Jennifer R. Pournelle, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Environment and Sustainability, University of South Carolina.
A Center for Ancient Studies event. This talk will be held in the Penn Museum, Classroom L2; refreshments will be provided!
Description:
In this talk, renowned archaeologist Dr. Jennifer R. Pournelle, an expert in reconstructing ancient landscapes, will delve into the conceptual history of the term “marsh” and the impact of marshes on ancient cultures around the world. The talk will have a particular focus on Mesopotamia, where she posits that wetlands were a key resource in the south that were crucial for the emergence of early city-states. In doing so, she will contextualize exciting recent findings from the Lagash Archaeological Project (LAP), in ancient Sumer, in which the Penn Museum is heavily involved.
“On the Marche” was first delivered at UNESCO’s Inaugural World River Civilizations Forum held in Zhengzhou, China, in 2023, which investigated the relationship between the world’s primary civilizations and their associated river valleys. The talk is open to the public. Though aimed at an academically-inclined audience, it does not require a background in archaeology.