Interested in the latest in archaeological illustration, including cutting-edge techniques and software? Then subscribe to the archaeoINK newsletter. Here, you'll find updates on beautiful illustrations, insights into the methodologies behind them, and the tools that bring these historical visions to life. Join our community and you can unsubscribe at any time if you wish and visit archaeoink.com for more.
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#Issue 11 of the archaeoINK newsletter - Archaeology Finds a New Space on Bluesky
Published 6 months ago • 4 min read
Dear reader of the archaeoINK newsletter,
When I joined Bluesky in September 2023, it was a step into the unknown even though I expected it to be like Twitter/X, I was also not really active on there. At the time, my posts generally were few and far between—introductions, a handful of #archInk2023 drawings, and the occasional update. Back then, engagement felt quieter compared to other platforms, and Instagram continued to dominate as the space for visual storytelling and illustrations, particularly during October’s #archInk 2023 challenge—the archaeological October drawing event.
So, Inktober 2024 was no different in regards to the engagement with illustrations across different platforms as I posted these on four platforms to get a better understanding where the archaeological social media community is located on—Instagram, Twitter/X, Mastodon and Bluesky. Instagram was the location where the audience seems to interact the most with the drawings. Likes, comments, and exchanges consistently peaked there. On Twitter/X, once the central hub for #archInk, engagement dwindled to the point of insignificance. Mastodon and Bluesky, while offering inclusive and accessible spaces, didn’t yet have the critical mass to foster the same level of activity—particularly in comments and discussion threads.
Figure 1: Showing the possible connectivity of Bluesky–symbolised in the form of the Monarch butterfly–and the archaeological community. Illustration by Jona Schlegel, 2024.
But something changed in the social media space after the recent US election and the short Twitter/X ban in Brazil (British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 2024). The influx of new users to Bluesky created a tangible shift. What had once been a quiet platform suddenly felt vibrant, full of activity, and alive with potential (see NextCounts. 2024 to track the account numbers on Bluesky). Although it came too late to impact the Inktober 2024 drawing event, the growth of Bluesky’s archaeology community since then has been remarkable. My follower count has soared, interactions have become more frequent, and engagement now feels meaningful in ways that were missing before.
Bluesky is emerging as more than just another social media platform. Its decentralised, user-driven structure offers a sense of safety and inclusivity, making it a particularly appealing space for niche communities like archaeology. For the first time in years, I’m seeing the potential for meaningful dialogue that Twitter/X once promised but no longer delivers. The growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about quality interactions and the potential to build a supportive, positive and collaborative network.
This issue’s cover illustration symbolises what Bluesky offers (see also Figure 1): interconnectedness. With archaeological artefacts and tools linked through a dynamic network and a monarch butterfly symbolising transformation, the image reflects the potential for exploration and exchange that Bluesky is now making possible. It’s exciting to think about what future collaborations, exchanges, and ideas might take shape as more archaeologists and enthusiasts join.
If you’re currently considering where to build your digital presence, I encourage you to give Bluesky a try. While Instagram remains an excellent space for visual storytelling, Bluesky offers something different: a community-driven platform where conversations flourish and creativity can take on new forms. Whether you’re an archaeologist, a scientist, an artist, a founder or simply want to read short textual information and news, and find your own community online, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Find me at @jonaschlegel.com on Bluesky, and let’s continue building a space where archaeology can meet creativity and exchange in a positiv way. Have questions about joining Bluesky or finding archaeological communities? Reach out—I’d love to help!
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 2024. 'Brazil lifts ban on Musk's X after it pays $5m fine'. BBC News, 19 November. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y06vzk3yjo [Accessed 19 November 2024].
Here are some of the latest news connected to visual expressions in archaeology
In the following section, I am sharing some of the last news which are featuring archaeological illustrations or ancient drawings left by past humans ages ago and cool illustrations of present humans to communicate archaeology.
A detail of a richly decorated but uncommonly small house with finely preserved frescoes of mythological scenes is pictured in the archaeological site in Pompeii, Italy.Parco Archeologico di Pompei/Handout via REUTERS
The discovery of the "House of Phaedra" in Pompeii reveals how ancient frescoes can offer a vivid glimpse into Roman life and beliefs. These well-preserved paintings, depicting mythological scenes and natural motifs, demonstrate the power of visual art to communicate cultural and social dynamics across millennia.
In archaeology, visual depictions like these are invaluable, acting as direct evidence of past traditions, aesthetics, and practices. They highlight how ancient people used imagery to tell stories, record events, and express identity, emphasising the enduring role of art in understanding human history.
Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old inscription in Anemurium, Turkey, honouring the wrestler Kaikilianos. This intact 13-line Greek inscription, found in the Harbor Bath, commemorates Kaikilianos's victory in a quinquennial wrestling competition organised by Flavianus. The find suggests that Anemurium was a significant centre for athletic events, possibly hosting Olympic-level competitions. Such inscriptions are crucial in archaeology, providing direct evidence of historical events, cultural practices, and societal values, thereby enriching our understanding of ancient civilisations.
A decorative detail from a stele depicting a wrestling match between athletes, ca 510 BC, from the Kerameikos cemetery, Athens, Greece. Greek civilisation, 6th century BC. Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images.
Interested in the latest in archaeological illustration, including cutting-edge techniques and software? Then subscribe to the archaeoINK newsletter. Here, you'll find updates on beautiful illustrations, insights into the methodologies behind them, and the tools that bring these historical visions to life. Join our community and you can unsubscribe at any time if you wish and visit archaeoink.com for more.
Dear reader of the archaeoINK newsletter, Branding. It’s a word that may seem out of place in the world of archaeology or science, where the focus is on discovery, evidence, and interpretation. Yet, the way our work is presented to the world can significantly influence how it’s perceived, remembered, and even supported. Imagine you’re creating a research paper. You’ve meticulously developed your arguments, backed them up with solid data, and written it all up in a way that showcases the depth...
