Today, Saharan North Africa is extremely arid—but there is abundant evidence that climate conditions were once much more hospitable, supporting some vegetation and a population of hunter-gatherers. Dr. Kathleen Nicoll joins us and reviews her findings from investigations across the desert, including geoarchaeological studies at several Middle Stone Age Sites, Neolithic settlements, and ancient lake and sand dune deposits. During the lecture, Nicoll will explore when this landscape dried up; what happened to the population; and how the shift in climate relates to the rise of the pharaohs along the Nile Valley.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology and the Salem Society of the Archaeological Institute of America.
ASL sign language interpretation is available upon request thanks to an AIA Outreach Grant by calling 503-370-6654.