And My Trowel

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Rachel Roden

Excavations of Weathertop: Investigating the Pre- and Post-Númenórean Occupation of Amon Sûl in the Third Age - Ep 41

Excavations at Weathertop (Amon Sûl) have uncovered significant evidence of its role as a Númenórean watchtower and the later decline of Arnor. Artefacts including weapons, pottery, and tools reflect the site’s military importance before its destruction by Angmar’s forces. Remains of battle and burnt structures provide insight into the final assault on the tower, while later finds suggest sporadic use by travellers and the Dúnedain. This report examines the site’s stratigraphy and the material culture uncovered, offering a glimpse into the history and symbolic decline of Weathertop as part of Middle-earth’s broader narrative.

TLDR: Tilly and Ash excavate the fantastical site of Weathertop as found in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Links/Bibliography

  • Bintliff, J., ed., 2012. Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice. 5th ed. London: Thames & Hudson. Available at: https://archive.org/details/ArchaeologyTheoriesMethodsAndPracticeTheoriesMethodsAndPractice [Accessed 24 March 2025].

  • Tolkien, J.R.R., 1954. The Fellowship of the Ring. London: George Allen & Unwin. Chapter 10 ("A Knife in the Dark").

  • Tolkien, J.R.R., 2001. The Lord of the Rings: Appendices. In: The Return of the King. London: HarperCollins.

  • LOTRO Wiki, 2025. Weathertop. Available at: https://lotro-wiki.com/wiki/Weathertop [Accessed 24 March 2025].

  • Tolkien, C., 1996. The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 10: The Peoples of Middle-earth. London: HarperCollins. Appendix A (The Tale of Years).

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Rhoda and the Rooster of Pazyryk (Part 2) - Ep 40

In part two, Tilly and Ash continue their mission with Rhoda, artefact conservator and tattoo artist, to help the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society bring back personhood into their reanimated - and potentially tattooed - mummies! In this episode, the team looks at the tools and techniques for uncovering ancient tattoos and asks why would someone tattoo a rooster on their thumb?

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Rhoda Fromme and the Rooster of Pazyryk (Part 1) - Ep 39

This month, Tilly and Ash need to figure out how to archaeologically investigate ancient tattoos, in order to help out the Hamunaptra Revitalisation Society. Luckily, they are joined by archaeological conservator and professional tattoo artist Rhoda Fromme. Listen in to hear the answer to your burning archaeology and tattoo questions: What are the different meanings of tattoos? Is archaeology just jousting and bagpipes? And what’s the big deal with dots and lines?

Books Mentioned

  • The Mortal Instruments series - Cassandra Clare

  • Katie Bishop series - Luanne Bennett

  • ACOTAR series - Sarah J. Maas

  • Thud - Terry Pratchett

  • Die Insel der Tausend Leuchttürme - Walter Moers

  • Avatar the Last Airbender - TV Show

  • Harry Potter series - J.K Rowling

  • Moana - Disney

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The Arrow of Ambivalence (Part 2) - Ep 38

Romance is decidedly still the air! Ugh!

In part two, Tilly and Ash are still on the hunt for the Arrow of Ambivalence. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley, the gang get to work on figuring out how to locate the mysterious arrow that might banish Cupid’s love spell from the realm, and maybe figure out how to craft one themselves…

Books Mentioned

  • Stonehenge (Bernard Cornwell)

  • The Witcher series (Andrzej Sapkowski)

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Transcripts

  • For a transcript of this episode, tap the Zencastr icon on in the upper left corner of the Podcast image.

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The Arrow of Ambivalence (Part 1) - Ep 37

In this very special romance-themed episode, Ash and Tilly are on the quest to stop love! Or at least, halt Cupid his pesky, cherub-like tracks. Joined by experimental archaeologists, Emma Jones and Dr. James Dilley from Ancient Craft, the group are determined to find the lesser known Arrow of Ambivalence.

Books Mentioned

  • Eagles of Empire series (Simon Scarrow)

  • Stonehenge (Bernard Cornwell)

  • The Witcher series (Andrzej Sapkowski)

  • Swordheart (T Kingfisher)

  • Lord of the Rings (J.R.R Tolkien)

  • The Dark Elf Trilogy (R.A Salvatore)

  • Mythos (Stephen Fry)

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Transcripts

  • For a transcript of this episode, tap the Zencastr icon on in the upper left corner of the Podcast image.

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