Archaeology

Our archaeologists focus on complex societies and are involved in a variety of fieldwork around the globe. 

Particular projects include:

• Contract Archaeology Program
• Elymi Project in Sicily
• Northern Rio Grande Project
• Na Heiau O Maui in Hawaii
• Research in Coastal Peru

Archaeology Research News

• NIU archaeologist, students uncover possible medieval mosque in Sicily
• NIU scientist traces roots of civilization on Hawaiian island of Maui to 13th century
• Field trip is golden for student archaeologists
• In search of the lost city of Alicia
• Archaeologists shed new light on Americas’ earliest known civilization
• Icon discovery pushes back emergence of ancient religion by a millennium
• Archaeologists say Peru was home to the Americas' oldest pyramids, cities 

Winifred Creamer, an NIU Presidential Research Professor of Anthropology, is part of a team of scientists who have determined Peru was home to the Americas’ oldest cities. Creamer takes students with her each summer to dig at these ancient sites.