In this episode, Jason breaks down his version of the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2024 (the final 5). Among these: 

6) A pot of gold (literally) found in Turkey
7) Cleopatra's real face?
8) Deciphering a Herculaneum scroll 
9) Bread at Çatalhöyük 
10) Ancient Australian Aboriginal cultural practices confirmed at Clogg's Cave

We also investigate the murders at Lindow Moss, where a confusing muddle of ancient human sacrifices and modern day killing made for a confusing (and tragic) homicide investigation.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason breaks down his version of the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2024 (the first 5 anyway!). Among these: 

1) Lost cities in the Amazon
2) Oldest cave art ever discovered confirmed in Indonesia
3) Neanderthal-human mixing
4) Newly recognized geoglyphs in Peru
5) Reindeer hunting wall

We also take a site visit to Bergen, founded by the early Norwegian kingdom in 1070 - the late Viking era - but it came into prominence as one of the kontors of the Hanseatic League. Bergen is chock full of archaeology - but also food, outdoor action and modern amusements.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason describes and amazing, one-of-a-kind artefact, The Bronze Hand of Prêles. This is an archaeology crime even though the detectorists who found it were not traffickers. In fact, they reported it as required, but apparently they were illegally metal detecting, so they were slapped with a fine.

In honor of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), we also feature the top treasures of King Tut's tomb.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

#archaeology #Egypt #Ancienthistory

In this episode, we delve into Zooarchaeology, the archaeology of animals. As they can be peoples' best friend, animals do tell a lot about society and how humans live. We also investigate another archaeology crime, this time the theft of a US$1.8M Celtic gold coin hoard in Manching, southern Germany. A sophisticated heist which involved cutting electricity to the entire city, it's difficult to see how the archaeology and heritage community fights that. However, there still are some lessons learned.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

#archaeology #history #ancienthistory #realcrimestories

Following his site visits to the Outer Banks, Jason visited with Scott Dawson, head of the Croatoan Archaeological Society, whose passion for the history of his Croatoan ancestors led to a lifelong passion to find set the history of the Outer Banks - and hence the United States of America as a nation - right.

At the center of this story is the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke myth, in which colonists simply disappeared, perhaps massacred or enslaved by the local Native Americans. The truth, as is being revealed by Dawson's historical research and community-led archaeology, is far different from this standard version of history... 

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

Jason recently took a road trip to the OBX, and the reality there is perhaps more interesting than anything you'll find on Netflix. He encountered recent findings relating to two of early Colonial America's most iconic tales - The "Lost Colony" of Roanoke and the fearsome pirate Blackbeard - as well as side-stories regarding the famous OBX wild horses. Truly, you can find archaeology where it's least expected!
And, particularly related to the Croatoan Indians, a lot of this community archaeology, so these are folks who operate with a passion, but not a lot of money.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In today's archaeology site visit, Jason delves into the fascinating world of Petra, an archaeological marvel in Jordan popularized as an Indiana Jones film location. Together, we explore its rich history, the enigmatic Nabataeans, and the significance of the site. Given that its one of the largest archaeology sites in the world, it's important to experience Petra beyond a day tour, in order to take in the various attractions within the archaeological park. Moreover, we explore what little is known about the Nabataean culture, their trade dominance, and the historical context of Petra in order to better understand the context of this ancient city, lost to time until documented by a Swiss explorer in the 19th century.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

In this episode, Jason delves deeper into the field of genetics to explain the significance of Y-chromosomes for understanding ancient DNA. He also explores one of the biggest mysteries of the Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean: the Disc of Phaistos. A relic of Minoan Civilizations, archaeologists can only guess as to its secrets.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

This week, Jason introduces X-Ray Fluorescent technology and its amazing ability to detect the elemental composition of artefacts. Then, we go deep into archaeological crime with one of the biggest scandals in museum history: the systematic looting of the British Museum over many years by one if its own staff -  The classic inside job!

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch

Today, Jason brakes down the Wheeler Box Grid method for excavation, somewhat outdated, but still an oldie-but-goodie. In Archaeology News, he looks at a Danish dendrochronology study which looks for the truth behind Norse mythology as well as a study in China to explore ancient cosmetics.

Video version: https://www.youtube.com/@Into_the-Dust_Arch