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Introduction

D. W. Yalden and U. Albarella

in The History of British Birds

This Introduction discusses the reasons for writing this book and problems encountered. It mentions how the database of archaeological sites and bird records and the EndNote database of relevant ... More

This Introduction discusses the reasons for writing this book and problems encountered. It mentions how the database of archaeological sites and bird records and the EndNote database of relevant literature came about, the imformation gathered from both are summarized in the book.Less

People–Wetlands Interactions through Space and Time

Francesco Menotti

in Wetland Archaeology and Beyond: Theory and Practice

This chapter explores the various ways people interacted with the wetlands, and in particular how and when they decided to settle within them, from sporadic seasonal camps in the Early Holocene to ... More

This chapter explores the various ways people interacted with the wetlands, and in particular how and when they decided to settle within them, from sporadic seasonal camps in the Early Holocene to well-structured permanent settlements more recently. It deals mainly with settlement sites, their geographical location, chronology, and patterns of occupation in relation to their contextual cultural and environmental transformations. The analysis is divided into six main geographical areas: Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Central and South America, which themselves have further divisions based on the relevance of wetland archaeological sites in each specific region.Less

Tell Al-Qubeba: An Unknown Monastic Site?

Gawdat Gabra and Hany N. Takla

in Christianity and Monasticism in Upper Egypt: Volume 2 Nag Hammadi–Esna

The attention of archaeologists in the 1960s was attracted by Tell al-Qubeba mainly because of the many fragments of pottery scattered in this area (Sauneron and Martin 1982: 76–82). Along the ... More

The attention of archaeologists in the 1960s was attracted by Tell al-Qubeba mainly because of the many fragments of pottery scattered in this area (Sauneron and Martin 1982: 76–82). Along the northern and northeastern sides of the tell was the farm of the Abdel Bari al-Haniti family. Tell al-Qubeba covered five feddans (21,000 square meters), situated seven kilometers northwest of Esna, but concentrated on only one feddan. The original function of the circular structures could not be established with certainty at the time of the excavation. The proximity of the water pools suggests that they could have been used as stables for small animals. Tell al-Qubeba is an example of the many archaeological sites of secondary importance, often neglected or destroyed, that may nevertheless be useful for understanding Coptic architecture, life, and history.Less

The Eagle and the Poor House: Archaeological Investigations on the University of North Carolina Campus

R. P. STEPHEN DAVIS, PATRICIA M. SAMFORD, and ELIZABETH A. JONES

in Beneath the Ivory Tower: The Archaeology of Academia

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is the oldest public-supported institution of higher learning in the United States. Since 1991, archaeologists at the Research Laboratories of ... More

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is the oldest public-supported institution of higher learning in the United States. Since 1991, archaeologists at the Research Laboratories of Archaeology have conducted numerous archaeological investigations on its campus. These investigations have included archaeological surveys, site testing, monitoring of ongoing construction projects, and full-scale excavations. This chapter describes the results of excavations undertaken during the 1990s at two archaeological sites on the UNC campus. The Graham Memorial site, where a tavern and hotel stood from the mid-1790s until 1921, offers a perspective on one of Chapel Hill's first businesses that catered to university visitors and also provided room and board for students. The nearby Pettigrew site was the location of two successive buildings that also served student housing needs: the Poor House and later the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house.Less

Archaeology at the Townley-Read Site, 1996–2000

Kurt A. Jordan

in The Seneca Restoration, 1715–1754: An Iroquois Local Political Economy

This chapter provides a summary of the 1996–2000 fieldwork at the Townley-Read site. It begins with a description of field methods. It then discusses the investigation of Conover's claims that the ... More

This chapter provides a summary of the 1996–2000 fieldwork at the Townley-Read site. It begins with a description of field methods. It then discusses the investigation of Conover's claims that the main habitation area at Townley-Read was on the western Ridgetop, and that a European-run smithy was located in the eastern part of the site; surveys of low-lying East Fields at Townley-Read; excavations in Domestic Refuse Clusters 1, 2, and 3; and the dating of the Seneca occupation at Townley-Read.Less

Archaeology and Its Aftermath

in Facts on the Ground: Archaeological Practice and Territorial Self-Fashioning in Israeli Society

This chapter considers several struggles over the rightful ownership of archaeology's objects. First, it explores a set of arguments dealing with Palestinian rights to archaeological artifacts and ... More

This chapter considers several struggles over the rightful ownership of archaeology's objects. First, it explores a set of arguments dealing with Palestinian rights to archaeological artifacts and sites and regarding the kinds of claims that Palestinians can and cannot, do or do not, make to the ancient past and thus to a distinctive national history of their own. Second, it analyzes a challenge from Ultra-Orthodox Jews demanding the right to control some of archaeology's (Jewish) artifacts. This is a struggle to redefine specific classes of objects, human bones and, increasingly, specific artifactual remains, as sacred and not archaeological.Less

Illicit Trade in Antiquities: A View ‘From the Ground’

Laurie W. Rush

in Enforcing International Cultural Heritage Law

This chapter considers the various methods for preventing and combating the looting of archaeological sites and illicit traffic in antiquities. It examines models of legislation, physical protection, ... More

This chapter considers the various methods for preventing and combating the looting of archaeological sites and illicit traffic in antiquities. It examines models of legislation, physical protection, and the establishment of specialized agencies, such as the Italian Corps of the Carabinieri for the protection of cultural patrimony. The chapter provides original information about the direct experience of the writer in peacetime looting, and the suppression of illicit traffic in conflict situations such as Iraq.Less

Copan Past and Present: Maya Archaeological Tourism and the Chorti in Honduras

Lena Mortensen

in The Ch′orti′ Maya Area: Past and Present

This chapter examines the Ch'orti' in Honduras and the Maya archaeological tourism, particularly at the Copan archaeological site. The Copan tourism sector has grown exponentially to accommodate the ... More

This chapter examines the Ch'orti' in Honduras and the Maya archaeological tourism, particularly at the Copan archaeological site. The Copan tourism sector has grown exponentially to accommodate the ever-increasing number of package tours, school groups, and independent travellers that now represent a near-permanent yet mobile feature of the social and physical landscape. However, like tourism development anywhere, the economic benefits of this rapid rise have been unevenly distributed, and the consequences of archaeological tourism yield conflicting outcomes for those who look to the archaeological past as a source of more than mere financial gain.Less

Historical Legacies

in Facts on the Ground: Archaeological Practice and Territorial Self-Fashioning in Israeli Society

This chapter examines the multiple historical understandings and national communities that are enacted within the designs of archaeological museums and sites. And by focusing on museum designs and ... More

This chapter examines the multiple historical understandings and national communities that are enacted within the designs of archaeological museums and sites. And by focusing on museum designs and archaeological tours, the distinctions, tensions, and continuities between sacred and secular (colonial-)national-histories, between living and dead monuments are made apparent. It is important both to consider signs of struggle that disquiet the impression of a (more) singular and coherent project of settler nationhood and, at the same time, to trace historical legacies that endure in myriad ways.Less

Developing Approaches to Merovingian Archaeology

Bonnie Effros

in Uncovering the Germanic Past: Merovingian Archaeology in France, 1830-1914

This chapter examines approaches to Merovingian archaeology in nineteenth-century France. It begins with a discussion of serendipitous discoveries of Merovingian cemeteries and the archaeological ... More

This chapter examines approaches to Merovingian archaeology in nineteenth-century France. It begins with a discussion of serendipitous discoveries of Merovingian cemeteries and the archaeological excavations that were carried out during the period, along with efforts to standardise the documentation of antiquities. The chapter highlights the circumstances in which early medieval archaeological sites were found in France during the course of the nineteenth century, as well as the typical obstacles encountered in the recovery, documentation, and preservation of so-called barbarian finds. It also considers the excavation methodologies employed and some of the advances in archaeological methodology that were made over the course of the century.Less

Deathwatch for Iraqi Antiquities

in The Rape of Mesopotamia: Behind the Looting of the Iraq Museum

This chapter focuses on the evaluation and monitoring of the conditions of the archaeological sites and antiquities in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. The military shared no images with the ... More

This chapter focuses on the evaluation and monitoring of the conditions of the archaeological sites and antiquities in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. The military shared no images with the archaeological community. As a result, there is no way to track the ongoing decimation of tells across the country over the years since the 2003 invasion. The chapter describes the work of archaeologist Elizabeth Stone, which has provided a partial view of what has occurred since the invasion, and also mentions that the National Museum remained under siege as of 2007.Less

Goods in the Forests

in The Sangamo Frontier: History and Archaeology in the Shadow of Lincoln

The vast majority of early nineteenth-century sites that were investigated archaeologically have produced fair quantities of nonessential goods. Clearly, by the time of the American frontier in ... More

The vast majority of early nineteenth-century sites that were investigated archaeologically have produced fair quantities of nonessential goods. Clearly, by the time of the American frontier in Illinois, cultural traditions had incorporated the practice of consumerism—even out in the remote forests. The artifact assemblages found on early nineteenth century home sites also suggest that frontier settlers shopped in very similar ways, often independent of variations in location, household wealth, or cultural heritage. Like the ways in which one built a house, butchered a hog, or buried potatoes, shopping at the local store appears to have been part of the well-established traditions of the western frontier.Less

Ethnographic Analogy and the Archaeological Construction of Maya Identity at Copan, Honduras

Allan L. Maca

in The Ch′orti′ Maya Area: Past and Present

This chapter examines the ethnographic analogy and the archaeological evidence of Maya identity at the Copan Valley archaeological site in Honduras. It analyzes the continuity and force of the Maya ... More

This chapter examines the ethnographic analogy and the archaeological evidence of Maya identity at the Copan Valley archaeological site in Honduras. It analyzes the continuity and force of the Maya designation for ancient Copan by considering the contributions of specific archaeologists during the recent, ongoing phase of research there. It explores the ways in which past, recent, and ongoing archaeological work at Copan does, and inevitably will, inform identity politics in Honduras.Less

Stratigraphy

James S. Dunbar

in Paleoindian Societies of the Coastal Southeast

Terrestrial, wetland, and underwater sediment types are the focus of chapter 2, and no consideration of stratigraphy would be complete without their examination. Archaeological research has reached ... More

Terrestrial, wetland, and underwater sediment types are the focus of chapter 2, and no consideration of stratigraphy would be complete without their examination. Archaeological research has reached the point now that inundated sites are as much a part of the archaeological vocabulary as land sites have been. It is important to realize, for example, that the territorial extent of the Floridan Aquifer in the Southeast Coastal Plain also encompasses one of the major concentrations of Paleoindian sites in the Southeast. This aquifer, an important potable water source, is held in Tertiary limestones that are also chert bearing, making them an important toolmaking resource. Unlike land sites in the Southeast, which typically do not present preserved organic materials, wetland and submerged sites frequently offer preserved bone and organic materials, including plant seeds and wood. Sedimentation in karst rivers is most often neutral to slightly alkaline, whereas most upland sites lie buried in acidic sand. Lake and channel-fill deposits are important receptacles of preservation and will be the focus of future investigations. The rivers and lakes in Florida and the extreme Southeast are of great significance because they do not have their headwaters emanating from mountains and therefore provide us with an excellent record of late Pleistocene environments.Less

Getting to the Postwar Planning Table

in The Rape of Mesopotamia: Behind the Looting of the Iraq Museum

This chapter discusses the postwar planning for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It suggests that neither Tommy Franks of the Central Command nor the U.S. Department of Defense wanted anything to do with ... More

This chapter discusses the postwar planning for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It suggests that neither Tommy Franks of the Central Command nor the U.S. Department of Defense wanted anything to do with the State Department's postcombat plans called the Future of Iraq Project. The chapter contends that the coordination of planning for the post-combat phase was certainly hobbled by sheer antagonism between the Pentagon, the uniformed military, and the State Department. It argues that direct consultations between American or British government, war planners, and archaeological groups would have prevented the looting of the National Museum and the depredation of Iraq's archaeological sites.Less

The Meetings

in The Rape of Mesopotamia: Behind the Looting of the Iraq Museum

This chapter discusses the postwar planning meetings that aimed to protect the cultural heritage of Iraq during the 2003 invasion. Archaeologist McGuire Gibson highlighted the fact that the United ... More

This chapter discusses the postwar planning meetings that aimed to protect the cultural heritage of Iraq during the 2003 invasion. Archaeologist McGuire Gibson highlighted the fact that the United States needs to prevent the likely looting of archaeological sites in accordance with the 1954 Hague Convention. But Office of Stability Operations' Joseph Collins appeared to have prioritized preventing the looting of coalition forces in adding cultural sites to the “no strike” database.Less

The Slow-Motion Disaster: Post-Combat Looting of Archaeological Sites

in The Rape of Mesopotamia: Behind the Looting of the Iraq Museum

This chapter discusses postwar looting of archaeological sites in Iraq. Despite all the efforts of archaeologists including Donny George and McGuire Gibson to get the help of the U.S. forces to ... More

This chapter discusses postwar looting of archaeological sites in Iraq. Despite all the efforts of archaeologists including Donny George and McGuire Gibson to get the help of the U.S. forces to prevent further looting, none came, even after the end of August 2003. The military seemed not to care about the reduction of illegal trade in antiquities even if it was deducible that proceeds from the sale would be used to finance the operations of terrorists.Less

The Impact of Coalition Military Operations on Archaeological Sites in Iraq

Diane C. Siebrandt

in The Legacy of Iraq: From the 2003 War to the 'Islamic State'

The creation of cities is only one example in a long list of cultural evolutions invented in Iraq. Ancient cities that flourished across Mesopotamia from 3500 BCE onwards were left largely abandoned ... More

The creation of cities is only one example in a long list of cultural evolutions invented in Iraq. Ancient cities that flourished across Mesopotamia from 3500 BCE onwards were left largely abandoned and untouched for millennia until European explorers began excavations in the early nineteenth century. International excavations between Western and Iraqi archaeologists were eventually sponsored by Western organisations and the Iraqi antiquities authorities through the years. However, the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s caused the cessation of most joint excavations. The 2003 Iraq War further compounded problems by making it almost impossible for Western cultural heritage experts to engage one on one with their Iraqi counterparts. This chapter focuses on the use of fragile archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Babylon as major US military bases. It not only documents the damage done at such sites but also argues that when such sites were converted into military bases, the United States effectively turned once-popular public spaces into zones of exclusion, thereby contravening the basic human right of Iraqis to access their own heritage.Less

The Origins of a State Capital: The Iles Store Site

in The Sangamo Frontier: History and Archaeology in the Shadow of Lincoln

In 1837, the town of Springfield became the state capital, and the brick courthouse built on the public square in 1826 was replaced by an imposing Greek revival statehouse. Shortly after the Civil ... More

In 1837, the town of Springfield became the state capital, and the brick courthouse built on the public square in 1826 was replaced by an imposing Greek revival statehouse. Shortly after the Civil War, a much larger statehouse was constructed five blocks to the southwest, and the building on the square once again became a county courthouse. A century later, the commercial district surrounding the square had become known as the “old” part of town. In the 1960s, the Old Capitol was renovated. True to fashion for the times, however, the archaeological signature of that historic building and the surrounding area was completely removed during the construction of an underground parking lot. This chapter describes the excavation of a site where Elijah Iles built his store in June 1821.Less

The Christian Monuments of Tebtunis

Gawdat Gabra

in Christianity and Monasticism in the Fayoum Oasis: Essays from the 2004 International Symposium of the Saint Mark Foundation and the Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite Coptic Society in Honor of Martin Krause

This chapter aims to present a general review of the results of excavations conducted in the Byzantine/Arabic sector of the ancient site of Tebtunis located in the south of the Fayoum Oasis in Egypt. ... More

This chapter aims to present a general review of the results of excavations conducted in the Byzantine/Arabic sector of the ancient site of Tebtunis located in the south of the Fayoum Oasis in Egypt. It examines the economic and religious function of this site through analysis of excavated archaeological materials and describes some of the Christian monuments found in Tebtunis. The analyses are based on the reports published by the excavators of the first Italian mission and the reports of the current joint Italian and French mission.Less