The recent ‘discovery’ of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat, Turkey has taken the archaeological world by storm, and it’s no surprise that some are less inclined to believe the audacious claims of Noah’s Ark Ministries International (NIMA). At the same time the team released a computer-generated image of the site,…
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Face-Off: Pergamon Altar ‘V’ Parthenon Frieze
Both of these monumental pieces of sculpture are beautiful, both portray good overcoming evil and the greatness of civilised man over barbarians. The Parthenon itself is awe-inspiring. If you haven’t managed to see it yet (a perfect opportunity for a holiday in Athens!), when you get up to the Acropolis…
Lonely Planet Travel Awards: What’s the Best Journey in the World?
British politicians, ancient Roman rulers, and Art galleries arent the only ones doing battle for your vote during the month of May the ancient world needs your support too as it takes on those pesky modern upstarts in a new worldwide travel poll. Ancient destinations feature prominently on the shortlist…
Travel the Spice Route: Maps and Tips to Plan Your Trip
The ancient Spice Route (probably named as a result of the ancient Incense and Perfume routes) was an epic journey which initially began in Arabia, but eventually evolved to link Moluccas (the Indonesian Spice Islands) with Arabia and from there into Europe. The route generally is believed to take in…
In the Footsteps of Petrie: a Study Day at Glasgow’s Burrell Collection
I will soon be visiting Scotland for a exciting archaeological event. No, it won’t involve traipsing around soggy fields looking for cup and ring marked stones. Instead, I will be finding out about one of Egyptology’s most respected figures, William Flinders Petrie. In the Footsteps of Petrie is a study…
Pigeons, Post, and Spartan Runners: Sports PR in the Ancient Olympics
By ancient Olympic Games standards, the recent Australian Special Olympics IX National Games, an event held for athletes with an intellectual disability, were relatively small. As the Communications Manager for the games, my job was manic, but fortunately I had a team of volunteers to help coordinate the multitude of…
Interview: Esther Jacobson-Tepfer on the Hidden Archaeology of Mongolia’s Altai Mountains
Archaeology and Landscape in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia is an ambitious project designed to provide the first ever in-depth survey of the cultural landscape of one of the most remote regions of the world. The Altai Mountains are on the western edge of Mongolia, wedged along the borders of…
Aztec Pantheon Exhibit at the Getty: was Mesoamerica Won Through a ‘Just War’?
Scholars often refer to cultures who used monumental architecture for political purposes as a ‘theater-state’ and boy could the Aztecs put on a good show! When the Spanish conquistadors first glimpsed Tenochtitlan at its zenith in 1519, the Mexica capital and its suburbs surrounding Lake Texcoco was home to over…
Nefertiti Bust Should Stay in Berlin (No Matter What Hawass Says)
This week Egypt’s antiquities chief Zahi Hawassplans to make a formal request for the return of the Bust of Nefertiti from Berlin. Neues Museum officials have already dismissed his continued attacks on the legality of the bust’s ownership, and are all but certain not to let go of their most…
What’s Under London’s Cathedrals?
Ever wondered what lies beneath some of London’s biggest religious buildings? Cathedrals and other religious structures are often built on ancient sites that have had temples or churches built on them time and time again since early Roman times. They are urban landmarks, similar to roads and boundaries, which tend…