In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective discussion, Professor Kaufman explores what archaeology really is—not treasure hunting, but the study of the human experience under pressure. He explains how civilizations collapse, how political systems and environmental instability interact, and why patterns from the ancient Mediterranean still matter today.
The conversation moves beyond artifacts into questions that resonate strongly with students: Why do societies repeat the same mistakes? What role does faith play in building communities? Why does community seem harder to maintain in the modern world? And what can archaeology teach us about climate volatility, scarcity, and resilience?
Professor Kaufman also shares personal reflections on failure, academic uncertainty, identity, and meaning—offering students a rare look at the human side of scholarship. Along the way, he discusses trade as a force for peace, the institutionalization of religion, lost technologies, and why understanding the past is essential to navigating the future.
Watch the interview with Professor Brett Kaufman HERE.