HistoryScienceSocial Sciences

The Archaeologist's Notebook

Little Dot Studios

Ever looked at a skeleton and wondered, "What’s your story?" Think no more. Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! With videos twice a week, we bring the dead back to speak (metaphorically, of course). Hosted by professional archaeologist Giselle Kiraly, this show dives deep into the dirt to uncover thousands of years of human history. Make sure to Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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S1 · E38
Yesterday · 23 min
A Medieval Guide to Burying the Undead
Why are archaeologists digging up skeletons pinned with iron ploughs, surrounded by sickles, or buried with stones wedged into their jaws? In today's video, Giselle investigates real deviant burials across Europe. From post-medieval "vampire" graves in Poland and Bulgaria to Roman child necropolises and medieval ash burials in England, discover the dark archaeology and folklore behind why our ancestors genuinely believed corpses could rise from the dead and the lengths they went to in order to keep them in the ground. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Alamy Dr. Amy Scott / Trent University Photograph by Andreas F. Borchert - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roscommon_St._Mary%27s_Priory_Choir_Tomb_Effigy_2014_08_28.jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E37
Tuesday · 25 min
How this ancient body solved a murder case
"Why are 2,000-year-old human bodies emerging from European peat bogs with intact skin, eyelashes, and manicured fingernails? In today's video, Giselle breaks down the weird chemistry that turns human remains into leather time capsules. We re-examine famous cold cases like Tollund Man, Grauballe Man, and Lindow Man, unpack the mysterious Iron Age Celtic ritual known as the ""triple death"", and explore the bizarre true story of how a 1,700-year-old Roman skull trapped a 1980s killer into confessing. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Alamy https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bog_butter_-_Ulster_Museum.JPG , Bazonka, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bog_butter_in_wooden_vessel.JPG , Bazonka, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bog_butter.JPG , Navaro, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E36
October 23 · 23 min
This massive, underground lost city was found in a guy's basement
In 1963, while renovating his house, a man in Turkey accidentally found an entire sprawling, 2,000-year-old underground city lost to time. Originally home to 20,000 people, in today's video, Giselle looks at the history and archaeology of Derinkuyu. Why was this city built? Who built it? And what was the day-to-day life like for these people who lived deep underground? Giselle answers all! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Getty Alamy Yasir999/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reconstruction-Derinkuyu-underground.jpg https://img.atlasobscura.com/0ILfCs_wqn98g5l4QHQL7mpP8fAYdziORXp3LTl4Z50/rt:fit/w:1280/q:81/sm:1/scp:1/ar:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdGxh/cy1kZXYuczMuYW1h/em9uYXdzLmNvbS91/cGxvYWRzL2Fzc2V0/cy9iNGQ2N2Y0ZTJk/YTQ3MTJiMWRfVW5k/ZXJncm91bmQtQ2l0/eS1EZXJpbmt1eXUu/anBlZw.jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E35
October 20 · 29 min
Inside WW2’s Greatest Art Heist And Rescue Mission
Is the movie The Monuments Men historically accurate? In this episode, Giselle looks into the real story of the historians, curators, and academics who risked their lives on the front lines of World War Two! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: National Archives (239-RC-14-5 / Getty Deane Hancock French Collection File: CAD 000.4 (3-25-43) (1), Sec. 2, Security Classified General Correspondence, 1943-July 1949, General Records, Civil Affairs Division, Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs, RG 165. US National Archives National Archives (111-SC-188691) National Archives (239-RC-1-7) National Archives (111-SC-209654)) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E34
October 16 · 28 min
How Howard Carter ACTUALLY Uncovered Tutankhamun’s Tomb
In 1922, Howard Carter uncovered the intact tomb of King Tutankhamun, changing Egyptian history forever. But how much of the story do you actually know? Today, Giselle explores the chaotic history behind the excavation, the destructive methods used to unwrap the boy king, and modern forensic discoveries. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: ©Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E33
October 13 · 36 min
The Archaeology Of Shakespeare, With George Fouracres
In today’s video, Giselle is joined by actor, comedian, and SNL UK star George Fouracres to discuss the archaeology behind William Shakespeare! Together, they talk about the influence archaeology and history have on George’s professional life, look into how archaeological discoveries help our understanding of Shakespeare's plays, examine real Elizabethan artefacts, and discuss the fascinating excavation of King Richard III! SNL UK is available on Sky and NOW 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Sky / Charlotte Rutherford Sky / Matt Crockettt Alamy Trustees of the British Museum Johan Persson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E32
October 9 · 24 min
My top 10 archaeological sites (that I've actually been to)
In today's video, archaeologist Giselle reveals her top 10 favourite archaeological sites across the globe. We look at the Roman streets of Ephesus to the 29,000-year-old ice-age cave paintings in France and Scotland’s Neolithic treasures! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Getty Alamy https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pech_Merle_(35169882674).jpg. Ben Sale from UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 Grotte Peche Merle, France. Wolly mammoth. 25,000 BC. By Jon Gudorf Photography (1998). https://www.flickr.com/photos/jongudorf/34484820491/in/photostream/. — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chevaux_ponctu%C3%A9s_de_la_grotte_du_Pech_Merle.jpg Céréales Killer, CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E31
October 6 · 27 min
Archaeologist reveals the dark truth about the Crusader Knights
History paints the Knights Hospitaller as heroic warriors, but the archaeology tells a much darker story. In today’s video, Giselle looks at physical evidence revealing how the Order of Saint John rand one of history’s most lucrative human trafficking rings, and how these enslaved people built early modern Malta. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncovering and understanding thousands of years of human history, with working archaeologist Giselle Király. -- Source Materials: Alamy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E30
October 2 · 25 min
Ancient graffiti is much more vulgar than you think
We've been doodling and writing on surfaces for millennia! We've loved swearing and drawing lewd images on things for just as long as well... In today's video, Giselle goes through the years of ancient graffiti, from confessions of love to business complaints! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Alamy Digital Storm/stock.adobe.com rpbmedia/stock.adobe.com Michael/stock.adobe.com The Vindolanda Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E29
September 29 · 37 min
What was fast food like in Ancient Rome?
What did Ancient Romans eat when they wanted a quick meal? Today, Giselle is joined by Alex Compiani from The Time Travellers Kitchen to talk all about Roman fast food and street vendors, with home-cooked, authentic Roman food for them both to taste test! -- Source Materials: Alamy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E28
September 25 · 24 min
The Bizarre Rabbithole Of Nazi Pseudoarchaeology
In today’s video, Giselle looks into the dark and bizarre history of the Ahnenerbe— Heinrich Himmler’s SS division dedicated to rewriting global prehistory to justify the Nazi regime. Giselle looks into how the Third Reich hijacked real sites and fabricated data, from the Nazis searching for the Lost City of Atlantis and cosmic "World Ice" theories, to hunting for the Holy Grail in France, and trying to cover up the death camps at Treblinka. -- Source Materials: Alamy Adobe Stock / Jarek Adobe Stock / gerasimov174 zef art - http://stock.adobe.com/ Getty Professor Caroline Sturdy-Colls / The Centre Of Archaeology / Treblinka Memorial Museum #Archaeology #History #Pseudoarchaeology #Ahnenerbe #Documentary #AncientHistory #Treblinka #WorldIceTheory #TibetExpedition #Tiwanaku #ForensicArchaeology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E27
September 22 · 35 min
The greatest Viking gold ever discovered
In today’s episode, Giselle talks all about Viking gold! For the Vikings, gold was rare. So what happens when archaeologists uncover massive gold neck-rings, ornate bird pins, or thousands of grams of pure gold buried in Danish forests and bogs? Giselle is also joined by Viking expert Dr. Tom Horne to dive into 6 of the most incredible Viking Age gold discoveries of all time! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Thank you to Dr. Tom Horne for joining! You can see what Tom is up to here: Website: https://drtomhorne.com/ Substack: https://drtomhornearchaeology.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhorne870?stkn=azJsczduMzk4b2Rx Twitter: https://x.com/HorneSupremacy?t=fII54K_MMYiNwoYmKwsmLw&s=09 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hornesupremacy.bsky.social -- Source Materials: Alamy Nordjyske Museer Lennart Larsen, National Museum of Denmark Herefordshire Hoard phorographs provided by Herefordshire Council Hoenskatten 1834 Bilde 1 by Ove Holst, Kulturhistorisk Museum (2025), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoenskatten_1834_Bilde_1.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Parts of the Hon hoard found in 1834 in Øvre Eiker, Buskerud in the south-east of Norway, by Wolfmann / Kulturhistorisk Museum (2020), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cultural_History_(historisk)_Museum_Oslo_VIKINGR_Norwegian_Viking-Age_Exhib_02_Hon_Hoard_(Hoenskatten)_Gold_treasure_875-900_(1)_Neck_arm_rings_Frankish_jewelry_Arabian_coins_w_loops_Necklace_glass_beads_Roman_gemstone_English_ring_619.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Trefliket frankisk beslag av gull fra Hoenskatten. Trefoil Frankish mount of gold from the Hoenskatten treasure. By Mona Knudsen, Kulturhistorisk Museum (2025). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoenskatten_1834_Gullbeslag_Bilde_4.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: Senior Curator at National Museums Scotland, Martin Goldberg, looking at objects from the Viking age Galloway Hoard. By National Museum Scotland (2021). https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/NMSGallowayHoard1_PF1040456_900x673_96dpi.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: Galloway Hoard. By National Museums Scotland / Johnbod (2021). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NMSGallowayHoard4_PF1034117_674x900_96dpi_(cropped).jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: The rock crystal jar. Photo © Neil Hanna Photo: Galloway Hoard. By National Museums Scotland https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NMSGallowayHoard5_pectoral_cross_900x682_96dpi_(cropped).jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E26
September 18 · 26 min
Henry VIII in VIII archaeological discoveries
Henry VIII is one of the most famous monarchs in English history, but what can we actually learn about him and his life from archaeological discoveries? It's hard to believe that this man could be a romantic, considering his track record, but will a certain heart-shaped locket and engraved coins have you thinking otherwise? We walk you through some fascinating and bizarre discoveries pertaining to this controversial king in today's video! Watch How the Tudors Lost Their Heads, Sundays at 8pm, on National Geographic. Also streaming on Disney+ https://www.natgeotv.com/uk/special/how-the-tudors-lost-their-heads -- Source Materials: Alamy Old Royal Naval College Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E25
September 15 · 20 min
Field School/How to Become an Archaeologist
What does it actually take to be an archaeologist? In today’s video, we take you behind the scenes at the Culver Archaeological Project in the south of England to show you what an archaeological dig is really like. From learning how to properly hold a trowel and map an excavation, to processing finds when rained out and unearthing Roman history, here’s a look into life at a field school! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E24
September 11 · 25 min
Archaeologist Debunks The Bayeux Tapestry
Is the Bayeux Tapestry the ultimate piece of medieval political spin? Today, Giselle puts seven claims from Britain’s favorite masterpiece to the test using real archaeological evidence, excavated longships, horse bones, and battlefield finds! From false myths about King Harold’s death to hidden Anglo-Saxon rebellion in the margins, we’re unravelling the truth behind the 1066 Norman Conquest. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E23
September 8 · 29 min
The real archaeology behind the Peasants Revolt
In the summer of 1381, an army of tens of thousands of ordinary people marched on London, triggering the largest social uprising in medieval English history. It was the only time the Tower of London was ever overrun, resulting in broken prisons, burned palaces, and royal executions. But what actually caused this massive revolt, and what clues did these rebels leave behind in the archaeological record? Through examining plague pits and remains, Giselle has the answers! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E22
September 4 · 22 min
13,000 Years Of Getting Drunk
Did our prehistoric ancestors love a cold pint as much as we do? Spoiler: YES. Today, archaeologist Giselle pulls up a bar stool and explores the most incredible archaeological discoveries of ancient alcohol—from 2,300-year-old liquid beer buried in China to a 13,000-year-old Natufian brewery that might prove humans started farming for beer /before/ bread. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E21
September 1 · 20 min
The Stonehenge lie nobody talks about
Did you know that Stonehenge isn't actually a "true" henge? And what about Seahenge, Woodhenge, or the massive superhenges scattered across the UK? In today’s video, Giselle unpacks the truth behind Britain’s most iconic prehistoric features. Breaking down what actually makes a henge a henge, we explore the history and engineering of these massive Neolithic settlement sites! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E20
August 28 · 27 min
What's the oldest toilet ever discovered by archaeologists?
Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilisation long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilised Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E19
August 25 · 24 min
What's the weirdest thing someone been's found buried with?
Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilization long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilized Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 38 episodes