International Archaeology Day Oct 17, 2026

Some discoveries start with a shovel. Others start with a drawing on a cave wall. International Archaeology Day celebrates both the detective work and the evidence behind them. Organised by the Archaeological Institute of America, this annual event began in 2011 and became International Archaeology Day in 2013 as participation expanded worldwide. Today, it brings archaeology closer to the public through talks, museum programmes, site visits, simulated digs and hands-on activities.

© Audrey Poree/Alamy

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