Episode 331 of the CRM Archaeology Podcast tackled a topic that archaeologists rarely discuss openly: failure. Not failed excavations or collapsed site interpretations, but personal and professional failures, from rejected grants to disastrous interviews to toxic field projects to abandoned research plans, or to jobs that simply never materialized.

Archaeology is often imagined as a field of excavation trenches, ancient artifacts, and spectacular discoveries. Yet behind much of the work that archaeologists do lies a network of professional associations that help shape the discipline itself.

In the second half of the 7th century CE, in what is now southwest England, a young boy aged around seven or eight and a teenage girl were buried together. When archaeologists uncovered their grave in 2024, the positioning immediately stood out. The girl appeared to be cradling the boy, facing him in what looked like an intimate, protective gesture.

Long before writing, humans were already shaping ideas into objects. Objects that carried meaning, memory, and shared understanding. Across Ice Age Europe, small carved figurines and carefully incised markings hint at early systems of communication that were visual, material, and deeply embedded in culture.

Textile archaeology is a fascinating and evolving field that investigates the production, use, and significance of textiles in ancient societies. This discipline has undergone significant transformation over the years, shifting from a primarily descriptive approach to a more analytical and interdisciplinary methodology.

In the latest episode of the Great Plains Archaeology podcast, listeners embark with host Dr Carlton Shield Chief Gover on a captivating journey into the realm of oral histories and cultural narratives, with a special focus on the experiences of the Crow Nation. Carlton’s guest, Aaron Bryan, brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective that sheds light on the intricate relationship between storytelling, identity, and cultural preservation.

For nearly three decades, Monte Verde has stood as a cornerstone of pre-Clovis archaeology. Located in southern Chile, the site appeared to demonstrate human presence in the Americas some 14,500 years ago, a full 1,500 years before Clovis. A new study led by Dr. Todd Surovell of the University of Wyoming suggests we may need to rethink Monte Verde itself.

In the latest episode of And My Trowel, Ash and Tilly delve into the captivating world of pottery and its significant role in archaeology, guided by expert potter and fellow archaeologist Emma Harrison. This episode emphasizes the intersection of clay and history, highlighting how pottery can tell stories that span thousands of years.

The intersection of technology and archaeology is a fascinating subject that continues to evolve as new tools and methodologies emerge. The integration of advanced technology into cultural resource management opens up new avenues for understanding our past, while also raising important questions about its application and limitations.

In the world of archaeology, few topics generate as much intrigue and debate as carbon 14 dating, also referred to as radiocarbon dating. Understanding its development not only sheds light on its scientific significance but also highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding its reliability and application in archaeological research.