The University of Liverpool’s latest episode of the Original Ideas Podcast Episode: 7 Archaeology looks at the field and its impact on our understanding of the past, present and future. In 2024, the Liverpool Institute of Archaeology marked its 120th anniversary, recognising a long history of research and teaching. This milestone sets the stage for a discussion featuring Professor Larry Barham, Dr Ceren Kabukcu, and Rachel Stokes, who join host Gavin Freeborn to discuss how archaeology influences today’s society.
The episode focuses on the multi-disciplinary nature of archaeological research and highlights the University of Liverpool’s work in the subject area. A key topic is the UK’s Arts & Humanities Research Council-funded Deep Roots of Humanity project in south-central Africa (Zambia).
The researchers talk about their efforts to uncover information from a period before the evolution of Homo sapiens, roughly 500,000 to 300,000 years ago—a time with few well-dated archaeological sites.
Their work, including the notable ‘Old Wood’ discovery, has received international attention and provides important evidence about early human technology and environmental adaptations.
The conversation also looks at the role of modern scientific techniques in archaeology, including collaborations with University of Liverpool’s state-of-the-art technical facilities and staff, where advanced analytical methods help reveal details from the past.
Professor Larry Barham, Dr Ceren Kabukcu, and Rachel Stokes share personal insights about their journeys in archaeology, including what attracted them to work in the area, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of uncovering humanity’s deep history.
Learn how ancient discoveries continue to inform our understanding of human evolution, technology, and environmental change.
Listen to the latest Original Ideas podcast episode to learn more about these topics and the work taking place at the University of Liverpool.
Original Ideas Podcast Episode 7: Archaeology is available to stream now via the University of Liverpool website and popular podcast platforms.
You can also listen to previous episodes, including Popular Music, Artificial Intelligence, Feminist Cities and Air Pollution.
You can also listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: