Science Quickly Dinner with King Tut Explores the Wild World of Experimental Archaeology
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Aug 15, 2025 
Science writer Sam Kean, author of Dinner with King Tut, delves into experimental archaeology, where ancient techniques come to life. He shares thrilling anecdotes about launching medieval catapults and attempting brain surgery with prehistoric tools. Kean highlights how hands-on experiences transform our understanding of history, offering fresh insights into how ancestors lived. The discussion also touches on the diverse contributors to this field, blending traditional knowledge with modern exploration. It’s a fascinating journey through the past, enriched by personal stories and cultural connections.
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Recreating The Past Reveals How It Felt
- Experimental archaeology recreates past activities to learn how things were made and experienced.
- Sam Kean found it more immersive and sensory-rich than traditional dig work.
Start With Food And Simple Projects
- Start experimental archaeology with food and simple crafts like heirloom grains, bread, or fish mummification to learn hands-on processes.
- These approachable projects reveal overlooked questions and techniques in the archaeological record.
Launching A 30-Foot Catapult
- Sam Kean fired a 30-foot authentic medieval catapult he helped build and launched garden stones at a wall 250 yards away.
- He calls it the most fun thing he did for the book.
