WORLD CONGRESS
Song of an Ancient Earth

An unprecedented international multi-disciplinary conference exploring the Human Legacy of the Neolithic Transition

New archaeological discoveries in Anatolia have rewritten previous lessons about how we came to be who we are.  Yet, the development of global 21st-century society is a far bigger and more complex picture than the existing narrative presents, and the message is extraordinarily timely.   We’re going to assemble and share new findings in a variety of fields of study. We’re going to consider the ‘bigger picture’ and explore new methodologies for creating a responsible way for the public to engage with its meaning.

Now Inviting Position Papers  

The archaeological record has revealed one of the most consequential transformations in human history: the transition from mobile societies to settled communities and the emergence of new forms of social organization, technology, symbolism, and relationship with the natural world. Now that we have uncovered something extraordinary about our human past, let’s explore together what it reveals about today. The human side of the story is consequential, as will be elaborated by our keynote speakers. There are new findings to be shared and processed from fresh informed perspectives.

At a time when modern societies face growing challenges of isolation, mistrust, and declining community, deeper study is no longer only about the past. It is about the future. The story of humankind on the brink of monumental change begs to be examined not only by archaeologists, but also by anthropologists, psychologists, social workers, educators, neuroscientists, architects, artists, musicians, physicians, and anyone interested in the enduring question of what allows human communities to thrive.
This congress should result in a model that demonstrates how archaeological knowledge can be translated into living public humanities that museums, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and communities can adapt using their own collections, landscapes, and traditions.

Expected timeframe: end of March, 2027, subject to confirmation.  
Location will be announced very soon.
Proceedings will be published.
Reference: https://otsf.org/ancientearth

download .pdf from website
proposals, 200-word abstract or preliminary title may also be submitted before 04 SEP 26