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explorator 24.35 December 19, 2021
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You can read explorator online at:

https://exploratornews.wordpress.com/

Thanks to Arthur Shippee, Dave Sowdon, Edward Rockstein, Kurt Theis,
John McMahon, Barnea Selavan, Joseph Lauer, Mike Ruggeri, Hernan Astudillo,
Richard Campbell, Barbara Saylor Rodgers, Bob Heuman, David Critchley,
Richard Miller, Kris Curry, Rick Heli, Richard C. Griffiths, Frank MacKay, Jona Lendering,
Don Buck, mata kimasitayo, and Ross W. Sargent for headses upses this week
(as always hoping I have left no one out).

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EARLY HOMINIDS
============================================================
A 125 000 years bp Neanderthal site in Germany suggests they were clearing forests (among other things):

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2021/12/neanderthals-changed-ecosystems-125000-years-ago
https://phys.org/news/2021-12-neanderthals-ecosystems-years.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10316207/Archaeology-Neanderthals-cleared-forest-Germany-fire-tools-125-000-years-ago.html
https://www.wsj.com/articles/prehistoric-site-shows-modern-humans-werent-first-to-change-the-world-11639595870
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/neandertals-first-hominid-modify-environment-forest-grassland
https://www.latercera.com/que-pasa/noticia/un-sitio-prehistorico-muestra-que-los-humanos-modernos-no-fueron-los-primeros-en-cambiar-el-mundo/DWJ5FTCTXJDLHKMNHWOAO6NKHY/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/archaeologists-earliest-evidence-neanderthals-altering-landscape-2050872
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2302065-neanderthals-may-have-cleared-a-european-forest-with-fire-or-tools/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-find-the-oldest-evidence-of-ancient-humans-altering-the-natural-landscape-180979251/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/10235-211216-germany-tree-clearing

cf: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abj5567

Feature on ancestors to the Neanderthals:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/who-were-the-ancestors-of-the-neanderthals

Feature/update on the Orozmani homo erectus site:

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/homo-erectus-vs-saber-tooth-archaeology-site-reveals-what-early-humans-encountered-in-eurasia-1.10376919

Documentary hype for a 215 000 years bp mammoth butchery site near Swindon:

https://www.livescience.com/ice-age-mammoth-graveyard-uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-59702237
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/19/five-ice-age-mammoths-unearthed-in-cotswolds-after-220000-years
https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/attenborough-mammoth-graveyard-ice-age-discovery-swindon-archaeologists-1358627
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/795/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/795/pub/795/page/34/article/243634
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AFRICA
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Interesting study of some Namib Desert petroglyphs:

https://theconversation.com/emperor-moths-in-the-rock-art-of-the-namib-desert-shed-new-light-on-shamanic-ritual-172640

Plans to restore hundreds of historical Jewish sites in Morocco:

https://www.jewishpress.com/news/middle-east/north-africa-middle-east/moroccan-king-orders-restoration-of-hundreds-of-jewish-sites/2021/12/13/

Feature on some queens of Nubia:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/ancient-africa-queens-nubia

More on the recovery of lalibela from rebel hands in Ethiopia:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59628178

More on the redating o Ethiopian monoliths:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10304353/Archaeology-Ethiopias-phallic-20ft-tall-monoliths-created-1-920-years-ago.html
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ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EGYPT
============================================================
13 000 ostraca from Ptolemaic times down to the Islamic era from Sohag:

https://egyptindependent.com/joint-egyptian-german-archaeological-mission-discovers-13000-ostraca-dating-back-to-different-eras/
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/110948/Over-13-000-Ostraca-from-Ptolemaic-Greek-Coptic-Islamic-eras
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/446523/Antiquities/Ancient-Egypt/Cache-of-,-ostraca-unearthed-in-Upper-Egypt;s-Soha.aspx
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/12/cache-of-13000-ostraca-unearthed-in.html

Possibly a crime story, but workers in Nagaa Al-Ouroba came across a statue head that appears to be ancient:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/110794/Discovery-of-suspected-archaeological-head-in-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Qena

More on the tombs from Minya containing two persons with 'golden tongues':

https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/12/egypt-unveils-tombs-dating-back-late-period-ancient-egypt

The 'Lost City' found in Egypt is being designated one of the 'most important' of the year:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/110786/Archeology-Magazine-chooses-discovery-of-Egypt%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98Lost-City%E2%80%99-among-most
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2021/12/16/luxors-lost-golden-city-named-best-archaeological-discovery-in-2021/

The dig in the Douzlakh Salt Mine (Iran) has concluded:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/468160/Iranian-archaeologists-German-fellows-finish-work-on-ancient

I think we mentioned these figurines (various periods) from the Burnt City:

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/figurines-found-iran-burnt-city-1234613378/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/10229-211213-iran-burnt-city

... and there's more from the site:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/468242/New-clues-about-life-discovered-in-Burnt-City

Receding water levels from the Ataturk Dam allowed excavations of a 4000 years bp mound in Adiyaman:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-mound-unearthed-under-dam-water-170088

A 3500 years bp (or so) fragment of a 'stargazer' figure from Mugla:

https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/archaeologists-discover-stargazer-idol-fragment-in-turkeys-mugla/news

A medieval (maybe?) 'living area' overlooking Lake Van:

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/living-area-believed-to-be-from-middle-ages-found-in-eastern-turkey/2451369

Feature on the fall of Constantinople:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/the-fall-of-constantinople/142293

Feature on ongoing efforts to restore sites in Syria:

https://www.voanews.com/a/efforts-continue-to-restore-damaged-archaeological-sites-in-northeastern-syria/6354428.html

Feature on Soviet Assyriology and its aftermath:

https://www.asor.org/anetoday/2021/12/soviet-assyriology-aftermath

More on the find of a second 2000 years bp synagogue at Migdal:

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/2nd-temple-period-synagogue-found-where-gospels-mary-magdalene-was-born-688519
https://www.timesofisrael.com/second-ancient-synagogue-found-in-migdal-alters-ideas-of-jewish-life-2000-years-ago/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-second-synagogue-found-in-hometown-of-mary-magdalene-1.10459124
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-in-hometown-of-mary-magdalene-archaeologists-find-second-synagogue-1.10459124
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/archeology/1639325694-israel-ancient-synagogue-unearthed-in-mary-magdalene-s-town
https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/12/13/road-work-leads-to-discovery-of-2nd-2000-year-old-synagogue-at-migdal/
http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2021-12/12/content_77926098.htm
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10309623/Archaeologists-discover-2-000-year-old-synagogue-supposed-birthplace-Mary-Magdalene.html
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/new-first-century-synagogue/?mqsc=E4139979&dk=ZE14D0ZF0
http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/magdala-synagogue-10374.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/2000-year-old-synagogue-found-in-mary-magdalenes-supposed-hometown-180979208/

Concerns for assorted burial cave sites in Jerusalem:

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/318730

Feature on the site of Gezer:

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/this-used-to-be-one-of-the-greatest-cities-of-ancient-israel-1.10453115

I think we mentioned this item on the historical accuracy of the Bible and sites in the Timna Valley:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/archaeological-dig-reignites-debate-old-testament-historical-accuracy-180979011/

Assessing the fallout from the hype associated with that Tell el-Hammam 'asteroid':

https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/tall-el-hamman/

Feature on translating the Torah into Greek:

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5346243/jewish/What-Was-Wrong-With-Translating-the-Torah-Into-Greek.htm

Pondering the veracity of the mass suicide at Masada:

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/fact-or-fiction-the-mass-suicide-at-masada-2/

A number of workers were trapped in a tunnel at a site in Galilee (they seem to have made it out ok):

https://hamodia.com/2021/12/13/30-workers-trapped-in-tunnel-at-archaeological-site-in-galilee/

Overviewish piece on the excavations at a 3rd-1st millennium BCE site at Qamira (Oman):

https://timesofoman.com/article/110530-archaeologists-at-work-to-reveal-secrets-of-omans-qamira

-----
This Week in the Ancient Near East Podcast:

https://thisweekintheancientneareast.podbean.com/

============================================================
ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME (AND CLASSICS)
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Possible find of the 'lost' sanctuary of Melqart/Temple of Hercules near Cadiz:

https://english.elpais.com/culture/2021-12-17/spanish-researchers-discover-possible-location-of-legendary-temple-of-hercules-gaditanus.html
https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-15/hallada-la-posible-ubicacion-del-mitico-templo-de-hercules-gaditano-uno-de-los-santos-griales-de-la-arqueologia.html
https://www.euronews.com/2021/12/18/spanish-researchers-claim-to-have-found-lost-ancient-building-dedicated-to-hercules
https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2021/12/18/ancient-temple-where-oracle-predicted-julius-caesers-world-domination-discovered-beneath-waves-in-spains-cadiz/
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/survey-reveals-submerged-ancient-ruins/142306

... but there might be some controversy:

https://plainsmenpost.com/2021/12/18/duel-between-archaeologists-over-the-location-of-the-hercules-melqart-temple-in-cadiz-culture/
https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-18/duelo-entre-arqueologos-por-la-ubicacion-del-templo-de-hercules-melqart-en-cadiz.html

A number of Greek/Roman statue heads were unearthed in Knidos:

https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/16/greek-roman-statues-ancient-greek-knidos/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/12/17/roman-and-greek-statue-heads-were-found-in-the-ancient-greek-city-of-knidos/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/12/greek-and-roman-statue-heads-unearthed.html

A torso of Hercules from the ongoing excavations at Aizanoi:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/marble-heracles-statue-found-in-aizanoi-170138

A pair of over life-size Roman statues (without heads) from the excavations at Blaundus:

https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/2000-year-old-statues-unearthed-in-turkeys-western-usak-province
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/archeologists-unearth-2000-year-old-statues-in-western-turkey-3586317
https://www.trtworld.com/art-culture/two-millennia-old-statues-unearthed-in-western-turkiye-52766

A Roman-era (?) gold-plated chest and coin from near Ankara:

https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/roman-era-gold-plated-chest-gold-coin-found-near-ankara/news

A seized mosaic from Izmir province has been put 'under protection':

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/2-000-year-old-mosaic-put-under-protection-in-western-turkey/2451373

More on luxury trade items from some burials on Cyprus:

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/cyprus-trade-emporium/

More on evidence of crucifixion from Roman Britain:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/archaeologists-discover-best-physical-evidence-crucifixion-2045534
https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-10/hallado-en-el-reino-unido-el-esqueleto-de-un-esclavo-con-un-clavo-en-el-talon-que-evidencia-que-fue-crucificado.html

A study of the sources for Roman silver coinage in the Iberian peninsula:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-sources-roman-silver-coinage-iberian.html

cf: https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/doi/10.1130/G49690.1/610233/Silver-isotope-and-volatile-trace-element

... and a similar sort of study involving assorted ingots (mostly copper) from a 600 years bp shipwreck site off France (found in the 1960s):

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-isotope-analyses-iron-age-secrets.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/937674
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/isotope-analyses-unlock-iron-age-secrets/142277
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10232-211214-iron-age-copper

A preview of plans to mark the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian's Wall:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-59712769

... and more on the suggestion the Wall came after existing 'Anglo-Scots' defences:

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19778640.expert-claims-hadrians-wall-came-existing-anglo-scots-defences/

Hadrianopolis plans on promoting its mosaics:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hadrianoupolis-to-be-known-for-its-mosaics-170137

A few items on the Antikythera Mechanism this week (the Scientific American one is really good):

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/an-ancient-greek-astronomical-calculation-machine-reveals-new-secrets/
https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/3601/children-of-the-cosmos/
https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/16/antikythera-mechanism/

Excellent study questioning the view that the Greeks regularly practiced infanticide:

https://www.science.org/content/article/ancient-greeks-didn-t-kill-weak-babies-new-study-argues
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10312701/Ancient-Greeks-did-NOT-regularly-practice-infanticide-kill-weak-babies.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10231-211214-greek-exposure-infanticide

A study of assorted aspects (including marine life growing on) one of the rams found off the Aegades:

https://www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/ancient-shipwreck-supports-diversity-615965

Study suggests that gold 'fell out of favour' in the Caucasus 4000 years or so bp:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-this-ancient-civilization-fell-out-of-love-with-gold-for-700-years-180979254/

Reviewish item on a book examining evidence of Greeks and Romans in Kashmir:

https://www.greaterkashmir.com/op-ed-2/ancient-romans-greeks-in-kashmir

Reviewish of Mary Beard, *Twelve Caesars*:

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-to-tell-your-roman-emperors-apart

Review of a couple of books on Seneca:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/two-books-on-seneca-review-stoic-roman-philosopher-letters-from-a-fellow-sufferer-11639754995

Latest item on the Dirk Obbink/Hobby Lobby case:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/december/dirk-obbink-hobby-lobby-default-judgement-lawsuit-fraud.html

Feature on the work of David Stone:

https://www.archaeological.org/member-spotlight-david-l-stone/

Feature on Mike Toumazou on the occasion of his retirement:

https://www.davidson.edu/news/2021/12/16/celebrating-true-classic-prof-mike-toumazou-hangs-his-trademark-hat

Feature on Robert Littman and his long stay at the University of Hawaii:

https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/12/17/robert-littman-50-years/

Feature on Tana Allen and her use of LEGO in the Classics classroom:

https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/936787/why-legos-were-the-building-blocks-of-this-classics-course.html

Feature on Thomas J. Jones:

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/12/16/jesuit-school-spotlight-canisius-buffalo-241983

An interview with Anne Carson:

https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/anne-carson-punches-a-hole-through-greek-myth

Feature on modern reuse of ancient Roman construction materials at what was once Viminacium:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-held-history-roman-blocks-serbian.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211215-held-up-by-history-roman-ruins-provide-building-blocks-for-serbian-village
https://www.rfi.fr/en/held-up-by-history-roman-ruins-provide-building-blocks-for-serbian-village
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/features/held-history-roman-ruins-provide-building-blocks-%C2%A0serbian-village

Feature on the Huntingdon hoard:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-59665406

Feature on Roman Segovia:

https://english.elpais.com/culture/2021-12-13/more-than-an-aqueduct-spains-segovia-digs-into-its-roman-past.html

Feature on the Roman remains in Merida:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/find-mosaics-and-mystery-in-a-far-flung-outpost-of-the-roman-empire

Feature on Roman remains at Silchester:

https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/berkshire-history/gallery/silchester-village-just-outside-berkshire-22427796

Feature on Phanagoria:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/16/phanagoria-russias-archaeological-treasure/

Feature on the fall of Carthage:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/11/the-fall-of-carthage/142080

Feature on Julius Caesar in France:

https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2021/12/18/retracing-julius-caesars-path-through-france

Feature on the importance of the Classical Tradition in art:

https://whitehotmagazine.com/articles/classical-tradition-by-donald-kuspit/5245

Feature on toys (dolls) in the Roman empire:

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/before-barbie-why-girls-played-with-dolls-in-the-roman-empire-1.10459455

Feature on the Vapheio cups:

https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/17/vapheio-gold-cups-ancient-greek/

Feature on Britan's 'lost Roman legion':

https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/what-happened-to-britains-lost-roman-legion/

OpEddish suggesting 'meta' and 'omicron' are part of a 'classics comeback':

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/life/romy-meta-omicron-classics-comeback/

Latest claim that the Greeks discovered Iceland:

https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/14/greek-discovery-of-iceland-supported-by-new-evidence/

... while there's also an item wondering whether ancient Greeks visited Britain:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-greece/did-any-ancient-greeks-visit-britain/

Stephen Fry stepped into the Parthenon Sculptures issue this week:

https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/13/ground-breaking-proposal-return-parthenon-marbles/
https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/1173709/fry-returning-marbles-would-be-classy-gesture/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/12/14/stephen-fry-returning-marbles-would-be-a-classy-gesture/
https://www.thenationalherald.com/british-writer-fry-says-parthenon-marbles-belong-to-greece/
https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/culture/45963-british-writer-stephen-fry-parthenon-marbles-should-be-returned-to-greece.html
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/create-virtual-elgin-marbles-and-return-real-thing-urges-stephen-fry-87jv98ww2
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/12/12/stephen-fry-says-returning-elgin-marbles-greece-would-classy/

... and there was a response to George Osbourne's views expressed a week or so ago:

https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-osborne-article-on-sculptures/

... while others were thinking 'loan' proposals should be a 'last resort':

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2021/12/15/dialogue/opinion/offering-something-for-parthenon-marbles-should-be-last-resort-option/

... and Boris Johnson's opinion from the 1980s that they should be returned was revealed:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/dec/18/boris-johnsons-zeal-to-return-parthenon-marbles-revealed-in-1986-article
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/12/18/greek-newspaper-unearths-boris-johnson-article-calling-elgin/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/12/19/greek-newspaper-ta-nea-uncovers-boris-johnson-article-asking-for-elgin-marbles/

A nice overview on the whole Parthenon Sculptures debate:

https://www.dw.com/en/parthenon-marbles-a-200-year-old-restitution-dispute/a-60146803

... and a 'year in review' piece on the sculptures:

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2021/12/19/dialogue/parthenon-sculptures-in-2021-a-year-in-review/

... and an optimistic opEd:

https://news.artnet.com/opinion/parthenon-marbles-dan-hicks-2048268

... and let's not forget the British Museum has a Caryatid too:

https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1173768/a-modern-caryatid-pleads-for-her-sister-s-return/

On Boris Johnson as Greek hero:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/18/boris-johnson-classical-greek-hero-audience-waiting-fall/

Latest Pasts Imperfect newsletter:

https://pastsimperfect.substack.com/p/pasts-imperfect-121621
-----
Roman Archaeology Blog:

http://romanarc.blogspot.com/

Rogueclassicism:

http://rogueclassicism.com/
============================================================
EUROPE AND THE UK (+ Ireland)
============================================================
Plenty of interest in a 10 000 years bp burial of an infant girl (dubbed 'Neve') in an Italian cave:

https://news.ucdenver.edu/europes-earliest-female-infant-burial-reveals-a-mesolithic-society-that-honored-its-youngest-members/
https://phys.org/news/2021-12-earliest-adorned-female-infant-burial.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/937632
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211214084538.htm
https://www.livescience.com/ancient-infant-burial-italy-alps
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/816/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/816/pub/816/page/26/article/251028
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10307631/Archaeology-Highly-decorated-10-000-year-old-burial-infant-GIRL-dubbed-Neve-Italy.html
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/10000-year-old-infant-female-neve-becomes-oldest-ever-discovered-688763
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/earliest-female-human-infant-burial-found-europe-rcna8677
https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-15/descubierta-en-italia-la-tumba-de-un-recien-nacido-mas-antigua-de-europa.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/earliest-modern-female-human-infant-burial-found-europe
https://gizmodo.com/archaeologists-find-an-ornate-10-000-year-old-grave-of-1848211668
https://www.sciencealert.com/10-000-year-old-burial-suggests-even-the-youngest-females-were-mourned-as-people
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/15/europes-earliest-female-infant-burial-reveals/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/10000-year-old-burial-of-baby-found-in-italian-cave-180979224/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10233-211215-italy-mesolithic-grave

cf: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-02804-z

Neolithic child burials in a mound in Denmark:

http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62922

Bronze Age finds from Slovakia's Trencin Region:

https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22801996/slovaks-have-unearthed-bronze-age-treasure.html

New evidence suggests humans had settled on the Faroe Islands some 350 years before the Vikings arrived (i.e. ca 500 CE):

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-humans-remote-north-atlantic-islands.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59683287
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/faroe-islands-settled-before-vikings/
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/12/humans-reached-remote-north-atlantic.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/17/humans-reached-north-atlantic-islands-centuries-earlier-than-thought/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10237-211217-faroe-islands-sheep

cf: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-021-00318-0

A lyre from Sutton Hoo might have affinities with a similar one from Kazakhstan:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sutton-hoo-lyre-exotic-past-revealed-kg7wkvj2k
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/ancient-lyre-of-sutton-hoo-is-like-older-one-in-kazakhstan-4-000km-away-1.10464246
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10309145/Sutton-Hoo-lyre-COUSIN-2-485-miles-away-study-reveals.html
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/lyre-previously-found-at-sutton-hoo-has-cousin-in-kazakhstan/142289

cf: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03685-y

Some Viking-era brooches found by metal detectorists on the Isle of Man are on display for the first time:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-59703390
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62936

A possible Anglo-Saxon burial site has brought house construction to a halt in Hart Village:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-59689068

A 13th century falconry-related figurine from downtown Oslo:

https://www.niku.no/en/2021/12/a-13th-century-king-and-his-falcon-but-which-king/
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62894
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/crowned-figure-holding-a-falcon-discovered-in-oslos-medieval-park/142267
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/12/13th-century-carved-figure-with-falcon.html
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/13/a-13th-century-figure-with-falcon-found-in-oslo/
http://www.archaeology.org/news/10234-211216-norway-medieval-falconry

A medieval pendant is being singled out as the millionth find made by the public in the UK:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-59607288
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/14/medieval-pendant-is-millionth-archaeological-find-by-british-public
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/british-museum-british-lincolnshire-parkinson-michael-lewis-b971812.html
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/uncovered-medieval-pendant-is-millionth-archaeological-find-made-by-the-public-41148130.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10308413/Medieval-pendant-one-millionth-archaeological-public-25-years-Treasure-Act.html
https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2021/12/portable-antiquities-scheme-logs-millionth-archaeological-find/

Another pendant find reveals a hitherto unknown Anglo-Saxon name:

http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62909
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/early-medieval-gold-pendant-reveals-previously-unknown-british-name-of-eadruf-fxnzcwh23
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/12/14/eadruf-cross-shaped-pendant-covered-runes-reveals-mysterious/
https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/816/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/816/pub/816/page/26/article/251028

... and assorted 'treasure finders' are being praised for waiving their right to a reward:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/parkinson-british-museum-whitley-bay-sandwich-stonehenge-b971841.html
https://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/treasure-finders-praised-for-generous-gesture-of-waiving-right-to-reward-41148380.html

Feature on the restoration of a reused Roman-era rock crystal jar found in the Galloway hoard:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-59702916
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/17/extraordinary-restoration-of-roman-rock-crystal-jar-from-galloway-hoard
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10323711/Experts-extraordinary-Roman-rock-crystal-jar-Viking-era-treasure-hoard-Scotland.html
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/treasure-discovery-roman-gold-crystal-archeology-scli-intl/index.html

Remains of a late medieval cart track from Finchingfield:

https://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/news/ancient-track-unearthed-in-finchingfield-8556884

Hospital construction the the Crimea came across remains of a 19th century synagogue:

https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/construction-workers-unearth-crimean-synagogue-believed-to-have-been-destroyed-1.10476007

More on large Iron Age longhouses from Norway:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-norwegian-archaeologists-late-iron-age.html

More on that medieval ink pen from a fortress site in Ireland:

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/oldest-ink-pen-in-ireland-is-discovered-by-archaeologist-during-excavation-in-burren-41132749.html
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62900
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/medieval-ink-pen-testifies-to-rise-of-secular-literacy-in-ireland-180979216/
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10230-211213-ireland-medieval-pen

More on that ornate Viking sword from Scotland that was given the xray treatment:

https://www.livescience.com/viking-sword-x-ray-analysis
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-viking-sword-discovered-in-grave-on-scottish-island-180979225/

More on the diet of the builders of Stonehenge:

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/search-news/did-the-builders-of-stonehenge-feast-on-sweet-treats-at-midwinter/

More roundups of 'treasure finds' in various parts of the UK, such as Wiltshire and Swindon:

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/19779248.dozens-treasure-finds-dug-last-year/

... and Hampshire:

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19779473.hampshire-among-hotspots-finding-treasure1/

... East Yorkshire:

https://www.bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk/news/people/at-least-20-buried-treasure-troves-found-in-east-yorkshire-last-year-new-figures-show-3492718

... Nottinghamshire:

https://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/people/buried-treasure-found-in-nottinghamshire-12-times-in-a-year-3492554

... Thames shore:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/treasure-found-river-thames-portable-antiquities-scheme-british-museum-b971929.html

Feature on five significant finds from the UK last year:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/14/rare-runes-roman-hoards-five-treasures-discovered-uk-2020

A farmer was fined for destroying a Neolithic site on Skye:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-59653333

Investigating claims that the tomb of a 17th century lawyer who tortured Protestants was 'raided':

https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/816/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/816/pub/816/page/28/article/251010

Feature on the use of drones to record UK coastal heritage:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-drones-capture-coastal-heritage-lost.html

cf: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology-south-east/seaford-head

Another item on the Viking 'blood eagle' execution:

https://theconversation.com/brutal-viking-blood-eagle-ritual-execution-was-anatomically-possible-new-research-173519
----------
Archaeology in Europe News:

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

Medievalists.net:

https://www.medievalists.net/category/news/

Viking Archaeology Blog:

http://viking-archaeology-blog.blogspot.com/

============================================================
ASIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
============================================================
8000 years bp evidence of alcohol use in China:

http://www.china.org.cn/china/Off_the_Wire/2021-12/17/content_77938054.htm
https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/archaeologists-discover-remnants-of-8000-year-old-alcohol-in-china/841828

A Shang Dynasty 'city' site featuring burials and other items from Henan:

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/1217/c90000-9934139.html
https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/archaeologists-find-ancient-city-site-in-chinas-henan/news

Charred remains of tea from a Warring States period tomb from Shandong:

http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/zoucheng-tea-10362.html

A tomb in Shaanxi has been confirmed as belonging to the Han Dynasty emperor Wen:

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/1215/c90000-9932817.html
http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202112/15/WS61b92e45a310cdd39bc7b594.html
https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/environment/article/3160176/scientists-find-emperors-tomb-after-centuries
http://www.ecns.cn/news/cns-wire/2021-12-15/detail-ihattyiu7540588.shtml
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-12-14/Tomb-confirmed-as-belonging-to-Emperor-Wen-of-Han-15YUrq9qVVe/index.html
http://t.m.china.org.cn/convert/c_vau1AK62.html
https://www.archaeology.org/news/10236-211217-china-xi-an-baling

China is considering using muon detection technology to find the 'secret chamber' associated with Qin's tomb:

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3159821/china-mulls-planting-cosmic-ray-detectors-tomb-qin-shi-huang
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cosmic-rays-could-unearth-secrets-of-terracotta-army-tomb-rvm6wjflx
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10320389/Archaeology-Cosmic-rays-reveal-hidden-tomb-Chinas-Emperor.html

More on the bronze (copper?) Buddha statues dating to Eastern Han Dynasty times from Shaanxi:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202112/1241365.shtml
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10305419/Archaeologists-uncover-oldest-Buddha-statues-China.html
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/62916

Some more boundary stones from Hong Kong's first colonial settlement have been found:

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3160189/where-city-victoria-authenticity-confirmed-3-more-boundary

A study of evidence for millet bread from the long-occupied site of Kadebakele in southern India:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-millet-bread-pulse-dough-early.html
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/938345

cf: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305440321002053

2700 years bp (maybe) petroglyphs from Kongana Siddhar cave in Perumalai:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/ancient-rock-art-symbols-discovered-in-salems-kongana-siddhar-cave/articleshow/88255489.cms

A 2300 years bp apsidal Buddhist temple from Pakistan:

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/2300-year-old-apsidal-temple-of-buddhist-period-discovered-by-archaeologists-in-pak-officials/
https://nation.com.pk/15-Dec-2021/italian-archaeological-mission-in-pakistan-announces-key-discovery

17th century sculptures revealed at Telangana's Munagala temple site:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2021/dec/13/17th-century-sculptures-unearthed-in-munagala-temple-2394855.html

Remains of a British-era 'hanging house' found inside the Delhi Assembly:

https://www.newdelhitimes.com/british-era-execution-room-uncovered-inside-the-delhi-assembly
https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi/article/british-era-hanging-house-found-inside-delhi-assembly-speaker-to-inform-archaeological-department/840250

Mining-associated concerns for a 2300 years bp Buddhist site in Andra Pradesh:

https://newsmeter.in/must-read/history-disappearing-2300yo-buddhist-site-in-aps-kodavali-under-threat-from-mining-688103

Plans to resume excavations in Keeladi next year:

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/archaeological-excavation-at-keeladi-sivagalai-to-resume-in-2022-1060764.html

... while this year's finds are being written up:

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/archaeological-survey-of-india-begins-work-on-keeladi-excavation-report-1061193.html

Feature on the city of Dwarka:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0bbbxjd/searching-for-the-sunken-kingdom-of-dwarka

Part two of a feature on the ancient history of Kashmir:

https://www.greaterkashmir.com/op-ed-2/part-ii-reconstructing-the-ancient-history-of-kashmir
============================================================
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
============================================================
Humans are back on the hook for contributing to extinction of megafauna in Australia:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-extinct-megafauna-prone-ancient-hunger.html

cf: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ecog.06089

============================================================
NORTH AMERICA
============================================================
A 'mystery object' from a Revolutionary War site in Saratoga National Historical Park turns out to be a kitchen gadget:

https://www.centredaily.com/news/nation-world/article256597961.html

Searching for Benedict Arnold's 'smuggling tunnel':

https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/is_benedict_arnolds_smuggling_tunnel_under_there

Feature on archaeology sites associated with the Tla'amin First Nation:

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/12/17/archaeology-speaks-to-the-untold-story-of-a-west-coast-first-nation.html
https://www.wellandtribune.ca/ts/news/canada/2021/12/17/archaeology-speaks-to-the-untold-story-of-a-west-coast-first-nation.html

Feature on Inuvialuit archaeologist Letitia Pokiak:

https://www.nnsl.com/news/archaeologist-letitia-pokiak-digs-deep-into-inuvialuit-history/

Feature on the Franklin expedition:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/ancient-shipwreck-left-frozen-time-25731308
============================================================
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
============================================================
Possible evidence of pre-Columbian headhunting from some burials in Nicaragua:

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/MAGAZINE-pre-columbian-burial-in-nicaragua-may-show-headhunting-culture-1.10363132

Sea level fall is being associated with the decline of the Sambaqui culture some 2000 years bp:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-sea-fall-decline-pre-columbian-societies.html
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-2-000-year-old-lesson-on-how-sea-level-changes-can-destroy-societies
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/17/sea-level-fall-led-to-the-decline-of-pre-columbian-societies-2000-years-ago/

Evidence of an Aztec 'New Fire' ritual from Mexico City:

https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-12-18/remains-from-aztec-new-fire-ceremony-discovered-in-mexico-city.html
https://elpais.com/mexico/2021-12-15/hallados-los-vestigios-de-una-de-las-ultimas-ceremonias-del-fuego-nuevo-azteca-en-el-centro-de-ciudad-de-mexico.html
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/remains-mexica-ceremony-mexico-city/

Another theory on the decline of the Rapa Nui:

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2021/12/settlement-of-rapa-nui-may-have-been.html

More on that 800/1200 years bp 'bound mummy' from Peru:

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/archaeologists-find-800-year-old-mummy-peru-2021-11-27/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/27/archaeologists-unearth-mummy-estimated-to-be-at-least-800-years-old-in-peru
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10253673/Archaeology-Weird-mummy-Peruvian-tomb-tied-ROPES-hands-covering-face.html

Feature on Incan terracing technology:

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20211212-the-innovative-technology-that-powered-the-inca
-----
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas Breaking News:

http://goo.gl/1VdeA

Mike Ruggeri's Ancient Americas lecture channels on Youtube:

https://mikeruggerisyoutube.tumblr.com/

Ancient MesoAmerica News:

http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/
============================================================
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
============================================================
A study of Dutch white paint:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-use-white-lead-paint-in-dutch-masters-works-to-solve-art-history-mysteries-180979221/

Feature on the Knights Templar:

https://www.livescience.com/knights-templar.html

Feature on how turkeys became holiday food:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211214-how-the-humble-turkey-became-a-christmas-staple

Feature on the history of fruitcake:

https://theconversation.com/the-magnificent-history-of-the-maligned-and-misunderstood-fruitcake-173201

On the wildest parties in art:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/dec/17/bruegels-boozers-hirsts-horrific-ashtray-wildest-parties-art-christmas

Feature on five ancient cities that don't exist any more:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/5-ancient-cities-that-no-longer-exist

Arguing about the invention of the airplane:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/12/11/wright-brothers-smithsonian-airplane/

A Phoenician ship replica is setting sail for Spain:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/replica-of-ancient-boat-to-sail-to-spain-169992

On the history of sea shanties in New England:

https://www.wshu.org/2021-12-16/folk-songs-sea-shanties-are-the-sound-of-new-englands-nautical-history

The Honresfield library has been saved for the UK:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/16/lost-library-of-literary-treasures-saved-for-uk-after-charity-raises-15m

Pondering the idea of 'Big History':

https://aeon.co/essays/we-should-be-wary-about-what-big-history-overlooks-in-its-myth

Feature on historical women's roles in sex trafficking:

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/12/ghislaine-maxwell-trial-history-of-female-complicity-in-sexual-abuse.html

Feature on the history of the limpet:

https://theconversation.com/how-the-humble-limpet-helped-humans-develop-survive-and-thrive-173871

Feature on Darwin's microscope:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2021/dec/16/darwins-lost-microscope-the-auction-of-a-history-making-box-of-brass-video?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

More lists of the top archaeological discoveries for 2021 (coverage varies, of course):

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/top-10-archaeological-discoveries-of-2021/142248
https://www.dw.com/en/from-celtic-coins-to-cave-paintings-archaeological-finds-of-2021/g-58291898

Feature on Mary Queen of Scots letterlocking:

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/mary-queen-scots-letterlocking-execution-intl-scli-gbr/index.html

Review of a new translation of *Arabian Nights*:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/15/new-arabian-nights-translation-to-strip-away-earlier-versions-racism-and-sexism

Review of Roosevelt Montas, *Rescuing Socrates*:

https://news.columbia.edu/news/roosevelt-montas-new-book-rescuing-socrates

Review of Joe Moshenska, *Making Darkness Light*:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/books/review/making-darkness-light-john-milton-joe-moshenska.html

Review of Cynthia Saltzman, *Napoleon's Plunder*;

https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/napoleons-plunder-cynthia-saltzman-book-review-ruth-scurr/

Review of Hannah Matson's recent book on human adornment:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-archaeologist-human-adornment.html

Review of a book on Italy's forgotten artists:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/16/beyond-artemisia-italys-forgotten-women-artists-revealed-in-new-book

OpEd on 'Great Books':

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/opinion/great-books-socrates.html

More reaction to the Notre Dame restoration:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-16/notre-dame-restoration-draws-fire-from-conservative-critics
============================================================
CURRENT EVENTS:
============================================================
Some interesting history of Advent hymns:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2021/12/12/sacred-mysteries-surprises-carols-christmas/

On the Antiques Roadshow and colonialism:

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/dec/17/bbc-antiques-roadshow-should-address-uk-legacy-of-colonialism

The time capsule in the Robert E Lee statue base in Richmond may have been located:

https://apnews.com/article/richmond-virginia-ralph-northam-f6c84edde892845b3d3f6b3fd802a87d

More on COVID and the Greek alphabet:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/14/greek-alphabet-covid-variant/
============================================================
ANIMAL AND PLANT DOMESTICATIONS
============================================================
The oldest dog remains in North America (11 000 years bp?) come from Haida Gwaii:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/americas-first-domesticated-dogs-2049165
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10314621/Archaeologists-13-100-year-old-tooth-belonging-Americas-oldest-known-domesticated-dog.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/archaeologists-discover-oldest-domesticated-dog-remains-in-americas-180979222/

============================================================
LANGUAGE RELATED
============================================================
Feature on 1500 endangered languages:

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/938003
============================================================
MUSEUM MATTERS
============================================================
You Will See What Your Can't See:

https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/magical-exhibit-3500-year-old-hittite-tablets-on-display-in-izmir

Ibero-American art in Spain:

https://elpais.com/cultura/museo-del-prado/2021-10-15/y-america-nos-conquisto.html

Visions of India:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2021/dec/18/images-of-india-from-courtesans-and-colonial-rule-to-a-childs-eye-view-in-pictures

Sanhedrin Trail:

https://www.israel21c.org/magdala-stone-and-other-rare-artifacts-on-view-in-galilee/

From Istanbul to Byzantium:

https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/events/from-istanbul-to-byzantium-rediscovery-of-byzantine-heritage

Maps of Renaissance Tuscany:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/maps-of-renaissance-tuscany-on-show-for-first-time-in-20-years

African Origin of Civilization:

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/12/13/metropolitan-museum-african-origin-civilization-exhibit/8981639420078/

Stonehenge:

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-british-museum-world-of-stonehenge-2048331

Heritage of Rasheed:

https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/110910/%E2%80%98Heritage-of-Rasheed%E2%80%99-exhibition-reviews-the-history-of-the-ancient

Ancient Greeks:

https://greekherald.com.au/culture/ancient-greek-blockbuster-exhibition-opens-national-museum-australia-canberra/
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/athletes,-warriors-and-heroes-exhibition-to-open-in-canberra/13679358
https://neoskosmos.com/en/2021/12/16/life/impressive-ancient-greek-warriors-exhibition-launches-in-canberra/
https://greekherald.com.au/culture/this-victory-ancient-greeks-exhibition-opens-with-bang/
https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/17/greek-masterpieces-loaned-british-museum-australia/

Mycenae:

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/15/mycenae-from-myth-to-history/

Forgotten Women Artists:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/arts/design/atheneum-art-sexism-women-museum.html

Indigenous Enslavement:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/arts/design/native-american-enslavement-colorado-exhibition.html

Followup to removing the Sackler name from museums:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/15/dont-strip-the-sackler-name-from-museums-its-a-visceral-reminder-of-human-greed

Renovations under way for several galleries at the Met:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/14/metropolitan-museum-african-ancient-american-oceanic-art-galleries

A Maryland Civil War museum has acquired a Union soldier's ID tag:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/12/17/civil-war-id-dog-tag/

Feature on five African museums:

https://theconversation.com/five-exciting-african-museums-to-add-to-your-travel-wish-list-173657

More on Afghanistan's National Museum under the Taliban:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/arts/design/afghanistan-national-museum-reopens.html

More on the Getty acquisition of a bust of Germanicus (maybe):

https://www.getty.edu/news/first-century-roman-bust-joins-getty-villa-collection/
============================================================
AUCTIONS AND SALES RELATED
============================================================
A 16th century globe is coming to auction:

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/oldest-globe-auction-gbr-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/national/priceless-16th-century-globe-could-be-oldest-offered-at-auction-36400/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/priceless-16th-century-globe-could-be-the-oldest-ever-auctioned-1.5708622

... as is a photo of the Rosettis by Lewis Carroll:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/14/extremely-rare-photograph-of-the-rossettis-taken-by-lewis-carroll-up-for-auction

A miniature by Sarah Biffin exceeded expectations:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/miniature-by-sarah-biffin-19th-century-artist-born-without-arms-or-legs-outshines-estimates-at-auction-180979239/

Feature on how the auction of a stolen letter of Cortes was halted:

https://elpais.com/mexico/2021-12-17/los-academicos-que-detuvieron-la-subasta-en-nueva-york-de-una-carta-robada-de-hernan-cortes.html

Paul Revere artifacts found in a Boston attic fetched a nice price:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/paul-revere-family-artifacts-sell-at-auction-for-20000-180979219/

Pondering that Albrecht Durer coming to auction soon:

https://www.wamc.org/2021-12-18/opinion-albrecht-durers-lesson-for-all-of-us-today
============================================================
ON THE DNA FRONT
============================================================
A genome-wide study of DNA from the Sudan:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-genome-wide-ancient-human-dna-sudan.html

I think we mentioned this DNA study of the settlement of Polynesia:

https://www.science.org/content/article/no-one-could-have-predicted-dna-offers-surprises-how-polynesia-was-settled
============================================================
THE TECHY SIDE
============================================================
I think we mentioned this high-tech mummy-unwrapping technique:

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-classical-machine-technique-easier-segmentation.html
https://www.inverse.com/innovation/new-technique-virtually-unravels-mummies
============================================================
CLIMATE MATTERS
============================================================
Study suggests that warming actually led to the 'Little Ice Age':

https://phys.org/news/2021-12-winter-uncover-ice-age.html
https://www.livescience.com/agu-floods-drove-vikings-from-greenland
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/little-ice-age-ocean-currents-b1976776.html

cf: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abi8230

Climate change is being linked to the Vikings leaving Greenland:

https://www.livescience.com/agu-floods-drove-vikings-from-greenland

On the long (apparently) history of climate change concerns:

https://www.livescience.com/humans-first-warned-about-climate-change

On what clam shells reveal about climate change:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211213121904.htm
https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2021/12/14/researchers-find-climate-change-record-in-clam-shells/

Climate change concerns at Jamestown Island:

https://www.bayjournal.com/news/climate_change/jamestown-island-up-against-wall-as-rising-waters-imperil-artifacts/article_bda9bf44-577c-11ec-803e-8bc62b1ae347.html
============================================================
TOURISTY THINGS
============================================================
Seven Rome monuments:

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/7-rome-monuments-to-visit-for-tourists-in-2022.html
============================================================
PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC RELATED
============================================================
Pondering the future of Classical Music:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/arts/music/classical-music-tommasini.html
============================================================
CRIME BEAT
============================================================
Treasure hunters have plundered Tukey's Pihr Mound:

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-mound-plundered-by-treasure-hunters-170110

Vandalism of some Despenaperros petroglyphs:

https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-13/danan-un-emblema-del-arte-rupestre-mediterraneo-declarado-patrimonio-mundial.html

Spanish police recovered some stolen Visigoth coins:

https://elpais.com/cultura/2021-12-13/una-moneda-de-oro-visigoda-oculta-en-una-vivienda-de-leon.html

Prominent Egyptian businessman Hassan Rateb (and 20 others) have been formally charged with smuggling/excavating antiquities:

https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/egypt/2021/12/12/prominent-egyptian-businessman-charged-with-smuggling-antiquities/
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1233/446297/Egypt/Courts--Law/Egyptian-businessman-to-stand-trial-over-financing.aspx
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/egyptian-businessman-accused-antiquities-excavation

Egypt also deported an ambassador from the UAE for smuggling antiquities:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211218-egypt-deports-uae-ambassador-for-smuggling-antiques/

I think we mentioned this hoard of stolen antiquities found in a tunnel and dating to the Bar Kokhba revolt:

https://www.livescience.com/stolen-roman-artifacts-seized-jerusalem
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/authorities-believe-looted-bar-kochba-artifacts-were-roman-army-spoils-688858
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/318683
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stopping-a-suspect-car-police-find-ancient-items-bar-kochba-rebels-took-from-romans/
https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/strike-against-antiquities-thieves/
https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/12/15/jerusalem-car-trunk-seizure-reveals-bronze-artifacts-taken-by-bar-kochba-rebels-from-roman-soldiers/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10316233/Jerusalem-police-probe-discovery-Roman-treasures-looted-Bar-Kokhba-revolt.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/looted-artifacts-recovered-from-trunk-may-be-roman-spoils-of-war-seized-by-jewish-rebels-180979243/

Antiquities-related arrests in Thessaloniki:

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1173609/arrests-over-antiquities-in-thessaloniki/
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/12/12/arrests-over-antiquities-in-thessaloniki/

A smuggling bust in Turkey included some shrunken heads from the Amazon (!):

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/shrunken-human-heads-found-during-smuggling-operation-170091
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10324363/Shrunken-heads-collected-headhunting-tribe-Turkish-police-amazing-haul.html

A bust of a gang of seniors who apparently smuggled items across Europe via train:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/senior-gang-smuggled-italian-antiquities-on-train-trips-sqz92q2nz

Police in Romania recovered 100 stolen medieval coins:

http://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-police-recover-medieval-coins

Feature on Balkan-based looters' use of Facebook in their dealings:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/15/balkan-based-looters-share-tips-on-facebook

In the wake of the Steinhardt thing, a feature on Christos Tsirogiannis' work identifying looted antiquities:

https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/14/greek-archaeologist-exposed-steinhardt-stolen-antiquities/

... and another major case from the Manhattan DA office which seems to focus more on the returns being made to Italy, than the people/museums involved:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/arts/design/antiquities-repatriated-district-attroney.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/16/us-begins-returning-dollars-10m-of-antiquities-stolen-in-italy-kim-kardashian
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211215-new-york-returns-200-stolen-antiquities-to-italy
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/17/us-restitution-of-200-italian-artefacts-is-watershed-moment-says-carabinieri-chief-as-looted-art-trove-arrives-in-rome
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/200-looted-artifacts-repatriated-to-italy-edoardo-almagia-1234613789/
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/us-returns-10-million-of-looted-treasures-to-italy.html
https://www.thenationalherald.com/greek-and-roman-antiquities-among-stolen-items-returned-to-italy/
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/united-states-returns-200-stolen-antiquities-to-italy-170120
https://www.thelocal.it/20211216/new-york-returns-200-stolen-antiquities-to-italy

Ongoing looting by 'occupation mercenaries' in Afrin:

https://sana.sy/en/?p=257478
https://www.syriahr.com/en/231362/

More on the Steinhardt 'settlement':

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-york-antiquities-collector-returns-180-stolen-artifacts-worth-70-million-180979203/
----------
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
============================================================
An exhibition of Benin Bronzes before their return:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/15/hamburg-to-show-benin-artefacts-before-restituting-them-to-nigeria

Feature on some Benin Bronzes in a small New Zealand museum:

https://theconversation.com/imperial-loot-in-a-small-town-gallery-in-new-zealand-the-curious-case-of-gores-benin-bronzes-173424

Feature on the role of 'netizens' in Thailand's repatriation efforts:

https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/features/thailands-art-repatriation-and-the-power-of-netizens/

Another Gurlitt-related return from a Swiss museum:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/12/17/kunstmuseum-bern-gurlitt-trove-nazi-loot

More on Egypt recovering 30 000 items over the past decade:

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/446311.aspx

More on Israel returning items to Egypt:

https://egyptianstreets.com/2021/12/13/israel-returns-smuggled-ancient-relics-to-egypt/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/12/israel-returns-trafficked-artifacts-egypt
============================================================
NUMISMATICA
============================================================
Feature on the ancient Celtic coinage of Britain:

https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/the-ancient-celtic-coinage-of-britain/

Latest e-Sylum:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n50.html

... and the one which should appear later today:

http://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n51.html
------------------------

Coin Week:

http://www.coinweek.com/

============================================================
OBITUARIES
============================================================
Mike Ingram:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/12/the-passing-of-mr-northampton-history/142240

Michael Eisenstadt:

https://www.statesman.com/obituaries/p0172908

Robert Farris Thompson:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2021/12/14/robert-farris-thompson-dead/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/12/arts/robert-farris-thompson-dead.html

Julius S Scott:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/16/obituaries/julius-scott-dead-common-wind.html

============================================================
AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS
============================================================
Audio News from Archaeologica:

https://www.archaeologychannel.org/audio-guide/audio-news/3123-audio-news-from-archaeologica-december-5th-through-december-11th-2021
============================================================
GENERAL ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS BLOGS
============================================================
Archaeology Magazine News Page:

http://www.archaeology.org/news/

About.com Archaeology:

http://archaeology.about.com/

Archaeology Briefs:

http://archaeologybriefs.blogspot.com/

Atlas Obscura:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/

Heritage Daily:

https://www.heritagedaily.com/

Sapiens Archaeology:

https://www.sapiens.org/category/archaeology/

Taygete Atlantis excavations blogs aggregator:

http://planet.atlantides.org/taygete/
============================================================
PODCASTS/VODCASTS
============================================================
Archaeosoup:

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

Archaeology Podcast Network:

http://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/
============================================================
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