480: Roger Atwood | Stealing History

Roger Atwood (@rogeratwood) knows where priceless antiquities are buried, who is digging them up, and who is fencing and buying them, as described in his book Stealing History: Tomb Raiders, Smugglers, and the Looting of the Ancient World.

What We Discuss with Roger Atwood: How abhorrent colonial looting practices of the past pale in comparison to the streamlined, market-driven illicit antiquities trading of today. Contrary to popular depiction, illicit antiquities traders aren't marginalized hustlers scrambling to put food on the table, but savvy businesspeople following the demand that leads to a hefty payday. How well-connected and wealthy collectors perpetuate this market by requesting and purchasing relics on demand in the same way most of us would order pizza. Why this on-demand artifact mill irrevocably destroys more than it rescues from the unknown past and ruins sites beyond the context of legitimate archaeological salvageability. On a positive note: what can be done to stem the tide for this wasteful demand so future generations might still enjoy what's yet to be discovered. And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/480

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