The Archaeologist's Notebook

Why are archaeologists digging up skeletons pinned with iron ploughs, surrounded by sickles, or buried with stones wedged into their jaws? In today's video, Giselle investigates real deviant burials across Europe. From post-medieval "vampire" graves in Poland and Bulgaria to Roman child necropolises and medieval ash burials in England, discover the dark archaeology and folklore behind why our ancestors genuinely believed corpses could rise from the dead and the lengths they went to in order to keep them in the ground. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Alamy Dr. Amy Scott / Trent University Photograph by Andreas F. Borchert - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roscommon_St._Mary%27s_Priory_Choir_Tomb_Effigy_2014_08_28.jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Why are 2,000-year-old human bodies emerging from European peat bogs with intact skin, eyelashes, and manicured fingernails? In today's video, Giselle breaks down the weird chemistry that turns human remains into leather time capsules. We re-examine famous cold cases like Tollund Man, Grauballe Man, and Lindow Man, unpack the mysterious Iron Age Celtic ritual known as the ""triple death"", and explore the bizarre true story of how a 1,700-year-old Roman skull trapped a 1980s killer into confessing. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Alamy https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bog_butter_-_Ulster_Museum.JPG , Bazonka, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en…

In 1963, while renovating his house, a man in Turkey accidentally found an entire sprawling, 2,000-year-old underground city lost to time. Originally home to 20,000 people, in today's video, Giselle looks at the history and archaeology of Derinkuyu. Why was this city built? Who built it? And what was the day-to-day life like for these people who lived deep underground? Giselle answers all! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Getty Alamy Yasir999/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reconstruction-Derinkuyu-underground.jpg https://img.atlasobscura.com/0ILfCs_wqn98g5l4QHQL7mpP8fAYdziORXp3LTl4Z50/rt:fit/w:1280/q:81/sm:1/scp:1/ar:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdGxh/cy1kZXYuczMuYW1h/em9uYXdzLmNvbS91/cGxvYWRzL2Fzc2V0/cy9iNGQ2N2Y0ZTJk/YTQ3MTJiMWRfVW5k/ZXJncm91bmQtQ2l0/eS1EZXJpbmt1eXUu/anBlZw.jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the movie The Monuments Men historically accurate? In this episode, Giselle looks into the real story of the historians, curators, and academics who risked their lives on the front lines of World War Two! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: National Archives (239-RC-14-5 / Getty Deane Hancock French Collection File: CAD 000.4 (3-25-43) (1), Sec. 2, Security Classified General Correspondence, 1943-July 1949, General Records, Civil Affairs Division, Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs, RG 165. US National Archives National Archives (111-SC-188691) National Archives (239-RC-1-7) National Archives (111-SC-209654)) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1922, Howard Carter uncovered the intact tomb of King Tutankhamun, changing Egyptian history forever. But how much of the story do you actually know? Today, Giselle explores the chaotic history behind the excavation, the destructive methods used to unwrap the boy king, and modern forensic discoveries. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: ©Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s video, Giselle is joined by actor, comedian, and SNL UK star George Fouracres to discuss the archaeology behind William Shakespeare! Together, they talk about the influence archaeology and history have on George’s professional life, look into how archaeological discoveries help our understanding of Shakespeare's plays, examine real Elizabethan artefacts, and discuss the fascinating excavation of King Richard III! SNL UK is available on Sky and NOW 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Sky / Charlotte Rutherford Sky / Matt Crockettt Alamy Trustees of the British Museum Johan Persson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's video, archaeologist Giselle reveals her top 10 favourite archaeological sites across the globe. We look at the Roman streets of Ephesus to the 29,000-year-old ice-age cave paintings in France and Scotland’s Neolithic treasures! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Getty Alamy https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pech_Merle_(35169882674).jpg. Ben Sale from UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 Grotte Peche Merle, France. Wolly mammoth. 25,000 BC. By Jon Gudorf Photography (1998). https://www.flickr.com/photos/jongudorf/34484820491/in/photostream/. — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en…

History paints the Knights Hospitaller as heroic warriors, but the archaeology tells a much darker story. In today’s video, Giselle looks at physical evidence revealing how the Order of Saint John rand one of history’s most lucrative human trafficking rings, and how these enslaved people built early modern Malta. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Alamy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been doodling and writing on surfaces for millennia! We've loved swearing and drawing lewd images on things for just as long as well... In today's video, Giselle goes through the years of ancient graffiti, from confessions of love to business complaints! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Alamy Digital Storm/stock.adobe.com rpbmedia/stock.adobe.com Michael/stock.adobe.com The Vindolanda Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Ancient Romans eat when they wanted a quick meal? Today, Giselle is joined by Alex Compiani from The Time Travellers Kitchen to talk all about Roman fast food and street vendors, with home-cooked, authentic Roman food for them both to taste test! -- Source Materials: Alamy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s video, Giselle looks into the dark and bizarre history of the Ahnenerbe— Heinrich Himmler’s SS division dedicated to rewriting global prehistory to justify the Nazi regime. Giselle looks into how the Third Reich hijacked real sites and fabricated data, from the Nazis searching for the Lost City of Atlantis and cosmic "World Ice" theories, to hunting for the Holy Grail in France, and trying to cover up the death camps at Treblinka. -- Source Materials: Alamy Adobe Stock / Jarek Adobe Stock / gerasimov174 zef art - http://stock.adobe.com/ Getty Professor Caroline Sturdy-Colls / The Centre Of Archaeology / Treblinka Memorial Museum #Archaeology #History #Pseudoarchaeology #Ahnenerbe #Documentary #AncientHistory #Treblinka #WorldIceTheory #TibetExpedition #Tiwanaku #ForensicArchaeology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Giselle talks all about Viking gold! For the Vikings, gold was rare. So what happens when archaeologists uncover massive gold neck-rings, ornate bird pins, or thousands of grams of pure gold buried in Danish forests and bogs? Giselle is also joined by Viking expert Dr. Tom Horne to dive into 6 of the most incredible Viking Age gold discoveries of all time! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Thank you to Dr. Tom Horne for joining! You can see what Tom is up to here: Website: https://drtomhorne.com/ Substack: https://drtomhornearchaeology.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhorne870?stkn=azJsczduMzk4b2Rx Twitter: https://x.com/HorneSupremacy?t=fII54K_MMYiNwoYmKwsmLw&s=09 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hornesupremacy.bsky.social -- Source Materials: Alamy Nordjyske Museer Lennart Larsen, National Museum of Denmark Herefordshire Hoard phorographs provided by Herefordshire…

Henry VIII is one of the most famous monarchs in English history, but what can we actually learn about him and his life from archaeological discoveries? It's hard to believe that this man could be a romantic, considering his track record, but will a certain heart-shaped locket and engraved coins have you thinking otherwise? We walk you through some fascinating and bizarre discoveries pertaining to this controversial king in today's video! Watch How the Tudors Lost Their Heads, Sundays at 8pm, on National Geographic. Also streaming on Disney+ https://www.natgeotv.com/uk/special/how-the-tudors-lost-their-heads -- Source Materials: Alamy Old Royal Naval College Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually take to be an archaeologist? In today’s video, we take you behind the scenes at the Culver Archaeological Project in the south of England to show you what an archaeological dig is really like. From learning how to properly hold a trowel and map an excavation, to processing finds when rained out and unearthing Roman history, here’s a look into life at a field school! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Bayeux Tapestry the ultimate piece of medieval political spin? Today, Giselle puts seven claims from Britain’s favorite masterpiece to the test using real archaeological evidence, excavated longships, horse bones, and battlefield finds! From false myths about King Harold’s death to hidden Anglo-Saxon rebellion in the margins, we’re unravelling the truth behind the 1066 Norman Conquest. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the summer of 1381, an army of tens of thousands of ordinary people marched on London, triggering the largest social uprising in medieval English history. It was the only time the Tower of London was ever overrun, resulting in broken prisons, burned palaces, and royal executions. But what actually caused this massive revolt, and what clues did these rebels leave behind in the archaeological record? Through examining plague pits and remains, Giselle has the answers! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did our prehistoric ancestors love a cold pint as much as we do? Spoiler: YES. Today, archaeologist Giselle pulls up a bar stool and explores the most incredible archaeological discoveries of ancient alcohol—from 2,300-year-old liquid beer buried in China to a 13,000-year-old Natufian brewery that might prove humans started farming for beer /before/ bread. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that Stonehenge isn't actually a "true" henge? And what about Seahenge, Woodhenge, or the massive superhenges scattered across the UK? In today’s video, Giselle unpacks the truth behind Britain’s most iconic prehistoric features. Breaking down what actually makes a henge a henge, we explore the history and engineering of these massive Neolithic settlement sites! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilisation long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilised Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilization long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilized Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a real archaeologist think about Indiana Jones? Today, working archaeologist Giselle reacts to and breaks down Hollywood's most popular archaeology in movies and judges them based off of how accurate (or inaccurate) they are! From Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park, is your favourite film on the chopping block? 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can you learn about a person from their skeleton? What do you do if you find a dead body? And how much do your bones really reveal about your life, health, and death? In today's video, Giselle (with the help of Patrice) walks you through how you can become an osteologist too by learning to read bones! Breaking down the expert forensic techniques used on dig sites and police cases to analyze human remains, Giselle reveals how specialists determine age, sex, and stature, identify ancient diseases like scurvy and rickets, and detect gruesome trauma like sword wounds and decapitations! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Franklin Expedition is considered one of the worst exploration disasters in history. After 170 long years, more scientific evidence is coming out to help figure out what actually happened to these men. In today's episode, new DNA evidence is found from the infamous Franklin Expedition, 2,000-year-old Roman bread, and a Roman well made of wood found at Rolls-Royce: Giselle has three exciting new stories in the world of archaeology to share with you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humans have had beloved animal companions for longer than you think! When did humans start treating animals as true family? Today, Giselle explores the deep, thousands-of-years-old history of human-pet relationships. From 14,000-year-old puppies nursed through severe illness to the oldest cat with a name, the archaeological record proves that our bond with animals goes far beyond work and utility! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why were ancient mummies buried with golden foil tongues inside their mouths? What hidden Iron Age secrets lie trapped inside a fused 2,000-year-old block of soil and copper? And how did a metal detectorist in Norway stumble upon the largest Viking silver hoard discovered in over a century? In today’s video, Giselle digs deep into three remarkable archaeological breakthroughs that are reshaping our understanding of the ancient world. Join Giselle and historian Tristan Hughes (host of ‘The Ancients’ podcast) to discuss “one of the most amazing discoveries in Britain”! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Source Materials: Alamy Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Anne Engesveen, Innlandet County Council Innlandet County Council May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council 1,700-year-old sock by Manchester Museum (https://multilingualmuseum.manchester.ac.uk/object/1700-year-old-sock/) License: CC 4.0…

What are the greatest archaeological discoveries in medicine? In today's episode, Giselle breaks down how archaeologists have made groundbreaking discoveries in revealing how doctors practiced surgery thousands of years ago. From a 2,000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Hungary with a complete set of Roman surgical tools to a perfectly preserved doctor's toolkit found in the ruins of Pompeii, these remains offer an incredible look into how medicine was practiced in the ancient world.What are the greatest archaeological discoveries in medicine? In today's episode, Giselle breaks down how archaeologists have made groundbreaking discoveries in revealing how doctors practiced surgery thousands of years ago. From a 2,000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Hungary with a complete set of Roman surgical tools to a perfectly preserved doctor's toolkit found in the ruins of Pompeii, these remains offer an incredible look into how medicine was practiced in the ancient world. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming…

Was the mystery of the Neolithic population collapse caused by an ancient plague long before the Black Death? Join archaeologist Giselle as we explore three revolutionary archaeological discoveries that are changing our understanding of ancient burials, Greco-Egyptian mummification, and prehistoric epidemics. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Images & Videos Courtesy of Alamy Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Eygpt Exploration Society / Faculty of Classics University of Oxford & Oxford Cotswold Archaeology Seersholm, F.V., Sjögren, KG., Koelman, J. et al. Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers. Nature 632, 114–121 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07651-2 UB_IPOA / Professor Ignasi-Xavier Adiego Hosted on…

In 1951, archaeologists in Russia made a startling discovery in Novgorod: over 1,200 incredibly preserved birch bark letters dating back to the 12th century. Among these 800-year-old artefacts are the charming drawings and schoolwork of a six-year-old boy named Onfim. These rare texts changed what we know about medieval literacy, revealing that everyday people—and children—were reading and writing long before paper became common. Join Giselle as she investigates these rare remains and attempts to recreate an 800-year-old birch bark drawing herself! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Europeans spend centuries eating ancient Egyptian mummies? Today, Giselle delves into the dark history of Europe’s obsession with Ancient Egypt, from medieval apothecary remedies to the high-society mummy unwrapping parties of Victorian London. Learn the true story behind the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, how Harry Burton’s iconic photography shaped modern Egyptology, and how the legend of the Pharaoh's Curse forced archaeologists to abandon tomb raiding in favour of modern scientific preservation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Did Odysseus actually exist, or was Homer’s epic a work of fiction? Following the release of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster adaptation of 'The Odyssey', Giselle traces the real-world journey of Greece's most famous legendary hero. From the ruins of Troy's nine stacked cities to the mapping of a tsunami-destroyed port in Corfu, Giselle investigates the physical evidence behind the legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the question every archaeologist gets asked all the time: "What's the best thing you've ever found?" Today, Giselle reveals some of her favourite archaeological discoveries that she's gotten to keep at home. From a neolithic hand axe to 10,000 year old hazelnuts, take a look at Giselle's fascinating treasure trove of finds! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What are the oldest weapons in the world? Who used them? And when and how were they discovered? Giselle dives into the intriguing mystery of the oldest weapons ever discovered! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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With the World Cup now in full swing, have you ever wondered: how old is soccer, and how did it evolve into the modern game? We have the answers! Giselle reveals the sport's violent ancestors and lawless origins, from Roman military exercises 2500 years ago to Mayan games involving human sacrifice! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we look at an archaeological dig site in York that uncovered an impressive 82 skeletons, proving to be a gladiator graveyard! After 20 years, a team of scientists have confirmed that one of these skeletons in particular, was bitten by a lion. Join Giselle as she explores the only archaeological evidence of this kind of thing, anywhere in the world! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Pompeii actually smell like? How old is the written word? And have we found a piece of the Parthenon? Join archaeologist Giselle Király as she uncovers three major leads in the world of archaeology! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.