How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVila

Summary of YouTube Video:

Key Concepts:

• Firsthand experience as a source of truth
• The slow and iterative nature of archaeological discovery
• The danger of preconceived notions and biases in research
• The importance of public engagement in science
• Archaeology as a process of asking questions, not just finding answers

1. Introduction: The State of Truth and Archaeology's Role

The speaker begins by noting the current "weird time for truth," characterized by information overload and distrust of experts. They propose that archaeology, despite its focus on the past, can offer valuable lessons about truth. Archaeology is likened to looking at a broken mirror, where archaeological science helps piece together shards of the past to gain insights. This contrasts with the present, where a "complete mirror" of digitized information is often distorted. The speaker references an Inuit proverb: "The past is like a bow; you must draw the arrow back to go far in the future," emphasizing the importance of understanding the past to move forward.

2. A Personal Anecdote: The Plate of the "Prince"

The speaker shares a story about a 14-year-old merchant sailor from Ibusasus (ancient Ibiza) whose plate, inscribed with his name and the title "the prince," was lost overboard during a storm. 2,000 years later, the speaker held that plate, highlighting the power of direct connection to the past.

3. Lesson 1: Truth is Firsthand

The story of the plate illustrates the first lesson: the value of firsthand experience. While the internet is useful for spreading information, it's crucial to appreciate the original form of things that can be seen and touched. The speaker encourages public participation in archaeology, albeit with guidance from professionals, acknowledging the potential dangers of amateur excavations. They recount how they, without a traditional archaeology background, learned through experience and collaboration with archaeologists. This led to a shift in their worldview. The speaker mentions training over 25 people in underwater archaeology.

4. Lesson 2: Truth is Slow

The speaker introduces Al, a field school participant who initially held beliefs about lost ancient technology and Atlantis. Al's first dive at the shipwreck site involved scanning for jewels and clues to Atlantis. However, the reality of archaeology – dealing with uncertainty – soon became apparent. The speaker describes how, for a year, the team believed they were excavating the Purisima Concepcion, a ship that sank in 1702. Through careful excavation and 3D modeling (created by tech lead Bruno Perez), they discovered they were actually excavating two wrecks stacked on top of each other. The ceramic vessels found were not from the 1600s but from the 14th century. This led to the realization that the wrecks were likely related to pirate attacks in the 1500s, including one by Redbeard the pirate, which were often unrecorded. Al didn't find gold or Atlantis, but his perspective shifted. Archaeology is not about instant answers, unlike the internet.

5. Lesson 3: The Thing We Are Looking For Can Often Get in the Way of Truth

This lesson emphasizes the danger of confirmation bias. Online algorithms reinforce existing beliefs. If the team had remained convinced they were excavating the Purisima Concepcion, they might have missed the actual discovery. Archaeologists must challenge their own assumptions. Over time, Al and the other field school participants changed their views on archaeology and truth.

6. Conclusion: The Path Forward

The speaker acknowledges the gap in trust between experts and the public. They challenge archaeologists and scientists to find creative ways to engage the public. They argue that firsthand experience is more powerful than debates or podcasts in building common understanding. Archaeology is not about finding answers but about asking better questions. In Menorca, they didn't find the ship they were looking for, but they found something greater: a maritime crossroads of trade, storm, and survival. Archaeology is about finding truth, which is never whole but is honest, and that is enough.

7. Notable Quotes:

• "The past is like a bow; you must draw the arrow back to go far in the future." (Inuit proverb)
• "Archaeology is not about finding answers it's about asking better questions"
• "Archaeology isn't about finding answers it's about finding truth and that's never whole but it's honest and that is enough"

8. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Ibusasus: The ancient name for Ibiza.
• Purisima Concepcion: The name of the ship the team initially thought they were excavating.
• Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
• 3D Modeling: Used to visualize and analyze the excavation site, as demonstrated by Bruno Perez's work.
• Field School: A program that provides hands-on training in archaeological methods.