Aspiring Archaeologist Shares the ‘Haunting’ Thought She’s Often Left with After Unearthing 3,000-Year-Old Artifacts (Exclusive)

**Naomi Lyon: A Rising Star in Archaeology With a Unique Journey**

Naomi Lyon, a 22-year-old student from Chicago, has discovered her passion for archaeology in an unexpected way. Initially enrolling in college without the intention of pursuing this field, a Greco-Roman literature course changed the course of her academic journey. Her professor, Dr. Jennifer Muslin, an active archaeologist involved in the Oplontis Project, piqued Lyon’s interest as she shared insights from her experiences in the field, particularly regarding the legendary eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that preserved the ancient town of Pompeii.

This newfound enthusiasm led Lyon to explore opportunities in archaeology, which eventually brought her to the Iklaina Archaeological Project in southwestern Greece. Eager to gain hands-on experience, she enrolled in the project and participated in a three-week excavation during the summer of 2024. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Lyon expressed how it deepened her connection to history. “The practice, the people and the place gave me such an enriching experience that I knew this was something I wanted to pursue,” she noted.

In addition to her initial excavation, Lyon was invited back for the 2026 field season, further solidifying her commitment to the field. The distinction between reading about ancient history and experiencing it firsthand became vividly clear for her. “To unearth artifacts that haven’t been seen for thousands of years and to cradle them in your hands is a much more intimate and rewarding experience,” she remarked.

While immersing herself in practical archaeology, Lyon has also been proactive in her studies. She has participated in various classes and workshops focusing on archaeology and conservation, all while preparing to apply for doctoral programmes in Classical Archaeology and related disciplines. Lyon finds a compelling aspect of archaeology lies in its focus on the remnants of the past. She contemplates, “What will remain in 100 years? 1,000? What traces are we leaving that future archaeologists will actually be able to study?”

Despite her growing enthusiasm for archaeology, Lyon has encountered challenges associated with the field. She emphasises the fragility of artefacts and the techniques employed during excavations. “Not just the pottery and bones we’re digging up, but even the walls of rock we’re trying to preserve,” she explained. Her work has involved carefully piecing together delicate objects, including a ceramic drinking vessel thought to date back to around 1200 BCE.

Lyon shared insights into the evolution of archaeological techniques, noting that while past archaeologists, such as Heinrich Schliemann, may have used destructive methods like dynamite, modern archaeologists are much more delicate in their approach. “Nowadays, if I’m extracting a chunk of delicate bone, we get out a set of dental tools to carefully pick away the surrounding dirt,” she said, highlighting the progress the profession has made.

Working in Greece presents its own set of complexities, predominantly due to strict laws governing the handling of archaeological finds. Lyon is currently unable to disclose specific discoveries from her excavations, including significant findings, because they are yet to be published. Among these is the oldest known writing tablet in Europe, inscribed with Linear B – the second oldest form of ancient Greek language. Such stringent regulations illustrate the careful balance between discovery and preservation inherent in archaeology.

An additional challenge arises when archaeologists encounter human remains during excavations, which requires a halt in proceedings to secure government permission for further investigation. Lyon has observed that this can hinder schedules, prompting teams to leave burial sites untouched in many cases.

Combating popular misconceptions about archaeology, Lyon asserts that her work is nothing like the adventurous escapades portrayed in films like Indiana Jones. She clarifies, “I personally haven’t encountered any booby traps, and we’re uncovering features more than we are artefacts.” Instead, features such as walls and pathways are crucial as they reveal construction methods and daily life of ancient peoples.

Despite the challenges, Lyon expresses gratitude for the opportunity to engage in archaeology in the current climate. She acknowledges that many academic programmes are facing funding and resource constraints yet encourages ongoing support for the pursuit of knowledge. “I always encourage people to support the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of humanity,” she says.

As Naomi Lyon looks ahead to her future in archaeology, her passion and dedication are evident. With her experiences thus far and her commitment to furthering her studies, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field.