My understanding of the field of archeology was limited to textbooks and movies. The little that I knew involved digging and wearing a funky hat. There was also the academic portion where important artifacts were involved. And while Indiana Jones is a wonderful piece of entertainment, it isn’t necessarily known for its accuracy. Though it may not be too far off considering the events of this trip. We have found buried treasure (11 coins but no lost arc), seen plenty of spiders and scorpions, rode camels, climbed, hiked, explored caves, ran away from heavy rocks so as to not be trampled, and by far the most shocking, met a Nazi. I have met many interesting people, but none has made me so confused as that wanna be viking from Australia named Vlad. In one illuminating conversation, we were taught the truth of life and how all of mankind come from one man in Finland. He of course comes from a monkey and a goat. Because that makes sense. Although it doesn’t and because it doesn’t, it’s called an x-factor, meaning it can be ignored. Because that’s how that works. Oh and blonde haired blue eyed aryans are the desired race and were the gods of the old times who bred with everyone else. Yeah. Most importantly we were taught that drugs are bad. Stay away from them kids. And Nazi’s, those are bad too.
I have learned so much about archeology since I have gotten here and I have enjoyed nearly every second. The only times I don’t enjoy it are while carrying down wheel barrows. Even then, I had learned something. Never once did I think of where the dirt and rocks went after being dug up. I have enjoyed learning the methods and terminology used in the field and being able to directly apply it. In my opinion, that is the quickest way to learn something. My unit has had the unique opportunity to close a unit and open a new one. By opening the new one we got to see just how far we have come due to our quick progress compared to the first week here. With this, the ability to adapt has been important. You are constantly changing what you are doing and thinking of the next steps. Being able to take instruction and constructive feedback is also important as that is how I have been able to grow. My team and I have learned the significance of communication and teamwork. Both of which we have been great at. We are constantly talking to each other. Whether to identify a piece of ceramic or where another pair of hands may be useful. It has also been needed as certain areas are a bit of a danger zone where big rocks are being pushed. We are also keeping each other motivated and entertained. Archeology is hard work, it is much more bearable when you are with others, laughing, and having fun.
My skills at identifying what I am looking at has improved so much. Pottery and roof tiles are much more obvious, the signs of something being a bone is more distinct, and even glass is clear. (Get it, cause glass is clear) (terrible, I know). I am also able to recognize the different kinds of rocks used for the walls: schist, marble, limestone, etc. The limestone is a gorgeous blue/green that is so refreshing to see after looking at all the shades of browns. Marble pops out for the same reason. I have a love hate relationship with schist. At times it is pretty, especially when in the sun you can see it shimmer. Schist comes in many different colors which is neat. But, it is by far the biggest imposter. Is it an artifact or is Rocco a rock. Most of the time it is a rock. In which case you are allowed to use one of the many equally terrible schist puns. For examples: son of schist, are you schisting me, (while handing the rock to a friend) you are the schist, the classic schist, ah schist, this is schist, (while finding pottery) you ain’t schist, that’s schisty, etc.
What I have found the most joy with, and confusion, is hypothesizing what it is we are digging. Sketching the walls, finding what connects with what, estimating when things were built, are all brilliant brain teasers. In the beginning, the more certain you were on one theory, something was uncovered that shot it down. Now, things are becoming a little more clear. It is so exciting to see that certain walls are connected, sections of the walls are doors, and the odd looking wall is actually a stair case. I can’t wait for the following week when everyone finishes up with their units so we can see what it is we could have.
Over the past few weeks, I have grown stronger and more intelligent with my time at the dig site. When we aren’t at the site, I have had amazing conversations and experiences with everyone here. The swimming, going out, seeing the stars, eating ice cream, Konrad’s, have all been amazing. The things I have seen and done are things that will stick with me for a good long while. I am thankful for everything. This last week will be bittersweet, because though it will be time to go home, a part of me will never want to.
So, I went to an archaeology dig in Türkiye. And I had the time of my life.