Archaeology news May 14-21

[jeweledeyes]

Rock art found in Egypt: http://www.livescience.com/14149-mysterious-ancient-rock-art-nile-river.html

Egyptian princess "first" person to have coronary artery disease
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/esoc-epw051611.php

(This has been in the new a lot the past few days, some with more deceptive headlines than others... it irks me when they say stuff like, "The first person to ever have X." I sincerely doubt she was the FIRST person to ever have coronary artery disease, she is just the oldest example discovered thus far.)

International Coalition to protect ancient Egyptian artifacts formed
http://www.drhawass.com/blog/international-coalition-support-protection-egyptian-antiquities

Here's the AIA's press release on that, as well:
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Ministry) and the International Coalition to Protect Egyptian Antiquities (the Coalition) announced they have reached mutual agreement to cooperate on a comprehensive plan to protect Egypt's archaeological and cultural heritage sites and artifacts, which will provide a crucial basis for tourism revenue as Egypt rebuilds a successful economy.

The Coalition, led by the George Washington University Capitol Archaeological Institute, the Archaeological Institute of America, the American Schools of Oriental Research, and the National Geographic Society, met in Cairo this week at the invitation of the Egyptian government for a series of meetings with senior Egyptian government officials, private sector and archaeological experts.

The meetings resulted in the Ministry and the Coalition forming a public-private partnership, and an agreement to develop a framework that commits resources to improve site protection throughout Egypt.

"This is a landmark agreement that establishes a new system for all of us to work together on our goal of protecting and preserving Egypt's archaeological sites," said Peter Herdrich, Chief Executive Officer of the Archaeological Institute of America. "It's a great day for archaeology in Egypt."

Projects in the agreement include constructing protective walls at archaeological sites; increasing training of law enforcement personnel to help prevent looting; developing a nationwide satellite imagery analysis initiative; creating a database of Egypt's antiquities based on inventories of Egypt's museums and storage facilities; implementing an education and awareness campaign; and supporting long-term small business and green archaeological site programs.

"Egyptian antiquities and sites are among the most historically significant and important in the world. In times of political transition, ancient sites and artifacts are often targets of international crime and illicit activity," said Deborah Lehr, Capitol Archaeological Institute Chairman. "We commend the Government of Egypt for its efforts, and are delighted to be working together to develop and implement short- and long-term solutions to ensure protection of Egypt's invaluable cultural heritage."

Zahi Hawass, Egypt's Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said, "The Coalition will be drafting a formal agreement between the US and Egyptian governments, and, as soon as it is signed, all of these important projects will be implemented."

For further information on how the Archaeological Institute of America is preserving threatened archaeological sites around the globe, please visit www.archaeological.org/sitepreservation.

Patterns of ancient croplands give insight into early Hawaiian society
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/osu-poa051611.php

Archaeologists uncover 12,000 year old mine in the Americas
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/uocp-auo051811.php

The ethics of displaying human remains
http://minervamagazine.co.uk/book_reviews/book_review-2011-3-01.html

Comments

[slippy]

This has been in the new a lot the past few days, some with more deceptive headlines than others... it irks me when they say stuff like, "The first person to ever have X." I sincerely doubt she was the FIRST person to ever have coronary artery disease, she is just the oldest example discovered thus far.
Ugh, news reporting is just ridiculous sometimes. Anyway, thank you for the links!