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.

Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Wizard of LiDAR (Part 1) - Ep 47

Ash and Tilly have an especially exciting quest this episode, as thanks to a request from the Malgaroth Historical Society of Mirkwood, they will be working with the Eagles! In order not to look like idiots when attempting aerial scanning, they enlist the help of archaeologist and scanning expert Dr Wouter Verschoof-Van der Vaart. Together, the three discuss the varying paths you can take into a career in archaeology, the importance of fantasy fiction in archaeological career development, and why there’s no fantasy aerial scanning technology.

Read More
The Camera, The Archaeologist, and the Durin-Door (Part 2) - Ep 46
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Camera, The Archaeologist, and the Durin-Door (Part 2) - Ep 46

In this episode, Tilly and Ash continue their quest to reveal the secrets of a newly discovered Doors of Durin, with help from archaeologist and rock carving specialist, Dr Megan Kasten! What exactly is the difference between rock art, rock carvings, and inscriptions? What exactly is RTI? And will Tilly ever not love an anagram?

Read More
The Camera, the Archaeologist, and the Durin-Door (Part 1) - Ep 45
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

The Camera, the Archaeologist, and the Durin-Door (Part 1) - Ep 45

Ash and Tilly are on a quest from the Bazkardum Society to investigate a new Door of Durin. Joining them is archaeologist and rock carving specialist Dr Megan Kasten, who helps in answering their many many many questions. What is Reflectance Transformation Imaging? Why is Ash suddenly obsessed with puns? And how can Tilly force in a Discworld reference?

Read More
Weaving Our Own Fates! (Part 2) - Ep 44
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

Weaving Our Own Fates! (Part 2) - Ep 44

In part two of their fateful quest, Ash and Tilly chat more with prehistoric archaeologist and textiles specialist Ronja Lau. Together, the three discuss the different kinds of analysis possible when studying archaeological textiles, and work together to try and replicate the woven threads left by the Norns. But what kind of material should they use? Should they go for a twill, or tabby weave?

Read More
Weaving Our Own Fates! (Part 1) - Ep 43
Rachel Roden Rachel Roden

Weaving Our Own Fates! (Part 1) - Ep 43

In this episode, Tilly and Ash have been tasked with covering holiday leave for the Norns, the weavers of fate, life and destiny from Norse mythology. However, there’s a problem they don’t have the first clue about weaving! Luckily the know someone who does, prehistoric archaeologist and textile specialist, Ronja Lau! With Ronja’s help, will the trio be able to weave the fates of Gods and humans?

Read More

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