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Dr MacGinnis co-won the award for the publication of his book 'Ziyaret Tepe: Exploring the Anatolian Frontier of the Assyrian Empire' (2018).

The Holton Book Award is given for excellence in communicating the excitement and importance of archaeology to the general public. The book was commended for its "highlighting with detailed richness, the process of archaeological fieldwork focusing on an 18-year span (1997-2014) of excavation at Ziyaret Tepe in southeastern Turkey in a vibrant, exciting and engaging manner."

Published in 2018, Ziyaret Tepe shares scientific research at the Neo-Assyrian (9th-7th century BC) provincial capital of Tušhan, a major archaeological site on the Tigris River. The book contains significant research findings while offering a window into the daily process of conducting such research including perspectives from students and scientists of a wide range of experience and from many nations.

Importantly, the book is published in both English and Turkish to increase its reach to general readers.  In its award, the committee noted that the book “brings the daily life of this extended, multi-year dig to vivid life for readers in a way that genuinely excites an interest in archaeology."

The formal award took place at the meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America in San Diego in early January.

The publication of Ziyaret Tepe: Exploring the Anatolian Frontier of the Assyrian Empire (2018) was funded through the generous support of Erhan Öner and Tekfen Holding AS. More information on the dig at Ziyaret Tepe can be read here.

Date awarded

17 January 2019

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