John (Mac) Marston

John (Mac) Marston is a prominent Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Boston University, where he also serves as the Director of the Archaeology Program and the Environmental Archaeology Laboratory. His academic focus lies in environmental archaeology, particularly studying the long-term sustainability of agriculture and land use in ancient societies, especially in the Mediterranean and Central Asia regions.14

Academic Background and Research Interests

Marston's research integrates ecological theory with archaeological methods to analyze agricultural practices and land-use strategies. He specializes in paleoethnobotany, which involves studying archaeological plant remains to understand past human-environment interactions. His work often examines how ancient societies adapted to changing environmental conditions, including climate change.15

His recent projects include:

• Investigating agricultural practices in Bronze and Iron Age urban centers in Turkey.
• Analyzing Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Islamic sites in Israel.
• Conducting research on ancient agriculture in the Aegean and Central Asia.1

Teaching and Contributions

As an educator, Marston teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in archaeological science. He has published extensively in his field, contributing to various journals and collaborating on interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at understanding cultural adaptations to environmental changes.234

Professional Recognition

In March 2023, Marston was promoted to full professor at Boston University, marking a significant milestone in his academic career after ten years with the university.4 His work has garnered funding from prestigious organizations such as the US National Science Foundation and the Fulbright Commission.1

For more detailed information about his publications and ongoing research projects, you can refer to his profile on Boston University's website or his LinkedIn page.26