/r/Archaeology

Photograph via snooOG

For when you really want to know who found whose mummy and where!

This is the subReddit for people who like do dig, and are concerned about archaeological issues.

Articles that belong here:

  • Excavation reports/discoveries

  • Artifact studies regarding human material culture

  • Professional inquiries/What's it like to be an Archaeologist?

  • Ethics and Morality in Archaeology ("IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!!!")

What does not belong here:

  • Identification posts

  • MEMES (I have gotten too many reports of terrible meme creeping into this community, therefore, I beg you, if they show up - report them)

  • Sociobiology

  • Faunal or Botanical studies/excavations unrelated to human culture

  • Paleo-Diet articles

  • Mysticism/Aliens/Conspiracy Theories

Picture and video submissions require a comment of 25 words or more (about 2 sentences) about your submission. Submissions that do not leave a comment within an hour of being posted will be removed. Please see this announcement for more information.

Our partners in redditdom are:

r/Anthropology

r/AncientWorld

r/History

r/PaleoNews

r/AskAnthropology

If you have a question about an object, please message us first for approval. Professional inquiries only

/r/Archaeology

215,379 Subscribers

1

I want to get into archeology but I have no idea where to start

I’m really interested in archeology but im not sure where I should start so I can get a job in archaeology

0 Comments
2024/12/03
04:27 UTC

1

Best to transfer (have to retake classes to replace grades and raise GPA) or get AA (general education) from community college?

I am taking a year away from Willamette University and in the process I have realized that, "Oh crap! Does this have the classes I want for archaeology? Smushing together classes required for Global Cultural Studies and anthropology classes doesn't work, right?" I don't know, it just seems like they don't have the right classes right now.

I totally flunked my first semester and was building my GPA back up during my second semester. During this time, I started doubting myself and thinking about not majoring in archaeology (family planting seeds of doubt) and looking at the archaeology program.

During my gap year I have started thinking about transferring somewhere with a better archaeology program. In order to do so, I would have to retake the classes (to replace the grades and improve my horrible GPA). The pro is that my GPA will improve significantly and I can transfer to another school. The con is that retaking these classes and attending Willamette at all costs a crap ton of money (I still have my financial aid) so I am unsure if attending Willamette is worth it in the long run.

Additionally, while on my gap year I have been taking classes at my local community college to fill the holes in my knowledge of Spanish and so that I am ready to retake Spanish when I return to Willamette. My parents are saying that I should just get an AA at community college and then transfer, but I have noticed that a lot of higher education (the real good stuff) doesn't allow you to transfer into their undergrad archaeology programs. Also, most of the anthropology and archaeology professors have left (only two left) and now it has been kind of put under Multicultural studies when it comes to some of the classes.

I definitely want to go somewhere else with a better program that has more courses specifically related to anthropology and archaeology. I just don't know what to do. Will getting an AA in general education prevent me from being accepted to more substantial schools? Will transferring from community college make me a less desirable student?

0 Comments
2024/12/03
04:16 UTC

11

Question about my goals...

Hello everyone. I am 39 years old with a GED and 48 credits from a prior community college experience I did not complete just after I got out of the military. I have gotten it in my head that I really want to become an Underwater Archaeologist -- but not knowing anyone in that profession, I wanted to post my plans here and see if you all think I'm on the right track or not. I start college at the Florida Keys in January.

My plan is Associate of Applied Science in Diving Business & Technology > Associates of Science in Marine Environmental Technology > Bachelors of Science in Marine Resource Management > MPS Marine Ecosystems & Societies - Underwater Archaeology Track.

I was injured in Iraq and again in Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury so I've been on permanent disability from both SSDI and the VA for about a decade. I feel I am in a place where I can return to school and once I'm done, reengage with the work-force.

My weakness is math, to which I plan to engage in regular math tutoring sessions throughout the duration of my studies but if I do not have to take additional math classes, I'd rather not risk the class affecting my overall GPA. (I know this probably sounds stupid, and if so please tell me because)

My prior academic transfer credits / GPA is in the final uploaded document / picture. Admittedly I am trying to ease myself back into school with a easy associates degree because of my injuries and legnth of time since I've been in school.

If anyone in the field would like to DM me and maybe let me pick your brain on the profession / schooling, I would appreciate it.

I am currently a PADI SCUBA diver and I've been diving since 2011.

I can't commit to my desire to want to pursue a PhD after all that training, as I just have a GED now and that seems too aspirational, but if I were to pursue a PhD I would want to try for Texas A&M PhD in Underwater Anthropology specializing in Underwater Archaeology and I would like to possibly do my dissertation on the study of ancient civilizations found in submerged underwater caves.

Thoughts?

Be gentle, but not too gentle.

https://preview.redd.it/l5kk5dld8i4e1.png?width=1284&format=png&auto=webp&s=c259590f37f7b7d7f304c2b28b62d0e3de45a5c1

https://preview.redd.it/f36vm46f8i4e1.png?width=1244&format=png&auto=webp&s=168306be1edf93a69cc6e3b3c0ac4de0631674b0

https://preview.redd.it/6vqnt2jj8i4e1.png?width=2130&format=png&auto=webp&s=f8a31b65158a71533821c30626f804185f139488

9 Comments
2024/12/02
21:54 UTC

1,059

The Cochno Stone, located in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, is one of the most remarkable examples of prehistoric rock art in Europe.

29 Comments
2024/12/01
20:49 UTC

3

Recommendations for shoes in hot climate

Hello, I'll be working at an oasis settlement this winter for my archaeology internship. I'm looking for a pair of breathable, durable, hot-weather desert hiking boots, but I didn't have any luck finding it yet.

Anyone have some recommendations? (Preferably not too expensive. I'm on a student budget ;) )

4 Comments
2024/12/01
17:39 UTC

5

Cultural heritage management

Hi, I am about to finish a master degree in Archaeological sciences and undecided to make a thesis either in geophysics or management of cultural heritage. The last one seems interesting to me, I would like to become in future manager of archaeological sites; do you think is a good path to choose?

4 Comments
2024/12/01
00:40 UTC

0

Can a MA in Military History let you do Archaeological work?

I’m going for a MA in Military History and I was wondering if I can do what’s mentioned above? I’ve tried researching it but I can never find a straight answer.

7 Comments
2024/11/30
04:00 UTC

8

Odd Term On British Museum Site

(undergrad student) Looking at a ceramic artifact on the British Museum's online database and it says it is made of "fabric type 1". There's no hyperlink or attached page concerning fabrics, and I can't find this typology system anywhere on the Museum's site or elsewhere. Is this just a random phrase from an earlier artifact description that got copied over, or is it something else?

7 Comments
2024/11/30
03:38 UTC

7

Wide-calf safety wellington boots? (UK)

I’m looking for some wide-calf safety wellies for site, as it’s my first winter in the field. I’ve just ordered some JCB size 8 from Screwfix (I’m normally a size 6-7 but upsized for comfort) but the calf is still far too narrow. For context I’m (F) mid-sized and have very wide calves, so I’d need some wellie boots that stretch to 19-20inches to comfortably wear thicker socks and also tuck in my PPE trousers.

Are there any recommendations from other mid-plus size people who have calves of thunder that need accommodating?? Thanks in advance :)

2 Comments
2024/11/29
18:36 UTC

5

grad school

Is an anthropology masters with your concentration in archaeology good for CRM archaeology work? Or should I look at overall archaeology degree

4 Comments
2024/11/28
20:26 UTC

0

Hot frescoes in the new Pompeii dig

0 Comments
2024/11/28
13:36 UTC

52

Have there been stone tablets with images and writing found at Gobeki Tepe?

Google is giving me some things that I find questionable but also not answering my question such as 'Image of GT found on sumerian tablet' and such so I'm not sure.

15 Comments
2024/11/28
00:36 UTC

7

Would it be worth getting experience in LiDAR technology or micromorphology if interested in a career in commercial archaeology? (UK)

I understand these are not commonly employed in the sector for various reasons, but what are your thoughts? Would it be better to look into something else?

I have some experience with GPR and GIS already (although it dates back to almost ten years ago).

2 Comments
2024/11/27
19:40 UTC

2

Going back to school

0 Comments
2024/11/27
14:19 UTC

52

How did you know you wanted to be an Archaeologist ?

Hi 👋

I’m curious how did each of you know that you wanted to become an archaeologist? What was your career path life? What epiphanies did you receive to confirm said path?

Update : thank you so much for everyone who replied to this post. I’m currently trying to find my purpose in life and lately I’ve been binge watching Indiana jones and looking at old artifacts online and something has definitely sparked in me just not sure yet if this is my path.

41 Comments
2024/11/27
12:12 UTC

7

NPS Pathways Interview

Hey y’all!

I have an interview next week with the National Park Service for the position of archaeologist trainee through the Pathways program. I’m super nervous as this will be my first interview that isn’t just for a part-time retail job.

If anyone else here has done an interview for the Pathways program, I would love some advice on how to prepare! (Questions they might ask me, things I should discuss with them, etc)

For some background, I’m in my junior year of undergrad in the US and did a field school this past summer through my university (Phase 2, 6-week, RPA certified). I’ve taken classes in CRM practices, artifact analysis, and cataloging so I feel like I have a decent bit of experience in those aspects. I believe I have the necessary skills for the position, interviews just always freak me out 😅

Any advice is much appreciated!

3 Comments
2024/11/26
21:23 UTC

148

Fallen rocks hid a forgotten chamber of an ancient Egyptian temple.

What a great way to start Thanksgiving Week for Archaeology Aficanados here in the States: news of a newly recovered Egyptian Temple.

"Archaeologists discover a Ptolemaic temple pylon in Sohag: A Joint Egyptian-German mission has discovered a Ptolemaic temple pylon on the western side of the main temple at Athribis, located in Sohag, Egypt. Athribis was a cult center for the worship of the god Min-Re, his wife Repyt (a lioness goddess) and their son, the child-god Kolanthes. The site stretches over 74 acres and consists of the temple complex, a settlement, the necropolis, and numerous ancient quarries."

Grab your fedoras and survey equipment, and put some extra gravy on that drumstick and stuffing. I would rather travel to this location to explore and document this temple's contents than fly to New Jersey to visit most of my in-laws.

Heritage Daily: Archaeologists discover a Ptolemaic temple pylon in Sohag.

1 Comment
2024/11/26
17:23 UTC

6

Career path

Hello! I see there a quite a bit of Americans on this subreddit. I’m currently finishing my bachelors in Archaeology is Brazil and I was planning on getting my masters in the U.S.. Just for some context, I was born in the U.S., moved to Brazil when I was young because of my parents and have wanted to move back ever since. Field schools are not a thing here, once we finish our bachelors, we are immediately considered professionals since Brazil has a serious lack of archaeologists, and furthermore, throughout the entirety of our bachelors we are constantly doing fieldwork practice. I have very little knowledge in both American archaeological law and also American landscape, how would I go about getting to know at least the basics for these? I also wonder how hesitant employers would be to hire me because of me being an international student.

0 Comments
2024/11/26
16:04 UTC

11

Serious career dilemma- what would you do?

TLDR: If you (as a 30 year old) had to choose between staying in a foreign country as a full time teacher, or beginning your career as an archaeologist back in the US, what would you choose?

Currently overseas in Italy, I'm a US citizen. I'm going to be getting my masters degree in Archaeology this spring (working on the thesis now), and have been working part time at a school here. It's been tough work, but today I got some very strong hints that the school intends to ask me to be a full time teacher (maybe a work visa?) later on. I was already planning on moving back to the US to pursue archaeology (probably starting at the bottom as a field tech), and this alternative has left me feeling unbalanced. Long term I know moving back to the US for financial and career reasons is the correct path. I'll also be able to access my family, and begin building my retirement (a necessity as a US citizen). Downside, I'll be starting over entirely, with minimal money and practically no relevant archaeological experience, also as a 30 year old. Versus I take the (possible) offer I think I'll be receiving here in Italy, continue being a teacher (not my life goal), without the long term benefits of citizenship.

Written out, I see that I should continue my goal, but I'm still struggling with the emotions from realizing I'll have to make the decision soon, whether that's in a month or 4 months. What do you think? What would you do?

10 Comments
2024/11/26
13:35 UTC

74

Forged discoveries scandal in German archaeology

A German archaeologist employed by the state office for heritage and archaeology in the Rhineland-Palatinate is being investigated for forging research results. The Ministry of the Interior has issued a statement and is conducting an investigation. Amongst the most prominent forged results is a supposed Neanderthal skull from Ochtendung, and a Roman era battlefield at Rigodolum. C14 dating has revealed that the Neanderthal skull is early medieval, not Palaeolithic, while the research database for the battlefield appears to have serious flaws. More than 21 skulls studied by the archaeologist have also been found to be much younger than originally claimed. The archaeologists PhD thesis is also being investigated.

This is shaping up to be a massively embarrasing scandal. Seems that the accused individual was a high-ranking official in the state office, although the name has not yet been made public.

News source in German:
https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/koblenz/leitender-mitarbeiter-von-gdke-soll-funde-manipuliert-haben-100.html
https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/trier/forschungen-zu-roemischen-schlachtfeld-bei-riol-sollen-manipuliert-sein-100.html

11 Comments
2024/11/26
09:32 UTC

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