Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,

John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,

Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,

Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay,

Don Buck, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week (as always hoping I have left no one out).

… still coming via Yahoo; 796 groups ahead of us in the groups.io queue

================================================================

EARLY HOMINIDS

================================================================

Plenty of coverage of a claim of locating the ‘ancestral homeland’ (Botswana) of all humans:

https://phys.org/news/2019-10-homeland-modern-humans.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191028175138.htm

https://www.livescience.com/mitochondrial-eve-first-human-homeland.html

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/10/experts-question-study-claiming-pinpoint-birthplace-all-humans

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50210701

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/oct/28/ancestral-home-of-modern-humans-is-in-botswana-study-finds

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/have-scientists-found-the-birthplace-of-modern-humans/11648516

https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/10/28/where-was-eden-probably-in-a-sun-baked-salt-plain-in-botswana

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/10/controversial-study-pinpoints-humanitys-homeland/600826/

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/humans-oldest-maternal-ancestors-may-have-arisen-southern-africa

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lush-okavango-delta-pinpointed-as-ancestral-homeland-of-all-living-humans/

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/deadthings/?p=3726

… but the study does have problems:

https://gizmodo.com/scientists-say-new-research-tracing-the-origin-of-moder-1839498847

https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/11/no-a-genetic-study-didnt-pinpoint-the-ancestral-homeland-of-all-humans/

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/cradle-of-modern-human-life-found-in-botswana-maybe

Evidence of ornamental use of eagle talons by Neanderthals from the Iberian peninsula:

https://phys.org/news/2019-11-neanderthal-necklace.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191101143959.htm

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-11/uob-tln103119.php

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/neanderthal-jewellery-last-necklace-found-spain-archaeology-a9181366.html

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-toe-bone-hints-neandertals-used-eagle-talons-jewelry

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/eagle-talon-jewelry-suggests-neanderthals-were-capable-human-thought-180973451/#lbeZrYfH7sGgvBGA.99

Arguing over the dating of petroglyphs in Spain which were recently attributed to Neanderthals:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dating-questions-challenge-whether-neandertals-drew-spanish-cave-art

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8147-191030-spain-neanderthal-cave-art

What we’ve learned about human origins over the past decade:

https://gizmodo.com/how-this-decade-of-archaeology-changed-what-we-know-abo-1839333265

Neanderthals apparently had different gene regulation:

https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/10/neanderthals-were-different-because-their-genes-were-regulated-differently/

First traceological interpretation of sites at Olduvai:

https://phys.org/news/2019-10-experimental-traceological-olduvai-sites.html

More on firemaking capabilities of Neanderthals:

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2019/10/new-evidence-suggests-neanderthals-were-capable-of-starting-fires/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51433-0

https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/neanderthals-were-master-fire-starters-cave-chemistry-suggests/4010595.article

More on Neanderthal tool adhesive:

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50131120

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8138-191028-neanderthal-tool-adhesive

================================================================

AFRICA

================================================================

How Africa got its name:

https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/names-of-africa

================================================================

ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT

================================================================

Fragments of a ‘book’ dating to 2040 BCE from Dayr al-Barsha:

https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/art-culture/76705/rare-document-uncovered-by-egyptologists-at-leuven-university/

Zahi Hawass is repeating his idea that Tut was not murdered:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/77430/Hawass-Tutankhamun-was-not-murdered

Features on the discovery of Tut’s tomb and subsequent impact:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20191029-king-tutankhamun-the-tragic-cause-of-the-pharaohs-cult

https://www.thetablet.co.uk/arts/11/17003/riddles-from-the-sand-tutankhamen-s-impact-on-popular-culture

Feature on Scott Bucking’s work in Egypt:

https://depauliaonline.com/43751/news/depaul-professor-preserves-archaeological-artifacts-from-egypt/

In case you forgot that Zahi Hawass wrote an opera about Tut:

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/archaeologist-zahi-hawass-creates-tutankhamun-opera-to-mark-opening-of-grand-egyptian-museum

11 000 years bp temple structure from Mardin:

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2019/10/30/11300-year-old-neolithic-era-temple-unearthed-in-southeastern-turkeys-mardin

https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/11000-year-old-ancient-temple-found-in-eastern-turkey-3504172

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8153-191101-turkey-mardin-temple

I think we mentioned this study suggesting sandstorms were linked to the fall of the Akkadian Empire:

https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/blog/strong-winter-dust-storms-may-have-caused-the-collapse-of-the-akkadian-empire/

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8146-191030-akkadian-dust-storms-collapse

A petrolglyph from Iran with possible connections to Mithraism:

http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/441574/Newly-found-petroglyph-in-western-Iran-may-have-link-to-Mithraism

Anne Porter was talking about Tell Banat:

https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2019/10/near-eastern-studies-lecture-hosts-archeologist-and-professor-anne-porter

James Fraser was talking about olive oil and the Khirbet Ghozlan excavations:

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/archaeologist-highlights-link-between-contemporary-and-bronze-age-olive-oil-production

Sort of overviewish thing on finds from Shiloh this year:

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-corner-of-Gods-altar-found-in-Shiloh-West-Bank-606477

https://aleteia.org/2019/11/02/excavation-at-site-of-ancient-shiloh-offers-evidence-for-biblical-accounts/

A definitely controversial theory about a ‘lost temple’ in Israel:

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/A-lost-temple-New-findings-might-shatter-Biblical-archeology-paradigm-606207

Israel prevented “arab construction” from destroying Second Temple Era palaces:

https://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/israel-prevents-illegal-arab-construction-from-destroying-second-temple-era-palaces/2019/10/28/

A 1500 years bp church dedicated to a ‘glorious martyr’ at Ramat Beit Shemesh:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/tales-from-a-crypt-shedding-light-on-a-mysterious-female-glorious-martyr/

https://www.friendsofiaa.org/news/2019/10/22/church-of-the-glorious-martyr

Byzantine-era tools from Horbat Usha:

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Volunteers-dig-up-Byzantine-era-tools-at-Usha-during-Sukkot-606339

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/270809

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-1-400-year-old-byzantine-hammer-and-nails-found-in-ancient-jewish-village-of-usha-1.8057194

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5616318,00.html

https://www.timesofisrael.com/nailed-it-rare-1400-year-old-iron-hammer-found-by-family-at-sanhedrin-site/

https://mosaicmagazine.com/picks/history-ideas/2019/10/an-ancient-hammer-and-nails-found-in-what-was-once-a-major-jewish-village-in-the-galilee/

http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2019-10/31/content_75358851.htm

https://www.archaeology.org/news/8155-191101-israel-byzantine-iron

TV hype about the discovery of Knights Templar ‘treasure tunnels’ in Acre:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/knights-templar-secret-tunnels-treasure-tower-israel-acre-a9174776.html

Feature on heritage issues relating to Assyrian artifacts in Iraq:

https://hyperallergic.com/524967/what-ancient-stones-still-mean-to-the-assyrian-people-today/

Not sure where to put this one on the breakup of the Ottoman empire:

https://aeon.co/essays/ottoman-cosmopolitanism-and-the-myth-of-the-sectarian-middle-east

More on the ‘nomadic kingdom’ in the Arava desert:

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium.MAGAZINE-a-chance-discovery-changes-everything-we-know-about-biblical-israel-1.8003920

There seems to be an obsession with Cyrus in the Trump administration:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/11/01/trump-administrations-obsession-with-an-ancient-persian-emperor/

================================================================

ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)

================================================================

Evidence of a Minoan settlement on the ‘islet’ of Chrysi of the coast of Crete:

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2019/11/01/ruins-of-thriving-minoan-settlement-discovered-on-crete/

https://greekcitytimes.com/2019/11/02/minyan-settlement-crete/

Nice feature on this season’s finds at Zominthos:

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/36961-ancient-archives-discovered-at-the-palace-complex-of-zominthos-in-crete.html

A 1900 years bp Latin inscription from Parion:

https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2019/10/28/1900-year-old-mausoleum-tablet-found-in-northwestern-turkey

A 1600 years bp Roman amethyst ring from a Broxted field:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-50236414

Women are excavatng Hera’s city in Turkey:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/women-find-livelihood-in-ancient-city-of-hera-148029

In case you missed the evidence of Gallic importation of wine at the Heuneberg site:

https://cosmosmagazine.com/archaeology/early-celts-believed-wine-should-be-for-all

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8143-191029-germany-celtic-wine

In case you missed it: the Torlonia Collection will soon be on view:

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/rome-to-reveal-hidden-torlonia-collection-of-roman-treasures.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/28/arts/design/torlonia-collection-rome-statues.html

A small statue of Cybele from Plovdiv:

https://sofiaglobe.com/2019/10/27/archaeology-2nd-century-ce-statuette-of-roman-goddess-cybele-found-in-bulgarias-plovdiv/

Feature on Roman remains found beneath a school in Brampton many years ago:

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18008318.unearthing-remnants-schools-hidden-roman-history/

Concerns for Horncastle’s Roman wall:

https://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/news/people/please-help-us-save-horncastle-s-roman-wall-1-9123929

On the Greek origins of Marseille:

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/thematic-tourism/37355-history-tourism-report-the-greek-origins-of-marseille-in-france.html

Paul Cartledge on building an Athenian-style democracy:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-greece/how-to-build-a-democracy-athenian-style/

Helen King on the enduring fascination with Hippocrates:

https://eidolon.pub/spin-doctor-25e50ae71508?source=rss—-d92d9a6e3540—4

Peter Jones ponders Lysistrata and Brexit:

https://www.spectator.co.uk/2019/11/could-a-sex-strike-solve-brexit/

What Madeline Miller is up to:

https://thirdcoastreview.com/2019/10/28/review-madeline-miller-author-of-best-seller-circe-charms-at-chicago-humanities-fest/

Review of Jan Bajtlik, *Greek Myths and Mazes*:

https://medium.com/in-medias-res/classic-parenting-labyrinth-of-delights-181bfcccb264?source=rss—-be29a880a537—4

The Red Sox’s Chaim Bloom has Classical connections:

https://www.masslive.com/sports/2019/10/boston-red-soxs-chaim-bloom-knows-yale-classics-degree-is-unconventional-for-a-baseball-executive-but-it-worked-for-me.html

Photo essay thing on Roman Jerash:

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/30/c_138514151.htm

Feature on the discovery of Thouria:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p07rzrly/the-discovery-of-an-ancient-greek-city

OpEd on the tourist flood at Pompeii:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/travel/pompeii-restoration-overtourism.html

https://gulfnews.com/world/europe/once-buried-now-trammelled-1.67492748

An award for the ‘oldest intact shipwreck’:

http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/culture/2019/10/31/archeaology-paestum-to-award-to-oldest-intact-shipwreck_5b5ef1df-aff6-4259-ac92-3eb51407505f.html

On Latin and Greek in France (paywalled):

https://www.ft.com/content/846e7ccc-f970-11e9-98fd-4d6c20050229

Latest hyping of modern stoicism:

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/how-to-deal-with-life-s-setbacks-think-like-a-stoic-1.4062541

The University of Nebraska Lincoln were hyping their reenactment of the Battle of Actium (with pool noodles):

https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/nextatnebraska/10285/60699

… and then they did it:

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/culture/students-reenact-the-battle-of-actium-with-noodles-narration-in/article_523c12f4-fc46-11e9-b93f-5be9d181e7cd.html

More on that gladiator fresco recently uncovered at Pompeii:

https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/pompeii-fresco-gladiators-28102019/

More on the latest theory about the death of Alexander:

https://neoskosmos.com/en/149838/antiquity-csi-alexander-the-great-a-deduction-of-how-he-actually-died/

—–

Latest reviews from BMCR:

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

Visit our blog:

http://rogueclassicism.com/

================================================================

EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)

================================================================

A study of the plant material found near Otzi and his ‘last journey’:

https://phys.org/news/2019-10-otzi-iceman-bounty-ancient-mosses.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/p-at102419.php

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191030151418.htm

https://www.livescience.com/otzi-iceman-mummy-last-journey-found.html

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/31/europe/otzi-iceman-plants-study-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html

https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/scientists-reconstruct-tzi-the-icemans-frantic-final-climb.aspx

https://www.archaeology.org/news/8149-191031-italy-otzi-iceman-mosses

Suggestion that finds from Blick Mead are Britain’s ‘first city’:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2019/11/02/britains-first-city-discovered-archaeologists-say-home-people/

Remains of Meso/Neolithic timber structures (!) from a Killerby quarry:

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage/stone-age-houses-discovered-at-yorkshire-quarry-could-be-uk-s-first-surviving-examples-using-timber-1-10070019

LiDAR reveals a Bronze Age ring cairn site in Gloucestershire:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-50208092

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2019/10/31/Archaeologist-finds-Bronze-Age-monument-in-British-forest/9661572529599/

https://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/lasers-reveal-intriguing-bronze-age-monument-hidden-in-the-forest-of-dean/

https://www.archaeology.org/news/8148-191031-england-gloucestershire-ring-cairn

Study suggests copper from the Great Orme mine in Wales was widely traded throughout Europe:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-50213846

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8144-191030-wales-copper-mine

A hoard of Byzantine gold hidden during the Hun Invasion of Marcianopolis:

http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2019/10/26/hoard-of-byzantine-gold-coins-hidden-during-hun-invasion-discovered-in-ancient-marcianopolis-in-bulgarias-devnya/

A metal detectorist found a 14th century brooch near Winchester:

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18002137.metal-detectorist-discovers-14th-century-brooch-field-near-winchester/

The drawbridge pit at Pontefract Castle has been revealed:

https://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk/news/community-help-uncover-drawbridge-pit-at-pontefract-castle-archaeological-dig-1-10080194

Nice overview of the finds of the excavation of a bishop’s palace on the River Skerne:

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/history/18009190.archeology-sites-beside-river-skerne-reveal-secrets-prince-bishop-romans/

A Victorian ‘witch bottle’ found at the birthplace of a ‘witch’:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-50186758

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/witch-bottle-full-teeth-pins-and-possibly-urine-discovered-chimney-180973448/

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8151-191031-england-witch-bottle

… and a related feature:

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/tech/4885006/mummified-cats-and-witch-markings-hidden-inside-walls-of-british-homes-to-ward-off-demons/

Possible find of the remains of the Essex dock where the Beagle was dismantled:

https://news.sky.com/story/archaeologists-uncover-essex-dock-where-charles-darwins-ship-was-dismantled-11847417

https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2019-10-28/charles-darwin-s-theory-of-evolution-ship-dismantled-in-essex-research-found/

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8142-191029-dock-hms-beagle

More about the Havering Hoard and its significance:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/havering-hoard-bronze-age-discovery-river-thames-sacred-london-worship-supernatural-a9170956.html

… and the Staffordshire hoard was getting press attention too:

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/nov/01/staffordshire-hoard-archaeologists-academic-research-gold-ornaments

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/staffordshire-hoard-most-important-find-anglo-saxon-history-archaeology-book-a9179781.html

https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1198593/archeology-dark-age-staffordshire-hoard-anglo-saxon-battlefield-treasure

https://www.ibtimes.sg/archaeologists-claim-staffordshire-hoard-most-important-anglo-saxon-find-history-33847

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/staffordshire-hoard-intl-scli-gbr/index.html

Feature/book hype on Westminster Abbey mosaics:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2019/11/01/sacred-mysterieswestminster-abbeys-marvellous-mosaics/

Hyping Auckland Castle:

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/history/18010082.1-000-year-history-auckland-castle-reopens-doors/

Feature on Gary Bankhead’s work in the River Wear:

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-tyne-50183005/the-underwater-archaeologist-unearthing-durham-s-past

Feature on Nick Overton:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/spotlight-on–nick-overton/

Funding to preserve Pictish stones at Dingwall:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-50220335

More on 19th century medical students burying bodies:

https://www.livescience.com/human-bodies-scotland-illicit-medical-students.html

Feature on Black Shuck:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p07rfbd9/black-shuck-the-mythical-hell-hound-from-british-legend

More on the origins of the Bayeux Tapestry:

https://www.livescience.com/bayeux-tapestry-mystery-solved.html

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/architecture-and-math-show-bayeux-tapestry-decorated-cathedral-180973423/

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8141-191029-france-bayeux-tapestry

================================================================

ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC

================================================================

3800 years bp evidence of millet as a staple food from Erlitou:

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/30/c_138515772.htm

A fifth century sculture of 1000 Nagas from Guntur:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/fifth-century-sculpture-found-in-guntur-district/articleshow/71817092.cms

Nice feature on the excavations at Mingtepa:

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/30/c_138515809.htm

Ground penetrating radar reveals why the Khmer capital returned to Angkor afer a very short period:

https://phys.org/news/2019-10-ground-penetrating-radar-reveals-ancient-cambodian.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/fu-gpr103119.php

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191031112525.htm

https://www.sciencealert.com/new-radar-study-reveals-the-failure-that-forced-the-khmer-empire-to-move-its-capital

https://www.archaeology.org/news/8150-191031-cambodia-water-koh-ker

Remains of a 2000 years bp trading centre at Andra Pradesh:

https://www.indiatoday.in/top-stories/story/asi-2000-year-old-trade-centre-andhra-pradesh-1614545-2019-10-31

On the oldest clove and what it reveals about the spice trade:

https://madrascourier.com/insight/what-the-worlds-oldest-clove-tells-us-about-early-spice-trade/

A Buddha statue excavated at Angkor Thom will be restored:

https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/excavated-ancient-buddha-statue-being-restored

Analysis of a hero storne from Selakarichal, 30 years after its discovery:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/inscriptions-on-hero-stone-reveal-antiquity-30-years-after-discovery/article29835387.ece

Excavations will resume in Keezhadi in January:

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/sixth-phase-excavations-keezhadi-begin-january-111397

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sixth-season-of-excavations-at-keeladi-to-begin-in-jan/1651171

Feature on the excavations of Vaigai Valley civilization remains in Keeladi:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/unearthing-an-ancient-civilisation/article29856930.ece

Feature on the Great Wall of Gorgan:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/441575/The-Great-Wall-of-Gorgan-longest-ancient-barrier-between-Central

Feature on the Pulemelei Mound/pyramid:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p07sffnj/uncovering-the-pyramid-of-polynesia-consumed-by-the-jungle

Feature on a petition sent to Queen Victoria about prisoners being sent to Australia:

https://theconversation.com/sydneys-9-189-sister-politicians-who-petitioned-queen-victoria-124274

Feature on goldfish in Japanese art:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191028-old-gold-an-enduring-love-of-a-humble-fish-in-japanese-art

Feature on restoration of artifacts at Beijing’s Old Summer Palace:

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3035602/treasures-beijings-old-summer-palace-restored-painstaking

Some interesting 19th century personal care items excavated at a rail station construction site in Brisbane:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-03/discoveries-of-artefacts-under-cross-river-rail-site/11667486

… and from a did at a Duneden Cadbury car park (New Zealand):

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12280172

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/401887/archaeologists-find-items-from-1800s-at-old-dunedin-chocolate-factory

There was a fire at Shuri Castle in Okinawa:

https://news.yahoo.com/fire-engulfs-world-heritage-castle-japans-okinawa-232808823.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-50244169

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/asia/shuri-castle-fire-intl/index.html

https://www.scmp.com/video/asia/3035706/fire-engulfs-japans-600-year-old-shuri-castle-world-heritage-site-okinawa

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/japan-shuri-castle-fire-blaze-engulfs-ancient-world-heritage-site

https://www.dw.com/en/japans-shuri-castle-engulfed-by-fire/a-51060707

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fire-ravages-shuri-castle-japanese-heritage-site-180973446/

================================================================

NORTH AMERICA

================================================================

Spanish Armour Plate from North Carolina:

https://www.bpr.org/post/exploring-southern-appalachia-conquistadors-and-catawba#stream/0

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8140-191028-north-carolina-spaniards

Latest ideas on the sinking of the Hunley:

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/military/article236813773.html

https://abcnews4.com/news/local/researchers-hunleys-air-circulation-system-may-not-have-functioned-before-sub-vanished

https://www.archaeology.org/news/8154-191101-submarine-air-system

New York’s Last Fire Watchtower has been restored:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/nyregion/harlem-fire-watchtower-nyc.html

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-yorks-last-fire-watchtower-has-been-restored-180973419/

Plenty of finds at a dig at Oshkosh headquarters:

https://newsfeed.oshkoshexaminer.com/2019/10/archeological-dig-at-oshkosh.html

There are more lost cemeteries in Tampa to be found, apparently:

https://www.tampabay.com/news/tampa/2019/10/28/more-lost-cemeteries-will-be-found-historians-say/

Feature on a recently identified ‘sugar barn’ at Sienna Plantation:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/article/fort-bend-last-sugarhouse-plantation-slavery-14556046.php

A Connecticut home that has been in the same family since the 1600s is up for sale:

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/CT-Home-That-Has-Belonged-to-Same-Family-Since-1600s–11-Generations–Goes-Up-for-Sale-564243681.html

Review of Lockwood, *To Begin the World Over Again*:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/books/review/to-begin-the-world-over-again-matthew-lockwood.html

Reviewish (podcast?) of Edmund Morris, *Edison*:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/books/review/thomas-edison-biography-edmund-morris-demi-moore-julie-andrews-carly-simon-memoirs.htmlw

Review of Hamalainen, *Lakota America*:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/22/books/review-lakota-america-pekka-hamalainen.html

More on those west-oriented (!) burials at Jamestown:

https://www.winchesterstar.com/associated_press/virginia/jamestown-mystery-archaeologists-unearth-a-churchyard-grave/article_1e723ea7-f9fc-5752-8c7d-e5bc6c573ecc.html

https://www.djournal.com/jamestown-mystery-archaeologists-unearth-a-churchyard-grave/image_514c33dd-d015-5542-adc6-1067499425db.html

Victor Nuovo on the US-Mexican war:

https://addisonindependent.com/opeds/victor-nuovo-us-mexican-war

Protection concerns for shipwrecks off Florida:

https://www.theledger.com/opinion/20191030/guest-column-destruction-of-500-year-old-industry

The weird weather last week dislodged a 100+ wreck above Niagara Falls (it’s always been known):

https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/02/americas/niagara-falls-weather-iron-scow-trnd/index.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/11/02/iron-scow-niagara-falls-dislodged-severe-weather-after-101-years/4144104002/

================================================================

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

================================================================

I think we mentioned this 17th century decorated Aztec tunnel in Mexico:

https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2019/10/archaeologists-discover-secret-aztec-tunnel-built-600-years-ago-by-emperor-moctezuma/

https://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/archaeologists-uncover-17thcentury-mexican-tunnel-decorated-with-mysterious-aztec-carvings/

Evidence of lead poisoning among Barbados slaves:

https://phys.org/news/2019-10-isotope-analysis-source-poisoning-slaves.html

Feature on the Day of the Dead:

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2019/10/30/day-dead-visual-guide-remembering-loved-ones-mexico/2457116001/

Feature on Monte Verde:

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2019/11/01/monte-verde-our-earliest-evidence-of-humans-living-in-south-america/

Chichen Itza is in danger of losing heritage status:

https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2019/10/archaeological-site-of-chichen-itza-at-risk-of-losing-unescos-recognition/

More on quarrying rock for moai statues contributing to fertility of the soil on Easter Island:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/quarrying-stone-easter-island-statues-made-soil-more-fertile-farming

http://www.archaeology.org/news/8139-191028-easter-island-quarry

—–

Mike Ruggeri’s Ancient Americas Breaking News:

http://goo.gl/1VdeA

Ancient MesoAmerica News:

http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/

================================================================

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

================================================================

A study suggests human activities boosted global soil erosion some 4000 years bp:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/indl-hab102919.php

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191029131456.htm

Not sure where to put this semi-annual (it seems) item on a 10th skeleton from Prague Castle which was ‘hijacked’ by Nazis and Soviets:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50082866

https://forward.com/culture/434005/the-warrior-skeleton-claimed-by-nazis-and-then-by-soviets/

A student wrote and defended her doctoral thesis in Quechua:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/peru-student-roxana-quispe-collantes-thesis-inca-language-quechua

Feature on Wittgenstein’s home:

https://aeon.co/essays/if-you-stand-in-wittgensteins-home-will-you-think-like-him

On some of the scientific opposition to Galileo:

https://aeon.co/ideas/opposition-to-galileo-was-scientific-not-just-religious

On history and philosophy:

https://aeon.co/essays/history-and-philosophy-should-make-us-feel-baffled-and-strange

Feature on the Codex Vaticanus, which is now available to all:

https://fr.aleteia.org/2019/10/27/le-codex-vaticanus-longtemps-garde-secret-desormais-accessible-a-tous/

The Vatican has renamed the ‘secret archives’:

https://zenit.org/articles/vaticans-secret-archives-renamed-apostolic-archives/

Feature on the contraposto pose:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-pose-preferred-renaissance-artists-so-appealing-180973417/

Assorted ‘history of halloween’ type things:

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/oct/26/halloween-ancient-graves-give-up-secrets-michael-rosen-british-museum-folkton-drums

https://neoskosmos.com/en/149996/halloween-and-the-greeks-reviving-a-pagan-tradition/

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/limelight/witches-iowa-state-history-halloween-spooky-ghosts-werewolves-zombies-clowns-witchcraft/article_c70c76e6-fb79-11e9-bbfe-ef52068bc18a.html

https://thecostaricanews.com/halloween-from-ancient-european-folk-tale-to-worldwide-celebration/

http://observer.case.edu/halloweens-2000-year-old-history/

https://menafn.com/1099208659/Halloween-From-Ancient-European-Folk-Tale-To-Worldwide-Celebration

https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/jack-o-lantern-turnips-ireland

… and with a vampire focus:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-10/acs-vfh103119.php

… and a rabies connection to vampires and werewolves:

https://www.livescience.com/rabies-inspired-werewolf-vampire-folktales.html

A painting of Machiavelli possibly by Leonardo (!):

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/possible-leonardo-portrait-machiavelli-1692961

Feature on the 1619 project:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/30/magazine/1619-project-live-at-the-smithsonian.html

Not sure where to put this item on Museo:

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/out-of-the-glass-case-museum-heists-and-repatriations

Not sure where to put this one involving a Madras court ordering the ASI to send a Quran to Oxford to figure out how old it is:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/nov/01/madras-hc-directs-asi-to-send-samples-of-antique-quran-to-oxford-to-ascertain-how-old-it-is-2055375.html

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/to-get-a-fix-on-antiquity-samples-of-tiny-quran-to-be-analysed/article29836440.ece

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/madras-hc-directs-asi-to-send-samples-of-antique-quran-to-oxford-to-ascertain-how-old-it-is/1652635

On why Vesuvius was so destructive:

https://www.newsweek.com/infamous-vesuvius-eruption-pompeii-explosive-1467197

On the origins of apple pie:

https://slate.com/culture/2019/10/apple-pie-recipe-history-origin-american.html

Someone forgot their 18th century violin on the train:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/28/musician-asks-public-for-help-after-leaving-c18th-violin-on-train

On what ‘provenance’ means in the facebook world:

https://hyperallergic.com/525472/mark-zuckerberg-provenance/r

We might be hearing more from the fallout of this Macklowe divorce case:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/veteran-dealer-michael-findlay-selling-macklowes-collection-1690156

================================================================

MUSEUM MATTERS

================================================================

Ancient Nubia Now:

https://www.pri.org/stories/2019-10-31/how-father-american-egyptology-underestimated-what-some-call-real-life-wakanda

Cypriot archaeology:

https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/10/26/cypriot-archaeology-on-show-in-the-netherlands/

Alien Property:

https://observer.com/2019/10/tell-halaf-syria-artifacts-ended-up-in-metropolitan-museum-collection-rayyane-tabet/

Pre Raphaelite Sisters:

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/10/women-artists-not-muses-londons-national-portrait-gallery/601024/

Tut (in London … various coverage and focus):

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/nov/01/tutankhamuns-glitzy-farewell-tour-a-timely-promotion-for-egypt

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/preview/cursed-horn-trumpets-king-tut-s-final-grand-tour-before-returning-to-egypt

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/a-breathtaking-show-with-prices-to-match

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tutankhamun-exhibition-returns-london-for-last-time-first-look-saatchi-gallery-tq7zmn5dd

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/art/what-to-see/tutankhamun-treasures-golden-pharaoh-review-over-familiar-story/

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/nov/01/tutankhamuns-glitzy-farewell-tour-a-timely-promotion-for-egypt

https://news.sky.com/story/tutankhamun-returns-to-london-to-celebrate-100-years-since-tombs-discovery-11851058

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/77407/Egyptian-embassy-in-London-celebrates-Tutankhamun-exhibition

DaVinci (Louvre):

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/louvre-blockbuster-spotlights-leonardo-da-vinci-500-years-on-147940

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/leonardo-da-vinci-exhibition-paris-louvre-mona-lisa-france-art-snobbery-a9176276.html

https://www.wsj.com/articles/leonardo-da-vinci-review-genius-in-its-many-stages-11572380692

19th century photography:

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/eye-of-sun-national-gallery-photos/index.html

https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2019/eye-sun-nineteenth-century-photos.html

Boston Massacre:

https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2019/10/25/who-yelled-fire-at-the-boston-massacre-a-new-massachusetts-historical-society-exhibit-has-the-facts

Kennicott Bible:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/spanish-hebrew-medieval-bible-kennicott-galicia-spain-exhibition?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Outlook

Feature on the challenges faced by the Basra Museum:

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/10/basra-museum-keeping-iraqs-heritage-in-iraq.html

On decolonizing the Hunterian:

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/decolonising-hunterian-how-museum-confront-17135359

The Prado is sharing some items with Cuba:

https://elpais.com/cultura/2019/10/30/actualidad/1572430579_701399.html

OpEd on the upcoming Troy exhibition at the British Museum:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/03/british-museum-troy-myth-reality-horse-bp-bbc-samira-ahmed-pay

The Getty was not affected by the recent fires in California:

http://blogs.getty.edu/iris/getty-center-safe-2019-fire/

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-wildfire-gettycenter/as-wildfire-rages-las-fire-proof-getty-museum-sees-no-risk-to-art-idUSKBN1X82P2

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-10-28/getty-fire-getty-center-museum-art-is-safe

Funding for Trimonitium Museum expansion:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-50233642

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18004232.trimontium-museum-expansion-gets-scots-taxpayer-finance/

Brian May has plans for a stereoscopic photography museum:

https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2019103179918/queen-brian-may-plans-open-museum-diableries/

Latest transfers to the GEM:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/76287/GEM-receives-140-artifacts-from-Egyptian-Museum

Feature on the Easter State Penitentiary museum:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/10/25/eastern-state-penitentiarys-haunted-attraction-preserves-sites-historic-legacy/

================================================================

AUCTIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

================================================================

That painting found in the kitchen of an elderly French woman fetched a huge price at auction:

https://www.livescience.com/Cimabue-hot-plate-painting-sells-at-auction.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50201691

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/renaissance-painting-cimabue-found-kitchen-france-sells-24m-euros-auction

https://www.dw.com/en/art-masterpiece-discovered-in-womans-kitchen-sells-for-24-million/a-51008771

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/cimabue-masterpiece-discovered-scli-intl/index.html

https://www.fox5ny.com/news/monumental-masterpiece-found-in-elderly-womans-kitchen-sells-for-26-6m

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/arts/design/cimabue-painting-auction.html

Spain recovered (via auction) some Carlos III furniture:

https://elpais.com/cultura/2019/10/30/actualidad/1572471494_548218.html

Some interesting items at TEFAF:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/tefaf-new-york-2019-1694988

INAH was unsuccessful preventing another auction in France:

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/another-unsuccessful-bid-to-stop-antiquities-auction/

================================================================

THE TECHY SIDE

================================================================

Latest facial reconstruction is of that Viking warrior woman, now dubbed Erica the Red:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/02/viking-woman-warrior-face-reconstruction-national-geographic-documentary

Using tech to recreate the lamassu statues in the British Museum:

http://www.aina.org/ata/20191030175431.htm

================================================================

ON THE DNA FRONT

================================================================

Feature on plague genetics:

https://www.knowablemagazine.org/article/health-disease/2019/black-death-bubonic-plague-genetics

================================================================

CLIMATE MATTERS

================================================================

In case you missed the possible evidence confirming the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/29/world/ice-age-extraterrestrial-impact-scn/index.html

https://www.9news.com.au/world/younger-dryas-impact-hypothesis-scientists-find-evidence-of-asteroid-that-wiped-out-mammoths/60901a3d-2d6c-4705-935a-fed04aced8fe

https://fox59.com/2019/10/29/study-supports-hypothesis-something-crashed-into-earth-13000-years-ago-led-to-extinction-of-ice-age-animals/

… not sure if this is related (Clovis) or not:

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/new-dig-supports-asteroid-theory-of-sc-tribe-disappearance/article_470a32d0-f66a-11e9-8b65-a7f12d9d6178.html

================================================================

TOURISTY THINGS

================================================================

Bozcaada:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/annabel/2019/10/28/a-secret-aegean-island-paradise-bozcaada/

================================================================

PERFORMANCES

================================================================

Orpheus and Eurydice:

https://westender.com.au/orpheus-and-eurydice-the-twisted-underbelly-of-love/

https://www.broadwayworld.com/rhode-island/article/BTW-Presents-EURYDICE-20191029

Oedipus Rex:

https://www.theatermania.com/shows/new-york-city-theater/off-broadway/oedipus-rex_331926

Aeronauts:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-50168207

Harriet:

https://slate.com/culture/2019/10/harriet-movie-historical-accuracy-fact-fiction.html

================================================================

CRIME BEAT

================================================================

Three people were arrested for trading antiquities in Assuit:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/76266/3-persons-arrested-for-trading-in-archeological-artifacts-in-Assuit

UNESCO’s latest efforts to combat trafficking of antiquities:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/76278/UNESCO-adopts-Egyptian-initiative-to-combat-trafficking-of-cultural-property

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

================================================================

A 244 years bp rifle stolen in the 1970s was returned:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/us/valley-forge-stolen-rifle.html

How to return a ‘tribal’ item:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/24/magazine/how-to-return-a-tribal-item.html

================================================================

NUMISMATICA

================================================================

Feature on bridges on Roman coins:

https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ngc-ancients-bridges-on-roman-coins/

Latest e-Sylum:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v22/club_nbs_esylum_v22n27.html

… and the one which should appear later today:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v22/club_nbs_esylum_v22n28.html

————————

Ancient Coin Collecting:

http://ancientcoincollecting.blogspot.com/

Ancient Coins:

http://classicalcoins.blogspot.com/

Coin Week:

http://www.coinweek.com/

================================================================

OBITUARIES

================================================================

Sheldon Breiner:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/science/sheldon-breiner-dead.html

================================================================

AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS

================================================================

Audio News from Archaeologica:

https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/2895-audio-news-from-archaeologica-october-20-through-october-26-2019

================================================================

CONFERENCES

================================================================

CBA Wessex Annual Conference (November 2019):

https://www.cba-wessex.org.uk/product-category/conference/

================================================================

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

Archaeology Podcast Network:

http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/

The Book and the Spade:

http://www.radioscribe.com/bknspade.htm

================================================================

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