Preserving Our Global Heritage through Volunteer Archeology
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!)
David Connolly V-log: The survey winds down
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.
David Connolly V-log: An archaeologist lives for a day
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.
David Connolly V-log: A bird's-eye view of Jerash
Our tour of Jerash goes from micro to macro as David and the team fly over the town in a Huey helicopter. No narration necessary. Just enjoy the view!
David Connolly V-log: Meanwhile, back at the ranch
Even adventurers need a rest now and then. This clip finds a weary team of archaeologists indoors, documenting and making sense of their discoveries. It’s a world of databases and computer maps where high tech meets the ancient–and the dog-tired.
David Connolly V-log: The team hits a milestone
To demonstrate how his work skills “measure up,” David examines a granite pillar in Jerash. His next examination turns political as he asks “would you trust ‘Winkie’?” Then comes a milestone in the team’s discovery. Actually they “uncovered” three milestones–of the Roman variety. This is video you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else!
David Connolly V-log: Archaeological humor
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 Connolly V-log: What a relief!
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.
David Connolly V-log: Unexpected Discoveries
David and the team are shocked when they unexpectedly discover an “incredible find”–a partially covered mosaic located in a remote olive grove outside Jaresh. Nearby is an ancient wine production facility, complete with press and cisterns that locals are still using.
David Connolly V-log: Signs of ancient infrastructure
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.