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Cuneiform and Early Writing

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As part of my PhD research I have been looking at early writing systems. Writing systems are the way that language is visually represented. In the case of archaeology, writing systems make languages accessible to us through recording. If we know how to interpret a writing system, we can reconstruct the writing back into the speech that it represents. In this way we can find out much more about an ancient society than from archaeological artefacts alone. The earliest languages that we are aware of include Sumerian, ancient Chinese, ancient Egyptian, and Indus Valley or Harappan writing (the subject of my PhD). The Sumerians are credited with the first invention of writing about 5000 years ago, which developed from earlier non-written symbolic communication. Their writing system of cuneiform consisted of wedge-shaped strokes that were initially used for keeping administrative records to support their society. Other uses of the language include religious purposes and royal communication.…
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The Coal Loader Site (Sydney, Australia)

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The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability is located in Waverton, a suburb in Sydney’s north shore. Hidden away on the edge of the leafy suburb’s residential area, this site uniquely blends reflection on and conservation of the location's past with an active forward looking approach to the future. Having returned to Sydney from my trip to India, I explored this site with fellow Sydney blogger and local celebrity Completing Sydney.


Upon first reaching the site at its northeast corner, a sign welcomes visitors to the Coal Loader site, leading down a short trail through a small patch of bushland to a boardwalk in front of a smoothed rock face. The sign includes details of native and introduced species found in this bushland, and leads to the first point of cultural significance. These native species were utilised for medicinal and food purposes by the local inhabitants of this region, the Cammeraygal people.


This rocky sandstone platform bears rock carvings by the locals, …
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An Archaeologist's Guide to Maharashtra, India: Mumbai

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The last stop on my tour of India is Mumbai, the most heavily populated city in the country. My journey there from Pune was in the sleeper car of a train and took about three to four hours. The Chennai Ltt Express (11074) as it is known travels from Chennai Central station in the southeast of the country for over 24 hours until it reaches Lokmanyatilak station on the west coast in Mumbai. As a result, there was an extremely varied assortment of people on the train from all areas of India.



Mumbai historically consisted of seven different islands that were occupied by Marathi speaking communities. The land was relinquished to the Portuguese Empire, one of the longest continuous colonial empires (spanning about 600 years until the late 20th century), and then to the East India Company in 1661. The East India Company was established by the British in 1600 to trade in the Indian Ocean area, and played a significant role in the colonisation and oppression of local people and cultures throu…
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An Archaeologist's Guide to Delhi, India

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This October I have been on a research trip to India for my PhD. In addition to the work I've been doing here for my thesis, I have been taking the opportunity for sight seeing. India has a rich and diverse history, which is still palpable in the country today. As the capital and second most populous city in India, Delhi is a representation of the country as a whole.
National Museum Delhi National Museum is located in New Delhi, the part of Delhi established by the British as the administrative and governance capital of India. The National Museum sits between Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president's residence which includes its own museum, and the iconic India Gate.


The National Museum is open on Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. As with many museums and historical sites in India, Indian nationals are charged a fraction of the price of foreigners for entry. The foreigner ticket is 650 rupees (about 13 AUD or 9 USD), including an audio guide.


The New Delhi National Museum covers …
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