X Marks the Spot by Michael Scott - 4.5 stars

[Joy D]

X Marks the Spot: The Story of Archaeology in Eight Extraordinary Discoveries by Michael Scott - 4.5* - My Review

This book covers the evolution of modern archaeology from old colonial expeditions to today's cutting-edge digs. It analyzes eight significant discoveries, some well-known and others more obscure. The title playfully refers to Indiana Jones’s line that “X never, ever marks the spot.” Scott provides minibiographies of both celebrated and forgotten archeologists involved. He portrays how scientific methods have changed over time and how these finds have added to our understanding of the past.

The eight include:
- The Rosetta Stone discovered in 1799 in Rashid, Egypt
- Early writings from the “Caves of the Thousand Buddhas” in Central Asia
- Early humans discovered in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania
- The Terracotta Warriors
- Machu Picchu
- Uluburan bronze age shipwreck off the coast of Türkiye
- “The Lady” of Ukok and ancient ice chambers in the Altai region of Mongolia
- The ritual deposition of pieces of pots and figurines on Keros Island in the Aegean Sea

Scott analyzes factors involved in archeological digs, including geopolitics, financing, academic interests, luck, and obsessions. He examines how the discoveries become objects of modern fascinations. He explores contemporary debates about ownership, restitution, and cultural heritage. He reviews the colonial origins of archaeology and how the field has evolved to incorporate more collaborative and ethical approaches.

The author's enthusiasm for his material is evident. He is hopeful that local peoples and the international community can come together to protect, preserve, and educate. I found it a compelling read that conveys what these types of discoveries can teach us about human history across time and culture.

4.5

[Booknblues]

This sounds fascinating.

In Bernard Ollivier's most recent, Back to Istanbul: On Foot across Europe to the Great Silk Road, he has this bit about Plovdid, Bulgaria:

"Some thirty years ago, the city decided to dig an underground walkway at a permanently congested intersection. No sooner had the backhoe begun to dig, than some fabulous ancient decorations appeared. The backhoes pulled out, and the archaeologists moved in. They uncovered a magnificent Roman house, with, as its centerpiece, the mosaic portrait of a woman—Irene—depicted in her home. The decision was then made to build the Museum Trakart at the site, directly beneath the intersection.* The cars would be rerouted. Irene’s home dates from the second century, when Plovdiv was called Philippopolis, “Phillip’s city,” for King Phillip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father."

Here is the link to the museum
https://trakart.org/trakart/

[Joy D]

Archeology is such an interesting field - it ties into my love of history. I am planning to read the book you mentioned. So cool that they rerouted the cars!

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "Archeology is such an interesting field - it ties into my love of history. I am planning to read the book you mentioned. So cool that they rerouted the cars!" I thought it was a great story when I read it so highlighted it for my notes,

Ichecked out x marks the spot& it is now on my soonish list.

[Joy D]

:-)