Archaeology

Today I bring you all a few pictures from my archaeology class and, more importantly, some wonderful quotes from my archaeology professor. His name is Gustav Milne and he is AWESOME. For one, he was very involved with a lot of really cool excavations in London and wrote some pretty sweet booksabout archaeology in London. He also says the best things during lecture. I have finally begun endeavoring to write them down and will now be sharing them. :) To get the full effect of these quotes, imagine them being said with and English accent and soft voice. Also, imagine them being stated in the most deadpan way possible. Then imagine it AT LEAST TEN TIMES MORE DEADPAN.

First, a police car with its sirens going passed us and he turned and waved at it. Turning back he quietly informed us "Watch ou

t, there's another viking invasion due."

"That's a ghastly modern street down there. This is a nice old one."

At a statue of Captain John Smith of Jamesto

wn, Virginia and Pocahantas: "The Disney movie is obviously better" *Gestures at statue* "The city of London's feeble attempt at Disney..."

*Gestures to street we are about to walk down*

"Watch out for the sheep!"

The following picture is of a medieval church's ruins. During the Second World War the church was bombed and destroyed. Apparently, the remains of the destroyed church were giving to America and it has been recreated in...well, I don't remember where, but it's almost definitely somewhere on the East Coast.

The accompanying quote: "Without the help of the Americans we wouldn't have won the war...apparently. So for thanks we gave you a pile of rubble."

About the War of Roses, the civil war between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English Throne (brownie points and maybe a cheap souvenir to the first person to say who won this one :D): "I don't know why they call them civil wars...they're relatively uncivil."

This next picture is one of the city wall. Built in medieval times on top of the remains of the Roman wall, it was rebuilt a few times when London was in possible danger. The red brick part is from the 15th century (if I remember correctly). Interestingly, different guilds were responsible for upkeep of certain sections for the wall (kind of like the "Adopt-a-highway" program back home, I think), and the red brick part was maintained by the draping guild.

About the wall: "You can see it would have been a good defense, you'd have to be quite tall to get over the top of it!"

Also: "Imagine you were 43 feet tall in the middle ages..."

At the Museum of London: "There are a lot of children around so if you wish to trample them underfoot, feel free to do so."

At the door of a recreation of a medieval house filled with people: "I'll count to 3 and on 3 invade, 1, 2, 3..."

That's all from this week, I'll be sure to keep track of them next week.

Much love and cheers!