Monday Ground Up: Distinctive Characteristics of Renaissance Art And Artists

Renaissance art has been characterized as an individualistic approach to humanism, where an eye of an artist interprets what they see everyday. The interpretations may have been realistically based and the emphasis on naturalism was used to persuade onlookers that an object was real-both living and breathing in the eyes of the artist. The standards reflected a focus of the human form and the social, political, and religious aspects of the time.

The Tribute Money, fresco in the Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence.

Giotto originally began the imitation of nature, however Massacio frescoes in Brancacci Chapel are the first masterpieces of Early Renaissance art. The use of realism to reflect perspective and a relationship between a figure and the landscape, bore a new type of painting and sculpture of dimensions. Other painters, such as Paulo Uccello used mathematical equations to determine space and light. However, this experimentation was more often opportunistic to showcase his mastery of perspective.

Part of the court in Florence was a circle of artists that were interested in Greek and Roman mythology. Sandro Botticelli's famous work, "Primavera" was a removal from realism. The emphasis was on the female form in a naturalistic way, with somewhat of an unworldly quality.

Donatello constructed "David", which first stood in the courtyard of the Medici Palace. The statue was heroic, simple and humanistic.

Architectural art was of great importance, especially since 1296 when the Duomo had just started being built. Brunelleschi drew his inspiration for the completion of the Duomo from Roman antiquity, so he devised a dome to finish the Duomo, which would span over a 140-foot opening.

Federico III da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino. Portrait

by Piero della Francesca, 1492.

One of the most influential  movements was that of human individuality in their present political or social state. Patrons and aristocrats found themselves painted into the corners of sacred pictures and depicted in statues. Piero della Francesca started capturing a new sense of political power and social standing of his subjects. Of course, this carried over to the High Renaissance where Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo re-focused a humanistic and individual aspect of painting and sculpture towards their commissioned works for the papacy, aristocrats, and political figures.

Leonardo's "Last Supper" depicted an idealism of dismay and a profound psychological dimension. Movement of the figures embodied a living story, brought to live with the stroke of a brush.

Raphael, under commission from the church, painted frescoes in the Vatican, his most famous being the "School of Athens". His art was a classical depiction of social meetings in Greece and Rome.

Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It was said that the two were constantly arguing over Michelangelo's need to keep each section covered. Pope Julius was very impatient, however when his eyes were finally able to view the splendor of the masterpiece, he had tears in his eyes. Michelangelo depicted the Creation of Adam, as well as the scenes from the book of Genesis. He believed the more perfect the body, the more God-like the figure.

Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence

A copy of the statue standing in the original location of David, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

This would explain his depiction of David, which is far more heroic and masculine looking than Donatellos. The statue had originally been placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the Florentine government, thereby representing resolve and human power.

The Renaissance is deemed as being the age of enlightenment. There was a new vision of humanism and experimentation with new forms of artistic expression. It's one of those most admired times in history, at least, that's what I believe. How about you?

More Articles By the Author on Factoidz:

• Numbers Theory
• Cachtice Castle, Blood Countess Elizabeth Bathory, and the Murders of Vienna
• The Versailles of Spain
• Rene Descartes: I Think, Therefore I Am
• Leonardo Da Vinci: The Artist That Solved The Riddle of Earthshine
• The Scientific Revolution Changed the Way Europe Viewed the Universe Medicine and Thinking
• The Causes of the Great Schism
• The Renaissance Papacy at the End of the Great Schism

The Ohio Decalogue Stone: The Ten Commandment Rendition

How odd to find out that a rare tablet was discovered not far from where I used to live in Ohio. The Ohio Decalogue Stone, sometimes called the Ten Commandment Stone, was discovered in Ohio by archaeologists during the excavation of a cairn in 1860.

They also found a wooden casket with a skeleton inside, however when they opened up the casket, the skeleton crumbled into pieces. Inside the casket was the stone, enclosed in a cemented casing with the Hebrew language carved along the edges.

This video is both bizarre and surprising, especially when you take into account that some of the Archaeologists that discovered the stone deemed it as a fake, and others believed it was tied to Moses. Their explanation, although seemingly it might have made sense to them, was that no one was in Ohio before Christopher Columbus discovered it. For that matter, why would a Hebrew artifact be buried in Ohio in the first place?

Inveraray Castle in Scotland

From a distance, Inveraray castle appears to be a Gothic and Baroque style structure, which is most certainly is. However, before this castle ever stood still in western Scotland, the original city of Inveraray was torn down as a result of Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll. His ideal of his perfectly constructed abode did not include a rustic and aging town that impeded on the structure itself.

The castle was constructed in a square like fashion with four castellated towers at each corner, each of which bears a conical spire.

The gardens occupy two acres and the rest of the grounds is parkland and forests. Unfortunately, the castle suffered some loses due to two fires in the 18th and 19th century; however most of the decor and furnishings have been restored since the fires.



Source

The elaborate paintings in the castle's State Dining Room were completed in 1784 by two French painters Girard and Guinard, who were also commissioned by the then Prince of Wales to decorate his London residence, Carlton House. The work of these painters only survives at Inverary, so make sure you take some extra time to admire the brilliance of the atmosphere that these paintings create.

Developed in keeping with Vanbrugh's original sketch dated 1720 and using a similar concept which he used at Castle Howard & Blenheim Palace, the dramatic Armoury Hall soars to 21 metres in height, the highest ceiling in Scotland.



Source

Inveraray Castle is home to Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll and his family, but they have graciously opened up the castle to visitors at certain times of the year.

If you'd like to learn more about Inverary, visit their website. There is so much history to be learned and so much to see.

Monday Ground Up: The Medieval Gothic Malbork Castle

The Teutonic Order constructed this medieval fortress in Prussia around the time of the crusades in Ordensburg, naming it Marienburg, or rather "Mary's Castle”. The name was derived from the patron saint the Virgin Mary. Malbork is one of the world’s largest red brick Gothic castles in the world, with a small middle castle nested within the outer walls.

The castle consisted of three separate sections including the High, Middle, and Lower castles, separated by dry moats and towers. It was said at one time the castle held close to 3000 knights and the High Castle enclosure measured 52 acres, which is four times the enclosed space of Windsor Castle.

The flatness of the grounds allowed for easier trading with ships and barges, thus creating a toll stop for passing vessels. The Order imposed a monopoly of amber trade, therefore building their reputation as commercial capitalists along the waterfront.

Around 1410, the castle was besieged when the armies were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald, however Heinrich von Plauen successfully led the defense, resulting in the reconstruction of the city.

During the Thirteen Years' War, the Order could no longer pay its mercenaries, therefore resulting in their transition to Königsberg, giving the castle to the Bohemian mercenaries as payment. King Casimir IV Jagiellon acquired the castle in 1457.

Under mayor Bartholomäus Blume, the city itself resisted the Polish onslaught for three more years, until the Poles captured and hanged Blume in 1460. A monument to him was erected in 1864. Castle and town became part of Royal Prussia in 1466, and served as one of the several Polish royal residences. During the Thirty Years' War, in 1626 and 1629, Swedes occupied the castle, and again from 1656 to 1660 in The Deluge (Polish history) during the Northern Wars.

Around the late 18 century, the Prussian Amry used the castke as a barracks. It wasn't until 1874 that a Prussian architect, David Gilly, surveyed the castle to determine if it should be demolished or what it's use should be left standing. His son created engravings of the castle that were exhibited in Berlin leading to a "rediscovery" of Malborks history.

In the early 1930s the Nazis used Malbork as a meeting site for Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls. It was the Teutonic Castle at Marienburg, Malbork that served as the blue print for the Order Castles of the Third Reich.
The castle has been considerably pillaged,burned, and destroyed, especially due to the aftermath of World War II. It has been rebuilt and restored over the years, so much of what we see today of the outlying structure is new construction.







by MrSco



by lostajy





Resources

• Malbork Castle Museum
• The Malbork Castle Virtual Tour

Sources

Pictures

Crowland Abbey in Lincolnshire, England

England never falls short of historic churches and sites to visit along the country side, and Crowland Abbey does not disappoint. This Church of England was founded around the 8th century in Lincolnshire and it was dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin, Saint Bartholomew and Saint Guthlac.

Crowland is best known for the Croyland Chronicles which was written in the Benedictine Abbey at Crowland, with the writer claiming to be Pseudo-Ingulf. The English medieval history covered in the chronicles was received by someone that had access to information from the court of Richard III.

Many historians have tempted to identify all of the contributors, however John Russell makes the most sense considering he was at Crowland during 1486 and the sections end with the marriage of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York and the rebellion that followed.

This date ties in with the survival of a copy of Titulus Regius(statute of the Parliament of England, issued in 1483, by which the title of King of England was given to Richard III of England) in the text.

Historic Building: Statues at Crowland Abbey

Historic Building: Crowland Abbey, Lincs

Mysterious Green Flash at Strasbourg Cathedral

My personal writing friend is a translator and art historian; a passion that shows through his historical travels in Europe. He has written an interesting and intriguing piece about a mysterious green flash at Strasbourg Cathedral on two specific times during the year.

Francois Hagnere is a gem at sharing some of the inner workings of some of the most spectacular churches and cathedrals in the world.

Twice a year, for the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, crowds throng into the Strasbourg cathedral. A mysterious light phenomenon appears at 11:38 on March 20, and September 21, it lasts several days. The patriarch Judah, an ancestor of the Christ, is featured in one of the South triforium windows and will be our guide. He looks towards the sun above his right shoulder whilst his index shows his left foot, thus indicating the sun goes through his green foot at a determined moment and from a certain angle. This stained glass window dates back to 1876 and the sun crosses the nave of the cathedral via this beautiful window on every sunny day and particularly on these dates.

Read more about the mysterious green light in Strasbourg Cathedral

Monday Ground Up: Saint Demitrios and the Crusades

When I finally decided that may focus was going to be Medieval European Archaeology, I started diving into the subject. Of course as a you can see by the last editions, the Middle Ages have been my focus.

When I traveled today to the Greek Festival, I had every intention of sharing my experiences for the day. However, when I started to roam the church and study the paintings and depictions of Saint Demetrios, it sparked my interest, especially considering I wasn't looking for a connection between a Greek Saint and the crusades.



Saint Demetrios (Demetrius of Thessaloniki-(Greek: Άγιος Δημήτριος της Θεσσαλονίκης) was a revered Orthodox military saint and Christian martyr during the time of the crusades in the Middle Ages. Many scholars believe he was a member of the Roman Army and a patron of the crusades, along with Saint George.



His cult, created in Thessaloniki, was ever growing and open to external attacks from Slavs moving into the Balkans. It was his interventions during the crusades that led him to the title of a military martyr.

Myth has always surrounded Saint Demetrios as no relics were ever left behind after his death.

What were claimed to be his remains subsequently appeared in Thessaloniki, but even the local archbishop (John of Thessaloniki, 7th century) was publicly dismissive of their authenticity. These are now also kept in Hagios Demetrios. According to legend, these relics were ascertained to be genuine after they started emitting a perfumed scent of myrrh.

Brief Overview of the Crusades

The crusades were an attempt by the papacy to demonstrate their influence over European society. It was a war between the godly followers and the infidels. Due to developments in the Islamic and Byzantine world, this gave rise to the new European civilization to expand their borders. As a new dynasty emerged, the demand for knights was answered leading to the first crusades which were precipitated by various religious aspects and conflicts, and tempted warriors to fight for their religion and engage in their favorite pastime-fighting.

After the division of the Catholic Church of the west and the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Byzantine Empire, the state of the empire was weakened. The head of the Eastern Orthodox Church Michael Cerularius refused to accept the pope as the sole head of the church, therefore forming a great schism between the two branches of Christianity. The Byzantine Empire was constantly open to external threats from the Turks, Normans, and the Pechenegs. So when a new dynasty was formed by Alexius I Comnenus, the leader turned to the west for assistance in a holy war, and his requests were positively answered leading to the crusades.

Christians were on holy pilgrimage to rid the world of infidels and unbelievers, those being the Muslims. So when the pope saw an opportunity to provide papal leadership for a great cause, they rallied the warriors in an attempt to liberate Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The pope promised knights remission of sins allowing for the knights, who died in battle against the pagans, to be absolved from sin through the power of God which the pope had been invested.

The knights of the crusade were initially tempted by religious fervor, adventure, and the opportunity to engage in fighting, which was of course their favorite pastime. Others believed they would gain more land and holdings, a title, and even salvation. Merchants believed the crusades would allow for greater trade opportunities in the Muslim Lands. It was simply a war to rid Europe of young nobles who insisted upon fighting each other, thereby turning the tables and giving them a new target.

The crusades were a massacre that brought about evil side effects that effected the society of Europe for centuries. The hopes of reviving more trade during the crusades would have had the same results without the murders of thousands of people. Not much as changed even today as Christians and Muslims lay in dispute over the Holy Land.

More Related Articles

The Effect of The Crusades on the Jews

The Jews found themselves in a very difficult position between the two religions at war. The treatment of the Jews by the Crusaders in both Europe and the Middle East was an atrocious episode in the chronicle of the Crusades. Jews were always distrusted and scorned but this turned into widespread persecution and slaughter. Read more about the Effect of the Crusades on the Jews By oeillade

Saladin and The Third Crusade

The main objective of the third crusade was to retake Jerusalem from Muslim control. The reason for this was that a military mastermind named Saladin had united almost all of the Middle Eastern countries under one banner. Saladin was from Tirket, modern day Iraq. When he was young his uncle taught him the ways of a military commander. Read more about Saladin and the Third Crusade ByElliot912


Resources

Medieval Crusades
The Crusades

Medieval Identifications: Alcuin of York

Alcuin of York was an intellectual, ecclesiastic, poet and lecturer from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Ecgbert at York.

At the invitation of Charlemagne, he became a leading scholar and teacher at the Carolingian court, where he remained a figure at court in the 780s and 790s. He wrote many theological and dogmatic treatises, as well as a few grammatical works and a number of poems.

He was made abbot of Saint Martin's at Tours in 796, where he remained until his death. He is considered among the most important architects of the Carolingian Renaissance. Among his pupils were many of the dominant intellectuals of the Carolingian era.

Alcuin died on May 19, 804, some ten years before the emperor. He was buried at St. Martin’s Church under an epitaph that partly read:

“

Dust, worms, and ashes now... Alcuin my name, wisdom I always loved, Pray, reader, for my soul.

On a Personal Note: Happy Veterans Day!

This photo features my Grandfather, positioned after the soldier getting his checkup. Thanks to all of the men and women that protect our country everyday. You are appreciated!!!!

Persian Army Discovered in Sahara Desert By Italian Archaeologists

One of the greatest mysteries may have possibly been solved by two renowned Italian Archaeologists.

The lost army of Persian King Cambyses II was said to have disappeared on there way to attack the Oasis of Siwa and destroy the oracle at the Temple of Amun after the priests there refused to legitimize his claim to Egypt.

"It all started in 1996, during an expedition aimed at investigating the presence of iron meteorites near Bahrin, one small oasis not far from Siwa," Alfredo Castiglioni, director of the Eastern Desert Research Center (CeRDO)in Varese, told Discovery News.

To read the entire story of the long journey it took to discover this amazing find, and even more fascinating army, visit Discovery Channel. For a video about the find, click here.

On a side note, I would personally like to thank Discovery Channel for featuring the Ancient Digger on their Blogroll. It's an honor and a thrill to be associated with such an innovative and amazing establishment.

Agriculture During the High Middle Ages

During the High Middle Ages, the culture saw a significant increase in arable land which was directly influencing the population, which was on the rise. People were settling down and agricultural production was sustaining more and more families. Much of the changes were due to the availability of arable land, technological advancements, and the transitions from a two field system to a three.

Large forested areas were being cleared for cultivation and the materials from the forests were being used to build houses, bridges, fortresses, ships, and for fuel. Nearby swamps were drained to provide even more land for growing crops and foodstuffs. Economically, farming in Europe at this time was beneficial both for the workers and laborers and the land owners.

Technological advancements like mining for iron and trading it to areas that did not have it readily available were encouraging trade relations and geographical transition. Inventions like the carruca and the aratum made it possible to plow the land more efficiently, therefore allowing for faster growing and harvesting. In the past, the easterners used the aratum, which only turned the top soil. Now, they had the option to do both levels of soil at once.

New horse collars were developed that allowed the horses to pull the heavy plow faster and cultivate more land, all while wearing iron shoes that produced greater traction and protection from rocky soil.

The transition from a two field to a three allowed for seasonal crops to be grown at all times. One field was planted in the fall with grains such as rye and wheat; spring saw the planting of barley, oats, and legumes and the third was usually empty to allow for over exhaustion of the soul. The positive aspect of this system was that the serfs became free peasants, meaning they were no longer tied to the land.

Due to the increase in production during the High Middle Ages, birth rates were soaring and economics were allowing for better living conditions and relationships in the trade centers. It was a time of peace and prosperity for both the land owners and the free peasants.

Ancient Digger Has Won A Blog Award

I am quite humbled and very honored to have received a blog award from Will Oaks Studio. Coming from an accomplished artist and photographer, it's even more special that she thinks I deserve it for my work here on the The Ancient Digger.

I now have to choose 15 blogs that I think are most deserving of this award as well. That's going to be tough. I have hundreds of blogs that I follow that I think are worthy. Mmm, let me see. While I'm thinking about it, here are the rules.

The Best Blog Award rules are:

To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers you've awarded to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Ok, here are my choices and congratulations to all the winners.

• English Wilderness
  
  
• Bo Poetry
  
  
• Chris Stonecipher
  
  
• Entrewas
  
  
• Modern Bohemian
  
  
• Wandering Thought
  
  
• Webphemera
  
  
• Pro Map Traveler
  
  
• Historical Travels
  
  
• Richard X Tripp

• History and Traditions of England
  
  
• Unsolved Mysteries In The World
  
  
• The History Cellar
  
  
• Chicago History Journal
  
  
• The Modern Historian
  
  
• Virtual Dime Museum

The Monday Ground Up: The Catholic Church During Charlemagne

The Catholic Church at the time of Charlemagne had significant impact on the lives of the Frankish people. There was fusion of cultural ideals which directly influenced family life, sexuality, and the views of children.

Marriages were arranged by the fathers and uncles, and wives were expected to remain faithful to their husbands, even if they kept concubines and remained unfaithful to them. The Catholic Church insisted on blessing the marriage, although at that time, marriage was civil arrangement.

The emphasize on monogamy by the church led to a law, or rather a right to prohibit divorce, even if the woman was sterile or unattractive. This right was not accepted gracefully. This institution, considered to still be a frigid moral establishment, led to the nuclear family, whereby the power of the household went to the eldest woman, although her place as a wife was still dominated by her husband.

Celibacy was stressed as part of the sanctity of marriage, although during the Middle Ages, this proved to be impossible. Thus, the church felt that marriage was the lesser of two evils. Couples could engage in sexual intercourse if married, only if it was fir the purpose of procreation and not pleasure. In this arrangement, contraceptives were forbidden and abortions were frowned upon, even though herbal remedies were often used to prevent contraception.

The condemnation of sexual activity outside marriage also included homosexuality, even though Roman Law had never recognized any difference between heterosexuality and homosexuality. How odd that the evolution and acceptance of homosexuality under Roman Law was never seen as a problem, although today, our law that was derived from the Romans mysteriously excludes homosexual relations.

The Catholic Church listed wergelds, whose size represented a persons worth. In the past, the limiting of children through infanticide was used often by Roman families, however now the adoption of personal worth was used to determine where a child would end up. Males were valued at solidi until they became warriors, then their worth increased to 300.

Females were around 30, then it increased to 250 when they were able to bear children. Unwanted children were abandoned or donated to the Catholic Church and were raised as nuns and monks.

The strict code of law by the church in the Middle Ages led to the development of institutions of marriage and the condemnation of infanticide. Of course, these laws were impossible to enforce, especially when it came to celibacy during the Middle Ages. The way of life was challenged on a daily basis, be it in secret, Germanic peoples still managed to work around the strict control of the Catholic Church and they still do today, trying to avoid their strict ideals and moral codes.

Throne of Charlemagne and the subsequent German Kings in Aachen Cathedral

Champagne Fairs: What were they?

The Champagne Fairs evolved out of the annual cycle of trading fairs held in Champagne and Brie in France during the Middle Ages. The fairs became an important engine in the reviving economic history of Medieval Europe.

Initially, they became the nerve centers for textile, leather, fur, and spice trading. At the height of the trading industry, the fairs linked the cloth producing Low Countries with Italian dying and exporting centers, like Genoa and Venice.

The fairs were well organized and represented the beginnings of commercial capitalism in the High Middle Ages, bringing about banking and investor relations.

At the end of the 12th century, the fairs, which were conveniently located on major trade routes, dominated commercial and banking relations operating at the frontier region between the north and the Mediterranean.

Best Graduate and Undergraduate Schools, Universities, and Colleges for Archaeology and Anthropology

Welcome to the archaeology and anthropology school page on Ancient Digger.

I have compiled several lists in order to help you determine the top colleges and universities with the best anthropology and archaeology undergraduate and graduate programs and schools.

You will all notice that rankings have been added for the best maritime/nautical archaeology programs, best linguistic anthropology programs, top schools for classical archaeology,  top programs for history, archives, and preservation, as well as comprehensive details pertaining to student outcomes and cost of your education.


The BIG Question

You need to understand and ask yourself what the "top archaeology or anthropology school" means to you. Does this mean lowest cost?  Job placement after graduation? Best faculty?

Virtually every school offering these programs has a something to offer students. As an undergraduate archaeology student at University of Central Florida, you may typically take the same required electives and core classes as a student attending University of Alabama. The biggest differences come when you begin your masters, and also your research as a PhD candidate.

The biggest advice I can give, and I can say with all honesty that it's the same I give my students now, is that you can't always look at the top 50 schools and think your mind is only set on those schools. We have USA Today to thank for that healthy ranking obsession. Think about what area of study interests you. What part of the world do you want to research. Have you thought about the climate you want to live it? Is there a Starbucks within walking distance?–– Hey, my students really ask about this *smile*. Are you applying to an Ivy League because it's an Ivy league? Do they even have your program? At Harvard, will I be trained to turn over a millimeter of top soil in two weeks like  Eddie Izzard mentioned in his comedy show,  just like someone from Arizona State?

Seems like a lot of odd questions, and I would never stop anyone was pursuing this field. Just think about what you want to accomplish. Do you know the reasons why you should be an archaeologist? If you don't immediately know the answer to this, I would do some self reflection.

Or, read about why others have chosen the profession. Here's one of my favorites posts on Ancient Digger from 2011 (one little snippet below to tickle your funny bone): Twitter Users Speak Out: Reasons Why You Became An Archaeologist

I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine." but mainly the wine ...~YorksArch

2018-2019 Rankings (Undergraduate)

Comprehensive list of all US Colleges offering Archaeology and Anthropology Undergraduate Programs

United States	Location	Status
Arizona Arizona State University	Tempe	Public
University of Arizona	Tuscan	Public
Northern Arizona University	Flagstaff	Public
California
Stanford University	Palo Alto	Private
University of California - Berkeley	Berkley	Public
University of California - Davis	Davis	Public
University of California - Irvine	Irvine	Public
University of California - Los Angeles	Los Angeles	Public
University of California - Riverside	Riverside	Public
University of California - San Diego	La Jolla	Public
University of California - Santa B.	Santa Barbara	Public
University of California - Santa Cruz	Santa Cruz	Public
University of Redlands	Redlands	Public
University of Southern California	Los Angeles	Private
Colorado
University of Colorado - Boulder	Boulder	Public
Connecticut
University of Connecticut	Storrs	Public
Yale University	New Haven	Private
Delaware		Public
University of Delaware	Newark	Public
Florida
Florida State University	Tallahassee	Public
University of Florida	Gainesville	Public
University of South Florida	Tampa	Public
University of Central Florida	Orlando	Public
Georgia
Emory University	Atlanta	Private
University of Georgia	Athens	Public
Hawaii
University of Hawaii - Manoa	Honolulu	Public
Illinois
University of Chicago	Chicago	Public
University of Illinois - Chicago	Chicago	Public
University of Illinois - Urbana	Urbana	Public
Indiana
Indiana University	Bloomington	Public
Purdue University	West Lafayette	Public
University of Notre Dame	Notre Dame	Private
Idaho
Boise State	Boise	Public
Iowa
University of Iowa	Iowa City	Public
Kansas
University of Kansas	Lawrence	Public
Kentucky
University of Kentucky	Lexington	Public
Louisiana
Louisiana State University	Baton Rouge	Public
Tulane University	New Orleans	Public
Massachusetts
Boston University	Boston	Private
Brandeis University	Waltham	Private
Harvard University #2	Cambridge	Private
Tufts University	Medford	Private
University of Massachusetts	Amherst	Public
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University	Baltimore	Private
University of Maryland	College Park	Public
Michigan
Grand Valley State University	Allendale	Public
Michigan State University	East Lansing	Public
University of Michigan - #1	Ann Arbor	Public
Minnesota
University of Minnesota - Twincities	Minneapolis	Public
Missouri
University of Missouri - Columbia	Columbia	Public
Nebraska
University of Nebraska - Lincoln	Lincoln	Public
New Jersey
Princeton University	Princeton	Public
Rutgers University	New Brunswick	Public
New Mexico
University of New Mexico	Albuquerque	Public
New York
Binghamton University	Binghamton	Public
Columbia University	New York	Private
Cornell University	Ithaca	Private
Fordham University	Bronx	Private
New York University		Private
Pace University		Public
Stony Brook University	Stony Brook	Public
Syracuse University	Syracuse	Private
The Graduate Center	New York	Public
University at Albany	Albany	Public
University at Buffalo	Buffalo	Public
University of Rochester	Rochester	Private
North Carolina
North Carolina State University	Raleigh	Public
University of North Carolina	Chapel Hill	Public
Ohio
Case Western Reserve University	Cleveland	Private
Miami University	Oxford	Public
University of Akron, The	Akron	Public
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma	Norman	Public
Oregon
University of Oregon	Eugene	Public
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University	Univ. Park	Public
Temple University	Philadelphia	Public
University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia	Private
University of Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh	Public
Rhode Island
Brown University	Providence	Private
South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia	Columbia	Public
Tennessee
University of Tennessee-Knoxville	Knoxville	Public
Vanderbilt University	Nashville	Private
Texas
Rice University	Houston	Private
Texas A & M University	College station	Public
University of Texas - Austin	Austin	Public
Virginia
College of William & Mary	Williamsburg	Public
George Mason University	Fairfax	Public
University of Virginia	Charlottesville	Public
Utah
University of Utah	Salt Lake City	Public
Washington
American University	Washington	Private
George Washington University, The	Washington	Private
Georgetown University	Washington	Private
University of Washington	Seattle	Public
Washington State University	Pullman	Public

To read a comprehensive description of the programs offered by these undergraduate institutions, either click on the link to visit the university website, or you may read about the programs on Ancient Digger: US Archaeology and Anthropology schools and their Disciplines

2018-2019 Rankings 

Top 25 US Universities, Schools, Programs, and Colleges for History (ranked nationwide)

1. Princeton University
2. Stanford University
3. Yale University
4. Harvard University
5. University of California-Berkeley
6. Columbia University
7. University of Chicago
8. University of Michigan
9. University of California-Los Angeles
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison
11. Cornell University
12. John's Hopkins
13. Northwestern University
14. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
15. University of Pennsylvania
16. Brown University
17. University of Texas-Austin
18. Duke University
19. University of Virginia
20. Indiana University-Bloomington
21. Georgetown University
22. Rutgers University
23. New York University
24. University of Illinois-Urbana
25. University of Washington

2018-2019 Rankings 

Top US Universities, Schools, Programs, and Colleges for Archives and Preservation (ranked nationwide)

1. Simmons College (Tied for First)
2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Tied for First)
3. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Tied for First)
4. University of Texas-Austin
5. University of California-Los Angeles
6. University of Pittsburgh
7. University of Maryland-College Park
8. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
9. University of Wisconsin-Madison
10. Pratt Institute
11. Drexel University

2018-2019 Rankings 

Top 25 US Universities, Schools, Programs, and Colleges for Linguistic Anthropology– Based on Student Outcome and Research Opportunities

1. Carnegie Mellon University
2. John's Hopkins University
3. San Diego State University
4. University of California-San Diego
5. University of Maryland-College Park
6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
7. Purdue University
8. University of California– Los Angeles
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
   
10. University of Pennsylvania
11. University of Southern California
12. University of California–Berkeley
13. University of California
14. University of Wisconsin– Madison
15. Indiana University-Bloomington
16. Michigan State University
17. University of Delaware
18. University of South Florida
19. Ohio State University
20. University of Arizona
21. Yale University
22. University of Chicago
23. Cornell University
24. Northwestern University
25. University of Illinois-Urbana

Read More: Best Graduate Schools for Linguistic Anthropology

2018-2019 Rankings 

Top Universities, Schools, and Programs for Classics (Classical Archaeology)-Global- Not in ranking order

1. Oxford University
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of London
4. University of Kent
5. University of Glasgow
6. Newcastle University
7. Birmingham University
8. Liverpool University
9. Cardiff University
10. Durham University
11. Exeter University
12. Warwick University
13. UCL University
14. St. Andrews University
15. Royal Holloway University
16. Bryn Mawr College
17. Cornell University
18. Princeton University
19. Harvard University
20. Stanford University
21. Duke University
22. University of Pennsylvania
23. University of California Berkeley
24. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
25. University of Chicago
26. University of Michigan
27. University of Texas – Austin
28. University of California-Los Angeles

Read More: Top Universities, Schools, and Programs for Classics (Classical Archaeology)

The Archaeological Institute of America also has an extensive lost of graduate programs focusing on Classical/Mediterranean Studies.

2018-2019 Rankings 

Top Universities, Schools, and Programs for Maritime and Nautical Archaeology

United States

• East Carolina University
• Texas A & M
• Florida State University
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Connecticut
• Minnesota State University
• Indiana University
• Flinder's University
• University of Rhode Island
• University of West Florida
• Michigan State University

Outside United States

• University of Southern Denmark – Denmark
• Bournemouth MSc Maritime Archaeology
  
• Bristol MA Maritime Archaeology and History
  
• Nottingham MA in Underwater Archaeology
  
• Southampton MA/MSc Maritime Archaeology
  
• Ulster MSc Maritime Archaeology – Ireland
  
• Edinburgh MSc/Dip Underwater Archaeology – Scotland
• Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology MA Maritime Archaeology – Norway

Read More: Top Universities, Schools, and Programs for Maritime and Nautical Archaeology

2018-2019 Rankings (Graduate)

25 Best Anthropology Ph.D Programs: Student Outcome

1. University of California-Berkeley
2. University of California-San Francisco
3. Duke University
4. University of Utah
5. Harvard University
6. John's Hopkins University
7. Stanford University
8. University of Tennessee
9. Washington University
10. Cornell University
11. Princeton University
12. Penn State University
13. University of Oregon
14. Stanford University
15. Stony Brook University
16. University of Illinois–Urbana
17. Emory University
18. University of Colorado–Boulder
19. University of Oklahoma
20. University of Pennsylvania
21. Northwestern University
22. The University of Texas at Austin
23. Brown University
24. Rice University
25. University of Virginia

100% First Year Support– Anthropology Ph.D In US  (Not ranked)

1. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus, Norman, OK
2. University of Nevada, Reno, NV
3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
4. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
5. University of Alaska, Fairbanks
6. University of California, Davis
7. University of California, Los Angeles
8. University of California, San Francisco
9. University of California, Berkeley
10. Rice University
11. Cornell University
12. New York University
13. Yale University
14. Emory University
15. Harvard University
16. Columbia University
17. Princeton University
18. University of California, Santa Cruz
19. University of Colorado, Boulder
20. University of Kentucky
21. Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
22. University of Illinois, Chicago
23. University of Illinois, Urbana
24. University of Virginia
25. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
26. University of  Oregon
27. Wayne State University 
28. Pennsylvania State University 
29. University of Pittsburgh
30. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
31. University of Pennsylvania

Best Anthropology Schools in the UK-Ranked

1. Cambridge 
2. Oxford 
3. LSE 
4. University College London 
5. St Andrews 
6. Sussex 
7. Edinburgh 
8. Manchester 
9. Durham 
10. Goldsmiths College 
11. SOAS 
12. Aberdeen Oxford Brookes 
13. Kent 
14. Queens, Belfast 
15. East London 
16. Roehampton 
17. Lampeter 
18. Hull 
19. Teesside

Best Archaeology Schools in the UK-Ranked

1. Cambridge 
2. Oxford 
3. Durham 
4. University College London 
5. Sheffield 
6. Leicester 
7. Bristol 
8. Glasgow 
9. Nottingham 
10. Reading 
11. Southampton 
12. Manchester 
13. Edinburgh 
14. Exeter 
15. Queens, Belfast
16. Cardiff 
17. Bradford 
18. Liverpool 
19. York 
20. Lampeter

Best Research Universities for Archaeology Outside US

1. Cambridge
2. Oxford
3. University College London 
4. University of Birmingham
5. University of Sheffield 

More Guides on the Ancient Digger

• Best Schools for Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology and Archaeology
• Best Graduate Schools for Linguistics
• Best Graduate Schools for Classical Archaeology
• Archaeology and Anthropology Graduate School 101
• Beginner's Guide To A Career in Anthropology and Archeology
• Letter of Intent to the Top Archaeology Schools of Your Choice

Sources

1. US News and World Report
2. PHDS.org

-----List Updated May 2018-----