Is archaeology a fulfilling field of study? What inspired you to be an archaeologist? Summer (13)

Dear Summer, archaeology is a very diverse field of study so, whatever you are interested in, chances are, your skills will be useful in archaeology! First, you have the site skills (digging and recording, as in taking photographs, drawing sections and plans and surveying) and secondly, you have the post-excavation skills where you could be a specialist (in analyzing bones, pottery or coins for example) or write reports and work on computer drawings.
That’s why I find it fulfilling: it is so diverse that every day is different and you get to use many skills!

I was interested in mythology from a very young age and kept reading books about the Greeks, the Vikings and the Celts and as I got older, I decided I wanted to study archaeology so I could learn even more about the past and different civilisations! I don’t regret my choice: working full-time in archaeology can be hard work but it’s also very interesting and rewarding!

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

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