The Archaeologist's Notebook

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:AlamyOld Royal Naval CollegeClassical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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