How modern science reveals the hidden lives of ancient artifacts from the Near East.
In short: St. John Simpson of the British Museum explains how evolving research techniques allow archaeologists to decode the manufacturing, function, and original appearance of ancient objects from Mesopotamia, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Archaeology often relies on fundamental questions: how an object was constructed, its intended purpose, its current state, and the evidence supporting these conclusions. To move beyond surface-level observation, researchers must continuously develop and apply innovative analytical methods.
This lecture examines how recent investigations at the British Museum have provided fresh insights into ancient Near Eastern artifacts. By focusing on evidence for polychromy and specific manufacturing processes, the research clarifies the history and utility of items recovered from regions including Mesopotamia, Iran, and Afghanistan.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: St. John Simpson | Unlocking Stories From Objects
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