Fossil Pollen and the Story of Olives in the Mediterranean Basin
Olives are among the most characteristic Mediterranean crops. Examining fossil pollen has yielded new insights on how they spread across the Mediterranean.
Our Early Neolithic Canine Companions
Dogs have been faithful human companions for millennia. New finds from a once lush region of eastern Jordan helps fill in the picture of how the relationship developed.
The Alphabet: The First Thousand Years
The alphabet is probably the most important information technology ever invented. Why did it take a millennium to spread unevenly around the ancient Near East?
Rain, Rain, Go Away: Dealing with Wastewater and Rain in Ancient Egypt
The problem of water isn’t just making sure there is enough but getting rid of it. Ancient Egyptians addressed the problem with surprisingly modern techniques.