What is the relationship between Sherlock Holmes, Horacio Caine, Temperance 鈥淏ones鈥� Brennan, and Archaeology?

What is the role of Archaeology at crime scenes?

Why the CSI effect is so relevant during forensic investigations?

To celebrate the , AUR hosts a lecture in which the importance of Archaeology at crime scenes to help forensic investigations will be illustrated - and a mock crime scene will be created in which the public will be involved.

Forensic Archaeology combines remote sensing, archaeological, taphonomic, and criminalistic knowledge to localize, document, and interpret forensic evidence and patterns at a crime scene. Less famous, but equally important, is the employment of forensic archeologists to prove the origin of archaeological finds and works of art subjected to clandestine excavations and illegal trafficking, to draw up expert opinions, and assessments of damage to cultural heritage and archaeological finds and confiscated artworks.

Differently from 鈥減ure鈥� Archeology, Forensic Archaeology works in a legal context, in many countries, with different legal systems but sharing common grounds. The main point of this discipline is the ability to cooperate among scientists of different disciplines and law enforcers, trying to sort out forensic evidence and to solve a case.

鈥淭he simplest solution is most likely the right one.鈥�
William of Ockham

Presented by Professor聽Pier Matteo Barone.聽

Dr. Pier Matteo Barone is an adjunct faculty member of the American University of Rome teaching courses on archaeological methodology, geophysical techniques (GPR, in particular) and forensic archaeology, as well as courses on the archaeology and heritage of Rome and the eastern Mediterranean.聽

His research is centered on different remote sensing applications to better understand the archaeological landscape. He is also a recognized expert in forensic archaeology employed to testify in criminal and civil cases. He was a co-investigator in a three-year research project (FIRB 2012) with the geological institute of CNR (IGAG) investigating marble quarries of the Greco-Roman world in Turkey.

Finally, he has聽authored over聽one hundred publications聽on these topics, he聽has聽presented several papers in national and international conferences, he has appeared on national public/private radio, TV, and magazines, and he is co-editor and reviewer of several international peer-reviewed journals.

International Archaeology Day is held each year on the third Saturday of October.

International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery. Every October the AIA and archaeological organizations across the United States, Canada, and abroad present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, a lecture or a classroom visit from an archaeologist, the interactive, hands-on International Archaeology Day programs provide the chance to indulge your inner Indiana Jones.