X Marks the Spot cover art

X Marks the Spot

The Story of Archaeology in Eight Extraordinary Discoveries

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X Marks the Spot

By: Michael Scott
Narrated by: Michael Scott
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About this listen

A thrilling and adventurous new history of discovery that takes us on a global tour of the most fascinating archaeological finds of all time.

Uncovering the physical remains of our past is a quintessential human itch; the pursuit of every society from the ancients through to today. But the stories behind archaeological exploration and discovery - what we look for when, what we end up finding, and what we then do with it - tell us as much about ourselves today as they do about the past.

Through eight sensational stories of discovery, Professor Michael Scott traces the evolution of modern archaeology from colonial expeditions to today's cutting-edge digs, unearthing traps, curses and buried treasure along the way. We uncover why different periods and places have caught our attention and imaginations at different times. We meet the characters, some celebrated and some forgotten, who found world-famous discoveries like the Rosetta Stone, the Terracotta Warriors and Machu Picchu. We investigate ancient human footprints, stunning shipwrecks, mythical princesses and surprising rituals as keyholes to the wonders of past civilisations. And we unravel how archaeological finds have often become emblems of modern fascinations and dilemmas.

Crossing millions of years, trekking from the jungles of South America to the frozen highlands of Central Asia, X Marks the Spot reveals how much the discovery of our past is intertwined with the concerns of our present and why X never, ever marks the spot.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Michael Scott (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Ancient Archaeology Discovery
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Critic reviews

If you love Indiana Jones, this is the real thing. Michael Scott celebrates the fusion of scholarship and adventure in a book full of both. (DAN SNOW)
Through eight of history's most audacious acts of discovery, Michael Scott tells us the story of archaeology itself. This is a thrilling investigation of humankind's obsession with the physical remains of its past. (SUZANNAH LIPSCOMB)
A fascinating book; both as a greatest hits compendium of archaeological breakthroughs, and as a subtle examination of how "discovery" has evolved. In tracing Archaeology's journey, Professor Michael Scott shows that "discovery" often required more than just courage, persistence, and talent, but also geopolitical pressure, local knowledge, dubious ethical choices, and pure blind luck! (GREG JENNER)

What listeners say about X Marks the Spot

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Fascinating selection of archaeological highlights

Excellent selection of world archaeology told with engaging enthusiasm by the author. His knowledge and authority of his subject are evident throughout and make for compelling listening.

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I loved this book!

Such great stories, told very enthusiastically by the author himself. He really has a great way of developing a plot - of actual real events. I’d love some more :)

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Real life ‘Indiana Jones’ stories

A fascinating book that gives a page turning account of some of the most important archaeological finds of the last two centuries. Indomitable characters working determinedly for decades, but also with a liberal sprinkling of good luck. Michael Scott’s narration is perfect and he obviously still loves these stories. I listened to the whole thing in one sitting and I will probably go back and listen to each story again at some point to catch anything that I might have missed in my enthusiasm to find out the outcomes initially!

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things I knew, things I didn't!

loved the background given to some of our biggest discoveries,and the characters who found them.

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So glad I got the audiobook

This was really entertaining and informative. It was read beautifully by the author. I wish i could hear more!

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Brilliant

I absolutely loved listening to this, only downside is it's made me really want to visit all the sites!

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A really engaging account of archaeology

A truly fantastic read, with a very diverse and interesting selection of archaeological "discoveries." Really appreciated the rich levels of detail when creating the context of each discovery.

Was very hard to put down.

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Fantastic read

Each ‘find’ is uniquely revealed. Fascinating and well executed. Amazing stories surrounding them. Very well articulated.

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Wonderful Listen, Gripping and Educational

Prof Michael Scott brings his own usual, enthusiastic dulcet tones to this wonderful collection of 8 stories about important archaeological finds. They are all fascinating and gripping and, as is always the case with Proff Scott, told in language which makes the subject really interesting and understandable for those of us who are not great scholars! I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it - a “must listen” in my opinion

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Facts presented as stories. A Great listen!

I enjoyed the enthusiasm and ability to put fact into story. I literally improved my knowledge of geography by checking out maps a as well as knowledge of art by realising how influential the broken figurines were for art in the 20th century.

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