Landscape, Loss, and Looting. Lessons Learned at an Early Bronze Age site, Jordan

Landscape, Loss, and Looting. Lessons Learned at an Early Bronze Age site, Jordan

by Morag M. Kersel

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Archaeology NKDArchaeology by periodNKDSArchaeological sites
🎙 Morag M. Kersel 👥 94K 📅 March 11, 2026 ⏱ 39 min 👁 2K 📄 lecture 🧭 2026-08-15
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

lootingcultural heritageJordanEarly Bronze Ageantiquities trade

Summary

In this lecture, Morag M. Kersel presents her long-term research on looting at Early Bronze Age sites along the Dead Sea Plain in Jordan. She combines archaeological evidence, archival documents, ethnographic interviews, and aerial surveys using drones to track the movement of artifacts from the ground to consumers. The talk highlights the scale of looting, the value systems of looters, and the impact of demand on archaeological landscapes. Kersel discusses specific sites like Fifa and Bab adh-Dhra, the types of tombs and grave goods, and the market for antiquities in Israel. She presents quantitative data on looting pits over time, showing a recent increase. The lecture also covers the challenges of protecting heritage, the role of local communities, and the importance of ethical practices in archaeology. Kersel emphasizes the need for integrated approaches and the lessons learned from her fieldwork, including the importance of timing field seasons and using drones for monitoring. The talk concludes with a call for justice for local communities and a discussion of cultural property law.

170 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides valuable insights into the complex issue of looting, combining quantitative data with qualitative ethnographic research. The argumentation is solid, based on systematic surveys and long-term monitoring. Kersel effectively demonstrates the scale of looting and its economic implications, while also addressing the ethical dimensions. The use of multiple data sources strengthens the credibility of her findings. The presentation is well-structured, with clear explanations of methodology and results.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture demonstrates high scientific rigor, with transparent methodology and ethical considerations. Kersel acknowledges the support of the Department of Antiquities and the involvement of local communities. She references her own publications and those of colleagues, providing a solid foundation for her claims. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on landscape, loss, and looting. The lecture is well-sourced, with references to specific projects and data.

150 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on landscape, loss, and looting at an Early Bronze Age site in Jordan.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The lecture is based on long-term fieldwork, systematic surveys, and archival research, with transparent methodology and ethical considerations. The speaker is a recognized expert, and the content is well-supported by data and references to prior publications.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • US Cultural Diplomacy and Archaeology: Soft Power, Hard Heritage — Co-authored with Christina Luke, mentioned in the introduction.
  • Follow the Pots project — The speaker's long-term research project on looting and artifact movement.
  • Landscapes of the Dead project — An offshoot of Follow the Pots, using drones to monitor sites.

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

This lecture provides a comprehensive, multi-method approach to understanding looting at Early Bronze Age sites, combining archaeological, ethnographic, and aerial survey data. It offers new quantitative data on looting rates and highlights the importance of long-term monitoring. The speaker’s emphasis on the value systems of looters and the impact of demand on local communities adds a unique perspective.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Cultural Heritage Law — Provides background on legal frameworks relevant to the talk.
  • Looting — General overview of looting, including archaeological contexts.
  • Dead Sea Plain — Geographical context for the sites discussed.

95 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, with a slightly lower technical level, reflecting the lecture's balance of data and accessibility. The overall high scores indicate a well-researched and informative presentation.

Reliability 8/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.