A webinar from the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) to get up to speed with the archaeology component of the 2026 Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP) theme: “Unearth a Story.” Learn archaeology basics and the cool things archaeologists can reveal about the past. We’ll give you the inside scoop on pseudoarchaeology (which you are sure to run into this summer) and the influence of Indiana Jones. In the second half of our presentation, a panel of experts from the AIA’s Outreach and Education Committee will answer popular questions to help you and your library patrons “dig in” to archaeology this summer. More resources for librarians are available at: https://www.archaeological.org/programs/educators/unearth-a-story/

Join the AIA as Justin Dunnavant (UCLA) presents the final AIA Archaeology Hour talk of the 2025-2026 season: "Ecology and Slavery in St. Croix." This presentation was originally given on April 22, 2026 at 8pm Eastern. The development of plantation slavery radically transformed societies and environments in the Americas. In this talk, Dunnavant will delve into the colonial practice of coral mining and its environmental impacts in the Danish West Indies. Drawing from archaeological, historical, and environmental data, Dunnavant reveals how the use of coral as the dominant construction material for colonial buildings left a lasting legacy on the landscape and seascape that is still evident today on the island of St. Croix.

Take a virtual trip Down Under with the AIA as we catch up with Helen Green (University of Melbourne) as she presents the March edition of AIA Archaeology Hour: "Dating Australia’s Oldest Rock Art." This talk was originally given 3/25/26 at 8pm Eastern Time. Australia hosts the world’s oldest continuing culture, and Aboriginal rock art represents one of its most significant records of knowledge. These paintings and engravings remain of deep importance to Aboriginal people today and provide valuable evidence for researchers seeking to understand long-term human-environment interactions. Yet one of the greatest challenges in rock art research is determining age. Without knowing how old the paintings and engravings are, it is difficult to understand how the artworks relate to past changes in climate, environment, or culture. In this talk, Dr. Helen Green will outline the latest scientific techniques used to establish the age of Australia’s oldest rock art, and the innovative, multi-disciplinary projects that bring together traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western science to deepen our understanding of these remarkable cultural records and how we might protect them into the future.

Join the AIA for a virtual trip to West Africa as Akin Ogundiran delivers the February AIA Archaeology Hour talk "Metropolitan Walls of the Ọyọ Empire." Enclosures and perimeter walls, built of lateritic clay and stones, are the most visible monuments and evidence of public works in the archaeological landscape of the Ọyọ Empire (West Africa). What purposes did these walls serve as markers of separation and connection? Join us to find out!

Society Sunday 2026 - February 22, 2026 Find your local AIA Society and see what they're up to: https://www.archaeological.org/programs/societies/find/ Join us as the AIA Societies Committee presents a virtual presentation and Q&A with Jessica Tilley. This presentation was given live at 1pm on February 22, 2026. Often deemed the ‘mysterious’ Etruscans, this pre-Roman civilization of early Italy has fought a hard-won battle in finding its place in the field of Classical Archaeology. Various titans of American Etruscology, including this year’s AIA Gold Medalist Nancy de Grummond, have dedicated decades of research to highlighting the value of Etruscan material in answering larger questions related to ritual practice, cross-cultural interaction, and Mediterranean trade networks. In recent years, Etruscan material has been at the foreground of widely publicized repatriation cases and cultural heritage protection conversations. This buzz culminated in the globally acclaimed 2023 film "La chimera" about a band of Etruscan tomb robbers. Looking ahead, Etruscology is primed for engaging in the development of current archaeological theory, with ongoing research relevant to our multi-cultural, interconnected world. In this lecture, Dr. Jessica Tilley outlines the dynamic history of the Etruscan civilization’s modern reception and highlights the ways in which it is uniquely positioned to contribute to ongoing dialogue around decolonialism, queer theory, globalization, and network theory in Mediterranean archaeology.

This webinar brings together archaeologists and scholars to discuss the preservation of Egypt’s cultural heritage in light of the upcoming CPAC meeting. Panelists will examine the role of bilateral agreements in preventing the illegal import of cultural objects and protecting irreplaceable archaeological resources. Photo credits: Thebes, Luxor, Egypt, Deir el-Medina, © Vyacheslav Argenberg Top left to bottom right: Temple of Hathor, Dark interior, Dendera, Egypt, © Vyacheslav Argenberg Abu Simbel temple (35054418285), Paul Grach, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Templo funerario de Hatshepsut, Luxor, Egipto, 2022-04-03, DD 06, Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC BY-SA Great Sphinx and Kafra Pyramid, Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 PL, via Wikimedia Commons; The econonomic copyrights belong to Nomos Foundation (Fundacja Nomos). The Foundation shares this material under a free licence as part of its statutory goals. Knossos Minos's Palace, Silar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The AIA is excited to announce a webinar on preserving Greece’s cultural heritage. Hosted by Ömür Harmanşah, the AIA’s Vice President of Cultural Heritage, please join our panel of American and Greek archaeologists and scholars for a discussion on preserving Greece’s cultural heritage in light of the upcoming Cultural Property Advisory Committee meeting on renewing the bilateral agreements to prevent cultural objects from being imported illegally into the United States. The panelists include: Jack Davis, University of Cincinnati Kostas Paschalidis, Margo Tytus Fellow, University of Cincinnati Kim Shelton, UC Berkeley Shari Stocker, University of Cincinnati James Wright, Bryn Mawr Nikos Papadimitriou, The Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation Museum Elena Vlaxogianni, Greek Ministry of Culture Tania Kyriakou, Greek Ministry of Culture Image credits: Looking at Poseidon, Sounion, Greece, Dimitrisdimitriadis, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Top left to bottom right: The Porch of the Caryatids, The Erechtheion, Acropolis of Athens, Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons The Propylon of the Gymnasium, Sanctuary of Asklepios, Epidaurus, Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons The Lion Gate on 26 March 2019, George E. Koronaios, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons "Als Mittelpunkt der Welt" galt Delphi für die Menschen der Antike. 31, Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Olympia Philippeion, Ronny Siegel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Knossos Minos's Palace, Silar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Join the AIA for the first talk of 2026 as the AIA's new president, Brian I. Daniels, hosts Danyelle Means for "NAGPRA as a Path to Healing and Reciprocity." This talk was originally given 1/28/26 at 8pm Eastern Time. Have you noticed empty exhibit cases at museums over the past two years as museums move to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)? Means' presentation reframes NAGPRA not as a legal obligation but as a vital opportunity for healing, reciprocity, and relationship-building between archaeologists, museums, and Indigenous communities. Drawing from Indigenous perspectives, the talk explores how NAGPRA challenges institutions to move beyond compliance and toward practices rooted in respect, sovereignty, and shared stewardship. By centering Native voices and experiences, this session invites the audience to consider how honoring ancestors and returning cultural items can transform the field into one of accountability, trust, and long-term collaboration.

Join the Archaeological Institute of America for a fascinating evening with Alison Futrell as she gives the last AIA Archaeology Hour lecture of 2025: "The People's Arena." This presentation was originally given 11/12/2025 at 8pm Eastern. Mass events in the Colosseum were highly visible performances of Rome’s imperial power. But how did the arena impact the lives of ordinary individuals? This talk explores evidence for the experiences of the people in the sands, the seats, and the substructures, beyond the emperor’s box.

Join the Archaeological Institute of America for a fascinating evening as Justin Leidwanger (Stanford University) presents Shipping Stone for Justinian's Empire? as part of the 2025-2026 AIA Archaeology Hour lecture series. This presentation was originally given 10/22/25 at 8 pm Eastern time. The “church wreck” off Sicily—with its 100-ton cargo of prefabricated columns and religious furnishings—has long stood as a symbol of Justinian’s revival of the Roman Empire in the 6th century CE. Recent excavations call this connection into question, providing a new look at economic, political, religious, and artistic networks and the merchant sailors who tied together the Mediterranean world even amid the fall of Rome’s ancient empire. 0:00 - Welcome from the AIA 5:43 - Introducing Justin Leidwanger 7:32 - Marzamemi II “church wreck”: an AIA project in many ways 8:36 - Introducing the Marzamemi II “church wreck”: 9:56 - Mid-20th century investigation and excavation 11:05 - The famous cargo 13:12 - Period of decline: A mid-20th century understanding of Late Antiquity 14:09 - Reconciling 100 tons of finely carved marble with narrative of decline 14:25 - Introducing Emperor Justinian 16:30 - Vibrant transformation: a new understanding of Late Antiquity 17:47 - Marzamemi: one of the last gigantic ships of the ancient world 18:40 - Illicit removal of material from the wreck site 19:38 - New investigations (2013-2019) 22:00 - Conservation challenges: taking care of artifacts above water 22:26 - Mapping the site 22:50 - New discoveries 23:02 - Too many capitals, bases, and columns 25:08 - A pulpit from Thessaly: carved verde antico 25:46 - Panels of Proconessian marble 26:12 - Smaller sculpted finds 26:33 - Not just one church? 28:08 - Scanning to create 3D models of architectural materials 28:35 - Virtually reunifying the cargo 28:55 - Clues from critters: understanding post depositional biological processes 29:50 - Experimental archaeology: understanding the labor lost 30:33 - Column clues: a little early for Justinian 30:53 - What else was on board? 32:04 - Justin’s favorite finds 32:29 - Records of Negotiation, decision making, and evidence of long distance interactions 32:46 - Remnants of the ship 33:34 - Dining on board 34:25 - Secondary cargo and previous stops 35:54 - Where was the ship headed? 37:04 - Conclusions 39:46 - Museum of the Sea in the Palmento Rudinì 40:24 - Underwater dive trails in Sicily 40:51 - Pop-up exhibits 41:23 - Acknowledgements 42:55 - Will the materials from the two Marzamemi excavations be reunited? 43:50 - More about dive trails in Sicily 45:40 - Were spare columns, bases, and capitals shipped in case of breakage? 47:45 - Was the ship making multiple stops? 49:30 - Transporting the cargo inland 53:02 - Why did the ship wreck? 55:07 - Was there shipping insurance in Late Antiquity? 57:10 - Underwater excavation logistics 59:41 - Technology used 1:00:41 - What’s next?

Heritage Broadcasting Service ( https://www.heritagetac.org ) launched on January 1, 2021. Developed by the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute (that’s us, the people who created The Archaeology Channel at archaeologychannel.org), Heritage features more than 450 outstanding film titles from many countries on familiar subjects. As of July 27, 2026, new films include: “Salme: Ancient Viking Burial Ships, Episode 2,” “The Grand Masters of the Chauvet Cave,” and “The Etruscans: An Ancient Superpower.” ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #archaeology #archeology #heritage #anthropology #history #culture #heritagebroadcastingservice #film #documentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary #viking #AigüesBaixes #culturalheritage #archaeologicalsite #prehistoricart #arthistory #ChauvetCave #rockart #Etruscan #Corsica #ancienthistory

Season 12 Episode 10 Strata: Portraits of Humanity, July 2026 (Forgotten Greek grape variety; traditional Mohawk ceremony) (1) “A Vineyard Cinderella”: The humble “Cinderella of the Vineyard” was forgotten until the prince made her a queen. The real story of the Greek grape variety Malagousiá is like a fairytale woven from the taste of its grapes and the rhythm of a waltz. (2) “The Opening Address”: This film explores the profound significance of the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or "Thanksgiving Address," a traditional ceremony central to the Mohawk people. This address acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forces in creation, setting a powerful tone for gatherings by uniting participants in a shared purpose. Watch on The Archaeology Channel (https://www.archaeologychannel.org/index.php/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity) or Heritage Broadcasting Service (https://heritagetac.org/). ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #heritage #strata #archaeology #archeology #anthropology #history #culturalheritage #strataportraitsofhumanity #culture #film #documentary #shortfilm #wine #vineyard #vintner #Malagousiá #Greek #Greece #Mohawk #Indigenous #NativeAmerican #ThanksgivingAddress #Ohén:tonKarihwatéhkwen #Haudenosaunee #FiveNations #Iroquois #Ceremony #spirituality #nature

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA, we invite you to reflect on American history with this lineup of films on Heritage. These films explore the events, places, land, and people that make up the tapestry of America. Featured in the video is young poet Angela Du reading her poem, “Stories of Us.” Hear her story in “The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke, Season 1, Episode 6: Verses of Freedom,” where she and others speak about their immigrant heritage and explore what freedom means to them. Stream these titles and explore even more on Heritage Broadcasting Service (https://heritagetac.org/). Sign up today and get your first week free! Featured titles: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke (Series) America from the Ground Up (Series) The Battle of Lake George Two Way Seeing in Strata: Portraits of Humanity Season 11, Episode 2 All-American Ruins: Nevele Grand Hotel in Strata: Portraits of Humanity Season 12, Episode 2 Pony Express: Living the Ride in Strata: Portraits of Humanity Season 12, Episode 9 They Met Themselves A Walk Through Time Saving Places ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #4thofjuly #fourthofjuly #july4th #independenceday #america250 #americanhistory #historydocumentary #culturalheritage #whattowatch #poetry #poem #poet #americanpoetry #historicpreservation #archaeology #archaeologydocumentary #ponyexpress #militaryhistory #nativeamericanhistory

Heritage Broadcasting Service ( https://www.heritagetac.org ) launched on January 1, 2021. Developed by the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute (that’s us, the people who created The Archaeology Channel at archaeologychannel.org), Heritage features more than 450 outstanding film titles from many countries on familiar subjects. As of June 29, 2026, new films include: “Traders of the Lost Scrolls,” “The Body and the Name: The Unknown of the Ardeatine Caves,” and “Humanity's Footsteps, Season 2, Episode 15: The Inventor.” ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #archaeology #archeology #heritage #anthropology #history #culture #heritagebroadcastingservice #film #documentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary #deadseascrolls #WWII #ArdeatineCaves ##ArdeatineMassacre #medieval #France

Season 12 Episode 9 Strata: Portraits of Humanity, June 2026 (Quebec Indigenous narrative; the Pony Express) (1) “Land Activities”: Aliss Germain was born in Mashteuiatsh, an Ilnu community situated on the shores of Lake Saint-Jean in south-central Quebec. She remembers where she comes from. In this short documentary, she shares with us her ancestors’ knowledge. (2) “Pony Express: Living the Ride”: This film chronicles the intrepid contemporary horseback riders re-enacting the legendary Pony Express, as they gallop night and day over Nevada's largely unchanged trail, moving the mail pouch between Sacramento, California, and St. Joseph, Missouri. Watch on The Archaeology Channel (https://www.archaeologychannel.org/index.php/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity) or Heritage Broadcasting Service (https://heritagetac.org/). ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #heritage #strata #archaeology #archeology #anthropology #history #culturalheritage #strataportraitsofhumanity #culture #film #documentary #shortfilm #sliceoflife #Indigenous #Ilnu #FirstNations #Quebec #Canada #Canadian #PonyExpress #Nevada #PonyExpressReride #reenactment #ponyexpresstrail

Heritage Broadcasting Service ( https://www.heritagetac.org ) launched on January 1, 2021. Developed by the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute (that’s us, the people who created The Archaeology Channel at archaeologychannel.org), Heritage features more than 450 outstanding film titles from many countries on familiar subjects. As of June 15, 2026, new films include: “Quest for the True Cross,” “Decolonizing Our Youth,” and “Strata: Portraits of Humanity Season 12, Episode 9,” featuring “Land Activities” and “Pony Express: Living the Ride.” ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #archaeology #archeology #heritage #anthropology #history #culture #heritagebroadcastingservice #film #documentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary #biblicalarchaeology #indigenous #indigenousfilm #decolonization #Ilnu #firstnations #ponyexpress #ponyexpresstrail

Season 12 Episode 8 Strata: Portraits of Humanity, May 2026 (Young Abenaki basket-maker; Christianity preserves Ancient Greek culture) (1) “Abaznoda”: Charlotte is a young Abenaki artist who makes black ash baskets. She carries on her shoulders the legacy of all the generations that came before, which pushes her to learn as much as possible about her passion: basketry. (2) “Guardians of Hellenism: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople”: Christianity was a major contributor to the survival of Ancient Greek culture, as intellectuals and institutions, many of them affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, adopted the aesthetic values of pagan literature and employed concepts of Platonic and Aristotelian philosophy to articulate Christian doctrine. Watch on The Archaeology Channel (https://www.archaeologychannel.org/index.php/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity) or Heritage Broadcasting Service (https://heritagetac.org/). ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #heritage #strata #archaeology #archeology #anthropology #history #culturalheritage #strataportraitsofhumanity #culture #film #documentary #shortfilm #indigenous #nativeamerican #whattowatch #ancientgreece #ancientgreekphilosophy #plato #philosophy #christianity

Heritage Broadcasting Service ( https://www.heritagetac.org ) launched on January 1, 2021. Developed by the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute (that’s us, the people who created The Archaeology Channel at archaeologychannel.org), Heritage features more than 450 outstanding film titles from many countries on familiar subjects. As of May 25, 2026, new films include: “Mystery of the Shroud,” “The Oath of Cyriac,” and “Humanity's Footsteps, Season 2, Episode 14: The Businessman.” ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #archaeology #archeology #heritage #anthropology #history #culture #heritagebroadcastingservice #film #documentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary #whattowatch #biblicalarchaeology #tomb #ancientfunerarypractices #syrianhistory #AleppoNationalMuseum #Aleppo #FrenchArchaeology #MiddleAges #tradehistory

Heritage Broadcasting Service ( https://www.heritagetac.org ), or just plain Heritage, launched on January 1, 2021. Developed by the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute (that’s us, the people who created The Archaeology Channel at archaeologychannel.org), Heritage features more than 450 outstanding film titles from many countries on familiar subjects. As of May 15, 2026, new films include: “The First World,” “Incas: The New Story,” and “Strata: Portraits of Humanity Season 12, Episode 8,” featuring “Abaznoda” and “Guardians of Hellenism: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.” ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #archaeology #archeology #heritage #anthropology #history #culture #heritagebroadcastingservice #film #documentary #whattowatchnext #HistoryDocumentary

Season 12 Episode 7 Strata: Portraits of Humanity, April 2026 (Upland Greenland archaeology; animated personal story of Canada’s colonial history) (1) “Greenland RESPONSE: The Mountain Survey”: Archaeologists from the Greenland National Museum and UNESCO Kujataa search for traces of Inuit caribou hunting in a remote mountain region of South Greenland close to the ice cap. (2) “Four Faces of the Moon”: An animated short told in four chapters, exploring the reclamation of language and nationhood and peeling back the layers of Canada's colonial history. The filmmaker connects the oral and written history of her family as well as the history of the Métis, Cree and Anishnaabe peoples and their cultural link to the buffalo. Watch on The Archaeology Channel (https://www.archaeologychannel.org/index.php/video-guide/strata-portraits-of-humanity) or Heritage Broadcasting Service (https://heritagetac.org/). ► HERITAGE: (https://heritagetac.org/) ► INSTAGRAM: / (https://www.instagram.com/heritagebroadcastingservice/) / (https://www.instagram.com/archaeologychannel/) ► FACEBOOK: / (https://www.facebook.com/TheArchaeologyChannel/) #heritage #strata #archaeology #archeology #anthropology #history #culturalheritage #strataportraitsofhumanity #culture #film #documentary #shortfilm #indigenous #nativeamerican #firstnations #Greenland #Inuit #caribou #CaribouHunting #GreenlandNationalMuseum #Canada #FirstNations #Métis #Cree #Anishnaabe #Animation #ShortFilm #whattowatch

Support what we do and help make videos like this possible by joining the Bible & Archaeology Patreon community. Members receive early access, exclusive bonus content, and more: http://www.patreon.com/bibleandarch 📰 News Stories: 👉Figurine Mold https://archaeologymag.com/2026/07/first-temple-figurine-mold-found-in-jerusalem/ https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-artifacts/artifacts-and-the-bible/judean-pillar-figurine-jerusalem/ 👉Egyptian Princesses https://phys.org/news/2026-07-bones-reveal-ancient-egyptian-princesses.html https://archaeology.org/news/2026/07/20/egypts-royal-women-trained-in-archery/ https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/ancient-egyptians/did-ancient-egyptian-princesses-use-weapons-controversial-study-claims-they-hunted-or-trained-with-the-military-but-not-all-experts-agree 👉X-rays and Cuneiform Tablets https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/science/x-ray-specs-for-the-worlds-oldest-sealed-letters.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email https://www.nature.com/articles/s40494-026-02568-7 👉Three Lost Assyrian Kings https://arkeonews.net/ancient-cuneiform-records-reveal-three-forgotten-kings-of-assyria/ https://doi.org/10.1086/741239 📺 Podcasts/Videos Referenced: We’ve Misunderstood Mummification This Whole Time, Here’s Why with Kara Cooney https://youtu.be/QtZIM0OdUJE War, Peace, and Lies: Propaganda in Ancient Egypt with Briana Jackson https://youtu.be/B7STA4x0s3I Using X-Rays to read sealed cuneiform tablets https://youtube.com/live/25HDGbvi-48 Did Egyptian princesses use weapons? https://youtube.com/shorts/dB7YwR2EpZQ Is the Dead Sea coming back to life? https://youtube.com/shorts/cgIJWVgWq0Q 📚 Reading Recommendations The Dead Sea: A 10,000-Year History by Nir Arielli https://amzn.to/4fy4Xgv 📚 Check out our online courses: https://www.patreon.com/collection/118539 ✉️ Send us your questions: bible-archaeology@uiowa.edu 🌐 Everywhere you can find us: https://linktr.ee/bibleandarchaeology 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Jordan Jones Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa Office of Innovation production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.

What does the Gospel of John say Jesus was really here to do? In this conversation, I talk with Hugo Méndez about what he argues is the Gospel of John's most central, but often overlooked, teaching: that Jesus was a divine being who came to make humans divine. 🔗 Want to go deeper? Join Hugo's course, "Decoding the Gospel of John": https://bibleandarch--ehrman.thrivecart.com/decoding-john ✨ Support what we do and help make videos like this possible by joining the Bible & Archaeology Patreon community. Members receive early access, exclusive bonus content, and more: http://www.patreon.com/bibleandarch 📚 Reading Recommendations The Gospel of John: A New History by Hugo Méndez https://amzn.to/4fxBgfG 📚 Check out our online courses: https://www.patreon.com/collection/118539 ✉️ Send us your questions: bible-archaeology@uiowa.edu 🌐 Everywhere you can find us: https://linktr.ee/bibleandarchaeology 📣 Affiliate Disclosure: Using the links above may generate a modest commission at no additional cost to you and helps support our educational work. 🎙️ Credits Guest: Dr. Hugo Méndez Produced and Edited by Jordan Jones Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.

The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.

This week, Leslie Virnelson joins us to explore how the Hebrew Bible's view of sex work differs dramatically from modern assumptions. From big-name characters like Ruth and Tamar to the concepts of prostitution and adultery, we'll challenge some of the most common misconceptions about sexuality, sex work, and law in the biblical world. ✨ Support what we do and help make videos like this possible by joining the Bible & Archaeology Patreon community. Members receive early access, exclusive bonus content, and more: http://www.patreon.com/bibleandarch 📚 Reading Recommendations Fruit of Her Hands: Women, Work, and Society in the Hebrew Bible by Leslie G. Virnelson https://amzn.to/4yDGvlj 📚 Check out our online courses: https://www.patreon.com/collection/118539 ✉️ Send us your questions: bible-archaeology@uiowa.edu 🌐 Everywhere you can find us: https://linktr.ee/bibleandarchaeology 📣 Affiliate Disclosure: Using the links above may generate a modest commission at no additional cost to you and helps support our educational work. 🎙️ Credits Guest: Dr. Leslie Virnelson Edited and Produced by Dr. Jordan Jones Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa. 🕒 Timestamps:

Support what we do and help make videos like this possible by joining the Bible & Archaeology Patreon community. Members receive early access, exclusive bonus content, and more: http://www.patreon.com/bibleandarch 📰 News Stories: https://theconversation.com/ancient-egyptian-princesses-werent-just-figureheads-their-weapons-reveal-lives-of-skill-and-strength-288029 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/did-these-ancient-egyptian-princesses-wield-weapons-and-train-in-martial-arts-just-like-the-men-of-their-time-180989151/ 📃 Read the journal article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fearc.2026.1844402 📺 Podcasts/Videos Referenced: Longer Podcast Episode: The story of Athaliah, the only Queen of Judah https://youtu.be/lWDS6kxNvVg Who were the Levites? with Dr. Mark Leuchter https://youtu.be/QkVTRWTna4M The Ancient Israelite Fear Worse Than Death https://youtu.be/_D_2_mh_mQo How Young Did Girls Marry in the Bible? https://youtu.be/45RQZP0AZes 📚 Reading Recommendations: "The Queen Mother and the Cult in Ancient Israel" by Susan Ackerman https://doi.org/10.2307/3267740 "The Status and Right of the Gĕbîrâ" by Zafrira Ben-Barak https://www.jstor.org/stable/3267147 "The Quest for the Historical Gĕbîrâ" by Nancy Bowen https://www-jstor-org.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/stable/i40150153 "The Role of the Queen Mother in Israelite Society" by Niels-Erik A. Andreasen https://www.jstor.org/stable/43719002 "The Politics of the Royal Harem and the Case of Bat-Sheba" by Beverly W. Cushman https://doi-org.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/10.1177/030908920606343 📚 Check out our online courses: https://www.patreon.com/collection/118539 ✉️ Send us your questions: bible-archaeology@uiowa.edu 🌐 Everywhere you can find us: https://linktr.ee/bibleandarchaeology 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Jordan Jones and Mary Kate Lichty Bible & Archaeology is a University of Iowa Office of Innovation production. The views and opinions expressed on Bible & Archaeology belong solely to the individuals who share them. They do not represent the positions of the University of Iowa or the State of Iowa.

C. Ulfhielm, P. Olsson & J. Häggmark In 2022, the Swedish Government tasked the Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen) and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) with developing a range of digital geographic knowledge bases for natural and cultural environmental values in forests, to act as a complement to field inventories. These knowledge bases aim to objectively identify features in the natural environment, including cultural heritage sites, that may be significant for forest management planning, efforts related to biodiversity, and national climate and environmental goals. The knowledge bases are designed to indicate the probability of the presence of various values and to facilitate for landowners and authorities when conducting more in-depth assessments of the forest's natural and cultural values, as well as for other purposes. The digital knowledge bases produced are to be open and free of charge. At the start of the government assignment, input was gathered from the forestry sector and other stakeholders regarding the types of cultural heritage sites where gaining a better understanding and knowledge base was important. This has so far resulted in the development of AI models for charcoal production pits, tar kilns, pitfall traps, and most recently, clearance cairn areas. In the summer of 2025, a selection of the detected pitfall traps and clearance cairn areas will be validated in the field with the help of both external and internal personnel. In the spring/summer of 2025, we will also begin work with identify Iron Age farms on the islands of Öland and Gotland using AI, and we hope we will also be able to present this work at the conference.

S. Crutchley (Historic England, England) Historic England and its predecessor organisations have been carrying out mapping and recording of archaeological features and landscapes across England since the late 1980s. Whilst later projects, since the late 1990s have been carried out in a digital environment and have created fully accessible digital records, the early projects were carried out by hand, producing inked overlays. These were initially scanned and turned into rasters and then subsequently auto vectorised to create digital features. However, these had no logic in terms of their form and where features overlapped, they were treated as single features. Furthermore, there was no object data attached to any feature beyond its size. In 2023 HE commissioned an Indian geospatial company DSM Geodata to create monument polygons, based on the mapped data, plus the database information created at the same time. Whilst the results were generally very positive, because they were not archaeologists, there was a certain amount of confusion. Last year, as part of a liaison with UCL on another project, we began talks with the University of Zurich where one of their partners was looking at using AI to interrogate various datasets. After further discussions, it seemed as though there might be the possibility to use this as a means for checking the accuracy of the data we had acquired from DSM. The project has been innovative, in that it is looking not just at the morphological form of the data as analysed through segmented image files, but also at the archaeological data, based on the attached database records. It is hoped that by learning roughly what size and shape various types of archaeological features are, it will be possible to give a higher probability to the attached data. As an example, one of the key issues with the original data was the overlapping and superimposition of features; there were numerous examples where a prehistoric enclosure sitting within an area of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation was incorrectly identified as the latter. The hope is that the additional data will mean that the algorithm will identify the feature as an enclosure, because the combination of the image, the vector data with an area, and the database entry will combine to rule out the interpretation as a block of ridge and furrow. The project is ongoing, but I hope to have some results by the time of the conference.

J. Yang, R. Zhao & X. Zhang We propose a transfer learning-based few-shot object detection model for remote sensing images that addresses catastrophic forgetting and low detection accuracy on base classes. Firstly, during the fine-tuning stage with few samples, we propose a dual-branch evolution module, which evolves the original branch into parallel base classes and novel classes branches. By applying a selective freezing strategy, the model effectively alleviates the catastrophic forgetting of base classes knowledge and improves the detection accuracy of novel classes. Secondly, we introduce a category-separation ROI detector, which performs separate detection on novel classes and base classes samples. Distillation loss is used to guide the training of the novel classes detection head, addressing the issue of low detection accuracy caused by complex backgrounds in remote sensing images, thereby improving the accuracy of few-shot object detection. In the 10-shot task setting, compared with TFA, the proposed algorithm achieves a 16.5% and 1.0% increase in novel classes and base classes mAP, respectively, on the NWPU VHR-10.v2 dataset, and a 15.6% and 9.5% increase in novel classes and base classes mAP, respectively, on the DIOR dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in terms of both base classes and novel classes detection results.

G. Ciccone, N. Abate & N. Masini Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming archaeological research, yet its adoption is often hindered by technical complexity and the need for specialized expertise. To bridge this gap, we present SADA (Smart Anomaly Detection Assistant), an AI-driven remote sensing tool co developed with ChatGPT. Designed for archaeologists with little or no background in remote sensing, SADA consolidates multiple analytical methods into a single, accessible application. A key strength of SADA is its intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies advanced AI-driven image processing. Integrated tooltips provide step-by-step guidance, enabling researchers to apply complex analytical techniques with ease. The system includes automated statistical anomaly detection methods such as PCA, K-Means clustering, Isolation Forest, SVM, DBSCAN and Local Outlier Factor, as well as spatial analysis tools like LISA. Additional functionalities include histogram equalization and transformation to enhance image contrast, raster-based calculations for custom index generation, and mask creation and selection tools to isolate areas of interest with precision. Developed with ChatGPT’s assistance, SADA also highlights the potential of human-AI collaborative coding in archaeology. This approach accelerates development while optimizing algorithms and enhancing usability through interdisciplinary innovation. SADA is being developed by CNR - ISPC within the PNRR CHANGES project (Spoke 5) and will be released as open-source software, following the approach of other ISPC-CNR tools such as ATON and Extended Matrix. This ensures maximum accessibility, transparency, and adaptability, allowing the archaeological and heritage science community to expand its functionalities according to specific needs. By democratizing AI-powered remote sensing, SADA aligns with the goals of the Managing Artificial Intelligence in Archaeology COST Action (CA23141), fostering a more inclusive and data-driven approach to heritage management. The presentation will showcase SADA’s real-world applications, development process, and future implications for AI-assisted archaeological research.

Robert Bewley (University of Oxford, England) For the best part of three decades an aerial archaeology project based in the Middle East (especially Jordan) has been recording and monitoring archaeological sites from the air (see www.apaame.org). Since 2015 the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (https://eamena.org/) project has also been using satellite imagery to assess threats to sites. Increasingly many of these sites and landscapes are under greater threat, from urban expansion, damaging agricultural practices, looting, water management, tourism and conflict. This paper will provide a number of examples of important archaeological sites which have been damaged and destroyed, possible mitigation strategies and the future plans for further aerial monitoring.

Ole Risbøl (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway) Citizen science in archaeology refers to the involvement of non-professional individuals or communities in archaeological research. Participants contribute to tasks such as data collection, documentation, analysis, or monitoring, often under the guidance of professional archaeologists. The aim is to expand research capacity, enhance public engagement, and foster shared stewardship of cultural heritage. The increasing number of citizen science projects within archaeology includes several where the use of LiDAR data is pivotal. These projects can broadly be divided into two groups based on their methodological approach. The first involves experts interpreting LiDAR datasets, with volunteers invited to conduct or join the field verification of the results obtained. The second involves non-professional volunteers interpreting the LiDAR datasets, followed by field checks undertaken by archaeologists—sometimes in cooperation with non-professional individuals or communities. This paper presents two Norwegian citizen science projects, each employing one of these distinct approaches. The aim of both projects is twofold: to improve the management of cultural heritage in forested areas and to advance research into human utilisation of outfield resources and landscapes. The national cultural heritage database is invaluable for both management and research purposes. However, it remains an inadequate and lopsided tool, as cultural heritage in forested areas is significantly under-represented. Addressing this shortfall requires improvement, and the use of LiDAR data, coupled with the involvement of volunteers, has proven to be an effective solution. The presentation will focus on the results from the two projects, as well as lessons learnt from working with volunteers.

Julian Cadamarteri (NIKU, Norway) During the German occupation of Norway 1940-45 the occupying forces built up and fortified large areas of Norway. The Lade peninsula close to Trondheim, which is mentioned in the Viking sagas as the seat of the local magnates, was heavily militarized in support of the Kriegsmarine presence in Trondheim. An airfield, anti-aircraft batteries and ancillary structures were constructed. The landscape of occupation at Lade has been mapped using historic aerial photographs. By comparing a series of aerial photographs from different periods it is possible to trace what was built during the occupation and what has been removed by development in the post-war period. This provides a quick method for mapping areas of German activity during the war as well as for identifying remaining structures and areas where good preservation of archaeological deposits predating 1940 may be expected.

Kristoffer Eliassen Grini (The Falstad Center for Human Rights, Norway) Marek E. Jasinski (NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway) The Falstad Forest is a national memorial site in Levanger, Central Norway, where possibly 200 Norwegian political prisoners and foreign POWs were executed and buried by the Gestapo during World War II. Despite post-war recovery efforts, at least 100 victims remain unaccounted for. The project Predicting the Buried Past combines historical research, non-invasive archaeological techniques, and digital technologies to locate missing graves without disturbing the legally protected memorial landscape. Central to this approach is the use of drone-based LiDAR surveys to create a digital terrain model of the forested site. Given challenges such as dense vegetation and strict protection regulations, the aim is that modelling of LiDAR data enables identification of areas of interest. This will provide a foundation for further investigations utilising historical sources, ground surveys, and geophysical methods, minimizing the impact on the site itself. This paper will present the initial results from the LiDAR-based landscape analysis and discuss how aerial survey technologies contribute to monitoring, safeguarding, and planning further archaeological investigations at this WWII heritage site. The investigations in the Falstad Forest will serve as a case study for developing a methodology to locate hidden graves, contribute to how aerial archaeology can contribute to investigation and recovery at sites affected by war and human rights violations, and finally, restoring post-mortem human dignity of the missing persons by detecting and identifying their graves and giving them a proper burial.

Ole Risbøl (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway) Citizen science in archaeology refers to the involvement of non-professional individuals or communities in archaeological research. Participants contribute to tasks such as data collection, documentation, analysis, or monitoring, often under the guidance of professional archaeologists. The aim is to expand research capacity, enhance public engagement, and foster shared stewardship of cultural heritage. The increasing number of citizen science projects within archaeology includes several where the use of LiDAR data is pivotal. These projects can broadly be divided into two groups based on their methodological approach. The first involves experts interpreting LiDAR datasets, with volunteers invited to conduct or join the field verification of the results obtained. The second involves non-professional volunteers interpreting the LiDAR datasets, followed by field checks undertaken by archaeologists—sometimes in cooperation with non-professional individuals or communities. This paper presents two Norwegian citizen science projects, each employing one of these distinct approaches. The aim of both projects is twofold: to improve the management of cultural heritage in forested areas and to advance research into human utilisation of outfield resources and landscapes. The national cultural heritage database is invaluable for both management and research purposes. However, it remains an inadequate and lopsided tool, as cultural heritage in forested areas is significantly under-represented. Addressing this shortfall requires improvement, and the use of LiDAR data, coupled with the involvement of volunteers, has proven to be an effective solution. The presentation will focus on the results from the two projects, as well as lessons learnt from working with volunteers.

Grzegorz Kiarszys (Department of Archaeology, Szczecin University, Poland) Marek Lemiesz (National Institute of Cultural Heritage of Poland, Poland) Yahidne, a small village located over 100 km northeast of Kyiv near Chernihiv, Ukraine, became the site of a war crime during the early stages of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. On March 3, just seven days after the invasion began, Russian forces from the 55th Guards Mountain Motor Rifle Brigade (stationed in Kyzyl, Tuva Republic) entered the village. Failing to capture Chernihiv, the Russian army resorted to terrorizing the civilian population, executing some unarmed residents on sight. The local school was turned into a temporary Russian garrison, with soldiers occupying its upper floors. Villagers were forcibly gathered and confined in the school’s basement, which became a makeshift prison. Over 350 civilians, including more than 70 children, were crammed into approximately 200 square meters of space. The youngest victim was just 1.5 months old, while the oldest was 93 years old. Conditions in the basement were inhumane. Prisoners had no access to toilets, clean water, or adequate food. The lack of ventilation made the space damp and suffocating. According to testimonies, Russian soldiers regularly tortured and harassed the captives. After 27 days of captivity, on March 31, 2022, Russian troops withdrew from Yahidne in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. As they retreated, they looted the school and surrounding homes, destroying everything they could not take with them. This war crime left behind a significant amount of material evidence. Ukrainian investigators meticulously collected proof, including DNA samples, leading to the identification of many perpetrators. Among the recovered items were personal and military belongings of Russian soldiers—uniforms, newspapers, half-eaten military rations, cigarette butts, and other discarded objects. The school itself, which had been transformed into both a prison and a temporary garrison, bore clear traces of the occupation. The interior was devastated—educational materials, furniture, textbooks, and other teaching aids were either destroyed or defaced. The basement walls were covered with children’s drawings, creating a haunting contrast to the horrors that unfolded there. Deprived of daylight and any sense of time, prisoners scratched a makeshift calendar onto the walls to track the passing days and nights. On the doors of one room, they recorded the names of villagers executed by Russian soldiers, as well as those who died in the suffocating basement. These seemingly ordinary markings offer valuable insights into the conditions endured by the victims and the behaviour of the occupying forces. They stand as tangible evidence of the tragedy that took place in Yahidne. In 2023, the interior of the Yahidne School was digitally scanned as part of a Ukrainian-Polish initiative led by the ministries of culture of both nations. This project resulted in the creation of 3D scans, CAD plans of the building, and a comprehensive photographic record. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage of Poland supervised the work. Simultaneously, the local museum catalogued selected artefacts found at the crime scene, including personal belongings, remnants of military equipment, and other items—silent witnesses to the atrocities committed in Yahidne. Another crucial source of information is high-resolution satellite imagery recorded during the Russian occupation. These images document the scale of destruction, showing craters from explosions, burning buildings, fields and forests set ablaze, field fortifications, and military vehicles stationed near the school. In this presentation, we will emphasize the potential of digital tools in documenting war crimes and disseminating knowledge to a wider audience. The use of remote sensing, 3D scanning, and high-resolution satellite imagery offers not only incontrovertible evidence but also a means of preserving memory and ensuring accountability.