News and Notes

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA--NORTH ALABAMA SOCIETY

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28.8.11

AIA TALKS: Ramesses and Egyptian Gold -- September 8 & 9

Many of you will remember Peter Brand from our wine tasting last November where he gave an engaging talk on the Egyptian evidence for the early Israelites. Dr. Brand, who has appeared in numerous documentaries  sponsored by the History Channel and National Geographic, continues his fieldwork at the great temple in Karnak with the aid of a $200,000 NEH grant. In particular Dr. Brand has been working on the inscriptions in the Hypostyle Hall, Ramesses II’s grand addition to the Egypt's most important temple complex.
Drawing on the latest research for his first talk, Dr. Peter brand reveals Ramesses the Great as a gifted politician, canny elder statesman, and tenacious warrior. He built vast temples and colossal statues throughout his Empire, more than any other Pharaoh. 

Thursday, Sept. 8
"Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh"
Chan Auditorium, 7:30 PM
 
In his second talk, Dr. Brand will discuss Egyptian gold. Like all peoples, the ancient Egyptians were mesmerized by gold, which they called "the flesh of the gods." Pharaohs jealously guarded the means and rights to extract gold from mines in the eastern deserts and from Nubia. The kings used gold to enhance their power and splendor. This illustrated lecture explores the spectacular golden objects the pharaohs used to impress their subjects, foreign peoples, and even the gods themselves.

Friday, Sept. 9
"Power Tool: Political Uses of Gold in the New Kingdom"
Wilson Hall 168, 2:00 PM


Excavate! Our latest newsletter

Thanks to Tim and Lillian, here is the 23rd edition of our newsletter

14.8.11

Archaeologists uncover 3,000-year-old lion adorning citadel gate complex in Turkey

Archaeologists uncover 3,000-year-old lion adorning citadel gate complex in Turkey

ScienceDaily (2011-08-09) -- Archaeologists in southeastern Turkey have unearthed the remains of a monumental gate complex adorned with stone sculptures, including a magnificently carved lion. The gate complex provided access to the citadel of Kunulua, capital of the Neo-Hittite Kingdom of Patina (ca. 950-725 BCE), and is reminiscent of the citadel gate excavated by British archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley in 1911 at the royal Hittite city of Carchemish.

Marco Polo 'never reached China' and picked up tales of the Orient from others, Italians claim

Marco Polo 'never reached China' and picked up tales of the Orient from others, Italians claim: "
One of history's greatest explorers, may in fact have been a conman, it was claimed yesterday.
"