In this final episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Alex and Simona look back to over five years of podcasting about the archaeology of animal remains. From the very beginnings, to some of the running themes, recurring characters and inside jokes, this episode is an introspective journey into ArchaeoAnimals. Tune in for some of our favourite ArchaeoAnimals moments, we hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we did. Transcripts, Links, SourcesFor rough transcripts, links, and sources, go to: https://www.archpodne...
Dec 05, 2023•58 min•Ep. 65
From quokkas to otters, we have selected some of the most endearing animals on the planet to bring you the ‘Cutest Case Studies of All Time’. Tune in to learn more about the anatomy and zooarchaeologies of the cutest of creatures. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/64 Links and Sources The Duckbilled Playtpus (1799) - The Museum of Hoaxes Basumatary, S. K. et al. (2021). Red Panda feces from Eastern Himalaya as a modern analogue for palaeod...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 64
Join us for this year’s Halloween episode where we discuss the zooarchaeology of the Predator franchise. From Hellhounds to Feral Predators, join us on a journey through 36 years of concept art and creature design of one of pop culture’s most beloved franchises. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/63 Links and Sources Costamagno, S., Soulier, M. C., Val, A., & Chong, S. (2019). The reference collection of cutmarks. Palethnologie. Archéol...
Oct 03, 2023•53 min•Ep. 63
Join us on a journey through the mystical world of medieval maps and bestiaries. We will cover a selection of creatures real and imagined, their portrayal in the medieval period and how they informed people’s perceptions of said creatures. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/62 Links and Sources The Hereford Mappa Mundi The Medieval Bestiary: Animals in the Middle Ages The Worksop Bestiary Harvey, PDA (1991) Introducing Medieval Maps. Britis...
Sep 05, 2023•53 min•Ep. 62
In this episode we discuss all things dairy. Tune in to learn more about how several archaeology sub-disciplines come together to provide evidence for dairy production and consumption in the past. Also some interesting bog butter theories. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/61 Links and Sources Albarella, U. (1997). Size, power, wool and veal: zooarchaeological evidence for late medieval innovations. Environment and subsistence in medieval ...
Aug 01, 2023•54 min•Ep. 61
Join us as we delve into experimental archaeology through the lenses of zooarchaeology. How can replicating objects or activities from the archaeological record help us understand animal exploitation in the past? Tune in to find out more! Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/60 Links and Sources The Auerrind Project Bradfield, J. (2019). Fishing with gorges: Testing a functional hypothesis. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 24, 593-...
Jul 04, 2023•56 min•Ep. 60
From dragons, to unicorns and Divine Chickens, this episode is all about mythological creatures and how they may (or may not) have been inspired by fossilised remains of extinct species. Our friend Pliny the Elder makes an appearance once again, along with a peculiar extinct giraffe species. TranscriptsFor rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/59 Links and Sources Bressan, D. (2012) Early Paleoart: Of Prehistoric Monsters and Men. Scientific American. Bressan...
Jun 06, 2023•58 min•Ep. 59
Join us as we embark on another listener-requested episode topic, this time all about the zooarchaeology of animals used in warfare. From fiery pigs to Hannibal’s infamous elephants, we take a look at how animals from around the world have been integral to military operations from prehistory to World War I. Links and Sources Ameen, C., Benkert, H., Fraser, T., Gordon, R., Holmes, M., Johnson, W., ... & Outram, A. K. (2021). In search of the ‘great horse’: A zooarchaeological assessment of ho...
May 02, 2023•54 min•Ep. 58
Episode II: Attack of the Alex This episode, Alex and Simona dive back into the Star Wars universe and discuss the skeletal anatomy of a variety of creatures from both the canon lore and legends. Tune in to learn more about the possible ecology and anatomy of creatures such as the Krayt Dragon, the Kaadu and the Kowakian Monkey-Lizard and why nerf welfare is no laughing matter. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/57 Links and Sources Ashby, ...
Apr 04, 2023•59 min•Ep. 57
This episode brings together episodes 53 to 55 as the unexpected finale of a ‘secret miniseries’ on how zooarchaeology can be used to reconstruct palaeoenvironments in conjunction with other archaeological subdisciplines. But how can the presence or absence of a given toad species infer on past environments? Tune in to find out! Case studies feature the humble European pond turtle/terrapin/tortoise and the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of an Upper Pleistocene hyena den in Bois Roche, France...
Mar 07, 2023•49 min•Ep. 56
This episode of ArchaeoAnimals is about all creatures small and smaller! Tune in to learn more about small rodents and insectivores and their importance for reconstructing palaeoenvironments, characterising human-animal interactions, as well as their slow but inevitable spread through the near entirety of the globe. Case studies include the house mouse in the Levant, the Pacific rat in Mangareva, and Deer Mice and Montane Vole in Washington, USA. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode...
Feb 07, 2023•47 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Alex and Simona explore the Land of Reptilia. From the humble Grass Snake to the mighty Nile Crocodile, tune in to learn more about reptile remains in archaeology around the world. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/54 Links and Sources https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_reptiles Bochaton, C. (2022). First records of modified snake bones in the Pre-Columbian archaeological record of the Lesser Ant...
Jan 03, 2023•53 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, take a journey into the world of amphibians with us. Witness the latest of Alex’s hot archaeology takes, discover the unbelievable cuteness of the axolotl and why amphibian remains are so crucial to the reconstruction of past environments. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/53 Links and Sources https://bna-naturalists.org/id-guide-british-amphibians/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/complete-a...
Dec 06, 2022•47 min•Ep. 50
In this belated spooky episode, we untangle the web that is xenomorph anatomy, the creatures from the popular Alien franchise. Listen in for tales of stress inducing videogame sessions, what a dog xenomorph looks like, and in-depth analysis of the role of the facehugger in the xenomorph life cycle. Transcripts For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/52 Links https://www.inverse.com/article/31942-an-explanation-of-alien-covenant-xenomorph-biology https://avp...
Nov 01, 2022•56 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Alex and Simona put their party hats on to discuss their favourite animal bones as a (slightly belated) celebration of the first 50 episodes of the podcast! Interested in sponsoring this show or podcast ads for your business? Zencastr makes it really easy! Click this message for more info. Start your own podcast with Zencastr and get 30% off your first three months with code ANIMALS. Click this message for more information. Transcripts For rough transcripts of ...
Oct 04, 2022•55 min•Ep. 51
Welcome to the final episode of our miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. This episode is centred around Antarctica, focusing on the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species found throughout the continent. Tune in to learn about exploration expeditions gone wrong and interestingly named Guernsey cattle. Interested in sponsoring this show or podcast ads for your business? Zencastr makes it really easy! Click this message for mor...
Sep 06, 2022•51 min•Ep. 50
Welcome to episode three of a miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. Join us on a journey to Oceania as we learn about the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species found in the area. Tune in to learn more about creatures such as the cassowary, thylacine and platypus. Interested in sponsoring this show or podcast ads for your business? Zencastr makes it really easy! Click this message for more info. Start your own podcast with Ze...
Aug 02, 2022•49 min•Ep. 49
RE-POST: Sorry for the duplicate episode. Had to post a correction! Ignore if you've already heard Ep 48. Welcome to episode three of a miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. This episode is centred around Asian zooarchaeology, focusing on the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species found throughout the continent. Tune in to learn how pandas were mistaken for tapirs, grunting oxen and oracle bones. Interested in sponsoring this...
Jul 12, 2022•52 min•Ep. 48
Welcome to episode three of a miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. This episode is centered around American zooarchaeology, focusing on the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species found throughout North and South America. Tune in for beaver-pretenders, bison-cattle hybrids and even more moose/elk arguments! Interested in learning about how to use X-Rays and similar technology in archaeology? Check out the linked PaleoImaging ...
Jun 07, 2022•55 min•Ep. 47
Welcome to episode two of a miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. This episode is centred around African zooarchaeology, focusing on the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species. Find out more about African Giant Rats, how loud Guinea fowls can be and what a zebrinny is. Interested in learning about how to use X-Rays and similar technology in archaeology? Check out the linked PaleoImaging course from James Elliot! Connect with ...
May 03, 2022•57 min•Ep. 46
Welcome to episode one of a miniseries focusing on the zooarchaeology of various world regions. This episode is centred around European zooarchaeology, focusing on the natural history and anatomy of the most prominent wild and domesticated species. Tune in for curious animal introductions, waterfowl collections and musings on Pliny the Elder. Interested in learning about how to use X-Rays and similar technology in archaeology? Check out the linked PaleoImaging course from James Elliot! Connect w...
Apr 05, 2022•55 min•Ep. 45
On this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Alex and Simona delve into contemporary archaeology. What can our household rubbish tell us about our food consumption habits? How do today’s selection of species and butchering techniques compare to those of the past? Interested in learning about how to use X-Rays and similar technology in archaeology? Check out the linked PaleoImaging course from James Elliot! Transcripts Go to https://www.archpodnet.com/animals/44 Resources Fitzpatrick, A. (2018) "Death Posi...
Mar 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 44
This is part two of a miniseries on the zooarchaeology of mythological creatures. Learn more about the anatomy of creatures such as the Minotaur and Cerberus, but most importantly, how a centaur would wear trousers. Start your own podcast with Zencastr and get 30% off your first three months with code ANIMALS. Click this message for more information. FOR A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS PODCAST GO TO: archpodnet.com/animals/43 Sources Morford, M. and Lenardon, R. (2003). Classical Mythology (7 ed.). Oxford:...
Feb 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 43
What do the black rat and the grain weevil have in common? Learn more about the species mankind has ‘accidentally’ introduced, many now regarded as pests. Discover enchanting creatures such as the killer shrimp, and a beetle’s favourite past time. Start your own podcast with Zencastr and get 30% off your first three months with code ANIMALS. Click this message for more information. Links and References Invasive Non-Native Species Map National Wildlife Federation: Invasive Species O’Connor, T. &a...
Jan 04, 2022•54 min•Ep. 42
Welcome to part 1 of our mini series covering the zooarchaeology of mythology and folklore. In this instalment, Alex and Simona discuss the weird and wonderful creatures of Norse mythology and what their skeletons may have looked like. Also Loki’s pranks, Jörmungandr rightfully getting irate at Thor picking him up and Grettir’s unpleasant encounter with a draugr. Sources Lindow, J. (2001). Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Sturlu...
Dec 07, 2021•57 min•Ep. 41
On this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Simona and Alex are heading back into the world of video games - this time all about the culinary archaeology of popular video games. Learn more about what the rubbish pits of games such as The Witcher and Dragon Age would look like; also endless Skyrim quotes and Alex trying to eat everything. Links Inexplicably Preserved Dungeon Meat - TV Tropes New insights into Irish bog butter - Current Archaeology Making 2,000-year-old Roman bread - British Museum Blog RE...
Nov 02, 2021•54 min•Ep. 40
On the last instalment of the ‘Time Warped’ miniseries, Alex and Simona discuss animal exploitation in the Medieval period. Also ineffective door-to-door Beaker salesmen, snail-riding cats and confusing cave site stratigraphy. Links https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/medieval/ https://www.medievalists.net/2012/08/when-were-the-middle-ages-2/ Ashby, S.P. (2002) The role of zooarchaeology in the interpretation of socioeconomic status: a discussion with reference to Medieval...
Oct 05, 2021•56 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of ArchaeoAnimals, Alex and Simona delve into the zooarchaeology of the post Roman period. Learn more about exquisitely carved combs, antler pottery stamps and very courageous sheep. Links JORVIK Viking Centre - a must see attraction in York Stanley West, 1985. 'West Stow, the Anglo-Saxon Village, Suffolk', East Anglian Archaeology 24 Crabtree, P. J. And Campana, D. V., 2013: Wool Production, Wealth and Trade in Middle Saxon England In Arbuckle, B. S. and McCarty, S., eds. Animal...
Sep 07, 2021•53 min•Ep. 38
In this third instalment of the ‘Time Warped’ miniseries, Alex and Simona discuss all things Roman: follow us on a journey into the highly varied Romano-British period. Bibliography https://archaeology.co.uk/articles/features/fishbourne-at-50-celebrating-half-a-century-at-a-unique-roman-palace.htm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-28951148 https://archaeology.co.uk/articles/features/romes-homes-range.htm King, A. (1978) A Comparative Survey of Bone Assemblages from Roman Sites in Brit...
Aug 03, 2021•58 min•Ep. 37
This is episode part 2 of our ‘Time Warped’ miniseries, covering the zooarchaeology of Britain across time. The instalment covers what is known as the Later Prehistoric Period, which spans from the Late Bronze Age to the Roman conquest. This episode’s case studies are Flag Fen and Carn Euny. Links Must Farm Carn Euny Ancient Village Iron Age to Roman settlement with incorporated fogou and adjacent post-medieval cottage at Carn Euny Albarella, U. (2007) ‘The End of the Sheep Age: People and Anima...
Jul 06, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 36
