Ancient shipwrecks in crystal seas, mythical princesses preserved in ice and astonishing lost rituals - this is the story of archaeology, including exclusive signed bookplate by author Professor Michael Scott.

Michael uncovers the true stories behind history's most monumental discoveries, unearthing traps, curses and buried treasure along the way. Full of extraordinary characters - from glory hunters to forgotten heroes - X Marks the Spot explores our love affair with the past.

Watch a clip of our exclusive interview with Michael Scott featured on the Time Team News and book reviews below:

About Prof Michael Scott:

Michael is a Professor in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick; Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement; winner of the 2021 Classical Association Outreach Prize; Director of Warwick Classics Network; National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy; Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; member of The Royal Society Public Engagement Committee; Honorary Citizen of Delphi, Greece; President of the Lytham Saint Annes Classical Association and Trustee and Director of Classics for All. He was delighted to be made a Lego Classicist in 2019, and in 2022 was honoured to be International Lego Classicist of the Year.

He is the author of 5 books on the ancient Mediterranean world as well as ancient Global History, which have been translated into multiple languages. He has also written and presented over 12 TV and Radio documentaries about the ancient world for National Geographic, History Channel, SBS Australia, ITV and the BBC. He writes regularly for national and international magazines and newspapers, and has appeared in a wide range of Podcasts including several times on BBC Sounds You're Dead to Me.

Media Reviews:

'Through eight of history's most audacious acts of discovery, Michael Scott tells us the story of archaeology itself. This is a thrilling investigation of humankind's obsession with the physical remains of its past.' - SUZANNAH LIPSCOMB

'Do you wish you knew more about some of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries made around the world? Then pick up Michael Scott's fabulous, learned, smart and never-dusty new book immediately. It's wonderful.' - NATALIE HAYNES

'Alive with the spirit of adventure, X Marks the Spot captures pioneering moments in history and takes readers to the thrilling peaks of discovery.' - SIR RANULPH FIENNES
'Masterful storyteller. These days, serious archaeology sometimes shies away from tales of exploration and adventure. The colonial overtones and sensational headlines are too much of a risk, and too raw for a discipline steeped in difficult imperial origins. In X Marks The Spot, Michael Scott manages to pull off an inspired feat - to capture the excitement and wonder of discovery, but to situate these astonishing tales in their complex, messy historical realities. It's a page-turner and eye-opener. It will inspire you to wonder more at the world and its people - both present and past.' - MARY-ANN OCHOTA

Additional Details:

Includes signed bookplate
Paperback

Publisher: Hodder Press
ISBN: 9781529367850
Number of pages: 320
Weight: 227g
Dimensions: 12.7 x 1.78 x 19.56 cm