Antiquities Exhibits

In 1981, archaeologists studying key farming developments proposed that farm communities adopted dairying sometime between 4,000 and 3,500 BCE and  began using livestock for more than just meat. "Animal bones from sites in the British Isles showed patterns of which cows were slaughtered—lots of young males and older females—it is consistent with what you would find in a dairying economy,” observed archaeologist Peter Bogucki.   Bogucki had also noticed an unusual type of pottery at a number of sites around Poland: fragments of pots that had been perforated with small holes. Sieve sherds were frequently found at sites dating as far back as the Neolithic period. But other archaeologists proposed they may have been used only as honey strainers or for braziers. Bogucki analyzed animal remains from Linear Pottery Culture settlements and concluded that Linear Pottery settlers seldom hunted for food and relied heavily on cattle. There were also almost no remains of pigs, a far m...

Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries through March 22, 2020 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, Texas. Just a few more days to view 300 original artifacts from the Stonehenge site. Stonehenge, celebrated by scholars, writers and artists for countless generations comes to life in this large-scale exhibition, suitable for all ages and featuring multiple hands-on interactives to amplify key element s of the monument’s mysteries. So much more than a massive marvel of ancient engineering, Stonehenge and its immense stones have captured our imaginations and dared us to explore and explain prehistoric unknowns like never before. Image: Construction mural and Stonehenge with Topaz Sunrise Effects  photographed on my trip there in 2006.

Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries through September 29 at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. This exhibit featuring 300 artifacts and 150 relics that have never traveled outside Europe before will reveal the silent icon that is Stonehenge. Visitors will also be able to learn how Stonehenge was constructed, explore the ancient landscape and participate in interactive videos showcasing this World Heritage  site. Image: Mural depicting ancient Britons struggling to construct Stonehenge photographed at the World Heritage Site.

Roman-era mosaics in the Adana Archaeology Museum in Adana, Turkey.  Newly opened galleries at the Adana Museum now house an astonishing collection of Roman-era mosaics.  The mosaics depict an array of themes from classical mythology including Orpheus, Thetys, Artemis, and Erotes, as well as early Christian portrayals of the "Peaceful Kingdom" and Noah's Ark.  The museum has constructed elevated walkways in the new gallery space so visitors can view the expansive mosaics, many that once adorned church floors, more easily. The museum also has many objects from the Hittite period as well as artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Archaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.  Roman objects include sarcophagi, jugs, catapult shots, inscriptions, architectural elements, glassware, ceramics and jewellery. All images cc by courtesy of Dick Osseman: