About

Archaeoporn n. – Archaeology utilizing selective analysis of facts and evidence to either entertain or prove a point predetermined by the individuals involved. Frequently, the individuals involved seek to oppose scholarly work due to personal offense or rejection. Such works generally appeal to popular crowds, and are presented in venues targeting such without any peer review. -

This blog is devoted to archaeology, religion, and pseudo-science. All too often archaeology and religion are misused, either through ignorance or purposeful deceit. Unfortunately, many archaeologists and scholars who are able to oppose such misuse do not, because of the overwhelming nature of those who choose the path of pseudo-archaeology. This is a dangerous situation, because while such work often only spreads misinformation, it has frequently been used to support unethical agendas.

Thaddeus Nelson is a PHD student at Stony Brook University in Long Island, studying in the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Science, with a focus on archaeology of Iron Age Syria-Palestine. Before this, he attended Columbia University for and MA in Religions of Late Antiquities and Rutgers University where he received a combined BS in Computer Science and Religion with an accompanying minor in anthropology.
His major area of study is Iron Age religion and ethnicity, which he is currently exploring through consumption choices evident through faunal remains. Past research includes an honors thesis on the impact of Zoroastrianism on postexilic Judaism and encyclopedia articles on the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia, Biblical oral tradition, Mesopotamian archaeology and the Bible, and Canaanite child sacrifice.

Besides all of this, he knits, crochets, kayaks, and travels.