1st February 2012, 10:55 AM
....but there is a tendency for 'real' archaeologists to fall into the same trap as the 'speculation-mongers' when approached by and asked to sit up and beg for the mass media. I can think of any number of occasions (female gladiators, Roman princesses, dead vikings, child murder in countryside brothels, cannibalism, voyages across the Pacific) when I have been embarrassed to watch or read media hype on supposed properly and conscientiously recovered archaeological data. So whilst I think I broadly agree with David, Welsh Andy and Tom's drift in this thread, I think we should all be aware that people in glass houses shouldn't throw too many stones!! I have trouble enough distinguishing the cranks within archaeology from the lunatics squatting on its fringes. For the general public that must be nigh on impossible...
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...