Upcoming talk compares ancient Egypt to ancient Arkansas

Melissa Zabecki, of the Arkansas Archeological Survey, will present “How Does Ancient Egypt Stack Up Against Ancient Arkansas? The Results Might Surprise You!” at the October meeting of the Ouachita Chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society. This talk will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Hugo Room in the CIC Building at Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, 200 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs. The event is free and open to the public.

Most people think of ancient Egypt or other large civilizations in far off lands when they think of archaeology. Aside from Cahokia, North American archaeological sites are rarely the focus of History Channel shows or Archaeology Magazine articles. In this presentation, you will see if the accomplishments of the pre-contact groups living in what is now Arkansas are just as impressive, if not more impressive than the ancient Egyptians’ activities. Spoiler alert: ancient Arkansas wins!

Zabecki is the Arkansas State Archeologist. She began her career as an ancient Egyptian bioarchaeologist. She became a Park Interpreter for Arkansas State Parks, where she not only became well-versed in educating the public, but learned about American archaeology. Mel joined the Arkansas Archeological Survey as their Education Outreach Coordinator and then moved into the State Archeologist position. As State Archeologist, Mel collaborates with the Arkansas Archeological Survey station archeologists, multiple federal and state agencies, as well as private citizens to help spread awareness of the rich history of Arkansas and the importance of protecting archaeological sites from destruction.

The Arkansas Archeological Survey’s research station at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia holds regular Archaeology Lab Days. Students and members of the public are invited to come by the research station in Proctor Hall on Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to learn more about archaeology in Arkansas. For more information, contact Clay Newton at 870-230-5463.