by Shannon Chicoine

Created on: April 21, 2008

Some of the most unforgettable scenes in motion pictures capture the imagination with dramatic stories of the legends and myths of archeology. Archaeology is described as the study of ancient cultures through the examination of remains such as buildings, graves, tools and other artifacts. Movies that have a sense of truth about artifacts that the world has already discovered inspire people to reflect about past generations and what their gift to the future may have been. Other archaeology themed movies center on mythical powers an ordinary object or place may contain and the repercussions for mishandling its power. The best archaeology films move it's viewers to discover more about interesting ancient cultures and transport them to another time.

The Indiana Jones franchise has delighted millions of movie goers since its first release in 1981. Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced the world to Archaeology Professor and adventurer Indiana Jones, played brilliantly by Harrison Ford. In this first film set in 1936 Indy discovers that the Ark of the Covenant which carried the Ten Commandments may be hidden in Cairo. The Nazi soldiers have been searching the area and if the extremely powerful force is released into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for the rest of the world. Indy finds the Covenant and triumphs over the Nazis making every kid in America want to snap a whip just like in the movie. Raiders of the Lost Ark won Oscars for best visual effects, best art direction, best editing, and best sound along with four other nominations including best director for Steven Spielberg. It also won a People's Choice award for Favorite Motion Picture and grossed $242 million dollars.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was released in 1984 and is a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark. Set in 1935 Indy is back for adventure with a little sidekick, Short Round. They discover the Temple of Doom where children are being held by a wicked cult and the village people are being tortured. Indy must recover sacred stones to save the children and keep the cult from taking over. The Temple of Doom won for visual effects at the Academy Awards and grossed $179 million dollars.

Released in May of 1989, Indians Jones and the Last Crusade bought viewers another installment of Professor Indy and his cracking whip. Indy is sent a diary containing information about the Holy Grail by his father Dr. Henry Jones, played by a wise cracking Sean Connery. Once again Indy battles the Nazi forces

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>