Archaeology: An Introduction to the World’s Greatest Sites

Overview

Produced in partnership with National Geographic, and led by a renowned archaeologist, explore over 20 of the most significant and enthralling archaeological sites on the planet.

The work of archaeologists has commanded worldwide attention and captivated the human imagination since the earliest days of exploration, with groundbreaking discoveries such as the treasures of ancient Egypt, the lost kingdoms of the Maya, and the fabled city of Troy. Archaeology brings us face-to-face with our distant ancestors, with treasures of the past, and with life as it was lived in long-ago civilizations.

Despite the fascinating and often romantic appeal of archaeology, many of us have little idea of what the field actually involves. What, exactly, do archaeologists do? What takes place on an archaeological dig? How does the reality of the work differ from what we see in Indiana Jones movies? This course answers these questions and more in rich and provocative detail.

Course Structure

• The Origins of Modern Archaeology (32 min)
  • Investigate the colorful history of archaeology from its beginnings to 20th-century luminaries.

• Excavating Pompeii and Herculaneum (34 min)
  • Travel to iconic sites destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

• Schliemann and His Successors at Troy (31 min)
  • Follow the 19th-century amateur archaeologist’s exploits at the site of Homer’s Troy.

• Early Archaeology in Mesopotamia (33 min)
  • Explore phenomenal finds, including Assyrian palaces and treasures from the “Death Pits of Ur.”

5. How Do Archaeologists Know Where to Dig? (30 min)
   • Discover the methodologies used, including remote sensing technologies.

• Prehistoric Archaeology (33 min)
  • Learn about seminal finds that hint at the origins of our ancestors.

• Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk, and Jericho (32 min)
  • Explore significant Neolithic sites and their architectural wonders.

• Pyramids, Mummies, and Hieroglyphics (30 min)
  • Examine ancient Egyptian techniques of embalming and the deciphering of hieroglyphs.

• King Tut’s Tomb (32 min)
  • Trace the dramatic discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922.

• How Do You Excavate at a Site? (29 min)
  • Delve into the specifics of conducting an archaeological dig.

• Discovering Mycenae and Knossos (33 min)
  • Investigate the search for King Agamemnon and the Minoan civilization.

• Santorini, Akrotiri, and the Atlantis Myth (31 min)
  • Explore the connections between volcanic destruction and the myth of Atlantis.

• The Uluburun Shipwreck (31 min)
  • Learn about this remarkable underwater excavation from 1300 B.C.

• The Dead Sea Scrolls (33 min)
  • Investigate the discovery that revolutionized biblical studies.

• The Myth of Masada? (33 min)
  • Examine the archaeological evidence from the ancient mountain stronghold.

• Megiddo: Excavating Armageddon (30 min)
  • Discover the treasures of Megiddo and its ancient cities.

• The Canaanite Palace at Tel Kabri (32 min)
  • Get a firsthand look at Professor Cline’s excavations at Tel Kabri.

• Petra, Palmyra, and Ebla (32 min)
  • Visit breathtaking archaeological sites in Jordan and Syria.

• How Are Artifacts Dated and Preserved? (32 min)
  • Observe how radiocarbon dating and environmental conditions affect artifacts.

• The Terra-cotta Army, Sutton Hoo, and Otzi (33 min)
  • Investigate the discovery of clay warriors and accidental preservation cases.

• Discovering the Maya (33 min)
  • Trace the unearthing of great Maya civilizations and the use of technology.

• The Nazca Lines, Sipan, and Machu Picchu (31 min)
  • Ponder the mysteries of these stellar South American sites.

• Archaeology in North America (33 min)
  • Explore North American archaeological heritage and key legislative protections.

• From the Aztecs to Future Archaeology (40 min)
  • Consider how future archaeologists might interpret our culture.