And My Trowel

Rumbling bellies be gone! Ash and Tilly are on a quest to deconstruct the ingredients of the famous Lembas Bread from Lord of the Rings . One bite might be enough to fill one man’s belly, but its not enough for the AMT team. Our fantasy archaeologists have reached out to experimental archaeologist, Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) to help solve the riddle of the Elven snack. In this episode, they...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash continue with quest to map Mirkwood Forest with the help of Dr Wouter Verschoof-Van der Vaart! They continue to discuss the advantages of aerial imagery, multispectral scanning, and LiDAR, asking the big questions about how do you manage rising water in the Netherlands? What is hillsade? And what would an Ancient Egyptian cartoucherie charcuterie board look like? Lin...

Ash and Tilly have an especially exciting quest this episode, as thanks to a request from the Malgaroth Historical Society of Mirkwood, they will be working with the Eagles! In order not to look like idiots when attempting aerial scanning, they enlist the help of archaeologist and scanning expert Dr Wouter Verschoof-Van der Vaart. Together, the three discuss the varying paths you can take into a c...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash continue their quest to reveal the secrets of a newly discovered Doors of Durin, with help from archaeologist and rock carving specialist, Dr Megan Kasten! What exactly is the difference between rock art, rock carvings, and inscriptions? What exactly is RTI? And will Tilly ever not love an anagram? Links 3D and RTI: Shedding Light on Damaged Ogham Inchinnan 5: The di...

Ash and Tilly are on a quest from the Bazkardum Society to investigate a new Door of Durin. Joining them is archaeologist and rock carving specialist Dr Megan Kasten, who helps in answering their many many many questions. What is Reflectance Transformation Imaging? Why is Ash suddenly obsessed with puns? And how can Tilly force in a Discworld reference? Books Mentioned Lord of the Rings (J.R.R.Tol...

In part two of their fateful quest, Ash and Tilly chat more with prehistoric archaeologist and textiles specialist Ronja Lau. Together, the three discuss the different kinds of analysis possible when studying archaeological textiles, and work together to try and replicate the woven threads left by the Norns. But what kind of material should they use? Should they go for a twill, or tabby weave? And...

In this episode, Tilly and Ash have been tasked with covering holiday leave for the Norns, the weavers of fate, life and destiny from Norse mythology. However, there’s a problem they don’t have the first clue about weaving! Luckily the know someone who does, prehistoric archaeologist and textile specialist, Ronja Lau! With Ronja’s help, will the trio be able to weave the fates of Gods and humans?...

Following excavation at Weathertop (Amon Sûl), a range of post-excavation analyses was undertaken to better understand the site’s history and use. Archaeobotanical analysis revealed evidence of plant remains, shedding light on past diets and the environment surrounding the tower. Illustrations of key artefacts and features were produced to aid in visual interpretation and documentation. Find proce...

Excavations at Weathertop (Amon Sûl) have uncovered significant evidence of its role as a Númenórean watchtower and the later decline of Arnor. Artefacts including weapons, pottery, and tools reflect the site’s military importance before its destruction by Angmar’s forces. Remains of battle and burnt structures provide insight into the final assault on the tower, while later finds suggest sporadic...

In part two, Tilly and Ash continue their mission with Rhoda, artefact conservator and tattoo artist, to help the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society bring back personhood into their reanimated - and potentially tattooed - mummies! In this episode, the team looks at the tools and techniques for uncovering ancient tattoos and asks why would someone tattoo a rooster on their thumb? Links Rhoda’s Links...

This month, Tilly and Ash need to figure out how to archaeologically investigate ancient tattoos, in order to help out the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society. Luckily, they are joined by archaeological conservator and professional tattoo artist Rhoda. Listen in to hear the answer to your burning archaeology and tattoo questions: What are the different meanings of tattoos? Is archaeology just jousti...

Romance is decidedly still the air! Ugh! In part two, Tilly and Ash are still on the hunt for the Arrow of Ambivalence. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley, the gang get to work on figuring out how to locate the mysterious arrow that might banish Cupid’s love spell from the realm, and maybe figure out how to craft one themselves… Books Mentioned Stonehenge (Berna...

In this very special romance-themed episode, Ash and Tilly are on the quest to stop love! Or at least, halt Cupid his pesky, cherub-like tracks. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley from Ancient Craft, the group are determined to find the lesser known Arrow of Ambivalence. Books Mentioned Eagles of Empire series (Simon Scarrow) Stonehenge (Bernard Cornwell) The Wi...

Tune in for the second part of Ash and Tilly’s discussion with Dr Sasja Van der Vaart-Verschoof as they write a project proposal to investigate the underwater landscape of Sitnalta. In this episode, the three discuss the similar underwater landscape known as Doggerland, and the various projects involved in its research. But what exactly is Doggerland? How do we know about it? And why have the team...

This episode, Ash and Tilly have been given a quest by Dr Otalp to write a project proposal for the underwater landscape of Sitnalta, which used to be a land bridge connecting the ancient civilisation of Atlantis with the main continent. To help them write the proposal, they’ve enlisted the help of archaeologist, curator, editor, and all-round superwoman Dr Sasja Van der Vaart-Verschoof. Together,...

It’s part two of Ash and Tilly’s quest to prevent Ragnarok, as they chat with archaeobotanist and fantasy author Genoveva Dimova about the symbolism and archaeology of trees. But how can we see the symbolic significance of trees in the past? What patterns can we see in how people interacted with trees in prehistory? And why is Ash a megalomaniac? Tune in to find out! Links Tolkien yew door Gen’s w...

In arguably their most important quest yet, Ash and Tilly have to prevent Ragnarok! Yggdrasil, the world tree, is missing, and the Asgard Yuletide Committee needs a replacement to decorate for their upcoming Yule celebrations. Luckily, they are joined by return guest Genoveva Dimova, archaeobotanist and fantasy author. Together, they discuss the symbolism of trees in fantasy fiction and mythology...

It’s time for part two of Ash and Tilly’s discussion with archaeologist and jewellery historian Dr Sigrid van Roode all about magical amulets. In this episode, the three look at the archaeological evidence for magic, and how exactly you go about studying ancient jewellery. But how much can we really interpret when it comes to magic? And is it just a relic of the past, or is it still around today?...

There’s something glinting in the bookshelves, but what can it be? This episode Ash and Tilly are joined by archaeologist and jewellery historian Dr Sigrid van Roode to talk all about magical amulets. Together they discuss the importance of ancient jewellery and dive into the world of fantasy to see how the concept of magical amulets has developed over time, and ask that age-old question: why woul...

It’s part two of our quest to conserve the portrait of Gorian Dray, with special guest and professional conservation expert Jessica van Dam. But should we actually be conserving this portrait at all? After all, you could argue that it is itself a person. So what are the ethics around working with human remains in archaeology? How would we approach this particular fantastical example? And where in...

Ash and Tilly have discovered an old and dilapidated painting in the corner of their office, although arguably the most dilapidated part is the man pictured in it - a Mr Gorian Dray. Could it be a soul-bound object? And if so, how can they possibly go about conserving it? Luckily, they are joined by professional art conservator Jessica van Dam, and together they look at the world of fantasy and ba...

Why have Tilly and Ash been turned into potted plants? Maybe it’s because they were trying to categorise an ancient and (apparently) wrathful god. But how does one classify a god? How can we identify them archaeologically? Are they people or objects? And most importantly, how will Ash and Tilly stop this recording? Listen in to find out! Books Mentioned: Small Gods (Terry Pratchett) Bound to the B...

This episode, Ash and Tilly have been so buried in quests that they didn’t have time to record! Luckily their fellow APN hosts over on The Archaeology Show have released a very timely episode about time travel, so we decided to share that here too. So listen in as Chris and Rachel review the surprisingly historically accurate Apple TV+ reboot of the movie Time Bandits. The new TV show, Time Bandit...

The Wizards have been in touch again, and so this episode Ash and Tilly have been tasked with finding the one who can save the world and bring all of humanity together - The Chosen One. The catch is, all they know is that The Chosen One is a child, but they have no idea where to find them. Luckily, they can use their archaeological knowledge to identify the presence of children in the past, and ap...

Our hosts Ash and Tilly face a tough quest this episode, because they’ve been tasking with dating zombies. Discovering how long they’ve been dead, that is! To do this, they discuss the different methods of dating bodies in the archaeological record, and answer all those burning questions like “what is an isotope?” “What is voodoo?” And “what would happen if you took a zombie shopping?” Links A Zom...