Join archaeologist Eric Cline as he uncovers ancient wine cellars, discusses the difference between a shard and a sherd, and ponders what future archaeologists will think of us. Delve into the excitement of finding ancient sites, the significance of pottery in dating excavations, and the possible impact of plastic on 21st-century civilizations.
Archaeologists identify dig sites through surveys and collaboration with artifact-spotters, utilizing tools to carefully excavate ancient artifacts.
Future interpretations of our era by archaeologists raise the importance of understanding history for shaping the present and future effectively.
Deep dives
Surveying for Sites
Archaeologists conduct surveys on foot or from the air to determine potential dig sites. By analyzing landscapes with a group of individuals who click when spotting artifacts, they can identify areas of interest. In regions like the Middle East, human-made mounds called tells indicate past civilizations. Noteworthy discoveries like Megiddo with its 20 stacked cities spanning 5,000 years provide rich excavation opportunities.
Excavation and Discoveries
Archaeologists use tools like pickaxes and trowels to carefully dig and unearth artifacts. Regular finds include pottery sherds that help in dating excavation levels efficiently. Discoveries like a 2,000-year-old wine cellar showcase collaborative efforts with specialists analyzing pottery, bones, organic residues, and DNA to reconstruct ancient lifestyles.
Interdisciplinary Approach and Future Reflections
Archaeology blends various disciplines to piece together historical narratives. Collaborations with botanists, chemists, and other experts enhance the interpretation of findings. Reflecting on future perceptions, archaeologists ponder how future civilizations will interpret our era, highlighting the significance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future effectively.
Unearthing ancient wine cellars, finding the right places to dig, and tracing the arc of lost civilizations with Eric Cline, an archaeologist. What's the difference between a shard and a sherd? And what will archaeologists of the future make of us?
NEW BOOK ALERT! You may be aware that I’ve written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I’ve got a sixth book coming out in January called RESET: How to Change What’s Not Working. It’s a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.
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