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Plains Native Voices in Archaeology with Chance and Tyrel - Plains 27

In the first of this two-part conversation, I’m joined again by Tyrel Iron Eyes (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) and Chance Ward (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe). Rather than revisiting their individual career paths, we dive into the shared experiences of being Plains Native archaeologists working within institutions not designed for Native voices. Tyrel and Chance reflect on the balance between professional responsibilities and community obligations, the pride and challenges of representing their Nations in archaeology, and why mentorship and representation are so crucial for future generations of Indigenous professionals.

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Bolivar Archaeological Project, Part Two - HeVo 100

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This Heritage Voices episode features Ms. Betty Kimble and Mr. Howard Clark from Denton, Texas. In Episode 99 with Dr. Maria Franklin, Dr. Alex Menaker, and Doug Boyd, we started talking about the Bolivar Archaeological Project and the excavation of Mr. Tom Cook’s blacksmith shop. For the 100th episode of the Heritage Voices podcast (!), Jessica chats with Ms. Betty Kimble and Mr. Howard Clark who are direct descendants of Mr. Tom Cook. We talk about what it was like learning more about their family history through this project, seeing the artifacts from their ancestor found during the archaeology study, participating in and conducting oral history interviews, and how they have been sharing with the community about this important history. Their family story highlights so many different eras of American history. On that front, we were particularly lucky to have Ms. Betty Kimble share her work in the 1960s working with other mothers on desegregation through the Denton’s Women’s Interracial Fellowship.

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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!

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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Sunken Cities Part 1: New Discoveries from the Ancient Egyptian Port, Canopus - TPM 22

At the end of August, archaeologists announced extraordinary new finds from the sunken city of Canopus, located off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. For the first time in 25 years, artifacts were raised from the seabed, including a sphinx inscribed with Ramses II’s name, statues from the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, and shipwreck remains.

In this episode, we'll explore both these latest underwater discoveries and geological surveys that are helping researchers understand what caused Canopus to sink, because understanding how people of the past adapted to disasters could help us find solutions for today’s climate-threatened coastal cities.

Listen now to learn about the artifacts, myths, and history of Canopus.

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Horses (Part 1) | Hoof Beats with Dr. William Taylor - Ethno 23

In this episode of Ethnocynology, host David Ian Howe sits down with archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. William Taylor (University of Colorado Boulder), author of Hoofbeats: How Horses Shaped Human History.

While this show usually focuses on dogs, today we shift to the other animal that transformed humanity: the horse. Dr. Taylor walks us through the evolutionary history of horses, their domestication on the Eurasian steppe, and their reintroduction to the Americas after the Ice Age. Together we explore how humans first interacted with horses—as prey, symbols in cave art, sources of milk and meat, and eventually as partners in transport, warfare, and belief systems.

Topics include:

  • The origins of domestic horses around 2000 BC in the Caucasus steppes

  • Horses evolving in North America, going extinct, and being reintroduced by the Spanish

  • Hunting evidence from sites like Schöningen in Germany and Bluefish Caves in the Yukon

  • Horses in Paleolithic cave art (Lascaux, Chauvet) and the Vogelherd ivory carving

  • Evidence for early horse riding and chariot use in Egypt, Assyria, and beyond

  • The role of horses in indigenous North and South American societies before widespread European contact

  • Ethno-equine parallels in Mongolia, Australia, and Patagonia, where horses shaped cultural, spiritual, and economic life

This is Part 1 of a two-part series: next time, David speaks with Cassidy Thornhill of the University of Wyoming, who researches the protohistoric introduction of horses into the Americas.

If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review Ethnocynology on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more people discover the show and supports the entire Archaeology Podcast Network.

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Rio Bec and the Witz - DiA 02

The Maya in the Río Bec region in southeastern Mexico made some of the more intricate sculptural and architectural works. What is more amazing is that, just like the cultural histories of the origin of humanity, these feats are still visitable today. So, join me as we go spelunking to find some cultural treasures in the Witz monster's mouth.

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Māori Rock Art with Dr Gerard O'Regan - Rock Art 150

In this episode, Alan is joined by Dr Gerard O’Regan, a Māori archaeologist and rock art specialist dedicated to preserving the ancient artworks of Aotearoa. With over three decades of research and fieldwork, Gerard shares how these powerful images—painted with natural pigments like red ochre and charcoal—offer a glimpse into early Māori life, belief, and identity.

From the limestone shelters of the South Island to emerging discoveries in the North, Gerard’s work weaves together archaeology, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural stewardship, protecting a fragile visual legacy through Māori-led conservation and community partnerships.

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Field Notes: Melodies of Memories - ABC 05

It’s time to delve into our memories through the theme of music. This episode, Tilly, Ash, and Judith venture back in time, singing as they go! The three hosts discuss how this theme is explored within the field of archaeology, share their favourite musical anecdotes, and listen to Judith harping on (pun intended) about her current hyper-focus.

Monthly Book: The Instrumentalist (Harriet Constable)

Guess the favourite song! (as of the recording time…):

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Debunking Graham Hancock’s Easily Debunkable “Debunking the Debunking Industry” - Pseudo 170

Graham Hancock posted a 75 minute YouTube video about how people like me are frauds, but people like him are just poor, attacked heroes fighting for justice. I thought a good move here would be to not bother fighting against his silly pseudoarchaeology stories too much this time (that’s what all my other podcast episodes are for!), but instead have a little fun by analyzing his video through the lens of narcissism (while still making fun of his idiotic stories at the same time - I can do both at the same time, I swear!).

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Book Worms: Vikings! - ABC 04

Join Tilly, Judith, and Ash as they dive into the July reading theme: Vikings!

In this “book worms” episode, the hosts share their thoughts on how Vikings feature in literature—exploring whether the theme lends itself best to fiction or popular non-fiction, and how well Viking culture is researched in popular stories. They discuss their group’s book choice, Valkyrie by Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir, and give a brief rating summary, inviting listeners to join the conversation on their Discord.

Highlights include Judith’s Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless, Ash’s The Goddess of Nothing At All by Cat Rector, and Tilly’s Valhalla by Tom Holt—each offering a unique take on Viking and myth-inspired storytelling.

Monthly Book: Valkyrie: The women of the Viking world by Johanna Katrin Fridriksdottir

Other books mentioned:

  • Women of the Dunes (Sarah Maine)

  • River Kings (Kat Jarman)

  • Children of Gods and Fighting Men (Shauna Lawless)

  • The Gospel of Loki (Joanne Harris)

  • Thud! (Terry Pratchett)

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Field Notes: Vikings! - ABC 03

Join Tilly, Judith, and Ash in Episode 3 as they set sail into the July reading theme: Vikings!

In this “field notes” episode, they share their own experiences with Viking archaeology, history, and literature, swapping favourite stories and first impressions. They discuss why Vikings remain such a popular and important topic, how research has changed over time, and why this theme continues to capture imaginations across disciplines.

Next episode, they’ll dive into the book club’s pick, Valkyrie by Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir, along with personal reading recommendations, so stay tuned!

Monthly Book: Valkyrie: The women of the Viking world by Johanna Katrin Fridriksdottir

Other books mentioned:

Ragnar Loðbruk’s Saga

  • History of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus

  • Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

  • Gretti’s Saga

  • Poetic Edda

  • Volsung Saga

  • Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay

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Put the kettle on because we're back! - Tea-break 36

The kettle is boiled, the tea is stewing, and we’re ready to go! That’s right, Dr Matilda Siebrecht is back to join you onTranscript your tea-break, this time with a slightly new focus and a different name: Tea-break Archaeology. Listen in to hear all about Matilda’s research background, why she got into podcasting, and how she’s been inspired by “cosy archaeology”.

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  • Email: matilda@thearchaeologiststeacup.com

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The Graffiti Palimpsest (Part 2) - Trowel 52

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In part two, Ash and Tilly continue their quest to help The Karnithril Collegium of Wall Lore record the disappearing graffiti of Thar-Vael! With expert help from archaeological illustrator and visual science communicator, Jona Schlegal, the team define the meaning of graffiti and figure out the question: are dragon’s wings the mystical equivalent of on-site sun-blocking jackets?

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NAGPRA in Practice – Colorado’s Approach with Chance Ward - Plains 26

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Chance Ward, NAGPRA Coordinator for the State of Colorado and enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Together they explore what it means to oversee NAGPRA implementation at the state level—what the role involves and how Colorado approaches the repatriation process. Chance also reflects on his own perspective as a Lakota professional working in a state with historic ties to more than 48 Tribal Nations, including his own. Through this conversation, listeners gain insight into both the mechanics of NAGPRA and the personal dimensions of serving Native Nations from within state government.

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The Hosts at Their Day Jobs: A Day in the Life of Andrew, Doug, and Heather - CRMArch 317

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Today the hosts focus their acerbic wit and wry humor inward as they explore a “Day in the Life.” What does Andrew actually do all day? What about Heather and Doug? Find out what’s currently happening in their professional lives.

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The Hungry Ghost Festival: From Ancient China to Modern Celebrations Around the World - TPM 21

Many different cultures from China and Southeast Asia honor the dead on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month during the Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhongyuan in Daoism and Yulanpen or Ullambana in Mahayana Buddhism. In this episode, we’ll trace the origins of ancestor worship to ancient Shang Dynasty Oracle Bones, or “Dragon Bones,” which were used to inscribe petitions to ancestral spirits and hold the earliest evidence of Chinese writing. Then we’ll explore how regional variations of those ancient beliefs blended with the Buddhist Ulambana Sutra (or Mulian Rescues His Mother from Hell), Daoist visions of the afterlife, and Confucian teachings on filial responsibility. Over time, these influences eventually gave rise to the Hungry Ghost Festival which has continued to evolve into modern celebrations that weave together ancient traditions and modern lifestyles to honor both personal ancestors and members of the community lost in historical tragedies.

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Academic Sources

  • Campany, Robert F. 1991. Ghosts Matter: The Culture of Ghosts in Six Dynasties Zhiguai. Chinese Literature: Essays, Articles, Reviews (CLEAR) 13:15.

  • Chan, Selina Ching. 2023. Unequal Inscriptions of the Hungry Ghosts (Yulan) Festival Celebrations as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong. China Perspectives(132):49–59.

  • Deutsch, Lauren W. Chinese Joss Paper Offerings.

  • Liu, Jingyu. 2020. The Unimpeded Passage: The Making of Universal Salvation Rites and Buddho-Daoist Interactions in Medieval China.

  • Shirin, Shakinah. 2021. Past and Present Rituals of Hungry Ghost Festival. Intercultural Communication.

  • Zhao, Yin. Indian Cultural Elements on the Ullambana Festival.

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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!

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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The Old Copper Culture with North02 - Ethno 22

In this episode of Ethnocynology, host David Ian Howe sits down with friend and creator North02 to dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and overlooked archaeological stories—the Old Copper Culture.

Together, they explore how Native communities in the Great Lakes region began shaping some of the world’s earliest metal tools and weapons, thousands of years before metallurgy took hold in Europe. From massive copper swords and fishing hooks to spear throwers and intricate ornaments, this culture reveals a technological world far beyond the usual “stone tool” narrative.

We discuss:

  • Why Michigan and the Great Lakes hold the purest copper deposits in the world

  • How hunter-gatherers mined and hammered copper into tools as early as 9,500 years ago

  • The mysterious rise and fall of copper mining, and why production suddenly stopped

  • Connections to Paleoindian cultures like Clovis and Agate Basin

  • The difference between copper use in the Americas and the Old World’s Bronze Age

  • How copper shifted from practical tools to symbols of power and status

Along the way, North shares insights from his upcoming documentary on the Old Copper Culture, his hands-on experiments with copper tools, and why this forgotten chapter of prehistory deserves a place in public imagination.

If you’ve ever wondered whether North America had its own “Copper Age”, this episode will change the way you think about early technology, innovation, and the ingenuity of ancient peoples.

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Book Worms: Under the Sea - ABC 02

Join Tilly, Judith, and Ash as they dive into the June theme, Under the Sea, from a literary perspective. They discuss how this watery theme lends itself to fiction and non-fiction, reflect briefly on their book club pick Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem, and share their own favourite reads inspired by the sea.

Highlights include Judith’s pick The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey, Ash’s Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm, and Tilly’s Seafaring Lore and Legend by Peter D. Jeans—three very different takes on underwater stories and myths!

Monthly Book: Mudlarking: Lost and Found on the River Thames by Lara Maiklem

Other books mentioned:

  • Seafaring Lore and Legend (Peter D. Jeans)

  • Whispers of the Deep (Emma Hamm)

  • The Mermaid of Black Conch (Monique Roffey)

  • Swallows and Amazons (Arthur Ransome)

  • Marsh King’s Daughter (Elizabeth Chadwick)

  • Pyrates (George Macdonald Fraser)

  • The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (Axie Oh)

  • The Deep (Rivers Solomon)

  • Is a River Alive (Robert McFarlane)

Transcripts

  • For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeo-book-club/02

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