Archaeology: An Introduction to the World’s Greatest Sites

Overview Course No. 9431

Produced in partnership with National Geographic, and led by a renowned archaeologist, this course explores over 20 of the most significant and enthralling archaeological sites on the planet. The work of archaeologists has commanded worldwide attention and captivated human imagination since ancient times. This course answers common questions about the field and provides a vivid exploration of archaeology’s most magnificent discoveries.

Course Content

1. The Origins of Modern Archaeology

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Investigate what archaeologists actually do, the nature and scope of their work, and popular misconceptions about the field.

2. Excavating Pompeii and Herculaneum

• Duration: 34 min

• Description: Learn about the history of excavation at these iconic sites destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

3. Schliemann and His Successors at Troy

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Follow the exploits of Heinrich Schliemann and the discoveries that sparked debates about the historical city of Troy.

4. Early Archaeology in Mesopotamia

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Explore significant discoveries in Mesopotamia, including the Assyrian palaces and the treasures from the “Death Pits of Ur.”

5. How Do Archaeologists Know Where to Dig?

• Duration: 30 min

• Description: Uncover the methodologies used by archaeologists, including remote sensing technologies and ground surveys.

6. Prehistoric Archaeology

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Learn about significant finds in hominid history and important cave paintings from ancient times.

7. Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk, and Jericho

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Explore Neolithic sites in Turkey and their remarkable architectural features.

8. Pyramids, Mummies, and Hieroglyphics

• Duration: 30 min

• Description: Discover the techniques of ancient Egyptian embalming and the history behind hieroglyphics.

9. King Tut’s Tomb

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Trace the events leading to the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb and its spectacular treasures.

10. How Do You Excavate at a Site?

• Duration: 29 min

• Description: Delve into the practical aspects of performing an archaeological dig.

11. Discovering Mycenae and Knossos

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Follow the archaeological search for King Agamemnon and the discovery of the Minoan palace.

12. Santorini, Akrotiri, and the Atlantis Myth

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Explore the site of Akrotiri and its connection to the myth of Atlantis.

13. The Uluburun Shipwreck

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Learn about the remarkable underwater excavation of this ancient shipwreck.

14. The Dead Sea Scrolls

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Investigate the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and their impact on biblical studies.

15. The Myth of Masada?

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Explore the controversies surrounding the archaeological findings at Masada.

16. Megiddo: Excavating Armageddon

• Duration: 30 min

• Description: Trace the historical excavations at the site of Megiddo.

17. The Canaanite Palace at Tel Kabri

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Observe archaeological fieldwork and the findings at Tel Kabri.

18. Petra, Palmyra, and Ebla

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Visit three breathtaking archaeological sites in Jordan and Syria.

19. How Are Artifacts Dated and Preserved?

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Discover the methodologies behind dating and preserving archaeological artifacts.

20. The Terra-cotta Army, Sutton Hoo, and Otzi

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Investigate the accidental discoveries of significant archaeological finds.

21. Discovering the Maya

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Trace the unearthing of Maya civilizations and their remarkable constructions.

22. The Nazca Lines, Sipan, and Machu Picchu

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Explore three iconic South American archaeological sites.

23. Archaeology in North America

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Investigate significant archaeological findings in North America.

24. From the Aztecs to Future Archaeology

• Duration: 40 min

• Description: Conclude the course by reflecting on future archaeological interpretations.