Image: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (source)
Archaeology produces a constant stream of discoveries, from shipwrecks to buried cities. The best websites report those finds carefully and, increasingly, publish the raw data behind them.
Here are the sites worth bookmarking, from news magazines to research databases.
1) Archaeology Magazine
Daily archaeological news, in-depth reports on the latest discoveries and features from the magazine's current issues.
Best for: Keeping up with new discoveries. Visit Archaeology Magazine
2) Smithsonian Magazine: Archaeology
Smithsonian Magazine's archaeology section, with news and longer stories about finds around the world.
Best for: Well-told stories about the past. Visit Smithsonian Magazine: Archaeology
3) Society for American Archaeology
The professional organization for archaeologists of the Americas, with information about the field, careers and public education.
Best for: Students considering archaeology. Visit Society for American Archaeology
4) Council for British Archaeology
An independent charity that gives archaeology a voice in Britain and supports people who want to take part.
Best for: Getting involved in UK archaeology. Visit Council for British Archaeology
5) Open Context
Publishes archaeological research data, images, maps, field notes and 3D models from excavations and surveys around the world.
Best for: Exploring real excavation data. Visit Open Context
6) Pleiades
A shared digital gazetteer of ancient places that scholars, students and enthusiasts use and build together.
Best for: Locating places in the ancient world. Visit Pleiades
7) Archaeology Data Service
The UK's digital archive for archaeological research data, preserving reports and datasets for reuse.
Best for: Finding archaeological reports. Visit Archaeology Data Service
8) World History Encyclopedia
A free, nonprofit online encyclopedia with fact-checked articles, images, maps and timelines on ancient and medieval history.
Best for: Background on ancient civilizations. Visit World History Encyclopedia
9) Penn Museum
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, with online collections and research from its excavations.
Best for: Browsing a major museum collection. Visit Penn Museum
More science resource lists
Every site on this list was checked and loading on 30 October 2026. For more, see The Top 10 Earth Science Websites to Uncover the Secrets of the Earth and 8 Best Paleontology and Dinosaur Websites.