Artifact

There are archaeological thrillers where somebody discovers an old pot, translates a convenient inscription and spends the next three hundred pages fleeing mysterious assassins. Then there is Artifact by Gregory Benford, which begins with an astonishing archaeological discovery and promptly asks the sort of awkward scientific questions that most adventure novels quietly avoid. The result is a wonderfully intelligent blend of archaeology, physics, history and speculative science fiction from one of the genre?s genuine scientific heavyweights. The story begins with the unearthing of an extraordinary object buried beneath the ancient city of Alexandria. At first glance it appears to be simply another priceless relic from the classical world. Unfortunately for everyone involved, it rapidly becomes apparent that this particular artefact does not fit comfortably into anyone?s understanding of history?or indeed the laws of nature. Scientists, historians and governments suddenly find themselves confronted with a discovery capable of rewriting far more than archaeology textbooks. Of course, there is a glorious irony lurking beneath the surface. Archaeologists usually spend years trying to explain the past. Benford cheerfully hands them an object that seems determined to explain the future instead. It is rather like discovering a Roman smartphone in Hadrian?s Wall and hoping the paperwork will remain manageable. As with much of Benford?s work, the science is never merely decorative. Being both an accomplished novelist and an astrophysicist, he refuses to wave a magic wand whenever things become difficult. Instead, the speculative ideas grow naturally from real scientific principles, making the impossible feel disturbingly plausible. Readers looking for explosions every third page may find themselves unexpectedly learning something along the way?a dangerous habit that good science fiction has always encouraged. The novel also explores another timeless human characteristic: our astonishing ability to argue about almost anything. Present an extraordinary discovery to the world?s brightest experts and one might imagine immediate cooperation. Benford, displaying an admirable understanding of both science and humanity, instead delivers academic rivalry, political manoeuvring, institutional scepticism and the occasional clash of oversized egos. It seems civilisation can contemplate rewriting history itself, provided everyone first agrees who deserves the research grant. There is something wonderfully satisfying about the way Artifact balances big ideas with genuine suspense. The mystery unfolds patiently, allowing readers to piece together clues alongside the characters rather than simply waiting for an improbable explanation in the final chapter. History, cosmology, quantum theory and archaeology all become parts of the same intricate puzzle, proving that libraries can sometimes be just as exciting as laboratories?provided someone has unearthed something sufficiently alarming. Reading the novel today adds another layer of amusement. Modern society has become wonderfully accustomed to sensational headlines promising that history is about to be rewritten by every newly discovered skeleton, manuscript or buried temple. Benford reminds us that if humanity ever really did uncover something that completely overturned our understanding of civilisation, our first instinct would probably be to form a committee, argue over jurisdiction and spend several years debating funding applications. This Very Good Bantam edition, offered by Crappy Old Books , remains clean, bright and entirely readable, with only the light signs of careful previous ownership. Whether you are already a fan of Gregory Benford?s thoughtful hard science fiction or simply enjoy intelligent novels where archaeology meets physics with unexpectedly spectacular consequences, Artifact remains an absorbing and rewarding read. It also serves as a comforting reminder that sometimes the great.