Dr. Jay Silverstein: A Global Explorer and Forensic Archaeologist

Dr. Jay Silverstein: A Global Explorer and Forensic Archaeologist

Dr. Silverstein is a renowned anthropologist and forensic archaeologist with a global reach. His career has taken him to some of the world's most historically significant sites.

In Egypt, he has led expeditions to the ancient city of Thmouis, uncovering lost temples, a manufacturing center for the renowned Mendesian perfume, the Chanel No. 5 of the Ancient World. He has also found new evidence related to the rise and fall of Cleopatra VII. He also discovered the first direct archaeological evidence of the events discussed on the Rosetta Stone.

Closer to home, Dr. Silverstein has been involved in archaeological digs at Sutton Hoo in the UK, where he has contributed to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon history. He has also conducted research in Mexico and Guatemala, exploring ancient civilizations including their imperial and military practices, and the circumstances of the collapse of the Maya and Aztec states.

Beyond his archaeological pursuits, Dr. Silverstein has worked closely with the US military to locate missing soldiers from past wars. His innovative techniques and dedication to this cause have earned him national recognition. Dr. Silverstein has published on various subjects including military Archaeology, Mesoamerican Archaeology, Egyptian Archaeology, and Evolutionary Theory.

As an Explorer with the National Geographic Society, Dr. Silverstein has had the opportunity to share his discoveries with the world through popular media. His work has been featured in newspapers, on television, and in National Geographic Documentaries, most recently in the Lost Treasures of the Bible and the exploration of the evidence related to Moses and the Exodus.

1. Empires of Bronze and Gold
Journey through the ancient Mediterranean world and witness the birth of money. From the earliest Persian coins to the Imperial currencies of Rome, explore the evolution of money and its impact on ancient civilizations.

2. Escape from Pompeii
Discover the tragic tale of Pompeii, buried by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. Explore the science behind volcanic disasters and learn about the fate of Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist who perished while trying to rescue victims.

3. Ghosts of WWII
Join Professor Silverstein as he recounts his 17-year journey to bring home America’s fallen soldiers. Discover the challenges of forensic archaeology and the emotional impact of recovering and identifying the missing from America's battlefields around the globe.

4. Mystery Cults of Osiris and Isis in Greece and Rome
Uncover the secrets of the ancient Egyptian mystery cults of Osiris and Isis. Explore their journey across the Mediterranean to Greece and Rome, examining archaeological evidence and textual inscriptions that reveal the fascinating blend of cultures and beliefs.

5. The Last Decades of the 3rd Century and the Fate of Western Civilization
Witness the dawn of Western warfare in the Hellenistic Era. Explore the Syrian Wars and Punic Wars, two pivotal conflicts that shaped the Mediterranean world and set the stage for centuries of conflict and technological advancement.

6. Empire on the Wine Dark Sea
Embark on a maritime journey through the Hellenistic world. Discover the rise of the Ptolemaic dynasty and their naval empire, dominating the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Seas with their powerful fleets.

7. Feast or Famine: Egyptian Rituals and the Gift of the Nile
Uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian fertility rituals. Explore the Nile Delta's sacred spaces, including nilometers and birthing houses, and learn about recent discoveries that shed light on the Egyptians' connection to the life-giving Nile.

8. A Dead Man’s Tale - The Lost Story of the Rosetta Stone and the Great Rebellion of Ptolemy V
Learn the history of the Rosetta Stone's hidden narrative. Beyond its linguistic significance, the stone tells a tale of Egyptian rebellion against Greek rule. Explore archaeological evidence from the Nile Delta that reveals the dramatic events of Ptolemy V's reign and how the fate of Western Civilization hung in the balance..

9. Is there evidence that Moses existed and that he really led the Israelites out of Egypt?
Unravel the mystery of Moses and the Exodus. Explore the historical context of the 2nd millennium BCE and delve into the legends that shaped the Jewish people's origins. Discover the truth behind the Exodus story and the people who may have inspired it.

10. Eau de Cleopatra: Perfume and the Rise and Fall of the Last Pharaoh in Alexandria
Discover the secrets of Cleopatra's perfume empire. Explore Professor Silverstein's excavations of a Mendesian perfume factory, revealing ancient fragrances and a hidden connection to Cleopatra's rise to power and the purge of her enemies.

11. Empires of Bronze and Gold: Persian Athens, and Israel, Ancient Commerce on the Mediterranean Sea
Ancient coinage is one of the most informative and durable forms of evidence of ancient political power, personalities, and history. From Persia to the Fall of Rome, we examine the stories that money can tell.

12. The Rise and Fall of Osiris and Isis
Few Gods were as esteemed as Osiris, the king of the afterlife. With his sister-wife Isis and his son Horus, they formed a triumvirate that protected the very soul of humanity. We examine the rise of Osiris as a deity at the end of the Old Kingdom and his role as the guarantor of eternal life to Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans

13. Perfume Trade Routes
From Arabia, India, and Nubia, precious ingredients for manufacturing the most exotic perfumes flowed by caravan and ship. Important cities like Petra, Ashkelon, Berenike, and Mendes served as key hubs in these routes. We will examine how the networks operated and what they traded.

14. A New Discovery of a lost Temple of the Last Pharaohs - The Great Mendes Stele tells of a temple built at the order of Ptolemy II Philadelphus to honor his recently deceased sister-Wife, Arsinoe II. Archaeological work at Tell Timai has located this temple.

15. The Death of Lucretia and Roman Honour
An amazing number of turning points in history find a catalyst in revenge for rape and sexual assault. The Roman Empire, the most powerful shaping force in Western History, exemplifies how sexual assault can overthrow the abusers of power.

16. The Love Children of Cleopatra
Beyond the myth of Cleopatra the seductress, explore the lives of her children. Discover the family relationships and loves that shaped Cleopatra's life and the fate of her offspring.

17. Sicily and the Punic Wars
Discover the strategic importance of Sicily in the Punic Wars. Explore how this island's control shaped the Mediterranean's destiny and ultimately led to Rome's dominance over Carthage.

18. Ghosts of War (up to 4 lectures)
Join Professor Silverstein as he recounts his 17-year mission to bring home America's fallen soldiers from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Discover the challenges of forensic archaeology and the emotional impact of recovering and identifying the missing.

19. Ghosts of WWII
Discover the haunting stories of WWII soldiers lost in the Pacific. Join Professor Silverstein as he recounts his 17-year mission to recover remains from Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, and Guadalcanal, using forensic archaeology to bring closure to families.

20. Why are Polynesians Bigger than Other People?
Join Professor Silverstein as he unravels the mysteries behind Polynesian size. Explore their cultural and genetic heritage, tracing their epic voyages across the Pacific Ocean. Discover the factors that contributed to their unique physical characteristics.

21. The Wallace Line and the Geo-Biological Divide that Led to the Discovery of the Theory of Evolution
The Wallace Line and the Geo-Biological Divide that Led to the Discovery of the Theory of Evolution
Prof Silverstein explores the Wallace Line and how it explains the unique nature and variation of animals in Indo-Australian Archipelago and Circum-Pacific region.

22. Kula Rings and the Pacific Worldview: A Ritual Perspective
Professor Silverstein explores the significance of Kula rings in Pacific societies, emphasizing the interconnectedness between human actions and the natural environment as reflected in their rituals.

23. Finding Private McAllister: The Forensic Mystery of a WWI Missing Soldier in France.
A forensic investigator unravels the mystery of a WWI soldier's remains found in France, battling bureaucratic hurdles to bring closure to the family. Pfc McAllister died in July 1918 and was laid to rest in August 2024.

24. The Hidden History of the Aztec Empire's Fall
Dr. Silverstein's research in West Mexico exposes the overlooked factors that contributed to the Aztec Empire's downfall, providing a more comprehensive understanding of Cortez's conquest.

25. Indian Jones vs. Real Archaeology
Dr. Silverstein provides a tell-all of the secrets archaeologists don't usually share with the public.

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