Dig Into It with Archaeology

I am reviewing the May/June 2001 issue of Archaeology, which is a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America. It advertises itself as a magazine of “adventure, discovery, culture, history and travel.” The magazine caught my eye not long after I traveled to Mexico because the picture on the cover is of Rameses II and looks like one of the replications that was in one of the ruins I visited while there.

I was a bit apprehensive at first because although I love to travel, I am not much of a history buff. I was in a good position, I think, to really discover what the magazine was all about. I like it! It is fascinating, with excellent articles which are not over my head. If you haven’t figured this out about me by now or are a new reader or non-member I am not an intellectual and anything that purports to be on that level I am not interested in. I love to read, though, but it has to be on a layperson’s level. It can’t be technical, filled with jargon or words I have to look up in a dictionary! Archaeology does none of that.

The first thing I like about the magazine was the letters to the editor section because they were answered with an editor’s note when appropriate. To me that means someone is really taking an interest in what the readers have to say. That isn’t to say that a magazine that doesn’t respond doesn’t take an interest. What it means is that it goes above and beyond the call of duty and that little touch adds a lot, in my opinion.

•In Archaeology News we read about “Cultural Terrorism.” I found it fascinating. Basically that article talks about an edict issued by Afghanistan’s fundamentalist Taliban regime which announced that all pre-Islamic statues in the country be destroyed. This was in response to the feeling that “The real God is only Allah, and all other false gods should be removed.” I won’t get into my feelings about this, that isn’t appropriate, but it is an excellent article that kept my attention. For more information about the destruction of Afghanistan’s heritage and to speak your mind on the issue, visit www.archaeology.org – the magazine’s website.

•More News has small tidbits of information that is organized and easy to follow such as a small article about a British archaeologist who gave his wife, also an archaeologist, the deed to a crumbling 13th century castle which they plan to restore.

•In American Scene, there is a 2-page article on “Rescuing Techno-Trash” which looks at computers in Silicon Valley as artifacts. “The most interesting old machines gain in value over time, especially those that are cloaked in lore like the Apple I or the Altair.” One Japanese Apple collector spent $25,000 on an Apple I that was originally sold for $666.66 when only 20 were made. Have you saved your old computer?

•There is a fabulous 5-page article called “Remembering Africa Under The Eaves” and talks about the Hendrick Lott house and one room in this Brooklyn, New York, farmhouse that tells us of the spiritual lives of slaves. One find from under the floorboards were a cloth pouch with remnants of hemp string, half the pelvis of a sheep or goat and an oyster shell.

“A Gentleman Scholar” is about Paul Sidney Martin who was considered a pillar in the development of American archaeology. Not only do we learn about this remarkable man who died in 1974 we also learn about his discoveries. In spite of having no idea who he is, never having heard of him, I found the article interesting and did not tire of it.

That is true of this magazine. I never found myself just flipping through it. The information was new to me, for the most part, so that may have been part of the intrigue. But in truth, if it had been presented in a way that I could not relate to, no matter how interesting the material itself, I would have found myself just flipping through it rather than reading it.

This 84-page magazine sells for $4.95 which is a lot of money, but it is a magazine that you will keep on your coffee table and not read all in one sitting most likely. So you get a big bang for your buck. In addition if you choose to subscribe you would pay $19.97 for 6 issues (It comes out every two months as you see since I am reviewing the May/June issue.) which is close to a 32% savings. Each issue would cost you about $3.33 if you subscribe. This still isn’t an inexpensive magazine but if you are at all interested in archeology you would want to read each issue and if you aren’t you may just want to take a look at it in the library or buy an issue on occasion if the cover attracts you.

In summary, although I, personally, wouldn’t subscribe to this magazine I would definitely pick up an issue if I were looking for something different and interesting to read that would last me awhile. I like having magazines on my coffee table that don’t embarrass me in front of my children! This would fit that bill.It is very, very interesting, beautifully done in terms of pictures and layout and just a pleasure to read. If you have any questions about Archeology, please feel free to e-mail me.