If you ever wondered what we archaeologist do in the field, here you go: “A Day in the Life of an Archaeologist.” Subscribe to www.archwithtal.com for more content and subscribe to my RU-vid channel for updates on new videos!
Hands down, the best comment yet! We wake up early so for several reasons. The first one being the most obvious: the heat. We want to get as full of a days work as we can before the heat of the day hits at around 12 or 1pm. We're working in the desert and it can get quite hot. But that also means it is quite cool in the mornings which makes it ideal working conditions. Additionally, the best time to take photos and document our progress is at twilight since it limits the shadows so we can see the pictures clearly. So every morning is kind of a race against the sun to get out to the site and take photos before starting work for the day.
@@annatoullie4914 Hey! Not at all, although it is very common. Archaeologists work all over the world, and honestly, the weather will restrict the ways we accommodate our field seasons. For example, for my research in the tropics we follow a similar schedule but for slightly different reasons. Although it will not get as hot as it would get in the desert in the middle of the day, the specific area I work in has major downpours pretty consistently after 2pm in the afternoon. So, being in and out by 2pm helps keep us safe and the areas we are excavating protected.
The one dislike is the Indiana Jones fan that was dissapointed you are not almost killed on a daily basis or uncover discoveries of the decade every tuesday or so, pretty good video my man :4
Hey man, This was super useful for an assignment I had to do for school. I literally had to write a day in the life of some kind of anthropologist, so I decided to do archeology. You seem like a really cool dude, and I hope you can continue to educate and inspire others in this field!
Hey thanks for the comment! I certainly love what I do and love to share it with others. I'm glad I could help you out with your assignment. If you need any help with future assignments feel free to reach out. -Tal
I currently work as a tour guide in a cave and have always loved History and wanted to travel. I recently had a biologist who came in for a tour and seemed so happy to visit the cave and see new formations even though he works with this type of stuff everyday and one thing led to another and now I'm thinking archaeology would be an amazing job for me. It seems so interesting and really just fun to be able to discover things like this and learn more about how humans lived before us!
In the middle of going back to school to brush up on my anthropological and archaeological skills to prepare for applying grad school. I can't wait to get field experience! love the video hope you post more in the future!
Thank you for the comment! I look forward to making more this upcoming season. Be on the lookout in June and July! Good luck in approaching and applying for grad school. If you need any help in the future be sure to reach out. archwithtal@gmail.com -Tal
@@mdaman2926 Hello, I do not know what to tell you about exams and all. But I have written an article on my blog about becoming and archaeologist. I'll leave the link here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io
I loved the video and the insight into archaeology. As an undergrad anthropology student, with the goal to focus on archaeology, this video made my day!
SilverMoonlightGirl thanks for watching! If you haven’t been on a dig or would like to be part of ours in Jordan let me know! It’s important as a new comer to archaeology to get involved and get some experience.
@@talmadgegerald1976 hey, I’m a classics major looking to go into classical archaeology, and I desperately want some experience on a dig. If the offers still somehow open, please let me know.
@@MCernoble We are accepting applications for the 2022 summer season. I will attach the link below. We would love to have you! It is indeed a "field school" and no experience is necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know. andrewsarchaeology.org/fieldwork/khirbet-safra/
@@talmadgegerald1976 hey there, I checked the site and the dates seem listed for 2021, my wife and I are interested...is there indeed a 2022 trip?? Thank you!
Hey, I've been considering multiple career options and I'm not really sure where to go, an archaeologist was one of them. I'm still quite young (15) but with GCSEs on the horizon, the pressure to quickly decide what path to take is increasing, I suck at maths (foundation level ._.) But other than than I'm a pretty average student and have no worry in passing other aspects of school. I kinda want to do something with animals, care ect (not veterinary, I'm not a skilled scientists) I'm a relatively skilled artist but I don't think I want to take that route as a job (I just don't think there is much I can do with it and It feels difficult to make a living out of it unless I become a teacher.. which is not a favourite from my parents) . Sorry about that load of waffle, just wanted to give a "backstory" .ANNYWAY my point is , if archeology is a route I could take how would I go about it ? (I know it's a very broad , and difficult question to awnser so don't stress if you can't awnser it :)
I always loved history and the idea of researching and finding new things through history but I don't know rather to do a job that I would definitely like or get a job that pays higher
Hey dude! I’m super curious about archaeology, and genuinely interested in pursuing it as a career. I am in the last two years of high school (studying things like ancient history, sociology & literature), and am wondering if you have any general advice/tips for someone of my experience?
I have been getting questions about careers in archaeology, if you or anyone you know are interested in a career or hobby in archaeology see my blog here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist Additionally go on a dig! Anyone can join us in Jordan and if you are interested see this website and contact the folks at Andrews University to take part in the excavation at Khirbet Safra in Jordan. andrewsarchaeology.org/fieldwork/khirbet-safra/
I got into a private college and plan on getting a bachelors in Archaeology- but I currently have a toddler, and I’m carrying a second. Do you recommend continuing this path as a mother? Would it be hard traveling with children (dad is in the picture and we’d consider home schooling)? I worry about not giving them a proper childhood if I bring them along, or missing out on their lives if I don’t.
Hi, thank you for your comment. To be honest I am not quite sure how to answer this question. Are considering a career in archaeology? There are plenty of people whom have families and are archaeologists, myself being one of them. I would never tell someone they should refrain from pursuing their dreams because they have a family. Most of us only travel for several weeks out of the year and live in the States (I live in Chicago). Many of us have spouses who stay at home with children while we are in Jordan and after six weeks, we return home. Some are mothers. It is really up to you and your husband as to whether he can support you (financially) in your schooling as well as support you in your adventures in the Middle East for a month or two out of the year. My advice: try it out. Come on a dig with us or somewhere else and see how you and your husband handle it. See if you even like it if you have never been on a dig before. Your children can stay home with your spouse or he can come and stay in the hotel with the children while you dig during the day. It is not impossible and I know some who have done that. Feel free to email me if you have more questions: archwithtal@gmail.com
Hey geralt I wanted to ask you a question. I'am currently doing bachelor's in history and psychology so can I opt for MA in archeology or anthropology after completing my bachelor's.
Hello, Really, you should have no problem applying for an MA in anthro/arch. A BA in history and psych should not discourage any graduate program from accepting you. My degree was in Ancient (Biblical) Languages and I found a program that fit my interests in linguistic studies, biblical studies and archaeology. What matters is finding a program that interests you and finding an advisor who can guide you through the process and has similar interests as your own. Do some research on programs. For example, if you are interested in Roman Archaeology, go to a school that teaches that as a part of their program. Education in the States function kind of like a tier system. If you get a BA, that is a general degree with some specializing. A Master's will provide you with more specialization and give you tools you need for research and methodology. If you go further into a PhD, then you are becoming an expert in the field with major specialization in one or more aspects of the larger discipline. Read my blog post on careers and education in archaeology here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io If you need help finding a school or would like further advice, let me know. You can email me anytime at archwithtal@gmail.com Tal
Hello Lucy. Of course I consider everything we find interesting! We mostly find pottery, stone tools and stone architecture. But perhaps the most exciting discovery that I have uncovered myself is a city gate. It may not sound like a great discovery, but there are few in the time period I'm working on. You can tell a lot about a city or town based on what can be found at the gate like inscriptions, seals, tools, trade goods, etc. Elders and leaders of the city would also sit at the gate to discuss politics and make judgements on law-breakers. Contracts and covenants were made at the city gate like what we see in the book of Ruth in the Bible. You can say the city gate was the place to be back in the day. Thanks for the comment and the question :)
Hi ... I am from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳 I am in class 9th and a history enthusiast. Will archaeology be a good career option for me and will the profession exist in future?
The rule that always works in all relationships throughout the ages. In this short video we consider a story that happened in a very interesting time - in times of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I, whose exceptional reign has been called The Golden Age of England: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VgD-o6GMv90.html
Hello, are you interested in going into archaeology? The good news is that you have time if you are still in high school. You do not have to receive a bachelors in archaeology or anthropology in order to become an archaeologist. I know many who have had careers and studies in other disciplines before going into archaeology. I, myself have my bachelors in linguistics and theology before applying to a MA program in archaeology. Here's some tips: 1) figure our what you are interested. Is there a time period you enjoy better than others? Is there a geographic region you want to explore? If you are interested in the Roman Period in Egypt then you need to find a school which can teach that. I was interested in biblical history of Israel and wanted to know how I can read the Bible better so I learned Hebrew and Greek, then went to schools that taught history in that part of the world. If you are interested in American history, go to a school that teaches that generally, then you can get more specific in archaeological training in your MA. Chances are you don't even have to go the best school in the country to receive basic history and academic training. You have to start small before you can go big. Don't break the bank by going to an expensive school unless you have scholarships or can afford it. State schools and even community colleges (junior colleges) have anthropology departments that can teach the basics. Get your bachelors done then you'll have a better idea what you want to go into. 2) Go on a dig. Like next summer if you can. See if you like it at all. There are tons of field schools all over the world that allow volunteers to learn the basics of archaeology and you need zero experience or background to participate. They usually include room and board, food and some travel expeditions. This is the best way to see if this is something you want a career in. Try it out. If you want to come dig with me in Jordan, email me at archwithtal@gmail.com and I'll send you some info. We dig May-June. 3) for more tips see my blog post: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist
Hi Tal! Ive been wanting to get into archeology for awhile now and ive made it my major in college. Lately, I've been researching about what the job itself actually looks like out of college and I was slightly turned off. It seems like most people end up doing the "less romantic" part of archeology like being a museum manager or something and it's been weighing on me that maybe this wasn't the right major for me. Maybe it's because I'm a little childish or naive but I really do want to travel the world and participate in excavations as you do. Every once in a while I see people like you and it gives me hope that something like this is really possible. What I want to know is how you got to where you are now. What did you need to study in college? How did you find the connections to go to Jordan and get paid for doing so? Basically, what do you think I should do to get as close to where you are now? Thanks!
Hello, Thank you for the question and comment. I have a blog where I post some of my personal research and reflection, where I have some advice and tips for those that are interested in a career in archaeology. You can access it in the link below. www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io I will have you know that it's a long process. As far as what you saw in the video, I was not paid to be apart of this excavation but I was financially supported by the university where I am working on my PhD. I do travel to Jordan every year and my hope is that I will be employed by a university whom will pay me to teach and I can continue my research in the Middle East. However, these jobs are very competitive and there are very few. If you read my blog, I show that there are other ways to be involved in archaeology without being paid to excavate in far away lands. In order to get a paid job doing what I show in the video, you need a PhD, and most are not willing or do not have the funds to do that amount of schooling. Most people that go off and dig, are volunteers that pay to be apart of projects. Some quick advice for you, find a dig and go. It does not matter where. Spend a couple of weeks and see if you like it. I can even give you information for you to join us on our dig this upcoming June 2021. If you don't like it, then your answer is made for you. If you absolutely love it, then prepare to spend the next 5-7 years in graduate school. Of course you can always be involved with archaeological projects as a hobby and have a career for income. I discuss this in my blog. Personally, I love it and plenty of people have found the romance which you speak of in museum work or in the academic sphere. For me the traveling is the best part and makes all of my hard work worth it. But you have to really check with yourself if it is something you want to pursue. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions. Cheer! -Tal
It looks really fun, but I have a few questions that I really need to get off my chest so I was wondering if you could help me get them answered: 1. can you make a good living from being an archeologist? I live in the UK if that makes a difference 2. I heard that that this sort of work is only a small part of it and that the only way to make a real living is to be a professor, is that true in any way? 3. What degrees would I need to have? Thank you
An archaeologist is never rich! so if you are looking for a good living, it won't help you. Archaeology is more about knowing and preserving the past! As you saw in the video, for an archaeologist pottery is more important than gold and silver found on the site, as from it knowledge can be built!
It's about you. You can use your knowledge very goodm you can learn things to your students. Male vlogs. Archeologist knows to many kind of history. You can choose one way of history to develop it for students.
A tutorial to become an archaeologist: 1.Study hard in school and read so many books about history 2. Graduate to history or archaeologist university 3. Seek higher education find a normal graduate school Done. With this stats some companies might hire you without an interview
I detail some of career choices in a blog post you can read here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist There are a few different routes you can take in archaeology as a career. Most "archaeologists" that you have met or know either work for a university or work in the private sector. As a full-time position in either, you can earn you between 50 - 100K a year depending on your experience and education. If you want to hit the higher numbers in salary you will need to have either a PhD or 15+ years of experience doing Cultural Resource Management (CRM). There are other opportunities in museum work, book publications and speaking engagements to earn extra money on the side of one of these careers. As for myself, I am working toward a PhD in order to not only earn a solid living as an archaeologist, but I want the experience and credentials to contribute to academia and scholarship in archaeology and biblical studies.
How hard would you say it is to get hired to be in your business position is it something as long as you go to college in the subject of archeology you can find a job as a archeologist or is it something that not many people can do and it’s something that is rare for people to do for a job
It would be helpful to see some description of what you are actually doing. For instance, after the at 5 am you start working in timelapse and I dont understand what you are doing. Can you describe what you are looking for, what tools you use etc. Thanks have a great day
Hi! Thank you for the comment. I plan on doing an "archaeology method" video in the future. It's nice to know someone is interested in how we do it rather than just what we find! I have a video on the tools we use and the Arabic names for them. You can find it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S7U7i4xevBo.html
@@talmadgegerald1976 Thank you for the link. I was looking for some informations, because i was working on a small game experience related to this job and i found your video. I understand this is a more "causal" video. It is also helpful to better undersand the life of an Archaeologist. That being said a more archeology method would be interesting. Maybe if you can share some insights of the methodology, or what exactly are you aiming for when you "dust" and search on the floor. Maybe also how you measure success in this job. As an ignorant in this matter, i don't understand how you earn money. I mean is it based on findings, etc? Also do you archeologist keep/write daily diary or journals?
@@jaspermori My website/blog www.archwithtal.com will have a write-up of this season with some photos. I will talk about how the season ended and what we found. I will also talk about what we look forward to in the future. Thanks!
Are you still in Jordan? I would love to be part of a dig. I’m currently finishing my BA in History/Anthropology and would like to do my graduate studies in Israel. I have so many questions for you, so if you’re still active in the field I would love to be able to learn more.
Hi Tom, Thanks for watching the video! I have been getting a lot questions about careers in archaeology, if you or anyone you know are interested in a career or hobby in archaeology see my blog here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist Anyone can join us in Jordan and if you are interested, see this website and contact the folks at Andrews University to take part in the excavation at Khirbet Safra in Jordan. andrewsarchaeology.org/fieldwork/khirbet-safra/ Unfortunately the 2020 season, like many others in Israel and Jordan were canceled because of COVID-19. But you can join us next year! Any other questions feel free to email me at archwithtal@gmail.com -Tal
@@talmadgegerald1976 Great, thanks for the speedy response; I'll be sure to check out your blog. And I didn't realise you guys were associated with Andrews U. That's a school I had interest in because it looks like one of the few graduate programs in the US focused on biblical and ancient Near East archeology. Thanks again!
@@tomsuiteriii9742 Andrews University is a world-class institution and if you're interested in Jordan, you cannot probably find a better school in the states. They have been excavating in Jordan for over 50 years. We even have some Jordanians who are doing their MA's and PhD through Andrews. I hope you can come dig with us in the future. Feel free to contact anytime you need anything. You can reach me at archwithtal@gmail.com
@@talmadgegerald1976 Thanks so much, Tal. (And sorry about the late reply 7 moths later!) If you guys allow undergrads, or even beginning graduate students, to come out on digs, I would absolutely love to do so. Like I said, I'm planning on making a move to Jerusalem sometime within the next 2 years, but even before then I would love to "get my feet wet" on a dig. I will email you.
@@tomsuiteriii9742 Feel free to reach out. We are currently digging until July 9th but we will certainly have spots open next year. Hope you can make it!
Hello, thanks for commenting. Please view my blog on exploring jobs in archaeology. www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io
That is a good question. I do not think there will be a decline in private jobs, by which I mean Cultural Resource Management (CRM). As the United States gets older, specialists will continue to be needed in the recording and conservation of historic landmarks. What there is definitely happening however, is the decline of jobs in the academy in archaeology. There are simply not enough teaching positions for the amount of PhDs coming out of graduate schools. This has led for them to either seek employment in CRM or settling to teach a secondary discipline (history, linguistics, religion, etc) and not archaeology. I recommend anyone to get involved in archaeology, but if you are not willing to compete with other PhDs in publishing material year after year to achieve that sought-after tenure position, then archaeology may be more of a hobby for you rather than a full-time career.
@@David-wn8xo I am unaware of the job market in Europe when it comes to CRM. In the US most CRM jobs are with established environmental firms that do cultural work because a large amount of land is privately owned. It depends on the country. In countries with more government-owned property, you'll see less private environmental firms so you'd be looking for government employment and/or jobs with the local antiquities authorities.
Hello, I am working on my PhD at Andrews University. I currently live in Chicago. The site I am working on in the summers is Khirbet Safra in Jordan. andrewsarchaeology.org/fieldwork/khirbet-safra/
Hey Geralt I’ve got a particular question, Is being an Archaeologist a job that also allows you to have a family, like a wife and kids? I imagine it would be very difficult to do both, but is it possible?
Hi, From my experience, the only struggle comes from being away from your family in the time you are excavating. For me, its 6 weeks over the summer. Other than that, it should be no different than having any other career with a family. There are always struggles. Some CRM work require long term travel which can be difficult for families however, you don't have to take those kinds of jobs. Some do though because they pay better than some. The biggest struggle I have heard amongst my colleagues is the amount of schooling one has to go through in order to be in archaeology. It typically requires a Master's or greater. Some families do not want the financial strain of a spouse being in school for several years while (sometimes) not being able to bring in extra income. Thanks for the question. Tal
Thanks for the question! Pottery is our best identifier for determining time period. For example, our site at Safra is mostly Early Iron Age I pottery (1300-1100 BCE) which tells us that the people living there, would have lived there in that time period. Sometimes finding organic material like seeds, wood, wheat, etc. can help if we can get a radiocarbon date on it. It's not precise but with all of the evidence we can make a really good guess!
Read this blog post from my website if you are interested in jobs in archaeology. Thanks for the comment. www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io
Thank you! It's such a wonderful tongue twister. My friend Kaled was helping me memorize it. I have another video about common Arabic words which help to know on digs. Feel free to let me know what you think about it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S7U7i4xevBo.html
I detail some of these career choices in a blog post you can read here: www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist There are a few different routes you can take in archaeology as a career. Most "archaeologists" that you have met or know either work for a university or work in the private sector. As a full-time position in either, you can earn you between 50 - 100K a year depending on your experience and education. If you want to hit the higher numbers in salary you will need to have either a PhD or 15+ years of experience doing Cultural Resource Management (CRM). There are other opportunities in museum work, book publications and speaking engagements to earn extra money on the side of one of these careers. As for myself, I am working toward a PhD in order to not only earn a solid living as an archaeologist, but I want the experience and credentials to contribute to academia and scholarship in archaeology and biblical studies.
are you Archaeologist ? can you help how get into Archaeologist collages because I wanted to be Archaeologist. now I am 10+2 class from India. please help me!!
Hello Lakshmi, Please see my blog post on different paths into archaeology you can take in the United States. Unfortunately I cannot speak on career paths in India but maybe the post can be of help. My best piece of advice is to go on a dig either near your home or abroad. That will give you a better sense of whether you will like it or not. www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist?fbclid=IwAR0BO00GDgLX9tVS-FsH6oTHjh1wwKhzigGndDhHCgQGhTTmfyjLWOtR5Io
Depends on how you do archaeology. Work for a university you can make $80K-ish to over $100K a year. Those jobs are few and highly competitive. Most archaeologists, however, make between $40K and $60K a year. They either teach, work for private firms or antiquity departments. www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist
I certainly recommend anyone to get involved in archaeology, whether academically, professionally or just as a hobby. If you are serious about it visit my blog post on what it takes to do a career in archaeology. Cheers! www.archwithtal.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-an-archaeologist
Hi Amina, if I understand your question correctly, the skills an archaeologist acquire are many. More specifically, being able to interpret artifacts in their context. There is an ongoing joke amongst archaeologists that you pretty much need to be a "jack-of-all-trades" since archaeology covers a wide variety of disciplines from excavation methods, to geology, geography, linguistics, economics, biology, metallurgy, botany, philology, and ceramics to name a few. You learn all of these on the way though. You are not required to know all of this going into archaeology and many specialize in only one of these disciplines. Thanks for the question!
