Unsealing the Past

Unsealing the Past

Update: 2025-12-17
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Description

What can small lumps of clay reveal about the past? Archaeologist Dr. Siobhan Shinn takes us inside her work on clay sealings from sites in Egypt and Sudan. These unassuming objects once secured letters, containers, and buildings, but they also preserve subtle traces that help us understand ancient administrative practices and the people behind them. In our conversation, we explore how careful observation and giving things a second glance can open up new ways of seeing the past.

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📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/unsealing-the-past/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

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Unsealing the Past

Unsealing the Past

Dr. Smiti Nathan