Romancing the Past: Archaeology
Archaeological Excavation of a Tell
Map of Prominent Archaeological Sites in Mesopotamia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/image.lagash.jpg)
"I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up." ~
A tell is a raised mound that marks the sites of an ancient cities in Middle Eastern archaeological studies. In ancient times, houses were constructed of piled-up mud, lumps of clay pressed together, or sun-dried or kiln-baked bricks that were strengthened with straw, gravel, or pot shards. Unfortunately, all mud structures deteriorate easily when exposed to the elements. The temporary nature of these building materials, combined with repeated destruction from man-made or natural causes, made the repairs and rebuilding of structures frequent occurrences. Earlier structural debris was leveled off and new buildings were often erected on top of it. As a result, most tells are stratified, illustrating multiple occupations with the lower strata or layer usually being older than those above.
Click here to watch the video of the excavation of a tell (video shown with permission from Encyclopedia Britannica).
Tools of the Trade
"Archaeology is the search for fact…not truth. If it’s truth you’re looking for [the]
philosophy class is right down the hall." ~
Unfortunately, when it comes to archaeology a bullwhip, fedora, and leather
shoulder bag will not get the job done while out in the field. Archaeologists require practical and readily
available tools to uncover the remnants of ancient life. The following are some examples of tools you may
find in an archaeologist’s toolbox or backpack:
- Trowel
- Line level
- Brush
- Tape measure
- Baggies
- Clipboard with Paper
- Dental Picks
- String
- Multi-function Utility Tool
- Photo scales
- Pencil/pen
Archaeology: The Thrill and Reality
At the Movies
"Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory." ~
In earlier times, archaeology was largely an attempt to uncover spectacular artifacts or to explore vast and mysterious abandoned cities. Such pursuits continue to fascinate the public. Books, films, and video games, such as King Solomon's Mines, The Mummy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Tomb Raider illustrate the public's interest in the discovery aspect of archaeology. The world of archaeology evokes adventure and romance due to sensationalist portrayals in popular media. Some archaeologists refer to such portrayals as "pseudoarchaeology." This reputation for danger and adventure has its advantages and disadvantages for the field of archaeology. Today, many archaeologists point to their childhood excitement at such films as Indiana Jones as the inspirations for them to enter the field. Additionally, archaeologists are also reliant on support from the public, whose interest is often sparked by significant finds and well-known archaeologists. Without this attention, it would be more difficult for archaeologists to gain the political and financial support they require. Archaeology, once a light-hearted adventurous pastime, is now a sophisticated multidisciplinary science with strong roots in the social sciences and humanities.
In the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
"Well, I always though that archaeologists were funny looking men going
around looking for their mommies…" ~Willie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1984
Archaeologists have come a long way. The great archaeologists of the mid nineteenth century destroyed sites
with reckless digging. Before WWI,
archaeology was still a rather casual pastime with little discipline and few
standards. The classic excavations in
the
Today
"You call this Archaeology?"
-Professor Henry Jones,
Nowadays, archaeologists undergo formal training in survey techniques and excavation methods, and acquire a detailed knowledge of computers, artifact analysis, food remains and archaeological theory long before directing an excavation on their own. They learn from the beginning that the archaeological record is a finite resource and even expert excavation destroys the archives of the past. Their discoveries often come not from spectacular excavations, but from the screens of computers or from finds like pollen grains, which are invisible to the naked eye. Many people believed that the 19th century was the classic era of archaeological discovery, and we shall never see discoveries like those again…they were wrong. New prospecting technologies offer big possibilities when it comes to archaeological discovery. Some current trends in archaeological research are ancient genome mapping, and the usage of satellite technology to locate and map sites. Non-intrusive investigation is a strong desire for modern-day archaeologists, and technology allows them to locate finds without disturbing a thing. Some things never change. Persistence, patience, and skill are necessary to be an archaeologist, and all archaeologists can agree that passion and conviction are also important; something that the movies accurately portray.