The study of archeology has always fascinated me. You see, that is my problem, I am just too interested in too many things. That is why this website came about. It is a place for me to follow my different interests, so I guess something good came out of it. There have been some interesting things happening lately in archeology and I thought I would review them.

Great Wall of China
Photo Source PD cd

China's Capital Museum is going to put thousands of relics on view for the public. They have employed many experts to repair the relics and restore them to their original condition, or as close as possible. Some of these item were kept in store rooms for many years, further contributing to their deteriorated condition. Things that have affected these priceless pieces are temperature changes, pests and mould, radiation damage and air pollution. Exactly how many antiques are being repaired, I wondered? Work was begun in July 2003 and includes 3,000-5,000 antiques that will be put on exhibit but it also includes tens of thousands of objects that are being moved to modern store rooms. The time required to repair just one piece of porcelain or pottery averages two months. You can see what a monumental task this is. Some of the objects are in hundreds of pieces and need to be put together precisely so that the outside patterns are correct. A silk fabric was unearthed that was about 2,000 years old. Restoration work has proceeded on it for three years and it isn't finished yet.

In another China related story, an old colonial fort was discovered beneath Katong Park. The part was a quiet area but now extensive archeology is taking place there. No one knew that the park had been build over Tanjong Katong, an old colonial fort. The structures of the fort are visible under the ground. Even old time residents of the area were surprised at the find. The find came about when the government wanted to improve the park and fix some bald spots. The park is the size of about two football fields. They soon found that under the bald patches were rock and structures. so they sent for the archeologists. It was found that this fort was part of a chain of British forts built to defend the coast. Old coins, pottery and glass are being found also. The area is going to be turned into a heritage site with a buried time capsule after all the excavation is complete.

Wow this must be China month. It seems that the area where the famous Peking Man was found, you know, that 500,000 year old human, is being threatened by collapse. This area encompasses six different sites. The effort to save these sites began at the Zhoukoudian area which is a World Heritage site and is located some 30 miles or so from Beijing. It was reported that 21 different areas in these sites were in danger. Everything should be finished by 2007. The Chinese believe that the effort to repair these areas was taken in time to save them. These sites are very rich in objects with over 100,000 stone implements and other objects being found there along with 40 different individuals. But all is not roses. Some scientists, while very happy that the sites will be saved, are unhappy about cement being used to reinforce the sites. They feel that it hampers excavation, so they are trying to find other ways to preserve the sites.

In the northern deserts of Saudi Arabia lies a ruined city, it's name is Meda'in Saleh and it was the capital of a Nabatean trading kingdom over two thousand years ago. There are over 100 elaborately carved burial chambers. The names and religious symbols are still visible on most. The mountains nearby contain prehistoric art at least 10,000 years old. But hardly any visitors ever gaze on these wonders. Why? It is said that many feel it is just to dangerous to go into Saudi Arabia to see them. The tourist trade to the area is only about 50 people a month. The funny thing is that not that far away in Jordan is another ancient city, Petra and it attracts over 500,000 people a year. Another problem is that a lot of people believe that Meda'in Saleh is cursed. Some believe that the city was full of evil doers they rejected the message of God and were pulled down into the earth. This is not good for the local tourist trade. Another problem is that western countries are advising their citizens to stay away unless travel is essential to that country.

Dessert and Mountains
Photo Source: PD CD