Why was Canaan/Palestine/Israel such desired territory in ancient times? I'm talking before Jerusalem became an important holy site. Is it just because the area was situated between other important civilizations and was therefore a trading hub? It doesnt seem like it was exactly rich in natural resources. Also, why did Jerusalem end up being the capitol of the Kingdom of Israel instead of someplace like Jaffa which seems to be a more convenient location for trade?
posted by minicloud on Sep 25, 2008 - 8 answers

My father has recently found a stock certificate for 500 shares of Norpoint Exploration Limited (issued or certified by Sterling Trusts Corporation out of Toronto on April 22, 1966). This has been living in a junk drawer since 1966 or so, if I had to guess. He's convinced that he's hit the jackpot but I can't find much in the way of information on either of these companies which leads me to think that he hasn't found anything of value. Given that Google isn't helping, who should he talk to about this? Has he found something of value?
posted by pookzilla on Jun 1, 2008 - 6 answers

Where can I learn about cities that are built over older cities? I'm more interested in the older cities and what those ruins can teach us. [more inside]
posted by clockworkjoe on Feb 26, 2008 - 15 answers

I have a research paper to write for my Archeology class. It can be on anything, as long as it pertains to archeology, i.e., technique, a tool used, etc. Any suggestions on a topic that would be interesting and relatively easy to find information on? [more inside]
posted by Breo on Nov 13, 2007 - 26 answers

What are the best grad schools that specialize in forensic archaeology? [more inside]
posted by danb on Oct 1, 2007 - 10 answers

Is there any (circumstantial) evidence that ancient people performed 'archeology' or 'paleontology'? [more inside]
posted by Harry on May 23, 2006 - 15 answers

How to convert late 1980s/1990s vintage ANM Deluxe Paint animations to animated GIFs/PNGs? [more inside]
posted by meehawl on Dec 3, 2005 - 15 answers

I recently came into possession of a book called Archeology of the Florida Gulf Coast by Gordon R. Willey with a copyright of 1949. I would like to know what it's worth. It is in good condition - not great, but good. Googling allowed me to find a reprint edition from 1973 priced at $85.00, but I can't find the value of an original 1949 copy. [more inside]
posted by wsg on Nov 5, 2005 - 6 answers

What are some things once thought of as mythic, legendary, or folk tales, but know thought or known to be real? [more inside]
posted by orthogonality on Mar 25, 2005 - 44 answers

London Historical Site Filter (come in, come in) [more inside]
posted by LarryC on Jan 31, 2005 - 7 answers