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 Norse mythology. When I was a child, I absolutely loved reading about the Gods and Goddesses and their many adventures. As I grew up, I became more interested in the people who had written these stories (and who maybe even believed they were true?), and I tried to research their background. That’s what led me to history, and eventually to archaeology.

I remember my first excavation really well! It was the site of a medieval priory in the south of France and we were digging the cemetery next to the chapel. I had never seen a skeleton before and I was fascinated! That’s definitely the moment I realised I wanted to do archaeology as a full-time job.

Archaeology is so diverse: you can be out on site or in the office, you end up digging, drawing, taking photographs and (the most exciting part!) discovering and studying ancient artefacts that were buried for hundreds or even thousands of years! There nothing else I’d enjoy doing more!”