Lecture – Evolution’s Bite: A Story of Teeth, Diet, and Human Origins by Peter Ungar
Like living fossils teeth that can be studied and compared to those of our ancestors to teach us how we became human. Cutting-edge advances in understanding human evolution and climate change are leading to new approaches to uncovering dietary clues from fossil teeth. Paleoanthropologist Peter Ungar will present how teeth–their shape, chemistry, and wear–reveal how we came to be and what might or might not be the most natural diet for humans.
Dr. Peter Ungar is director of the Environmental Dynamics Program at the University of Arkansas.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 – 6:30 PM
Lecture – Eye of the Storm: Archeology in the Midst of War in Syria by Giorgio & Marilyn Buccellati
While ISIS threatens the history and cultural identity of the populations under its control, people are fighting their influence in every way they can–for example, by defending their cultural heritage. This presentation will document how an important archaeological site in northeastern Syria, ancient Urkesh has become a beacon of hope. It is the only foreign expedition that has remained active in Syria throughout the entire time of the war, and still is today.
Urkesh was a city-state of the Hurrians within the Mesopotamian cultural sphere. While the Hurrian population died out thousands of years ago, their cultural heritage is still felt as deeply alive: the close collaboration between the expedition and the local stakeholders has become a model of its kind, showing how archaeology can communicate values and help fostering a proud sense of identity.
This evening’s lecture presented by Crossroads Cultural Center will be given by three distinguished experts. Dr. Giorgio Buccellati is Director of the Mesopotamian Lab at UCLA’s Cotsen Institute of Archeology. Dr. Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati is director of the Mozan/Urkesh Archaeological Project in Syria. Dr. Charles Stewart is Associate Professor of Art History at the University of St. Thomas.
Crossroads Cultural Center receives $6 off nonmember price with coupon code LEC$6off for the April 20 lecture.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Members $12, Tickets $18
Final Weeks of Mummies Of The World At HMNS
Come face to face with the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. The exhibit provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. With over 1.5 million nationwide visitors experiencing Mummies of the World to date, the display at The Houston Museum of Natural Science is the regional premiere!
Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification. Through modern science, engaging interactive and multi-media exhibits featuring 3-D animation, explore how mummies are created, where they come from and who they were. Using state-of-the-art scientific methodology, discover how modern science enables researchers to study mummies through innovative and non-invasive ways, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.
What secrets do mummies hold about the past? What clues do they bring us for the future? A journey awaits as we unravel their mysteries.
Exhibition ends May 29th
