Ever wondered how people survived without cars, computers, and modern entertainment over 2,500 years ago? Timothy Matney, a professor at the University of Akron, has made it his mission to find out. Recently, he secured a deal to excavate seven sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, aiming to uncover the daily lives of communities that thrived in a pre-modern era.
Leading a global team of archaeologists, Matney is on the hunt for clues about ancient civilizations. His focus goes beyond the usual archaeological findings, aiming to reveal what crops were grown, what animals were raised, and what kinds of pottery and products these societies produced.
The sites Matney is exploring likely housed conquered people who maintained their unique way of life despite being under imperial rule. He believes these sites might have served as resettlement locations for conquered individuals assimilating into the empire.
This excavation project not only promises to unearth physical artifacts but also aims to reconstruct the stories of communities lost to time. By connecting the dots between the past and present, Matney's work sheds light on the evolution of human civilization.
As we eagerly await the findings from this archaeological endeavor, Timothy Matney's dedication reminds us of the importance of understanding our roots and the diverse tapestry of human history. Stay tuned as the dust of millennia settles, revealing the stories of those who once called these seven sites home.
Read more from the full article featured in the Akron Beacon Journal here.