March 10, 2021
The AIA’S Tenth Annual Photo Contest featured over 400 photos in five categories: Archaeological Landscapes, Excavation, Field Life, Fun Finds, and Monuments. Despite the fact the 2021 AIA Photo Contest occurred during a time when the world faces tremendous travel restrictions, participants were able to share snapshots of previous archaeological adventures. By perusing the submissions, viewers had a chance to explore archaeological sites all over the world.
From March 3-March 9 during the week long voting period, over 15,000 votes were cast and the five winning photos garnered a combined 1,786 votes. This year’s winners will receive a one year complimentary AIA membership. Top photos selected by AIA staff will also be included in the AIA’s 2022 Calendar.
The following winning photos received the most votes in their respective categories:
Villa Jovis
Capri, Campania, Italy
By: Robert Caudill
“Cisterns of the Villa Jovis with Monte Solaro in the background.”
Sissi, Crete
Sissi, Lasithi, Greece
By: Gavin McGuire
“The New Normal Under Wrap Sissi Archaeological Project conservators take time out for a light-hearted view of their work as the impact of Covid-19 ultimately ‘locked down’ excavations. The image is dedicated to the archaeological profession affected by the pandemic.”
Sissi, Crete
Sissi, Lasithi, Greece
By: Gavin McGuire
“Total Lockdown The Covid-19 virus seriously hampered archaeological excavations, conservation and on-going research projects, such as at the coastal Bronze Age Minoan-Mycenaean site, Sissi, eastern Crete, where field life is currently restricted to random checks on site condition, especially, following heavy rains and strong Aegean winds.”
Xique-Xique I Archaeological Site
Carnaúba dos Dantas, RN, Brazil
By: Nathalia Nogueira
“Scene of violence in prehistoric rock art in the Seridó.”
Valley of the Temples
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
By: Cesare Cassanelli
Submitted by: SNS Archaeological Team
“As time goes by. Scuola Normale Superiore, excavation at Temple D.”
