Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Westchester

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 3:00 PM

Daniel T. Potts’75, Ph.D. ’80, will discuss the archaeology and history of ancient Iran. Professor Potts is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the ancient Near East. He is Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and History at New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World.

Professor Potts will reflect upon his engagement with Iran archaeologically, historically, and personally since he first went on an excavation there, 50 years ago, as a Harvard undergraduate. A question and answer period will follow his slide presentation and commentary, and refreshments will be served.

Topics expected to be discussed include: the selection of excavation sites; modern methods of archaeology; discoveries made by Professor Potts and others in Iran; the civilization of Elam; the introduction of writing in the lands now known as Iran; and bloody royal successions. Professor Potts also will offer his thoughts about what has changed in Iran over the past 50 years - including what has been learned, and what remains to be learned. 

Professor Potts is recognized by his colleagues as the world’s leading expert on Elam, and is the author of the definitive book, The Archaeology of Elam: Formation and Transformation of an Ancient Iranian State, among other scholarly books. He has conducted many excavations in the Near East, including in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Professor Potts has taught at the Free University of Berlin (1981-86), the University of Copenhagen (1980-81; 1986-1991), and the University of Sydney (1991-2012). For more information about his career, please see his NYU webpage here. 

Professor Potts and his wife, the noted sculptor Hildreth Potts, have lived in Garrison since returning to America from Australia nine years ago. Hildy Potts also is an archaeological illustrator, having studied that at Harvard (ABE '77). We’re delighted that Dan and Hildy are members of our Harvard-Radcliffe Club of the Hudson Valley.

Please click here to purchase tickets for this event via Eventbrite.