Category: Uncategorized
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The Wall
The same day that C Team was formed (see my previous blog post titled C Team), I also helped clear the wall. Dr. Olson arrived on site and his focus for this season was to excavate part of the fortification wall that is on the Vigla site. The other four trenches are right next to…
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Note-taking
I struggle to take good notes. Notetaking is fairly difficult for me mostly because I struggle to put all my thoughts down on paper. It takes several editions before my class notes become legible if I even take them. Normally, my process consists of me scribbling down all the information I hear and maybe going…
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Rubbing Elbows
Archaeology is a small field, and archeology on Cyprus is even smaller. Archeology has always seemed quite large to me, possibly due to my own feelings of intimidation about the field. I was particularly struck by this when I came across Terra Ompras for the first time. I had been told it was “a museum”…
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Gatekeeping
I have a bit of an “I’ll just do it myself” attitude. Most of the time, if I have a question, I tend to just shrug, figuring that I can just look it up when I get home. I have never known a world without the Internet and the subsequent endless amounts of knowledge that…
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Chapter Four: A Mosaic Incites Fears of Climate Change
I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of mosaics in Cyprus. Grandiose stretches of tile spreading across the ground, open to the air or tucked inside structures. Mosaics depicting deities like Zeus and Aphrodite, or mythic legends like Achilles. Even gladiators fighting each other on the floor. I stop at each one and…
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Chapter Three: I Feel Deep Emotions Over A Rock
I can tell that Tom does this bit every year. He seems so excited to do it, bouncing on his heels as he leads us to the tiny room inside of the old sugar mill. “We’re going to see Aphrodite. We’re going to see her as they worshipped her.” And to tell you the truth,…
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Pita Bread
For all my fellow vegans out there, let me tell you that you will not go hungry in Cyprus! There are incredibly fresh fruits and veggies, falafel galore, a delicious selection of nuts, and pita bread, pita bread, pita bread. These tasty flat breads can be found in every market and stuffed with just about anything…
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Chapter Two: I Earn Some New Battle Scars
There is a bruise on my right forearm right where the handle of the pick axe digs in when I swing it down into the dirt. It’s decorated with dainty little scratch marks, framing it like a picture. It hurts when I press it with my fingers, but not when I lift the pick axe…
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The Cats of Cyprus
Cyprus is an island of friendly people, tasty food, and abundant beauty. It is also an island covered in cats. As I have been roaming about Larnaca, I have seen many cats running around. They vary greatly, from how friendly they are to their coloration and how healthy they look. When I sit down at…
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The Archaeological Fit Check
What does one wear as an archaeologist, or one in training, while in the field? That is an excellent question. Everyone seems to have some of their own preferences, but there are a few that are key. The first one is a good pair of gloves. Gardening gloves are what I use. These are…
Vigla Archaeological Project 