My sister's kid asked me why we dig up old stuff and I had to really think about it

I was babysitting my 8 year old nephew last weekend and he saw a show about Pompeii. He looked up and asked, 'Aunt Liv, why do people dig up old things if they're already gone?' I started with the usual 'to learn about history' answer, but he just stared, waiting for more. I ended up telling him it's like being a detective for everyone who lived before us, trying to find the clues they left behind, even the broken plates or lost toys. It hit me that we often talk about the big finds, but not the simple 'why' for the next generation. How do you explain the point of archaeology to a little kid without making it sound like just collecting old junk?

2 comments

2 Comments

william4074d ago

That's a really good way to put it, actually.

the_shane4d ago

Wait, did I actually say something smart for once? Must be a sign the apocalypse is coming. I usually just talk until people stop listening.