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PODCAST

Archaeology Books for Fun

Florida Public Archaeology Network - North Central

An archaeology podcast and book club where archaeologists Barbara and Tristan read and discuss archaeology books that make the ancient past approachable and fun. This bi-weekly archaeology podcast draws on over 40 years of combined experience. Archaeology Books for Fun explores ancient civilizations, archaeological mysteries, “lost” cities, and popular myths. Topics range from the illicit artifact trade to ancient aliens and Atlantis, from high-tech LiDAR discoveries to the occasional murder

history

All Episodes

00:21:38

Why Ancient Horses Resisted Domestication | Hoof...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2026/02/01

Why were ancient horses so difficult to domesticate? Archaeologists Barbara and Tristan explore what archaeology reveals about horse domestication, why it took so long to happen, and how these fast, high-strung animals shaped early human societies.Long before riding was common, horses were hitched to carts, literally putting the cart before the horse. What does that struggle tell us about ancient technology, transport, and adaptation?___Support the

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00:26:37

Ancient Horses Had Toes? || Hoof Beats, 1 of 4

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2026/01/15

Did you know that ancient horses had toes? In this episode, Barbara learns all about them, and is not entirely comfortable with the idea.We’re kicking off a new book focused on the long relationship between horses and humans. We talk about how horses evolved, what early horses were like during the Ice Age, and what those first encounters between humans and horses may have looked like (and why they didn’t go especially well for the horses).___We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us

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00:17:16

What Do Public Archaeologists Do? || Interlude

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2026/01/01

What is public archaeology, anyway? If we’re not digging in the dirt every day, what do public archaeologists actually do?In this short, conversational episode, we talk about our work in public archaeology, from cemetery conferences to 3D printing to journaling, we reflect on what we’re excited about in the year ahead.This episode is a little different from our usual format. Next time, we’ll kick off our first discussion of "Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History" by William T. Taylor. Barbara

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00:46:33

This Was a Bronze Age Calendar? || The Other Ancient...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/12/15

Giant stone heads. Nomadic empires. Arctic survival. And a mysterious Bronze Age calendar.In this episode, we explore five more overlooked ancient cultures: the Olmec, Scythians, Thule Inuit, Únětice, and Xiongnu, and what they reveal about power, belief, and innovation in the ancient world.___We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTKInstagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESrThreads:

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00:37:17

Portraits and Pyramids || The Other Ancient...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/12/01

This episode features five ancient cultures: the Moche and Nok, known for their striking portraiture; the Mississippians and Nubians, famous for their pyramids and monumental architecture; and the Nabateans, who carved out their own distinct legacy in the rock-cut city of Petra.We’re especially excited to revisit the Mississippians and Moche, two cultures that featured in earlier episodes, and to explore the Nok, Nubians, and Nabateans for the first time!___We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and

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00:27:22

The Indus Valley and the First Flush || The Other...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/11/15

We’re back with five more ancient cultures that don’t always get the spotlight, the Indus Valley, Lapita, Jōmon, Marajoara, and Minoans. The influence of these societies stretched across continents and left behind clues about everything from trade routes to foodways.We once again get excited about ancient sewage and plumbing, systems that were absolutely essential to keeping ancient citizens healthy. Join us as we explore pottery, architecture, and (yes) indoor plumbing in all its unglamorous

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00:29:42

Hittite Reigns of Power || The Other Ancient...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/11/01

From horses and chariots to sewers and city-states, we’re diving into five fascinating, lesser-known ancient cultures.We’re kicking off "The Other Ancient Civilisations" by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven)! In this episode, we shine a light on: the Akkadians, Dilmun, Etruscans, Great Zimbabwe, and the Hittites.Whether you're new to these civilizations or brushing up, you won't want to miss it!___We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode

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00:26:40

Then and Meow || Luna the Cat, 2 of 2

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/10/15

In our second episode on Luna the Cat, we sit down with the authors themselves! We chat about the book, how it’s been received, and the real land-based and underwater archaeology that inspired it. If you’ve enjoyed the story so far, you won’t want to miss this one.Next month: We're starting The Other Ancient Civilizations by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven). We can't wait to get started on this one!___We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates,

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00:23:26

Whisk(er)ed Away || Luna the Cat, 1 of 2

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/10/01

Cats, shipwrecks, and a historical journey.We’re kicking off a new book: Luna the Cat, a children’s chapter book packed with archaeology, adventure, and (of course) cats.A kids’ book with real history, real archaeology… and real cat energy. We talk about what works, what surprises us, and why it’s a great intro to real history for young readers.Plus, don’t miss next episode! We’ll be joined by one of the authors (and our friend) to hear how the book came to life.___NEW! We’re now on Goodreads,

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00:38:13

Could've Been Great || Finders Keepers, 4 of 4

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/09/15

We’re wrapping up "Finders Keepers," a book with big ideas that just didn’t land. In this episode, we explore why such a promising concept didn’t quite work, and we dig into what archaeology is really like compared to how the author seems to see it. It’s been a ride... but we’re ready for the next book.Up next: "Luna the Cat"! A children’s chapter book by our friends and colleagues Michael Thomin and Nicole Grinnan. It tells the story of Spain’s first attempt to settle North

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00:40:58

So there *is* Crying in Archaeology || Finders...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/08/29

We’re back with the next segment of "Finders Keepers", and the emotional roller coaster continues.This section takes us deep into salvage archaeology, artifact hoarding, and the complicated roles museums play in the story of cultural heritage. There are moments that moved us, and moments that made us want to throw the book (but it's on a Kindle, so we can't).Spoiler: someone cries. We mostly hold it together.___NEW! We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads!Follow us for

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00:48:39

Looters and Lost Temples || Finders Keepers, 2 of 4

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/08/15

In our second dive into Finders Keepers, we’re back in the wretched world of the antiquities black market. Also, we get to hear what the author really thinks about archaeology.Give it a listen and tell us where you land: amused, intrigued, or annoyed (like Barbara)?___This episode overlaps a lot with Stealing History, so if you haven’t already, check out those episodes too!http://bit.ly/4oAAalA___NEW! We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads!Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts,

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00:38:47

"This Feels Like Rage Bait" || Finders Keepers, 1 of 4

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/08/01

We hate it. We love it. Barbara wants to throw it in a dig pit and walk away. Tristan’s still trying to decide if it’s genius or garbage.This week, we crack open "Finders Keepers" a book full of wild ideas about archaeology that leave us both intrigued and slightly yelling into the mic. Come laugh (or rage) with us as we try to figure out what on earth we just read.___📸 New Instagram!We’ve launched a new Instagram just for the podcast! Follow for episode updates, book picks, and behind-the-scenes

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01:01:44

Chocolate Brews & Witchy Stews || Ancient Brews, 3 of 3

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/07/01

We’re wrapping up "Ancient Brews" with a taste of South American traditions: chocolate drinks made from cacao and fermented chicha corn beer! Both were central to cultures across Central and South America, so what can archaeology tell us about their meaning and use?Next time, we dig into "Finders Keepers: A Tale of Archaeological Plunder and Obsession". Reviews are mixed… so come see what we uncover!*Help us out!*Please take a moment to fill out our short listener survey (linked

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00:58:29

Scorpion Kings and Bog Grog || Ancient Brews, 2 of 3

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/06/01

As we continue our journey through Ancient Brews, we explore beverages once enjoyed by the Scorpion Kings of Egypt, the Etruscans, and even the Vikings! It's a story that spans five millennia—filled with flavor, history, and unexpected connections across time.Crack open this episode and drink in the history!___Want to support this podcast? Check out the donation link below!https://www.fpan.us/give/#podcast #archaeologybooksforfun #dogfishhead #scorpionking

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01:05:20

Space Booze and Ancient Brews || Ancient Brews, 1 of 3

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/05/01

Join us as we crack open a brand-new book—Ancient Brews: Rediscovered and Re-Created by Patrick McGovern!McGovern, a biomolecular archaeologist, takes readers on a journey through time as he analyzes ancient beverages from around the world. Using chemistry, archaeology, and a little bit of guesswork, he partners with Dogfish Head Brewery to recreate these drinks in the modern day as part of their Ancient Ales series.In this episode, we explore the science behind the process and the fascinating

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01:06:00

Smol Cat Fits, Smol Cat Sits || The Nine Lives of...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/04/01

In this episode, we wrap up The Nine Lives of Florida’s Famous Key Marco Cat with the story behind the cat’s discovery and the entertaining feud between the Penn Museum and the Smithsonian over who gets to keep it.From its moment in the archaeological spotlight to traveling the world in exhibitions, the Key Marco Cat has led quite a few adventurous lives—before finally returning (temporarily) home to the Marco Island Historical Museum in Florida.____Please note: The cat is only on display at the

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01:01:02

Smol Cat, Big Questions || The Nine Lives of...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/03/01

New Episode! New Book!This time, we're diving into "The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat". This 6-inch figurine—part cat (maybe), part man (maybe), part mystery (definitely)—is so iconic that it’s Florida’s official state artifact! Yet, despite its fame, so much about it remains unknown. How can such a small cat raise such big questions? Tune in to find out! Want to support this podcast? Check out the donation link below! https://www.fpan.us/give/ ____ Smithsonian's Model:

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00:51:52

Some Minor Criticisms || The Lost City of the Monkey...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/02/01

Here it is—the actual final episode of "The Lost City of the Monkey God"!After several episodes of critiques, we felt we owed it to you, dear listeners, to seek out other perspectives on the book. So, what did we find? Did new insights change our minds? Was the book redeemed in the end?Tune in to find out!Our next book will be "The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat" by Austin J. Bell. This looks like a fun read! ___ Article Links “Did you even talk to the

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01:10:45

A White (leprosy) Christmas || The Lost City of the...

Archaeology Books for Fun ·

2025/01/01

This is it—the conclusion to the challenging journey that has been this book!In this final episode, the expedition members are struck by a mysterious malady. Is it the curse of the "lost" city? Or just the result of spending a week in the jungle? For those who’ve been following along, it won’t come as a surprise that the book doesn’t redeem itself in the end. While it’s been a tough read, it’s certainly given us plenty to talk about! Tune in to hear our final thoughts and wrap-up! __ You can

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