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

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

Bob Heuman, David Critchley, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, David Emery, Feral Boy,

Richard Campbell, Richard C. Griffiths, Rick Pettigrew, and Ross W. Sargent for headses

upses this week (as always hoping I have left no one out).

Happy New Year to those following whatever calendar it is that rolled over to 2017 today ….

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

EARLY HOMINIDS

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

Learning about diet 1.2 million years bp from dental plaque from Atapuerca:

http://www.livescience.com/57278-early-humans-ate-raw-meat.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/12/19/a-researcher-discovered-how-cave-men-cleaned-their-teeth-it-will-make-you-want-to-brush-yours/

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/a-researcher-discovered-how-cave-men-cleaned-their-teeth-it-will-make-you-want-to-brush-yours

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/world/researcher+discovered+cave+cleaned+their+teeth+will+make+want+brush/12560611/story.html

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-cavemen-toothpicks.html

Suggestion that Neanderthals were cannibals arises again:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-caves-neanderthals-cannibals.html

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/world/deep+belgian+caves+researchers+find+neanderthals+feasted/12614839/story.html

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/1171649/the-caves-that-prove-neanderthals-were-cannibals

Suggestion that Neanderthals made boats:

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/12/27/neanderthals-in-a-boat-not-such-a-far-fetched-notion-after-all.html

What we can learn from footprints:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2016/1214/How-much-can-we-learn-about-a-human-ancestor-from-one-footprint

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fossil-footprints-show-movements-our-earliest-ancestors-180961471/

Overviewish on where we are in evolutionary studies:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/22/why-were-closer-than-ever-to-a-timeline-for-human-evolution

Another modern ailment blamed on evolution:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38251031

More on Chatelperronian items being made by Neanderthals:

http://www.archaeology.org/issues/242-1701/trenches/5099-trenches-neanderthal-proteins

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

AFRICA

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

Earliest evidence of plants being cooked in pottery comes from the Libyan Sahara, 10 000 years bp:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-earliest-evidence-cooked-ancient-pottery.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/uob-eed121616.php

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161219134457.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38366109

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.761442

http://www.archaeology.org/5146-161219-hunter-gatherer-cooking

http://www.latercera.com/noticia/descubren-neolitico-ya-se-cocinaban-plantas-vasijas-barro/

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/earliest-evidence-discovered-of-plants-cooked-in-ancient-pottery

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

ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT

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

A 5000 years bp petroglyph from the Egyptian Sahara was getting some press attention:

http://www.livescience.com/57311-5000-year-old-nativity-scene-found.html

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5162-161223-sahara-birth-painting

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4063638/Egyptian-Nativity-scene-predates-Jesus-3-000-years.html

A 3000 years bp ‘stone’ (column drum?) turns up in an Egyptian meat shop:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2016/12/21/3-000-year-old-stone-discovered-in-Egypt-butcher-shop.html

Chinese archaeologists want to excavate in Egypt:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1026260.shtml

Finds from Qubbet al Hawa (including a retaining wall of some sort) suggest there are more tombs to be found there:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/253556/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Archaeologists-find-compelling-evidence-for-new-to.aspx

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/pharaonic-tomb-aged-over-4200-years-discovered-aswan

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-ancient-tombs-qubbet-el-hawa-aswan.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161222094925.htm

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/university-birmingham-researchers-discover-new-ancient-tombs

http://www.latinpost.com/articles/129395/20161226/archeologists-unearth-new-ancient-egyptian-tombs-belonging-unknown-pharaohs.htm

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/compelling-evidence-for-future-tomb-discoveries-at-qubbet-el-hawa-in-aswan

http://www.archaeology.org/5154-161221-egypt-qubbet-al-hawa-wall

Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and Ministry of Tourism seem to be getting along:

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/12/29/607223/

Feature on the Lydian Kingdom’s ‘culinary culture’:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lydian-kingdoms-culinary-culture-revealed-in-excavations-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107479&NewsCatID=375

4000 years bp (maybe) remains from Kuwait:

http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/ancient-remains-found-subbiya/

http://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/Ancient_remains_found_in_North_Kuwait-ZAWYA20161219051016/

More DSS fragments are turning up:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.760249

http://forward.com/fast-forward/357916/archaeologists-discover-new-dead-sea-scroll-fragments-in-remote-cave-hideou/

Plenty of attention for a coin of Antiochus in Jerusalem:

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=38875

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Rare-coin-from-King-Antiochuss-rule-discovered-in-Jerusalem-475963

http://www.timesofisrael.com/coin-struck-by-vilified-king-from-hanukkah-story-found-in-jerusalem/

… and for a bowl fragment with the name Hyrcanus on it:

http://www.antiquities.org.il/Article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&subj_id=240&id=4240

http://www.livescience.com/57332-ancient-stone-bowl-hebrew-engraving.html

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Article.aspx?id=476164

http://www.timesofisrael.com/archaeologists-unearth-name-linked-to-hasmonean-kings-etched-on-jerusalem-stone/

http://artdaily.com/news/92682/Archaeologists-discover-a-stone-bowl-engraved-with-a-rare-Hebrew-inscription

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5159-161222-jerusalem-engraved-bowl

Feature on oldest images of Hanukkah menorahs:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.760257

… related:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-does-the-hanukkah-menorah-have-nine-branches-1481897288

http://forward.com/culture/356906/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-menorahs-but-were-afraid-to-ask/

http://www.timesofisrael.com/7-facts-about-menorahs-the-most-enduring-symbol-of-the-jewish-people/

A First Temple era wall at Tel Dan collapsed because of heavy rain this week:

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Article.aspx?id=476662

http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.761615

http://www.timesofisrael.com/biblical-era-tel-dan-wall-collapses-as-storms-hit-northern-israel/

http://www.archaeology.org/5166-161228-israel-tel-dan-wall

Feature on plastered skulls from various places:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.760597

Restoring synagogues in Cairo’s Jewish quarter:

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/egypt-cairo-jewish-quarter-synagogues.html

Pondering ‘Jesus sites’ in Jerusalem:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-1.760614

… and some tiles are being given a Jesus connection:

http://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/christianity/archaeologists-unearth-floor-tiles-jesus-may-walked

Feature on Lifta:

http://www.haaretz.com/1.760207

… and Khirbet Qeiyafa:

http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Two-gates-at-least-two-opinions-473553

Not sure if we mentioned this Ancient Jerusalem app:

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=39189

Feature on Assurnasirpal’s palace:

http://www.aina.org/ata/20161231030004.htm

Connecting Hanukkah and Trump:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/12/23/what-the-hanukkah-story-teaches-us-about-the-trump-administration/

More on the restoration of an Ottoman-era clock tower in Jaffa:

http://www.archaeology.org/5152-161220-jaffa-ottoman-clock-tower

More on ancient polluted rivers in Jordan:

http://www.livescience.com/57168-earliest-polluted-river-found-jordan.html

A plan to save sites/artifacts in the Middle East:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14995969.Experts_to_draw_up_plans_on_how__to_save_treasures_in_Middle_East/

Latest on Aleppo:

http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2016/dec/25/ruin-in-once-vital-aleppo-soars-into-bi/

Latest on looting in Iraq:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11775287

http://www.fredericksburg.com/news/news-wire/turning-iraq-history-to-rubble-leaving-the-mess-to-looters/article_ac7cb75c-2d9e-544e-a26b-8ca3bb71a540.html

http://www.timesofisrael.com/is-turned-iraqs-history-to-rubble-now-the-mess-has-been-left-to-looters/

On Agatha Christie at Nimrud:

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/agatha-christie-had-littleknown-role-in-ancient-nimrud-35332060.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/agatha-christie-had-little-known-role-in-ancient-nimrud/2016/12/31/cdc49caa-cf2d-11e6-85cd-e66532e35a44_story.html

http://www.timesofisrael.com/agatha-christie-had-little-known-role-in-ancient-nimrud/

.. and Nimrud today:

http://thecourier.com/world-news/2016/12/31/3000-years-ago-it-ruled-the-mideast-now-blown-to-pieces/

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/3000-years-ago-ruled-mideast-now-blown-pieces-44483868

http://rudaw.net/mobile/english/middleeast/iraq/19122016

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

ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)

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

They’re still finding things at Knossos:

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/21698-minoan-civilization-capital-knossos-to-reveal-more-treasures.html

Assorted interesting Hellenistic finds from Nea Paphos:

http://cyprus-mail.com/2016/12/19/skeleton-well-ancient-surgery-among-paphos-archaeological-finds/

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5149-161219-cyprus-nea-paphos-medical

… and Palaepaphos:

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/21516-80-meter-classical-period-wall-discovered-unearthed-at-palaepaphos-in-cyprus.html

2000 years bp Roman burials from Kutahya:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/roman-era-tombs-found-in-kutahya-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107653&NewsCatID=375

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/12/22/2000-year-old-roman-tombs-discovered-in-central-turkey

http://www.archaeology.org/5156-161222-turkey-roman-cotyaeum

Latest from Magarsus:

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/12/28/ancient-theater-stadium-in-adana-nearly-unearthed

http://www.archaeology.org/5167-161228-turkey-magarsus-theater

Latest on the harbour at Corinth:

http://www.livescience.com/57330-ancient-corinth-harbor.html

The ‘Victoria of Calvatone’, missing since WWII, turns up in Russia:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/lost-roman-antiquity-found-in-russia-797810

Roman Caistor St Edmund is the latest site to be designated ‘bigger than previously thought’:

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/roman_town_at_caistor_st_edmund_up_to_three_times_bigger_than_previously_thought_new_dig_reveals_1_4812665

Latest from the Lechaion Harbour Project:

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2016/12/21/greek-danish-archaeologists-discover-more-of-ancient-corinth-port-video/

http://www.archaeology.org/5153-161221-ancient-harbor-lechaion

Funerary implications of some Roman shrines at Kilkenny:

http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/228410/roman-shrines-on-freestone-hill-kilkenny-infer-drinking-at-funerals-not-a-modern-thing.html

Pondering the Neronian persecution:

https://cruxnow.com/commentary/2016/12/18/maybe-nero-didnt-persecute-christians/

Latest in the Thessaloniki metro station saga:

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/society/21636-court-approves-plans-for-antiquities-at-thessaloniki-metro-station.html

On the origins of some Greek Myths:

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20161220-the-strange-inspirations-behind-greek-myths

Feature on Saturnalia:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/retro-baltimore/bal-retro-baltimore-remembering-saturnalia-the-pagan-precursor-to-christmas-20161221-story.html

Feature on the Falkirk Hoard:

http://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/falkirk-s-greatest-roman-discovery-1-4327903

On the origins of the Etruscans:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jun/18/italy.johnhooper?CMP=share_btn_fb

Some Roman movies to get you through the holiday season:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/drsarahbond/2016/12/23/five-roman-history-films-to-binge-watch-this-holiday-season-and-some-to-feed-to-the-beasts/

Feature on Lucian and Star Wars:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/intergalactic-battle-ancient-rome-180961416/

What Mary Beard isn’t up to:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/27/mary-beard-stumbles-upon-priceless-set-henry-viii-tapestries/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/king-henry-viii-tapestry-mystery-new-york-city-rug-gallery-shop/

More on that Gargilius inscription:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/underwater-hebrew-tablet-reveals-biblical-143000683.html

More on the (re)discovery of Vlochos:

http://www.thelocal.se/20161212/swedish-archaeologists-unearth-lost-ancient-city-in-greece

https://www.yahoo.com/news/excavations-greek-village-reveal-ancient-142500997.html

http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/12/13/ciencia/1481627728_488694.html

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2016/1214/Ancient-Greek-backwater-actually-a-bustling-metropolis-research-shows

More on the folks keeping an eye on Libya’s Roman antiquities:

http://artdaily.com/news/92652/The-unlikely-saviours-of-Libya-s-Roman-remains

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/12/24/the-unlikely-saviors-of-libyas-roman-remains

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-unlikely-aviors-of-libyas-roman-remains.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107634&NewsCatID=375

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/22/12/2016/The-unlikely-saviours-of-Libya-s-Roman-remains

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20161222000580

—–

Latest reviews from BMCR:

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

Visit our blog:

http://rogueclassicism.com/

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

EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)

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

Remains of a 6000 years bp mask from Germany:

http://www.dw.com/en/archaeologists-identify-6000-year-old-mask/av-36870712

A Celtic brooch from Norway with a Viking connection:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161219084638.htm

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/bronze-celtic-brooch-from-viking-raids-found-in-norway

http://www.archaeology.org/5157-161222-norway-celtic-brooch

A strange, twisted Anglo Saxon saint/king burial from Lincolnshire:

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/was-an-anglo-saxon-saint-or-king-buried-at-lost-monastery-in-lincolnshire/story-29998427-detail/story.html

http://www.archaeology.org/5158-161222-anglo-saxon-burial

A medieval ring from Sherwood Forest is being tested:

http://metro.co.uk/2016/12/19/treasure-hunter-finds-medieval-ring-in-robin-hoods-sherwood-forest-6332401/

Reports of turkey (and other fowl) bones from a dig at a 16th century (give or take) site excavated in the 1970s (+) at Norton Priory:

http://www.archaeology.org/5161-161223-england-monks-turkey

Fragments of a Pakistan-made carpet from a 17th century Dutch shipwreck:

http://www.livescience.com/57287-lavish-carpet-found-17th-century-shipwreck.html

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/17th-century-indian-carpet-discovered-in-dutch-shipwreck/story-i1u7MD8FgxfF4JvpMffXaP.html

http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/17th-century-indian-carpet-discovered-in-dutch-shipwreck-4448392/

Challenging claims about Banquo’s Walk:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-38377398

http://www.scotsman.com/news/myth-of-highland-clan-road-dispelled-after-150-years-1-4322330

http://www.archaeology.org/5150-161220-scotland-banquo-s-walk

Some standing stones may have been erected to commemorate Bannockburn:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14994252.___Ancient____standing_stones_are_linked_to_1314_battle/

http://www.archaeology.org/5172-161230-scotland-standing-stones

A controversial suggestion about Newgrange’s ‘sun trap’:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/archaeologist-questions-validity-of-monuments-ancient-roof-box-35313576.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/newgrange-sun-trap-may-be-only-50-years-old-says-archaeologist-1.2913483

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/iconic-newgrange-monument-could-just-9495973

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/winter-solstice-newgrange-sun-trap-might-be-modern-invention/

… but:

http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/newgrange-the-archaeological-evidence-1.2916654

Plans to search for a missing column in Venice:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/18/venetians-hope-solve-mystery-giant-stone-column-disappeared/

Plans to restore the Tolpuddle Martyrs old chapel:

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/dec/27/tolpuddle-martyrs-old-chapel-restored-place-sit-think

On where they used to hang pirates in London:

http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20161216-the-london-gallows-where-pirates-were-hanged

Comparing Brexit and the treaty of Troyes:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-38326618

Concerns for Altomuenster Abbey:

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ae495ab4c2a94f649360f0049505003a/scholars-fret-about-fate-holy-grail-german-abbey-books

Review of Guy, *Elizabeth*:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/dec/27/elizabeth-forgotten-years-john-guy-review

More on the Lascaux replication:

http://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000004789226/lascaux-caves-paleolithic-and-new-again.html?smid=nytcore-iphone-share&smprod=nytcore-iphone

—–

Archaeology in Europe Blog:

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

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

ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC

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

Old(est?) petroglyphs from Iran:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-archaeologist-uncovers-possibly-one-of-worlds-oldest-rock-etchings/

http://artdaily.com/news/92373/The-ibex-code–deciphering-Iran-s-ancient-rock-art

Pre Qin sites from Sichuan:

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2016-12/19/content_27709813.htm

http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2016-12/22/content_39962194.htm

Another 2000 years bp burial from Hebei:

http://www.indialivetoday.com/archaeologists-in-chinas-hebei-province-unearths-2000-year-old-tomb/81363.html

Evidence of horse sacrifice at the Yongshan Blood Pool:

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2016/12/19/evidence-horse-sacrifices-yongshan-blood-pool/

A roundup of the major archaeological discoveries in China in 2016:

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2016-12/23/content_27753670.htm

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2016-12/23/content_27753651.htm

http://www.ecns.cn/visual/hd/2016/12-29/114880.shtml

Remains of the Sanada Maru fortress at Osaka Castle:

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201612250005.html

http://www.archaeology.org/5168-161229-japan-sanada-maru

Latest from the Inariyama Burial Mound:

http://www.archaeology.org/5171-161230-japan-inariyama-mound

A 3000 years bp urn child burial from Nadapuram:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/Bones-of-child-found-in-megalithic-urn/article16927874.ece

Rethinking the identity of the ‘Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl’:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/mohenjodaro-dancing-girl-is-parvati-claims-ichr-journal-4444981/

http://www.dailyo.in/arts/mohenjodaro-dancing-girl-shiva-parvati-ys-rao-ichr-itihaas-thakur-prasad-verma/story/1/14736.html

… meanwhile they’re trying to attract archaeologists back to Mohenjodaro:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1275665/moen-jo-daro-excavation-site-undergoing-maintenance-attract-archaeologists/

Plans to search for a necropolis in MIzoram:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Search-for-one-of-worlds-biggest-necropolis-sites-to-begin-in-Mizoram/articleshow/56108681.cms

Studying the Kinh Thien Palace:

http://www.archaeology.org/5170-161229-kinh-thien-palace

Feature on pre-communist Russia:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4048640/Pictured-Remarkable-pictures-days-Russian-Empire-revolution-country-ancient-traditions-colourful-cultures.html

More on burials found in a Beijing suburb:

http://nwasianweekly.com/2016/12/diggers-find-ancient-tombs-in-beijing-suburb/

http://www.archaeology.org/5147-161219-china-tongzhou-city-walls

… I’m not sure if these urn burials are from the same location:

http://eng.belta.by/society/view/archaeologists-discover-62-ancient-human-remains-buried-in-clay-containers-97291-2016/

More on remains of some beef soup in a Chinese tomb:

http://english.cctv.com/2016/12/21/VIDEHt3RzRg9cRS77ScZB7hM161221.shtml

—–

Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog:

http://www.southeastasianarchaeology.com/

New Zealand Archaeology eNews:

http://nzarchaeology.blogspot.co.nz/index.html

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

NORTH AMERICA

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

A 3800 years bp ‘potato garden’ near Vancouver:

http://www.livescience.com/57316-ancient-underwater-garden-discovered.html

http://home.bt.com/news/world-news/is-this-the-worlds-oldest-garden-archaeologists-uncover-3800-year-old-horticultural-site-11364123204980

http://www.news24.com/Green/News/3-800-year-old-potato-garden-discovered-in-canada-20161227

http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/2/12/e1601282.full

http://www.archaeology.org/5163-161227-waterlogged-wapato-plants

Studying the extent of the Hopewell Road:

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/science/2016/12/18/01-archaeology-how-far-did-the-great-hopewell-road-stretch-across-ohio.html

http://ohioarchaeology.org/journal-of-ohio-archaeology/137-volume-4-2016/495-the-great-hopewell-road-new-data-analysis-and-future-research-prospects

Documenting Dene caribou fences in the NWT:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/archaeologist-sahtu-caribou-fence-1.3902397

Evidence that the Chaco Canyon people had to import food:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-ancient-chaco-canyon-population-imported.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/uoca-acc122916.php

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/30/study-chaco-inhabitants-likely-relied-on-imported-/

Excavating Jamestown’s church:

http://www.dailypress.com/features/history/92126620-132.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/probing-for-a-lost-colonial-church-in-jamestown/2016/12/23/013219c4-c924-11e6-acda-59924caa2450_story.html

http://wydaily.com/2016/12/27/jamestown-unearthed-archaeologists-explore-400-year-old-church/

… a backgrounder on Jamestown:

http://www.livescience.com/38595-jamestown-history.html

Melting Arctic ice continues to reveal sites:

http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2016/12/27/melting-arctic-ice-patches-reveal-rich-archaeological-record/

… while melting snow in Wyoming has revealed the highest tipi ring:

http://www.kcwy13.com/content/news/Wyoming-archaeologist-Finds-the-Highest-Tipi-Ring-Wyoming–408859205.html

An oral history project:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/navajo-nation-library-wants-digitally-preserve-thousands-hours-oral-histories-180961576/

Feature on slave insurance policies:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/18/us/insurance-policies-on-slaves-new-york-lifes-complicated-past.html

Kennewick Man has been reburied:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-ancient-skeleton-native-americans-reburial.html

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

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

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

More on the Brazilian ‘stonehenge’:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4037576/The-mystery-Amazon-Stonehenge-1-000-year-old-Megalithic-stone-circle-Brazil-hints-ancient-civilizations-sophisticated-thought.html

More on the Maya and giant shark teeth:

http://www.livescience.com/57202-megalodon-teeth-inspired-mayan-monster-myths.html

More on surviving the Atacama desert:

http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/12/how-humans-survived-in-the-barren-atacama-desert-13000-years-ago/

—–

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 smattering of Christmas-related posts this year … first, on the date of Jesus’ birth:

http://www.haaretz.com/science-and-health/.premium-1.760635

http://bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za/303512/why-is-christmas-celebrated-on-25-december/

… and some myths about the Nativity:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-the-nativity/2016/12/16/48625672-c179-11e6-8422-eac61c0ef74d_story.html

… and an interesting 3d treatment of Breugel’s Nativity:

http://www.dw.com/en/renaissance-painter-pieter-brueghel-in-3d/a-36920420

… of course there was a Star of Bethlehem piece:

http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2016/12/21/506395770/the-star-of-bethlehem-and-the-magi-myth-or-reality

… and the date of New Year’s:

http://www.livescience.com/57342-why-is-new-years-january-first.html

… and New Year’s in various cultures in history:

http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/new-year-s-celebrations-as-old-as-recorded-history/article_1f1baf80-6c53-5322-8e1e-e24d023a5a5a.html

There was an item on medieval Christmas foods:

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/23/505741097/eat-ye-bread-sauce-while-ye-may-brits-go-medieval-on-christmas-day

On some Christmas carols (these deal with different carols):

http://theconversation.com/a-short-history-of-three-very-famous-christmas-carols-70272

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20161220-the-surprising-origins-of-famous-christmas-carols

Top seven archaeological finds of 2016:

http://www.newser.com/story/235649/the-7-biggest-archaeology-finds-of-2016.html

… or maybe it’s top nine:

http://www.livescience.com/57314-biggest-archaeology-discoveries-2016.html

http://www.itechpost.com/articles/68756/20161226/top-9-archaeology-thrilling-discoveries-of-2016.htm

… could be ten:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/december-web-only/biblical-archaeology-top-ten-discoveries-of-2016.html

… or a different ten:

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.761814

… just a non-numbered list:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38381878

Top ten skeletons:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2016/12/21/the-10-most-intriguing-skeletons-of-2016/

On the Solstice:

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2016/12/21/winter-solstice-ancient-celebration/

On 1498:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-38290978

Feature on mudlarking:

http://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/12/23/mudlarking-in-the-river-thames-sfc-orig.cnn

The ‘secret feminist history’ of shopping:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/12/27/the-secret-feminist-history-of-shopping/

On the Library of Congress’ map collection:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/library-congress-putting-its-map-collection-on-the-map-180961380/

On the classification of races:

http://theconversation.com/the-biggest-mistake-in-the-history-of-science-70575

Restoring the Ghent Altar:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/science/ghent-altarpiece-restoration.html

Confirming a 200 years bp diagnosis:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38409086

The history book that shaped Angela Merkel’s world view:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/29/angela-merkel-jurgen-osterhammel-the-transformation-of-the-world-book-germany

Questioning the authenticity of a Beethoven score coming to auction:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/18/arts/music/as-prices-for-classical-scores-soar-one-beethoven-is-in-question.html

Why Stradivariuses sound so good (maybe):

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-scientists-uncover-stradivarius-violins-special.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/20/science/stradivari-violin-wood.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mineral-baths-may-have-given-stradivari-their-signature-sound-180961531/

Some archaeological humour:

http://bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za/303512/why-is-christmas-celebrated-on-25-december/

On the origins of marzipan:

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/22/506345750/marzipan-the-sweet-taste-of-the-holidays-in-madrid

On angels:

http://www.dw.com/en/the-angel-chronicles/av-36851502

Honours for Sarah Parcak:

http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/20/year-end-honors-for-cutting-edge-explorers/

I think we mentioned this opEd on what’s wrong with archaeology:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/21/why-archaeology-needs-to-come-out-of-the-cave-and-into-the-digital-age

A painting is returning to the Netherlands:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/dec/21/painting-jean-etienne-liotard-rijksmuseum-netherlands-centuries-in-england

The Polish government got a great deal on some art:

http://www.dw.com/en/poland-buys-private-art-collection-with-da-vinci-painting-at-bargain-price/a-36951159

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38462474

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/poland-government-buys-art-valued-billion-for-85-million-leonardo-da-vinci-rembrandt-czartoryska-a7501736.html

http://cultura.elpais.com/cultura/2016/12/30/actualidad/1483084292_479842.html

In case you missed the hype that the supervolcano beneath Italy is stirring:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/volcano-maybe-killed-neanderthals-stirring-once-again-180961549/

On the Crusades and ginger:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-crusades-helped-create-your-gingerbread-latte-180961535/

If you’re interested in Hagia Sophia’s acoustics:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/you-can-hear-hagia-sophias-sublime-acoustics-without-trip-istanbul-180961563/

OpEd on the end of Republics:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/opinion/how-republics-end.html

Review of Smith, *Rasputin*:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/29/books/rasputin-biography-douglas-smith.html

More on Tycho Brahe’s gold content:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/astronomer-and-alchemist-tycho-brahe-died-full-gold-180961447/

Archaeology Podcast Network:

http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archyfantasies/

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

MUSEUM MATTERS

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

Time and Cosmos in Greco Roman Antiquity:

https://news.artnet.com/opinion/isaw-sundial-789953

Samurai:

http://www.wcpo.com/entertainment/local-a-e/discover-the-japanese-samurai-at-the-cincinnati-art-museum

South Africa: Art of a Nation:

http://uk.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1808386/south-africa-the-art-of-a-nation-on-view-at-british-museum

Roman cavalry:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14987549.Roman_cavalry_set_to_gallop_back_to_Hadrian__39_s_Wall_for_major_exhibition/

The Louvre is planning to be a refuge for artifacts in need of repatriation:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/12/18/france-louvre-refugees-art-treasures/95396968/

All of the items from Tut’s tomb will be on display together for the first time:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/grand-egyptian-museum-next-big-thing-180961333/

They’re building a museum at Olduvai:

http://allafrica.com/stories/201612120033.html

The Vatican museum has a woman in charge for the first time:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2016/dec/22/vatican-museums-female-head-barbara-jatta

http://www.italy24.ilsole24ore.com/art/panorama/2016-12-27/the-pope-names-first-woman-to-run-vatican-museums-100627.php?uuid=ADoBd5KC

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

THE TECHY SIDE

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

The Chinchorro mummies are getting the ctscan treatment:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-scans-unveil-secrets-world-oldest.html

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/worlds-oldest-mummies-get-ct-scan-180961578/

http://www.archaeology.org/5165-161227-chile-chinchorro-mummies

The Vlochos thing had a techy side:

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/14988549.Bournemouth_researchers_use_high_tech_gear_to_reveal_2_500_year_old_city/

The techy side of underwater archaeology:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/dec/29/new-technologies-bring-marine-archaeology-treasures-to-light

Nice feature on LiDAR used to find a lost city in the Honduran jungle:

http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/an-ancient-city-emerges-in-a-remote-rain-forest

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

ON THE DNA FRONT

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

The DNA connection between First Nations’ cold adaptations (esp the Inuit):

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-arctic-inuit-native-american-cold.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/science/inuit-greenland-denisovans.html

http://www.archaeology.org/5160-161223-greenland-inuit-genome

Tracing pandemics in the Americas:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/19/ancient-dna-reveals-genetic-legacy-of-pandemics-in-the-americas

On the people who settled on the Tibetan plateau:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/tibetan-plateau-discovery-shows-humans-may-be-tougher-than-we-thought/

Plans to find the genetic history of Newton’s apple:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-evolution-ideas-scientists-decode-genetic.html

… hot on the heels of the jujube tree:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-jujube-genome-fruit-tree-domestication.html

An interesting Hapsburg related DNA study:

http://www.bbc.com/news/38129757

Dienekes’ Anthropology Blog:

http://dienekes.blogspot.ca/

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

TOURISTY THINGS

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

Irish Neolithic tombs:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/20/travel/ireland-newgrange-ancient-passage-tombs-mounds.html

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

CRIME BEAT

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

A bust near Meslongi:

http://www.ekathimerini.com/214703/article/ekathimerini/news/four-suspected-antiquities-thieves-nabbed-near-mesolongi

Feature on the ICE folks:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/ICE-on-the-Trail-of-Stolen-Relics-407680975.html

Some artifacts from Guam are showing up on eBay:

http://www.kuam.com/story/34119754/2016/12/23/experts-note-guam-artifacts-being-sold-on-ebay

On thefts from some Indian temples:

http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/7772-fourteen-artefacts-stolen-three-years

Claim that the search for a Seljuk sultan’s tomb was brought to an end because German archaeologists were smuggling artifacts (!):

http://www.dailysabah.com/d/culture-arts/2016/12/28/search-for-seljuk-sultans-tomb-stopped-after-german-archaeologists-caught-smuggling-artifacts

A New York art dealer has been charged for her involvement in some shady practices:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/21/arts/design/prominent-antiquities-dealer-accused-of-selling-stolen-artifacts.html

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/12/22/506615096/gallery-owner-arrested-for-trafficking-stolen-antiquities-worth-millions-of-doll

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ny-antiquities-dealer-charged-selling-stolen-artifacts-44335455

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/art-dealer-nancy-wiener-who-sold-stolen-buddha-to-nga-arrested/news-story/bfcd12c9d01b7312a38a3dccb96269ef

http://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-art-dealer-charged-with-trafficking-illegal-antiquities-1482370409

A couple weeks’ worth of Culture Crime News:

http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/2016/12/culture-crime-news-12-18-december-2016.html

http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/2016/12/culture-crime-news-19-25-december-2016.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

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

Some Native American remains were returned for reburial:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-ancient-skeleton-native-americans-reburial.html

Egypt received a relief stolen from Hatshepsut’s temple:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-egypt-ancient-stolen-limestone-relief.html

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/253502/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Stolen-relief-of-Queen-Hatshepsut-recovered-from-L.aspx

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/12/20/world/middleeast/ap-ml-egypt-antiquities.html

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/dec/20/egypt-receives-ancient-stolen-limestone-relief/

http://www.newschannel6now.com/story/34097830/egypt-receives-ancient-stolen-limestone-relief

http://www.archaeology.org/5151-161220-egypt-looted-limestone

Jordan returned a pile of artifacts to Egypt:

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-retrieves-340-smuggled-artifacts-jordan

Columbia returned some items to Peru:

http://www.archaeology.org/5164-161227-peru-repatriated-artifacts

I think we mentioned these paintings stolen from Verona turning up in the Ukraine:

https://www.artforum.com/news/id=65595

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

NUMISMATICA

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

Feature on bridges on ancient coins:

http://www.coinweek.com/ancient-coins/coinweek-ancient-coin-series-bridges-ancient-coins/

Three weeks’ worth of e-Syla:

http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_esylum_v19n51.html

http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_esylum_v19n52.html

http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_esylum_v19n53.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/2531-audio-news-from-archaeologica-11-december-2016-17-december-2016

http://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-main-menu-cat/audio-news-list/2531-audio-news-from-archaeologica-11-december-2016-17-december-2016

December edition of Strata: Portraits of Humanity:

http://www.archaeologychannel.org/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity/2526-strata-december-2016

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

OBITUARIES

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

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

CONFERENCES

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

(send in your notices!)

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

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.radioscribe.com/bknspade.htm

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

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