Speaker: Dr. Willeke WendrichUCLA’s Shire Archaeological Project works in the north of Ethiopia, in an area where perhaps Ethiopia’s most ancient town once stood. The site is badly destroyed because of modern gold diggers who pan the soil for tiny flecks of gold. In November and December 2016 our archaeological research went hand-in-hand with community outreach to explain why the ancient remains are important, which resulted in many new friends and a new catchy chant.