Explorator 20.26 ~ October 22, 2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Trevor Ogden, Jona Lendering, Christopher Stacy, Barbara Saylor Rodgers,
Bob Heuman, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent for
headses upses this week (as always hoping I have left no one out).

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Some potentially interesting hominin teeth (much older than Lucy) from Germany:

http://www.dw.com/en/archaeology-fossil-teeth-discovery-in-germany-could-re-write-human-history/a-41028029

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
Feature on Great Zimbabwe;

http://www.herald.co.zw/unravelling-the-mystery-of-great-zimbabwe/

Libyan officials deny antiquities looting has been going on in Sultan:

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/office-antiquities-sirte-denies-looting-ancient-city-sultan
https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/10/16/philaeni-statues-disappearance-refuted-by-antiquities-authorities/

Explorator 20.25 ~ October 15, 2017

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Evidence of Neanderthals in western Iran:

http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/archaeologists-traces-neanderthals/

Latest fiction incorporating Neanderthals in the storyline:

http://www.cbc.ca/books/why-claire-cameron-wants-to-change-the-way-we-see-neanderthals-1.4352340

Not sure where I’ve been putting this one on ‘Stone Age’ technology development:

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-longer-home-key-stone-age.html

More on the genetic legacy of Neanderthals:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-dna-european-asian-ancestry
http://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/you-might-be-a-neanderthal-if

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
Excavating a royal palace site in Rwanda:

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/read/221549/
http://allafrica.com/stories/201710110018.html

Study suggests the 14th century Black Death hit sub Saharan Africa as hard as it hit Europe:

http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2017/did-the-second-plague-pandemic-reach-sub-saharan-africa.php

More on the latest climate change link to the Out of Africa hypothesis:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2149848-cold-climate-may-have-driven-ancient-humans-move-out-of-africa/

================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
An Old Kingdom pyramidion, associated possibly with Queen Ankhnespepy II from Saqqara:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/278680/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Old-Kingdom-pyramid-peak-discovered-in-Saqqara.aspx
http://www.egyptindependent.com/french-swiss-archaeological-mission-unearth-mini-pyramid-saqqara/
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/27555/A-Small-Pyramidion-uncovered-around-Saqqara
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2017/10/15/new-pyramidion-discovered-sakkara-necropolis/
http://www.newsweek.com/ancient-egyptian-pyramidion-found-next-largest-obelisk-hints-existence-queens-684318
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ancient-egypt-pyramid-belonged-powerful-162327105.html
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ancient-egypt-archaeologists-discover-pyramidion-clue-queen-ankhnespepy-iis-long-lost-chamber-1643171

Marking the discovery of the tomb of Seti I:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/12/c_136672879.htm

On cats and the ancient Egyptians:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/why-ancient-egyptians-loved-their-kitties-180965155/

Zahi Hawass is criticizing claims of an ‘underground city’ beneath the Sphinx:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/13/c_136677881.htm

More bits of Psamtik I’s colossal statue from Cairo:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/278505/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/The-lower-part-of-th-Dynasty-king-Psamtik-I-coloss.aspx
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2444454&CategoryId=13936

A 5000 years bp toy chariot from a tomb in Sogmatar:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/stunning-5000-year-old-toy-chariot-found-tomb-ancient-turkish-city-where-moses-may-have-lived-1643180

A 4500 years bp male burial from Corum:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/10/09/4500-year-old-male-skeleton-found-in-northern-turkey

Claims of the decipherment of a lost Luwian inscription with details about the Sea Peoples and Troy (the Live Science version seems to express the appropriate skepticism):

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-luwian-hieroglyphic-inscription-bronze-age.html
https://www.livescience.com/60629-ancient-inscription-trojan-prince-sea-people.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/archaeologists-decipher-ancient-stone-turkey-invasion-mysterious-sea-people-luwain-hieroglyphic-a7992141.html
https://www.zmescience.com/science/history-science/stone-inscription-troy-42342/
http://www.9news.com.au/technology/2017/10/11/14/02/who-were-the-sea-peoples-hieroglyphic-inscription-turkey-solves-ancient-mystery
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/3200yearold-stone-tells-of-invasion-of-mysterious-sea-people-36217376.html
https://sputniknews.com/science/201710111058124569-archeologists-decipher-ancient-stone/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ancient-hieroglyphs-reveal-answers-bronze-age-archaeological-mystery-1642964
https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/10/12/one-of-the-greatest-puzzles-of-mediterranean-archaeology-deciphered-in-central-turkey
http://www.newsweek.com/mystery-lost-biblical-sea-people-revealed-ancient-hieroglyphs-uncovered-turkey-683110
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/3200-year-old-inscription-lost-language-and-lot-doubt-180965244/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5975-171010-luwian-inscription-translated

What the IDF does in regards to archaeology:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/236648

Karaganda archaeologists have reconstructed the Saryarka pyramid:

http://www.inform.kz/en/karaganda-archaeologists-complete-reconstruction-of-an-ancient-saryarka-pyramid_a3073011

Feature on the Erbil citadel:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/world/middleeast/iraq-erbil-citadel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

What Jutta Haser is up to:

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/german-scholar-explores-jordan%E2%80%99s-ancient-monasteries

http://aa.com.tr/en/pg/photo-gallery/roman-burial-ground-found-in-turkeys-kutahya/0
http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/Roman-burial-ground-discovered-in-Turkey-s-Kutahya.html

Roman mosaic find from Idyrus:

http://eu.greekreporter.com/2017/10/10/ancient-greek-mosaics-uncovered-in-southern-turkey/
http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/27612-ancient-greek-mosaics-discovered-in-southern-turkey.html

A dig in Wales unearthed a stretch of a major Roman road:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/roman-a55-north-wales-archaeology-13742114

A Roman ring from a Jersey field:

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2017/10/15/2000-year-old-roman-ring-found-in-jersey-field/

Poland will be establishing a permanent mission in Georgia to dig for remains of the Colchis kingdom:

http://agenda.ge/news/88600/eng

They’re digging at the eastern gate of Philippopolis (Plovdiv):

https://sofiaglobe.com/2017/10/13/archaeologists-start-excavations-of-eastern-gate-of-philippopolis-in-bulgarias-plovdiv/

A Roman hoard of silver from Fife is going on display:

http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/silver-treasure-spanning-1-000-years-to-sparkle-at-national-museum-1-4586294
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/524672/historic-hoard-of-silver-found-in-fife-village-to-go-on-public-display/

Studying the transition from Iron Age to Roman in Dorset:

https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/iron-age-roman-transition-dorset.htm

‘Fake news’ in Roman coins:

http://www.numismaticnews.net/article/coins-identify-fake-news

A ancient counterfeit aureus came to auction:

https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/2017/10/contemporary-counterfeit-ancient-aureus-sells-in-auction.all.html

Feature on Roman remains in Serbia:

http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-41516191/exploring-serbia-s-rich-and-hidden-roman-history

Feature on garum:

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20171011-the-ancient-condiment-that-came-back-from-the-dead

Suggestion that the fall of Rome might have been a ‘biological affair’:

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-harper-pandemics-rome-20171015-story.html

Feature on a Thracian chariot find from a while back that was making the rounds on social media this week:

https://www.livescience.com/60678-thracian-chariot-on-reddit-explained.html

On what the Romans did with abusive travel expense claims by officials:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/government-officials-abusing-travel-budgets-is-an-old-problem-ancient-in-fact/2017/10/09/27aaaee4-ad27-11e7-9e58-e6288544af98_story.html
https://www.news-journal.com/news/2017/oct/10/rampell-how-roman-emperors-dealt-with-government-o/

Feature on mentorship in the Odyssey:

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/10/the-odyssey-mentorship/542676/

Comparing oligarchies ancient and modern:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/15/oligarchy-lessons-ancient-greece

What Cary Fulton is up to:

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-archaeologist-ancient-routes-cyprus.html
https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/10/09/Researchers-look-for-ancient-trade-routes-at-the-bottom-of-the-Mediterranean/4201507568124/

What Richard Saller is up to:

http://news.stanford.edu/2017/10/09/richard-saller-step-dean-humanities-sciences/

What Leopold Leeb is up to:

http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2017-10/12/content_41720206.htm

What Eric Cline and Kathy Schwab are up to:

https://www.greenwichsentinel.com/2017/10/13/two-archaeologists-reveal-how-civilizations-collapse-then-and-now-and-how-ancients-painted-their-sculptures/

An interview with Josiah Ober:

http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/166349

What Mark Mastrabgelo is up to:

https://thedickinsonian.com/opinion/2017/10/12/professor-spotlight-marc-mastrabgelo/

The Parthenon Marbles are not part of Brexit negotiations, apparently:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1070054.shtml

UCLA has received funding to establish a Center for Hellenic Culture:

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/ucla-receives-5-million-establish-center-study-hellenic-culture

On what Stoicism can do for depression:

http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/How-the-stoicism-of-Roman-philosophers-can-help-12265085.php

Some Classical reception at Talladega:

http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2017/story/_/id/20956789/drivers-win-talladega-iconic-vulcan-hammer-anvil-trophies

A lesson plan for comparing ancient Rome to modern times:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/learning/lesson-plans/then-and-now-exploring-modern-life-amid-relics-of-the-roman-empire.html

More on the assorted finds from the Antikythera shipwreck:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/10/what-mysteries-could-be-unlocked-by-new-antikythera-shipwreck-finds
https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/antikythera-shipwreck-statues-bronze-11102017/

More on the Colosseum opening the upper levels to the public:

https://www.thespec.com/living-story/7622332-colosseum-opens-its-top-levels-to-public/

More on the Pantheon charging an entrance fee:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/rome-pantheon-tickets-price-cost-charge-visitors-a7985311.html

More on fault lines and Greek sacred sites:

http://www.ekathimerini.com/222454/article/ekathimerini/news/fault-lines-key-to-sacred-sites-of-ancient-greeks-study-claims

—–
Latest reviews from BMCR:

http://bmcr.brynmawr.edu/recent.html

Visit our blog:

http://cphpost.dk/general/traces-of-4000-year-old-house-discovered-in-north-zealand.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5977-171010-denmark-neolithic-longhouse

Prehistoric burials from a Larkhill Garrison site:

http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/15593046.Prehistoric_remains_unearthed_in_Larkhill/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5983-171012-england-larkhill-garrison

Latest find from the Lincoln Bypass construction is some massive 5000 years bp (maybe) structure of soe sort:

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/archaeologists-unearth-massive-5000-year-603713

Fifth century gold items found at that ‘massacre’ site at Sandy Borg (Sweden):

https://www.thelocal.se/20171011/gold-coin-sheds-new-light-on-5th-century-swedish-island-massacre
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5984-171012-gold-sandby-borg

Remains of an Anglo Saxon settlement (and other items) found during wind farm construction in Suffolk:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-41367884
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/windfarm-cable-archeological-dig-unearths-fascinating-clues-to-our-past-1-5226352
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/10/c_136667878.htm

Plenty of press attention and spins on an apparent ‘Allah’ motif found in a Viking burial:

https://www.thelocal.se/20171012/why-viking-burial-clothes-contained-inscriptions-to-allah-and-ali
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41567391
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/allah-viking-burial-fabrics-clothes-name-woven-found-islam-uppsala-sweden-funeral-customs-a7996166.html
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/13/viking-burial-clothes-woven-with-allah-unveiled-by-swedish-university
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/14/world/europe/vikings-allah-sweden.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
http://metro.co.uk/2017/10/12/were-vikings-muslim-new-research-finds-allah-woven-into-burial-clothes-6995713/
https://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/islamic-script-found-10th-century-viking-garments-1033146
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/10/viking-funeral-clothes-arabic-sweden-spd/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-vikings-buried-their-dead-clothing-bearing-arabic-word-allah-180965262/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5982-171012-viking-arabic-words

Some 10th century iron found in a stone oven in Topolcany:

https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20666921/archaeologists-discover-iron-treasure-hidden-in-oven.html

A medieval ring found during water supply work in Bulgaria:

https://sofiaglobe.com/2017/10/10/archaeology-mediaeval-ring-found-during-work-on-water-supply-in-bulgarias-assenovgrad/

A 17th century coin hoard from Poland:

http://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ad=article&ArticleId=28720

… and a much larger one from Slovakia:

https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20671070/hundreds-of-coins-found-near-lucivna.html

Studying medieval gilding techniques:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/acs-tmo101117.php
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171011120324.htm

Feature on a medieval ‘city of the dead’ in Russia:

http://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-41587745/is-this-where-the-sick-went-to-die

On the use of silver in Scotland:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-41565591

Publication of an Iron Age site in Scotland found in 2010:

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/10/2017/excavating-an-iron-age-dun-in-the-scottish-highlands

More on that copper axe being linked to Otzi:

http://www.ibtimes.com/ax-linked-otzi-iceman-found-archaeologists-switzerland-2599333
http://micetimes.asia/archeologists-made-a-unique-discovery-about-the-alpine-ice-man/

More on those Bronze Age items found in a Swiss Alpine pass:

https://www.livescience.com/60651-bronze-age-artifacts-found-in-alpine-pass.html
https://www.livescience.com/60640-4000-year-old-bronze-age-artifacts-photos.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/swiss-alpine-pass-yields-4-103900824.html
http://micetimes.asia/in-the-alps-found-unique-artifacts/

—–
Archaeology in Europe Blog:

http://archaeology-in-europe.blogspot.com/

================================================================
ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
================================================================
A Neolithic site near Changchun:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/14/c_136679540.htm

Interesting semi-subterranean dwelling remains (the dating is confusing) from Sichuan:

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2017-10/12/content_33159270.htm

… I’m not sure if these finds are from the same site:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/11/c_136672631.htm

Remains of 800 years bp walls and gates from Baidi township (China):

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/14/c_136679226.htm
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=476750
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/800yearold-pieces-of-walls-gates-excavated-in-china/1167709

Feature on some of China’s lesser-known heritage sites:

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2115235/beyond-great-wall-chinas-lesser-known-world-heritage-sites

On the colours of the terracotta army:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/world/china-watch/culture/terracotta-warriors/

Feature on Chinese archaeologists working around the world:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1069823.shtml

A Maori stone adze find from New Zealand:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/97403004/Ancient-M-ori-tool-found-on-Waikanae-golf-courses-ninth-fairway
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5987-171013-maori-stone-adze

A mass burial site from Tauranga:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/10/surveyors-stumble-across-mass-burial-site-in-tauranga.html

—–

Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog:

http://www.southeastasianarchaeology.com/

New Zealand Archaeology eNews:

http://nzarchaeology.blogspot.co.nz/index.html
================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
================================================================
That canoe exposed by Hurricane Irma is still getting press attention:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-reg-historical-canoe-hurricane-irma-20171006-story.html
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/fl-reg-historical-canoe-hurricane-irma-20171006-story.html
http://www.startribune.com/mysterious-wooden-canoe-found-in-florida-after-hurricane-may-date-to-1600s/450430843/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/hurricane-irma-cleanup-turns-up-an-ancient-canoe/2017/10/13/7856c4b0-aeab-11e7-be94-fabb0f1e9ffb_story.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/canoe-churned-irma-may-date-1600s-180965161/

Plans to dig at James Garfield’s former residence:

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/10/president_james_a_garfields_fo.html

Plans to ‘dig’ at St Agnes mound:

https://www.avoyellestoday.com/news/archaeologists-plan-%E2%80%98dig%E2%80%99-st-agnes-mound

Assorted finds from pre-parkway construction on land once owned by Thomas Jefferson:

https://www.archaeology.org/news/5980-171011-jefferson-poplar-forest

Feature on Anna O. Shepard’s work:

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/ci_31358731/boulder-county-history-archaeologist-anna-shepard-pioneered-ancient?source=rss

Descendents of Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia might soon get title to their land (finally):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41488953

================================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
================================================================
Rice was domesticated in the Amazon some 4000 years bp:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uoe-afd100817.php

Interesting wooden sculptures and other items from a Chanchan burial:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/noticia-peru-wood-sculptures-and-other-relics-found-at-ancient-chan-chan-684510.aspx

Remains of an Inca citadel from Cusco:

http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/noticia-peru-inca-citadel-remains-found-in-cusco-686051.aspx
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/12/c_136673088.htm

Evidence of ancient Sican human sacrifice:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pre-incan-grave-skeletons-1000-year-old-human-sacrifices-found-peru-1640974

What Olivia Navarro-Farr is up to:

https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/discovery-of-ancient-maya-tomb-has-direct-link-to-college-of-wooster-professor

—–
Mike Ruggeri’s Ancient Americas Breaking News:

http://goo.gl/1VdeA

Ancient MesoAmerica News:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/from-cloud-nine-to-climate-change-heres-why-you-should-always-look-up/2017/10/06/7278bf64-a459-11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/match-the-clouds-to-the-artist/031fc876-9da2-4aa1-8d85-04ad28b00c7a_quiz.html

OpEd on ‘Victoria and Abdul’:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/10/09/why-does-hollywood-keep-churning-out-racist-fantasies-like-victoria-abdul/

The US and Turkey are having a spat which might impact archaeology:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/08/world/us-turkey-halt-visa-service/index.html

Pondering Columbus and his legacy:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2017/10/09/columbus-swashbuckling-hero-bootstrapping-immigrant-or-genocidal-monster/

… and his Catalan-inflected language:

http://www.chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2017/10/08/christopher-columbuss-catalan-inflected-language/?cid=wb&elqTrackId=4357f9edf3fc4e63b6f6aaf92243c3d8&elq=5dd58188e2cb481c908a37445321fb00&elqaid=15967&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=6889

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I has been restored and returned:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/13/armada-portrait-elizabeth-i-restoration-spanish-armada-london-queens-house-greenwich

On causes of death by volcano since 1500 ce:

http://www.ibtimes.com/volcano-causes-death-1500-ad-pyroclastic-flow-projectiles-tsunamis-2599093

Rethinking the origin of cities:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23631462-700-the-real-roots-of-early-city-states-may-rip-up-the-textbooks/#038;%23038;%23038;campaign_id=RSS%7CNSNS-

A daVinci is coming to auction:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/oct/10/only-leonardo-in-private-hands-set-to-fetch-75m-at-auction
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/11/557183483/last-da-vinci-painting-in-private-hands-will-be-auctioned-next-month?sc=17&f=1008
https://www.voanews.com/a/da-vinci-portrait-christ-expected-fetch-one-hundred-million-dollars-at-auction/4064681.html

… and a feature on the Mona Lisa:

http://www.dw.com/en/leonardo-da-vinci-unveiled-his-enigmatic-mona-lisa-500-years-ago/a-40889784

Some Friday 13th stuff:

http://www.dw.com/en/13-cultural-references-that-made-friday-the-13th-unlucky/a-37118529

Feature on some really nice libraries:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/libraries-most-beautiful-world-bibliotheca-alexandrina-national-library-of-austria-bodleian-trinity-a7992821.html

How astronomers had to deal with a supernova in 1604:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-1604-supernova-presented-challenge-astronomers-180965138/

A gold leaf from Napoleon’s crown is coming to auction too:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/gold-leaf-from-napoleons-crown-to-go-under-hammer-estimated-to-fetch-usd-177000/articleshow/61038607.cms

On keeping human skulls around the house:

https://arstechnica.com/video/2017/10/why-did-ancient-people-keep-human-skulls-around-the-house/

On the use of beeswax in various historical eras:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/europes-stone-age-fishers-used-beeswax-make-point

Studying lentils and social inequality:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/11/lentils-origins-of-social-inequality

A strange possible poisoning cold case:

http://www.historytoday.com/joseph-kaifala/man-who-would-be-king-or-vicar

Victor Nuovo’s latest looks at the US Constitution:

http://www.addisonindependent.com/201710victor-nuovo-reasonableness-constitution

In light of the UNESCO change at the top this week, this item on the candidate from Qatar was interesting:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/27132/Suspicions-prevail-on-smuggled-artifacts-in-Arab-world

Latest ‘lost masterpieces found’ story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-41594195

This year’s MacArthur Grant recipients:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/arts/macarthur-genius-grants.html
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/11/556891441/here-are-the-2017-macarthur-genius-grant-winners?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews

A German Cistercian monastery is closing due to a shortage of monks:

http://www.dw.com/en/german-monastery-to-close-its-doors-after-nearly-nine-centuries/a-40954168

On the history of hard apple cider:

https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/the-history-of-hard-cider-from-the-old-testament-to-the-apple-orchard

More on the hidden figures revealed in that painting at Yale:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/four-catholic-figures-found-hidden-17th-century-painting-reformation-leaders-180965174/
http://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Yale-painting-s-secret-revealed-A-Protestant-12278655.php

Review of Fitzharris, *The Butchering Art*:

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/10/13/557367840/the-butchering-art-how-a-19th-century-physician-made-surgery-safer

Some humour on the spread of meditation:

http://www.theonion.com/article/historians-discover-meditation-spread-ancient-chin-57197

Archaeology Podcast Network:

http://www.dw.com/en/what-europes-most-ancient-battlefield-reveals/a-40872262

Qin and Han Dynasties:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2017-10/10/content_33056701.htm

Faces of China:

http://www.dw.com/en/why-chinese-portrait-painting-wasnt-only-for-the-powerful-and-famous/a-40925536

Drawn to Greatness:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/arts/design/a-gathering-of-greats-in-a-trove-of-drawings-at-the-morgan.html

Eleusinian Mysteries:

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/27663-acropolis-museum-show-on-eleusinian-mysteries-%E2%80%9Csacred-way%E2%80%9D-in-december.html

Mata Hari:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/arts/mata-hari-netherlands.html

Feeding Stonehenge:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/15/stonehenge-neolithic-man-sweet-pork-rich-cheese-feasts

150 years of archaeology in Spain:

http://www.epa.eu/arts-culture-and-entertainment-photos/archeology-photos/madrid-s-archaeological-museum-presents-exhibit-on-150-years-of-archaeology-in-spain-photos-53821711

The Boston MFA has been given some nice Flemish and Dutch collections:

https://www.mfa.org/give/gifts-of-art/van-otterloo-and-weatherbie-collections
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/arts/the-museum-of-fine-arts-boston-to-receive-two-major-donations.html

Feature on the UCD Classics Museum:

http://www.universityobserver.ie/uncategorized/lesser-spotted-ucd-classics-museum/

================================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
================================================================
On detecting forged ancient silk:

https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i41/Forgery-ancient-silk-leaves-chemical.html

================================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
================================================================
DNA of the Rapa Nui people suggest they were rather isolated:

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-paleogenomic-analysis-easter-island-mysteries.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uoc–pas100617.php
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171012123046.htm
https://www.livescience.com/60673-easter-island-dna-evidence.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/science/easter-island-dna-south-america.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-science-easterisland/mystery-surrounding-ancient-easter-island-people-deepens-idUSKBN1CH2EV?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews
https://www.yahoo.com/news/secrets-easter-island-doomed-civilization-104225034.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-10-13/who-were-the-ancient-easter-islanders/9040266

A study of Beothuk DNA suggests they were actually two distinct groups:

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-newfoundland-populated-multiple-distinct-groups.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171012143329.htm
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/dna-deepens-mystery-of-newfoundlands-lost-beothuk-people/article36560469/

A study of skin colour and DNA:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/science/skin-color-race.html

Studying the genome of a 40 000 years bp Chinese burial:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/caos-gdf101317.php

Dog DNA changes parallel human DNA changes (or something like that):

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/10/13/557166894/dogs-and-people-have-more-in-common-than-you-might-think

Dienekes’ Anthropology Blog:

http://dienekes.blogspot.ca/
================================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
================================================================
Lamanai, Belize:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/travel/2017/10/the-mystery-of-the-mayas-a-visit-to-lamanai-belize/

================================================================
CRIME BEAT
================================================================
A major bust in Romania:

https://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-police-5000-artifacts-treasure-hunters/

A British national caught smuggling items from the Ukraine:

http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/454577.html

Latest Anonymous Swiss Collector Culture Crime News:

http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/2017/10/culture-crime-news-2-8-october-2017.html

conflict antiquities:

http://conflictantiquities.wordpress.com/

anonymous swiss collector:

http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/

Portable Antiquity Collecting and Heritage Issues:

http://paul-barford.blogspot.ca/

Looting Matters:

http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/

Illicit Cultural Property:

http://illicit-cultural-property.blogspot.com/

SAFE:

http://www.savingantiquities.org/blog/

================================================================
REPATRIATION AND RECOVERY
================================================================
Turkey is trying to get back some Zeugma mosaics from the US:

http://aa.com.tr/en/culture-and-art/turkey-attempts-to-retrieve-roman-mosaics-from-us/932512

More on the return of the ‘calf bearer’ to Lebanon:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/arts/design/looted-antiquity-once-at-met-museum-to-return-to-lebanon.html
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2017/Oct-13/422549-decades-on-stolen-antiquity-to-be-returned.ashx

================================================================
NUMISMATICA
================================================================
Latest e-Sylum:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/club_nbs_esylum_v20n41.html

… and the one which should appear later today:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/club_nbs_esylum_v20n42.html

————————
Ancient Coin Collecting:

http://ancientcoincollecting.blogspot.com/

Ancient Coins:

http://classicalcoins.blogspot.com/

Coin Week:

http://www.coinweek.com/
================================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
================================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:

http://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-main-menu-cat/audio-news-list/2660-audio-news-from-archaeologica-1-october-2017-7-october-2017
================================================================
OBITUARIES
===============================================================
Tony Sagona:

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/obituaries/scholar-brought-the-ancient-world-to-life-20171012-gyzfb3.html

https://independent.academia.edu/ConferenceCanadabeforeConfederationEarlyMappingandExploration14981763

Bones to Drones: Science in Archaeology (Nov. 2017)

http://cba-wessex.org.uk/cba-events/the-cba-wessex-annual-conference-women-in-wessex/

Theoretical Archaeology Group (Dec. 2017):

http://tag2017cardiff.org/

Hidden Cultural Heritage (April 2018):

http://www.cicop.net/hch/

================================================================
GENERAL ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS BLOGS
================================================================
Archaeology Magazine News Page:

http://www.archaeology.org/news/

About.com Archaeology:

http://archaeology.about.com/

Ancient Digger:

http://www.ancientdigger.com/

Archaeology Briefs:

http://archaeologybriefs.blogspot.com/

Past Horizons:

http://www.pasthorizons.com/

Stonepages:

http://www.stonepages.com/news/

Taygete Atlantis excavations blogs aggregator:

http://planet.atlantides.org/taygete/

Time Machine:

http://heatherpringle.wordpress.com/
================================================================
PODCASTS/VODCASTS
================================================================
Archaeosoup:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Archaeos0up?feature=watch

The Book and the Spade:

http://www.yahoogroups.com/neo/groups/Explorator/conversations/topics

To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to:

Explorator-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

To unsubscribe, send a blank email message to:

Explorator-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

To send a ‘heads up’ to the editor or contact him for other
reasons:

Posted on October 15, 2017 by David Meadows ~ rogueclassicist 0

Explorator 20.24 ~ October 7, 2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, Bill Kennedy, Magnus Fiskesjo, Rick Heli,
Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Latest spin/motivation for ‘Out of Africa’:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-10/uoa-ahl100417.php
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/10/2017/drying-and-cooling-climate-may-have-led-to-migration-from-africa-into-eurasia

On the origins of genital herpes:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/02/health/early-human-ancestor-genital-herpes/index.html

On Neanderthal genetics’ effect on us:

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-neanderthals-didnt-red-hair.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/10/05/struggling-get-tan-blame-neanderthal-ancestors/
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/10/05/555592707/neanderthal-genes-help-shape-how-many-modern-humans-look
https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/97579696/roger-hanson-exploring-the-history-and-genetics-of-neanderthals-and-us
http://www.latercera.com/noticia/2-del-adn-los-seres-humanos-actuales-proviene-los-neandertales/

Explorator 20.23 ~ October 1, 2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, Don Buck, David Critchley,
Feral boy, Adrienne Mayor, Marice Rose, Richard C. Griffiths, and
Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week (as always hoping I have
left no one out).

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
According to genomic research, homo sapiens apparently emerged 300 000 years bp (didn’t we have this a few months ago?):

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uu-mhe092517.php
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uoj-sac092817.php
https://phys.org/news/2017-09-modern-humans-emerged-years.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170928142016.htm
http://www.smh.com.au/world/homo-sapiens-are-150000-years-older-than-previously-thought-study-finds-20170929-gyrb8s.html
https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/97412098/Homo-sapiens-are-150-000-years-older-than-previously-thought-study-finds
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-science-humans/happy-350000th-birthday-study-pushes-back-homo-sapiens-origins-idUSKCN1C32XU?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews
https://www.seeker.com/culture/archaeology/southern-african-ancestors-reveal-modern-humans-emerged-350000-years-ago
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/09/2017/dna-reveals-that-modern-humans-emerged-more-than-300000-years-ago

Feature on homo floresiensis:

https://cosmosmagazine.com/palaeontology/the-struggle-to-understand-the-hobbit

Hype for a Chinese expedition to Kenya:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-09/28/c_136645941.htm

More on the slow growth rate of Neanderthals:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41351019
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/22/552963854/study-suggests-neanderthals-enjoyed-long-childhoods?sc=ipad&f=1007
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertal-kids-were-lot-kids-today-least-how-they-grew
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/09/2017/researchers-reconstruct-how-neanderthals-grew

Some cave art humour:

http://bizarro.com/comics/september-27-2017/

… and a feature on cave art:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/science/prehistoric-cave-paintings.html

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
Earliest evidence of domesticated sorghum in Africa:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uocp-eef092717.php
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170927162011.htm
https://phys.org/news/2017-09-earliest-evidence-native-african-cultigen.html

In case you missed the news of the African genomic study:

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/ancient-skeletons-reveal-clues-to-africas-past/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41348087

================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
Excavation of a couple of toes of that Psameik I statue from Matariya:

http://www.egyptindependent.com/two-toes-king-psamtik-statue-excavated-matariya/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5951-170928-egypt-colossal-toes

A gypsum head of Akhenaten from Minya:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/278025/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Gypsum-head-of-King-Akhenaten-statue-unearthed-in-.aspx
http://www.egyptindependent.com/gypsum-head-king-akhenaten-statue-unearthed-minya-statement/

Investigation after some illegal digging in Aswan led to evidence of an extension on the Edfo Temple:

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/24753/Edfo-Temple-expansion-discovered

There will be more work done on the Djoser pyramid:

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/24822/Hawas-follows-up-restoration-work-at-Djoser-Pyramid

… and the armed forces engineers will be working to bring the area around the pyramids up to grade:

https://dailynewsegypt.com/2017/09/28/armed-forces-engineering-authority-complete-developing-pyramids-area-mid-2018-antiquities-minister/
http://www.menafn.com/1095907070/Egypt–Armed-Forces-Engineering-Authority-to-complete-developing-pyramids-area-by-mid-2018-Antiquities-Minister

Pondering why Giza was selected as the site for the pyramids:

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/25413/Why-ancient-Egyptians-selected-the-place-of-Giza-Pyramids

More on the latest evidence of how Egyptians moved big blocks to make the Great Pyramid:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/archeologist-mark-lehner-solves-mystery-pyramid-giza-built-egypt-solved-ancient-civilisation-channel-a7965916.html
http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/archaeologists-uncover-proof-of-how-ancient-egyptians-built-the-great-pyramid-in-2600bc/news-story/738fe5e3f536709b6e4e333a6b582847
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/37205404/documentary-reveals-how-great-pyramid-of-giza-was-built/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ancient-papyrus-reveals-secret-how-ancient-egyptians-built-great-pyramid-giza-2600bc-1640617
http://www.newsweek.com/who-built-ancient-egypts-great-pyramid-hidden-text-holds-clues-thousand-year-670265
https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/063d768d-4053-3c62-82c3-c90912ce8098/ss_archaeologists-solve-the.html
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/built-ancient-egypt-great-pyramid-110004267.html
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/09/25/pyramids-mystery-solved/
http://www.cbs46.com/story/36448884/archeologists-say-they-solved-the-mummy-of-all-mysteries-the-great-pyramid-at-giza

The Menasche Synagogue in Alexandria has been added to Egypt’s heritage list:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/43/277921/Heritage/Islamic/Menasche-Synagogue-in-Alexandria-to-be-added-to-Eg.aspx
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/43/277921/Heritage/Islamic/Menasce-Synagogue-in-Alexandria-to-be-added-to-Egy.aspx

Remains of an 11 500 years bp settlement at Hasankeyf:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/11500-year-old-settlement-unearthed-in-hasankeyf-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=118364&NewsCatID=375

Studying Natufian remains in Jordan:

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/archaeologist-explores-ancient-sedentary-communities-northeastern-jordan

A 4000 years bp Canaanite burial from Jerusalem includes a jar of headless toads (!):

http://www.antiquities.org.il/Article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&subj_id=240&id=4313
https://www.timesofisrael.com/afterlife-snack-jar-of-toads-popped-open-in-4000-year-old-canaanite-tomb-dig/
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/4000-year-old-burial-remains-discovered-in-ancient-Jerusalem-tomb-505893
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/156303-170925-4-000-year-old-remains-of-decapitated-toads-discovered-in-jerusalem-tomb
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/jerusalem/decapitated-toads-found-in-4000-year-old-caananite-tomb-uncovered-in-excavation-near-jerusalem-biblical-zoo/2017/09/25/
http://www.jns.org/news-briefs/2017/9/25/decapitated-toads-found-in-4000-year-old-canaanite-jug
https://www.livescience.com/60519-headless-toads-discovered-in-jerusalem-burial.html
https://www.livescience.com/60512-photos-bronze-age-burial-headless-toad.html
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2443826&CategoryId=13936
https://www.algemeiner.com/2017/09/26/decapitated-toads-found-in-4000-year-old-canaanite-jug/
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/jar-headless-toads-found-bronze-age-tomb-180965031/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5940-170925-israel-canaanite-toads

Remains of a First Temple era settlement beneath a former IDF training base:

http://jni.media/secret-first-temple-jewish-city-discovered-under-idf-training-base/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/lost-jewish-city-discovered-underneath-israeli-army-base-1641227

Feature on Turkey’s policies regarding sale of antiquities:

http://www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ad=article&ArticleId=28703

A 1200 years bp church from Turkey’s Balikesir:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/09/27/1200-year-old-church-discovered-in-turkeys-balikesir

On the Future of Babylon project:

http://iaassyriology.org/mar-shiprim/future-of-babylon/

The Bezalel Narkiss Index of Jewish Art might be of interest:

https://hyperallergic.com/397208/jewish-art-worlds-largest-database/

Overviewish piece on Iraq’s archaeological remains in the wake of ISIL:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41390440
http://www.aina.org/news/20170929114435.htm

Seeing what can be salvaged in Nimrud:

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/357/6358/1340.full

http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2017/09/25/3400-year-old-encrusted-ceramics-discovered-bronze-age-necropolis-bulgarias-danube-town-baley/

Feature on some archaic Greek sites in Calabria:

http://www.surfky.com/index.php/hopkins/179-news/kentucky/123132-uk-researchers-explore-archaic-greek-sites-in-italy

Plenty of interest in the discovery of the remains of a Hellenistic (maybe) city associated (by the press) with Alexander the Great:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/lost-city-iraq-alexander-great-founded-discover-archaeologists-qalatga-darband-a7965651.html
https://www.livescience.com/60545-lost-city-alexander-the-great-uncovered.html
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/lost-city-of-alexander-the-great-found-in-iraq-pw6g2dtvj
https://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/drones-reveal-lost-city-alexander-great-located-iraq-1025870
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/drone360/2017/09/25/drones-lost-city/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/lost-city-founded-by-alexander-great-uncovered-iraq-after-2000-years-1640773
http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/2000-year-old-lost-city-said-to-be-founded-by-Alexander-the-Great-discovered-in-Iraq
http://mashable.com/2017/09/26/discovery-of-lost-city-in-iraq/
https://www.inverse.com/article/36924-qalatga-darband-alexander-the-great-lost-city
http://www.thedailybeast.com/archaeologists-find-lost-city-of-alexander-the-great-in-iraq
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5942-170925-iraq-qalatga-darband
http://www.newsweek.com/ancient-greece-alexander-greats-long-lost-city-uncovered-archaeologists-using-671382

… but the connection to Alexander is tenuous:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/is-the-lost-city-of-alexander-the-great-actually-alexanders

… Smithsonian mag seems to have it right:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/drones-reveal-unexplored-ancient-settlement-iraqi-kurdistan-180965028/

I think we mentioned this find of a sanctuary of Artemis on Evia:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-41415952
http://www.ekathimerini.com/221897/article/ekathimerini/life/ancient-greek-sanctuary-of-artemis-unearthed-in-evia-says-culture-ministry
http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Sanctuary-of-Artemis-unearthed-in-Evia
https://www.rt.com/news/404956-greek-ruins-artemis-temple-discovery/
http://www.ibtimes.com/archaeologists-find-lost-ancient-greek-temple-goddess-artemis-2594658
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4928968/Century-long-search-temple-Artemis-over.html

2000 years bp toys from child burials at Parion:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/09/28/2000-year-old-toys-discovered-inside-childrens-tombs-in-turkeys-canakkale
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5954-170928-turkey-parion-toys

A metal detectorist found a massive Roman coin hoard in Dorset:

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/must-reads/man-finds-massive-coin-hoard-metal-detecting-weekend-worth-200k/29/09/
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4577166/roman-coins-2000-years-old-bridport/

Remains of a Romano-British settlement at Wylfa Newydd:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/roman-british-settlement-found-wylfa-13691613

Finds from various periods (with a focus on Roman, it seems) on the banks of the Maas:

https://nltimes.nl/2017/09/29/roman-settlement-mammoth-remains-shipwrecks-found-along-maas-river
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2017/09/archaeologists-uncover-spectacular-shipwreck-graveyard/

Plenty of press interest in a Roman bronze hoard from Gloucestershire, including an interesting dog statue:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/27/metal-detectorists-unearth-unique-hoard-of-roman-artefacts
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/27/roman-licking-dog-never-seen-britain-found-metal-detector-enthusiasts/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-41419523
http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/amazing-discovery-could-evidence-hidden-542056
http://www.ibtimes.com/two-brits-metal-detector-find-ancient-roman-bronze-artifacts-2595343
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/licking-dog-bristol-museum-never-544783
https://www.rt.com/uk/405063-roman-bronze-treasure-discovery/
http://www.theforestreview.co.uk/article.cfm?id=107423&headline=Roman%20find%20is%20a%20UK%20first%20and%20may%20be%20linked%20to%20Lydney%20temple&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5949-170927-bronze-licking-dog

Plans to excavate the remains of Prusias ad Hypium:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/09/28/ephesus-of-the-black-sea-to-be-excavated

‘Nighthawks’ hit the Roman site near Hadrian’s wall at Corbridge:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15564399.__39_Nighthawk__39__artefacts_hunters_hit_Hadrian__39_s_Wall_area_Roman_site/
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/nighthawk-raiders-using-metal-detectors-13688090
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/crime/illegal-treasure-hunters-damage-north-east-roman-site-1-8778990

… and subsequent concerns therefor:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15565701.Nail_the_nighthawks_plea_as_treasure_hunters_target_Roman_Corbridge/

Using lead plumbing to track the Roman economy:

https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-09-24/new-study-tracks-ancient-roman-economy-using-city-s-early-lead-plumbing
https://www.forbes.com/sites/drsarahbond/2017/09/26/tracking-romes-economy-through-its-lead-pipes/

The return of that Hercules sarcophagus to Turkey is still getting press coverage:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/roman-sarcophagus-of-hercules-welcomes-visitors-at-antalya-museum.aspx?NewsCatID=375&nID=118331&pageID=238
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-09/25/c_136634797.htm

Big bucks for a Roman necklace (sort of):

http://thenantwichnews.co.uk/2017/09/26/roman-necklace-sells-for-28000-at-nantwich-auction/

Honours for Joyce Reynolds:

https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/13584

An interview with Josiah Ober:

https://blog.lareviewofbooks.org/interviews/two-way-street-talking-josiah-ober/

What Joan Breton Connelly is up to:

http://today.ku.edu/macarthur-fellowship-winner-and-nyu-classics-professor-present-humanities-lecture-series

What Bob Wolverton is up to:

http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=61049

Plans for a ‘Year of Troy’ in Turkey:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/26/archaeologists-home-in-on-homeric-clues-as-turkey-declares-year-of-troy

On grading Latin at Harvard:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/09/19/how-harvard-helps-its-richest-and-most-arrogant-students-get-ahead/?utm_term=.d1aaef4597e7

Coverage of Colorado Classics Day:

http://www.dailycamera.com/cu-news/ci_31342188/latin-students-come-from-all-over-state-cu

On protests at sporting venues in ancient times:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/drsarahbond/2017/09/25/the-sports-arena-has-always-been-a-venue-for-protest/

Defending Classics:

http://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2017/09/27/ancient-greece-gail-pool

Latest linking of Brexit to the return of the Elgin/Parthenon Marbles:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/859542/Brexit-news-Elgin-Marbles-Greece-Tottenham-Hotspur-Cyprus
https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Greece/Brexit-and-the-Parthenon-marbles-182760

You’ll soon have to pay to get into the Pantheon:

https://www.thelocal.it/20170929/visitors-will-soon-have-to-pay-to-enter-romes-pantheon

More on Nero-stamped tiles from near Basingstoke:

http://www.basingstokeobserver.co.uk/2000-year-old-tiles-found-near-basingstoke-shed-insight-on-roman-history

More on those Black Sea shipwrecks (and 3d recreations):

http://today.uconn.edu/2017/09/2000-year-old-ship-found-intact-uconn-expert-colleagues/
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/UConn-research-helps-find-ancient-ships-in-Black-12227378.php
http://www.theday.com/local-news/20170926/avery-point-professor-helps-find-ancient-shipwrecks-in-black-sea

More on finds from Vindolanda this year:

https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/vindolandas-cavalry-cache-uncovered.htm

Review of David Ferry’s *Aeneid* translation:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/of-arms-and-the-man-1506104780

Review of Daniel Mendelsohn’s *An Odyssey*:

https://www.ft.com/content/9b7b8708-a368-11e7-8d56-98a09be71849

Review of Emily Katz Anhalt, *Enraged*:

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/books/greek-myths-offer-valuable-lessons-448777663.html

—–
Latest reviews from BMCR:

http://bmcr.brynmawr.edu/recent.html

Visit our blog:

http://rogueclassicism.com/
================================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
================================================================
An interesting 10 000 years bp petroglyph from Norway:

https://www.thelocal.no/20170927/discovery-of-10000-year-old-petroglyph-in-norway-described-as-sensational
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5948-170927-norway-petroglyph-boat

A Neolithic dwelling from Cata Sand:

https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/neolithic-house-cata-sand.htm

Isotope analysis provides info on social differentiation in Neolithic Spain:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-isotopic-analyses-link-late-neolithic.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/p-ial092217.php
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/09/2017/social-differentiation-identified-in-late-neolithic-spain

A Celtic coin hoard found by metal detectorists in Lincoln:

https://www.coinworld.com/news/world-coins/2017/09/brothers-in-law-find-hoard-of-national-significance.all.html

A Viking silver hoard from Sylt:

https://www.thelocal.de/20170925/rare-silver-treasure-from-viking-age-discovered-on-north-sea-island

… and a similar (non-silver) hoard of items from Finland:

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_history_buff_finds_viking-era_sword_on_lake_shore/9854392
https://sherbrooktimes.com/finland-an-avid-fan-of-archaeology-discovers-a-sword-in-the-viking-millennium-in-its-field-2/9913

I think we mentioned this Viking boat burial from Norway:

https://www.rt.com/news/404552-ancient-viking-ship-discovered-in-city-center/
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-1000-year-old-viking-boat-burial-has-been-found-under-a-market-square-in-norway

… and the Viking fortress from Denmark:

https://www.livescience.com/60553-viking-fort-reveals-elaborate-military-network.html
https://www.livescience.com/60562-viking-age-fortress-unearthed-photos.html

A Viking-era sword from a brewery site in Cork:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/perfectly-preserved-viking-sword-found-at-former-beamish-and-crawford-brewery-site-459677.html
https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2017/0926/907642-viking-sword-cork/
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/1-000-year-old-viking-sword-found-at-cork-beamish-site-1.3234406
https://www.irishcentral.com/news/viking-sword-beamish-brewery-cork
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5946-170926-ireland-weaver-s-sword

On the portrayal of Vikings:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-vikings-pure-bred-master-white-supremacists.html

Remains of a forgotten medieval village near St Ishmael:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-41445589

A 15th century cross from Carcassone was vandalized:

http://www.lindependant.fr/2017/09/27/la-croix-du-pont-vieux-vandalisee,3055180.php

The megalithic tomb in Kerry known as ‘the Giant’s Grave’ apparently has a connection with the equinox:

https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2017/0925/907390-megalithic/

The Ely Museum has purchased a Bronze Age torc:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-41365740
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/rare-and-beautiful-bronze-age-gold-neck-band-secured-by-museum-36164668.html

Protests over plans to demolish an historic home in Cradley:

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/dudley/2017/09/28/victorian-society-joins-objectors-to-plans-to-demolish-historic-home/#z8j1GBF9Kpy0S7P1.99

On early Scandinavian farmers interacting with Indo-Europeans vocabulary-wise:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-scandinavia-earliest-farmers-exchanged-terminology.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/uoc–sef092917.php

They really really really want to study Westminster Hall’s roof, apparently:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/archaeologists-demand-chance-to-solve-mystery-of-westminster-hall-n7vtcwmd8

… and Darley Abbey:

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/could-archaeological-dig-solve-derbys-530638

I think we mentioned the concerns for Notre Dame:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/28/world/europe/paris-notre-dame-renovation.html

Feature on the Vandals:

https://www.livescience.com/46150-vandals.html

What Neil Oliver is up to:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-41452552
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/neil-oliver-becomes-president-national-trust-scotland/

More on the dating of textile remains associated with Francis of Assisi:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-age-content-textile-fragment-accordance.html

Explorator 20.22 ~ September 24, 2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley, Don Buck, Rick Heli,
Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Studying to El Sidron child to postulate how Neanderthals grew:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-09/snrc-crh092117.php
https://phys.org/news/2017-09-neanderthal-boy-skull-grew-human.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170921141215.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/science/neanderthal-brain-growth.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-41351019
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/22/neanderthal-boys-skull-reveals-they-grew-like-modern-boys
https://www.seeker.com/culture/archaeology/neanderthal-boy-found-in-spanish-cave-was-human-like-but-with-a-larger-brain
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41351019
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/22/552963854/study-suggests-neanderthals-enjoyed-long-childhoods
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/did-neanderthal-children-grow-lot-modern-human-children-180964993/
https://elpais.com/elpais/2017/09/21/ciencia/1506013776_695158.html

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
On the racism behind interpretations of some of Africa’s ancient architecture:

http://allafrica.com/stories/201709180081.html

More on that Portuguese shipwreck found off Namibia a decade ago:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/97052511/Recovered-artifacts-from-a-shipwrecked-16th-Century-Portuguese-vessel-still-missing-after-a-decade

More on curbing theft of Libyan antiquities:

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/culture/head-libyas-archeology-authority-urges-neighboring-countries-help-end-smuggling-antiquities

================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
Mark Lehner may have found evidence of how the stones for the pyramids were transported (news on this is just a trickle at this point):

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11925828
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4534360/archaeologists-uncover-proof-of-how-egyptians-built-the-great-pyramid-of-giza/

Nice feature on a pit full of ritually-buried statuary from Karnak (found in 2014):

https://www.livescience.com/60484-egyptian-statues-found-in-pit.html
https://www.livescience.com/60485-photos-ancient-egyptian-sphinx-buried-in-pit.html
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/24144/%E2%80%98Graveyard%E2%80%99-of-Ancient-Egyptian-sculptures-in-Karnak

Documenting antiquities in Tanis (I’m not sure what’s going on here):

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/23433/Campaign-documents-fixed-antiquities-in-Tanis-Egypt

Explorator 20.21 ~ September 17, 2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley, Rick Heli,
Kris Curry, Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent
for headses upses this week (as always hoping I have left no one out).

… a bit of a slow week

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Looking at homo naledi’s teeth:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-dental-homo-naledi.html

Paper on Neanderthals and Denisovans:

http://www.pnas.org/content/114/37/9859.abstract.html?etoc

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
Feature on a Portuguese shipwreck found off Namibia a decade ago:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-namibia-portuguese-shipwreck-relics-hidden.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/in-namibia-1533-portuguese-shipwrecks-relics-hidden-away/2017/09/15/139ed4a8-99fd-11e7-af6a-6555caaeb8dc_story.html
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/world/article/In-Namibia-1533-Portuguese-shipwreck-s-relics-12199981.php
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/world/article/In-Namibia-1533-Portuguese-shipwreck-s-relics-12199981.php

Libya is encouraging cooperation in the fight against antiquities smuggling:

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/culture/head-libyas-archeology-authority-urges-neighboring-countries-help-end-smuggling-antiquities

Explorator 20.19-20.20 ~ September 10.2017

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley, David Critchley,
Ken Fisher, Feral Boy, Richard Miller, Bill Kennedy, Allan Brockway,
Alfred Kriman, Frank MacKay, Ken Fisher, Feral Boy, Richard Miller,
Rick Heli, Allan Brockway, Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent
for headses upses this week (as always hoping I have left no one out).

… a very busy fortnight!

================================================================
EARLY HOMINIDS
================================================================
Neanderthal remains from Vindija Cave are older than previously thought:

https://phys.org/news/2017-09-dating-neanderthal-vindija-cave-older.html

On the use of adhesives by Neanderthals:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-neanderthals.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170831093424.htm
https://www.livescience.com/60302-first-adhesive-invented-by-neanderthals.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/science/neanderthals-tar-glue.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/fiery-re-creations-show-how-neandertals-could-have-easily-made-tar
http://gizmodo.com/new-experiment-reveals-secret-behind-200-000-year-old-n-1798636925
https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/09/neanderthals-were-distilling-tar-200-thousand-years-ago-in-europe/
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-neanderthals-made-first-glue-tar-make-stronger-weapons-2585232
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/experiments-show-how-neanderthals-made-first-glue-180964718/

Some fossil footprints from Crete are apparently causing an evolutionary rethink:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-fossil-footprints-theories-human-evolution.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170831134221.htm
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/six-million-year-old-human-footprint-discovered-in-crete-raises-major-questions-about-our-evolution/ar-AAr52W3?li=AAmiR2Z&ocid=spartandhp
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/deadthings/2017/09/01/what-made-these-footprints-5-7-million-years-ago/

Humans are still evolving, apparently:

https://m.phys.org/news/2017-09-large-scale-genetic-humans-evolving.html

What teeth reveal about human ancestors:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-teeth-reveal-secret-ancestors.html

Another challenge to the ‘out of Africa’ theory:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/humans-came-from-africa-crete-study-australopithecus-early-fossil-a7929521.html

Some evolutionary humour from the Onion:

http://www.theonion.com/article/tearful-anthropologists-discover-dead-ancestor-hum-51286

================================================================
AFRICA
================================================================
I think we mentioned the search in Libya for the remains of the town of Barca:

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/culture/libyan-archeology-authority-look-lost-ancient-city-barca

On the monuments men of Timbuktu:

http://www.dw.com/en/monuments-men-of-timbuktu/av-40390133

================================================================
ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
================================================================
Plenty of coverage of a New Kingdom royal goldsmith (and family) tomb find near Luxor:

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/21778/Middle-Kingdom-era-cemetery-unearthed-in-Luxor
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/20185/Discovery-of-a-new-archaeological-necropolis-in-Luxor
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/276757/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Amunre-goldsmith-tomb-uncovered-in-Draa-Abul-Naga-.aspx
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/21778/Ancient-cemetery-dating-back-18th-dynasty-unearthed-in-Luxor
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/21853/Know-about-what%E2%80%99s-inside-newly-discovered-cemetery-in-Luxor
http://www.egyptindependent.com/pharaonic-tomb-uncovered-luxor/
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/world/middleeast/egypt-archaeology-tomb-goldsmith.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
https://www.livescience.com/60364-ancient-goldsmith-tomb-mummies-discovered-egypt.html
https://www.livescience.com/60363-photos-ancient-goldsmith-tomb-egypt.html
https://phys.org/news/2017-09-egypt-unearths-goldsmith-tomb-mummies.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41213024
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/09/egypt-archaeologists-unearth-3500-year-old-tomb-luxor/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/09/mummies-tomb-ancient-egypt-valley-of-the-kings
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-archaeology-discovery/egypt-archaeologists-unearth-goldsmiths-tomb-near-luxor-idUSKCN1BK0FE?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt
http://www.reuters.com/video/2017/09/09/egyptian-archaeologists-discover-3000-ye?videoId=372502511&feedType=VideoRSS&feedName=TopNews&videoChannel=1
https://www.timesofisrael.com/3500-year-old-pharonic-tomb-of-royal-goldsmith-unearthed-in-luxor/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/egypt-announces-discovery-of-3500-year-old-tomb
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/egypt-announces-discovery-of-3500-year-old-tomb-in-luxor/ar-AArxlsJ?li=AAmiR2Z&ocid=spartandhp
http://www.cbs8.com/story/36327821/egypt-announces-discovery-of-3500-years-old-tomb-in-luxor
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/09/africa/egypt-luxor-ancient-tomb/index.html
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/world/2017/09/09/egyptian-archaeologists-discover-3000-year-old-tomb-goldsmith/105445472/
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/09/photos-egyptian-tomb-of-a-royal-goldsmith-discovered/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/egypt-dig-unearths-goldsmiths-tomb-mummies-114603526.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/09/luxor-egypt-necropolis-discovery/

… and Zahi Hawass says there’s plentymore to find:

http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/21993/Zahi-Hawass-Egypt-discovered-only-30-of-its-antiquities

Egyptian looters are apparently seeking aid from professional archaeologists:

https://www.livescience.com/60246-looters-ask-egyptologists-for-help.html

… and the digging in homes continues:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/poor-egyptians-dig-up-homes-in-search-of-antiquities-vmcv8mzdn
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/the-times/egyptian-slumdwellers-strike-gold-with-ancient-treasure-at-their-feet/news-story/11c4fcc9e2cf5d5d9528b058f2402f4d

Feature on a smashed Egyptian ‘mystery pharaoh’ sculpture found at Hazor a while ago:

https://www.livescience.com/60270-ancient-statue-head-depicts-mystery-pharaoh.html
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/The-enduring-mystery-of-an-ancient-Egyptian-kings-smashed-sculpture-504118

An 8000 years bp ‘paint workshop’ from Eskisehir:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/08/31/8000-year-old-paint-workshop-discovered-in-turkeys-eskisehir
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-08/31/c_136571941.htm

I think we mentioned the renewed interest in Plimpton 322 and its implications for the development of trigonometry:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-mathematical-mystery-ancient-babylonian-clay.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/29/science/trigonometry-babylonian-tablet.html
http://plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=17654&SEO=plimpton-322-trigonometry-preceded-ancient-greeks
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/babylonians-trigonometry-develop-more-advanced-modern-mathematics-3700-years-ago-ancient-a7910936.html

A 7200 years bp ‘ritual storage pot’/model silo from Tel Tsaf:

http://www.haifa.ac.il/index.php/en/home-page3/2568
https://www.timesofisrael.com/find-of-7200-year-old-clay-silo-forces-rethink-of-when-we-began-storing-food/
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Unprecedented-7200-year-old-vessel-for-food-storage-rituals-found-in-Jordan-Valley-504401
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/haifa-berlin-scientists-discover-connection-between-pottery-vessel-and-the-development-of-the-elites/2017/09/06/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5895-170906-israel-grain-silo

Latest on Iraq’s ‘Sealand Kingdom’:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/01/castle-sealand-kings-ancient-iraqs-rebel-rulers

A dig at Kiriath Jearim has apparently raised questions about what was in the Ark of the Covenant:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.809233

A number of First Temple era seals/sealings found near the Old City:

http://www.antiquities.org.il/Article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&subj_id=240&id=4311
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Seals-from-Judean-Kingdom-period-shed-light-on-life-in-ancient-Jerusalem-504173
http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.810495
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=45109
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/235004
http://www.jewishpress.com/blogs/elder-of-ziyon/first-temple-era-seals-with-biblical-names-in-hebrew-discovered-in-jerusalem/2017/09/05/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-welcomed-jewish-refugees-2300-years-ago-archaeological-finds-show/

Excavating a refugee camp at Masada:

http://forward.com/news/israel/382132/exclusive-new-archaeology-shows-refugee-camp-not-just-rebels-atop-masada/

I think we mentioned the find of a 2000 years b.p. ‘Half shekel’ by an eight-year-old in Israel:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/8-year-old-girl-stumbles-upon-ultra-rare-2000-year-old-half-shekel/
http://m.jpost.com/Israel-News/8-year-old-Israeli-girl-finds-2000-year-old-half-shekel-503509
http://forward.com/fast-forward/381114/8-year-old-israeli-girl-finds-2-000-year-old-shekel-coin/

… turns out it was a museum souvenir replica:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/too-good-to-be-true-8-year-olds-rare-coin-not-an-ancient-artifact/
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234643
http://forward.com/fast-forward/381152/8-year-old-girls-ancient-coin-is-actually-israel-museum-souvenir/
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Discovery-thought-to-be-Second-Temple-coin-is-actually-museum-souvenir-503592

OpEd on the Temple Mount Sifting Project:

http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/fund-the-temple-mount-sifting-project-now/2017/08/29/

Reburial at Ofra of bones found in 2013 of some victims of the Revolt against Rome:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234892

Feature on Lycian writing:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-writing-in-turkey-dates-back-to-2000-bc.aspx?PageID=238&NID=117728&NewsCatID=375

The search is on for remains of St Nicholas:

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2017/08/31/archeologists-hunt-for-st-nicholass-remains

Feature on students digging at Lachish this past summer:

https://www.oakland.edu/socan/news/2017/fall/students-probe-mysteries-of-the-past-during-archeological-dig-in-israel

Feature on the Spanish mission’s work in Jordan:

http://www.menafn.com/1095784075/Spanish-Archaeological-Mission-strives-to-excavate-Jordans-treasures
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/spanish-archaeological-mission-strives-excavate-jordan%E2%80%99s-treasures

Iraq has created a new security force to protect its archaeological resources:

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/09/dhi-qar-iraq-security-antiquities.html

Studying early agriculture in the UAE:

http://gulfnews.com/culture/heritage/archaeologists-shed-light-on-life-in-the-uae-5-000-years-ago-1.2080734
https://www.traveltradeweekly.travel/2015-10-06-15-40-04/travel-channels/item/3520-emirati-archaeologists-investigate-early-agricultural-village
https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/Archaeologists_shed_light_on_life_in_the_UAE_5000_years_ago-GN_27082017_280838/
https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/archaeological-dig-al-ain-life-before-islam-bronze-age-1016106
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2017/08/27/Archaeologists-shed-new-light-on-life-in-the-UAE-5-000-years-ago.html

Another overviewish piece on finds made during Istanbul’s metro construction:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/new-istanbul-metro-station-to-open-in-besiktas-after-excavations-are-completed.aspx?pageID=238&nid=117355&NewsCatID=375

Germany and Turkey are in some sort of diplomatic spat over Hattusha:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nID=117230&NewsCatID=375

Feature on Babylon:

https://www.livescience.com/28701-ancient-babylon-center-of-mesopotamian-civilization.html

More on the reassessment of a pile of copper slag from Turkey:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.809367

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/26893-new-mycenaean-tombs-discovered-during-recent-nemea-excavations-in-greece.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5874-170828-greece-chamber-tomb

Some sort of sunken structure off the island of Salamis:

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tornos/trends/26937-sunken-ruin-described-by-pausanias-discovered-in-greek-island-of-salamis.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5880-170829-salamis-public-building

A very important Roman cavalry barracks find from Vindolanda:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/09/hadrians-wall-lost-secrets-roman-vindolanda-unearthed
https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/uk/archaeologists-win-lottery-roman-finds-hadrians-wall/
http://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/british-archaeology-barracks-hadrian-10092017/

I think we’ve mentioned the find of Roman burials from the Dakhla Oasis:

http://www.egyptindependent.com/five-roman-cemeteries-discovered-dakhla-oasis/
https://egyptianstreets.com/2017/08/24/an-egyptian-archaeological-mission-discovers-five-roman-tombs-in-dakhla-oasis/
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2017/08/27/roman-empire-traces-discovered-dakhla/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypt-archaeologists-uncover-tombs-dating-back-to-roman-era/2017/08/24/98f398dc-88eb-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html
http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/2000yearold-tombs-from-roman-period-found-in-egypt/news-story/0613e6fc76aaa7105e2c81028c12e7e7
http://www.menafn.com/1095778082/Egypt–Roman-Empire-traces-discovered-in-Dakhla

Roman (maybe) tweezers from Washingborough:

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/washingborough-bypass-dig-unearths-pristine-382978

Remains of some sort of Roman settlement from Newcastle:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-41073983
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/housebuilders-uncover-roman-settlement-in-newcastle-jx35tlm8f
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/remarkable-discovery-made-benwell-housing-13539582

A Roman bath house and spa from Faversham:

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/news/archaeologists-dig-in-to-reveal-130738/

A second century cistern from Peperikon:

http://sofiaglobe.com/2017/08/25/archaeology-2nd-century-ce-drinking-water-collection-tank-found-at-bulgarias-perperikon/

Assorted Roman structures from downtown Sofia:

http://sofiaglobe.com/2017/08/25/archaeology-ancient-tavern-shops2-found-under-sofias-sveta-nedelya-square/

Latest finds from Aspendos:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/excavations-at-aspendos-continue-to-uncover-ancient-riches-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=117267&NewsCatID=375
http://www.archaeology.org/news/5877-170828-turkey-aspendos-shops

Soil samples suggest Romans were using lead pipes much earlier than previously thought:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-harbor-sediment-core-samples-historic.html
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/science-ticker/ancient-mud-documents-legacy-rome-lead-pipes?tgt=nr
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/08/origins-ancient-rome-s-famed-pipe-plumbing-system-revealed-soil-samples
https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/08/plumbing-discovery-reveals-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-roman-empire/
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-rise-and-the-fall-of-the-romans-can-be-charted-in-their-plumbing

A third century Roman coin hoard from Cornwall:

http://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/treasure-hunting-pair-unearthed-nearly-367139
http://www.archaeology.org/news/5869-170824-england-roman-coins

Plans for further digs at a Roman bath site in Carlisle:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-41129589
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-41219665

A very interesting fourth century mosaic find from West Berkshire:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/02/rare-roman-mosaic-found-berkshire-archaeology-project-boxford
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/berkshire-find-archaeology-roman-pegasus-hercules-st-george-a7925381.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/topic/boxford-berkshire-preservation-of-roman-mosaics
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/03/exciting-roman-mosaic-50-years-discovered-community-dig-berkshire/
http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/03/amateur-archaeologists-discover-amazing-1600-year-old-roman-mosaic-6900471/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/stunning-roman-mosaic-unearthed-by-amateur-archaeologists-in-berkshire-fplrx997x
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/one-kind-roman-mosaic-depicts-incredible-battles-between-beasts-heroes-ancient-mythology-1637570
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/22197/volunteers-dig-up-roman-artefacts.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5891-170901-england-mosaic-floor

Some preliminary observations of victims of Vesuvius found at Oplontis:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2017/08/24/pregnant-women-and-fetuses-among-vesuvius-victims-archaeologists-reveal/

A pompeiian what-if piece:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/what-would-pompeii-be-like-if-vesuvius-never-erupted.aspx

Very questionable remains associated with Pliny the Elder:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/this-skull-pliny-elder-hero-pompeii-1637875
http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.809751

The Colchian Kingdom dig has come to an end for the season:

http://agenda.ge/news/85935/eng

I think we mentioned this dispute over a Roman site in Malta:

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20170831/local/residents-fight-pa-over-possible-roman-site.656873

A pair of burials near the Olympic Stadium in Rome:

https://www.thelocal.it/20170824/ancient-roman-tombs-found-near-football-stadium-in-italy
https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/08/24/2-ancient-roman-sarcophagi-found-near-football-stadium-in-rome
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/24/ancient-roman-sarcophagi-discovered-chance-next-romes-football/
http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/italy/2017/08/23/roman-sarcophagi-discovered-near-stadio-olimpico_94468396-1dad-4c03-8a09-f31f3a665f1c.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/24/ancient-roman-sarcophagi-discovered-chance-next-romes-football/
http://www.ansa.it/english/news/lifestyle/arts/2017/08/23/roman-sarcophagi-discovered-near-stadio_ce131439-7bb3-4ea9-902a-331e4ef81b05.html

A virtual reconstruction of the Arch of Titus:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.811165

The discovery of the sunken remains of Neapolis off Tunisia are getting much more press attention now:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-tsunami-sunk-roman-tunisia.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/roman-city-discovered-underwater-ruins-tunisia-tsunami-neapolis-nabuel-cathage-a7924181.html
https://www.thelocal.it/20170901/roman-ruins-sunk-by-tsunami-discovered-in-tunisia
https://www.timesofisrael.com/tsunami-sunk-roman-ruins-discovered-in-tunisia/
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/tsunami-sunk-roman-ruins-discovered-in-tunisia-20170831
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/major-underwater-roman-ruins-discovered-tunisia-170831185305715.html
http://www.newsweek.com/ancient-rome-sunken-city-devastated-tsunami-1600-years-ago-discovered-tunisian-658454
http://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/roman-submerged-ruins-04323/
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ruins-roman-city-found-underwater-180964738/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/5890-170901-tunisia-underwater-neapolis

Hyping the dig at Nicopolis ad Istrum:

http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2017/08/21/422196/veliko-tarnovo-archaeological-research-starts-in-roman-city-of-nicopolis-ad-istrum.html

… and the Roman theatre dig at Bursa:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/roman-theater-in-bursa-to-regain-identity.aspx?pageID=238&nID=117694&NewsCatID=375

They’ll be digging at Zeugma for quite a while apparently:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zeugma-excavations-to-last-a-century-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=117576&NewsCatID=375

They’re restored the stadium at Denizli:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-stadium-in-denizli-under-restoration.aspx?pageID=238&nid=116945&NewsCatID=375

Hopes for more research at Chedworth Roman Villa:

http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/15487343.Visitors_could_in_future_see_what_lies_under_the_ground_at_Chedworth_Roman_Villa_in_three_dimensional_scan_of_buried_ruins/

A conservation plan at Hadrian’s Wall:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41050864

Plans to move Larnaca tennis courts to promote ancient remains:

http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/09/06/larnaca-tennis-courts-moved-showcase-ancient-port-minister-says/

Plans to open the Ploutonion to the public:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2017/09/07/ancient-gate-to-underworld-complex-will-open-for-tourists

A project to publish all the Greek inscriptions in UK collections:

http://eu.greekreporter.com/2017/09/06/cardiff-uni-to-translate-publish-ancient-athens-inscriptions-of-uk-collections/

Greece is apparently going to use the Brexit negotiations to try and recover the Parthenon marbles:

http://www.dw.com/en/greece-could-use-brexit-to-recover-stolen-parthenon-art/a-40038439
https://newsline.com/uk-to-lose-its-marbles-greek-activists-seek-brexit-blockade-to-regain-stolen-parthenon-art/
http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/26983-report-brits-fear-greece-may-stall-brexit-over-parthenon-marbles-return.html

Feature on Commodus:

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/evenings/commodus/8840516

… and Caligula:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/26/opinion/sunday/caligula-roman-empire.html

… and Lucretius:

http://wamc.org/post/david-nightingale-lucretius-philosopher

Feature on Troy:

https://www.livescience.com/38191-ancient-troy.html

… and Monte Testaccio:

https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2017/09/06/rod-mengham/the-eighth-hill-of-rome/

… and the Seven Wonders:

http://www.salon.com/2017/08/20/how-we-lost-the-seven-wonders-of-the-ancient-world/

Feature on Tod and the Colosseum:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/fashion-company-paying-maintain-romes-colosseum/

A guide to the Odyssey:

http://theconversation.com/guide-to-the-classics-homers-odyssey-82911

A feature on Silphium:

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170907-the-mystery-of-the-lost-roman-herb

Kathleen Martinez continues to look for the tomb of Cleopatra:

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2017/08/21/dominican-archaeologist-upbeat-on-finding-cleopatra-efe/

Nice collection of Classical one-liners:

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/that-s-a-classic-trinity-publishes-50-favourite-classical-one-liners-1.3205032

Reviews of Daniel Mendelsohn, *An Odyssey*:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/05/an-odyssey-a-father-a-son-and-an-epic-daniel-mendelsohn-review
http://www.startribune.com/review-an-odyssey-a-father-a-son-and-an-epic-by-daniel-mendelsohn/443098693/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/book-reviews/review-daniel-mendelsohns-an-odyssey-is-bewildering-and-beguiling/article36208816/

Review of Man, *Amazons*:

http://www.thestatesman.com/books-education/amazons-myths-realities-significance-wondrous-woman-warriors-1502488771.html

Review of David Ferry’s *Aeneid* translation:

http://www.weeklystandard.com/lost-and-founder/article/2009587

What Jennifer Chi is up to:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/brooklyn-museum-jennifer-chi-deputy-director-1074644

Concerns for Classics at PLU:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/matt-driscoll/article172160497.html

In case your university needs a Latin motto:

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/honest-latin-mottoes-for-your-overrated-university

More on what xrays revealed in that Herculaneum fresco:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/acs-rah072517.php
https://phys.org/news/2017-08-remarkable-artistry-hidden-ancient-roman.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170821085702.htm
https://www.seeker.com/culture/x-ray-reveals-ancient-roman-portrait-covered-in-mt-vesuvius-ash
https://www.forbes.com/sites/samlemonick/2017/08/21/science-is-uncovering-the-exquisite-detail-in-this-faded-painting/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-unearth-hidden-beauty-of-vesuvius-painting-jgscc59bz
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/elemental-maps-reveal-hidden-beauty-of-roman-portrait/3007876.article
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/x-rays-reveal-details-portrait-once-hidden-under-vesuvius-ash-180964592/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/captivating-new-look-at-ancient-painting-buried-by-volcano.aspx

More on that Justinianic mosaic from near the Damascus Gate:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-rare-byzantine-mosaic-revealed-jerusalem.html
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/234406
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/jerusalem/emperor-justinian-mosaic-inscription-unearthed-near-damascus-gate/2017/08/23/
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-archaeology-idUSKCN1B3195
http://forward.com/fast-forward/380811/miraculous-1-500-year-old-mosaic-unearthed-in-jerusalem/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/rare-byzantine-mosaic-revealed-jerusalems-old-city-132841311.html
http://www.timesofisrael.com/once-in-a-lifetime-find-of-ancient-greek-inscription-uncovered-at-jerusalems-old-city-gate/
http://www.dw.com/en/rare-1500-year-old-mosaic-discovered-in-jerusalem/a-40214870
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-archaeology/israeli-archaeologists-uncover-rare-1500-year-old-mosaic-idUSKCN1B3195?feedType=RSS&feedName=artsNews
http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.808491
http://www.archaeology.org/news/5863-170823-israel-byzantine-inscription

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