December 11, 2011: Dr. Jane Hickman, a University Museum researcher, will present an illustrated lecture entitled Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur to discuss the many gold objects and the current research on the famous Royal Death Pit where 74 people were laid out in apparent planned death.

January 22, 2012: Dianne Scullin, a Columbia Univerity Ph.D Candidate, will introduce us to a new anthropological concept, Soundcape, which encompasses the immersive sonic environment in which people live. Sound remains as vital a part of the human experience today as it was in the past. This presentation, entitled Listening to the Sounds of the Ancient City: Exploring the Soundscapes of Moche Archaeological Sites on the North Coast of Peru will attempt to answer questions concerning the impact of sound in the lives of past peoples of Moche sites on the north coast of Peru and provide insight into the interaction between their material culture, architecture and organization.

February 19, 2012: Dr. Elizabeth S. Greene, 2002/2003 Archaeological Director (Institute of Nautical Archaeology), will present an illustrated lecture entitled The 6th Century Shipwreck at Pabuc Burnu, Turkey. Her findings will shed light on the value of shipwreck excavations to understanding ancient trade as well as the ethical issues arising in maritime archaeology today.