Fall 2026 topic title: Lions, and Tigris, and Beers, Oh My! The Archaeology of Mesopotamia
Instructor: Tracy Spurrier
Pre-requisites: ANT200H5 and ANT201H5
This course will focus on the archaeology of ancient Mesopotamia, modern day Iraq, from early prehistory through the conquest of Alexander the Great. It will cover the agricultural revolution, the world’s first cities and urban development, religious beliefs, economy, the origins and development of writing, the emergence and evolution of art and architecture, and the rise and fall of empires. Furthermore, this course will include weekly discussions about larger issues within archaeology such as colonialism, looting and unprovenienced objects, repatriation, damage and destruction due to war and terrorism, access to materials, and responsibilities regarding artifact storage and conservation.