Archaeology Books for Fun

Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
  • 5.0 (7)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An archaeology podcast and book club where archaeologists Barbara and Tristan read and discuss archaeology books that make the ancient past approachable and fun. This bi-weekly archaeology podcast draws on over 40 years of combined experience. Archaeology Books for Fun explores ancient civilizations, archaeological mysteries, “lost” cities, and popular myths. Topics range from the illicit artifact trade to ancient aliens and Atlantis, from high-tech LiDAR discoveries to the occasional murder mysteries. Winner of the 2024 Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation Education Award.

  1. The Awkward Transition From Chariots to Horseback Riding | Hoof Beats (Part 3 of 4)

    FEB 15

    The Awkward Transition From Chariots to Horseback Riding | Hoof Beats (Part 3 of 4)

    How do you go from chariots to horseback riding? Archaeologists Barbara and Tristan explore what archaeology says about early horse riding, the development of bridles and other riding gear, and how horses reshaped power in the ancient world. And then there’s the weird, awkward transition stage: ancient Assyrian art shows two horses tethered together with a rider on each, one steering and one fighting. A truly wild way to learn to ride. ____ Stingray Tom's Florida episode on ancient mounds and middens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-Y-N5kNN4 ____ Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #archaeologybooksforfun #horsehistory #horseriding

    28 min
  2. Why Ancient Horses Resisted Domestication | Hoof Beats (2 of 4)

    FEB 1

    Why Ancient Horses Resisted Domestication | Hoof Beats (2 of 4)

    Why were ancient horses so difficult to domesticate? Archaeologists Barbara and Tristan explore what archaeology reveals about horse domestication, why it took so long to happen, and how these fast, high-strung animals shaped early human societies. Long before riding was common, horses were hitched to carts, literally putting the cart before the horse. What does that struggle tell us about ancient technology, transport, and adaptation? ___Support the show! https://www.fpan.us/give/ #archaeologybooksforfun #ancienthistory #horsehistory

    22 min
  3. Ancient Horses Had Toes? || Hoof Beats, 1 of 4

    JAN 15

    Ancient Horses Had Toes? || Hoof Beats, 1 of 4

    Did you know that ancient horses had toes? In this episode, Barbara learns all about them, and is not entirely comfortable with the idea. We’re kicking off a new book focused on the long relationship between horses and humans. We talk about how horses evolved, what early horses were like during the Ice Age, and what those first encounters between humans and horses may have looked like (and why they didn’t go especially well for the horses). ___ 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 #ancientworld #equine #horsehistory #iceage

    27 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

  8. 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
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About

An archaeology podcast and book club where archaeologists Barbara and Tristan read and discuss archaeology books that make the ancient past approachable and fun. This bi-weekly archaeology podcast draws on over 40 years of combined experience. Archaeology Books for Fun explores ancient civilizations, archaeological mysteries, “lost” cities, and popular myths. Topics range from the illicit artifact trade to ancient aliens and Atlantis, from high-tech LiDAR discoveries to the occasional murder mysteries. Winner of the 2024 Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation Education Award.

Information

  • Creator
    Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central
  • Show Website
    Archaeology Books for Fun