National Science Week Public Lecture | Stepping Stones in the Indian Ocean

Stepping Stones in the Indian Ocean: New Archaeological Evidence for Trade and Interaction in the Comoros Archipelago, East Africa

Associate Professor Alison Crowther (University of Queensland)

New archaeological evidence from the Comoros Archipelago reveals its pivotal role as a maritime crossroads linking East Africa, Madagascar, and the wider Indian Ocean. In this public lecture, Associate Professor Alison Crowther will unveil recent discoveries that rewrite our understanding of early human migration, globalization, and cross-cultural trade. By examining excavated material culture, ancient food crops, and archaeobotanical remains, she will demonstrate how these "stepping stone" islands facilitated early encounters between African and Island Southeast Asian populations. Discover how these deep-time connections shaped the vibrant history of the Swahili Coast and transformed the western Indian Ocean into a dynamic global highway.

The lecture will be free with the option to purchase a ticket for the catered reception in the venue foyer following the lecture.

Please come along to the reception for a chance to socialise with archaeologists, researchers and fellow community enthusiasts, celebrating archaeological science and food pasts and futures!

Doors open at 5:30pm for the lecture to start at 6:00pm, followed by drinks and nibbles in the foyer at 7:00pm.

Tickets to the lecture will be free for everyone but Canberra Archaeological Society members enjoy a big discount for the catered reception. Please still register as lecture only if you are not planning on attending the reception so we can plan accordingly.

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation plan please contact ciw@anu.edu.au.