The City Council's Land Use Committee failed to achieve quorum Monday, extending the wait for regulatory changes aimed at smoke shops linked to illegal drug activity.
Children practice archaeological excavation techniques during a previous La Sierra University Archaeology Discovery Weekend. This year's event on Nov. 15-16 will include similar hands-on activities. (Courtesy of La Sierra University)
La Sierra University will open its doors to the public for the 17th annual Archaeology Discovery Weekend on Nov. 15-16, offering free lectures, family activities, and cultural experiences focused on Alexander the Great and his impact on the ancient world.
The weekend event matters to Riverside families looking for educational activities, as it combines scholarly presentations with hands-on experiences designed for all ages. Registration is required but admission is free.
Saturday's program runs from 3-6 p.m. at the Zapara School of Business Troesh Conference Center, featuring lectures by international scholars. An evening reception will include guests from Madaba, Jordan.
Sunday's activities shift to a more interactive format. Lectures continue from 1-4 p.m. at the conference center, followed by family activities from 4-6 p.m. at the Lawrence T. Geraty and Douglas R. Clark Center for Near Eastern Archaeology.
Children can participate in a simulated archaeological dig and explore interactive stations including Greek name writing, pottery puzzles, 3D scanning demonstrations, and mosaic making. The evening concludes with a screening of "Night at the Museum."
A Bedouin tent will offer Middle Eastern refreshments and cultural activities, including traditional songs and dances led by Jordanian visitors.
Six scholars will present research on how Alexander the Great transformed politics, art, and daily life across the ancient world. Dr. Andrea M. Berlin, James R. Wiseman Chair at Boston University, will discuss "The Alexander Effect: An Archaeology of Celebrity." Dr. Jessica Nitschke of Stellenbosch University will analyze the Alexander Sarcophagus of Sidon. Dr. Kent Bramlett, La Sierra archaeology professor and center director, opens with "Alexander and the Great Cultural Exchange." Dr. Rachel Kousser of CUNY examines "Living Like a Persian King: How Alexander Transformed Everyday Life." Dr. Cynthia Finlayson presents "Alexander's Legacy and Cult: The Sibylline Oracle and the Quest for the Ideal Hellenistic Ruler." Theresa Shaw concludes with "The Significance of Alexander's Coinage in His Quest for Hegemony."
Panel discussions after each day's presentations will allow audiences to ask questions and interact with speakers.
All lectures will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Links will be available on the event webpage.
The archaeology center regularly hosts educational programs connecting the community with ongoing research. La Sierra faculty and students conduct excavations in Jordan and study artifacts from across the Near East.
