The spring 2010 issue of Expedition takes you from Greece to India to Vietnam. Our first feature describes an on-going excavation and survey at Mt. Lykaion, a remote site located in the Peloponnesos region of mainland Greece. In 2007, David Romano and Mary Voyatzis began excavation of the ash altar at Mt. Lykaion. Here, they write about discoveries made thus far, and about their latest findings related to an architectural documentation project begun in 2004.
Our second feature describes an aspect of archaeology not often told: the crucial work that must be done before an excavation even begins. Teresa Raczek and Namita Sugandhi spent the summer of 2009 in the small village of Chatrikhera in northern India. Their field season involved gaining the trust of local villagers, while surveying nearby fields, mapping what remained of an ancient mound, and interviewing residents of the village. The third feature, written and illustrated by anthropologist Carol Hendrickson, is a strong reminder of the importance of keeping visual as well as written field notes when we travel. A gifted artist, Hendrickson shares her journals and daily diary with us, as she explores Vietnam. Note the kit of materials on page 37, which Carol recommends we carry with us into the field.
Also included in this issue is a short article on the development and implementation of a Conservation Management Plan at Gordion, a site in Turkey where the Penn Museum has worked since 1950. This is followed by a remembrance of Bill Coe, who died last fall at the age of 82; Bill was widely known for his meticulous research and publication of the great Maya city of Tikal. With the help of Alessandro Pezzati, Greg Possehl digs deep into the Penn Museum Archives to bring us the story of Ernest J. H. Mackay; the lesson we come away with is that respected archaeologists can experience setbacks, yet go on to accomplish great things. Following this, Richard Hodges reviews two books: an archaeological account of the Isle of Thanet in southern England and a traveler’s guide to sacred sites and pilgrim routes in Spain. As always, Museum Mosaic provides an update on news at the Museum.
This marks my third issue as Editor of Expedition. I would like to hear what you think about the magazine. Which articles do you find the most interesting and informative? Do you prefer special themed issues such as our Gordion issue of last summer? Or do you prefer a mix of articles like the current issue? I welcome your letters and emails.