As we watch the Indiana Jones movies, we get carried away with the fantasy that archaeology is as interesting as the movie, decorated with all romances, risks and all the Nazis. However, with our minds clear of the effect caused by such fantasy, we agree that it is not all that exciting. It is, in fact, the most interesting artifacts that are discovered from the most boring archaeological missions.
Take for example the kind of experience the scientist who studied the 1,300-year-old Tintagel Castle had. Tintagel Castle is one of the old Cornish historical rocks which has been in ruins for over a long time now. It was associated with King Arthur, with the claims that it was his birthplace. This was even the more reason that the scientists embarked on such a mission; to find actual proof that indeed Tintagel Castle was King Arthur’s birthplace, evidence they sadly did not see or even get a hint of.
On the contrary, though not so disappointing, the scientists came across old fragmented and fascinating crafts on the Castle. They were scribbles written in two languages, Latin and Greek. Among them were also Christian symbols which were more or less of almost exact nature as the illuminated manuscripts in Christian history archives.
Out of the writings, the archaeologists managed to figure out two names, the Latin word “Tito” and “Budic” which they found out to be Celtic.
According to some archaeologists and linguists, this could be linked to royalty and probably something related to the birth of King Arthur, as he was royalty himself, which gives reason to believe that the mission was not a total disappointment after all.
The findings particularly capture Win Scutt’s, the English Heritage Curator’s attention and interest. Despite his fascination about the fact that many centuries ago someone was on top of the rock writing, he had something interesting to say. To him, and probably many others, the major finding of this mission, unlike the expectation of the archaeologists, was just some scribbles from a much less experienced individual, who was possibly bored or was just playing around with writings.
“It’s incredible to think that 1,300 years ago, on this dramatic Cornish cliff top, someone was practicing their writing, using Latin phrases and Christian symbols” are his exact words. His comments come out with more sarcasm than fascination.
However, even though the writings were just considered as practice by a bored forefather, they are still regarded as fascinating and fantastic discovery not to mention significant evidence supporting the existence of Christianity in the olden days.
Besides, the scribbles were other important artifacts. Some Turkish bowls, oyster shells and Spanish goblets were also found.
There have been many other discoveries by archaeologists from less interesting archaeological works. For example, imagine how the archaeologist came about the invention of the languages or even the religion practiced by the olden day’s fellows over the years. It was most probably the most boring and challenging at the same time, or if not a by the way, just like were these fascinating writings. The Jones Movies are therefore coated with a lot of fantasy, which is also okay because who doesn’t enjoy a few episodes of imagination anyway?
