Archaeology Books for Fun

Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
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Digging books that aren't drier than dirt. Join archaeologists Barbara and Tristan, who share over 40 years of experience in their field, as they read and discuss books that make archaeology approachable and engaging. From tales of the illicit artifact trade to wild myths of ancient aliens and Atlantis, from high-tech LIDAR "discovering" "lost" cities to the occasional murder mystery, no topic is off limits. Winner of the 2024 Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation Education Award Want to support the show? Donate here: https://www.fpan.us/give/

  1. What Do Public Archaeologists Do? || Interlude

    JAN 1

    What Do Public Archaeologists Do? || Interlude

    What is public archaeology, anyway? If we’re not digging in the dirt every day, what do public archaeologists actually do? In this short, conversational episode, we talk about our work in public archaeology, from cemetery conferences to 3D printing to journaling, we reflect on what we’re excited about in the year ahead. This episode is a little different from our usual format. Next time, we’ll kick off our first discussion of "Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History" by William T. Taylor. Barbara is a big fan of horses, so you won’t want to miss it! ___ StingrayTom's Channel https://www.youtube.com/@StingrayTomsFlorida His video on the Battle of Olustee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oor7u8SJC7Q ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #archaeologybooksforfun #publicarchaeology #archaeologypodcast #cemetery

    17 min
  2. This Was a Bronze Age Calendar? || The Other Ancient Civilisations, 4 of 4

    12/15/2025

    This Was a Bronze Age Calendar? || The Other Ancient Civilisations, 4 of 4

    Giant stone heads. Nomadic empires. Arctic survival. And a mysterious Bronze Age calendar. In this episode, we explore five more overlooked ancient cultures: the Olmec, Scythians, Thule Inuit, Únětice, and Xiongnu, and what they reveal about power, belief, and innovation in the ancient world. ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #archaeologybooksforfun #historypodcast #olmec #archaeology #ancientworld #ancientcivilizations

    47 min
  3. Portraits and Pyramids || The Other Ancient Civlisations, 3 of 4

    12/01/2025

    Portraits and Pyramids || The Other Ancient Civlisations, 3 of 4

    This episode features five ancient cultures: the Moche and Nok, known for their striking portraiture; the Mississippians and Nubians, famous for their pyramids and monumental architecture; and the Nabateans, who carved out their own distinct legacy in the rock-cut city of Petra. We’re especially excited to revisit the Mississippians and Moche, two cultures that featured in earlier episodes, and to explore the Nok, Nubians, and Nabateans for the first time! ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #archaeologybooksforfun #ancientcivilisations #ancientworld #pyramids #archaeology #podcast

    37 min
  4. The Indus Valley and the First Flush || The Other Ancient Civilisations, 2 of 4

    11/15/2025

    The Indus Valley and the First Flush || The Other Ancient Civilisations, 2 of 4

    We’re back with five more ancient cultures that don’t always get the spotlight, the Indus Valley, Lapita, Jōmon, Marajoara, and Minoans. The influence of these societies stretched across continents and left behind clues about everything from trade routes to foodways. We once again get excited about ancient sewage and plumbing, systems that were absolutely essential to keeping ancient citizens healthy. Join us as we explore pottery, architecture, and (yes) indoor plumbing in all its unglamorous glory. Book: “The Other Ancient Civilisations” by Raven Todd Da Silva ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #ArchaeologyBooksForFun #ancienthistory #ancientcivilizations #indusvalleycivilization #minoancivilization #hiddenhistory

    27 min

  5. 11/01/2025

    Hittite Reigns of Power || The Other Ancient Civilisations, 1 of 4

    From horses and chariots to sewers and city-states, we’re diving into five fascinating, lesser-known ancient cultures. We’re kicking off "The Other Ancient Civilisations" by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven)! In this episode, we shine a light on: the Akkadians, Dilmun, Etruscans, Great Zimbabwe, and the Hittites. Whether you're new to these civilizations or brushing up, you won't want to miss it! ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #ArchaeologyBooksForFun #horse #ancienthistory #ancientcivilizations #hittite

    30 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Then and Meow || Luna the Cat, 2 of 2

    In our second episode on Luna the Cat, we sit down with the authors themselves! We chat about the book, how it’s been received, and the real land-based and underwater archaeology that inspired it. If you’ve enjoyed the story so far, you won’t want to miss this one. Next month: We're starting The Other Ancient Civilizations by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven). We can't wait to get started on this one! ___ We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #ArchaeologyBooksForFun #UnderwaterArchaeology #CatHistory #Pensacola #TalesFromTheTrowel

    27 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Whisk(er)ed Away || Luna the Cat, 1 of 2

    Cats, shipwrecks, and a historical journey. We’re kicking off a new book: Luna the Cat, a children’s chapter book packed with archaeology, adventure, and (of course) cats. A kids’ book with real history, real archaeology… and real cat energy. We talk about what works, what surprises us, and why it’s a great intro to real history for young readers. Plus, don’t miss next episode! We’ll be joined by one of the authors (and our friend) to hear how the book came to life. ___ NEW! We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads!Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ ___ #archaeologybooksforfun #cat #florida #archaeology #kidsbooks

    23 min

  8. 09/15/2025

    Could've Been Great || Finders Keepers, 4 of 4

    We’re wrapping up "Finders Keepers," a book with big ideas that just didn’t land. In this episode, we explore why such a promising concept didn’t quite work, and we dig into what archaeology is really like compared to how the author seems to see it. It’s been a ride... but we’re ready for the next book. Up next: "Luna the Cat"! A children’s chapter book by our friends and colleagues Michael Thomin and Nicole Grinnan. It tells the story of Spain’s first attempt to settle North America through the eyes of a curious feline. A breath of fresh air, and maybe an author interview too! ___ NEW! We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads!Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more: Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66 ___ Want to support the show? Donate here: https://www.fpan.us/give/ ___ #archaeologybooksforfun #podcast #archaeology #museum

    38 min
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About

Digging books that aren't drier than dirt. Join archaeologists Barbara and Tristan, who share over 40 years of experience in their field, as they read and discuss books that make archaeology approachable and engaging. From tales of the illicit artifact trade to wild myths of ancient aliens and Atlantis, from high-tech LIDAR "discovering" "lost" cities to the occasional murder mystery, no topic is off limits. Winner of the 2024 Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation Education Award Want to support the show? Donate here: https://www.fpan.us/give/

Information

  • Creator
    Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
  • Show Website
    Archaeology Books for Fun