AIA Annual Meeting

The ANNUAL MEETING of the AIA
will be coming to
San Antonio
January 6-9, 2011

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

The Southwest Texas Archaeological Society [SWTAS] was founded in 1967. We are a local society of the Archaeological Institute of America [AIA],North America's oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology. The AIA promotes a vivid and informed public interest in the cultures and civilizations of the past, supports archaeological research, fosters the sound professional practice of archaeology, advocates the preservation of the world's archaeological heritage, and represents the discipline in the wider world. AIA members include professional archaeologists, students and people from all walks of life.

The AIA fosters local societies across the United States and Canada. In Texas, besides SWTAS, which serves the greater San Antonio community, there are local societies in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin.

Several times a year, the Southwest Texas Archaeological Society, with the support of the AIA, brings renowned archaeologists to San Antonio to give presentations on their work. The lectures are pitched at a level suitable for both professional archaeologists and the general public. From time to time, the SWTAS also holds fundraising banquets and other events to support its lecture program. Its local operation is run totally by a volunteer board. We would be delighted if you would like to help us out. It's as little or as much work as you want to do.

Lecture: Floods of the Tiber in Ancient Rome

Thursday, Oct 21, 7:30p

Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University

 Lectures are free and open to the general public. All begin at 7:30PM and last approximately one hour, with a reception aftewards. All lectures will be held at the Chapman Auditorium (Trinity University).

The lecture series is made possible by the Archaeological Institute of America, the Southwest Texas Archaeological Society, and and the Department of Classical Studies, Trinity University.

Dr. Greg Aldrete
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Floods of the Tiber in Ancient Rome:
The Eternal City Goes Under

Ancient Rome was perhaps the largest and most architecturally sophisticated western city until the Victorian era, but this impressive metropolis was frequently the victim of violent floods. The Tiber river could rise as much as 15 meters above normal water levels and left large sections of the city submerged for up to a week at a time. This lecture will survey the history and characteristics of these floods, their effects on the city, and how the Romans attempted to prevent or alleviate flooding. Finally, it will suggest some surprising ways in which ancient Rome was unusually well-suited to surviving the onslaught of these natural disasters. As we have seen with the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and recurrent flooding in the Midwest, floods remain a serious threat today. Given this reality, it is worth examining how the largest city of the ancient world met this danger.

BESTFEST

SO Bestfest is November 5th this year. I went to the lottery today. We are selling Ambrosia. I'll let you know more information when I get it. AND OF COURSE....Always remember Meetings are Wednesday 3PM In the Craven Room MB 2.314

Officers

Hey Guys
we've had new officers for a couple weeks now. I thought I'd let you know who we are.
Consul: Lisa Vogel, Curtis Carter

Praetor: Dan Latourette

Aedile: James Gutierrez

Scriba: Kate Jones
Tribune: (ME)Felicia Gregg

Archeology Day

10:00 - 3:00 Sat 9 Oct, Mission San José

In celebration of Texas Archaeology month, Southwest Texas Archaeological Society (SWTAS) will participate in Archaeology Day. The SWTAS contribution will be a display about the Roman influence on the New World via the Spanish. Hands-on activities for children

will include assembling a large Roman (styrofoam) arch, and cutting and folding paper models of the missions that can be taken home. They need volunteers to man the booth and especially to help with hands-on activities. Shifts will last from 8:30 - 1200 (set-up and morning) and 12:00 - 3:30 (afternoon and clean up). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Laura Childs, 210-977-6100 or 210-494-3820, Laura.Childs@us.af.mil.

Classics Meetings

EVERY WEDNESDAY

3:00-4:00 PM · Craven Room, MB 2.314

Come all who have an interest in classics