Archaeology, Data Science, and Heritage in the Middle East: Challenges in a Multi-crisis World

Abstract

Heritage and archaeology can be easily seen as low priorities in our modern world so often full of challenges that affect our societies. The modern Middle East faces some incredible threats ranging from social conflict to environmental change. However, we see numerous cases where even in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances people prioritise their past over material needs. The goal for me, as a Near East archaeologist interested in unlocking the past, has been to make my work relevant to understanding the past but also present its importance to modern difficulties the Middle East faces. Examples of how archaeology and computational science mixed with heritage can help address modern problems are discussed. Perhaps more critically, archaeology and heritage research may need to anticipate what comes next for a troubled region rather than be behind the curve. The presentation will also investigate where research could help future regional obstacles and how modern university programmes on the ancient Near East fit in all of this. 

Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.