February Archaeology Lectures

Ocmulgee Archaeological Society

The society met at Mercer University on Monday, February 8th.

This month’s speaker is author and Associate Professor of History at Middle Georgia State University, Dr. Matthew Jennings. His presentation is titled “Picturing Ocmulgee” and included some highlights from his new book, “Ocmulgee National Monument”, as well as some discussion about his current research. Proceeds from the Ocmulgee book benefit the Ocmulgee National Monument Association.

Greater Atlanta Archaeological Society

Tuesday, February 9th, 6:30-8:00 pm
Fernbank Museum of Natural History{#u_jsonp_4_m ._5xhk}, 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307

The speaker will be Georgia State University’s visiting professor, Dr. Brent Woodfill.

Abstract of Upcoming Feb. GAAS talk:

Salinas de los Nueve Cerros: Ancient Maya Industrial Archaeology
Salinas de los Nueve Cerros, located at the highland-lowland nexus in western Guatemala, is best known as being the largest of the ancient Maya salt-works. Capable of producing over 20,000 tons of salt per year and located along the principal river network connecting much of the Maya world, it likely supplied the majority of the Preclassic and Classic Maya. Unlike most Classic cities, it was never truly abandoned, and the brine stream at the heart of the site continued to be exploited through the Post-classic and the colo-nial period to the present day by Spaniards, ladinos, and various Maya groups.

Investigations here by GSU archaeologist Brent Woodfill and his international team of scholars have focused on reconstructing the city’s role in the lowland economy. As these investigations have unfolded, we have found evidence that the residents of Nueve Cerros were involved in much more than the salt trade, with residents devoted to the production and exportation of obsidian, figurines, and fine ceramic wares. Because of this commercial importance and its location at the nexus of the highland and lowland Maya re-gions, the city appears to have held a large, multi-ethnic population drawing from a variety of cultural groups from different corners of the Maya world.

Blue Ridge Archaeology Guild

Wednesday, February 10, 6:00 pm
Lumpkin County Library, 342 Courthouse Hill, Dahlonega, GA 30533

This month’s speaker is the University of North Georgia’s Dr. William Balco, who has excavated in Sicily for more than ten years. While the ancient Mediterranean evokes images of Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans plying Homer’s “wine-dark sea”, various cultures existed throughout the Mediterranean long before those sophisticated societies.

This presentation will discuss the earliest evidence of culture in the Mediterranean, exploring stone tool technology and evidence for seafaring among the earliest inhabitants of the Mediterranean.

The meeting is open to the public and visitors are encouraged.

Gwinnett Archaeological Research Society

Thursday, February 18, 7:00 pm
Fort Daniel Monument, Buford Georgia, 30519

The monthly meeting of the Gwinnett Archaeological Society takes place at Fort Daniel on Braselton Highway. Jenna Pirtle will speak about the work being done in the archaeology lab. It will be a great update and introduction to those who are interested in helping in the lab. The next lab day is THIS Saturday, February 20.Look for more information on the upcoming lecture on their facebook page. Gwinnett Archaeological Society

Georgia Southern Archaeological Research Project

Thursday, February 18 – Saturday, February 20, 2016
Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA 31401

The Coastal Georgia Center will be hosting the Ossabaw Island Foundation Symposium “Coastal Nature, Coastal Culture: Environmental Histories of the Georgia Coast.”

Guest speakers include David Hurst Thomas, Edda Fields-Black, Buddy Sullivan, and more! Ten leading history scholars present original research on critical topics, revealing how the past has shaped the present and could affect the future. It is a first-of-its-kind symposium, building a much-needed bridge between the history of the American South and the booming field of environmental history.

More information on speakers, event times, and prices are in the link provided!
Coastal Nature, Coastal Culture: Environmental Histories of the Georgia Coast

Posted online on Monday, February 8th, 2016