I caught part of an interview on TV some while back with three archeologists. I can’t recall the name of the show and I’m not even sure of the channel. I think it might have been TVOntario. Anyways, one thing that does stick in my mind was the last question asked which went something like, “What is the one thing you wouldn’t want to find on a dig site.” Each of the archeologists answered differently.

1) An Archeological Anomaly. Although the archeologist said “pyramid,” (in Canada). This would be a problem since it would mean having to rethink many theories about the site and possibly the entire history of a region or a country. And it also threatens the credentials of many doctorials and masters. The last thing a professor at a university wants is to have their doctoral thesis destroyed since it could mean not only loosing their credentials but their credibility as well as their job.

2) Gold. Finding gold on a dig site would seem to be desirable, although it only draws in looters and onlookers. One of the worst things for archeologists is to have the place looted because the artifacts loose their connection to the site. Where and how an artifact is found is often just as valuable as the artifact.

3) A skeleton. With the possible exception of a tomb, when a skeleton or mummy is found on a dig the police often have to be called in and the dig shut down, possibly for some time, until they can determine if there has been any foul play or whether it’s just an ancient burial. But even in the case of a proper burial the body may need to be handled with special procedures, as is the case of a First Nations burial. I recall one story of a farmer accidently discovering one and many other burials have likely been found that way.