Archaeologists dig in the dirt. Experimental archaeologists recreate what they dig up. They search to determine if their theories for how things worked in the past are accurate.
This can be anything from grinding grain to constructing an entire Danish hut for the purpose of watching it burn – seriously.
Experimental archaeology is an extremely satisfying combination of book-learning and hand-dirtying. It requires academic curiosity and meticulous research. Before a project is begun, a specific question is decided upon – what needs to be learned from the experiment?
A good question is based on a broad body of knowledge providing historical context. If studying a tool, the experimenter should know what research has already been done concerning who used it, made it, what it was used for, and many other things about the environment, culture, etc.
Once the question is determined, then the experimenting begins. Usually some sort of physical labor is involved – hauling timber or hot water, splitting shingles, or…grinding grain.
Last fall, I spent hours crouched over a stone, furiously rubbing grain kernels, watching many fall into the carpet instead of becoming flour. My question? How long would it take to get the same amount of flour you could create in five minutes using a blender. Why? I was curious – but also, I took an archaeology class which required a video detailing an experimental archaeology project. So there was that;)
Above you’ll find the evidence of my living room experimental archaeology.
Thank you to all the new and faithful readers who have visited Historyquester over the last months! Life has been hectic with work and school, and I regret that I haven’t posted here in ages. But – I look forward to posting more and sharing my historical wanderings with you once again. Till next time!
Brushing our teeth is something we do – hopefully – at least twice every day without even questioning it. Mindlessly squeezing a fluoride paste onto plastic bristles, we rub our teeth and rinse it out.
Foul breath has always been a human concern, but what is involved in the maintenance and understanding of healthy teeth has come a long way.
According to Alberto Angela, who wrote the book, A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome, some tooth practices have been consistent over time.
“The Romans take good care of their teeth,” he writes. “At table they use toothpicks…[which]…are often made of silver and are the size of dinner forks,” (Angela, 2009)
Angela even says that the Romans used forms of toothpaste that included baking soda! However, these same people were also known to clean their teeth with urine… (Angela, 2009).
In the book, The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century, Ian Mortimer describes Medieval dental care as focused on breath, not teeth.
Chewing on cardamom, licorice, fennel, or other spices were ways to eliminate foul breath.
Interestingly, “the increasing availability of sugars [meant] that dental caries [was] actually worse in the fourteenth century than it was in Anglo-Saxon times,” (Mortimer, 2008). However, methods of preventing rot were less than effective.
Mortimer writes that cavities were believed to be caused by small worms which could be gotten rid of by burning a candle “as close as possible” to the offending tooth. Needless to say, a lot of individuals were missing multiple teeth, (Mortimer, 2008).
By the 16th century, striking improvements in dental care had taken place. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Elizabethan England, also by Mortimer, says that sugar was now known to be the main cause of tooth rot.
In addition to chewing on spices for improved breath, Elizabethans picked their teeth frequently, used mouthwash, and rubbed their teeth with a “tooth cloth,” a.k.a. wet linen, (Mortimer, 2014).
Lydia Child, in her early 19th century book, The American Frugal Housewife, mentions the benefits of brushing your teeth. Her methods are much more recognizable to modern readers, but still different from a standard 21st century routine.
Child’s first suggestion is not that odd: “Clean teeth in pure water two or three times a day; but, above all, be sure to have them clean before you go to bed,” (Child, pg. 88).
The second is definitely unusual: “Honey mixed with pure pulverized charcoal is said to be excellent to cleanse the teeth, and make them white. Lime-water with a little Peruvian bark is very good to be occasionally used by those who have defective teeth, or an offensive breath,” (Child, pg. 114).
For a week, I tried brushing my teeth solely with “pure water,” a.k.a. tap water. And for the most part, I didn’t even miss toothpaste. (Though maybe you should ask my family, lol).
The morning was the only time when sometimes the water didn’t seem to fully erase the unpleasant taste in my mouth. However, my teeth never felt gross, because just the act of rubbing them removes a lot of buildup – thank you, Elizabethans.
Alberto Angela. A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome. New York, NY: Europa Editions, 2009.
Mortimer, Ian. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Visitor’s Guide to the Fourteenth Century. New York, NY: Touchstone, 2008.
Mortimer, Ian. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Elizabethan England. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2014.
Not 10 minutes outside of Anchorage, traveling south on the Seward Highway, there is a small building touted as the Chugach State Park Headquarters. Just next to it are a couple train cars, partially visible from the road.
Most of these train cars’ history takes place along the Turnagain Arm (so named by Captain Cook, who had to turn again to exit). This site has an absolutely incredible view of the waterway. On a clear day, the two cars have an unobstructed view of the Kenai Mountains, and even the Alaska Range across the Cook Inlet.
One car is a gigantic black and red snowplow, while the other is a white sleeper car turned kitchen car.
The Sleeper Car that is Now a Kitchen Car
The snowplow and its massive blades were used when avalanches covered tracks in cement-like snow, an occurrence not uncommon to the tracks along Turnagain Arm.
With its small building shut down due to virus precautions, this site doesn’t look like many turn off the highway to see it. There is a collection of old and new signs describing the history of the place, some of which are almost illegible.
The first two signs read:
“ROTARY SNOWPLOW: These plows with 9 foot circular rotor blades were used by the Alaska Railroad to clear the snow clogged tracks … Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Mountains………”
“OUTFIT CAR: Railroad car 1500e started its life as a troop sleeping car during World War II. After the War the sleeper was converted for use as a kitchen car.”
The first railroad in Alaska was started in 1903 by the Alaska Central Railway. However, they only laid 50 miles of track traveling north out of Seward, its origin point.
After bankruptcy in 1908, the company reorganized as the Alaska Northern Railway Co. Their second attempt only brought the railroad 21 miles farther to Kern Creek, just short of Girdwood, Alaska.
In 1914, the U.S. Federal Government approved funding for a railroad from Seward to Fairbanks, with an estimated cost of $35 million.
It took eight years to finish construction of the 478 miles of track. After completion, the federal government ran railroad operations, but the project was unprofitable.
In 1930, Seward, Fairbanks, and Anchorage combined only had a population of 5,400 – not enough to allow for steady rail business.
However, under new leadership, the Alaska Railroad beings to profit in 1938. And during WWII, profits soared as the trains transported civilian and military supplies.
Railroad ownership switched from the federal government to the State of Alaska in 1983. Over the next 26 years, the railroad’s value increased over $830 million dollars!
Now, the Alaska Railroad’s blue and gold cars are signature Alaskan – a symbol of pride for residents of the Last Frontier.
Looking Towards the Turnagain Arm from a Platform Behind the Train
Many thanks to the Alaska Railroad website and the Chugach State Park signage!
The Alaska Railroad shows a record profit of $8.0 million, surpassing the previous record profit of $7.90 million in 1995. Passenger ridership grows to 512,000. Former Governor Bill Sheffield becomes CEO and President of the Alaska Railroad and John Binkley is named Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Did you know that March 17th has been celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day for over 1,000 years? But all the traditions we associate with it now, most certainly weren’t there to begin with. In the middle ages, people weren’t saying: wear something green or be pinched, eat some corned beef and cabbage, wear a shamrock pin, etc. March 17th was a day to remember a man with great forgiveness, who dedicated a lot to Ireland. Yep, St. Patrick.
In the centuries that have passed, some of the details (such as his name) have been misplaced and disagreed upon, but the core of the history is true. A young boy, perhaps named Maewyn Succat, lived in Britain. Not only was “Patrick” not Irish, you could even say he was Roman. For the Romans were only just leaving their British colony alone, after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D.
When he was sixteen years old, Maewyn/Patrick was captured by Irish who desired to take advantage of the newly relinquished Britain. Maewyn was kept as a slave in Ireland for some six to ten years. After that time, he either escaped, or was freed, and made it back to Britain.
After he returned, Maewyn decided to train to become a Catholic priest. This is when Maewyn changed his name to Patrick (or Patricius, Latin for “father figure”). He then received a calling from God to return to the Irish as a missionary. Faithfully, Patrick did just that. He sailed back to Ireland and had success in reaching the people of Ireland, largely Druid, with the Catholic faith. Churches sprouted up all over the island, and Ireland was never the same because of Patrick.
Out of gratefulness, the Irish people began celebrating Patrick on the supposed day of his death, March 17th. Since its inception, many traditions have become part of the annual festival.
The iconic tradition of decorating with shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day springs from the legend that Patrick used the plant (either clover or sorrel) to illustrate the hard-to-grasp concept of the Holy Trinity. Though each leaf is a distinct, separate leaf, together the three form one, single clover (or sorrel), just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, but One. To remember Patrick and his explanation, people started wearing the three-leaf plant on his holiday.
There are many other more unusual St. Patrick’s Day customs that developed as Irish Americans spread their cultural pride across the nation. For example, dying entire rivers green, giant parades, and chugging beer. But amidst the Irish-themed revelry, I think there’s an important take-away from Patrick: forgiveness.
While reading about Patrick, it struck me how difficult it must have been to be a missionary to the same people who had hurt him so much. To serve those who enslaved him took an immense amount of forgiveness. Not only did Patrick let go of his bitterness, he desired to help his captors by obeying God. And the Irish people benefitted because of it. So beneath all the lucky charms, beer, and parades, we’re really celebrating a man who gave a great example of true forgiveness.
Set into the pavement of Boston, a thin brick trail snakes through the city. Follow the path, and you’ll past by over 16 sites of historical importance to U.S. independence. There are many ways to explore the Freedom Trail, from winging it on your own, to taking a guided tour. Our plan was to do some of each.
The Freedom Trail Foundation is the most prevalent agency: you can buy their tickets in a booth on the Boston Common. They offer several different tours in addition to their standard one, such as the African-American Patriots Tour, and Revolutionary Women Tour.
Another site to check is the Boston National Historical Park website. Lots of free programs are listed. There are Walking the Battlefield tours and Faneuil Hall Talks among many others. Make sure you look before you go!
Founded in 1634(!), the Boston Common marks the start of the Freedom Trail. The area was called the Common because it was land held common to all, where anyone and everyone’s animals could graze. Believe it or not, before the digging projects in Boston, one side of the space actually fronted the water! The Common was also a place where public punishments took place. Picture stocks and a gallows. Not exactly where you’d pick to put a playground. XP
Even though the website warned that the early tours were packed, we went on one anyway. We wanted to get an earlier start in the city. Our group was so large we split in two. But you needn’t be worried about hearing the tour guide. He expertly shouted the entire tour; I was impressed.
Our tour guide was Isaiah Thomas, printer of the Massachusetts Spy in the 18th century. Thomas shifted from his 18th century identity to his knowledgable 21st century self seamlessly. Known as Rob Crean, he was trained as a comedian, and you can tell. There were lots of punny jokes related to historic Boston happenings. Crean/Thomas also incorporated great unusual anecdotes into his tour that I really enjoyed.
Across the street from the Common was the next site on the trail. Lying in the shadow of the Park Street Church is the Old Granary burial ground. The name comes from the large granary that used to stand in the church’s place. (Park Street church wasn’t built until later–founded 1809).
John Hancock’s Stone
Many famous revolutionaries were interred here. Names such as James Otis, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Sam Adams grace the headstones.
An interesting side note: pennies fill the top of Revere’s grave. Jewish traditions of placing stones on graves translated to pennies in honor of the silversmith.
Thomas/Crean rattled off several more diverting tidbits: Paul Revere’s family fled from France–they were Huguenots. Revere’s father’s name was actually Apollos Rivoire, but he Anglicized it when they moved. Also, take a look at the golden dome of the State House. Paul Revere originally plated it in copper! But when the verdigris consumed it, Bostonians decided it wasn’t elegant enough for their seat of government.
I mentioned Sam Adams. Our guide made several jabs at the well-known figure. Apparently, he wasn’t an especially attractive man. Likely you’ve heard of the beer bearing his name. But the picture on the bottle is Paul Revere instead, a noticeably more handsome face.
A little farther down the brick path is site of the Boston Latin school. This was the first public school in the country, started in 1635. Producing famous alumni such as Cotton Mather, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, the school still operates in a different location. The current structure in residence is the Old City Hall, which was built in 1865. In front of the building’s impressive columns stands a statue of Benjamin Franklin. (Ironically, he was a Boston Latin School dropout.)
We walked just past the Boston Massacre Site to avoid the crowds and traffic surrounding it. Thomas/Crean proceeded to give an amazing retelling of the event – unlike any I’ve heard. His account brought light to an oft forgotten perspective of the event: that of the Regulars.
The actual spot of the massacre is in the middle of the intersection. When installing the memorial, they didn’t want any more deaths caused by incautious gawkers, so they set it off to one side.
If you’re curious to know more about the Boston Massacre, look up John Adams’ part in the trial. The proceedings brought his name to the forefront for the first time, and in a negative light for many.
Our final stop on the Walk Through History tour was Faneuil Hall. As you stand before the building, try to imagine it as it was originally–about half the size, and partially over the water. It’s a bit difficult.
Faneuil Hall was built as one man’s effort to leave a legacy to a world where he left no descendants. Peter Faneuil’s wealthy uncle deeded his riches to Peter under the promise that Peter would marry his business and no one else. He agreed. When he began to age, he decided to build the town of Boston an indoor market bearing his name.
Another aspect of the hall I found fascinating was the time capsule. Upon further studying, the timeline of the capsule seems a bit vague, mixed with some legend. However, standing firmly in fact is the construction of the grasshopper weather vane by Shem Drowne. At some point in the 18th century, the vane began to be used as a time capsule, likely by Drowne’s son. Various coins, papers, and a note were discovered inside.
This was the end of the tour, but the Freedom Trail Foundation also offers a North End tour that continues one hour later. We enjoyed ourselves so much we bought tickets for the second half. After selecting some tasty lunch from inside Quincy Market, we were off.
Boston National Historical Park Massachusetts Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all. Plan your visit to a city with over three centuries of revolution.
The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Freedom Trail Sites The Freedom Trail Foundation’s most popular tour highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites.
For more than 120 years, Boston’s leaders have met in this historic area of the city. It was home to Boston’s first public school attended by Ben Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, and it served as City Hall for 38 mayors, including John Fitzgerald and James Curley.
Founded in 1722, Christ Church in the City of Boston, known as the Old North Church, is Boston’s oldest surviving church and most visited historical site.
The USS Constitution Museum has a suggested admission of: USS Constitution (the Ship) is free to visit and requires a photo I.D. for those 18 or older. Set sail for adventure and discover the history of “Old Ironsides” – the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world – with interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and a vast collection of artifacts that is fun for all ages.
Hi! My name is Ava Martin. This past year, my family and I moved to the state of Massachusetts, land of patriots, good food, and labyrinthine roadways. I just graduated from high school (a proud homeschooler), and have decided to take a gap year before I head off to college.
One of the goals I have for this coming year is to blog. As for a subject to blog on, the answer was pretty obvious–history. For as long as I can remember, I have loved history, especially finding out what people’s ordinary lives were like. Pick an era, and I’d enjoy delving into what those people wore while they went off to battle, what they ate for dinner and who cooked it, and what sort of tools they used to gain a living.
Over the years, I have discovered that a lot of people don’t share my zeal for history. And that’s okay! Everyone has different interests and we need that. However, it does pain me when someone distinctly dislikes history, or thinks that history just isn’t for them.
I’d like to change that. I believe that history is essential to all of our lives even now. I’m sure you’re thinking of the saying that if you don’t know history, you’re doomed to repeat it, which may be true. But there’s more to it than that.
Picture this: not knowing history is like never asking your parents where you were born. Or what you did as a baby and toddler. Or it’s like forgetting your childhood and just starting life where you are now. You, or your friends or parents, might struggle with problems that you’ll have no idea why they exist. And if you don’t know the root cause, how are you going to solve it?
It’s the same with history, just replace the parents and friends with countries and peoples. History can help us in other ways, too. For example, the past can give us perspective.
Sometimes, we can get wrapped up in our own small worlds and dilemmas, and forget about everyone else. Not only what others are enduring and accomplishing right now, but what people have endured and accomplished in ages gone by. So many humans have lived their lives before us, with their own worries and triumphs, and have provided us with the modern comforts we now enjoy.
History can also comfort us, as we see how God works through the earth’s various occurrences of empires rising and falling, natural events, and even the catastrophes. His plan can be seen through it all, and we can find stories of hope amidst the destruction.
If we remember these people and stories, we can be more thankful and effective in our own lives. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” Let’s resolve to be prepared, so that when our lives are history too, we will have built a admirable addition onto the past.
On top of the more serious benefits that history can give us, studying the past can also be just plain fun. There are so many different aspects of history that there is something everyone can appreciate. Maybe you don’t like battles? No worries! Humanity’s lives have consisted of way more than just military exploits. What about explorers and pirates? (They were real!) Do the ancient Romans interest you? They had running water in their toilets, not every age had those. There’s also the Chinese who invented fireworks and constructed massive sections of wall across mountains. Or the epidemic like no other–the Plague.
I believe that whether or not you find yourself to be a history buff, learning about the past is something that all of us can benefit from and enjoy.
What I desire to accomplish with this blog is to inspire an interest in history in everyone, no matter what your preconceived view on history is.
Conveniently, I now find myself living in the state of Massachusetts, which is practically soaked in history. Everywhere you turn, there’s some story behind that old house, overgrown burial ground, or peculiar street name.
While I have the opportunity to be so close to all these intriguing places, I want to explore and discover the various unique histories they hold and share it with all of you. So without further ado,
