I hate technology
This is the biggest waste of time; but the people who write my checks needed me to report it so here I am.
Day 4- 9:16 AM- Artifact 2
We finally did. I use the term "we" loosely, because Lucas is an idiot and almost broke it, and I did most of the work no matter how his report reads.
For our method of excavation-
We did it basically the same as Miss Susan; we used trowels to dig away most of the hard-packed dirt, using smaller picks for the smaller details as Miss Susan described.
The hardest parts were digging out the fine lines and decorative lines on the bull with the toothpicks.
What it meant for daily life-
The bull plaque appears to be made of some heavy metal, most like bronze, and was used as decorative item. It was probably mounted on a wall, maybe on a cubiculum wall or in the triclinium. The fact that it was decorative means that the Britannia who owned the artifact had enough well to buy it in the first place- if not, then they might have smelted it themselves. The plaque also shows that metals were present in that area, either naturally or via trade routes.
For our method of excavation-
We did it basically the same as Miss Susan; we used trowels to dig away most of the hard-packed dirt, using smaller picks for the smaller details as Miss Susan described.
The hardest parts were digging out the fine lines and decorative lines on the bull with the toothpicks.
What it meant for daily life-
The bull plaque appears to be made of some heavy metal, most like bronze, and was used as decorative item. It was probably mounted on a wall, maybe on a cubiculum wall or in the triclinium. The fact that it was decorative means that the Britannia who owned the artifact had enough well to buy it in the first place- if not, then they might have smelted it themselves. The plaque also shows that metals were present in that area, either naturally or via trade routes.
After being carefully cleaned, the bull plaque is in mint condition.
The soils around the plaque aided in how the plaque was dated. After checking the artifact's carbon concentration, we compared it to a calibration curve and dated it to be around the same time as the sandal was found. So, the Emperor of Rome at the time could range from Vespasian (69- 79 AD) all the way up to Hadrian (117- 138 AD).
Day 6- 4:42 PM- Artifact 3
![Picture](/uploads/9/9/0/6/9906070/203125673.jpg?402)
So far we have outdone Miss Susan by finding this lovely artifact.
The excavation method-
This was found in the exact place (more or less) as the bull plaque. The other guy and I seemed to have come across it by accident almost. After digging away the bulky clumps of dirt, we had much loose soil. Lucas, an idiot albeit a clever idiot, was the one to come up with the idea to re-sift through the dirt to look for more items. And we came across this beauty. Almost out of nowhere, there appeared the golden brooch on the screen we had used to sift through the loose soil.
Getting out the clumps of dirt near the detailed scroll-like end of the brooch was a nightmare that Lucas wouldn't shut up about (excuse my language). However, he was the one who ended up doing it since I basically did the bull plaque by myself. The idiot almost used a hair drier on the brooch! A HAIR DRIER! The heat would have cracked it; luckily, I stopped him and his foolish ways.
What this meant about daily life-
The brooch was in the same location as the bull. Therefore, the family had to have been very rich and well off in order to afford such a trivial item. Also, the brooch was noted to have come from somewhere in Rome as the metals in the brooch were not from Britannia- an import. The trading is lost to us until we further analyze it, but this item reinforces the strong trading that Britannia and Rome had.
Also the brooch was not for everyday wear and tear, as Miss Susan said. It was of such quality that it would have only be worn to fancy events. This cements the idea that the family was wealthy. The woman who wore it was also very careful, since there are minimal scratches on the brooch.
Considering that it was in the same general area color, texture, and pH layer of soil as the bull plaque, the brooch was in the same date. It could have fallen under the reign of Vespasian (69- 79 AD) all the way up to Hadrian (117- 138 AD).
The excavation method-
This was found in the exact place (more or less) as the bull plaque. The other guy and I seemed to have come across it by accident almost. After digging away the bulky clumps of dirt, we had much loose soil. Lucas, an idiot albeit a clever idiot, was the one to come up with the idea to re-sift through the dirt to look for more items. And we came across this beauty. Almost out of nowhere, there appeared the golden brooch on the screen we had used to sift through the loose soil.
Getting out the clumps of dirt near the detailed scroll-like end of the brooch was a nightmare that Lucas wouldn't shut up about (excuse my language). However, he was the one who ended up doing it since I basically did the bull plaque by myself. The idiot almost used a hair drier on the brooch! A HAIR DRIER! The heat would have cracked it; luckily, I stopped him and his foolish ways.
What this meant about daily life-
The brooch was in the same location as the bull. Therefore, the family had to have been very rich and well off in order to afford such a trivial item. Also, the brooch was noted to have come from somewhere in Rome as the metals in the brooch were not from Britannia- an import. The trading is lost to us until we further analyze it, but this item reinforces the strong trading that Britannia and Rome had.
Also the brooch was not for everyday wear and tear, as Miss Susan said. It was of such quality that it would have only be worn to fancy events. This cements the idea that the family was wealthy. The woman who wore it was also very careful, since there are minimal scratches on the brooch.
Considering that it was in the same general area color, texture, and pH layer of soil as the bull plaque, the brooch was in the same date. It could have fallen under the reign of Vespasian (69- 79 AD) all the way up to Hadrian (117- 138 AD).
Day 8- 12: 01 AM- Artifact 4
We have been blessed by luck it seems... we have yet again found another artifact.
For our method of excavation-
This knife appeared about 15 feet from our (Lucas and myself's) beginning excavation site. It seems Wright got up earlier than possible and claimed our site as her's. We were not happy. However it seems like it was a good thing too because we got our hands on another artifact; Wright can stuff it.
Most of the dirt had already been dug away by other team members, and after some careful digging, we got it. (I should note that Lucas was so tired he was falling asleep while walking upstairs to the hotel room we have to share. Weak. Yet I am writing this with 5 hours of sleep.)
But back to the point, this job was easier, and after much hands-on refreshing of our skills, if you will, we were able to excavate the knife quite easily. Cleaning it, on the other hand, proved to be a challenge.
The knife is made of iron, most of it has rusted over, and we were too afraid that it might disintegrate if we were too rough with it. As you will see below, we did not fully clean it. A whole, dirty artifact is better than millions of pieces of the same artifact.
For our method of excavation-
This knife appeared about 15 feet from our (Lucas and myself's) beginning excavation site. It seems Wright got up earlier than possible and claimed our site as her's. We were not happy. However it seems like it was a good thing too because we got our hands on another artifact; Wright can stuff it.
Most of the dirt had already been dug away by other team members, and after some careful digging, we got it. (I should note that Lucas was so tired he was falling asleep while walking upstairs to the hotel room we have to share. Weak. Yet I am writing this with 5 hours of sleep.)
But back to the point, this job was easier, and after much hands-on refreshing of our skills, if you will, we were able to excavate the knife quite easily. Cleaning it, on the other hand, proved to be a challenge.
The knife is made of iron, most of it has rusted over, and we were too afraid that it might disintegrate if we were too rough with it. As you will see below, we did not fully clean it. A whole, dirty artifact is better than millions of pieces of the same artifact.
The condition is poor, but anymore cleaning and it would have cracked away in our hands.
What this meant about daily life-
We think that the knife was probably around the kitchen area of the household***. This means that the brooch and bull plaque were probably in the dining room of the house. When the people perished, they might have been dining with friends; tragic. Considering how large the blade was, it was probably used in cutting up large mammals. Deer is the safest assumption.
Also, the handle felt to be some sort of leather, once again enforcing the idea of deer being used in it's making. If not, imported leather is also a choice.
***It is a bit odd: the knife, while looking older, appears to be the same age as the rest of the items found. Rust residue and the dirt clinging to the blade are the causes of this foolery. Once again the artifact could have fallen under the reign of Vespasian (69- 79 AD) all the way up to Hadrian (117- 138 AD).
We think that the knife was probably around the kitchen area of the household***. This means that the brooch and bull plaque were probably in the dining room of the house. When the people perished, they might have been dining with friends; tragic. Considering how large the blade was, it was probably used in cutting up large mammals. Deer is the safest assumption.
Also, the handle felt to be some sort of leather, once again enforcing the idea of deer being used in it's making. If not, imported leather is also a choice.
***It is a bit odd: the knife, while looking older, appears to be the same age as the rest of the items found. Rust residue and the dirt clinging to the blade are the causes of this foolery. Once again the artifact could have fallen under the reign of Vespasian (69- 79 AD) all the way up to Hadrian (117- 138 AD).
Day 26- 2:46 PM- Artifact 9
Lucas aggravates me. I am finished with him. He broke an artifact today. Just couldn't seem to hold it in his clumsy hands.
Idiot.
Excavation methods-
It was all going well, we were assisting some other people in taking out this inked letter. The rest of our team had gotten most of the dirt off, a small portion of soil was still clinging to.
We decided to leave it to Lucas because he had the steadiest hands. I objected. I always do when it comes to Lucas. I should have insisted, but no, I gave him my trust. AND THE CHILD DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE ARTIFACT WHILE IT WAS STILL PARTIALLY IN THE SOIL. Twice. Which is why it is in three pieces. Mind, it happened in the matter of seconds so we couldn't really interfere.
I took over after scolding him and delicately brushed off the dirt. But there was nothing to be done about how it was in three pieces.
What this mean about daily life-
Latin had been supported by the emperors to be learned in all of their conquered provinces. This letter shows that it was effective. the letter is in Latin, and it was a letter to a loved one, judging by the affectionate tone and words we were able to depict from it.
It was also written on papyrus and the letters were in ink. This shows how strong the Roman's paper and ink was since some of it can still be read. It also shows the trade of paper and ink materials had gone all the way to Britannia, and possibly other locations. This makes sense, since spreading their language went hand in hand with teaching them the grammar.
The fact that a personal letter was received by the Britannia sows that there had to be a mail delivery, most likely implemented by the Romans.
Dating of the letter-
Unfortunately, the date was not present anywhere on the remains of the letter. THANKS TO SOMEONE. But I digress. However, it appeared to be between two layers of soil (the same that we had used to date the other artifacts). The estimated dates, then, are around 69 AD (Vespasian) all the way up to 138 AD (Hadrian).
It was all going well, we were assisting some other people in taking out this inked letter. The rest of our team had gotten most of the dirt off, a small portion of soil was still clinging to.
We decided to leave it to Lucas because he had the steadiest hands. I objected. I always do when it comes to Lucas. I should have insisted, but no, I gave him my trust. AND THE CHILD DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE ARTIFACT WHILE IT WAS STILL PARTIALLY IN THE SOIL. Twice. Which is why it is in three pieces. Mind, it happened in the matter of seconds so we couldn't really interfere.
I took over after scolding him and delicately brushed off the dirt. But there was nothing to be done about how it was in three pieces.
What this mean about daily life-
Latin had been supported by the emperors to be learned in all of their conquered provinces. This letter shows that it was effective. the letter is in Latin, and it was a letter to a loved one, judging by the affectionate tone and words we were able to depict from it.
It was also written on papyrus and the letters were in ink. This shows how strong the Roman's paper and ink was since some of it can still be read. It also shows the trade of paper and ink materials had gone all the way to Britannia, and possibly other locations. This makes sense, since spreading their language went hand in hand with teaching them the grammar.
The fact that a personal letter was received by the Britannia sows that there had to be a mail delivery, most likely implemented by the Romans.
Dating of the letter-
Unfortunately, the date was not present anywhere on the remains of the letter. THANKS TO SOMEONE. But I digress. However, it appeared to be between two layers of soil (the same that we had used to date the other artifacts). The estimated dates, then, are around 69 AD (Vespasian) all the way up to 138 AD (Hadrian).
Day 29- 5:19 PM- Artifact 10
With this last artifact, the team Wright, the idiot, and I had to form will come to a close. We were supposed to help with the finding of ten artifacts, and with this one, it is finally over.
And it is such a way to end- with a gladiator amulet.
And it is such a way to end- with a gladiator amulet.
Toasty.
Excavation method-
Because of previous happenings, the stupid one was not allowed to come near the site. As punishment, he has to write out our report on where, given the best of our thoughts, we think the artifacts should go. Though it is rather obvious. He better not screw it up.
Wright and I teamed up, and excavating became a lot easier. She talks a great deal, but I had my iPod on shuffle so I wasn't bothered. I hope she reads this; I do not enjoy talking about her gerbils.
Anyhow, she was in charge of sifting through the soil that I dug up with my trowels, and then we would switch, to give each job a new eye, so to speak. Once we came across the lump of soil and mud that encased the gladiator amulet, we worked together and brushed off the dirt.
(Side not: I can hear Lucas whimpering to himself and complaining about his job. Good.)
Miss Susan seemed to be better at handling the tongue depressors and toothpicks and other wooden picks, so I let her use those tools while I used softened toothbrushes. I refused to use her mascara brush. It is hot pink, and not cleaned properly not matter how honestly she thinks it.
Eventually we removed the amulet and started to work in greater detail. It went wonderfully.
What this meant about daily life-
Gladiator amulets mean gladiators. That means that the bloodthirsty part of Roman culture had bled into the Briton culture (pun intended). Because gladiator shows had been so popular in Rome, it only made sense that the people who moved to Britannia, including modern-called London, would want to take their amusement with them.
Gladiators also mean that amphitheaters had to have been built. We've seen this in other excavation sites. Some where very large, but others were smaller, compared to the Roman Colosseum at least. This architecture of the amphitheaters must have also carried into and influenced Briton architecture since people tend to copy what they like.
Not only that, but pleasing the masses was a the perfect way to subdue them. If they had carnage in front of them, they would be less focused on the carnage that they could cause.
Gladiator shows where something grand to go- other than the baths. The brooches might have been bought for such outings, or maybe for the after parties.
Dating-
This amulet was one of the youngest artifacts we found. Comparatively, the concentration of carbon- 14 it has is the least, compared to the other artifacts. The layer of soil it was in also suggests this. The best estimate was that it was from the early 5th century, around the time when Arcadius (383- 408 AD), or maybe up to Honorius (423 AD), was in the throne.
Because of previous happenings, the stupid one was not allowed to come near the site. As punishment, he has to write out our report on where, given the best of our thoughts, we think the artifacts should go. Though it is rather obvious. He better not screw it up.
Wright and I teamed up, and excavating became a lot easier. She talks a great deal, but I had my iPod on shuffle so I wasn't bothered. I hope she reads this; I do not enjoy talking about her gerbils.
Anyhow, she was in charge of sifting through the soil that I dug up with my trowels, and then we would switch, to give each job a new eye, so to speak. Once we came across the lump of soil and mud that encased the gladiator amulet, we worked together and brushed off the dirt.
(Side not: I can hear Lucas whimpering to himself and complaining about his job. Good.)
Miss Susan seemed to be better at handling the tongue depressors and toothpicks and other wooden picks, so I let her use those tools while I used softened toothbrushes. I refused to use her mascara brush. It is hot pink, and not cleaned properly not matter how honestly she thinks it.
Eventually we removed the amulet and started to work in greater detail. It went wonderfully.
What this meant about daily life-
Gladiator amulets mean gladiators. That means that the bloodthirsty part of Roman culture had bled into the Briton culture (pun intended). Because gladiator shows had been so popular in Rome, it only made sense that the people who moved to Britannia, including modern-called London, would want to take their amusement with them.
Gladiators also mean that amphitheaters had to have been built. We've seen this in other excavation sites. Some where very large, but others were smaller, compared to the Roman Colosseum at least. This architecture of the amphitheaters must have also carried into and influenced Briton architecture since people tend to copy what they like.
Not only that, but pleasing the masses was a the perfect way to subdue them. If they had carnage in front of them, they would be less focused on the carnage that they could cause.
Gladiator shows where something grand to go- other than the baths. The brooches might have been bought for such outings, or maybe for the after parties.
Dating-
This amulet was one of the youngest artifacts we found. Comparatively, the concentration of carbon- 14 it has is the least, compared to the other artifacts. The layer of soil it was in also suggests this. The best estimate was that it was from the early 5th century, around the time when Arcadius (383- 408 AD), or maybe up to Honorius (423 AD), was in the throne.