ARCHEOLOGY LECTURES REVEAL WONDERS OF WORLD’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas’ Robert L. Stigler Lectureship in Archeology will break ground this year with the examination of a site as famous for its role in Hollywood as for its role in history.

Dr. Martha Joukowsky, a professor with Brown University’s Center for Old World Archeology and Art, will initiate the annual lecture series with a presentation of her work at the great temple site of Petra in Jordan. The lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, in Giffels Auditorium.

American moviegoers may recognize the temple at Petra from its appearance in such films as "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." But this Thursday Joukowsky will treat her audience to a look at the site’s most significant role — as a cradle of one of the ancient world’s greatest civilizations.

"Dr. Joukowsky is a distinguished scholar with impressive credentials. Her work in Petra spans several decades," said Marvin Kay, associate professor of anthropology at the U of A. "The government of Jordan has recognized the need for a correct and creative archeological examination of Petra, and Dr. Joukowsky has been involved in that process since day one."

The Nabataean civilization — which built and inhabited Petra from approximately the time of Christ to 500 AD — founded a cultural oasis in the Jordanian desert. Located directly along the Spice Route, Petra maintained cultural and economic contact with all other major civilizations of the Middle East as well as with the Roman Empire.

The Nabataeans carved their city directly into the sandstone walls of a great crevice. Such masonry not only created a unique architecture, said Kay, but it secured the city against invasion.

"The cataract in which Petra stands is 200 to 300 feet deep, and the only entrance is no wider than a horse-drawn carriage," said Kay. "This made the city very easy to fortify and defend. It’s a spectacular example of a civilization that used landscape to its advantage."

Through her years of excavation and research, Joukowsky has authored 10 books and more than 100 articles and chapters. Her works include, A Complete Manual of Field Archeology: Tools and Techniques of Field Work for Archeologists and Petra: The Great Temple, Vol. 1 — Brown University Excavations 1993-1997.

A central concern of Joukowsky’s research has focused on evaluating water usage among the Nabataeans. Examining the availability of water resources has enabled Joukowsky to estimate the number of people who may once have occupied this desert city.

According to Kay, the expanse and influence of the Nabataean civilization still echoes in the modern world — especially considering the Middle East’s growing impact on politics, religion and culture.

"The Stigler Lectures present an opportunity for faculty and students to expand their knowledge of old world civilizations. But in organizing this series, we’ve also kept the interests of the general public in mind — inviting talented scholars who can discuss the past in a way that further illuminates contemporary world issues," said Kay.

Following Dr. Joukowsky’s presentation on Petra, the University will welcome three other distinguished lecturers. On Nov. 11, Dr. Peter Dorman of the University of Chicago will speak on "Archeological Methods in Concert: Artisan Workshops and Cosmic Symbolism in Ceramic Sculpture from Ancient Egypt."

On Feb. 3, Dr. Wendy Ashmore, professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, will present "Deciphering Ancient Cityscapes: Principles of Maya Civic Planning."

And on March 2, Dr. Robert Murowchick of Boston University will close the series with a lecture on "The Continuing Search for Great City Shang: The Merging of History and Archeology in the North China Plain."

All lectures are free and open to the public. Biographies and photos of each speaker are available through the UA department of anthropology.

# # #