In this special “Strat Chat” edition of The Archaeology Show, we dig into the layers of history behind “pi” and “pie” in honor of episode 314. First, we explore the origins of fruit pies, tracing their journey from ancient Egyptian tombs to medieval feasts and early American kitchens. Next, we unravel the story of the number pi (π), highlighting how ancient civilizations discovered and used this mathematical constant in everything from monuments to pottery. Finally, we bite into the history of meat pies, uncovering their role in ancient diets and how they evolved into a global comfort food. Join us for a flavorful journey through time, where archaeology and culinary history meet in every slice!

Pie: A Global History by Janet Clarkson

The Forme of Cury (14th-century English cookbook)

Oxford Companion to Food

British Museum: Archaeology of Ancient Egypt

York Archaeological Trust: Medieval Kitchens

Food in Medieval England by C.M. Woolgar

Smithsonian Magazine: The History of Pie in America

American Pie Council

A History of British Baking by Emma Kay

Museum of London Archaeology

Archaeobotanical Studies at the British Museum

Sugar and Sweetness by Sidney Mintz

Rhind Mathematical Papyrus – British Museum

Yale Babylonian Collection

Archimedes’ “Measurement of a Circle”

Mathematical Treatise in Nine Sections (Zu Chongzhi)

Aryabhata and Aryabhatiya

A History of Pi by Petr Beckmann

The Symbol π and William Jones

Mathematics in Ancient Egypt by Annette Imhausen

The Archaeology of Measurement by Iain Morley

British Museum: Ancient Coins

Sacred Geometry by Robert Lawlor

Longitude by Dava Sobel

Pi Day – Official Site

Pi in Popular Culture – Life of Pi

Archaeological Discovery of Mathematical Tools

Food in Ancient Egypt by Delwen Samuel

Apicius: De Re Coquinaria

The Englishman’s Food by Drummond & Wilbraham

Food in Medieval England by C.M. Woolgar

Sing a Song of Sixpence – Nursery Rhyme Origins

Archaeology at Pompeii – Food Remains

The Cornish Pasty by Gillian Hogg

Pie: A Global History by Janet Clarkson

Archaeozoology at the British Museum

Pie: A Savor the South Cookbook by Sara Foster

Jamaican Patties – History

Tourtière – Canadian Encyclopedia

Empanadas – Origins

Victorian Pie Shops – Museum of London

Meat Pies in Literature – Sweeney Todd

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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The Archaeology Show is taking a break this week, so please enjoy this episode of The Past Macabre, another excellent show on The Archaeology Podcast Network.

In this first of a two-part series, The Past Macabre travels back to Late Iron Age Britain before the Roman conquest to explore the world that shaped one of history’s most famous warrior queens: Boudica. Her story has been told many times for nearly two millennia, but what is the truth behind the Celtic warrior queen who stood against Rome? Uncover the archaeology of her tribe the Iceni, from sacred sites, workshops, and homesteads. We’ll explore the first contacts between Rome and Britain as early as the 2nd century BCE to Caesar’s failed invasion in 54 BCE and the uneasy alliances that turned native leaders into Roman client-kings. Then we'll look at how growing disunity amongst the Celts paved the way for Emperor Claudius' invasion in 43 CE.

Learn about the hoards of treasure, settlements, burials, and hillforts found across England and what they can tell us about the world Boudica was born into at a time of rapid social, economic, and political change.

For a rough transcript 

• See photos related to episode topics on Instagram
• Loving the macabre lore? Treat your host to a coffee!
• University of Warwick Teaching Resources - Boudica
• East Anglian Archaeology Report on Excavations in Thetford 1980–82
• New Discovery of Horse Gear Hoard in North Yorkshire
• Experimental Archaeology Video: What did Iron Age women wear?

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
• APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet
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This week we cover 3 recent archaeology news stories. First up, Near-infrared photography of a 2,300-year-old Pazyryk culture mummy in Siberia has revealed exquisitely detailed tattoos on her forearms and hands. Then, archaeologists excavating the Roman fort of Magna along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England have uncovered an unusually high proportion of oversized leather shoes. And finally, we discuss a few of the newest additions to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

• 2,300-year-old arm tats on mummified woman reveal new insights about tattooing technique in ancient Siberia (Live Science)
• High-resolution near-infrared data reveal Pazyryk tattooing methods (Antiquity)
• Archaeologists Keep Finding Massive Shoes at an Ancient Roman Fort—and They Have No Idea Why They’re So Big (Smithsonian)
• New Inscribed Properties 2025
• Here are some of the newest UNESCO World Heritage sites

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
• APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet
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In this special episode of The Archaeology Show, we’re mapping out our ultimate bucket list of archaeological and historical sites that we have not yet visited. We’ll recap some of the amazing places we have been lucky enough to experience, and then we will each share our top 10 with the other. We are not discussing this ahead of time, so will there be crossover? Tune in to see!

From the towering pyramids of Giza to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, we highlight destinations rich in history, mystery, and cultural significance. Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming from your couch, join us as we explore the world’s most fascinating ruins and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Chris’s List

1. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)**
2. Petra (Jordan)**
3. Great Wall of China
4. Terra Cotta Army (China)*
5. Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)**
6. Machu Picchu (Peru)
7. Nazca Lines (Peru)*
8. Rapa Nui (Chile)
9. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
10. Mesa Verde (Colorado)*

Rachel’s List

1. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)**
2. Petra (Jordan)**
3. The Colosseum (Rome, Italy)
4. Teotihuacan (Mexico)
5. Göbekli Tepe (Turkey)**
6. Terra cotta Army (China)*
7. Notre Dame (Paris, France)
8. Mesa Verde (Colorado, USA)*
9. Nazca Lines (Peru)*
10. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)

** Same site in the same position on our lists

** Same site, different position on our lists.

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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In this episode of The Archaeology Show, we kick things off with a look at the recent discovery of a treasure-filled tomb belonging to the first known ruler of a Maya city in Belize, shedding light on ancient Maya leadership and ritual. In segments two and three, we dive into the latest headline-grabbing claim that Atlantis has been found off the coast of Spain. We break down what was actually discovered, examine the credentials of the lead researcher, and explore why the scientific community remains highly skeptical. Join us for a smart, approachable discussion that separates archaeological fact from fiction.

• Archaeologists Unearth Treasure-Filled Tomb Belonging to the First Known Ruler of a Maya City in Belize
• Scientists find tomb of a Maya king and his ancient treasures. But who was he?
• Archaeologist Says He's Found Atlantis in Groundbreaking Discovery
• Archaeologist claims to have found Atlantis off the coast of Spain and has video to prove it
• Atlantis Found (Again)! And Exasperated Scientists (Again) Raise Their Eyebrows
• Cosmic Summit 2025: The Mount Everest of Laughable Pseudoarchaeological Nonsense! - Ep 165
• Cosmic Summit 2025. Flint's BRUTAL Reaction with Dr Andrew Kinkella

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
• APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet
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Welcome to the debut episode of “Strat Chat,” where we dig deep—one place, many stories, across time. This week, we peel back the layers of the Yukon. In Segment 1, journey back to the Ice Age and discover how glaciers shaped the land and set the stage for the region’s future. Segment 2 explores the lives and cultures of the Indigenous peoples who called the Yukon home long before European arrival, highlighting their resilience and connection to the land. Finally, Segment 3 rushes into the late 19th century as we relive the excitement, chaos, and legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush. Join us as we unearth the stories that make the Yukon a truly remarkable place, one stratum at a time.

Segment 1

• Yukon’s Ice Age - YukonInfo.com
• Map of glacial geology, Glenlyon area, Yukon Territory: Supplement 1 from "Continental glaciation in the Glenlyon area, Pelly River District, Yukon, Canada" (Thesis)
• Glacial history and limits of Cordilleran and Laurentide ice sheets in the Mackenie Mountains, foothills, and plains, Northwest Territories: a brief overiew
• Pleistocene Megafauna in Beringia

Segment 2

• The First People
• From Vilified to Vindicated: the Story of Jacques Cinq-Mars
• Beringian Research Notes: Bluefish Caves - Fauna and Context

Segment 3

• Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park
• What Was the Klondike Gold Rush? - NPS
• The Klondike Gold Rush - The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Klondike Gold Rush - Dawson City

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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This week we discuss 3 new archaeology news stories. First, we explore why early humans may have used fire for reasons other than cooking. Then, we look at Viking graves that are connected to the legendary King Bluetooth. Finally, new research reveals a possible lost cult site dedicated to Odysseus. Join us as we break down the science, sift through the myths, and question long-held assumptions challenged by new research!

• Why Did Humans Start Using Fire? New Theory Suggests It Wasn't To Cook Food
• Construction workers find Viking graves linked to King ‘Bluetooth’
• Archaeologists Believe They’ve Found a Lost Cult Site of Odysseus
• The Past Macabre - Episode 16

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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We discuss our recent visit to the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon. We loved learning about the large mammals and humans that used Beringia to travel between Northern North America and Siberia before it disappeared around 10,000 years ago.

• Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
• Beringia

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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This week three news stories caught our attention involving DNA in the archaeological record. In three very different places around the world, researchers are using different types of DNA analysis to draw new and innovative conclusions.

• Skeleton DNA refutes theory of migratory waves from South Africa
• 9,000 years of genetic continuity in southernmost Africa demonstrated at Oakhurst rockshelter
• Ancient DNA reveals mysterious Indigenous group from Colombia that disappeared 2,000 years ago
• Ancient DNA reveals a two-clanned matrilineal community in Neolithic China

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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This week, Timelines returns to The Archaeology Show! We have always been fascinated by the Moai heads found on the island of Rapa Nui, so we used them to anchor this episode to 1100-1600 BCE. At the same time, the Mississippian culture in North America was building giant mounds and the Great Zimbabwe in Africa were building remarkable stone structures. In this episode we discuss these 3 distinct cultures that thrived during the same time period, in very different places.

• TAS episode 163 - Timelines 1100 in North America
• TAS episode 290 - The Archaeology of Moana 2
• Easter Island
• Mississippian Period
• Great Zimbabwe
• Great Zimbabwe

Chris Webster

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Rachel Roden

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• RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

• APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
• APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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