How does one find an ancient town? What do archaeologists look for? How do they know where to dig? How do they interpret what they find?  In a YouTube presentation for the University of Chicago – Oriental Institute, Michael Harrower describes the discovery and excavation of the Aksumite town of Beta Samati. The Aksumite Empire was one of Africa’s most influential ancient civilizations. New evidence from Beta Samati, including Mediterranean trade goods, a gold intaglio ring, and an early basilica, contribute important new insights about Pre-Aksumite and Aksumite civilizations between 750 BC and AD 650.