The Lives of Ancient Maya Commoners: How Could We Have Been So Wrong? Dr. Payson Sheets (University of Colorado Boulder) Ancient Maya elites have been the focus of research for well over a century, and for good reasons. They developed the New World’s most sophisticated writing system. Their architecture, sculpture, murals, and other items constitute […]

Death and Glory in the Land of King Midas of the Golden Touch Dr. Beth Dusinberre (University of Colorado Boulder) Of the 35 burial tumuli at the site of Gordion, capital of ancient Phrygia, 11 cover cremation burials. They date between 625 and 525 BCE, spanning some of the most turbulent times in the history […]

Insights from the Past for a Warming World Dr. Scott Ingram (Colorado College) Many of us have heard the cautionary statement: “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” What does this mean, is it true, and how (specifically) can the past inform the present and future? Given the urgency of local to […]

Rachel Egan, M.A. University of Colorado Boulder When the Volcano Erupts: Lessons from the Archaeological Record on Human Adaptation to Catastrophic Environments How do repeated disasters shape and strengthen communities? The Tilarán-Arenal region of Costa Rica is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, but despite the risk, from the advent of […]