Online status update regarding survey and excavations at Point Rosee (southern Newfoundland), Mar 31, 2016
UPDATE: April 6: Adding new TED weblink and editing links page; April 5: Only adding a table of c... more UPDATE: April 6: Adding new TED weblink and editing links page; April 5: Only adding a table of contents (mainly to aid media requests for images and/or caption details); April 4: Three sessions with a most recent addition of some good links, plus previous final edits to photo caption credits, some minor text edits, and a few additional recommended key sources on L'Anse aux Meadows; April 3 two sessions with some minor edits and revisions only; April 2: Adding some broader contextual information on the potential time period and setting (e.g., L'Anse aux Meadows; Little Passage Indians), a selected bibliography, plus a "potential significance" statement on Point Rosee issued to the press (added after the project team's summary statement (posted earlier). ABSTRACT: March 31: The recent processing of satellite imagery data, magnetometer surveys (October 2014; June 2015), preliminary excavations (June 2015), and the initial, albeit ongoing, analysis of an archaeological site and its associated, potential “Norse” materials at Point Rosee/Rosie in southern Newfoundland have revealed traces of: (a) a few suggestive rectilinear features in processed satellite imagery (albeit only partly excavated), (b) some probable and highly suggestive roasting of bog iron ore (analyzed by T. Birch and J. Still), (c) limited exposure of turf-type remains (i.e., evidence of turf cutting [assessed by D. Bolender]), (d) some promising magnetometer readings (e.g., a few “hot spots” suggest potential hearths and/or additional metal/metal-working), (e) a series of thirteen associated AMS radiocarbon dates, some of which fall between the early 9th century AD and late 13th century AD (excluding two later berries from contaminated contexts), and (f) a total absence (so far) of either any indigenous materials (i.e., Palaeoeskimo and Amerindians) or any historical remains that are otherwise typically present at such sites. Although the preliminary indications are thus somewhat promising for both a “Norse” date (i.e., ca. 1000–1450 AD in Greenland) and a potential “Norse” affiliation (see 2016 documentaries by the BBC and Pbs/Nova, and other media), further excavation, analysis, and multi-specialist input are absolutely crucial before determining and expanding upon the site’s time period(s) and cultural affiliation(s). Likewise, the specific occupation span (i.e., longevity) and nature of the overall site at Point Rosee, which has been postulated publicly to be a “settlement” (versus a “camp,” or some other site-type), also remain unclear as of yet, requiring yet again broader exposure, context, material culture, and analysis. Much on-site recording and post-excavation research, processing, analyses, and other work have been and are still being conducted (e.g., TL/OLS dating pending), all of which have generated many reports, notes, and other findings dispatched regularly to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO). These preliminary records and reports are listed further below (and listed via Academia), and will form the main basis for the pending publications on the initial season at Point Rosee, and a much needed/desired follow-up season –ideally later this summer. In brief, a “Norse” date and “affiliation” do look rather promising, at this still early stage in the project, but we simply need more work at this site and more specialist input and peer-reviewed data before being confidant in stating this as “fact.” SPECIAL THANKS to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO), the people of Newfoundland, our funders (BBC; Pbs/Nova; National Geographic), and many consultants and others (listed within the online paper).
ABSTRACT: Analysis of satellite imagery covering Egypt between 2002 and 2013 indicates a signific... more ABSTRACT: Analysis of satellite imagery covering Egypt between 2002 and 2013 indicates a significant increase in looting and other damage to archaeological sites. Looting escalated dramatically from 2009 with the onset of the global economic crisis, and intensified still further with the Arab Spring in 2011. This was mirrored by an increased volume of Egyptian artefacts sold at auction, suggesting that looting is driven by external demand as well as by internal economic pressures. Satellite analysis can be used to predict the type and period of antiquities entering the market, thereby providing valuable intelligence for international policing of the illicit antiquities trade.
Online status update regarding survey and excavations at Point Rosee (southern Newfoundland), Mar 31, 2016
UPDATE: April 6: Adding new TED weblink and editing links page; April 5: Only adding a table of c... more UPDATE: April 6: Adding new TED weblink and editing links page; April 5: Only adding a table of contents (mainly to aid media requests for images and/or caption details); April 4: Three sessions with a most recent addition of some good links, plus previous final edits to photo caption credits, some minor text edits, and a few additional recommended key sources on L'Anse aux Meadows; April 3 two sessions with some minor edits and revisions only; April 2: Adding some broader contextual information on the potential time period and setting (e.g., L'Anse aux Meadows; Little Passage Indians), a selected bibliography, plus a "potential significance" statement on Point Rosee issued to the press (added after the project team's summary statement (posted earlier). ABSTRACT: March 31: The recent processing of satellite imagery data, magnetometer surveys (October 2014; June 2015), preliminary excavations (June 2015), and the initial, albeit ongoing, analysis of an archaeological site and its associated, potential “Norse” materials at Point Rosee/Rosie in southern Newfoundland have revealed traces of: (a) a few suggestive rectilinear features in processed satellite imagery (albeit only partly excavated), (b) some probable and highly suggestive roasting of bog iron ore (analyzed by T. Birch and J. Still), (c) limited exposure of turf-type remains (i.e., evidence of turf cutting [assessed by D. Bolender]), (d) some promising magnetometer readings (e.g., a few “hot spots” suggest potential hearths and/or additional metal/metal-working), (e) a series of thirteen associated AMS radiocarbon dates, some of which fall between the early 9th century AD and late 13th century AD (excluding two later berries from contaminated contexts), and (f) a total absence (so far) of either any indigenous materials (i.e., Palaeoeskimo and Amerindians) or any historical remains that are otherwise typically present at such sites. Although the preliminary indications are thus somewhat promising for both a “Norse” date (i.e., ca. 1000–1450 AD in Greenland) and a potential “Norse” affiliation (see 2016 documentaries by the BBC and Pbs/Nova, and other media), further excavation, analysis, and multi-specialist input are absolutely crucial before determining and expanding upon the site’s time period(s) and cultural affiliation(s). Likewise, the specific occupation span (i.e., longevity) and nature of the overall site at Point Rosee, which has been postulated publicly to be a “settlement” (versus a “camp,” or some other site-type), also remain unclear as of yet, requiring yet again broader exposure, context, material culture, and analysis. Much on-site recording and post-excavation research, processing, analyses, and other work have been and are still being conducted (e.g., TL/OLS dating pending), all of which have generated many reports, notes, and other findings dispatched regularly to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO). These preliminary records and reports are listed further below (and listed via Academia), and will form the main basis for the pending publications on the initial season at Point Rosee, and a much needed/desired follow-up season –ideally later this summer. In brief, a “Norse” date and “affiliation” do look rather promising, at this still early stage in the project, but we simply need more work at this site and more specialist input and peer-reviewed data before being confidant in stating this as “fact.” SPECIAL THANKS to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO), the people of Newfoundland, our funders (BBC; Pbs/Nova; National Geographic), and many consultants and others (listed within the online paper).
ABSTRACT: Analysis of satellite imagery covering Egypt between 2002 and 2013 indicates a signific... more ABSTRACT: Analysis of satellite imagery covering Egypt between 2002 and 2013 indicates a significant increase in looting and other damage to archaeological sites. Looting escalated dramatically from 2009 with the onset of the global economic crisis, and intensified still further with the Arab Spring in 2011. This was mirrored by an increased volume of Egyptian artefacts sold at auction, suggesting that looting is driven by external demand as well as by internal economic pressures. Satellite analysis can be used to predict the type and period of antiquities entering the market, thereby providing valuable intelligence for international policing of the illicit antiquities trade.
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ABSTRACT: March 31: The recent processing of satellite imagery data, magnetometer surveys (October 2014; June 2015), preliminary excavations (June 2015), and the initial, albeit ongoing, analysis of an archaeological site and its associated, potential “Norse” materials at Point Rosee/Rosie in southern Newfoundland have revealed traces of: (a) a few suggestive rectilinear features in processed satellite imagery (albeit only partly excavated), (b) some probable and highly suggestive roasting of bog iron ore (analyzed by T. Birch and J. Still), (c) limited exposure of turf-type remains (i.e., evidence of turf cutting [assessed by D. Bolender]), (d) some promising magnetometer readings (e.g., a few “hot spots” suggest potential hearths and/or additional metal/metal-working), (e) a series of thirteen associated AMS radiocarbon dates, some of which fall between the early 9th century AD and late 13th century AD (excluding two later berries from contaminated contexts), and (f) a total absence (so far) of either any indigenous materials (i.e., Palaeoeskimo and Amerindians) or any historical remains that are otherwise typically present at such sites. Although the preliminary indications are thus somewhat promising for both a “Norse” date (i.e., ca. 1000–1450 AD in Greenland) and a potential “Norse” affiliation (see 2016 documentaries by the BBC and Pbs/Nova, and other media), further excavation, analysis, and multi-specialist input are absolutely crucial before determining and expanding upon the site’s time period(s) and cultural affiliation(s). Likewise, the specific occupation span (i.e., longevity) and nature of the overall site at Point Rosee, which has been postulated publicly to be a “settlement” (versus a “camp,” or some other site-type), also remain unclear as of yet, requiring yet again broader exposure, context, material culture, and analysis. Much on-site recording and post-excavation research, processing, analyses, and other work have been and are still being conducted (e.g., TL/OLS dating pending), all of which have generated many reports, notes, and other findings dispatched regularly to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO). These preliminary records and reports are listed further below (and listed via Academia), and will form the main basis for the pending publications on the initial season at Point Rosee, and a much needed/desired follow-up season –ideally later this summer. In brief, a “Norse” date and “affiliation” do look rather promising, at this still early stage in the project, but we simply need more work at this site and more specialist input and peer-reviewed data before being confidant in stating this as “fact.” SPECIAL THANKS to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO), the people of Newfoundland, our funders (BBC; Pbs/Nova; National Geographic), and many consultants and others (listed within the online paper).
(SELECTED) WEB LINKS TO VARIOUS MEDIA REPORTS:
BBC News Magazine (March 31, 2016):
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35935725
BBC One Vikings’ documentary, airing Monday, April 4, 8:30 pm (U.K.):
On TV in United Kingdom
National Geographic Vikings’ story (online; by Mark Strauss, March 31, 2016):
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160331-viking-discovery-north-america-canada-archaeology/ Please note: The materials analyzed do not represent “slag” (mentioned in one photo caption), but are roasted bog iron ore (T. Birch & J. Still).
New York Times (online; by Ralph Blumenthal, March 31, 2016):
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/science/vikings-archaeology-north-america-newfoundland.html?_r=0
Pbs/Nova Vikings’ documentary, streaming online, 3:30 p.m., Eastern time, Monday, April 4 (U.S.A.):
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
Pbs/Nova Vikings’ documentary airing Wednesday, April 6, 9 pm on Pbs:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
UAB announcement/post (March 31, 2016):
https://www.uab.edu/news/faculty/item/6707-birmingham-space-archaeologist-uncovers-ancient-civilizations-teaches-the-world
ABSTRACT: March 31: The recent processing of satellite imagery data, magnetometer surveys (October 2014; June 2015), preliminary excavations (June 2015), and the initial, albeit ongoing, analysis of an archaeological site and its associated, potential “Norse” materials at Point Rosee/Rosie in southern Newfoundland have revealed traces of: (a) a few suggestive rectilinear features in processed satellite imagery (albeit only partly excavated), (b) some probable and highly suggestive roasting of bog iron ore (analyzed by T. Birch and J. Still), (c) limited exposure of turf-type remains (i.e., evidence of turf cutting [assessed by D. Bolender]), (d) some promising magnetometer readings (e.g., a few “hot spots” suggest potential hearths and/or additional metal/metal-working), (e) a series of thirteen associated AMS radiocarbon dates, some of which fall between the early 9th century AD and late 13th century AD (excluding two later berries from contaminated contexts), and (f) a total absence (so far) of either any indigenous materials (i.e., Palaeoeskimo and Amerindians) or any historical remains that are otherwise typically present at such sites. Although the preliminary indications are thus somewhat promising for both a “Norse” date (i.e., ca. 1000–1450 AD in Greenland) and a potential “Norse” affiliation (see 2016 documentaries by the BBC and Pbs/Nova, and other media), further excavation, analysis, and multi-specialist input are absolutely crucial before determining and expanding upon the site’s time period(s) and cultural affiliation(s). Likewise, the specific occupation span (i.e., longevity) and nature of the overall site at Point Rosee, which has been postulated publicly to be a “settlement” (versus a “camp,” or some other site-type), also remain unclear as of yet, requiring yet again broader exposure, context, material culture, and analysis. Much on-site recording and post-excavation research, processing, analyses, and other work have been and are still being conducted (e.g., TL/OLS dating pending), all of which have generated many reports, notes, and other findings dispatched regularly to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO). These preliminary records and reports are listed further below (and listed via Academia), and will form the main basis for the pending publications on the initial season at Point Rosee, and a much needed/desired follow-up season –ideally later this summer. In brief, a “Norse” date and “affiliation” do look rather promising, at this still early stage in the project, but we simply need more work at this site and more specialist input and peer-reviewed data before being confidant in stating this as “fact.” SPECIAL THANKS to the Newfoundland Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO), the people of Newfoundland, our funders (BBC; Pbs/Nova; National Geographic), and many consultants and others (listed within the online paper).
(SELECTED) WEB LINKS TO VARIOUS MEDIA REPORTS:
BBC News Magazine (March 31, 2016):
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35935725
BBC One Vikings’ documentary, airing Monday, April 4, 8:30 pm (U.K.):
On TV in United Kingdom
National Geographic Vikings’ story (online; by Mark Strauss, March 31, 2016):
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160331-viking-discovery-north-america-canada-archaeology/ Please note: The materials analyzed do not represent “slag” (mentioned in one photo caption), but are roasted bog iron ore (T. Birch & J. Still).
New York Times (online; by Ralph Blumenthal, March 31, 2016):
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/science/vikings-archaeology-north-america-newfoundland.html?_r=0
Pbs/Nova Vikings’ documentary, streaming online, 3:30 p.m., Eastern time, Monday, April 4 (U.S.A.):
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
Pbs/Nova Vikings’ documentary airing Wednesday, April 6, 9 pm on Pbs:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
UAB announcement/post (March 31, 2016):
https://www.uab.edu/news/faculty/item/6707-birmingham-space-archaeologist-uncovers-ancient-civilizations-teaches-the-world