Watson Events

Monica Smith -- Text and Context: The Archaeology of Ancient India

Monica Smith, professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, will present on "Text and Context: The Archaeology of Ancient India."

Over two hundred years of archaeological research in the Indian subcontinent has revealed a fascinating wealth of ancient civilizations. The sophisticated Bronze Age Harappan culture had trading relationships with the Arabian Gulf and with Mesopotamia, as well as an enigmatic script that remains undeciphered. The subsequent Early Historic period witnessed the development of Buddhism, urbanism and a comprehensive writing system. By the 1st century A.D., the written tradition included religious texts, poetry, political analyses, and even medical treatises. In this lecture the highlights of ancient India will be explored, including recent results from the international collaborative research project at the ancient city of Sisupalgarh, India.

Sponsored by the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World and the Year of India.

Location: Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology, Rhode Island Hall, Room 108.

Professor Smith will also lecture on "Individuals vs. Infrastructure: Negotiating Consensus in Ancient Cities" on Thursday, March 11 at noon. This lecture will also be in the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology, Rhode Island Hall, Room 108.