From: mk_thisisit
Professor Karol Myśliwiec, a leading archaeologist and Egyptologist, shared insights into the methodologies and challenges inherent in archaeological excavations, particularly within Egypt, drawing from over half a century of experience in the field [00:00:54].
Approach to Excavation Sites
Archaeology is not a predictive science; humility is key [00:17:17]. An archaeologist who claims certainty about what they will find is mistaken [00:12:10]. The core ambition is to describe and interpret discoveries [00:12:29].
Despite expert opinions, Professor Myśliwiec decided to excavate a specific area near the Djoser pyramid in Saqqara, even when told “there is definitely nothing there” [00:01:18]. This decision was based on the ancient Egyptian practice of placing funerary monuments on the western side of cities, suggesting something important would be there [00:08:01].
Phases of Excavation
The organization of excavations in Egypt is complex and varies based on the site, period, and preservation state of monuments [00:41:20].
Initial Preparations
Before any digging begins, archaeologists assess the site [00:42:28]. This includes:
- Site Survey: Observing surface elements like vessel shards (ceramology) that can indicate the period of deeper monuments [00:42:37]. Ceramology has gained increasing importance in Egyptology over the last 50 years for dating archaeological layers [00:42:57].
- Knowledge Preparation: The archaeologist must be well-prepared to understand the significance of tiny objects found [00:44:08].
- Logistics: Planning living arrangements close to the site [00:44:22].
- Government Approval: Contacting Egyptian authorities for permission, who require competent individuals to lead the work [00:44:38].
- Geophysical Survey: Utilizing geophysical methods before digging to determine what lies underground, by examining magnetic resistance of layers [00:45:07]. This helps choose appropriate excavation methods [00:45:36].
Excavation and Preservation
Once an object is discovered, immediate conservation is often required, as objects are frequently not perfectly preserved [00:45:40]. Archaeological missions must include prepared conservators [00:46:06]. For instance, mummies with painted coatings need immediate protection from elements like wind, sometimes requiring weeks of preparation for export [00:46:20].
Challenges and Difficulties
Archaeological work presents numerous challenges, requiring flexible thinking and immediate reactions [00:48:09].
Environmental Conditions
- Sand: Excavation in sandy areas requires careful observation of what is within the sand [00:42:30].
- Subsurface Water: Excavations in the Nile Delta are particularly difficult due to subsurface water, which can rise significantly at certain times of the year and requires constant pumping [00:47:20].
Logistical and Social Hurdles
- Land Acquisition: If excavating in agricultural fields, the land must be leased from the owner for a year to conduct geophysical research and then longer for the excavation itself [00:47:32].
- False Narratives: Misconceptions, like the “Curse of Tutankhamun,” are often sensational inventions rather than scientific truths [00:20:41]. Similarly, claims of extraterrestrial involvement in pyramid building (e.g., by Elon Musk) lack evidence and are treated as fantasy by scientists [00:12:51].
- Language and Interpretation: The ancient Egyptian language evolved over 3,000 years, and word meanings changed, making the precise interpretation of ancient texts a significant challenge [00:32:30].
Safety and Risks
Archaeological work can be dangerous if proper safeguards are not used [00:48:43]. One instance involved Professor Myśliwiec crawling into a narrow space under heavy stone blocks that formed a temple wall, a situation others believed was life-threatening [00:49:08].
Unanswered Mysteries and Future Directions
Despite extensive work, many mysteries remain. Two significant ones related to the professor’s excavations in Saqqara are:
- Tomb of Imhotep: The tomb of Imhotep, creator of the oldest pyramid, is believed to be somewhere near the Djoser pyramid, but its exact location remains unknown [00:24:47].
- Temporary Tomb of Alexander the Great: Evidence suggests that Alexander the Great’s mummy was temporarily housed in a tomb near the Djoser pyramid before its transfer to Alexandria [00:25:13]. The existence of a Ptolemaic hemicycle with sculptures of Greek philosophers near the Djoser pyramid supports this theory [00:27:14].
For every mystery explained in Egypt, 10 more appear [00:29:31]. Future archaeological efforts are expanding globally, with Poles increasingly involved in “virgin” archaeological areas like South America and East Asia, including China and India [00:52:50]. Polish missions in Egypt now cover almost all historical periods, with a growing focus on older eras, such as the formation of Egyptian statehood [00:54:25]. The work of interpreting existing museum collections alone could occupy Egyptologists for centuries [00:56:44].