August 2012

Mexican citizens protest government use of archaeological sites

Is Mexico’s culture worth turning into a spectacle?

I’ve been writing a bit lately about the benefits of using tourism and marketing to fund archaeology and the search for the past.  There is a point, however, when things go too far and the protection of sites becomes more important than the making of money, even if it does fund other projects.  This particular violation is happening in Mexico right now, as the government seeks to make additions to sites that are designed to bring in more people.  This is upsetting citizens who think that this is an insult to their heritage and archaeologists who are worried that the sites will suffer major damage.

Google Maps helping map the past by promoting tourism

Exclusive views of remote places around the world

The latest exciting news to the world of archaeology and education comes in the recent quest by Google Maps to use their program to allow people from all over the world access, at least visually, to some of the greatest wonders in South America.  Just like the normal “street view” offered by Google Maps, people will be able to go to ground level and take a 3-D interactive look at old ruins throughout various South American countries.

The Emperor Qin’s tomb

Digging further into China’s past

The army of terracotta warriors in Xi’an, China is by far one of the most well-known of archaeological sites in the world.  This amazing thousands-strong army is testament to the greatness and glory of the man known as China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.  But even though the statues are being excavated, the one most important part of the site still remains a mystery.  Qin Shi Huang’s tomb has yet to be opened or explored in any way.

Antakya, Turkey: Funding archaeology through tourism

The small city of Antakya in southern Turkey may not seem like the most exciting place in the world to many.  This location, however, was once home to the famed city of Antioch.  One of the largest and more glorious cities in this region’s past, Antioch has seen influences from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and others.  Little did one entrepreneur know that when he went to build a hotel in Antakya he would stumble upon one of the biggest archaeological finds in recent history.

Captain Morgan: Rum and history go hand-in-hand

Anyone who even marginally shares the current pirate fetish knows who the famous Captain Morgan was.  Aside from having a brand of rum named after him, he played a key role in shaping the history of the Caribbean, Panama in particular.  He commanded the largest privateer fleet ever assembled in the region until the fateful day when his ships sank beneath the surface of the water.  Now, it looks like underwater archaeologists have found the old sea dog’s belongings.  After a three-year search, weapons, cannons and chests of other artifacts have been discovered that look like they used to belong to the Captain.