X Marks the Spot: The Story of Archaeology in Eight Extraordinary Discoveries

by Michael Scott

Through eight sensational stories of discovery, Professor Michael Scott traces the evolution of modern archaeology from colonial expeditions to today's cutting-edge digs, unearthing traps, curses and buried treasure along the way.

We uncover why different periods and places have caught our attention and imaginations at different times. We meet the characters, some celebrated and some forgotten, who found world-famous discoveries like the Rosetta Stone, the Terracotta Warriors and Machu Picchu. We investigate ancient human footprints, stunning shipwrecks, mythical princesses and surprising rituals as keyholes to the wonders of past civilisations. And we unravel how archaeological finds have often become emblems of modern fascinations and dilemmas.

Crossing millions of years, trekking from the jungles of South America to the frozen highlands of Central Asia, X Marks the Spot reveals how much the discovery of our past is intertwined with the concerns of our present and why X never, ever marks the spot.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Science, Audiobook, Historical, Ancient History

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Michael Scott SFHEA (born 1981) is a British classical scholar, ancient historian, and presenter. He is professor of classics and ancient history at the University of Warwick.

In 2015 he was a foundation fellow of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy; he was appointed a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2016. He was a National Teaching Fellow in 2017, and in 2017–2018 was a Leverhulme Research Fellow.

In 2020 he became the co-director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement.

He is president of the Lytham Saint Annes branch of the Classical Association.

He was awarded the Classical Association Prize in 2021, this is awarded to the individual who has done the most to raise the profile of Classics in the public eye.

He was named as the International Lego Classicist of the Year in 2022.

He was appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Warwick in 2023.

Source: wikipedia

Reviews

[Boudewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a surprisingly interesting look into some lesser-known archaeological discoveries that have had a tremendous impact on our understanding of the past. The work focuses on genuine archaeological findings that, while not widely publicized, are profoundly significant. Authored by a passionate archaeologist (not a regional manager at a paper company) which makes sure the the love for the discipline shines through on every page.

That's what she said 😉

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the evolution of modern archaeology from old colonial expeditions to today's cutting-edge digs. It analyzes eight significant discoveries, some well-known and others more obscure. The title playfully refers to Indiana Jones’s line that “X never, ever marks the spot.” Scott provides minibiographies of both celebrated and forgotten archeologists. He portrays how scientific methods have changed over time and how these finds have added to our understanding of the past.

The eight include:
- The Rosetta Stone discovered in 1799 in Rashid, Egypt
- Early writings from the “Caves of the Thousand Buddhas” in Central Asia
- Early humans discovered in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania
- The Terracotta Warriors
- Machu Picchu
- Uluburan bronze age shipwreck off the coast of Türkiye
- “The Lady” of Ukok and ancient ice chambers in the Altai region of Mongolia
- The ritual deposition of pieces of pots and figurines on Keros Island in the Aegean Sea

Scott analyzes factors involved in archeological digs, including geopolitics, financing, academic interests, luck, and obsessions. He examines how the discoveries become objects of modern fascinations. He explores contemporary debates about ownership, restitution, and cultural heritage. He reviews the colonial origins of archaeology and how the field has evolved to incorporate more collaborative and ethical approaches.

The author's enthusiasm for his material is evident. He is hopeful that local peoples and the international community can come together to protect, preserve, and educate. I found it a compelling read that conveys what these types of discoveries can teach us about human history across time and culture.

4.5

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about 8 archaeologist sites, some well known, some not.
The sites are:
1. Rosetta Stone - el, Rasbie, Egypt
2. Cave Temple of Mogo, Dunnuang, China (buddhist)
3. Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
4. Olduval George - Kenya and Tanzania (early human)
4. Terracotta Warriors - Xian, China
6. Uluburan Ship wreck - Agean Sea, off the coast of Turkey (bronze age)
7. Princess of Altri - Altri, Russia ( mummy found)
8. Kavos and Dnaskailo Islands, Agean Sea (early bronze age)

This book goes though how each was discovered and its impact.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book I only picked up because I needed a title beginning with X, this was fascinating. The format provided just enough information about each discovery for things I'm vaguely interested in but wouldn't read a whole book about. Michael Scott's audiobook narration is super engaging too.

[Lotte Jellema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enorm interessant en met humor geschreven boek wat je meeneemt langs 8 verschillende archeologische ontdekkingen die belangrijk zijn geweest binnen onze perceptie van geschiedenis en het kunnen van mensen die vroeger leefden. Centraal staan onder andere de steen van Rosetta, Machu Picchu en het Terracottaleger.

Het boek laat goed de archeologische en wetenschappelijke vooruitgang zien, zeker als de eerste hoofdstukken worden vergeleken met de laatsten. Ontwikkelingen in behandeling van vondsten, het archeologisch werk zelf en ook het wel of niet meenemen van vondsten naar Europa om ze daar te bestuderen komen aan bod.

Mijn favoriete hoofdstuk was hoofdstuk 4: Onze oorsprong, over de Olduvaikloof en Mary Leakey, een van de pioniers van vrouwelijke archeologen en iemand die grote stappen heeft gezet als het gaat om moderne archeologie en het vastleggen van vondsten.

[Margaret Crampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book which read like 8 very different adventure stories of discovery.it is well researched and fascinating. I not only learned of 8 amazing discoveries but it gave insight into past lives, artifacts, interaction of cultures, ancient communication, interaction and writings and the environments in which the ancients lived…. But became intimately involved with the determined and talented men and women archeologists who worked with dedication and devotion to uncover for the world the mysteries and enigmas of the ancient past. These adventures took us to different places including Egypt, East Africa, a trip along the Silk Road, the mountains of Peru, the wastes of Siberia, the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea, and to remote uninhabited Mediterranean islands. The archaeologists braved desert heat, icy cold, hunger and deprivation as they toiled in the field and returned to write reports and publish their results and build museum
Collections on site and add to collections in the Universities and museums who supported and funded them. to make the world aware of the long hidden secrets of the past. Highly recommended

[Francis Pellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent way to tell the story of archeology through eight fascinating case studies. I want to read more of the books the rebooted Time Team recommended at the end of 2024

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit I'm disappointed. The information and eight sites were interesting but I think that listening to the audiobook handicapped my enjoyment by making the sites be difficult to connect with. Fortunately, an earlier review wrote down the locations so I could identify where the narrator was discussing. It was like trying to figure out the location of Wah-hak-ah was - that's Oaxaca phonetically.

Anyway, the eight locations/discoveries -
*The Rosetta Stone - okay, know that one and read another book regarding its discovery and the ultimate translation of the engravings.
*The exploration of Taklamakan and the artifacts from the Cave of 1000 Buddhas, not far from the Silk Road. A nice overview once I figured out where they were talking about - north of Tibet.
*Hiram Bingham and Machu Piccu - read Bingham's book a few years ago so really nothing new there save the author's fascination with the effect of Bingham on the characterization of Indiana Jones. Repeatedly.
*The Leakey family and Oldavi Gorge. Luck and familiarity with what you are looking for. The best example I can give, is those people who seem to easily find four (or more) leaf clovers are actually perceiving the change in angles from the three-leaf. Mary Leakey knew what the unvaried ground looked like so when something unique appeared, it stood out to her distinguished eye.
* The Chin dynasty, the burial site of emperor Qin Shi Huang and the Terra Cotta Army. Topics I already have books regarding that have not yet risen to the top of the pile.
* The Uluburan vessel with its tons of copper and tin ingots from the Bronze Age and the oldest seagoing vessel discovered in the Mediterranean.
*The Mummy/Lady of Ukok discovered in a frozen kurgan in southern Siberia, in the Altair Republic. Returned to her native people and now political demands for natural resources will prevent any further excavation in the area despite hundreds of unexplored kurgans/tombs.
*Keros Island in the Aegean which was covered with broken marble figures that the local people would bring to the island to dispose of once they became damaged. To treat them with respect and discard with appropriate reverence. Still being extensively explored around the island as further discoveries are being uncovered.

The topics themselves certainly sparked an interest in investigating deeper but the fact I had to try any figure out where the author was talking about ruined my enjoyment. Otherwise, I would have rated it a 4-star.  

2025-039

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Michael Scott examines eight of the most significant archaeological discoveries - significant not only because of what the finds themselves can teach us about the past, but also for the questions they raise about the role and responsibilities of archaeologists. He also questions what a discovery actually is - for example, Machu Picchu was already well known locally but its ‘discovery’ involved bringing it to the attention of the rest of the world and publicising its existence.

Some discoveries have become world famous (The Rosetta Stone, The Terracotta Warriors). Others are significant within the archaeological world but less known among the general public (the Uluburun shipwreck, Keros). For all of them, however, Scott offers new details, suggests a different perspective, or asks new questions about their importance. His style is readable and lively, and he explains the tools and techniques of archaeology with clarity.

Very enjoyable and accessible look at historical discoveries and the characters who were involved in finding them.

[Kym Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was 14. Inspired by doing a school homework project on Egypt, I became fascinated by the people that came thousands of years before us, and wanted to understand how they lived and worked together and what happened to them.

I eventually studied psychology and business but my fascination remained for how we live and work together as communities and societies. So I was enthralled by the 8 stories Scott shares in X Marks the Spot. Some introduced new-to-me stories, others blew some commonly held 'myths' into obscurity - with one in particular leaving me absolutely captivated and asking myself, how could I get to see it for myself. (I'll leave you to guess which one!)

A thoroughly engrossing and satisfying 4 star reading!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure what made me choose this book because it’s not something I normally am interested in, but overall I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. It’s a very dense book containing a lot of information, but it was extremely interesting to hear so much less unknown facts and side stories about some of the worlds greatest archaeological finds. In addition, the author did an excellent job narrating it. It’s not easy making this kind of story entertaining and he did it very well. Only reason it’s not a five star is because early on in the book, I felt like there was a bunch of information given that really didn’t help. It didn’t seem to connect with the main focus of the chapter and seemed more like a filler. Definitely recommend, especially if you are a history buff. I will definitely look at other books by this author.

[Tatjana Wanten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and diverse stories, told in a very entertaining way. It also has an extensive reference list used to write the book, which is perfect to dive deeper into the subjects presented. I loved reading this one!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[❀ Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh to be an archeologist

[Renske Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. A great mix of the adventure of archaeology on the one hand and the academic world on the other. This book reminded me why I decided to study archaeology in the first place.

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

PopSugar prompt: a book that starts with the letter "X"

I learned something very important through this book, and now everyone in the world needs to know about it.

Did you know that Machu Picchu--a.k.a. The Lost City of the Incas--is not actually a city? And it was in fact an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, in what we now know as the Cusco region? The archeological site is technically on Huayna Picchu, which is the smaller of the two mountain peaks.

Let me rephrase some of that: Machu Picchu, built on the smaller of the two hills, was the summer home of the emperor of Cusco.



The Emperor's New Groove is straight up based on the Incan construction of Machu Picchu!! And that's rad as hell! I could recite this movie from beginning to end, but it was not a movie I was expecting to have done its homework quite so thoroughly.

But anyway, that's just one of the very cool archeological discoveries you'll learn about in this book! Not the part relating it to the Disney movie, but about the actual discovery of the amazing location! And to be clear, each one of the artifacts discussed could fill tomes upon tomes on their own. There are mountains of books and research and publications just covering the Rosetta Stone, or the Terracotta Army. But this book is focused on the actual discovery of them, and the discoverers, and where we draw that line. "Discover" is not the same as "Found" which is not the same as "Scientifically discovered." And that was a really interesting insight, as well.

But mostly it was just a really cool little bite of all these really cool and weird parts of history for which we are still looking for answers about! This book is a perfect example of the balance you need to strike to get people invested. It's casually digestible, not too overwhelming or too technical, but it's also enough to entice people to want to learn more. I personally wound up looking up some documentaries about some things when I was done. Which is great! I think that's the best approach to this kind of thing: you WANT people to be interested in science and history and culture and current practices.

This book is fascinating, educational, and entertaining. Highly recommend for everyone, but especially for those like me, whose favorite kind of non-fiction is weird, niche mysteries of history!

[Mieke Schepens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deze recensie werd eerder gepubliceerd op mijn blog GraagGelezen.

In 'De X op de kaart' neemt hoogleraar Michael Scott de lezer mee op een avontuurlijke reis door de wereld van de archeologie, zonder belerend te zijn. Aan de hand van acht beroemde vindplaatsen, schetst hij een boeiend beeld van deze fascinerende wetenschap.
De verhalen in dit boek vertellen over schitterende ontdekkingen, over verschillende oude culturen uit verschillende delen van de wereld, gedaan door verschillende individuen en groepen, gedurende die tijdsperiode:

• De Steen van Rosetta (stenen laten spreken)
• Vondsten in de Taklamakan-woestijn (zand, papier en de zijderoute)
• Machu Picchu (de verloren stad)
• Olduvaikloof (onze oorsprong)
• Terracottakrijgers (wat je vindt als je een put graaft)
• Scheepswrak van Uluburun (metalen koekjes met oren)
• Prinses van Altaj (uit het ijs teruggekeerd)
• Keros (een vondst met een staartje)

‘Vergeet dus al je ideeën over verloren steden, exotische reizen en werelden opgraven. We volgen geen kaarten naar verborgen schatten, en “X”markeert, nooit, maar dan ook echt nooit de plaats.’

Indiana Jones in een college voor zijn archologiestudenten
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1989

Scott weet zijn enthousiasme voor de archeologie goed over te brengen op de lezer. Hij vertelt niet alleen over de vondsten zelf, maar ook over de mensen die deze vondsten hebben gedaan en de impact die ze hebben gehad op onze kennis van het verleden. De schrijfstijl is helder en toegankelijk, waardoor het boek ook voor lezers zonder voorkennis over archeologie goed te volgen is.

De vele illustraties, zowel landkaarten als foto’s, zijn een mooie aanvulling op de tekst. Achter in het boek kun je de fotoverantwoording vinden.

Wat ik bijzonder waardeerde, was de manier waarop Scott de verbinding legt tussen het verleden en het heden. Hij laat zien hoe de vondsten uit het verleden ons nog steeds kunnen helpen om vragen te beantwoorden over onze eigen maatschappij.

“In sommige opzichten zou je dit boek een receptenboek kunnen noemen. Het laat zien wat je nodig hebt en hoe je te werk gaat om aan het eind van het verhaal, als verrassend gerecht, een ontdekking te kunnen presenteren. In de voetsporen van onze ontdekkers hebben we een reis gemaakt door de tijd en over de wereld, zijn we blootgesteld aan elk soort klimaat en elk soort landschap, zijn we op zoek gegaan naar veel verschillende voorwerpen, nederzettingen en beschavingen…”

Al met al is 'De X op de kaart' een aanrader voor iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in geschiedenis en archeologie. Het is een boek dat zowel boeit als informeert, en dat je een nieuwe kijk geeft op onze voorouders en hun wereld.

Ik heb genoten van deze spannende reis langs acht van de beroemdste archeologische vindplaatsen uit de geschiedenis.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In De X op de kaart neemt de auteur, Michael Scott, de lezer mee op een meeslepende en avontuurlijke reis langs verschillende archeologie vondsten. Aan de hand van acht historische vindplaatsen verkent hij de geschiedenis van deze plekken, waarbij hij zowel de pioniers uit het verleden als moderne technologische ontwikkelingen belicht.

Door de levendige vertelstijl van de auteur lijkt het alsof je zelf bij de ontdekkingen aanwezig bent. De beschrijvingen van de locaties en gebeurtenissen zijn zo gedetailleerd dat je het gevoel hebt zelf op avontuur te zijn.

Wat dit verhaal bijzonder maakt, is de perfecte balans tussen spanning en momenten van humor en reflectie. De auteur heeft een talent voor het creëren van een onvoorspelbare en meeslepende verhaallijn. Zijn kennis van verschillende culturen, tijdperken en historische contexten voegt niet alleen een educatieve dimensie toe aan het verhaal, maar doet dit op een manier die natuurlijk aanvoelt. Hierdoor leer je als lezer niet alleen over de avonturen van de personages, maar ook over de rijke geschiedenis die hen omringt.

De thematiek van het boek, die draait om ontdekking en avontuur. Daarbij weet de auteur complexe ideeën toegankelijk te maken en nodigt de lezer uit om na te denken over de impact van geschiedenis op de hedendaagse wereld.

Liefhebbers van geschiedenis kunnen hun hart ophalen in dit boek. De X op de kaart biedt een boeiende mix van historische feiten en spannende ontdekkingen die de lezer voortdurend prikkelen. Dit boek is een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van avontuurlijke fictie met een sterke historische ondertoon. De levendige vertelstijl en de meeslepende plot zorgen ervoor dat je niet alleen geniet van de avonturen, maar ook waardevolle inzichten in verschillende tijdperken en culturen opdoet.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

De Steen van Rosetta, de Terracottokrijgers en Machu Picchu, daar heeft iedereen al wel eens van gehoord, toch? Maar niet alle besproken vondsten uit ‘De X op de kaart’ waren mij bekend, zoals bijvoorbeeld het Schip van Uluburun en de Prinses van Altaj. Tijd dus om mee op ontdekkingstocht te gaan met Michael Scott!

De auteur bespreekt acht archeologische ontdekkingen, verspreid over de wereld en in de tijd. Op de duidelijke landkaart per hoofdstuk zijn steeds de belangrijkste plaatsnamen aangeduid. Michael Scott vertelt zowel over de totstandkoming en de geschiedenis van de expedities als over de maatschappelijke achtergrond. Hoe en waarom gingen de ontdekkers op onderzoek? De gewaagde en avontuurlijke ondernemingen waren vaak ook machtsspelletjes die voor problemen zorgden. Wie maakt er bijvoorbeeld aanspraak op de archeologische vondsten? De plaatselijke bevolking of de opdrachtgever van de expeditie? Door ook deze keerzijde, het plunderen van de cultuur, te belichten krijg je een andere kijk op de expedities.

’De X op de kaart’ is zeer goed onderbouwd en informatief. Door de toegankelijke schrijfstijl leer je op een aangename manier zoveel bij over het verleden en andere beschavingen. De foto’s in de middenkatern zijn absoluut een mooie aanvulling bij de verhalen. Ook is er aandacht voor de ontwikkeling en de ethiek van de archeologie.
Ik las af en toe een hoofdstuk tussendoor, heb dus lang kunnen genieten van ‘De X op de kaart’. Kortom, een zeer interessant én amusant boek dat je een andere kijk geeft op bekende en minder bekende ontdekkingen!

Inhoud: Steen van Rosetta ~ Taklamakan ~ Machu Picchu ~ Olduvaikloof ~ Terracottaleger ~ Schip van Uluburun ~ Prinses van Altaj ~ Keros

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In dit boek neemt Michael Scott je mee op sleeptouw door de geschiedenis van de archeologie, aan de hand van acht belangrijke en verbazingwekkende 'vondsten' - al gebruik ik dat woord in een enigszins ruime betekenis. Aan de hand daarvan schetst hij de evolutie van de archeologie in de voorbije tweehonderd jaar, zowel de positieve als negatieve elementen, samen met hoe archeologen te werk gaan en wat ze allemaal op hun pad tegenkomen.

Eigenlijk ben ik over de hele lijn lovend. De enige reden dat ik geen vijf sterren geef, is omdat het gewoon nog net íéts mist, maar ik weet niet goed wat. De verdeling van alle besproken sites over de wereld is goed verspreid, en ik was verrast door het aantal sites waar ik zelf niks van kende. Ja, er zitten enkele bekende verschijningen tussen, zoals de Steen van Rosetta en Machu Pichu, maar je komt ook meer te weten over de Olduvaikloof, het wrak van Uluburun en de Taklamakan. Die afwisseling was heel verfrissend.

En het is natuurlijk ook allemaal buitengewoon verhelderend. Met name de hoofdstukken over Uluburun en Oekok waren formidabel, ik viel van de ene verbazing in de andere: de manier waarop de archeologen en hun helpers hun werk doen, wat ze allemaal vinden, de implicaties daarvan... Mijn mond viel open.

Dit boek gaat over geschiedenis, maar het verhaal en geschiedenis zelf zijn op een heel andere manier vormgegeven dan normaal. Dat werkt ontzettend aantrekkelijk. De opmaak van de uitgave is ook goed gedaan, net als de vertaling. Je merkte dat de stijl van de auteur aanwezig was, en dat bij alle drie de vertalers.

Michael Scott mag van mij nog meer schrijven en nog meer vertaald worden.

8,3/10

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most engaging books I have read in a while. It explores archaeological discoveries from around the world, including Machu Picchu, the Qin Dynasty’s Terracotta Warriors, an ancient shipwreck and tombs found near the Russia-Mongolia border. Each chapter offers a detailed look into how these discoveries were made and why they matter.

The book is described as "Indiana Jones in real life," and I think that is a fair description. The stories are fascinating and I found many chapters hard to put down. The balance of historical information and storytelling kept me interested throughout most of the book.

One thing I did not enjoy as much was the author’s shift in tone later in the book. About halfway through, the author starts to include personal opinions and commentary. While not overwhelming, I felt these sections could have been edited to maintain a more objective tone. I also think the book would have benefited from including more images to help visualise the places and artefacts discussed.

This is a well-written and informative book that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in history or archaeology. It’s easy to read and covers a wide range of topics in an accessible way.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and fascinating read, packed full of interested stories not just of the discoveries but the discoveries and what we have learned and continue to learn from it.

I have heard of some of the discoveries mentioned but a few were new to me and I found it all very intriguing especially the discoveries of the Princess of Ukok and how the ancients used the underground caves and rainwater and well placed rocks to create a freezer which preserved the perishables for thousands of years. Such ingenuity.

The book also touches on the finds and how now frowned upon things that happened to them from theft and manipulation and who actually owns them, the finders, the location etc. It was refreshing to see how the last chapter shows how the locals and international community can come together to protect, preserve and educate on the history coming to light even today.

A superb read and I highly recommend it.

[Paul Convery · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish X Marks the Spot is a fascinating and engaging read (or listen as Michael Scott provides excellent narration himself on the Audible version).

Over the course of eight chapters Scott provides great insight into some of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time and how the field of archaeology developed in the process. Each chapter focuses on an individual discovery, be that the Rosetta Stone in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Terracotta Army in Chica or Ochy-bala frozen in the permafrost of the Ukok Plateau on the edge of Russia.

No only do you get a great understanding of the discovery process and the people involved, (how open source research helped crack the Rosetta Stone, how drilling a well reshaped the perception of Chinese history, or how to solve the problem of a burial site that has been frozen on permafrost for over 2000 years!) but you can see how the research into those sites has changed our understanding of the world.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author enjoys humor and inserts it here and there. Here's a little humor:
"Bingham created a post for himself at Harvard as ‘Curator of the Harvard Library’s South American Collection’ – a collection that did not exist. So he had then set about curating it."

Then there is the crack about the Journal of Molluscan studies being a great title (which of course it is).

In more serious matters, the author takes care with the ethics of archaeology, being concerned with the disturbing of historical sites and with the issue of who owns an item. Archaeology is not a subject of strong interest for me but this book was very accessible to me and I learned a lot from it.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book to listen to!

It takes us on a journey across the globe through the history of 8 archeological discoveries. It raises questions about the means and methods used in the early days of archaeology as well as their evolution through time.

Most of all it shows the reader - or listener in my case - the multiple challenges of understanding the past via these archeological sites and the consequences their discoveries can bring upon the local communities.

It’s perfect for fans of archeology!

[Naomi Russell-Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be. The second chapter being so overwhelmed with repetition that I almost gave up I was that bored, but I’m glad I kept with it, as by the next chapter we were on track again. I enjoyed what I got from this book, and now have the urge to read about the seven wonders of the ancient world, which is one of my favourite things about books. When they inspire you to delve deeper into another avenue of thought.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fascinating book, with a great amount of interesting history that was not difficult to follow. Scott talks in detail about the eight incredible discoveries, without getting bogged down in terminology and science that it becomes unenjoyable. Recommended read for any lovers of history, or anybody who wants a few cool facts to spill during water cooler chat!

[Cristina Mestre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Scott es mejor divulgador que académico, pero es MUY buen divulgador. From Democrats to Kings es la mejor narración del siglo IV a.C. que he leído nunca. X Marks the Spot está muy bien, porque se centra en el proceso de descubrimiento y excavación arqueológicos y en yacimientos que no siempre son muy conocidos. Muy ligero y entretenido y además bien documentado.

[Dean HOCK1NG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written and the author was heavily invested! I found this made the book more exciting and appealing to the reader
Some of the finds were unknown and I would have preferred maybe more finds and shorter chapters but it was still very interesting and I would definitely recommend the book.