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

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

Bob Heuman, David Critchley, Hernan Astudillo, Rick Heli, Barbara Saylor Rodgers,

David Emery, Richard Campbell, Richard C. Griffiths, and Ross W. Sargent for headses

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

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

EARLY HOMINIDS

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

Neanderthals were apparently making regular visits to a cave in Jersey over the course of 140 000 years or so:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-coastal-cave-site-must-see-tourist.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161212133444.htm

http://www.archaeology.org/5138-161214-jersey-neanderthal-cave

On the evolution of human walking:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-heels-toes.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/uoa-www121216.php

… and what we’ve learned from some 3 million+ years bp footprints from Tanzania:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/dec/14/stepping-back-36m-years-footprints-yield-new-clues-to-humans-ancestors

http://www.archaeology.org/5136-161214-tanzania-laetoli-footprints

… such as height of one guy:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-ancient-human-ancestor-tall-dude.html

http://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20161214/ancient-human-ancestor-was-one-tall-dude-his-footprints-say

Not sure if this is a new example of 1.2 million years bp toothpick use or whether we had it a while ago:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/s-dhc121516.php

… or if it is really a study of using dental plaque to determine early diet and cooking:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-raw-foodies-europe-earliest-humans.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161214212012.htm

http://www.archaeology.org/5141-161215-spain-raw-food

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/europes-earliest-humans-did-not-use-fire-for-cooking

Now we’re reading that Lucy may have been polygynous:

http://www.livescience.com/57203-lucy-early-human-species-was-polygynous.html

More on the possibility of a religious side to Neanderthals:

http://www.npr.org/2016/12/11/505187953/discoveries-give-new-clues-to-possible-neanderthal-religious-practices

http://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/1.758960

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

AFRICA

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

Mali has declared an ‘archaeological emergency’:

https://www.ft.com/content/559aa998-c386-11e6-9bca-2b93a6856354

Interesting feature on Ethiopian Judaism:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4891062,00.html

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

ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT

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

On Egypt’s strategy to prevent sales of Egyptian antiquities around the world:

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/egypt-antiquities-sale-world-auction.html

Security has been tightened at all of Egypt’s sites and museums:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/253170/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Security-measures-tightened-at-all-Egypts-archaeol.aspx

4000 years bp petroglyphs from Iran:

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

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/world-oldest-rock-drawings-archaeologist-iran-khomeyn-mohammed-naserifard-a7470321.html

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/deciphering-irans-ancient-rock-art-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107184&NewsCatID=375

Nice feature on that Jericho skull and the facial reconstruction thereof:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/the-jericho-skull-british-museum-facial-reconstruction-ct-scan-a7474516.html

http://www.timesofisrael.com/new-exhibit-gives-9500-year-old-skull-a-digital-makeover/

http://www.archaeology.org/5086-161212-jericho-skull-facial-reconstruction

A pair of 2600 years bp kitchens from the site of Dascylium:

http://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/12/15/2600-year-old-kitchen-of-kingdom-of-lydia-unearthed-in-western-turkey

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5140-161215-turkey-anatolia-kitchens

A 2 100 years bp wine press from Ashkelon:

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=38757

http://www.archaeology.org/5145-161216-ashkelon-wine-press

A ‘Jewish Revolt Coin’ from Jerusalem:

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=38701

A trio of tomb raiders were caught at Horvat Maskana:

http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/tomb-raiders-caught-red-handed-in-northern-israel/2016/12/14/

http://www.timesofisrael.com/three-looters-busted-plundering-ancient-tomb-in-galilee/

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/221715

Looking for evidence of Istanbul’s earthquakes at Bathonea:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bathonea-excavations-aim-to-shed-light-on-historic-istanbul-quakes-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=107325&NewsCatID=375

http://www.archaeology.org/5144-161216-turkey-istanbul-earthquakes

… while stained glass from there suggests a high standard of living:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/stained-glass-evidence-of-high-living-standards-in-ancient-bathonea.aspx?pageID=238&nid=106990&NewsCatID=375

After renovations of the clock tower, the seal of Sultan Hamid Abdul II was returned to Jaffa:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/ottoman-sultans-john-hancock-gets-facelift-in-jaffa/

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Relic-from-Ottoman-sultan-returned-to-Jaffa-after-extensive-renovations-475228

http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/israel-conserves/2016/12/13/

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/132527-161213-original-ottoman-era-seal-restored-to-jaffa-s-famous-clock-tower

General feature on archaeology in Iraq:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/16/despite-landmines-snakes-and-dodgy-gin-iraq-is-an-archaeological-paradise

Latest DSS publication:

http://newsok.com/ocu-teams-dead-sea-scrolls-research-is-published-student-faculty-group-partnered-with-museum-of-the-bibles-green-scholars-initiative-program/article/5531034?custom_click=rss

We had some version of this last week: a fund is set up to protect antiquities in conflict areas:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/251928/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/New-international-fund-for-protecting-heritage-in-.aspx

More on that Bar Kochba governor inscription:

http://www.livescience.com/57182-hebrew-tablet-reveals-biblical-ruler-of-judea.html

More on domestication of grain in Syria some 11 000 years bp:

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/neolithic-syrians-were-first-to-domesticate-cereals

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5075-161207-neolithic-staple-crops

More on 7000 years bp pollution in a Jordanian river:

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

More on Nefertari’s knees:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2016/1206/Have-Egyptologists-solved-the-mystery-of-Queen-Nefertari-s-knees

Sadly, after last week’s issue went out, ISIL apparently retook Palmyra:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/11/islamic-state-retakes-palmyra-syria

https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2016/dec/12/syrias-ancient-city-palmyra-under-control-of-islamic-state-again-video

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/syrian-army-advances-in-aleppo-but-loses-palmyra-to-islamic-state/article33293799/?cmpid=rss1

https://www.ft.com/content/be2ede50-c054-11e6-9bca-2b93a6856354

http://www.reuters.com/video/2016/12/11/islamic-state-and-syrian-army-both-claim?videoId=370694620&feedType=VideoRSS&feedName=LatestVideosUS&videoChannel=1

http://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/antiquities-official-fears-for-palmyra-after-is-recaptures-city/

… which led to another general piece on Palmyra:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/a-look-at-palmyra-the-historic-syrian-city-retaken-by-is/2016/12/11/88d77174-bfda-11e6-a52b-a0a126eaf9f7_story.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/look-palmyra-historic-syrian-city-retaken-194325400.html

… and coincidentally a major show on Palmyra in Paris:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-lost-treasures-syria-palmyra-3d.html

http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/syria/2016/12/16/war-endangered-archaeological-treasures-showcased-in-paris_0b5d46ee-9c55-4fcf-bbf3-a355c6888978.html

There were features on the destruction in and ongoing concerns for Nimrud:

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/iraqis-mourn-destruction-ancient-city-nimrud-isis-tried-destroy-identity-n694636

http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-fears-further-looting-of-wrecked-ancient-iraqi-city/

http://artdaily.com/news/92463/UN-fears-further-looting-of-wrecked-ancient-Iraqi-city

… and on sites destroyed by ISIL in general:

http://www.livescience.com/57172-photos-isis-destroys-iraq-heritage.html

… and Aleppo:

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=92405

The US has adopted a ‘legal strategy’ to prevent the sale of ISIL-looted antiquities:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/221820

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-antiquities-idUSKBN14422I

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/us-steps-up-fight-to-cut-islamic-state-financing-and-trade-in-looted-antiquities/2016/12/15/77a7b40e-c2e1-11e6-9578-0054287507db_story.html

http://artdaily.com/news/92486/US-claims-antiquities-looted-by-IS-to-block-their-resale

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/12/16/US-files-case-against-ISIS-to-recover-ancient-ring.html

http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Lawsuit-details-Islamic-State-profits-from-10799719.php

… and studying where such items ‘end up’:

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/310831-new-leads-on-looted-middle-eastern-antiquities

… and we’ve already mentioned them turning up in Geneva:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/swiss-seize-artefacts-looted-from-syrias-palmyra/

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

ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)

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

Roman Caistor St Edmund was larger 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

A Swedish team has unearthed what the press was calling a previously unknown city near Athens:

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

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161213074230.htm

… then they decided it was Swedish and Greek archaeologists:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-swedish-greek-archaeologists-unknown-city.html

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-12/uog-sad121316.php

… but after much headline adjusting, it was credited to Swedish, Greek, and British archaeologists:

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-team-unearth-ancient-greek-city-0tchx3pcj

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/greece-lost-city-vlochos-university-of-gothenburg-bournemouth-a7471246.html

http://www.livescience.com/57189-ancient-greek-village-was-large-metropolis.html

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/lost-city-dating-back-2500-years-discovered-by-archaeologists-35289817.html

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2016/12/13/archaeologists-discover-a-lost-greek-city-dating-back-2500-years/

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

http://observer.com/2016/12/archaeologists-just-discovered-a-2500-year-old-lost-city-atop-a-greek-mountain-peak/

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/archaeologists-examine-unexplored-greek-city

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5085-161212-greece-ancient-city-explored

… and then there were clarifications that the site was found years ago:

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2016/12/14/vlochos-lost-city-ruins-discovered-200-years-ago-archaeologists-clarify/

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1023590.shtml

Remains of a Roman villa complex near Bottisham:

http://www.archaeology.org/5133-161213-england-roman-settlement

A Roman hoard from Barlaston has been declared treasure:

http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/barlaston-field-yields-more-than-2-000-pieces-of-roman-treasure/story-29978940-detail/story.html

http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/haul-of-rare-roman-coins-uncovered-in-barlaston-field-ruled-as-treasure/story-29977294-detail/story.html

Funding for a study of the peoples in Ireland and Scotland in Roman times:

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/1m-study-of-lost-kingdoms-beyond-romans-reach-2hn63q36t

https://stv.tv/news/north/1375839-university-given-1million-to-uncover-europe-s-lost-kingdoms/

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14970308.Archaeologists_to_explore_Scotland_of_1_600_years_ago/

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/five-year-project-to-investigate-the-lost-kingdoms-of-northwest-europe

Honours for Gordon Kelly:

http://www.lclark.edu/live/news/34950-classics-professor-wins-international-recognition

Another Trojan Horse recreation in progress:

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/the-trojan-horse-ii/article_49cf88e0-6318-56df-820a-fd45b3a73fc4.html

—–

Latest reviews from BMCR:

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

Visit our blog:

http://rogueclassicism.com/

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

EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)

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

1500 years bp gold items from a Danish island:

http://www.archaeology.org/5084-161212-denmark-odin-amulet

A 17th century shipwreck find:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14964012.Divers_rediscover_17th_century_shipwreck_in_bay_where_Poldark_scene_was_filmed/

http://www.cornwalllive.com/shipwreck-discovered-at-poldark-spot-in-gunwalloe/story-29980821-detail/story.html

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-12-15/poldark-shipwreck-discovered-off-cornish-coast/

What they’re finding at Cambridge’s medieval burial ground:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/incoming/archaeologists-uncover-cambridges-final-resting-12337955

Not sure if this Neolithic snowshoe is a new discovery or not:

http://www.archaeology.org/issues/245-1701/artifact/5127-neolithic-snow-shoe

They’re digging at St Alban’s Cathedral:

http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/archaeological_dig_at_st_albans_cathedral_before_construction_of_new_welcome_centre_1_4818015

A 17th century skeleton found in a Sligo cave:

http://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/cave-boys-life-revealed-by-sligo-cave-expert-35288252.html

Interesting graffiti/petroglyphs in a shepherd’s cave in Derbyshire:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/16/powerful-symbols-chiselled-shepherds-shelter-country-diary

Druids had nothing to do with the building of Stonehenge, apparently:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/14/stonehenge-there-before-druids-archaeology-1959

Latest from Tintagel:

http://www.thepost.uk.com/article.cfm?id=106911&headline=Discoveries%20made%20during%20Tintagel%20Castle%20archaeological%20dig§ionIs=news&searchyear=2016

…. And a feature on Arthur’s roots:

http://discovermagazine.com/2017/janfeb/91-in-search-of-king-arthur-roots

Feature on the Craggie Bloomery:

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/craggie-bloomery-iron-working-in-late-medieval-sutherland

More on the reopening of the replica Lascaux:

http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/2016/1213/France-opens-Lascaux-replica-cave-better-than-the-real-thing

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/dec/15/prehistoric-cave-art-lascaux-dordogne-france-grotto-replica

More on remains of a deadly virus found in some Celtic pottery:

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5080-161209-pottery-organs-virus

—–

Archaeology in Europe Blog:

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

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

ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC

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

Remains of some 2000 year bp beef soup from Henan:

http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/found-2000yearold-meat-soup/news-story/268ae0de1c82acacce293efe938dd0f0

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2016-12/16/content_27689915.htm

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/744236/bowl-of-beef-soup-2000-years-old-discovered-by-archaeologists

http://www.archaeology.org/5142-161215-china-beef-stew

Digging Cambodia’s ‘Dark Ages’:

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-weekend/team-digs-cambodias-dark-ages

Remains of an Asuka period painting on a discarded wood panel:

http://www.archaeology.org/5143-161216-japan-tottori-painting

Remains of a ‘lost civilization’ from Mizoram:

http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/archaeologists-could-have-uncovered-a-lost-civilisation-in-mizoram-267619.html

UNESCO is digging at some of Nepal’s earthquake-damaged sites:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/unesco-starts-excavations-at-nepal-s-quake-damaged-monument-sites/story-fdAM7HrlSwyYKxCwxY6zPL.html

Australian archaeologists are mapping the wreck of the James Mathew:

http://www.archaeology.org/5083-161212-australia-shipwreck-mapped

Feature on the Plain of Jars:

http://www.archaeology.org/exclusives/articles/5126-archive-plain-of-jars

What Charles Perreault is up to:

https://asunow.asu.edu/20161213-global-engagement-asu-archaeologist-goes-jeep-mongolia

More on remains of Imperial sacrifices from China:

http://www.archaeology.org/news/5073-161207-china-imperial-sacrifice

—–

Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog:

http://www.southeastasianarchaeology.com/

New Zealand Archaeology eNews:

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

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

NORTH AMERICA

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

A tooth of an extinct seal (mentioned by Columbus) turns up on a Lake Worth shore:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article120609578.html

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/14/archaeologists-discover-tooth-of-extinct-seal-in-l/

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/local/prehistoric-seal-tooth-found-along-intracoastal/DSy1yLGgJVw9TYDqutPaWI/

http://www.archaeology.org/5137-161214-caribbean-monk-seal

Searching for remains of the village of Cecomocomoco:

http://www.thebaynet.com/articles/1216/archaeologistsseekancientvillageinbeanfield.html

Marking the success of the NHPA:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/12/lets-celebrate-us-archaeologys-best-kept-secret

Feature on Cahokia:

http://arstechnica.com/features/2016/12/theres-a-1000-year-old-lost-city-beneath-the-st-louis-suburbs/

More on Ezekiel’s wheel and the conversion to Christianity of African slaves:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-archaeologist-explores-african-americans-christianity.html

More on zinc issues among the Franklin Expedition crew:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-laser-yr-old-thumbnail-rewrites-history.html

http://www.livescience.com/57176-what-doomed-franklin-polar-expedition.html

More on the end of Montezuma Castle:

http://westerndigs.org/new-evidence-reveals-violent-final-days-at-arizonas-montezuma-castle/

More on the Spirit Cave mummy:

http://nypost.com/2016/12/07/dna-testing-settles-fight-over-north-americas-oldest-mummy/

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

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

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

Plenty of attention for the find of the ‘Stonehenge’ of the Amazon:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/world/americas/brazil-amazon-megaliths-stonehenge.html

http://www.sfgate.com/world/article/A-Stonehenge-and-a-mystery-rises-in-the-10796874.php

Feature on a 4600 years bp elite woman burial from Peru:

http://www.archaeology.org/issues/241-1701/features/top10/5116-peru-aspero-female-burial

The Atacama desert was apparently much different once upon a time:

http://www.livescience.com/57217-atacama-desert-once-wet-marshland.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38330526

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161214115038.htm

More on the Maya and shark teeth:

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

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/giant-megalodon-shark-teeth-might-have-inspired-mayan-monster-myths/

http://www.archaeology.org/5135-161214-maya-shark-teeth

http://www.livescience.com/57110-megalodon-sharks-maya-myths-photos.html

—–

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

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

On recruiting Monuments Men:

http://www.salon.com/2016/12/11/a-few-good-monuments-men-saving-art-from-looting-and-destruction-especially-in-the-middle-east-is-a-military-matter/

… semi-related:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2016/1203/The-preservation-warriors-saving-the-past-for-the-future

… and semi semi related blaming the west’s desire for antiquities:

http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/the-wests-desire-for-antiques-has-turned-museums-into-temples-of-loot

Complaining about use of the term ‘stone age’ (which the press does regularly):

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/dec/14/yabba-dabba-dont-archaeology-needs-to-leave-the-stone-age-behind

A lost daVinci was found:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/11/arts/design/leonardo-da-vinci-lost-drawing-discovered.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38300217

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=92428

Feature on Goethe:

http://www.dw.com/en/the-lesser-known-sides-of-goethe/a-36733095

Interesting feature on a goldfinch painting:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20161207-the-intriguing-mystery-of-the-goldfinch

On the history of falconry:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/drsarahbond/2016/12/12/follow-the-aquila-the-eagle-huntress-and-the-ancient-history-of-falconry/

On the history of horse colours:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161207091114.htm

Big bucks for Isaac Newton’s book:

http://www.livescience.com/57229-isaac-newton-book-sold-breaks-record.html

Feel good piece on texts which were hidden in an ISIL-held monastery:

http://www.livescience.com/57240-historic-texts-hidden-isis-occupied-monastery.html

http://www.livescience.com/57239-photos-historic-texts-hidden-christian-monastery.html

Haven’t had a feature on Bedlam Hospital in a while:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20161213-how-bedlam-became-a-palace-for-lunatics

Some missing aboriginal art turned up on the tourism minister’s wall:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-38302939

In case you’ve wondered about the qwerty keyboard:

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20161212-why-is-qwerty-on-our-keyboard

The annual top ten lists have started to appear:

http://www.ekathimerini.com/214565/article/ekathimerini/life/two-greek-sites-make-top-10-list-of-this-years-archaeological-discoveries

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2016/12/14/greek-archaeological-discoveries-ranked-among-the-most-important-of-2016/

http://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/21403-two-greek-sites-in-top-10-archaeological-discoveries-for-2016.html

… and the Christmas-related stories:

http://theconversation.com/how-did-we-come-to-celebrate-christmas-66042

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

… including a St Nicholas facial reconstruction:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/scientists-reconstructed-the-face-of-st-nicholas-heres-what-they-found-24593/

The Boy Scouts have their centennial:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38337136

Reviewish on a book of illuminated manuscripts:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/dec/16/meetings-with-remarkable-manuscripts-christopher-de-hamel-review-jan-morris

… in a similar vein on Stephan Schriber’s sketchbook:

http://publicdomainreview.org/collections/the-illuminated-sketchbook-of-stephan-schriber-1494/

Review of Hodge, *Art in Detail*:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/12/arts/hidden-details-within-ancient-masterpieces/index.html

Archaeology Podcast Network:

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

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MUSEUM MATTERS

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Egyptian Mummies:

http://visual.artshub.com.au/news-article/reviews/museums/dr-diana-carroll/egyptian-mummies-exploring-ancient-lives-252838

http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/3d-ct-scan-visualisations-examine-six-mummies-from-egypt-between-1800-and-3000-years-ago/news-story/3f953cf456e750902f5208a58d568aa3

Gentileschi:

http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/12/12/504821139/long-seen-as-victim-17th-century-italian-painter-emerges-as-feminist-icon

History of World in 100 Objects:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/review-the-history-of-the-world-in-100-objects–told-without-fear-or-favour-20161212-gt98sz.html

A Woman’s Afterlife:

http://theartnewspaper.com/news/museums/sex-changes-ancient-egypt-and-contemporary-feminism-at-the-brooklyn-museum/

Syria: A Living History:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/arts/design/syrias-murderous-struggle-and-multicultural-peace.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fdesign

The Universal Museum:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/1161465/legacy-of-napoleons-artistic-plunder-on-show-in-rome

A Franklin Expedition exhibition is in the works:

http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674nunavut_artifacts_going_to_london_ottawa_for_future_franklin_exhibit/

A Dutch court has ruled that an Amsterdam Museum has to return a Scythian gold exhibition to Ukraine:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/arts/design/crimea-ukraine-allard-pierson-museum-amsterdam.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38314491

http://www.dw.com/en/crimean-gold-must-be-returned-to-ukraine-but-not-yet-a-dutch-court-rules/a-36762424

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/12/14/505570581/photos-dutch-court-decides-crimean-treasures-must-go-to-ukraine

http://artdaily.com/news/92444/Crimea-treasures-loaned-to-an-Amsterdam-museum-must-be-returned-to-Ukraine

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/crimean-artifacts-on-loan-ukraine-180961483/

http://www.smh.com.au/world/dutch-court-rules-crimean-gold-treasures-be-returned-to-ukraine-20161215-gtblbb.html

http://nltimes.nl/2016/12/14/amsterdam-museum-ordered-return-crimean-artifacts-ukraine

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/12/dutch-court-orders-crimean-treasure-collection-be-sent-back-to-ukraine/

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/museum-must-return-crimean-treasures-to-ukraine-1.2905990

… some reaction:

http://www.pravdareport.com/society/stories/14-12-2016/136418-scythian_gold-0/

… background:

http://en.europeonline-magazine.eu/previewcrimean-conflict-bedevils-artefacts-return-dutch-court-to-ruleby-annette-birschel-dpa_500164.html

Another court is giving the Gurlitt Nazi era hoard to a Swiss museum:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38332637

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=92462

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THE TECHY SIDE

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On assorted techniques to find ‘hidden’ aspects of artifacts:

http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Hi-tech-reveals-hidden-doors-in-ancient-artifacts-paintings-475162

Using forensic techniques to determine the gender of folks making hand stencils on paleolithic cave walls:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-forensic-technique-reveals-sex-prehistoric.html

http://www.archaeology.org/5134-161213-stencil-geometric-morphometrics

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ON THE DNA FRONT

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Interesting study of the rabies genome:

http://phys.org/news/2016-12-major-groups-rabies-virus-distinct.html

More on smallpox in a Lithuanian mummy:

http://www.livescience.com/57164-oldest-smallpox-strain-found-in-mummy.html

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/12/2016/smallpox-may-not-be-an-ancient-disease-after-all

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=92375

Dienekes’ Anthropology Blog:

http://dienekes.blogspot.ca/

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TOURISTY THINGS

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Freemasonry in Scotland:

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20161209-secret-history-of-the-freemasons-in-scotland

Pontine:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/abroad/pontine-italian-islands-odysseus-bewitched-pontius-pilate-skinny/

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CRIME BEAT

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Tommy Thompson refuses to reveal where shipwreck gold is located:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/12/14/a-treasure-hunter-found-3-tons-of-sunken-gold-and-cant-leave-jail-until-he-says-where-it-is/

Latest Anonymous Swiss Collector Culture Crime News:

http://www.anonymousswisscollector.com/2016/12/culture-crime-news-5-11-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/

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REPATRIATION AND RECOVERY

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A pair of Nazi looted paintings was returned to beneficiaries in Canada:

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=92409

The UAE returned some Islamic era lamps to Egypt:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/43/253156/Heritage/Islamic/Egypt-antiquities-ministry-receives-two-stolen-Isl.aspx

Italy returned a dozen items to Mexico:

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2427261&CategoryId=14091

http://info-europa.com/uncategorized/mexico-recovers-12-archaeological-pieces-from-italy/90768

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NUMISMATICA

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Latest e-Sylum:

http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_esylum_v19n50.html

… and the one which should appear later today:

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

————————

Ancient Coin Collecting:

http://ancientcoincollecting.blogspot.com/

Ancient Coins:

http://classicalcoins.blogspot.com/

Coin Week:

http://www.coinweek.com/

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AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS

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Audio News from Archaeologica:

http://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-main-menu-cat/audio-news-list/2525-audio-news-from-archaeologica-4-december-2016-12-december-2016

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OBITUARIES

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

John Smith:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/dec/14/john-smith-obituary-other-lives

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CONFERENCES

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

(send in your notices!)

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

GENERAL ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS BLOGS

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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/

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PODCASTS/VODCASTS

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Archaeosoup:

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

The Book and the Spade:

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

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

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