People_

Professor Alison Betts

MA PhD London, FAHA, FSA

Edwin Cuthbert Hall Chair of the Archaeology and Mythology of the Ancient Near East
Director, Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation
Member, Executive Committee, China Studies Centre

Phone

+61 2 9351 2090

Fax

+61 2 9351 3918

Email

alison.betts@sydney.edu.au

Address

A18 - Brennan MacCallum Building

The University of Sydney

Details

Member of China Studies Centre

Member of Sydney Environment Institute

Member of Sydney Institute of Agriculture

Websites

> Phonebook Entry

Biographical details

I specialize in the archaeology of the lands along the Silk Roads from Western Asia to China. I have worked extensively in eastern Jordan, Karakalpakstan and Xinjiang and have a special interest in the study of nomadic peoples in mountains, deserts and steppes. My current research centres around the dispersal of early domesticated plants and animals across Asia from their centres of origin in the Middle East and China. I am exploring prehistoric economies and traditional agricultural practices along the southern rim of the Himalayas, a key crossroads for early cultural exchanges.

Research interests

Prehistory of the North Arabian steppe
Origins of nomadic pastoralism in the Near East
Hunting traps and water harvesting systems
Rock art
Bronze Age of Central Asia and western China Cultural transmissions from Eurasia into China
Archaeology of ancient Khorezm
Early development of the Zoroastrian faith
Nomad-state relations

PhD and master's project opportunities

Agriculture and Pastoralism in Prehistory

Current research students

Project title	Research student
Ethno-linguistic prehistory of productive strategies in the Eastern Himalaya	Chintan SHETH
Northern Arabia Mobile Pastoralism	Jacek WANKOWSKI

Selected publications

The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds

(Sydney University Press, 2021)

Game drives of the Aralo-Caspian region

(Sydney University Press, 2019)

The Cultures of Ancient Xinjiang, Western China: Crossroads of the Silk Roads

(Archaeopress, 2019)

Buddhist Iconography of Northern Bactria

(Manohar Publications, 2015)

The Later Prehistory of the Badia: Excavations and Surveys in Eastern Jordan

(Oxbow Books, 2013)

The Military Architecture of Ancient Chorasmia

(de Boccard, 2006)

Publications

By Type

Expand all

Books

Betts, A., Jia, W. (2024). The Archaeology of Western China in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages (forthcoming). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Betts, A., Cropper, D., Martin, L., McCartney, C. (2013). The Later Prehistory of the Badia: Excavations and Surveys in Eastern Jordan. Oxford, UK: Oxbow Books.
Khozhaniyazou, G., Helms, S., Betts, A. (2006). The Military Architecture of Ancient Chorasmia. Paris: de Boccard.

Edited Books

Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2021). The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds. Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2019). Game drives of the Aralo-Caspian region. Sydney: Sydney University Press.
Betts, A., Vicziany, M., Jia, W., Di Castro, A. (2019). The Cultures of Ancient Xinjiang, Western China: Crossroads of the Silk Roads. Oxford: Archaeopress.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2015). Buddhist Iconography of Northern Bactria. New Delhi: Manohar Publications.

show 1 more

Book Chapters

Betts, A. (2023). A History of the Discipline of Mountain Archaeology (forthcoming). Oxford Handbook of Mountain Archaeology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Helms, S., Kennedy, M., Betts, A. (2023). Tell Um Hammad in the Early Bronze IV Period (forthcoming). Festschrift for Jonathan Tubb. London: The British Museum Press.
Betts, A. (2022). Ecstasy Meets Paleoethnobotany: Botanical Stimulants in Ancient Inner Asia. In Diana L. Stein, Sarah Kielt Costello and Karen Polinger Foster (Eds.), The Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World, (pp. 90-100). New York: Routledge. [More Information]
Betts, A., Burke, D. (2021). Game drives in the Black Desert, eastern Jordan. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 187-224). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2021). Introduction. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 1-16). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Chambrade, M., Betts, A. (2021). Kites of Syria, southern Turkey and western Iraq. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 127-186). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Yagodin, V., van Pelt, W., Amirov, S., Betts, A. (2021). The desert kites of the Ustyurt Plateau. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 399-426). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2019). The Neolithic of West Asia: a Journey to the East. In Shin-ichi Nakamura, Takuro Adachi, Masashi Abe (Eds.), Decades in Deserts Essays on Near Eastern Archaeology in honour of Sumio Fujii, (pp. 323-327). Tokyo: Rokuichi Syobou.
Betts, A. (2019). Xinjiang in Prehistory. In Alison V.G. Betts, Marika Vicziany, Peter Jia and Angelo Andrea Di Castro (Eds.), The Cultures of Ancient Xinjiang, Western China: Crossroads of the Silk Roads, (pp. 9-18). Oxford: Archaeopress. [More Information]
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2016). The Karakalpak-Australian Expedition in Khorezm 50 Years after B. V. Andrianov. In Simone Mantellini (Eds.), Ancient Irrigation Systems of the Aral Sea Area: The History, Origin, and Development of Irrigated Agriculture, (pp. 13-16). Oxford: Oxbow Books.
Betts, A. (2014). The Southern Levant (Transjordan) during the Neolithic Period. In Margreet L. Steiner, Ann E. Killebrew (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of the Levant: c. 8000-332 BCE, (pp. 170-182). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., Tarawneh, M. (2010). Changing Patterns of Land Use and Subsistence in the Badiyat al-Sham in the Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods: new data from Burqu and Bayir. In Jacqueline Dentzer-Feydy and Michele Vallerin (Eds.), Hauran V: La Syrie du Sud du Neolithique a lAntiquite tardive, (pp. 69-80). Beirut: Presses de lifpo.
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2009). The Tash-K'irman-Tepe Cult Complex: An Hypothesis for the Establishment of Fire Temples in Ancient Chorasmia. In Parry, Ken (Eds.), Art, Architecture and religion Along the Silk Roads, (pp. 1-19). Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols Publishers. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2008). Things To Do With Sheep and Goats: Neolithic Hunter-Forager Herders in North Arabia. In Hans Barnard and Willeke Wendrich (Eds.), The Archaeology of Mobility: Old World and New World Nomadism, (pp. 25-42). California, USA: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press.
Betts, A. (2007). The Aralo-Caspian Region. In Antonio Sagona, Claudia Sagona (Eds.), Ancient Nomads of the Aralo-Caspian Region, (pp. 1-10). Belgium: Peeters Publishers.
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2007). The Fire Temple at Tash-k'irman Tepe, Chorasmia. In Joe Cribb & Georgina Herrmann (Eds.), After Alexander: Central Asia Before Islam, (pp. 435-453). Oxford: Oxford University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2006). Chorasmians, Central Asian nomads and Chorasmian military architecture. In Svend Helms (Eds.), The Military Architecture of Ancient Chorasmia, (pp. 131-155). Paris: de Boccard.
Betts, A. (2004). Near East: Clay Plastered Skull. In DT Potts and KN Sowada (Eds.), Treasures of the Nicholson Museum. Sydney: Nicholson Museum, University of Sydney.
Betts, A. (2001). A Middle Bronze Age Block Mould from Tell Rukeis, Jordan. In Alan Walmsley, Elizabeth Hardy, Katherine Wolrige (Eds.), Australians uncovering ancient Jordan : fifty years of Middle Eastern archaeology : a volume of studies and retrospectives prepared for The Eighth International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan, Sydney University, 9-13 July 2001, (pp. 233-238). Sydney: Research Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sydney.
Betts, A. (2001). Pastoralism. In Russell Adams and Yuval Goren (Eds.), The Archaeology of Jordan, (pp. 615-619). United Kingdom: Academic Press.
Betts, A. (2001). The Middle East. In David S Whitley (Eds.), Handbook of Rock Art Research, (pp. 786-823). United States: Academic Press.

show 18 more

Journals

Heywood, S., Spate, M., Betts, A., Jia, W., Fairbairn, A. (2024). Late Bronze Age agriculture and the early westward transmission of rice at Luanzagangzi, Northern Xinjiang, China. The Holocene, 34(2), 202-211. [More Information]
Khojaniyazov, G., Betts, A., Iskanderova, A., Toreniyazov, A., Bekbauliev, A., Khojalepesov, I. (2022). About the results of research at the Akshakhan-kala settlement (based on the materials of the 2018-2019 field season). Kazakhstan Archeology, 2022 (2), 94-110. [More Information]
Spate, M., Yatoo, M., Shen, H., Pokharia, A., Shah, M., Betts, A. (2022). Cereal size, AMS and charcoal data from phase 1 of the Kashmir Prehistory Project. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 42(103369), 103369. [More Information]
Dodson, J., Jia, P., Betts, A., Cong, D. (2022). Environmental change and the timing of the settlement of the Bronze Age Andronovo culture, in far northwest Xinjiang, China. The Holocene, 32(1-Feb), 81-87. [More Information]
Zhang, G., Zhou, X., Li, X., Wang, Y., Dang, Z., Li, W., Spate, M., Shang, X., Wang, J., Sun, S., Betts, A., et al (2022). New empirical evidence from ancient foxtail millet seeds and panicles reveals phenotype divergence during its dispersal. Science Bulletin, 67(18), 1860-1864. [More Information]
Spate, M., Yatoo, M., Penny, D., Shah, M., Betts, A. (2022). Palaeoenvironmental proxies indicate long-term development of agro-pastoralist landscapes in Inner Asian mountains. Scientific Reports, 12(554), 554. [More Information]
Spate, M., Penny, D., Yatoo, M., Betts, A. (2022). Re-examining climate-driven Malthusian collapse in Kashmir: New palaeoenvironmental context for the archaeological record. Quaternary International, 623, 127-138. [More Information]
Tian, D., Festa, M., Cong, D., Zhao, Z., Jia, W., Betts, A. (2021). New evidence for supplementary crop production, foddering and fuel use by Bronze Age transhumant pastoralists in the Tianshan Mountains. Scientific Reports, 11, 1-13. [More Information]
You, Y., Yu, J., Betts, A., Jia, W. (2020). A zooarchaeological study on the new evidence of sacrificial horses from Iron Age burial 15 in the Kalasu cemetery, Xinjiang, China. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 12(2), 1-15. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Wang, Y., Rehren, T., Tan, Y., Cong, D., Henderson, J., Ma, H., Chen, K. (2020). New evidence for the transcontinental spread of early faience. Journal of Archaeological Science, 116, 1-8. [More Information]
Yatoo, M., Spate, M., Pokharia, A., Betts, A., Shah, M. (2020). New evidence from the Kashmir Valley indicates the adoption of East and West Asian crops in the western Himalayas by 4400 years ago. Quaternary Science Advances, 2(Oct), 1-6. [More Information]
Minardi, M., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2020). Recently Discovered Painted Imagery of Horses with 'Grooms' at Akchakhan-Kala: Observations on their Art, Symbolic Meaning and Context. Topoi, 23, 61-101.
Jia, W., Caspari, G., Betts, A., Mohamadi, B., Balz, T., Cong, D., Shen, H., Meng, Q. (2020). Seasonal movements of Bronze Age transhumant pastoralists in western Xinjiang. PloS One, 15, e0240739. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Abuduresule, I. (2019). A new hypothesis for early Bronze Age cultural diversity in Xinjiang, China. Archaeological Research in Asia, 17, 204-213. [More Information]
Shen, H., Zhou, X., Betts, A., Jia, W., Zhao, K., Li, X. (2019). Fruit collection and early evidence for horticulture in the Hexi Corridor, NW China, based on charcoal evidence. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 28(2), 187-197. [More Information]
Jia, W., Betts, A., Doumani Dupuy, P., Cong, D. (2019). Pots and potters of the Bronze Age of north-west Xinjiang. Antiquity, 93(371), 1231-1248. [More Information]
Betts, A., Yatoo, M., Spate, M., Fraser, J., Kaloo, Z., Rashid, Y., Pokharia, A., Zhang, G. (2019). The Northern Neolithic of the Western Himalayas: New Research in the Kashmir Valley. Archaeological Research in Asia, 18, 17-39. [More Information]
Minardi, M., Betts, A., Grenet, F., Khashimov, S., Khodzhaniyazov, G. (2018). A new Chorasmian wall painting from Akchakhan-kala. Acta Iranica, 58, 305-324.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Doumani Dupuy, P., Cong, D., Jia, X. (2018). Bronze Age Hill Forts: new evidence for defensive sites in the western Tian Shan, China. Archaeological Research in Asia, 15, 70-81. [More Information]
Pokharia, A., Mani, B., Spate, M., Betts, A., Srivastava, A. (2018). Early Neolithic agriculture (2700-2000 bc) and Kushan period developments (ad 100-300): macrobotanical evidence from Kanispur in Kashmir, India. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 27(3), 477-491. [More Information]
Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G., Weisskopf, A., Willcox, G. (2018). Fire Features at Akchakhan-kala and Tash-k'irman-tepe. Ancient Civilizations from Scythia to Siberia, 24(1-2), 217-250. [More Information]
Sinisi, F., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2018). Royal Fires in the Ancient Iranian World: The Evidence From Akch Akhan-Kala, Chorasmia. Parthica, 20, 9-30.
Shen, H., Zhou, X., Zhao, K., Betts, A., Jia, W., Li, X. (2018). Wood types and human impact between 4300 and 2400 yr BP in the Hexi Corridor, NW China, inferred from charcoal records. The Holocene, 28(4), 629-639. [More Information]
Jia, W., Betts, A., Cong, D., Jia, X., Doumani Dupuy, P. (2017). Adunqiaolu: new evidence for the Andronovo in Xinjiang, China. Antiquity, 91(357), 621-639. [More Information]
Minardi, M., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2017). Columned Halls in Ancient Chorasmia. Iran, 55(2), 208-226. [More Information]
Zhang, J., Lu, H., Jia, W., Flad, R., Wu, N., Betts, A. (2017). Cultivation strategies at the ancient Luanzagangzi settlement on the easternmost Eurasian steppe during the late Bronze Age. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 26(5), 505-512. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2017). Exploring the Badia. Near Eastern Archaeology, 80(2), 68-72. [More Information]
Brite, E., Kidd, F., Betts, A., Cleary, M. (2017). Millet cultivation in Central Asia: A response to Miller et al. The Holocene, 27(9), 1415-1422. [More Information]
Spate, M., Zhang, G., Yatoo, M., Betts, A. (2017). New evidence for early 4th millennium BP agriculture in the Western Himalayas: Qasim Bagh, Kashmir. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 11, 568-577. [More Information]
Caspari, G., Betts, A., Jia, W. (2017). The Bronze Age in the Western Tianshan, China: A new model for determining seasonal use of sites. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 14, 12-20. [More Information]
Betts, A., Dodson, J., Garbe, U., Bertuch, F., Thorogood, G. (2016). A carved ivory cylinder from Akchakhan-kala, Uzbekistan: Problems of dating and provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 5, 190-196. [More Information]
Betts, A., Bonnat, M., Kidd, F., Grenet, F., Khashimov, S., Khodzhanijazov, G. (2015). Des divinites Avestiques sur les peintures murals d'Akchakhan-kala, Ouzbekistan. Comptes-rendus des seances de l'Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, III, 1369-1396.
Betts, A., Burke, D. (2015). Desert Kites in Jordan - a new appraisal. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy, 26(2), 74-94. [More Information]
Muller-Neuhof, B., Betts, A., Willcox, G. (2015). Jawa, Northeastern Jordan: The First 14C Dates for the Early Occupation Phase. Zeitschrift fur Orient-Archaologie, 8, 124-131.
Amirov, S., Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2015). Mapping ancient hunting installations on the Ustyurt Plateau, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: new results from remote sensing imagery. Paleorient, 41(1), 199-219.
Dodson, J., Betts, A., Amirov, S., Yagodin, V. (2015). The nature of fluctuating lakes in the southern Amu-dar'ya delta. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 437, 63-73. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2014). A response to zeder, bar-oz, rufolo and hole (2013). Quaternary International, 338, 125-127. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Dodson, J. (2014). The origins of wheat in China and potential pathways for its introduction: A review. Quaternary International, 348, 158-168. [More Information]
Betts, A., Yagodin, V., Grenet, F., Kidd, F., Minardi, M., Bonnat, M., Khashimov, S. (2012). The Akchakhan-kala Wall Paintings: New Perspectives on Kingship and Religion in Ancient Chorasmia. Journal of Inner Asian Art and Archaeology, 7, 125-165. [More Information]
Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2011). New evidence for Bronze Age agricultural settlements in the Zhunge'er (Junggar) Basin, China. Journal of Field Archaeology, 36(4), 269-280. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W. (2010). A Re-analysis of the Qiemu'erqieke (Shamirshak) Cemeteries, Xinjiang, China. Journal of Indo-European Studies, 38(3 & 4), 275-317.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). Entre le fleuve et la steppe: nouvelles perspectives sur le Khorezm ancien. Comptes-rendus des seances de l'Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, , 637-686.
Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Kidd, F., Brite, E., Khozhaniyazou, G., Amirov, S., Yagodin, V., Fray, G. (2010). Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia. An Interim Report on the Kazakly-yatkan Wall Paintings: the "Portrait" Gallery. Journal of Inner Asian Art and Archaeology, 4, 7-41.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). New directions in silk road archaeology. Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran und Turan. Neue Folge, 42(2010), 1-1.
Betts, A., Yagodin, V., Helms, S., Khozhaniyazou, G., Amirov, S., Negus Cleary, M. (2009). Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia, 2001-2005: Interim Report on the Fortifications of Kazakl'i-yatkan and Regional Survey. Iran, XLVII, 33-55.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2009). Prehistoric archaeology in the Zhunge'er (Junggar) Basin, Xinjiang, China. Eurasian Prehistory, 6(1-2), 167-198.
Kidd, F., Negus Cleary, M., Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Brite, E. (2008). Ancient Chorasmian Mural Art. Bulletin of the Asia Institute, 18, 69-95.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2008). Review of the late prehistoric archaeology in Zhungeer Basin, China. Xinjiangwenwu, (1-2), 35-54.
Betts, A. (2003). Qasr Burqu - desert periphery and urban core. Mediterranean Archaeology, 16, 89-97.
Helms, S., Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazou, G., Negus, M. (2002). The Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia: the Northern Fromtier of the 'Civilised' Ancient World. Ancient Near Eastern Studies, 39, 3-43.
Helms, S., Betts, A., Kidd, F., Yagodin, V., Khozhaniyazou, G. (2001). Five Seasons of Excavations in the Tash-K'Irman Oasis of Ancient Chorasmia, 1996-2000. An Interim Report. Iran, XXXIX, 119-144.

show 48 more

Edited Journals

Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). New Directions in Silk Road Archaeology: Proceedings of a Workshop held at ICAANE V, Madrid, 2006. Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran und Turan. Neue Folge, 42.

Conferences

Betts, A., Jia, W., Spate, M., Meng, Q., Yatoo, M. (2021). When East and West First Met: The Nature of Cultural and Technological Transmissions at the Dawn of the Silk Roads. Identity, Diversity & Contact: from the Southern Balkans to Xinjiang, from the Upper Palaeolithic to Alexander, Belgium: Brepols Publishers.
Betts, A. (2002). Interpretations of Dhuweila Rock Art: Shamanism and Increase Rites. 2nd International Congress on the Archeology of the Ancient Near East (ICAANE), Berlin: Ex Oriente.

By Year

Expand all

2024

Heywood, S., Spate, M., Betts, A., Jia, W., Fairbairn, A. (2024). Late Bronze Age agriculture and the early westward transmission of rice at Luanzagangzi, Northern Xinjiang, China. The Holocene, 34(2), 202-211. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W. (2024). The Archaeology of Western China in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages (forthcoming). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2023

Betts, A. (2023). A History of the Discipline of Mountain Archaeology (forthcoming). Oxford Handbook of Mountain Archaeology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Helms, S., Kennedy, M., Betts, A. (2023). Tell Um Hammad in the Early Bronze IV Period (forthcoming). Festschrift for Jonathan Tubb. London: The British Museum Press.

2022

Khojaniyazov, G., Betts, A., Iskanderova, A., Toreniyazov, A., Bekbauliev, A., Khojalepesov, I. (2022). About the results of research at the Akshakhan-kala settlement (based on the materials of the 2018-2019 field season). Kazakhstan Archeology, 2022 (2), 94-110. [More Information]
Spate, M., Yatoo, M., Shen, H., Pokharia, A., Shah, M., Betts, A. (2022). Cereal size, AMS and charcoal data from phase 1 of the Kashmir Prehistory Project. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 42(103369), 103369. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2022). Ecstasy Meets Paleoethnobotany: Botanical Stimulants in Ancient Inner Asia. In Diana L. Stein, Sarah Kielt Costello and Karen Polinger Foster (Eds.), The Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World, (pp. 90-100). New York: Routledge. [More Information]
Dodson, J., Jia, P., Betts, A., Cong, D. (2022). Environmental change and the timing of the settlement of the Bronze Age Andronovo culture, in far northwest Xinjiang, China. The Holocene, 32(1-Feb), 81-87. [More Information]
Zhang, G., Zhou, X., Li, X., Wang, Y., Dang, Z., Li, W., Spate, M., Shang, X., Wang, J., Sun, S., Betts, A., et al (2022). New empirical evidence from ancient foxtail millet seeds and panicles reveals phenotype divergence during its dispersal. Science Bulletin, 67(18), 1860-1864. [More Information]
Spate, M., Yatoo, M., Penny, D., Shah, M., Betts, A. (2022). Palaeoenvironmental proxies indicate long-term development of agro-pastoralist landscapes in Inner Asian mountains. Scientific Reports, 12(554), 554. [More Information]
Spate, M., Penny, D., Yatoo, M., Betts, A. (2022). Re-examining climate-driven Malthusian collapse in Kashmir: New palaeoenvironmental context for the archaeological record. Quaternary International, 623, 127-138. [More Information]

show 4 more

2021

Betts, A., Burke, D. (2021). Game drives in the Black Desert, eastern Jordan. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 187-224). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2021). Introduction. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 1-16). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Chambrade, M., Betts, A. (2021). Kites of Syria, southern Turkey and western Iraq. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 127-186). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Tian, D., Festa, M., Cong, D., Zhao, Z., Jia, W., Betts, A. (2021). New evidence for supplementary crop production, foddering and fuel use by Bronze Age transhumant pastoralists in the Tianshan Mountains. Scientific Reports, 11, 1-13. [More Information]
Yagodin, V., van Pelt, W., Amirov, S., Betts, A. (2021). The desert kites of the Ustyurt Plateau. In Alison Betts and W. Paul van Pelt (Eds.), The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds, (pp. 399-426). Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2021). The Gazelle's Dream: Game Drives of the Old and New Worlds. Sydney: Sydney University Press. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Spate, M., Meng, Q., Yatoo, M. (2021). When East and West First Met: The Nature of Cultural and Technological Transmissions at the Dawn of the Silk Roads. Identity, Diversity & Contact: from the Southern Balkans to Xinjiang, from the Upper Palaeolithic to Alexander, Belgium: Brepols Publishers.

show 4 more

2020

You, Y., Yu, J., Betts, A., Jia, W. (2020). A zooarchaeological study on the new evidence of sacrificial horses from Iron Age burial 15 in the Kalasu cemetery, Xinjiang, China. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 12(2), 1-15. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Wang, Y., Rehren, T., Tan, Y., Cong, D., Henderson, J., Ma, H., Chen, K. (2020). New evidence for the transcontinental spread of early faience. Journal of Archaeological Science, 116, 1-8. [More Information]
Yatoo, M., Spate, M., Pokharia, A., Betts, A., Shah, M. (2020). New evidence from the Kashmir Valley indicates the adoption of East and West Asian crops in the western Himalayas by 4400 years ago. Quaternary Science Advances, 2(Oct), 1-6. [More Information]
Minardi, M., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2020). Recently Discovered Painted Imagery of Horses with 'Grooms' at Akchakhan-Kala: Observations on their Art, Symbolic Meaning and Context. Topoi, 23, 61-101.
Jia, W., Caspari, G., Betts, A., Mohamadi, B., Balz, T., Cong, D., Shen, H., Meng, Q. (2020). Seasonal movements of Bronze Age transhumant pastoralists in western Xinjiang. PloS One, 15, e0240739. [More Information]

show 2 more

2019

Betts, A., Jia, W., Abuduresule, I. (2019). A new hypothesis for early Bronze Age cultural diversity in Xinjiang, China. Archaeological Research in Asia, 17, 204-213. [More Information]
Shen, H., Zhou, X., Betts, A., Jia, W., Zhao, K., Li, X. (2019). Fruit collection and early evidence for horticulture in the Hexi Corridor, NW China, based on charcoal evidence. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 28(2), 187-197. [More Information]
Betts, A., van Pelt, W. (2019). Game drives of the Aralo-Caspian region. Sydney: Sydney University Press.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Doumani Dupuy, P., Cong, D. (2019). Pots and potters of the Bronze Age of north-west Xinjiang. Antiquity, 93(371), 1231-1248. [More Information]
Betts, A., Vicziany, M., Jia, W., Di Castro, A. (2019). The Cultures of Ancient Xinjiang, Western China: Crossroads of the Silk Roads. Oxford: Archaeopress.
Betts, A. (2019). The Neolithic of West Asia: a Journey to the East. In Shin-ichi Nakamura, Takuro Adachi, Masashi Abe (Eds.), Decades in Deserts Essays on Near Eastern Archaeology in honour of Sumio Fujii, (pp. 323-327). Tokyo: Rokuichi Syobou.
Betts, A., Yatoo, M., Spate, M., Fraser, J., Kaloo, Z., Rashid, Y., Pokharia, A., Zhang, G. (2019). The Northern Neolithic of the Western Himalayas: New Research in the Kashmir Valley. Archaeological Research in Asia, 18, 17-39. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2019). Xinjiang in Prehistory. In Alison V.G. Betts, Marika Vicziany, Peter Jia and Angelo Andrea Di Castro (Eds.), The Cultures of Ancient Xinjiang, Western China: Crossroads of the Silk Roads, (pp. 9-18). Oxford: Archaeopress. [More Information]

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2018

Minardi, M., Betts, A., Grenet, F., Khashimov, S., Khodzhaniyazov, G. (2018). A new Chorasmian wall painting from Akchakhan-kala. Acta Iranica, 58, 305-324.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Doumani Dupuy, P., Cong, D., Jia, X. (2018). Bronze Age Hill Forts: new evidence for defensive sites in the western Tian Shan, China. Archaeological Research in Asia, 15, 70-81. [More Information]
Pokharia, A., Mani, B., Spate, M., Betts, A., Srivastava, A. (2018). Early Neolithic agriculture (2700-2000 bc) and Kushan period developments (ad 100-300): macrobotanical evidence from Kanispur in Kashmir, India. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 27(3), 477-491. [More Information]
Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G., Weisskopf, A., Willcox, G. (2018). Fire Features at Akchakhan-kala and Tash-k'irman-tepe. Ancient Civilizations from Scythia to Siberia, 24(1-2), 217-250. [More Information]
Sinisi, F., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2018). Royal Fires in the Ancient Iranian World: The Evidence From Akch Akhan-Kala, Chorasmia. Parthica, 20, 9-30.
Shen, H., Zhou, X., Zhao, K., Betts, A., Jia, W., Li, X. (2018). Wood types and human impact between 4300 and 2400 yr BP in the Hexi Corridor, NW China, inferred from charcoal records. The Holocene, 28(4), 629-639. [More Information]

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2017

Jia, W., Betts, A., Cong, D., Jia, X., Doumani Dupuy, P. (2017). Adunqiaolu: new evidence for the Andronovo in Xinjiang, China. Antiquity, 91(357), 621-639. [More Information]
Minardi, M., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazov, G. (2017). Columned Halls in Ancient Chorasmia. Iran, 55(2), 208-226. [More Information]
Zhang, J., Lu, H., Jia, W., Flad, R., Wu, N., Betts, A. (2017). Cultivation strategies at the ancient Luanzagangzi settlement on the easternmost Eurasian steppe during the late Bronze Age. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 26(5), 505-512. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2017). Exploring the Badia. Near Eastern Archaeology, 80(2), 68-72. [More Information]
Brite, E., Kidd, F., Betts, A., Cleary, M. (2017). Millet cultivation in Central Asia: A response to Miller et al. The Holocene, 27(9), 1415-1422. [More Information]
Spate, M., Zhang, G., Yatoo, M., Betts, A. (2017). New evidence for early 4th millennium BP agriculture in the Western Himalayas: Qasim Bagh, Kashmir. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 11, 568-577. [More Information]
Caspari, G., Betts, A., Jia, W. (2017). The Bronze Age in the Western Tianshan, China: A new model for determining seasonal use of sites. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 14, 12-20. [More Information]

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2016

Betts, A., Dodson, J., Garbe, U., Bertuch, F., Thorogood, G. (2016). A carved ivory cylinder from Akchakhan-kala, Uzbekistan: Problems of dating and provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 5, 190-196. [More Information]
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2016). The Karakalpak-Australian Expedition in Khorezm 50 Years after B. V. Andrianov. In Simone Mantellini (Eds.), Ancient Irrigation Systems of the Aral Sea Area: The History, Origin, and Development of Irrigated Agriculture, (pp. 13-16). Oxford: Oxbow Books.

2015

Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2015). Buddhist Iconography of Northern Bactria. New Delhi: Manohar Publications.
Betts, A., Bonnat, M., Kidd, F., Grenet, F., Khashimov, S., Khodzhanijazov, G. (2015). Des divinites Avestiques sur les peintures murals d'Akchakhan-kala, Ouzbekistan. Comptes-rendus des seances de l'Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, III, 1369-1396.
Betts, A., Burke, D. (2015). Desert Kites in Jordan - a new appraisal. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy, 26(2), 74-94. [More Information]
Muller-Neuhof, B., Betts, A., Willcox, G. (2015). Jawa, Northeastern Jordan: The First 14C Dates for the Early Occupation Phase. Zeitschrift fur Orient-Archaologie, 8, 124-131.
Amirov, S., Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2015). Mapping ancient hunting installations on the Ustyurt Plateau, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: new results from remote sensing imagery. Paleorient, 41(1), 199-219.
Dodson, J., Betts, A., Amirov, S., Yagodin, V. (2015). The nature of fluctuating lakes in the southern Amu-dar'ya delta. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 437, 63-73. [More Information]

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2014

Betts, A. (2014). A response to zeder, bar-oz, rufolo and hole (2013). Quaternary International, 338, 125-127. [More Information]
Betts, A., Jia, W., Dodson, J. (2014). The origins of wheat in China and potential pathways for its introduction: A review. Quaternary International, 348, 158-168. [More Information]
Betts, A. (2014). The Southern Levant (Transjordan) during the Neolithic Period. In Margreet L. Steiner, Ann E. Killebrew (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of the Levant: c. 8000-332 BCE, (pp. 170-182). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. [More Information]

2013

Betts, A., Cropper, D., Martin, L., McCartney, C. (2013). The Later Prehistory of the Badia: Excavations and Surveys in Eastern Jordan. Oxford, UK: Oxbow Books.

2012

Betts, A., Yagodin, V., Grenet, F., Kidd, F., Minardi, M., Bonnat, M., Khashimov, S. (2012). The Akchakhan-kala Wall Paintings: New Perspectives on Kingship and Religion in Ancient Chorasmia. Journal of Inner Asian Art and Archaeology, 7, 125-165. [More Information]

2011

Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2011). New evidence for Bronze Age agricultural settlements in the Zhunge'er (Junggar) Basin, China. Journal of Field Archaeology, 36(4), 269-280. [More Information]

2010

Betts, A., Jia, W. (2010). A Re-analysis of the Qiemu'erqieke (Shamirshak) Cemeteries, Xinjiang, China. Journal of Indo-European Studies, 38(3 & 4), 275-317.
Betts, A., Tarawneh, M. (2010). Changing Patterns of Land Use and Subsistence in the Badiyat al-Sham in the Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods: new data from Burqu and Bayir. In Jacqueline Dentzer-Feydy and Michele Vallerin (Eds.), Hauran V: La Syrie du Sud du Neolithique a lAntiquite tardive, (pp. 69-80). Beirut: Presses de lifpo.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). Entre le fleuve et la steppe: nouvelles perspectives sur le Khorezm ancien. Comptes-rendus des seances de l'Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, , 637-686.
Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Kidd, F., Brite, E., Khozhaniyazou, G., Amirov, S., Yagodin, V., Fray, G. (2010). Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia. An Interim Report on the Kazakly-yatkan Wall Paintings: the "Portrait" Gallery. Journal of Inner Asian Art and Archaeology, 4, 7-41.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). New directions in silk road archaeology. Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran und Turan. Neue Folge, 42(2010), 1-1.
Betts, A., Kidd, F. (2010). New Directions in Silk Road Archaeology: Proceedings of a Workshop held at ICAANE V, Madrid, 2006. Archaeologische Mitteilungen aus Iran und Turan. Neue Folge, 42.

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2009

Betts, A., Yagodin, V., Helms, S., Khozhaniyazou, G., Amirov, S., Negus Cleary, M. (2009). Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia, 2001-2005: Interim Report on the Fortifications of Kazakl'i-yatkan and Regional Survey. Iran, XLVII, 33-55.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2009). Prehistoric archaeology in the Zhunge'er (Junggar) Basin, Xinjiang, China. Eurasian Prehistory, 6(1-2), 167-198.
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2009). The Tash-K'irman-Tepe Cult Complex: An Hypothesis for the Establishment of Fire Temples in Ancient Chorasmia. In Parry, Ken (Eds.), Art, Architecture and religion Along the Silk Roads, (pp. 1-19). Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols Publishers. [More Information]

2008

Kidd, F., Negus Cleary, M., Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Brite, E. (2008). Ancient Chorasmian Mural Art. Bulletin of the Asia Institute, 18, 69-95.
Jia, W., Betts, A., Wu, X. (2008). Review of the late prehistoric archaeology in Zhungeer Basin, China. Xinjiangwenwu, (1-2), 35-54.
Betts, A. (2008). Things To Do With Sheep and Goats: Neolithic Hunter-Forager Herders in North Arabia. In Hans Barnard and Willeke Wendrich (Eds.), The Archaeology of Mobility: Old World and New World Nomadism, (pp. 25-42). California, USA: Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press.

2007

Betts, A. (2007). The Aralo-Caspian Region. In Antonio Sagona, Claudia Sagona (Eds.), Ancient Nomads of the Aralo-Caspian Region, (pp. 1-10). Belgium: Peeters Publishers.
Betts, A., Yagodin, V. (2007). The Fire Temple at Tash-k'irman Tepe, Chorasmia. In Joe Cribb & Georgina Herrmann (Eds.), After Alexander: Central Asia Before Islam, (pp. 435-453). Oxford: Oxford University Press. [More Information]

2006

Betts, A. (2006). Chorasmians, Central Asian nomads and Chorasmian military architecture. In Svend Helms (Eds.), The Military Architecture of Ancient Chorasmia, (pp. 131-155). Paris: de Boccard.
Khozhaniyazou, G., Helms, S., Betts, A. (2006). The Military Architecture of Ancient Chorasmia. Paris: de Boccard.

2004

Betts, A. (2004). Near East: Clay Plastered Skull. In DT Potts and KN Sowada (Eds.), Treasures of the Nicholson Museum. Sydney: Nicholson Museum, University of Sydney.

2003

Betts, A. (2003). Qasr Burqu - desert periphery and urban core. Mediterranean Archaeology, 16, 89-97.

2002

Betts, A. (2002). Interpretations of Dhuweila Rock Art: Shamanism and Increase Rites. 2nd International Congress on the Archeology of the Ancient Near East (ICAANE), Berlin: Ex Oriente.
Helms, S., Yagodin, V., Betts, A., Khozhaniyazou, G., Negus, M. (2002). The Karakalpak-Australian Excavations in Ancient Chorasmia: the Northern Fromtier of the 'Civilised' Ancient World. Ancient Near Eastern Studies, 39, 3-43.

2001

Betts, A. (2001). A Middle Bronze Age Block Mould from Tell Rukeis, Jordan. In Alan Walmsley, Elizabeth Hardy, Katherine Wolrige (Eds.), Australians uncovering ancient Jordan : fifty years of Middle Eastern archaeology : a volume of studies and retrospectives prepared for The Eighth International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan, Sydney University, 9-13 July 2001, (pp. 233-238). Sydney: Research Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sydney.
Helms, S., Betts, A., Kidd, F., Yagodin, V., Khozhaniyazou, G. (2001). Five Seasons of Excavations in the Tash-K'Irman Oasis of Ancient Chorasmia, 1996-2000. An Interim Report. Iran, XXXIX, 119-144.
Betts, A. (2001). Pastoralism. In Russell Adams and Yuval Goren (Eds.), The Archaeology of Jordan, (pp. 615-619). United Kingdom: Academic Press.
Betts, A. (2001). The Middle East. In David S Whitley (Eds.), Handbook of Rock Art Research, (pp. 786-823). United States: Academic Press.

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Selected Grants

2020

Bronzes of Xinjiang: technology, society and power on the road to China, Betts A, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2017

Shifting the Foundations of Zoroastrian History: a fresh focus on Khorezm, Betts A, Grenet F, Minardi M, Karlibaev M, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2014

The Silk Roads in the Bronze Age: critical links between Eurasia and China, Betts A, Vicziany M, Di Castro A, Dodson J, Cong D, Li X, Salzman P, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2013

The prehistory of Xinjiang, W China, Betts A, DVC Research/Bridging Support Grant
Kingship, Art and Cult Practice: decoding symbolism in an ancient Central Asian Royal City, Betts A, Grenet F, Yagodin V, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2011

Central Asia in Antiquity, Bar-Yosef O, Betts A, Dodson J, Li X, Mallory J, Stammler F, Vicziany M, Wang W, DVC Research/Bridging Support Grant

2007

A study of a newly discovered corpus of early Central Asian wall paintings, Betts A, Kidd F, Yagodin V, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2006

East meets West: an archaeological study of early contact between China and Eurasia, Betts A, Wu X, Wu Y, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2005

Post- War reconstruction; A study of lost Buddhist treasures from the Kabul Museum, Betts A, Joukowsky Family Foundation (USA)/Grants Program
East and West: nomadic migrations between Eurasia and China, Betts A, University of Sydney/Research & Development

2004

Chorasmian temples: an archaeological study if early Zorastrianism and its precursors in central asia, Betts A, Yagodin V, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Discovery Projects (DP)

2001

Generic Account Code for travel under ANSTO Australian Synchrotron Research Program_Mr Paul Donnelly (postgraduate student), Betts A, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation/Australian Synchrotron Research Program

2000

Beduin land use in the Syrian steppe: An ethno-archaeological study, Betts A, DVC Research/Research and Development Scheme: Research and Development (R&D)

1999

A study of ancient central asian military architecture in chorasmia from the 6th century bc to the 4th century ad, Betts A, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Small Grants
The early State in ancient Chorasimia: 7th century BC to 7th century AD, Betts A, Australian Research Council (ARC)/Large Research Grants (LRG)

In the media

Research Bites: Professor Alison Betts (Archaeology) -- Colonisation Theory and How Wheat may have come to China

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

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Professor Alison Betts

Selected publications

Publications

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Selected Grants

2020

2017

2014

2013

2011

2007

2006

2005

2004

2001

2000

1999

In the media

Related research articles

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