Any professional Historians/Archaeologists on the EB Team? Some questions . . .

[Dutchhoplite]

I can't agree with Moros more. I studied history for 7 years and i couldn't find work in the field and now i work in some company's archive which is very frustrating at times

Still: fascinating study :)

[Zeibek]

I can't agree with Moros more. I studied history for 7 years and i couldn't find work in the field and now i work in some company's archive which is very frustrating at times

I'm scared to death that that's what will happen to me. I'm only in highschool, but I know that once I get to university I'll become a history major. Well maybe not necessarily history; something like anthropolgy or linguistics is just as possible. But the thing is I don't want an academic career where I have to be in constant competition against my peers, fighting for measly grant money. But what can a history major do other than teach history, become an academic or become an archeologist?

Archaeology has never really interested me. Flamingcookbook already mentioned the disregard towards contemporary chronicles which is often exhibited in archaelogists (my aunt is married to one so I'm not riding on mere stereotypes) which puts me off, but similarly I've got this image of all classical historians as philhellenes with deep disregard towards other cultures (this image was has been created by my current history teacher who has apparently studied at Oxford). Besides history my other interests are the study of myth, linguistics and general anthropology.

However, the greatest thing hindering me is the fact that my areas of interest vary incredibly widely; just this summer I read eveything I could get my hands on about the Ainu, and now its the obscure Finnic tribes like the Chudes that provoke the most fascination in me. Before either of those it was the Indo-Iranians and the Tocharians. And those are just my historical interests, as I'm also interested in German philosphy, general literature and psychology (mostly psychoanalysis as opposed to behavioural studies).

I know that I'm still young and I've got years ahead of me, but the fact is either I'm gonna become either an academic or a teacher. And I don't want to become either. I just want to learn about the world, not build a boring and meaningless career. But unfortunately they don't pay you just for that. If they do, you have to specialize, and I don't want to.

Blaah. Sorry that this ended up being an angsty rant, but I just had to vent some pressure. Test week is coming up and I've gotta study math which I'm never gonna use.

[cmacq]

Zeibek

"Flamingcookbook already mentioned the disregard towards contemporary chronicles which is often exhibited in archaelogists (my aunt is married to one so I'm not riding on mere stereotypes) which puts me off, but similarly I've got this image of all classical historians as philhellenes with deep disregard towards other cultures (this image was has been created by my current history teacher who has apparently studied at Oxford). Besides history my other interests are the study of myth, linguistics and general anthropology."

___________________________________________________________________________________________

A few random words.

Personally, with an accurate translation and the proper frame of reference, I’ve often found Classical textual information profoundly useful. However, I’ve noticed that in the last 25 years, with the passing of the old guard, many of the tenets associated with American Archaeology, have become a mantra of the various regional expressions of European Archaeology. As if this were something new and improved; its really not, since this movement commenced in the 60s. This an attempt to counter the nationalistically inspired abuses of the past, justifiable for these transgressions were many and of great consequence. Still, due to the temperament and pharmaceutical predilections of its practitioners the pendulum swung too far, too fast, more the pity.

Actually, the so-called stereotype is the norm for American Archaeology, and of course I find myself, the exception that proves this rule. I will not tire anyone with a long drawn out discription of the modern Ameri Archaeologist stereotype, except; Alcoholic, drugged out, pogish, hippie wantabe, culturally self-loathing, boorishly self-absorbed, pathetically parasitic, ill-prepared, ill-equipped, knavishly uninformed, brain-washed, dogmatically self-righteous, inconsiderate, and hello; a shame artist expecting an easy yet meaningless corporate or government job with a long lazy retirement. You see, I'm not one to judge.

In general, American Archaeology is driven by Southwestern Archaeology, as this is the largest and most influential community, thereof. That is, influential as far as application and methodology is concerned. It’s very possible that the American Southwestern Archaeological community is the largest in the world. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work with many gifted individuals; however they are indeed exceptions to the rule, as well. It’s enough to say I have great distain for the typical American Southwestern Archaeologist, and many others of their ilk that proved to be sojourners in a foreign land. Besides everything else, one of the most prominent reasons for my attitude, is the wholesale rejection of a comprehensive approach to the discipline’s application.

I have often said, to the consternation of many, ‘as oversight, History is the great enemy of the Southwestern Archaeologist, and if they could ever find it, they would certainly kill it.’ Luckily, they wouldn't recognize history, even if it bit them on their arss, and in fact if it did they might not notice it at all. Its a very sad truth, that was not always so, yet apparently with little intrinsic inspiration, Euro Arch seems to have mindlessly aped Ameri Arch and is now on its way to a dark and dismal dead end. I may add, a place we here are just beginning to return from. Also to the great dismay of many in the community, I say, ‘In itself, Archaeology has no meaning, other than to progress the historic narrative.’ And…

these are just a few small reasons why I am both, hated and feared by the run of the mill Stereotypical. Of course there are other reasons, but none of these have anything to do with, a self imposed tunnel vision.




CmacQ

[antiochus epiphanes]

Zeibek

"Flamingcookbook already mentioned the disregard towards contemporary chronicles which is often exhibited in archaelogists (my aunt is married to one so I'm not riding on mere stereotypes) which puts me off, but similarly I've got this image of all classical historians as philhellenes with deep disregard towards other cultures (this image was has been created by my current history teacher who has apparently studied at Oxford). Besides history my other interests are the study of myth, linguistics and general anthropology."

___________________________________________________________________________________________

A few random words.

Personally, with an accurate translation and the proper frame of reference, I’ve often found Classical textual information profoundly useful. However, I’ve noticed that in the last 25 years, with the passing of the old guard, many of the tenets associated with American Archaeology, have become a mantra of the various regional expressions of European Archaeology. As if this were something new and improved; its really not, since this movement commenced in the 60s. This an attempt to counter the nationalistically inspired abuses of the past, justifiable for these transgressions were many and of great consequence. Still, due to the temperament and pharmaceutical predilections of its practitioners the pendulum swung too far, too fact, more the pity.

Actually, the so-called stereotype is the norm for American Archaeology, and of course I find myself, the exception that proves this rule. I will not tire anyone with a long drawn out discription of the modern Ameri Archaeologist stereotype, except; Alcoholic, drugged out, pogish, hippie wantabe, culturally self-loathing, boorishly self-absorbed, pathetically parasitic, ill-prepared, ill-equipped, knavishly uninformed, brain-washed, dogmatically self-righteous, inconsiderate, and hello; a shame artist expecting an easy yet meaningless government job with a long lazy retirement. You see, I'm not one to judge.

In general, American Archaeology is driven by Southwestern Archaeology, as this is the largest and most influential community, thereof. That is, influential as far as application and methodology is concerned. It’s very possible that the American Southwestern Archaeological community is the largest in the world. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work with many gifted individuals; however they are indeed exceptions to the rule, as well. It’s enough to say I have great distain for the typical American Southwestern Archaeologist, and many others of their ilk that proved to be sojourners in a foreign land. Besides everything else, one of the most prominent reasons for my attitude, is the wholesale rejection of a comprehensive approach to the discipline’s application.

I have often said, to the consternation of many, ‘as oversight, History is the great enemy of the Southwestern Archaeologist, and if they could ever find it, they would certainly kill it.’ Luckily, they wouldn't recognize history, even if it bit them on their arss, and in fact if it did they might not notice it at all. Its a very sad truth, that was not always so, yet apparently with little intrinsic inspiration, Euro Arch seems to have mindlessly aped Ameri Arch and is now on its way to a dark and dismal dead end. I may add, a place we here are just beginning to return from. Also to the great dismay of many in the community, I say, ‘In itself, Archaeology has no meaning, other than to progress the historic narrative.’ And…

these are just a few small reasons why I am both, hated and feared by the run of the mill Stereotypical. Of course there are other reasons, but none of these have anything to do with, a self imposed tunnel vision.




CmacQ

wow

thats sad, i truly feel for you to have to work with that level of incompetence

[oudysseos]

Artorius, the study of history is deeply rewarding in many ways but only rarely financially so. I have degrees in history, classics, and a modern language, but not wanting to teach, or work in academia, I have never earned money from my studies (I'm a chef-restaurateur). Never regretted my studies, do not regret my career, but I do wish that I had, at the point in life that you are now at, spent some time thinking clearly about the future.
If you feel a call to teach, or to dig, then go for it, though I urge you to gather as much hard-nosed information as you can about a prospective career. If you're not interested in a particular course of study because of how much money it could earn you, then good for you! Socrates would be proud.

[Che Roriniho]

IF you do go all the way, which we all hope you do, then for the love of god PLEASE excavate, or at least evaluate, one of the Indo-Greek cities, we beg of you. Plus, your name would o down in the history books as the first person ever to do this.

You have our full support!

[flamingcookbook]

"Actually, the so-called stereotype is the norm for American Archaeology, and of course I find myself, the exception that proves this rule. I will not tire anyone with a long drawn out discription of the modern Ameri Archaeologist stereotype, except; Alcoholic, drugged out, pogish, hippie wantabe, culturally self-loathing, boorishly self-absorbed, pathetically parasitic, ill-prepared, ill-equipped, knavishly uninformed, brain-washed, dogmatically self-righteous, inconsiderate, and hello; a shame artist expecting an easy yet meaningless government job with a long lazy retirement. You see, I'm not one to judge."


I agree 100%. I have noticed this phenomenon and it sickens me. The archaeology phds i knew seemed really washed up and illucid. It's not so much they are drugged out though, but they sure act dopey and lazy and very uppity. Also the women who do archaeology are 95% socially withdrawn. They act emo, and psychoanalytically I know that they secretly wish they were dead, hence the fascination with tombs, and I know for a fact they secretly hate humanity and the beauty and humour of history. I get the feeling they really hate people, and prefer talking to the frescoes. It's so sad.

[Thaatu]

IF you do go all the way, which we all hope you do, then for the love of god PLEASE excavate, or at least evaluate, one of the Indo-Greek cities, we beg of you. Plus, your name would o down in the history books as the first person ever to do this.

When I graduate, I'm going to excavate in Afghanistan and establish "The Combat Archaeology Team". I can already picture myself brushing up a perfectly preserved Greco-Bactrian temple with my right hand, while giving covering fire to my colleagues with the machine gun on my left hand. Plus, it can be made into a reality show. It would be awesome. Announcer: "The team has just four days to excavate the site, before they are overrun by the Taliban! Can they do it, or will this be the last episode of... Combat Archaeology. Stay tuned!"





What?