Hogwarts and Archaeological History

Lecture Overview

  • Title: Tombs, Tunnels, and the Chamber of Secrets

  • Alternate Title: Hogwarts and Archaeological History

  • Aim: Explore archaeology using elements from the wizarding world.

Understanding Archaeology

  • Definition of Archaeology:

    • The study of past cultures via material remains left by people.

    • Includes artifacts (like arrowheads) to large structures (like pyramids).

    • Focus on created, used, or modified objects and their locations.

  • Purpose of Discussing Archaeology in the Wizarding World:

    • Examines ancient relics and magic through the lens of genuine archaeological methods.

    • Not merely treasure hunting or tomb raiding but understanding importance in context.

Historical Context

  • Medieval Origins:

    • The Middle Ages lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, commencing with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ending with the Renaissance.

    • Key Locations in Wizarding World:

    • Diagon Alley: Established around 1500 AD.

    • Prison of Azkaban: Created by sorcerer Asgidris in 15th century.

  • Hogwarts Historical Significance:

    • Unknown founding date but attributed to founders residing in the 10th century.

    • Older than the earliest known Muggle University (12th century).

  • Artifacts and References to Medieval Culture:

    • Quidditch World Cup: Ongoing since 1473.

    • Flue Powder: Invented by Ignatia Wildsmith in the 13th century.

Archaeological Elements in the Wizarding World

  • Hogwarts Pensieve:

    • Stone basin inscribed with Saxon runes, supposedly excavated on Hogwarts grounds.

    • Raises questions about its origin: disturbed tomb or ritualized offering.

  • Methodological Cautions:

    • Emphasizes responsible archaeological practices over treasure hunting or artifact destruction.

The Archaeological Process

  • Phases of Archaeology:

    • Phase 1 & 2:

      • Conduct research and obtain necessary permits for excavation.

      • Develop hypotheses and research questions.

    • Phase 3:

      • Excavation (Scientific Recovery Phase): Revealing buried items from earth or buildings.

    • Phase 4:

      • Analysis Phase: Analyze recovered material culture.

    • Phase 5 & 6:

      • Interpretation and Publication: Sharing findings with the public and academic communities.

  • Permitting Considerations:

    • Example: Easier permits at Hogwarts compared to Diagon Alley.

Methods for Conducting Excavations

  • Non-invasive Techniques First:

    • Ground Survey: Walking the location, searching for anomalies.

    • Remote Sensing: Includes aerial photos and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).

    • Researching Historical Records: Maps, folklore, and place names can direct exploration.

    • Natural Erosion: Diagrams showing accidental exposure of artifacts.

Hypothesis Formation Example: Chamber of Secrets

  • Initial Evidence: Find an old diary indicating the Chamber of Secrets' location at Hogwarts.

  • Proposed Hypothesis:

    • Chamber likely buried on Hogwarts property based on the diary account.

    • Techniques to be used: Remote sensing and excavation.

The Chamber of Secrets and Archaeological Considerations

  • Historical Background:

    • Founded by notable wizards; disagreement among founders led to secretive construction.

  • Potential Site Types for Chamber:

    • Monumental architecture: Large human-made structures used for communal purposes.

  • Excavation Techniques Suggested:

    • Employ GPR to find voids underneath Hogwarts.

    • Test pits for initial exploration before moving on to larger, penetrating excavations.

Documentation in Archaeology

  • Types of Drawings:

    • Plan Drawings: Horizontal view – looking down.

    • Section Drawings: Vertical view – cutaway perspective.

  • Importance of drawings: Critical for the analysis phase as it documents findings when sites are no longer accessible.

  • Importance of Context:

    • Understanding the location of artifacts helps in dating and interpretation.

    • Key Definitions:

      • Matrix: Physical medium surrounding artifacts.

      • Provenience: Three-dimensional location of an artifact.

      • Artifact Association: Groupings of artifacts that provide contextual dating.

Laws Governing Archaeological Context

  • Law of Superposition:

    • Deeper objects are older than those found nearer the surface (stratigraphy).

  • Law of Association:

    • Artifacts found in close spatial proximity likely originate from the same time period.

Excavation Scenarios at Hogwarts

  • Excavating in Test Pits:

    • Discovering artifacts like broken wands, books, and time turners indicate historical activity.

  • Analysis and Interpretation Phase:

    • Artifacts context aids interpretation.

    • Example: Finding a time turner with certain artifact associations could help date a site.

Hypothetical Discovery: Exploring the Chamber of Secrets

  • Excavation Results Lead to New Insights:

    • Discovery of statues, plates, jewelry, and a serpent-like creature suggest conclusive findings of the Chamber of Secrets.

  • Visualization:

    • Diagrams and conceptual drawings help visualize excavation layout and findings.

Conclusion and Future Studies

  • Future Module Focus:

    • Examination of artifacts found at Hogwarts and dating techniques.

    • Intended visit to the Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts for further exploration.