Real live dead Romans!?

Back from the dead? It has been awhile since I have posted anything to my blog, apologies. I’ve been busy with a summer job which was only loosely related to archaeology. The good news is I am once again immersed in the archaeology of death this time quite literally. I am currently at a field school learning excavation and analysis techniques for osteological specimens. We are excavating a Roman necropolis located somewhere in the Mediterranean. I apologize for being cryptic however it is important to keep the remains safe from being overrun with overly curious tourists or looters.

Last week I came face to face with my first real live dead Roman. The experience was so incredibly surreal I can scarcely think of words to describe it. To imaging you were in the presence of a person who lived and breathed 1500 years ago is honestly a little difficult to even fathom.

My excitement at finally being able to put all my archaeological theory and method classes into real field work was pretty spectacular. I had to admit though, dealing with death is always a tricky business and not just because our century old skeletal remains were more than a little fragile. I found that although my days were filled with excitement and contentment at being able to engage in my passion, my nights were troubled by nightmares of the dead who could not rest in peace. The job of a bioarchaeologist is certainly a controversial one even for them. The ability to study and understand more about a past society is extremely fulfilling and rewarding and yet… I have mixed feelings about disturbing the earthly remains of a fellow human being. It is a surprising position to find myself in since I truly believe in the value of archaeological inquiry for everyone but I find myself wondering what my tomb occupants would have thought if they could see us fussing over their bones 1500 years in the future? Would they be horrified and appalled?  Would they laugh? Would they want to tell us more? Would they care? I can only hope that by treating these remains with the utmost respect and dignity that our actions are not offending our grave occupants.