Archaeological scientists. An archaeologist is... Profession archaeologist. Archaeological scientists Archaeologists do not use

The modern archaeologist requires technical and administrative training, so he must have many skills. Modern archeology is so complex that few people can master all the skills required to excavate a large city, or even a medium-sized settlement, in exceptionally complete preservation. In the 1920s, Woolley excavated Ur with several Europeans, three specialist surveyors from Syria, and several hundred workers. Today, at a similar site, an expedition would consist of a carefully selected team of specialists whose qualifications and skills would reflect the complexity of the site and the features of its environment. Moreover, we are the custodians and stewards of fragile wealth and we have a responsibility to preserve the past for the future, to obtain maximum information with minimal disruption to its peace. Now let's look at some of the basic skills that an archaeologist needs to have.

Theoretical knowledge

An archaeologist must be able to define research problems in their context: everything that is known about them. This knowledge includes the current state of research on a particular problem, such as the origin of humankind or the earliest human settlements in Ohio, and the most recent theoretical and methodological advances in archeology that may have influenced the definition and solution of the problem. The research problem will be determined by the specific objectives to be achieved. An archaeologist must have the erudition to be able to formulate hypotheses that will be tested during the study. As the research progresses, he must be able to evaluate and integrate the results of the research in the context of the original objectives.

DISCOVERIES
SAXON FUNERAL SHIP AT SUTTON HOO, ENGLAND, 1939

When British archaeologist James Brown asked landowner Elizabeth Pretty which of the burial mounds on her Sutton Xy property in eastern England to open in 1939, she pointed to the largest. “Maybe this one?” - she remarked. Her random choice epitomizes the state of archeology 60 years ago, but it still led to a remarkable achievement.

On the same day, work began with the excavation of a wide trench along the hill. Very soon Brown found five iron ship nails and suspected that a funeral ship rested here. Using shovels and brushes, he and his workers cleared the bow and 11 frames. When the closed bulkhead was found, Brown very wisely suspended the excavations and called in Charles Phillips of Cambridge University, a specialist in Anglo-Saxon monuments and ancient timber structures. Phillips, being a meticulous archaeologist, examined discolored patches in the soil of the hill, traced the marks of the sides of the boat, and located the wood-lined burial chamber in the middle of the boat (Fig. 5.1). Even traces of repairs to the hull were found. With the greatest care, scientists opened the burial chamber, recording and taking measures to preserve each find, no matter how small it was. Treasures were found in the chamber, buried along with the body of a certain nobleman, but the body itself was not preserved. Among the finds were metal helmets, bowls, spears, axes, bottles, and 37 coins dating back to approximately 650 AD. e. It was one of two ships located in the hill. It was 27 meters long, without a mast or sails, and was propelled by 38 oars. He was dragged approximately 1 kilometer to his final burial site.

Phillips excavated Sutton Xy with the greatest care, but his followers were able to take advantage of much more advanced technology. Metal detectors were used to look for small buttons, radar was used to record underground tracks, and ultraviolet light sources were used to detect subtle outlines of bodies in the soil (Carver, 1998).

Methodological knowledge

Every archaeologist must be able to plan work on the use of certain methods to achieve the set theoretical goals. Methodological skills include the ability to select data collection methods and the ability to decide which analytical methods are most effective in processing data. Excavation of monuments and field surveys require a wide range of methodological skills, from deciding what sampling or trenching system will be used, to developing data recording techniques and the ability to extract fragile objects intact from the matrix in which they are preserved. - under special conditions.

A very important aspect of methodological qualification is working with specialists from other fields of knowledge. Teamwork is especially important in cultural resource management (CRM) projects, where a team approach is a daily reality and deadlines for completing field and laboratory studies are often limited. Each member of the team must understand the essence of multidisciplinary research and work performed, for example, by geologists or zoologists when studying certain problems.

technical skills

Methodological and technical skills overlap, especially in the field. The scientific excavation of any site or large-scale field survey requires more than the ability to select a method or system of fixation; it must also be followed in working conditions. Archaeological excavations require extreme care in measuring and digging, in the deployment of skilled and unskilled labor, and in implementing recovery systems that ensure the safety of the artifact from discovery to delivery to the laboratory. The issue here is the location (provenance) of artifacts and the characteristics of associated ecofacts - non-man-made materials, such as food remains and the like, that can shed light on human activity. A field archaeologist has to take on the role of photographer, methodologist, prospector, digger, fixer, secretary, soil specialist, and he must always be ready for the most unexpected work - uncovering fragile skeletal bones or setting up computer programs. At larger sites, specially trained students or archaeologists may perform the work of professionals such as photographers; On small monuments, many types of work have to be done by one person.

Administrative and management skills

In modern archaeology, whether academic research or cultural resource management, the practicing archaeologist is required to possess high-level administrative and management skills. Today's archaeologist requires the ability to coordinate the activities of various specialists, organize and accommodate student volunteers and paid workers, and seek and control funds received from various sources. You should always be aware of all aspects of the research as it progresses. This could include various types of permits, provision of office supplies or digging tools. RBM archaeologists must be able to negotiate, adhere to contracts, and follow legal requirements (Chapter 18).

In addition to all this, each participant in an archaeological project must understand people and must maintain a good mood while performing work in difficult and uncomfortable conditions. The diplomatic side of archaeological excavations is often forgotten. But archaeological folklore is full of stories about catastrophically unsuccessful expeditions carried out by archaeologists who were callous to their colleagues. A truly great expedition is one where the work is enjoyable, where people smile and argue over interpretations of stratigraphic profiles during the day and enjoy socializing around the evening fire.

Analytical skills and the ability to write a competent report on the work performed

There is one basic lesson that must be learned at the very beginning of archaeological work, namely, any excavation is the destruction of the ultimate sources of information located in the ground, and they can never be restored to their original form. Each archaeologist is responsible not only for analyzing finds in the laboratory, but also for preparing a detailed report on the field work done, which is an important part of the information about the archaeological study. Unfortunately, the shelves of museums around the world are filled with finds from monuments that have been excavated but not described. An undescribed monument is akin to a destroyed one. Prompt publication is the ethical responsibility of any archaeologist.

Work tool

Indiana Jones went out into the fields with teams of workers equipped with shovels, armed with his favorite whip. Today, archaeologists use more sophisticated tools.

Earthmoving equipment is a necessary element of large-scale excavations and RBM projects. This excavation technique is now widely used, especially in cases where monuments are in danger of destruction and when little time is available for excavations. However, everything depends on the archaeologist’s careful supervision of the progress of the work. An experienced operator can work wonders behind the wheel of his excavator or front loader, removing inches of soil with the delicate, precise touch of a bucket.

The traditional symbol of an archaeologist is a bayonet shovel, which is used to clear walls. Shovels are used to excavate soil when preparing trenches for inspection; They are used in countless situations and are the archaeologist's main tool when moving large quantities of soil. Systematic shoveling of the soil by a team of excavators is the best way to remove layers of plowed earth while uncovering archaeological layers. This method is especially useful when there are traces of pillars and houses under the plowed layer, as in the cases of ancient agricultural settlements in Europe (Grygiel and Bogucki, 1997).

Tools for loosening the soil are a hoe, a pick and a fork. The hoe and pickaxe can be considered together as they are variants of the same tool. If used carefully, they can be sensitive indicators of soil texture, as filled holes and other depressions produce soft soil. Traditional Mediterranean excavations employed specialized teams of pickers, shovel workers, and basket haulers. The latter carried the soil outside the monument.

The most common archaeological tool is the diamond-shaped spatula, its straight edges and top have innumerable uses: to remove soil from a fragile find; The edges can be used to clear objects in sandy soil to a clear surface. As a stratigraphic recording tool, it can indicate a barely visible formation line or a barely visible feature. It can also be used for clearing poles and other small jobs. Such a shovel is used so often that at small monuments, excavators rarely let go of it.

Brushes are especially useful on dry monuments. The most commonly used is a household brush, the bristles of which are quite coarse; It can be held either by the handle or by the bristles. With short strokes of this brush, objects found in hard, dry soil are well cleaned. For more delicate work, excavators use other brushes. One-inch or half-inch utility brushes are widely used for cleaning animal bones and rougher finds. For cleaning thin bones, beads, and fragile iron products, fine camel hair art brushes are best suited.

When cleaning a monument, a variety of small tools can be useful. Sharpened six-inch nails can be used for fine cleaning of bones and other fragile objects. Needles can be used to clean soil from small parts of the skeleton such as eye sockets and cheekbones. One of the most useful excavator tools are toothpicks of different shapes.

Sieves are necessary for excavations, since many objects - coins, glass beads, shells, nails and others - are very small. Most layers of monuments where small artifacts are likely are carefully sifted using fine sieves with mesh sizes of half or a quarter of a centimeter. Flotation techniques are also widely used (Chapter 13).

The set of survey tools usually includes tape measures, lead plumb lines, ropes, spirit levels, drawing tablets, drawing instruments, scale, surveying level and compass - everything necessary to accurately record the plans of the monument for archaeological archives. Field researchers are increasingly using laptop-based computer surveying equipment to create three-dimensional plans and even reproduce the architecture of buildings.

Nowadays, ultra-compact computers are widely used instead of ordinary laptops for keeping diaries of excavations and recording data about the site. Some excavations have created computer networks to encourage communication between expedition members.

During any excavation, containers are vital for storing and transporting finds to the laboratory, as well as for permanent storage. Plastic bags are needed to pack pottery, animal bones and other small finds; Plant scraps and other special items may require special packaging. Cardboard boxes, shopping bags, and even large iron barrels can be useful for storing finds.

PRACTICE OF ARCHEOLOGY

PERSONAL EXCAVATION TOOL SET

I (Fagan) always liked to have my own little tool kit when excavating, just to have a familiar tool at hand. Here are the contents of this set, which is in my small backpack.

A diamond-shaped spatula (a type of plaster spatula), a truly archaeological tool. The "Marshalltown" brand, which has a single blade and handle, is widely used in the United States. I refuse cheap substitutes. This shovel is a versatile tool for opening up small objects or removing soil around small objects such as fireplaces. In the hands of an expert, it is also a wonderful "scraping" tool, ideal for revealing the dark outlines of pillars or complex stratigraphic layers on the walls of trenches. For ease of carrying there is a holster.

Small brush for cleaning.

An ice pick or set of toothpicks for fine digging work, such as scraping bones in the soil. Some excavators prefer homemade bamboo sticks; they say they are more delicate to work with.

Three or four brushes 50 millimeters wide or less are needed for fine cleaning.

Ten meter tape measure. I always carry my own with me because others are always being used by someone. Nowadays, most excavations are measured in the metric system, so the tape measure must be appropriate.

Pencils, erasers, ink pens for marking artifacts.

Plastic bags of various sizes with zippers. Nowhere without them!

Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, a sunshade, sunglasses, good sturdy boots, and gloves and knee pads if you feel you'll need them. If construction helmets are required, they will be provided to you. Headbands are recommended.

A lightweight portable computer is becoming increasingly common.

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Indiana Jones went out into the fields with teams of workers equipped with shovels, armed with his favorite whip. Today, archaeologists use more sophisticated tools.

Earthmoving equipment is a necessary element of large-scale excavations and RBM projects. This excavation technique is now widely used, especially in cases where monuments are in danger of destruction and when little time is available for excavations. However, everything depends on the archaeologist’s careful supervision of the progress of the work. An experienced operator can work wonders at the controls of his excavator or front loader, removing inches of soil with the delicate, precise touch of a bucket.

PRACTICE OF ARCHEOLOGY
PERSONAL EXCAVATION TOOL SET

I (Fagan) always liked to have my own little tool kit when excavating, just to have a familiar tool at hand. Here are the contents of this set, which is in my small backpack.

A diamond-shaped spatula (a type of plaster spatula), a truly archaeological tool. The "Marshalltown" brand, which has a single blade and handle, is widely used in the United States. I refuse cheap substitutes. This shovel is a versatile tool for opening up small objects or removing soil around small objects such as fireplaces. In the hands of an expert, it is also a wonderful "scraping" tool, ideal for revealing the dark outlines of pillars or complex stratigraphic layers on the walls of trenches. For ease of carrying there is a holster.
Small brush for cleaning.

An ice pick or set of toothpicks for fine digging work, such as scraping bones in the soil. Some excavators prefer homemade bamboo sticks; they say they are more delicate to work with.
Three or four brushes 50 millimeters wide or less are needed for fine cleaning.
Ten meter tape measure. I always carry my own with me because others are always being used by someone. Nowadays, most excavations are measured in the metric system, so the tape measure must be appropriate.
Pencils, erasers, ink pens for marking artifacts.
Plastic bags of various sizes with zippers. Nowhere without them!
Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, a sunshade, sunglasses, good sturdy boots, and gloves and knee pads if you feel you'll need them. If construction helmets are required, they will be provided to you. Headbands are recommended.
A lightweight portable computer is becoming increasingly common.

From Greek archaios - ancient and logos - teaching. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in history, world artistic culture, foreign languages and social studies (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).

Archaeologist is a historian who studies the life and culture of ancient people using various artifacts.

Archeology is an applied part of history, along with source studies.

Features of the profession

Artifact in archeology (from lat. artefactum- artificially made) is an object created or processed by man. Artifacts are also called material sources. These include buildings, tools, household utensils, jewelry, weapons, coals of an ancient fire, bones with traces of human impact and other evidence of human activity. If there are writings on the artifacts, they are called written sources.

Material sources (as opposed to written ones) are silent. They contain no mention of historical events, and many were created long before the advent of writing. By itself, a fragment of a jug or a knife handle says little. They cannot be considered out of context, i.e. in isolation of the place, setting, depth of occurrence, objects found in the neighborhood, etc. The archaeologist looks for evidence of the past, and then examines them in the laboratory, classifies them, restores them, if necessary, etc.

Archeology uses data and methods from other disciplines: humanities (ethnography, anthropology, linguistics) and natural sciences (physics, chemistry, botany, geography, soil science). For example, to establish the time of creation or use of an object, they take into account in which layer it lay (each layer of soil corresponds to a certain time period), and use stratigraphic, comparative typological, radiocarbon dating, dendrochronological and other methods.

An archaeologist has no right to fantasies. All his conclusions must be supported by clear evidence.

Archaeologists usually specialize in certain regions and historical periods. For example, a scientist can become an expert on the Paleolithic era in Central Asia if he studies the Stone Age sites there year after year.

By search methods archeology can be divided into types:

Field - searching for artifacts using excavations on land;

Underwater - search underwater;

Experimental- reconstruction of objects of the past (tools, weapons, etc.).

During field excavations, the archaeologist uses a pick and shovel, a magnifying glass and a brush, a knife and a syringe. And also a georadar, a theodolite - when planning excavations, a camera - to document your finds, and other technical capabilities.

To work underwater, you must also be able to scuba dive and use underwater excavation equipment.

During the expedition, the archaeologist needs to describe each discovered object in as much detail as possible - this is important for further analysis. For the same purposes, you need to be able to sketch the find and take a photograph. And in some cases, right in the field, scientists carry out the initial restoration (conservation) of an artifact, because sunlight and fresh air can destroy jewelry that has lain in the ground for a thousand years. If it is not strengthened in time, it will crumble before reaching the laboratory.

In experimental archeology, the reconstruction of an object occurs using materials and technologies typical of the era being studied. During the experiment, scientists are trying to replicate the lifestyle of ancient people. They master crafts and restore forgotten technologies. Recreating an unknown technology, an archaeologist relies on excavation data, builds hypotheses, and conducts experiments. You can't do without engineering skills here.

Only by vocation

The work of an archaeologist is not only intense intellectual work. It requires physical strength and asceticism. Male archaeologists are often bearded, because on expeditions - in the heat and dust, far from civilization - it is not recommended to shave.

But for a real archaeologist, archaeological finds are a source of very strong emotions.

Archaeologist Natalya Viktorovna Polosmak speaks about his first archaeological experience:

“When I picked up my first small finds /.../ I saw that very close by, literally under our feet, a mysterious world of the past exists and lives according to its own laws. And if the era of great geographical discoveries is already behind us, then great historical discoveries are still waiting for us, because the Earth has preserved everything that man has left on it from century to century.” (N.V. Polosmak - Doctor of Historical Sciences, specialist in the field of archeology and ancient history of Siberia. She participated in archaeological expeditions as a schoolgirl.)

According to archaeologist Sergei Vasilievich Beletsky, finds are often perceived as alive: “That is, when you understand that this thing was kept before you 100, 300, 500, 700 years, yes, this is serious.” (S.V. Beletsky - Doctor of Historical Sciences. The main range of scientific interests is the archeology of Pskov.)

Workplace

An archaeologist can work in research institutes (for example, at the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences), as well as teach at universities. His academic career, like that of other scientists, is expressed primarily in scientific discoveries, written works and academic titles.

Important qualities

In addition to interest in the events of the past, an archaeologist needs analytical and deductive abilities. To get a unified picture, you have to compare a lot of disparate data provided by excavations, laboratory studies, and the works of colleagues. It doesn’t matter where the excavations take place - underwater or on land. In any case, this requires good physical endurance and sharp vision.

Knowledge and skills

Historical knowledge is necessary, especially important is knowledge of the era under study, knowledge in related fields: scientific restoration, paleosoil science, paleogeography, etc.

Often you have to study disciplines that are not directly related to archeology: anthropology, ethnography, heraldry, numismatics, textual criticism, heraldry, physics, chemistry, statistics.

In addition, you must have the skills of a surveyor and topographer. And when working in the mountains or underwater, use the skills of a rock climber or diver. For this you have to undergo special training.

Mention of archeology began in Ancient Greece. For example, Plato understood this concept as the study of antiquity, and in the Renaissance he meant the study of the history of Greece and Ancient Rome. In foreign science, this term is associated with anthropology. In Russia, archeology is a science that studies fossil materials that are associated with human activity in ancient times. It studies excavations and currently collaborates with many scientific fields and has several sections dealing with different eras and cultural areas.

The profession of archaeologist is a multifaceted and interesting job.

People study the culture and life of ancient civilizations, reconstructing the distant past from the remains that are carefully excavated in the layers of the earth. This work requires great care and painstakingness. Because over time, the remains of the past become more fragile and dilapidated.

An archaeologist is a person who excavates in search of sources for new research. This profession is often compared to detective work. The work of archaeologists is creative, requiring attention, imagination and abstract thinking - to recreate the pristine picture of the ancient world in the past.

The profession became popular in Greece and Ancient Rome. Since then, the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages were known, many excavations were carried out and even more ancient architectural monuments were found. During the Renaissance, the main goal of archaeologists was to find ancient sculptures. As a separate science, it was formed at the beginning of the 20th century.

What qualities should an archaeologist have?

You need knowledge of the many facts accumulated by scientists in your chosen field for your activities. This could be the Neolithic or Paleolithic era, Bronze, Early Iron, Scythian times, antiquity, maybe Slavic-Russian archeology, etc. The list is not complete and can be continued. Archaeologist is an interesting profession, but it requires the erudition of scientists and the ability to compare various sources.

Such a person must have his own opinion and be able to defend it, argue, based on logic, and not on emotions. It can be difficult, but it is necessary to abandon your hypotheses if there are facts that refute them. The work of archaeologists requires the presence of important qualities - patience, diligence, accuracy. They are extremely necessary during excavations.

Good endurance and physical training are required, since the work of archaeologists most often involves excavations that take place in various climatic conditions. Plus there is no allergy to organic materials. An archaeologist is a person who must be balanced, calm, and able to work in a team.

Knowledge required

Professionals must be able to draw, draw, and photograph. Know the basics of not only restoration, but also conservation of metal, stone, clay and organic materials (leather, bone, wood, fabric, etc.). A broad knowledge of anthropology, linguistics, ethnography, geodesy, topography, geology and paleozoology is required. Those archaeologists who study historical antiquities must have a good knowledge of history and auxiliary disciplines (textual criticism, numismatics, paleography, sphragistics, heraldry and much more).

Field archaeologists must be economists, good organizers, teachers and psychologists. But the most important thing is that they must be able to “see the earth,” read its layers and layers and correctly compare the antiquities found.

Occupational diseases

Human archaeologists have their own diseases, which they acquire during expeditions. Most often this is gastritis or a stomach ulcer, which directly depends on the quality of food, since there are often no normal conditions for cooking. Rheumatism and radiculitis are also common, since very often archaeologists have to live in tents in various weather conditions. Because of this, various arthrosis and arthritis occur.

What is the job of an archaeologist?

What do archaeologists do? Not only global excavations, but also individual mosaic fragments that need to be correctly selected and carefully put together into one whole. It often happens that it takes many years to unravel the secrets of the past. But the final result is worth it. Because this is exactly the way to recreate the past, which seems to be hidden forever in the bowels of the planet.

What do archaeologists do? They study sources, analyze them and subsequently supplement them with various already known facts. Research includes not only excavations, but also a desk part, when work takes place directly with artifacts and documents. Scientists can work not only on land, but also under water.

The most famous archaeologists

Heinrich Schliemann is the German scientist who discovered Troy. This is one of the first pioneer archaeologists who began to study antiquity. He was born on January 6, 1822. According to the horoscope - Capricorn. Conducted excavations in Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Greece and Turkey. For almost half of his life, Henry tried to demonstrate the historical importance of Homer's epic. He tried to prove that all the events described in the poems are not fantasy, but reality.

Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl was born in 1914, on October 6. He wrote many books. His expeditions were always bright, filled with heroic events. Many of his works caused controversy among scientists, but it was thanks to Tour that interest in the ancient history of the peoples of the world increased significantly.

There are famous archaeologists in Russia. These include he was born in 1908. Zodiac sign: Aquarius. This is a famous Russian orientalist historian and academician. He explored many monuments of the North Caucasus, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. Already in 1949, he was appointed deputy director of the Hermitage for scientific affairs.

Outstanding discoveries

Archaeological scientists highlight the 10 most significant finds in the world that were found during excavations:

Unexplained Finds

What unusual things do archaeologists find? There are a number of excavated exhibits that are simply impossible to explain logically. The scientific community was alarmed by the figures of Acambaro. The first was found in Mexico by the German Waldemar Jalsrad. The figurines appeared to have ancient origins, but caused much skepticism among scientists.

Dropa stones are echoes of an ancient civilization. These are hundreds of stone discs found on the cave floor, which were engraved with stories about spaceships. They were controlled by creatures whose remains were also found in the cave.

Terrible finds

In archeology, there are also some rather creepy finds. For example, screaming mummies. One of these was tied hand and foot, but there was a scream frozen on her face. There were suggestions that she was buried alive, tortured, poisoned. But studies showed that the jaw was simply poorly tied or not done at all, which is why the mummy’s mouth was open.

Archaeologists have also found huge claws of an unknown monster. And the found skull and beak of enormous size only convinced scientists that it would not be pleasant if such a monster came across someone on its way. But later it turned out that these were ancient ancestors and their height was 2-3 times higher than human height. It is said that there is a possibility that this bird has survived to this day, and it can be found in areas of New Zealand. The natives of this country have many legends concerning Moa.

Archaeologists' tools

During excavations, these types of tools are mainly used: bayonet, shovel and sapper shovels, picks and shovels of various sizes, brooms, sledgehammers, hammers and brushes of various sizes. The work of an archaeologist can be quite difficult, especially when it comes to excavating large mounds.

An important point is proper work on site. And the ability to choose the necessary tool is also necessary. The excavation director not only monitors the health of archaeologists, but also helps to use the right brushes and shovels correctly.

How to become an archaeologist

You can study both full-time and part-time. Archaeologist is a profession that can be acquired by anyone who has a passion for antiquity and excavations. To do this, you need to enter a university that trains historians. It is in this discipline that they can then engage in excavations and other areas. An archaeologist is a historian. However, unlike the latter, he is engaged not only in the study of theory, but also personally searches and explores antiquity.

Archaeologist salary

The average Russian salary is approximately 15 thousand rubles. But for just one expedition, an archaeologist can receive up to 30 thousand rubles. Salaries may vary in different cities. For example, in Moscow it ranges from 20 to 30 thousand rubles. In the regions it is approximately 5-7 thousand lower.