Archaeology

Installation view of Benin Bronzes at the British Museum.
10 Famous Ownership Disputes Over Cultural Artifacts
The Parthenon Marbles and Greece’s quest for their restitution is perhaps one of the most famous instances of such a thing, with the marbles now becoming a part of two different and diametrically…
View of the Roman Forum.
Exhibition Highlights the Man Who Excavated Ancient Rome's Forum
Up until the late nineteenth century, Rome’s forum—the political center of the ancient Roman world and now one of the most visited sites in the city—was still hidden, buried under meters of debris…
Excavation of certain physical features often requires archaeologists to get creative with digging methodologies. Wells, cisterns, and other subterranean features can be particularly challenging. Archeologist shown with head and torso in a hole as they work on site.
Want to Become an Archaeologist? A PhD Student Offers Insight
Here's what archaeology graduate programs are really like! There is no one kind of archaeologist to be and the directions that your studies can take you are too numerous to count. Archaeology is a…
The backmost section of Geer cemetery is hedged in by a parking lot for a telephone company. Fallen trees are a common disruption in this portion of the cemetery and pose threats to the preservation of headstones.
The Archaeology of Death at a Southern Black Cemetery
Durham, North Carolina's Geer Cemetery is sparking new conversations about what it means to care for a cemetery and how American history is being told
Coffered pattern mosaic, 1st century BC.
Rarely Seen Ancient Mosaics on Show in Rome
Mosaics adorned the floors, walls, and ceilings of public and domestic buildings. The best mosaics go beyond mere decoration; they are masterpieces of design and execution.
Samuel Scott, Wager's Action off Cartagena, 28 May 1708, before 1772. Oil on canvas 33.9 x 8.9 in. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
The Global Battle for the San José—The Holy Grail of Shipwrecks
The Spanish Galleon San José, which sank off the coast of Colombia in 1708, was rediscovered by Colombian officials in 2015 near Cartagena. For years, the San José was called the “holy grail of…
The Colosseum today. Photo by Chris Siwicki
A New Floor for Rome’s Colosseum: What You Need to Know
In December 2020, a competition was announced to design a new floor for the famous ancient arena. The winning entry, announced in May 2021, is by the Italian engineering practice Milan Ingegneria.