The Dirt Diaries
Join Dr. Tenninger Kellenbarger, an archaeologist and art historian, as she delves into ancient history, mythology, intricate artifacts, and more every other Wednesday beginning at 6 am EST. History, once forgotten, lives again here. Walk the halls with us as we tell their stories. Class is in session, and this is not your normal Indiana Jones adventure; it's so much more. These are the Dirt Diaries.
Episodes
At World's End: The Cave of Medusa
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! I hope you brought a mirror or a reflective shield, because we are heading to the edge of the world to take a peek inside Medusa's lair. Her image was found at the base of a pillar of Heracles a few years ago. So what was the image of a gorgon doing in a place connected to mythology? Who put her here and why?At world's end, we are looking for the answers!-
Dressing a Bronze Age Warrior: Arming an Ancient Hero
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! It is finally the time you all have been asking for: we are delving into the era of ancient Greek heroes and examining the helmets and shields available to Bronze Age warriors in the Aegean. And now that the full trailer is out, it's time we chatted about what we could have had. From me to you, I wish you all could see how incredible this time period is, and m
Chambers of the Queens: Merneith, Sobekneferu, and Hatshepsut
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are back in the tombs today to see what we have for three female rulers of Egypt: a mother who ensured Egypt would be there for her son to rule, a woman at the end of her family line, and one who has often been vilified for taking too much power from her step-son. Yes, we are talking about Merneith (dynasty I), Sobekneferu (dynasty XII), and Hatshepsut (dynasty
Cursing the Competition: Doing Anything For the Ancient Win
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! With baseball back, we are talking about how the ancients ensured their teams and favorite athletes would win. It's not just rally hats and cursing like a sailor; the ancients took it a step further by involving their gods when they wrote curse tablets to bind their competitors. What did they write? How graphic were these? And more importantly, did they work?
Copper Crash Out: The World's Oldest Complaint and the Most Infamous Conman
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are staying in Ur this week to discuss the oldest crash out we have on record! What happened to cause this? What broke the camel's back? And is this, in fact, an image of Ea-Nasir?We are talking all things hate mail and votive stares today, so bring your finest clay tablet as we talk the copper complaint of Ea-Nasir. -Stay curious!Travel with me, my socials
Monarchs of Mesopotamia: Who's Who In The Royal Cemetery of Ur
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are going on an ancient tour of sorts today as we analyze the evidence from the 16 graves at the Cemetery of Ur that Woolley termed royal. Who was buried here? Who were these tombs intended for? And what was found? Grab your shovel and notes, it's time to dig deeper into the Royal Cemetery of Ur.-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beac
No Man Will Find My Tomb: Legend or Legitimate Words From the Last Pharaoh of Egypt
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are analyzing the infamous words of the last pharaoh of Egypt. Did Cleopatra actually state that no man would find her tomb? Is this legit or a legend? And if so, when did it come about? We are trying to get to the bottom of this rumor that has seemingly become bigger than Cleopatra VII herself...But what do you think?-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, an
The Mummy: Analyzing What the 1999 Cinematic Masterpiece Got Right
Welcome back to Season 3 of the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are looking at what the 1999 cinematic masterpiece starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz got right in terms of ancient history, Egyptology, and more! From the curse of the Hom Dai, Imhotep, and the Book of the Dead, we are covering it all!-Stay Curious! Travel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
Closing the Tomb on 2025: Ancient Tattoos, a Forgotten Prince, Odysseus & More Top Finds
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! In this final episode of the season, we are going over some of my top finds of the year before we shut the tomb of 2025! From ancient tattoos, new Mesopotamian myths, a sanctuary to Odysseus, and a new Egyptian prince, we are covering it all here! Out of all of them listed, which was your favorite? If it wasn't mentioned, drop it below! Of course, after I film
Amulets of Antiquity: How Scarabs, Mjölnir, and More Protected Ancient Wearers
How did the ancients protect themselves with pendants? What were some of these amulets of antiquity? Well, we're exploring a few today, including a scarab, seals of Solomon, Mjölnir, and more! With all the holiday commercials showing jewelry of today, what were people wearing millennia ago? While every kiss begins with Kay, to the ancients, it may have been more along the lines of every talism
The Necromancy Cave: Ancient Rituals, Rites and Roman Mysteries
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are exploring the cave of skulls where ancient necromancies were believed to take place. What was found? What is necromancy? And could the ancient peoples actually raise the dead? Get ready for the Halloween episode with ghosts, spirits, scary stories, and more!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.
The Cursed Well of Athens: Ancient Magic and Curses 2300 years Later
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are delving into an ancient Greek well in the heart of Athens that turned up ancient curses! Who was cursed? What did they inflict? And what does this tell us about the people in ancient Athens?Get ready for another spooky season episode as we dive into ancient curses, magic, the underworld, and more!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with
The Tomb of Cerberus: Tales of the Underworld and an Ancient Hero
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries podcast! Today, as we welcome October, we are cracking open an ancient tomb to explore where archaeology and mythology meet! That's right, if you love Heracles or Greek Mythology this is the episode for you. From the labors of Heracles to the legends themselves, we are going into this Roman-era tomb that is slowly revealing its secrets. -Stay curiousWant more D
A Clash of Chariots & Kings: The Battle of Kadesh
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are getting into our war chariots to examine an ancient battle, one that pitted kings and empires against one another in the Bronze Age game of thrones. We are discussing armies, weapons, and the world's oldest peace treaty that emerged from this conflict. Who do you think won this round? As usual, I will be doing my make-up as I get ready with you a
Oldest Food: Ancient Eats and Crafting the World's Oldest Charcuterie
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! It's almost Fall, which means the season of baking, cooking, and more is upon us! Now, if you were to bring an appetizer to a party or gathering, what would you serve? Some bread? Maybe some cheese and wine? Well, today we are crafting our own version of an ancient charcuterie! So gather around, bring your own snacks and drinks, and let's dive in! Which would you
Ancient Initiation? Secrets of Pompeii's Villa of the Mysteries
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries. Today, we're exploring a secret room in the heart of an ancient villa that was preserved during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, known today as the Villa of the Mysteries, which may contain scenes of cultic activity.Is this room connected to initiation into the cult of Dionysus? You be the judge, as we also examine a find that was discovered 100 years later. Perh
Artemis of Ephesus: The Goddess, Her Art, and the Ancient Wonder of the World
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Crack open your mythology books because we are heading to the ancient temple to Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world! We're talking about her temple, the goddess, Alexander the Great, and why her art looks so different here. For those who love ancient history, mythology, and more, this is the episode for you. -Stay curiousWant more Dirt
Pylos Combat Agate and the Griffin Warrior
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are headed back to the Bronze Age to discuss the famed site of Pylos and this incredible find. Dating to approximately 1450 BCE, this grave and the agate belong to the man known as the Griffin Warrior. Who was he? Who was the victorious warrior? And how does this all fit into the Bronze Age? Let's dive in...-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon
Cleopatra's Dinner: The Most Expensive Meal Ever?!
Was this history’s most extravagant dinner? Well, we're diving into the legendary tale of Cleopatra’s lavish banquet, where it is said she dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar and then drank it. All to win a bet with Mark Antony. But what really happened that night?Was it opulence, science, or myth-making at its finest? Tune in for the fascinating blend of history, drama, and chemistry behind on
William the Hippo: The Mammal, the Myth, the Icon
At 4000 years old, this small blue hippo is anything but ancient history. We are delving into the beloved faience votive known today as William, who has become a museum icon in his own right. So, how did he get his name? Why was a hippo found in a tomb? And what else lies under his blue glaze...-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDir
The Priestess and Poet Who Became the World's Oldest Author
Before Homer and before the Bible, there was another. Her name was forgotten for thousands of years until Sir Leonard Woolley found her name and title at Ur. Daughter of Sargon the Great, she held power and authority as the head priestess to the Moon god Nanna. Virginia Wolfe is credited with stating that for most of history, anonymous was a woman. Yet today, a name rises from one of the cradles o
Gods & Griffins: Fantastical Beasts of the Ancient World
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Open up your mythology books and bestiaries for this episode as we explore these mythical monsters. To these ancient peoples, griffins weren't just legends; they were power personified, often found in the company of kings, queens, and gods. Mythology and legends live again today as we look at these fantastical beasts and where to find them.-Stay curiousWant mo
Bronze & Bloodshed: Ancient Weaponry in Egypt and the Aegean
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are going beyond the blade as we examine some of the weapons featured in the early scenes of power in Egypt and the Aegean. This is the weapons episode you have all been waiting for, as we travel back to the time of bronze and bloodshed.-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel
Monarchs to Mythology: Ancient Legends in Solo Leveling
I've watched the anime and read the manhwa, so we're diving into Solo Leveling, looking at connections to mythology and ancient history that you may have missed in episodes or even the opening!We're breaking down the elixir to life, Cerberus, and more as antiquity meets the world of S-ranked hunters. Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel wit
Titanic: Echoes in the Atlantic 113 years later
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are diving into the Titanic, its timeline of events, tales of heroism, and artifacts being sold. I have always been interested in this piece of history, so travel back 113 years as we examine the night she struck an iceberg.What can we learn from the messages, wreckage, and more? Well, we are just getting started.-Stay curiousP.S.- I highly recommend the
Prehistoric Goddess Figures? The World's Oldest Venus
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, I am diving into some of the oldest pieces of art, which are referred to as Venus figures, named after the Roman goddess of love, lust, sexuality, and more. These little ladies date anywhere from 40,000-16,000 years ago and continue to enchant viewers today!From the world's oldest depiction of a human to miniature goddess figures, we're diving into it all t
Elixir to Life: Ancient Quests for Immortality
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! I am diving into some of the most famed ancient quests for immortality with legends, men of myth, and of course an emperor who sought to have his dynasty for 10,000 generations!From one of the oldest epics in the world, to a tomb yet to be opened, we're diving into it all this week!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving
Mycenae: Greek Heroes and Grave Circle A
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! I am diving into the realm of mythology slightly with this episode as we delve into the site of Mycenae.Our buddy Heinrich Schliemann dug Grave Circle A after being sued for not sharing his treasure, so we are in for a treat! We're looking in the shaft graves and in the tomb of Agamemnon himself for this episode, so you won't want to miss it!-Stay curiousWant more
Eternally Yours: Ancient Love Poems
Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Since February is the month of love with Valentine, I thought it would be fun to go over some ancient love poems and songs and then... rank them. I go over everything from the world's oldest love songs to those written by Sappho and Plato and everything in between.
People may say ILY today, but someone in the ancient world said, " I wish I were Heaven,
with a bi
Queen Puabi: When Women Ruled
Welcome back to season 2 of the Dirt Diaries! So happy to be back, and what better way to dive back in than with the famed Queen Puabi and her tomb from the Royal Cemetery at Ur. From all of the beautiful grave goods and jewelry that were found still adorning her to the guards still protecting the front door and everything in between, including a possible death pit.
-Stay curious
Want more Dir
Burying 2024: Top Archaeological Discoveries
Welcome back, explorers! Dr. K is back for the last episode of the season, this time breaking down her top finds and, yes, ranking the top 3 of 2024!
Grab your scorecards and shovels as we rank the finds and bury 2024!
And these are the Dirt Diaries...
Follow Dr. K on social media:
https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtdiaries_
https://www.instagram.com/dirtdiaries_/
Travel with me to Egypt and China, take
Rematch: The World's Oldest Games
Welcome back explorers! Dr. K is back again this time to talk about some of the oldest board games in the world.
I'm diving into the games that swept the ancient world that even some of the famed rulers once played like King Tut and Queen Nefertari.
So grab your boards, pawns and die and let's dive into the realm of the oldest board games!
This isn't ancient aliens; this is the real thing.
And th
Till Death: Ancient Roman Weddings
Welcome back, explorers! Dr. K is back again, discussing all things ancient weddings—well, at least as they happened in ancient Rome! Inspiration struck as I just got back from my wedding, so grab your dresses, tuxedos, and rings because we're talking weddings then and now!
This isn't ancient aliens; this is the real thing.
And these are the DIrt Diaries...
Follow Dr. K on social media:
https:
Ancient Ghosts, Exorcists, and Hauntings
It's the end of October, which means it's time for Ancient Ghosts! What is the earliest ghost story? Do ghosts show up in art? What happens when things go bump in the night? Most importantly, who did you call in the ancient world when your house was haunted?
These are the Dirt Diaries...
From us to you, Happy Halloween!
*A note: the tablet depicting a ghost is from 1500 BCE*
Follow Dr. K on social
Ancient Crime: A Mummy Murder Mystery and The Harem Conspiracy
The year is 1155 BCE, and the pharaoh was just killed. Who was responsible for his untimely death? Were his assassins sent from abroad, or was he killed by someone he knew and trusted? This would become known as the harem conspiracy documented on the Turin Judicial Papyrus.
This ancient crime remained unsolved until recently, and we're breaking down potential areas where it took place, suspects, m
Ask An Archaeologist: Answering Your Burning Questions
The Dirt Diaries are back, and before we deep dive into some spooky episodes for October, I'm sitting down to answer your burning questions, including everything from what it took to get here to the age-old question: do archaeologists really lick bones?
These are the Dirt Diaries...
Join Patreon with all your tomb mates, be part of the copper crew, and see what's in the restricted section for ext
Cosmetics Of Antiquity: Ancient Makeup
The Dirt Diaries Podcast is back after a brief break while Dr. K was in Egypt! This episode is all about ancient makeup, where she talks about eye paint, blush, and khol. Did you know makeup has been found dating back over 5,000 years? That's right! Whether it's eye paint from Puabi's tomb, makeup kits from ancient Egypt, or face cream from Roman Britain, Dr. K is talking all about it here!
Grab y
Handbooks to the Afterlife: Funerary Texts of Ancient Egypt
Welcome back to another episode of the Dirt Diaries podcast! Dr. K is back and is talking about the ancient handbooks for the recently deceased in ancient Egypt. Did you know the Book of the Dead wasn't the only funerary text? That's right; she's covering the three used for over two thousand years. What are these texts? How did they help? Was the journey to the afterlife scary?
These
Hobby Lobby and Stolen Art: The Epic of Gilgamesh, Dead Sea Scrolls and More
The Dirt Diaries are back again this week with another crazy topic! Did you know a craft store bought stolen art and forgeries? Well, now you do! That's right, Dr. K is talking all about the multiple times Hobby Lobby got caught in the illegal antiquities trade!
Why did they buy it? How did this happen more than once? And more importantly, how does the Epic of Gilgamesh fit into it all?
These
The First Emperor of China: Quests For Immortality & The Terracotta Army
In this week's episode, we are moving from Mesopotamia over to China as we cover the period of the warring states, the first emperor of China, his quest for immortality, and, of course, his terracotta army.
How was this game of thrones won when China was not unified? What secrets does his tomb hold? And did he consume mercury?
These are The Dirt Diaries...
Join Patreon with all your tomb ma
The World's Oldest Complaint: The Infamous Copper Dealings From Ea-Nasir
Welcome back, everyone! We are diving into a new episode all about the infamous businessman from ancient Mesopotamia! That's right—we're staying at the site of Ur to investigate the world's oldest complaint!
At almost 4000 years old, what was the complaint about? Copper! But is there more to the story, or was this just a one-off? And who was our guy, Ea-Nasir?
Patreon Dirt Diaries n
The Death Pits of Ur: Treasures, Royal Tombs, and Tales of Death
Welcome back, explorers! Dr. K is back with a new episode about the death pits in the royal cemetery at Ur. This cemetery, which houses over 1800 graves, was uncovered during a joint expedition between the British Museum and the University of Pennsylvania.
Sir Leonard Woolley uncovered riches never before seen and also stumbled on a find that would take the news by storm: the death pits of Ur.
War On The Gods: The Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaten
Crack open your books. The Dirt Diaries is back again, with Dr. K delving into one of the most well-known pharaohs in ancient history: Akhenaten. As a ruler during Dynasty XVIII, he had everything in place for him to succeed, but his new religion would shake Egypt to its very core when he decided to wage war on the gods.
Want more ancient symbols, amulets, and superstitions of the Mediterranean w
Secrets of the Uluburun: The Ancient Shipwreck, The Riches On Board, And More!
Welcome back, explorers! Ready to get wet? Because The Dirt Diaries is back again with Dr. K discussing the Bronze Age shipwreck, the Uluburun. She's talking about the riches on board, the final stop and answering the question, how much did the contents on the ship cost?
Can't get enough ancient history, archaeology news, and more from Dr. K, be sure to subscribe to her Instagram or her
Ink of Eternity: Tattoos of the Ancient World
Welcome back, explorers! The Dirt Diaries is back again, and Dr. K discusses ancient ink and tattoos of the ancient world. While there are many incredible examples of tattoos from antiquities, we are looking at a few from Pharaonic Egypt and prehistoric Europe!
Want more on ancient symbols, amulets, superstitions of the Mediterranean world, and mythology, be sure to check out Styx and Bones with
I Curse You! Tomb Curses of the Ancient World
Crack open your books as the Dirt Diaries is back again to discuss actual tomb curses of the ancient world, specifically from the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Egypt!
While the curse of the mummy was actually more myth than reality, you won't want to miss these tomb curses from ancient history! Dr. K is covering it all from Old Kingdom Egypt to the second century in the Levant!
Want more on tomb
The Curse of the Mummy: From Royalty to Rumors
The Dirt Diaries is back again, discussing the curse of the mummy that had people during the 1920s in an absolute chokehold following the famous discovery of none other than the boy king, Tutankhamun.
Whether you have heard of this curse or love King Tut, you won't want to miss Dr. K's break down everything from Ancient Egypt to Egyptomania.
While The Dirt Diaries air biweekly, you can
Can You Dig It? Tales, Tombs, And Top Finds
Welcome to The Dirt Diaries! I am Dr. Tenninger Kellenbarger, and I will be your guide as we uncover ancient history.
Today's episode is all about answering some of my top questions that I get as an archaeologist and art historian, followed by what you can expect this season, and finally, wrapping up with some of my top archaeological finds of 2023.
While The Dirt Diaries are biweekly, you c
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