreaking research revealing how natural selection shaped more genes than we ever imagined. Finally, join our exploration of the mysterious origins of Neanderthals!

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From Pharaohs to Crosses: Egypt’s Hidden Worlds - TAS 326

From Pharaohs to Crosses: Egypt’s Hidden Worlds - TAS 326
APN - Chris and Rachel
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Three discoveries, one shifting landscape: a mysterious buried structure beneath the ancient city of Buto, the newly identified tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II near the Valley of the Kings, and the remains of a massive Coptic monastery at Al-Qalaye. We dig into what the finds reveal about Egypt’s long arc—from dynastic power to Christian communities—and how modern tools are changing what archaeologists can see.

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Treasures, Seated Skeletons, and Egyptian Receipts - TAS 325

Treasures, Seated Skeletons, and Egyptian Receipts - TAS 325
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week on The Archaeology Show, we tour three very different windows into the ancient world: a 5,000-year-old tomb packed with remarkable treasures, a surprising discovery of upright-buried skeletons beneath a French school, and tens of thousands of Egyptian notes and receipts that capture everyday life in vivid detail. We unpack what these finds reveal about status and burial ritual, how archaeologists interpret unusual body positions, and what “boring” paperwork can tell us about work, money, and people behind the monuments. Three discoveries, one big question: what survives—and what it can still say.

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Blackened Teeth, Jaw Surgery, and Ancient Knitting - TAS 324

Blackened Teeth, Jaw Surgery, and Ancient Knitting - TAS 324
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week we are back with some News stories! First, we discuss evidence from an Iron Age cemetery in northern Vietnam showing intentional, permanent tooth blackening dating back 2,000 years. Then, we cover a 2,500-year-old Pazyryk culture burial in southern Siberia where CT scans of a mummified woman’s skull suggest a severe jaw injury was stabilized with surgical sutures. And finally, we summarize Bronze Age textile finds from Anatolia dated roughly 1915–1745 BCE and later, including the earliest regional evidence of nalbinding (single-needle “knitting”) and an indigo-dyed hemp fragment identified as the oldest known blue-dyed textile in Bronze Age Anatolia.

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Early Human Footprints, Ancient Clothing, and a 150-Year-Old Drink - TAS 323

Early Human Footprints, Ancient Clothing, and a 150-Year-Old Drink - TAS 323
APN - Chris and Rachel
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From a 150-year-old alcohol bottle unearthed in Utah—where the “real treasure” might be what it once tasted like—to footprints in White Sands New Mexico which are more than 20,000 years old, this episode spans the surprisingly fragile side of archaeology. We also dig into a discovery being called the oldest clothing in human history, and what it can (and can’t) tell us about early humans, preservation, and the everyday technologies that rarely survive.

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Ancient Egyptian Rock Art, a Funeral Pyre in Africa, and an Animal Skull Collection - TAS 322

Ancient Egyptian Rock Art, a Funeral Pyre in Africa, and an Animal Skull Collection - TAS 322
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week we deep dive three interesting archaeology news stories. First up, a rock art panel from Ancient Egypt depicts the conquest of the nomadic groups that lived in the Sinai peninsula. Then, we head over to Africa, where a burial that is the oldest example of intentional cremation with an intact funeral pyre has been found. Finally, Neanderthals collected animal skulls and placed then in a cave 43,000 years ago, and, as usual, archaeologists are baffled!

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Strat Chat: Troy – Digging Deeper into the Layers of Legend - TAS 321

Strat Chat: Troy – Digging Deeper into the Layers of Legend - TAS 321
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In Episode 321 of The Archaeology Show, we take a deep dive into the long and complex history of Troy. We discuss the stratigraphy of the site, starting from modern times and moving backward through key periods, including the famous era of the Trojan War as described by Homer. The episode covers the archaeological discoveries, the evolution of the city's fortifications, trade networks, burial practices, and cultural significance. We also delve into the early archaeological excavations and the ongoing debate about the historicity of the Trojan War.

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Stone Walls Beneath the Sea and Horns of War - TAS 320

Stone Walls Beneath the Sea and Horns of War - TAS 320
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week we discuss three fascinating discoveries across Western Europe: a 7,000-year-old underwater stone wall off the coast of France, an exceptionally rare Iron Age war trumpet potentially linked to Boudica’s era in Britain, and a mysterious medieval cemetery in Wales dominated by female burials. Join us while we unpack what these finds reveal about prehistoric coastal societies, Iron Age warfare and symbolism, and early religious communities.

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Timelines: Linking Petra, the Nazca Lines, and the Great Wall of China - TAS 319

In this “Timelines” episode, we connect three iconic sites built during the same era: Petra’s stunning rock-cut city in Jordan, the mysterious Nazca Lines etched across Peru’s desert, and the monumental Great Wall of China. Explore how the Nabataeans engineered Petra’s hidden oasis, why the Nazca created massive geoglyphs only visible from above, and what drove dynasties to construct thousands of miles of wall across China. Discover the origins, uses, and enduring mysteries of these world wonders, and see how ancient ingenuity and ambition shaped civilizations across continents—all within a shared moment in history.

Timelines: Linking Petra, the Nazca Lines, and the Great Wall of China - TAS319
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In this “Timelines” episode, we connect three iconic sites built during the same era: Petra’s stunning rock-cut city in Jordan, the mysterious Nazca Lines etched across Peru’s desert, and the monumental Great Wall of China. Explore how the Nabataeans engineered Petra’s hidden oasis, why the Nazca created massive geoglyphs only visible from above, and what drove dynasties to construct thousands of miles of wall across China. Discover the origins, uses, and enduring mysteries of these world wonders, and see how ancient ingenuity and ambition shaped civilizations across continents—all within a shared moment in history.

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Segment 1: Petra

Segment 2: Nazca Lines

Segment 3: Great Wall of China

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Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

Neanderthal DNA, Prehistoric Crayons and Early American Sailors - TAS 318

Neanderthal DNA, Prehistoric Crayons and Early American Sailors - TAS 318
APN - Chris and Rachel
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There’s a lot of Neanderthal research in the news these days and the first two articles highlight some of those achievements. The first article references research about ancient Neanderthals and their migration patterns. Turns out they got around more than we think they did! The second article highlights new research about Neanderthal art and symbology using ochre coloring devices. Finally, we head back to the western hemisphere to learn about 20,000 year old Japanese ancestors possibly being some of the first to cross the ocean and explore the Americas.

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News: Footprints, First Streets, and Prehistoric Pioneers - TAS 317

News: Footprints, First Streets, and Prehistoric Pioneers - TAS 317
APN - Chris and Rachel
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We kick off this episode with our latest RV adventures before exploring three remarkable archaeological discoveries. First, we discuss newly uncovered ancient human footprints. in Germany. Next, we examine the excavation of one of the world’s oldest streets in central Türkiye, revealing how early communities organized their living spaces nearly 10,000 years ago. Finally, we dive into the surprising story of the Greek island of Naxos, where evidence shows the first settlers weren’t human at all, but Neanderthals and other archaic hominins.

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Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Stones are Speaking: Gault Site Documentary - TAS 316

The Stones are Speaking: Gault Site Documentary - TAS 316
APN - Chris and Rachel
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The Gault site is world famous for it’s Clovis and pre-Clovis occupations. It’s also famous for the dedication of the principal archaeologist, Michael Collins. In the new documentary, “The Stones are Speaking”, Writer/Producer/Director Olive Talley tells the story of the Gault site and the story of Michael Collins and his efforts to preserve the site. We also talk to the Director of Photography, Kenneth Garrett. Kenneth is a National Geographic photographer and has known and worked with Michael Collins on other pieces since the beginning of the Gault site’s journey.

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Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

News: Stone Tools, Ancient Taboos, and Shipwreck Secrets - TAS 315

Chris Webster and Rachel Roden check in from the road before diving into a trio of fascinating archaeological discoveries. First, they discuss the surprising find of ancient stone tools in Sulawesi, Indonesia, which could rewrite our understanding of early human history in the region. Next, they explore evidence from a Spanish cave that reveals a Neolithic community may have engaged in both violence and cannibalism against a rival group, offering new insights into prehistoric social conflict. Finally, they examine the recent discovery of four shipwrecks off North Carolina’s coast, including a colonial-era Spanish ship shedding light on centuries-old maritime trade and travel. Tune in for a journey through deep time, ancient taboos, and underwater mysteries!

News: Stone Tools, Ancient Taboos, and Shipwreck Secrets - TAS 315
APN - Chris and Rachel
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Chris Webster and Rachel Roden check in from the road before diving into a trio of fascinating archaeological discoveries. First, they discuss the surprising find of ancient stone tools in Sulawesi, Indonesia, which could rewrite our understanding of early human history in the region. Next, they explore evidence from a Spanish cave that reveals a Neolithic community may have engaged in both violence and cannibalism against a rival group, offering new insights into prehistoric social conflict. Finally, they examine the recent discovery of four shipwrecks off North Carolina’s coast, including a colonial-era Spanish ship shedding light on centuries-old maritime trade and travel. Tune in for a journey through deep time, ancient taboos, and underwater mysteries!

TAS 315 Transcript

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It’s the Pie episode! Ep 314

In this special “Strat Chat” edition of The Archaeology Show, we dig into the layers of history behind “pi” and “pie” in honor of episode 314. First, we explore the origins of fruit pies, tracing their journey from ancient Egyptian tombs to medieval feasts and early American kitchens. Next, we unravel the story of the number pi (π), highlighting how ancient civilizations discovered and used this mathematical constant in everything from monuments to pottery. Finally, we bite into the history of meat pies, uncovering their role in ancient diets and how they evolved into a global comfort food. Join us for a flavorful journey through time, where archaeology and culinary history meet in every slice!

It’s the Pie episode! TAS 314
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In this special “Strat Chat” edition of The Archaeology Show, we dig into the layers of history behind “pi” and “pie” in honor of episode 314. First, we explore the origins of fruit pies, tracing their journey from ancient Egyptian tombs to medieval feasts and early American kitchens. Next, we unravel the story of the number pi (π), highlighting how ancient civilizations discovered and used this mathematical constant in everything from monuments to pottery. Finally, we bite into the history of meat pies, uncovering their role in ancient diets and how they evolved into a global comfort food. Join us for a flavorful journey through time, where archaeology and culinary history meet in every slice!

Links

Segment 1: The History and Origin of Fruit Pies

  1. Pie: A Global History by Janet Clarkson

  2. The Forme of Cury (14th-century English cookbook)

  3. Oxford Companion to Food

  4. British Museum: Archaeology of Ancient Egypt

  5. York Archaeological Trust: Medieval Kitchens

  6. Food in Medieval England by C.M. Woolgar

  7. Smithsonian Magazine: The History of Pie in America

  8. American Pie Council

  9. A History of British Baking by Emma Kay

  10. Museum of London Archaeology

  11. Archaeobotanical Studies at the British Museum

  12. Sugar and Sweetness by Sidney Mintz

Segment 2: The Discovery and Use of the Number Pi (π)

  1. Rhind Mathematical Papyrus – British Museum

  2. Yale Babylonian Collection

  3. Archimedes’ “Measurement of a Circle”

  4. Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections (Zu Chongzhi)

  5. Aryabhata and Aryabhatiya

  6. A History of Pi by Petr Beckmann

  7. The Symbol π and William Jones

  8. Mathematics in Ancient Egypt by Annette Imhausen

  9. The Archaeology of Measurement by Iain Morley

  10. British Museum: Ancient Coins

  11. Sacred Geometry by Robert Lawlor

  12. Longitude by Dava Sobel

  13. Pi Day – Official Site

  14. Pi in Popular Culture – Life of Pi

  15. Archaeological Discovery of Mathematical Tools

Segment 3: The History and Origin of Meat Pies

  1. Food in Ancient Egypt by Delwen Samuel

  2. Apicius: De Re Coquinaria

  3. The Englishman’s Food by Drummond & Wilbraham

  4. Food in Medieval England by C.M. Woolgar

  5. Sing a Song of Sixpence – Nursery Rhyme Origins

  6. Archaeology at Pompeii – Food Remains

  7. The Cornish Pasty by Gillian Hogg

  8. Pie: A Global History by Janet Clarkson

  9. Archaeozoology at the British Museum

  10. Pie: A Savor the South Cookbook by Sara Foster

  11. Jamaican Patties – History

  12. Tourtière – Canadian Encyclopedia

  13. Empanadas – Origins

  14. Victorian Pie Shops – Museum of London

  15. Meat Pies in Literature – Sweeney Todd

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Tattoos, Shoes, and New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sites - Ep 313

Tattoos, Shoes, and New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sites - TAS 313
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week we cover 3 recent archaeology news stories. First up, Near-infrared photography of a 2,300-year-old Pazyryk culture mummy in Siberia has revealed exquisitely detailed tattoos on her forearms and hands. Then, archaeologists excavating the Roman fort of Magna along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England have uncovered an unusually high proportion of oversized leather shoes. And finally, we discuss a few of the newest additions to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

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The Bucket List - TAS 312

The Bucket List - TAS 312
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In this special episode of The Archaeology Show, we’re mapping out our ultimate bucket list of archaeological and historical sites that we have not yet visited. We’ll recap some of the amazing places we have been lucky enough to experience, and then we will each share our top 10 with the other. We are not discussing this ahead of time, so will there be crossover? Tune in to see!

From the towering pyramids of Giza to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, we highlight destinations rich in history, mystery, and cultural significance. Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming from your couch, join us as we explore the world’s most fascinating ruins and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Chris’s List

  1. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)**

  2. Petra (Jordan)**

  3. Great Wall of China

  4. Terra Cotta Army (China)*

  5. Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)**

  6. Machu Picchu (Peru)

  7. Nazca Lines (Peru)*

  8. Rapa Nui (Chile)

  9. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

  10. Mesa Verde (Colorado)*

Rachel’s List

  1. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)**

  2. Petra (Jordan)**

  3. The Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

  4. Teotihuacan (Mexico)

  5. Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)**

  6. Terra cotta Army (China)*

  7. Notre Dame (Paris, France)

  8. Mesa Verde (Colorado, USA)*

  9. Nazca Lines (Peru)*

  10. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)

** Same site in the same position on our lists

** Same site, different position on our lists.

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Lost City or Lost Cause? Diving Into the Latest Atlantis Claims - TAS 311

Lost City or Lost Cause? Diving Into the Latest Atlantis Claims - TAS 311
APN - Chris and Rachel
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In this episode of The Archaeology Show, we kick things off with a look at the recent discovery of a treasure-filled tomb belonging to the first known ruler of a Maya city in Belize, shedding light on ancient Maya leadership and ritual. In segments two and three, we dive into the latest headline-grabbing claim that Atlantis has been found off the coast of Spain. We break down what was actually discovered, examine the credentials of the lead researcher, and explore why the scientific community remains highly skeptical. Join us for a smart, approachable discussion that separates archaeological fact from fiction.

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Strat Chat Premier: Layers of Yukon History - TAS 310

Strat Chat Premier: Layers of Yukon History - TAS 310
APN - Chris and Rachel
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Welcome to the debut episode of “Strat Chat,” where we dig deep—one place, many stories, across time. This week, we peel back the layers of the Yukon. In Segment 1, journey back to the Ice Age and discover how glaciers shaped the land and set the stage for the region’s future. Segment 2 explores the lives and cultures of the Indigenous peoples who called the Yukon home long before European arrival, highlighting their resilience and connection to the land. Finally, Segment 3 rushes into the late 19th century as we relive the excitement, chaos, and legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush. Join us as we unearth the stories that make the Yukon a truly remarkable place, one stratum at a time.

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Ancient Smoked Meat, King Bluetooth and an Odysseus Cult - TAS 309

Ancient Smoked Meat, King Bluetooth and an Odysseus Cult - TAS 309
APN - Chris and Rachel
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This week we discuss 3 new archaeology news stories. First, we explore why early humans may have used fire for reasons other than cooking. Then, we look at Viking graves that are connected to the legendary King Bluetooth. Finally, new research reveals a possible lost cult site dedicated to Odysseus. Join us as we break down the science, sift through the myths, and question long-held assumptions challenged by new research!

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