Épisodes

  • Ancient Fossil Finds and Mythical Creatures Part 1: Here Be Dragons - TPM 28

    Ancient Fossil Finds and Mythical Creatures Part 1: Here Be Dragons - TPM 28
    Dec 8 2025

    Throughout history, people have uncovered fossils and tried to explain them using the knowledge and stories of their time. In this episode of The Past Macabre, host Stephanie Rice explores how ancient discoveries of prehistoric bones may have inspired some of humanity’s most enduring myths about dragons and other legendary creatures.

    From China’s loong, whose image appeared in tombs thousands of years before the first dynasties, to the Greek and Roman tales of sea monsters and winged serpents, this episode traces how archaeology and paleontology overlap in uncovering the roots of these mythical beings and the human fascination with what fossils.

    Offline Works Cited:

    • Boaz, Noel T., and Russell L. Ciochon. 2004. The Bones of Dragon Hill. In Dragon Bone Hill: An Ice Age Saga of Homo Erectus, edited by Noel T. Boaz and Russell L. Ciochon. Oxford University Press.
    • Crump, J., & Crump, I. 1963. Dragon Bones in the Yellow Earth: The story of archaeological exploration & research in northern China in the present century. Dodd, Mead, and Company.
    • Romano, M., 2024. Fossils as a source of myths, legends and folklore. Rend. Online Soc. Geol. It, 62, pp.103-117.
    Transcripts

    For transcripts of this episode head over to: https://archpodnet.com/tpm/28

    Links
    • See photos related to episode topics on Instagram
    • Loving the macabre lore? Treat your host to a coffee!
    • Open Access Article | Finding the origins of dragons in Carboniferous plant fossils
    • Website | Educational resources for teaching grades 8-12 about Greek myths related to fossils (interesting info for anyone, not just students)
    • Open Access Article | Sea Monsters in Antiquity: A Classical and Zoological Investigation
    • Open Access Book | Palaephatus, On Unbelievable Things (English Translation)
    ArchPodNet
    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    34 min
  • Timelines: Linking Petra, the Nazca Lines, and the Great Wall of China - TAS 319

    Timelines: Linking Petra, the Nazca Lines, and the Great Wall of China - TAS 319
    Dec 8 2025
    In this “Timelines” episode, we connect three iconic sites built during the same era: Petra’s stunning rock-cut city in Jordan, the mysterious Nazca Lines etched across Peru’s desert, and the monumental Great Wall of China. Explore how the Nabataeans engineered Petra’s hidden oasis, why the Nazca created massive geoglyphs only visible from above, and what drove dynasties to construct thousands of miles of wall across China. Discover the origins, uses, and enduring mysteries of these world wonders, and see how ancient ingenuity and ambition shaped civilizations across continents—all within a shared moment in history.LinksSegment 1: PetraBedal, L. W. (2003). The Petra Pool Complex: A Hellenistic Paradeisos in the Nabataean Capital. American Journal of Archaeology.Parr, P. J. (2013). “Petra.” In Encyclopedia of Ancient History. Wiley-Blackwell.Schmid, S. G. (2001). “The Nabataeans: Travellers Between Lifestyles.” In Aram Periodical.UNESCO World Heritage Centre – PetraAmerican Center of Research (ACOR) – Petra Archaeological ParkBienkowski, P. (1990). Petra. British Museum Press.Hammond, P. C. (1973). “The Nabataeans: Their History, Culture, and Archaeology.” Biblical Archaeologist.Smithsonian Magazine – Petra’s Great TempleBurckhardt, J. L. (1822). Travels in Syria and the Holy Land (rediscovery account).Segment 2: Nazca LinesSilverman, H., & Proulx, D. A. (2002). The Nasca. Blackwell Publishers.Reindel, M., & Isla, J. (2001). “Nasca: Wunder der Wüste.” C.H. Beck.UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and PalpaAveni, A. F. (2000). Between the Lines: The Mystery of the Giant Ground Drawings of Ancient Nasca, Peru. University of Texas Press.National Geographic – Nazca Lines: Mystery on the DesertOrefici, G. (2012). “Cahuachi: Capital of the Nasca World.” Andean Past.Ancient History Encyclopedia – The Geoglyphs of Palpa, PeruSilverman, H. (1993). Cahuachi in the Ancient Nasca World. University of Iowa Press.Isla, J., & Reindel, M. (2016). “Nasca and the ‘Puquios’: Water and Ritual in the Peruvian Desert.” Antiquity.Segment 3: Great Wall of ChinaWaldron, A. (1990). The Great Wall of China: From History to Myth. Cambridge University Press.Lovell, J. (2006). The Great Wall: China Against the World, 1000 BC–AD 2000. Grove Press.UNESCO World Heritage Centre – The Great WallMan, J. (2008). The Great Wall: The Extraordinary Story of China’s Wonder of the World. Da Capo Press.Steinhardt, N. S. (1990). The Great Wall of China: Dynasties, Dragons, and Warriors. Oxford University Press.The China Guide – Famous Sections of the Great WallState Administration of Cultural Heritage, China. “Archaeological Discoveries Along the Great Wall.”Barfield, T. J. (1989). The Perilous Frontier: Nomadic Empires and China. Blackwell.Friends of the Great Wall – Research and PreservationContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachel Rodenrachel@unraveleddesigns.comRachelUnraveled (Instagram)ArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CWBhb2T2edAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetAPN ShopAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    46 min
  • Scandinavian Rock Art with Dr James Dodd - Rock Art 156

    Scandinavian Rock Art with Dr James Dodd - Rock Art 156
    Dec 5 2025

    In this episode, Alan is joined by Dr. James Dodd, a researcher at Aarhus University and board member of the Scandinavian Society for Prehistoric Art. James uses digital tools such as GIS and high-performance computing to document and analyse rock art across Scandinavia. His work reveals how prehistoric communities expressed ideas through imagery and symbolism and how modern technology can uncover patterns and connections hidden across the landscape.

    Transcripts

    For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/156

    Links
    • Dr James Dodd Academia Profile
    • Scandinavian Society of Prehistoric Art
    Contact
    • Dr. Alan Garfinkel
    • avram1952@yahoo.com
    • Dr. Alan Garfinkel’s Website
    • Support Dr. Garfinkel on Patreon
    ArchPodNet
    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    38 min
  • Archaeologists don't dig dinosaurs! - ABC 11

    Archaeologists don't dig dinosaurs! - ABC 11
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode, the bookworms dive into December’s theme: Archaeologists Don’t Dig Dinosaurs! With Judith off sick, Tilly and Ash are left unsupervised, and things get delightfully chaotic as they explore pop-culture misconceptions, swap their best archaeology-vs-palaeontology anecdotes, and share this month’s wildly different book picks. Tune in to hear all about alien-dino hybrids, dinosaur accountants, and the ongoing struggle of explaining—once again—that archaeologists definitely do not dig up dinosaurs!

    Monthly Book: TBC

    Other books mentioned:

    • Kindred (Rebecca Wragg Sykes)
    • Science of Discworld (Terry Pratchett, Jack Cohen, Ian Stewart)
    • Jurassic park (Michael Crichton)
    • Futurama (tv show)
    • A Sinister Revenge (Deanna Rayboun)
    • Monstrous Heat (Joely Sue Burkhart)
    • Women of the Dunes (Sarah Maine)
    • Amelia Peabody Series (Elizabeth Peters)
    Links
    • Episode of the Ethnocynology Podcast about dire wolves
    • Isle of Skye footprints
    • The crystal palace dinosaurs
    • Article about dinosaur fur
    • What’s wrong with these dinosaurs? (article Natural History Museum)
    • Mary Anning Rocks project
    • Gaius Flavius Instagram
    Contact
    • Discord
    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Email
    Music

    "Little Adventure" by Sergei Chetvertnykh

    Transcripts

    For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeo-book-club/11

    ArchPodNet
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    49 min
  • The Silurian Hypothesis: Does it Actually Contain Lizard People? - Pseudo 176

    The Silurian Hypothesis: Does it Actually Contain Lizard People? - Pseudo 176
    Dec 3 2025

    After uploading a quick video on Instagram about the top two stupidest pseudoarchaeology stories of all time, the one and only Flint Dibble said that I, Dr. Professor Andrew Kinkella PhD, had gotten something wrong. He said the Silurian hypothesis didn’t contain any lizard people! What?!? I quickly re-checked my research, and found out he was right. But I was right too! Listen onward for the solution to the Great Silurian Debacle of 2025…

    Links
    • Instagram post on Silurians
    Transcripts

    For rough transcripts of this episode head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/pseudo/176

    Contact
    • Kinkella Teaches Archaeology (Youtube)
    • Blog: Kinkella Teaches Archaeology
    ArchPodNet
    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    29 min
  • The Archaeology of Stone Tools - Tea Break 42

    The Archaeology of Stone Tools - Tea Break 42
    Dec 2 2025

    In this episode Matilda is diving far back into the earliest depths of human history to discuss when we first developed our love of stuff. From chimpanzee termite-fishing to complex flint-knapping technology, she explores how technological traditions developed alongside our own human evolution. Tune in to hear all about core preparation, mode classifications, and why we might soon need a capuchin monkey archaeologist.

    Transcripts

    For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/42

    Links
    • Dr James Dilley using the levallois technique
    • Dr James Dilley demonstrating flint knapping techniques
    • Jane Goodall describing chimpanzee tool use
    • Capuchins using stone tools for 1000s of years
    • Paper on Oldowan technology
    • Flint dagger
    Contact the Host
    • Email: matilda@thearchaeologiststeacup.com
    • https://www.thearchaeologiststeacup.com
    • insta: @the_archaeologists_teacup
    • fb: /TheArchaeologistsTeacup
    • twitter: @ArchaeoTeacup
    ArchPodNet
    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    34 min
  • Archaeology of The Witcher (Part 1) - Trowel 57

    Archaeology of The Witcher (Part 1) - Trowel 57
    Nov 28 2025

    In this episode, Ash and Tilly set out on an archaeological survey across The Continent—the dark, layered world of the The Witcher! From the ruins of Kaer Morhen to the forests of Dol Blathanna, they explore how landscapes, material culture, and societies reveal the deeper histories beneath Andrzej Sapkowski’s Slavic-inspired fantasy universe. Join them as they dig into the Conjunction of the Spheres, the rise of humans, and the relics of vanished civilisations, all while fending off drowners, spectral elves, and the occasional moral quandary!

    The Witcher Series:

    Books: The Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, Blood of Elves, Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, The Lady of the Lake, Season of Storms, and Crossroads of Ravens.

    Games: The Witcher, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher 4 (release date 2026/2027)

    TV Series: The Witcher (Netflix)

    Links
    • Bog Bodies Research Project - National Museum of Ireland
    • The Witcher Universe
    Contact
    • Email: andmytrowel@gmail.com
    • Instagram: @‌and.my.trowel
    Transcripts

    For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/trowel/57

    ArchPodNet
    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    33 min
  • Revisiting the Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site with Amy Gillaspie - Plains 32

    Revisiting the Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site with Amy Gillaspie - Plains 32
    Nov 27 2025

    In this episode, Carlton sits down with archaeologist Amy Gillaspie to revisit their shared time working with the remarkable Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site collections at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. They begin by exploring the archaeological significance of Jones-Miller, one of the most important Paleoindian bison kill and processing sites on the Great Plains. Amy discusses the site’s history, why it remains foundational to understanding communal hunting practices, and what makes its collection so unique.

    Together, Carlton and Amy reflect on their experiences working side by side with the Jones-Miller materials, offering insight into what the artifacts reveal about site organization, behavior, and the challenges of interpreting a massive legacy collection.

    The conversation then turns to the broader importance of revisiting museum collections and how new methods continue to shed light on old data. Amy also shares her thoughts on the future of Paleoindian research, preservation, and why the stewardship of legacy collections, such as those of Jones-Miller, remains essential for advancing Great Plains archaeology.

    Transcripts

    For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/32

    Links

    • Amy Gillaspie Team Profile on Archaeology Southwest
    • Science Division Live: Jones-Miller Collection (YouTube)
    • Science Division Pop-Up: The Jones Miller Collection (YouTube)
    • Jones-Miller Collection on the Denver Museum of Nature & Science website
    • Why Store 41,000 Bison Bones? By Stephen Nash (2023)
    • The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
    • Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
    • Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

    Contact

    • Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
    • Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

    APN

    • APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com
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    32 min