The Archaeologist's Notebook
Little Dot Studios 38 episodes Nov 10, 2026
The Archaeologist's Notebook explores human history through archaeology, skeletons, and the stories they reveal. Hosted by professional archaeologist Giselle Kiraly, it digs into the details of past lives and cultures across thousands of years. The show aims to make archaeological research accessible and engaging for curious listeners.
Episodes
Is this the location of Alexander The Great's lost tomb?
Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What does the unreadable Voynich Manuscript actually say? And what on earth was the Roman dodecahedron used for? Today, Giselle dives into three fascinating unsolved mysteries archaeologists still haven't solved! You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyz
What a real archaeologist brings to an excavation
What does a real archaeologist bring to an excavation? In today's video, Giselle goes through all of the items, surprising and unsurprising, when digging in the trenches! 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/joinWelcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! Your hub for uncov
Archaeologist Experiments With Makeup Through History
Did ancient Egyptians wear eyeliner for style or medicine? In today's video, Giselle investigates the archaeology of cosmetics! Taking a look at lead-based foundations in ancient China and Roman cosmetic counters using oyster shells, Giselle looks at how our ancestors really painted their faces and puts these historical recipes to the test by trying ancient looks herself! You can become a cer
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 behin
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 ""tri
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! Yo
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 A
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
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 e
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_h3
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 chann
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/ch
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.
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
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 Hi
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
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
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
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 rec
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 sponsori
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 certi
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 m
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 m
Archaeologist Reacts To Archaeology In Movies
What does a real archaeologist think about Indiana Jones? Today, working archaeologist Giselle reacts to and breaks down Hollywood's most popular archaeology in movies and judges them based off of how accurate (or inaccurate) they are! From Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park, is your favourite film on the chopping block? You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://
How archaeologists analyse human remains
What can you learn about a person from their skeleton? What do you do if you find a dead body? And how much do your bones really reveal about your life, health, and death? In today's video, Giselle (with the help of Patrice) walks you through how you can become an osteologist too by learning to read bones!Breaking down the expert forensic techniques used on dig sites and police cases to analyze hu
Have archaeologists just solved the mystery of the Franklin Expedition?
The Franklin Expedition is considered one of the worst exploration disasters in history. After 170 long years, more scientific evidence is coming out to help figure out what actually happened to these men. In today's episode, new DNA evidence is found from the infamous Franklin Expedition, 2,000-year-old Roman bread, and a Roman well made of wood found at Rolls-Royce: Giselle has three exciti
The Archaeological History of Pets
Humans have had beloved animal companions for longer than you think! When did humans start treating animals as true family? Today, Giselle explores the deep, thousands-of-years-old history of human-pet relationships. From 14,000-year-old puppies nursed through severe illness to the oldest cat with a name, the archaeological record proves that our bond with animals goes far beyond work and utility!
Why Do These Egyptian Mummies Have Gold Tongues?
Why were ancient mummies buried with golden foil tongues inside their mouths? What hidden Iron Age secrets lie trapped inside a fused 2,000-year-old block of soil and copper? And how did a metal detectorist in Norway stumble upon the largest Viking silver hoard discovered in over a century? In today’s video, Giselle digs deep into three remarkable archaeological breakthroughs that are reshapi
These artefacts changed everything we knew about ancient doctors
What are the greatest archaeological discoveries in medicine? In today's episode, Giselle breaks down how archaeologists have made groundbreaking discoveries in revealing how doctors practiced surgery thousands of years ago. From a 2,000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Hungary with a complete set of Roman surgical tools to a perfectly preserved doctor's toolkit found in the ruins of Pompeii, these
Why Was This Mummy Buried With Homer's Iliad?
Was the mystery of the Neolithic population collapse caused by an ancient plague long before the Black Death? Join archaeologist Giselle as we explore three revolutionary archaeological discoveries that are changing our understanding of ancient burials, Greco-Egyptian mummification, and prehistoric epidemics.Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watch
Archaeologist Recreates 800-Year-Old Medieval Child's Drawings
In 1951, archaeologists in Russia made a startling discovery in Novgorod: over 1,200 incredibly preserved birch bark letters dating back to the 12th century. Among these 800-year-old artefacts are the charming drawings and schoolwork of a six-year-old boy named Onfim. These rare texts changed what we know about medieval literacy, revealing that everyday people—and children—were reading and writing
The Bizarre Victorian Craze For Mummy Unwrapping Parties
Why did Europeans spend centuries eating ancient Egyptian mummies? Today, Giselle delves into the dark history of Europe’s obsession with Ancient Egypt, from medieval apothecary remedies to the high-society mummy unwrapping parties of Victorian London.Learn the true story behind the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, how Harry Burton’s iconic photography shaped modern Egyptolog
Archaeologist answers the Internet's most popular questions
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These are the real archaeological sites from Homer’s Odyssey
Did Odysseus actually exist, or was Homer’s epic a work of fiction? Following the release of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster adaptation of 'The Odyssey', Giselle traces the real-world journey of Greece's most famous legendary hero. From the ruins of Troy's nine stacked cities to the mapping of a tsunami-destroyed port in Corfu, Giselle investigates the physical evidence behind the legend. Hosted o
I'm an archaeologist and these are 5 of my favourite finds
It's the question every archaeologist gets asked all the time: "What's the best thing you've ever found?" Today, Giselle reveals some of her favourite archaeological discoveries that she's gotten to keep at home. From a neolithic hand axe to 10,000 year old hazelnuts, take a look at Giselle's fascinating treasure trove of finds! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This Accidental Discovery Rewrote 3,000 Years Of History
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Archaeologist Explains The Oldest Weapons In The World
What are the oldest weapons in the world? Who used them? And when and how were they discovered? Giselle dives into the intriguing mystery of the oldest weapons ever discovered! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How did this 250-year-old shipwreck end up under Ground Zero?
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The ancient (and gruesome) origins of football
With the World Cup now in full swing, have you ever wondered: how old is soccer, and how did it evolve into the modern game? We have the answers! Giselle reveals the sport's violent ancestors and lawless origins, from Roman military exercises 2500 years ago to Mayan games involving human sacrifice! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This Gladiator Skeleton Is The First Of Its Kind In The World!
Today we look at an archaeological dig site in York that uncovered an impressive 82 skeletons, proving to be a gladiator graveyard! After 20 years, a team of scientists have confirmed that one of these skeletons in particular, was bitten by a lion. Join Giselle as she explores the only archaeological evidence of this kind of thing, anywhere in the world! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
What Did Pompeii Smell Like?
What did Pompeii actually smell like? How old is the written word? And have we found a piece of the Parthenon? Join archaeologist Giselle Király as she uncovers three major leads in the world of archaeology! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
