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+--- Thread: Chester and making archaeology accessible (/showthread.php?tid=3189)
Chester and making archaeology accessible - mpoole - 13th June 2010
We spent part of the day today at the Roman Days in Chester and wanted to say how much we enjoyed the displays by Chester Archaeology. We watched as the archaeologists talked to people, allowed them to handle objects and discussed the history of Chester with interested people. We had the opportunity to handle two of the Roman beads on display, and had a chat with one of the archaeologists about beads and were given some resource information that was much appreciated.
It was an excellent experience enjoyed by a lot of the public, judging by the expressions on the faces of the people being allowed to handle pieces of pottery and tile. Sometimes a very simple thing like this gives a chance for people to understand that archaeology is neither all Indiana Jones or Bonek(n)ickers, it's about being in touch with history and being allowed to touch it rather than staring at it behind glass, or seeing an interactive video display.
I did give the bead back. Eventually.
Chester and making archaeology accessible - BAJR - 13th June 2010
Quote: We had the opportunity to handle two of the Roman beads on display,
and er... your love of the site had nothing to do with that bribery!
Quote:the expressions on the faces of the people being allowed to handle pieces of pottery and tile.
You should see mine!
But seriously, thats it... it does not have to be gold or treasures of the ancients, it just has to be a piece of pottery backed up with a passionate archaeologist... willing to fill the sherd or bone with history! and not a case in site.
nice one - and glad you gave the bead back!
http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/site/chestival/chestival-whats-on/roman-weekend-chestival-12th-13th-june-2010-p116451 was that this.
Quote:Hundred’s of legionaries in full armour marching through the city – an unparalleled photo opportunityso er... did you??
Chester and making archaeology accessible - mpoole - 13th June 2010
Quote:and er... your love of the site had nothing to do with that bribery!
I didn't bribe them, the beads were on the table, honest! I admit I did hand the nice archaeologist a little blue bicone bead as a thank-you. I think I did surprise her by trying to see the colour of the blue bead by holding it up to the light to see if it was a transparent glass. I'll remember to bring my Maglite next time!
Quote:You should see mine!Ha ha.(resists comments about mullets) Actually, it was the expression on the faces of people who had the chance to hold a piece of tile. They had one with a cat's pawprint in it. it really made a connection for the person handling it, makes it somehow more real to have that sort of detail. The archaeologists had very happy expressions, no gritted teeth and anxious looks at people touching the precious things.
Quote:But seriously, thats it... it does not have to be gold or treasures of the ancients, it just has to be a piece of pottery backed up with a passionate archaeologist... willing to fill the sherd or bone with history! and not a case in site.I think she was watching me, just in case. Still, it was an excellent experience.
nice one - and glad you gave the bead back!
Quote:http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/site/chestival/chestival-whats-on/roman-weekend-chestival-12th-13th-june-2010-p116451 was that this.Yup, it was, and did I what? Photograph them? Yes, but I resisted removing the extraneous apostrophe from the publicity frippery.
so er... did you??
Besides, my heart belongs to York. Chester was just a mild flirtation.