The Archaeology Show

This week we interview classicist and author Dr. Philip Matyszak about his new book, "Sacred Places of the Ancient World," which presents a thematic survey of sacred sites across regions known to the Greeks and Romans. Matyszak explains how the book traces changing expressions of spirituality from naturally sacred landscapes to temples as divine “dwellings,” and discusses how he balanced lesser-known locations with essential sites like Delphi and the Acropolis. They highlight examples including Göbekli Tepe’s implications for early urbanism and religion, the debated Tomb of Achilles near Troy, the Grove of Egeria outside Rome, and the long-revered Tomb of Cyrus, along with the book’s photos and bibliography.
Links
Sacred Places of the Ancient World
Contact
Chris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com

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This week we cover 3 recent archaeology news stories. First up we discuss the recent dissolution of one of the largest CRM firms in the country, and what that short and long term impacts of that closure could be. Then we head over to Egypt where a recently uncovered signet ring depicts the Lighthouse at Alexandria (or a Dalek?!?). And then finally new evidence at a sight in Spain shows that Neanderthals were making tools out of wood.
Links
Segment 1
The Nation’s Largest Archaeology Firm Abruptly Shut Down. The 600-Plus Layoffs Aren’t the Biggest Concern
Segment 2
This One-of-a-Kind Bronze Ring Offers a Tantalizing Glimpse at the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a Lost Wonder of the Ancient World
Segment 3
Archaeologists Uncover Unprecedented Evidence of Neanderthal Woodworking Skills
Contact
Chris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com

Rachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.com
RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

ArchPodNet
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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.
Links
Mammoths and Empires
Find it on Amazon
Transcripts
For rough transcripts head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeology/343
Contact
Chris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com

Rachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.com
RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

ArchPodNet
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APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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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.
Links
Segment 1
The Treasures Emerging From Turkey’s Dying Lakes
Segment 2
A secret Stonehenge under Lake Michigan is baffling archaeologists
Archaeologists Have Found Prehistoric Rock Structures Under the Great Lakes. Here's What the Stones Can Tell Us
A 9,000-year-old caribou hunting structure beneath Lake Huron
“Stonehenge” Lake Michigan by Dr. Mark Holley
Segment 3
No, Researchers Haven't Found "Noah's Ark" Near Mount Ararat In Eastern Turkey
Contact
Chris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com

Rachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.com
RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

ArchPodNet
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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.
Links
DIG 2026 on IMDB
Excavations, 2026 Harper Collins
Everything to know about DIG, Amy Poehler’s New Peacock Show from Mike Schur - Peacock Blog
Contact
Chris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com

Rachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.com
RachelUnraveled (Instagram)

ArchPodNet
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APN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2ed
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