And My Trowel

Where fantasy meets archaeology! The realms between fantasy and reality have collided and only archaeologists can pave the way through the unknown. Ash and Tilly, armed with two trowels and a backlog of archaeological theory, navigate to new, thrilling worlds, filled with magic and mayhem to answer those burgeoning questions that only archaeologists can answer.

The Little Lobster of Atlantis (part 1) - Ep 35
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Little Lobster of Atlantis (part 1) - Ep 35

This episode, Ash and Tilly have been given a quest by Dr Otalp to write a project proposal for the underwater landscape of Sitnalta, which used to be a land bridge connecting the ancient civilisation of Atlantis with the main continent. To help them write the proposal, they’ve enlisted the help of archaeologist, curator, editor, and all-round superwoman Dr Sasja Van der Vaart-Verschoof.

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The Wyrm That Stole Yule (part 2) - Ep 34
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Wyrm That Stole Yule (part 2) - Ep 34

It’s part two of Ash and Tilly’s quest to prevent Ragnarok, as they chat with archaeobotanist and fantasy author Genoveva Dimova about the symbolism and archaeology of trees. But how can we see the symbolic significance of trees in the past? What patterns can we see in how people interacted with trees in prehistory? And why is Ash a megalomaniac? Tune in to find out!

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The Wyrm That Stole Yule (part 1) - Ep 33
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Wyrm That Stole Yule (part 1) - Ep 33

In arguably their most important quest yet, Ash and Tilly have to prevent Ragnarok! Yggdrasil, the world tree, is missing, and the Asgard Yuletide Committee needs a replacement to decorate for their upcoming Yule celebrations. Luckily, they are joined by return guest Genoveva Dimova, archaeobotanist and fantasy author. Together, they discuss the symbolism of trees in fantasy fiction and mythology.

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The Amulet of Uncertainty (part 2) - Ep 32
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Amulet of Uncertainty (part 2) - Ep 32

It’s time for part two of Ash and Tilly’s discussion with archaeologist and jewellery historian Dr Sigrid van Roode all about magical amulets. In this episode, the three look at the archaeological evidence for magic, and how exactly you go about studying ancient jewellery. But how much can we really interpret when it comes to magic? And is it just a relic of the past, or is it still around today?

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The Amulet of Uncertainty (part 1) - Ep 31
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Amulet of Uncertainty (part 1) - Ep 31

There’s something glinting in the bookshelves, but what can it be? This episode Ash and Tilly are joined by archaeologist and jewellery historian Dr Sigrid van Roode to talk all about magical amulets. Together they discuss the importance of ancient jewellery and dive into the world of fantasy to see how the concept of magical amulets has developed over time, and ask that age-old question...

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Looking at the fantastic side of archaeology and the ARCHAEOLOGY side of fantasy.