The Archaeology Show

4.1 (132)
Science
Updated Weekly

The Archaeology Show is produced by the Archaeology Podcast Network. It's hosted by archaeologist's Chris Webster and Rachel Roden. We will interview people from around the world in a variety of topics. Enjoy the ride.

5d ago

Mammoths and Empires with Todd Braje - Ep 343

Chris interviews archaeologist and author Todd Braje about his upcoming book, “Mammoths and Empires” from Pegasus Books. We discuss some of the bigger themes in the book and his motivation for writing it. LinksMammoths and EmpiresFind it on AmazonTranscriptsFor rough transcripts head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeology/343ContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.comRachelUnraveled (Instagram)ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Oct 12

Drought Archaeology, "Stonehenge" in Lake Michigan and "Noah's Ark" Research - Ep 342

This week we are back to the news with three recent archaeology stories! First up, we discuss a National Geographic report on Turkey’s rapidly shrinking lakes, noting that receding water is exposing submerged archaeological sites like the Basilica of St. Neophytos in Lake Iznik while creating preservation and excavation challenges. We then critique a BBC Science Focus story that compares a mile-long stone alignment in Lake Michigan to Stonehenge. Archaeologists actuallysay that hunting drive lines are plausible explanations, and that simplified claims about lake history and age are misleading. And finally, we review an IFLScience article debunking more claims that Noah’s Ark was found in the Urartu region, emphasizing that the Durupinar formation is widely regarded as a geological feature. LinksSegment 1 The Treasures Emerging From Turkey’s Dying LakesSegment 2 A secret Stonehenge under Lake Michigan is baffling archaeologistsArchaeologists Have Found Prehistoric Rock Structures Under the Great Lakes. Here's What the Stones Can Tell UsA 9,000-year-old caribou hunting structure beneath Lake Huron“Stonehenge” Lake Michigan by Dr. Mark HolleySegment 3 No, Researchers Haven't Found "Noah's Ark" Near Mount Ararat In Eastern TurkeyContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.comRachelUnraveled (Instagram)ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 28

A Sitcom about Archaeology (DIG) with Author Kate Myers - Ep 341

Is this what archaeology needs? We think so! On November 23, 2026 Peacock and NBC Universal will release a new comedy based on Kate Myers book, Excavations, released in 2023. It will star Amy Poehler and Hugh Laurie. In this episode, Chris talks with the author about the book and the making of the TV show. LinksDIG 2026 on IMDBExcavations, 2026 Harper CollinsEverything to know about DIG, Amy Poehler’s New Peacock Show from Mike Schur - Peacock BlogContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.comRachelUnraveled (Instagram)ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 14

Journal Club - September 2026 - Ghost DNA and Carved Turtles - Ep 340

This week we have the latest installment of the journal Club! Ash and Tilly from the And My Trowel podcast join us for a lively discussion about two recent news articles. Join us to learn about ghost DNA, turtle figurines (or not?), and all the ways Americans eat and drink tea and scones incorrectly! LinksResearchers identify traces of two ‘ghost’ ancestors in modern human DNARecovering signatures of archaic hominin introgression using ancestral recombination graphsResearchers traced 20% of our ancestry to a “ghost” population. Here’s what that means. @‌Ella Al-ShamahiArchaeologists Dug up 25 Turtles Carved During the Ice Age. They May Point to a Lost Mountain Cult.Recently dug turtle figurines expose ancient ritual heritageContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.comRachelUnraveled (Instagram)ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 7

Ancient Inscriptions - Ep 339

In this episode of The Archaeology Show, we follow three discoveries that reveal how much ancient meaning can survive—and how much can still elude us. First, we look at rare Neolithic obsidian arrowheads from central Anatolia, etched with one-of-a-kind geometric designs that took real effort to carve, yet remain impossible to interpret. Then we head deep into Spain’s Cova de les Dones, where a hidden chamber holds 120 Latin inscriptions—evidence of an organized Roman cult centered on a mysterious “Lady,” Domina, and the name “MALACI.” Finally, we travel to Wetar Island in eastern Indonesia, where a 4,000-year-old painted stone plaque provides the first portable example of Austronesian Painting Tradition art, suggesting seafarers carried shared symbols and identities across the ocean long before pottery arrived. To see links and more, head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeology/339 ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 31

PROMO - 'Rock Art: An American Story' with Stephen Alvarez - Rock Art 171

Please enjoy this episode of The Rock Art Podcast this week! In this episode, Alan speaks with Stephen Alvarez about his new book, Rock Art: An American Story, exploring the enduring significance of rock art across North America. They discuss Indigenous perspectives, the sacredness of rock art sites, and how ancient imagery continues to connect people with place, culture, and history. The conversation also considers the challenges of interpreting and dating rock art, and the importance of respecting and protecting these remarkable records of the past. Transcripts Transcript Links Rock Art Podcast - Episode 171 Rock Art: An American Story by Stephen Alvarez with Kate Nelson Contact Chris Webster chris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com Rachel Roden rachel@unraveleddesigns.com RachelUnraveled (Instagram) ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet APN Shop Affiliates Motion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 17

The Mystery of Rongorongo, an Etruscan Well, and a Lost Convent - Ep 338

This week, we’re exploring three archaeology articles in the news this week. First, we head to Rapa Nui, where new research into the mysterious Rongorongo script could reshape our understanding of when and how writing developed on the island. Then, we examine an Etruscan ritual well filled with offerings to the goddess Uni—and later, human remains. Finally, we travel to Denmark, where plans for an underground parking garage led archaeologists to the unexpected discovery of a long-lost medieval convent. Links A New Discovery at Easter Island Could Rewrite History As We Know It Archaeologists discover Etruscan well that was ritually opened with offerings for a goddess — and 'closed' with human bodies Danish town plans for underground parking garage, finds long-lost medieval convent Contact Chris Webster chris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com Rachel Roden rachel@unraveleddesigns.com RachelUnraveled (Instagram) ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet APN Shop Affiliates Motion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 10

Journal Club: July 2026 - Ep 337

Join the APN crew for a monthly discussion of recent news articles. This month we look into two very different questions about archaeology and how we interpret the past. First, we dig into the growing role of AI and large language models in archaeological research, discussing hallucinations, data ownership, consent, open access, and why critical thinking is more important than ever. Then, we examine the case of a man who survived a severe facial injury roughly 100,000 years ago—and ask whether the more interesting story is really ancient violence, or the care and community that allowed him to survive. Links Archaeology in the AI Era: Demystifying powerful and problematic systems shaping the future of the past Roughly 100,000 Years Ago, This Man Got Stabbed in the Face—and Survived. He’s Likely One of the First Known Victims of an Attack With a Sharp Weapon Contact Chris Webster chris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com Rachel Roden rachel@unraveleddesigns.com RachelUnraveled (Instagram) ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet APN Shop Affiliates Motion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See All (356)

4.1

out of 5

132 Ratings

Goofy

Sep 29

Bobten

Can’t listen anymore. Giggle, giggle. Ha Ha. Lots of silly remarks and very little actual archaeological information.
Good info, one host interrupts the other constantly, makes it hard to listen.

May 21

Clayclayclay37

Good show but the male host is very rude to the female host He constantly interrupts her and frequently interjects with less than informed "devils advocate" opinions. These interjections don't add context or information to the archaeology being discussed. His rudeness in certain episodes makes the show hard to listen to
Good info, poor podcasting

May 19

GhengisDong420

The show is so frustrating because the info is good, but the hosts cannot stop talking over each other, often with just the word “yeah” repeated constantly. I’m hoping they see this, because otherwise it’s be a good show- it’s just really hard to listen to. It should be more successful than it is, “yeahs” aside.
Informative but not too serious

May 5

Tobias Cuypers

Very knowledgeable hosts that cover a wide array of topics and interesting news in the field. Their personal knowledge and humor really add to the show in a meaningful way

The Archaeology Show is produced by the Archaeology Podcast Network. It's hosted by archaeologist's Chris Webster and Rachel Roden. We will interview people from around the world in a variety of topics. Enjoy the ride.