by Dylan Staley
Past Horizons is a service that seeks to aggregate many different archeological opportunities for people of all skill ranges to get involved with the field of archeology and heritage preservation. The website is host to countless descriptions of projects going on around the globe. It’s not limited to the United States or The United Kingdom; its project listing includes projects from Belgium, Romania, Tunisia, Bulgaria, and numerous other countries (around sixty-five in all!)
Hao Di, a 23-year-old Tianjin native has been collecting rare ancient coins, armor and bronze swords since he was 5 years old.
As the survey work in Jerash comes to a close, bagging and tagging continues in earnest. David also introduces us to some of the electronic equipment used in the documentation, and reveals why archaeology is sometimes a maddening numbers game–literally.
In this installment, we get to see what archaeologists do on their days off. And what do they do? Explore the ruins of ancient churches, of course! David explores the inside of a three-story tower and manages to squeeze his way out for a final sign off.
Geophysical techniques like radar, magnetometry, conductivity, and resistivity are fast becoming essential archeological skills. They can augment traditional documentation methods, target features for excavation, and minimize expense, site destruction and reconnaisance time. This workshop guides participants in an intensive learning experience that integrates concepts, data collection, excavation, and interpretation.
David points out some quarried stone near the tombs of Jerash and then takes us on a hillside tour of urban sprawl, Jordan style. Afterwards, events take a turn for the funny when the team takes a few moments to “de-sweat.” A game called “what’s my quarry?” turns slapstick. Who says archaeology has to be serious all serious?
David takes a look behind the scenes, introducing us to the functions of the survey team, even if their faces are a little obscured. Next, he interprets an ancient relief panel outside one of the tombs in Jaresh. Finally, David undertakes an adventure in the city and decides to check out a construction site.
After an early start and a cup of coffee, David give us an up-close look at some of the artifacts his survey team is finding in ancient Jaresh. Among the artifacts are a rare water pipe and filter attachment, the lid for a coffee pot, and pieces of a glass kiln possibly dating to the Roman era.
“Past Horizons: Online Journal of Volunteer Archaeology and Training” has gone live with its September issue. Designed by Preservation Today collaborator David Connelly, it features a magazine style layout with lots of online tweaks like embedded video. To find out more on the magazine, visit the Past Horizons Blog.
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