Learning about history is a complicated business. Fortunately, there are specialties like anthropology that break matters down into more specific areas of interest.

The digital age also delivers lots of websites and blogs dedicated to anthropology. They contain news and discussions on this multilayered science. Here are some of the most interesting domains you may want to follow.

What Is Anthropology?

It’s worth getting some context as to what anthropology is all about. In general terms, this science studies humanity, from its physical makeup to its cultures and trends.

In the mid-20th century, anthropology officially split into several branches. That’s why today you’ll find it linked to archeology, forensics, technology, politics, and so much more.

The resources below more than deliver on the industry’s diverse nature. If in doubt about any dates or facts, you can always check them on handy history apps.

1. Sapiens

Sapiens Anthropology Magazine Home Page

This popular online magazine is a rich source of information. First off, there are columns on a range of interests, from how anthropologists work to the meanings behind artifacts or forms of conflict. Sapiens also welcomes high-quality guest posts.

But it doesn’t just publish features, essays, and industry news. You can sit back and listen to podcasts, dive into photo essays, and even read poetry written by anthropologists about the human world.

2. Anthropology News

Anthropology News Magazine Home Page

As the magazine of the American Anthropological Association (AAA), this platform offers all kinds of knowledge. You get columns, features, essays, and more with a top organization’s stamp of approval to back them up.

Its topics are really diverse too. In one visit, you can get news from around the world and learn about Japan’s standing bars. Then, you can move on to learn about the impact of climate change on forensic anthropology.

3. Society of Visual Anthropology

Society of Visual Anthropology Website Home Page

Here's a branch of the AAA with a website of its own. Thanks to the rise of visual arts and its representations of humanity, the Society of Visual Anthropology (SVA) came to be.

It explores anthropological themes in film, photography, and other visual media, all while producing works as well. In addition to academic conferences, the SVA runs an annual Film and Media Festival, presenting projects on key human themes. You can register and take part through the website.

All in all, this site is a gateway into the Visual Society's activities and news, as well as the globally recognized association it belongs to.

4. Platypus

Platypus Anthropology Blog Home Page

This is the official blog of the Committee for the Anthropology of Science, Technology, and Computing (CASTAC). With 20 years of experience in the field, it shares all kinds of knowledge about humans and technology.

For example, you'll find information beyond the basic positive effects of social media on society. But Platypus is especially good for exploring unique anthropological topics.

It delves into important and often quite complicated questions, like the risks of quantum research or racism in the medical field. The articles are fascinating but can also be demanding.

5. The Wenner-Gren Blog

The Wenner-Gren Blog Home Page

Continuing the theme of official blogs, here we have the online domain of the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. It mostly posts about the organization’s activities, which are good to know about.

For example, the foundation funds lots of ventures, including Sapiens. Together and with several other industry names, it developed the From Margins to the Mainstream: Black and Indigenous Futures in Archeology webinar.

Apart from access to exciting opportunities like this, the blog features interviews and guest posts that tackle many anthropological matters. The texts you’ll come across are a bit scientific but worthwhile reads if you’re passionate about the field.

6. Anthrodendum

Anthrodendum Blog Home Page

The writers of the Savage Minds blog moved to this new platform without taking its previous home down. If you feel like exploring it, the archive contains a wealth of reading materials from 2005 to 2017.

On Anthrodendum, the team continued where they left off, expanding their anthropological discussions. The blog is simple yet full of very interesting articles, especially about modern human society.

The different topics available aren’t immediately clear, but expect discussions on anything, from language research to the cultural meaning of gutters in comic books.

If you prefer uncomplicated domains, where you can just jump in and fill your brain with random historical facts, Anthrodendum is not one to miss.

7. Anthropology.net

Anthropology.net Blog Home Page

If casual reads really are your style, this is another good anthropological blog to follow. You’ll learn a lot about humanity through in-depth but easy-to-read posts on various topics, like the history of the tattoo industry or details on the Mayan structure found in Mexico.

To make things more interesting, this site hosts virtual discussions on hot topics, like the anthropology of policing. It also features videos from A Partial Perspective, a great resource for extra social and psychological insights.

Once again, you don’t get distinct categories to choose from. However, Anthropology.net is still a reliable website to get fun and often hard facts about history.

8. Violent Metaphors

Violent Metaphors Anthropology Blog Home Page

Finally, anthropology buffs would do well to follow individual bloggers as well as organizations. You get a more unique window into the life and mind of such scientists, so choose a few that resonate with you.

Violent Metaphors is a good example, as it mixes technical articles with opinions and personal events. Understanding what makes an anthropologist tick, from personal thoughts to parenthood, is as enlightening about the industry as its findings.

In scientific terms, the writers of Violent Metaphors enjoy tackling controversial issues as well as historical. Although there haven't been any recent posts on Violent Metaphors since 2019, it's still full of interesting reads to explore.

Learn Something New Every Day

You may not be able to absorb everything you come across, but you have a nice selection of anthropology websites to come back to and dig up more facts. Whether you prefer academic or more casual domains, pick your favorite spaces and get involved.

If you’re an anthropologist in training, you should bookmark particularly good articles and take notes, especially of references to scientists and sources of information. You never know what might come in handy as you expand your grasp on the study of humanity.