What was your first archaeology site and was it all that you dreamed about? Isla (10)

Dear Isla, I volunteered on my first archaeological site before I even started studying archaeology at university! The site was a medieval priory in the south of France and we were excavating part of the cemetery. It definitely was all I had hoped it would be: the remains were well-preserved and I learnt so much from this first dig that I went back for several summers after that! It really hooked me and I never regretted having chosen archaeology as a career.

Answered by:

Odile Rouard

Hello, my name is Odile Rouard. I’ve always been interested in archaeology and the understanding of ancient cultures, since I started reading Greek mythology as a child.

I have been working as a professional archaeologist for many years and am looking forward to answering any questions you have about archaeology.

I graduated from York University and have worked on excavations in France, in Ireland and in England of course; I even helped train students in field archaeology on a Silk Road citadel in Kazakhstan!
I have just moved to Orkney to start a new adventure and am now taking part in Viking tours and helping children discover archaeology.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Odile

More questions answered by Odile Rouard

Would it be useful for archaeologists have a specifically designed robot that can detect finds for them, and as a result minimise environmental damage? Charlie (14)

First of all, I am not sure if you are aware but archaeologists do use many non-invasive techniques prior to excavation. Those include aerial photography (taking images from […]

What is your most valuable find? Rye (10)

Well, Rye, I must say I do get asked that question a lot so thank you for asking it on here! In archaeology, the most ‘valuable find’ is […]

When did you decide you wanted to become an archaeologist like what inspired you? Ethan (13)

Dear Ethan, it seems to me like I always wanted to become an archaeologist! But I guess what inspired me the most is mythology. And especially Greek and […]