Mike Farris:
Regan, you've said that you and your wife Amy were “dirt archaeologists,” having excavated in Greece, Jordan, and Turkey. How would you say archaeology adds to our understanding of history?

Regan Barr:
Well, many see the study of history as a purely literary pursuit, but using ancient literature alone gives a very biased view. Ancient literature was written by the elite of society. Nearly all were wealthy, male, and had strong political and social agendas. Thucydides owned gold mines, and Herodotus was so distrusted by some that Plutarch actually wrote a work called On the Malice of Herodotus. So even though they’re firsthand accounts, it’s a bit naive to believe that they’re really objective.

And that’s where archaeology comes in. First it gives us a view of the average Joe, who rarely appears in ancient literature. And secondly, it can provide a check against the biases of some of those ancient authors by allowing us to double-check some of their facts. That’s why we advocate an interdisciplinary approach to history: literature, art, archaeology—it not only provides the clearest view but also stimulates the imagination. Search the Internet, visit museums, find pictures of what those people left behind. It brings history to life.

Mike:
Those are excellent suggestions, Regan. Thanks so much. I’m Mike Farris.