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Nikolaus Cox, Archaeologist

@nikswiftdigs

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Archaeologist, artist, author, adventurer. Working in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Represented by @pastpreservers, art posted on @nikswifthobbies

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Storms in Petra.
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A #throwbackthursday to when I sheltered in a Nabatean tomb to wait out a downpour, last October. These tombs have been used by so many cultures over the past 2,000 years for so many different purposes. Though the Nabateans are no more, archaeology is alive, and archaeological sites are in a constant state of motion and reuse. I’m looking very forward to getting back into the field for the 2023 season!
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#archaeologist #artist #author #adventurer #petra #jordan #discovery #explorer #theexplorersclub #tec #adventure #travel #indianajones #tomb #thunderstorm #archaeology #archeology #archeologist #travelphotography #tbt #history #learnfromthepast by @nikswiftdigs

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4 years ago

This fantastic discovery is just on two months old now. One of the best-preserved Thamudic and Nabatean galleries the team had ever seen. It was in an isolated part of the desert, known largely only by local Bedouin. We were incredibly lucky to get to see it.
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Photo credit: @a.map.and.a.lens
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#archaeologist #artist #author #actor #adventurer #discovery #adventure #thamud #nabatean #petra #jordan #desert #exploration #theexplorersclub #explorersclub #archaeology #archeology #rockart #petroglyph taken in The Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan - المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية by @nikswiftdigs

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4 years ago

Jabal Ikmah is a remarkable gallery of Dadanitic and Lihyanite inscriptions adorning the walls of a narrow siq in the walls of Wadi AlUla’s western escarpments. The Kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan had an advanced writing system, and inscriptions in this ancient Arabian alphabet can be found all across the region - dedications to their principal god, Dhu Ghabat, Lord of the Grove, or celebrations of kings and commemorations of pilgrimages, festivals, and rainstorms.
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We were honoured today to partake in some experimental archaeology, carving letters in the Dadanitic script into the red sandstone of AlUla. I chose the Dadanitic equivalent for the letter ‘A’ - I am not yet at the level of carving entire sentences - and I am immensely proud of the result!
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#archaeology #alula #dadan #ancientlanguage #discover taken in Al Ula Saudi Arabia by @nikswiftdigs

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15 days ago

Back in the field, working somewhere hot, beautiful, and ancient.
#archaeologist #alula #heritage #discovery #adventure taken in Al Ula Saudi Arabia by @nikswiftdigs

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18 days ago

I love the archaeological site of Petra so much I wrote a book about it! Our publisher, agent, and friend, @uitgeverijpersonalia, sent us this photo of the samples hot off the literal press! This is the culmination of years of work for @roadtoluxembourg (illustration), @eriq.taranaki_art (graphic design), and I (author), and we are all thrilled.

“Prince of Petra” is a graphic novel following the exploits of an Egyptian optio in a Roman auxiliary cohort in the First-Century Kingdom of Nabataea, featuring a dash of mystery and archaeological sites ranging from Petra to Qasr Beshir to Hegra!

Links to where you can buy your copy will be provided the second these books hit the shelves!

#archaeologist #author #petra #hegra #published taken in Petra, Jordan by @nikswiftdigs

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22 days ago

What does an archaeologist’s morning look like? Early starts are very normal - and especially important here in Saudi Arabia, where you need to complete the fieldwork before the sun hits noon. Is it grisly to wake up so early? Yes. Is it an amazingly rewarding job? Also yes.
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The song is ‘Monday,’ by @victorioussponge - my workday anthem for over a decade now.
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#archaeologist #grwm #saudiarabia #alula #discover taken in Al Ula Saudi Arabia by @nikswiftdigs

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23 days ago

Discovering things is fun, but being with my family is the best. I’m so far away from my incredible family right now (@kirstenscottmezzo is being simply incredible while I am gone) so moments like these, where it all comes together, are so precious.
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I’m not sure the age of the petroglyph. It has a lot in common with pre-Islamic rock art that I have recorded in Jordan, so it could be several thousand years old! It could be a lot more modern too. More research is required!
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#archaeologist #camel #family #alula #discovery taken in Al Ula Saudi Arabia by @nikswiftdigs

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24 days ago

Here in AlUla, Yemeni fahsa is an absolutely delicious way to break your fast! Hot, bubbling stew, delicious flatbread - it may be my favourite meal to start the day. And, because Arab hospitality is unbeatable, the desserts, teas, and water were all given as gifts. I highly recommend it!
#archaeologist #fahsa #alula #breakfast #arabia taken in Al Ula by @nikswiftdigs

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a month ago

Back to the field! I am returning to AlUla, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the first time in three years. It is going to be great to see old friends again and make new ones while exploring one of the most archaeologically rich regions on earth. #archaeologist #alula #discovery #adventure #archaeology by @nikswiftdigs

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a month ago

Please, let me talk to you at length about the significance of early 20th century German rail to the expansion of Ottoman imperial power into Transjordan and Arabia.

Please.

#archaeologist #phdlife #archaeology #ottomanempire #railway taken in Rostock, Germany by @nikswiftdigs

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3 months ago

I found an abandoned military facility in the woods of the island of Rügen - once occupied by the militaries of East Germany and Nazi Germany, and featuring an abandoned 19th century palace and very unnerving bunker networks. One of the creepier places I have explored!
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#archaeologist #abandoned #bunker #spooky #militaryhistory taken in Sassnitz, Insel Rügen by @nikswiftdigs

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3 months ago

Out of the depths of history and the vastness of the desert steps a hero… Ankh, Prince of Khendu and Optio in the Roman Emperor’s Auxilia.
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Book One of our exciting new historical-adventure graphic novel series is close to publication! It will first be available both through @uitgeverijpersonalia’s website as well as brick-and-mortar bookshops across the Netherlands (with international distribution coming later).
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All art, including this awesome image of our protagonist (and a mysterious visitor), is by @roadtoluxembourg | All writing is by me.
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It has been an honour to work with such a supportive and talented team to bring these tales of mythology, romance, and adventure so vividly to life. I have poured my love of ancient stories and my experience with actual archaeology into this series, which will bring a love of the ancient world - its history and its legends - to a new generation of readers!
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Thank you Rob and Seb for this wonderful journey we have started out on together!
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#archaeology #graphicnovel #artist #author #comic by @nikswiftdigs

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3 months ago