“I am proud to partner with the University of Michigan and the Kelsey Museum to launch the five Klinsky Expeditions seeking breakthroughs in archaeology, along with educational outreach,” said Steve Klinsky, founder and CEO of New Mountain Capital and a 1976 LSA graduate (B.A. economics and political philosophy). “The University of Michigan and the Kelsey Museum offer one of the greatest archaeology programs in the world. As a Michigan native, U-M alumnus, and lifelong lover of history and archaeology, I am pleased to support them.”
The Kelsey Museum, established in 1928, houses over 100,000 artifacts from Mediterranean countries like Egypt, Greece, and Italy. Open from Tuesday to Sunday with free admission, the museum provides resources and programming such as tours and lectures for the university community, K-12 students, educators, and the public.
The five Klinsky Expedition projects are:
Battlefields of the Punic Wars
This team will explore lost battlefields from the wars between Rome and Carthage, aiming to locate an ancient battle site. Following the discovery, efforts will center on understanding soldiers’ lives and deaths through DNA, pathologies, diets, and weapons. Michigan archaeologists will collaborate with local experts to enhance findings.
U-M Project Lead(s): David Stone
Finding Ancient Napata: Lost City on the Nile
The project team will study the ancient city of Napata near Jebel Barkal along the Nile River in northern Sudan. Known for its historical significance as the capital of the Kushite kings, who ruled Egypt as its 25th Dynasty, the team will work with Sudanese archaeologists to reconstruct the city.
U-M Project Lead(s): Geoff Emberling
The Northern Masters of Eurasia: Nomadic Elites at the Dawn of the Silk Roads
In Kazakhstan, the team will investigate burial sites of Eurasian nomads, who historically have been seen as uncivilized but were actually key players in early global trade. The exploration of their tombs may reveal how they contributed to the Silk Roads, showcasing their role in ancient globalization.
U-M Project Lead(s): Bryan Miller
Dust, Beads and Genes: Pinpointing Our African Origins with Ancient DNA
Traveling to various African archaeological sites, the team will extract DNA from ancient jewelry and sediments to explore human origins. While evidence suggests humans originated in Africa, this project aims to determine the exact location using advanced DNA extraction techniques.
U-M Project Lead(s): Brian Stewart
A Moonshot Under Water: Discovering Ancient Hunting Sites Beneath the Great Lakes
Utilizing innovative submarine technology, this project will explore an underwater area in Lake Huron, likened to Pompeii. Preserved for 11,500 years, it includes rooted trees and stone structures, offering a unique glimpse into ancient hunting practices.
U-M Project Lead(s): John O’Shea
For more about Archaeology at Michigan, visit the website. To learn about the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, visit the museum website.
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