Statistical analysis aims to solve Greek volcano mystery
Sturt Manning has zeroed in on a much narrower range of dates, approximately 1609–1560 BCE, for the eruption on Santorini, a pivotal event in the prehistory of the region.
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Linking archaeology and material studies through multidisciplinary collaboration
About Us
In 2012 we launched the Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies (CIAMS), a unique initiative that links archaeology and material studies through multidisciplinary collaboration among a wide range of departments and units. The new Institute grows out of Cornell’s long-standing Archaeology Program. Founded in 1967, the Archaeology Program is one of the few entities in the United States to offer both an undergraduate major and master’s degree in archaeology. We seek to combine theory and method, practice and analysis.
Explore Our Program
Giving to CIAMS:
Archaeology has always depended on private and public philanthropy. You can support a variety of excavations, student research, and Cornell archaeology generally, with your tax deductible, charitable donation. Whether you’re a philanthropist, charity, parent or just concerned individual who wants to invest in the future of education and research while discovering the past, giving is easy by following this link:
Archaeology News
Archaeological conference expands discussion beyond colonial roots
'We saw this conference as a way to expand the conversation beyond Cornell.'
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Report shows near-total erasure of Armenian heritage sites
The study compiled decades of high-resolution satellite imagery from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.
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Ice Age human footprints discovered in Utah desert
Altogether 88 footprints were documented, including both adults and children, offering insight into family life in the time of the Pleistocene.
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Humanities students present diverse research projects
Humanities students studying an array of topics presented their work at the A.D. White House.
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'I met so many great people through the Humanities Scholars Program'
Emma Van Metre is a history and archaeology major.
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New review article brings archaeology into the science of weeds
Medieval Studies PhD candidate Alice Wolff teamed up with scientists from CALS to publish a new open-access review article in Weed Science this past February titled, “In the ruins: the neglected link between archaeology and weed science.” Antonio DiTommaso, Professor of Weed Science and Chair of the...
Read MoreIndigenous-Cornell partnership publishes Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ history
CIAMS faculty member Kurt Jordan worked with members of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ community in writing a new book for the Tompkins County Historical Commission, “The Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ People in the Cayuga Lake Region: A Brief History,” published earlier this year. The book addresses a significant gap in records...
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Alumni Spotlight: Samuel Disotell
Congratulations to former CIAMS M.A. student Samuel Disotell (M.A. '21), who successfully defended his master's thesis this past December. Sam's thesis is titled, "An Analysis of Faunal Materials From the White Springs Site, a 17th-18th Century Seneca Town in Upstate New York." Sam's research interests are in zooarchaeology; ritual, ceremony and feasting; inequality; and Neolithic Europe. Sam was also a founding member of the Archaeological Science Group at Cornell, one of two graduate groups affiliated with CIAMS.
Click here to explore profiles of our current CIAMS graduate students, and here to view a list of our CIAMS alumni and their thesis and dissertation titles.