In a recent three-week excavation project near Pylos, Greece, 22-year-old archaeologist Naomi Lyon immersed herself in the world of ancient artefacts and plant matter. Working alongside fellow enthusiasts, Lyon spent her time meticulously sifting through soil to uncover historical treasures that lay hidden beneath the earth.
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Lyon’s days at the excavation site began early, with a start time of 6 a.m. The young archaeologist, who serves as an excavation assistant, explained the laborious process involved in digging. “I would spend most days in my assigned trench, chipping away at the soil level by about an inch at a time and carefully excavating any artefacts that emerged,” she remarked. The precise nature of archaeology requires a steady hand and great focus to ensure that nothing is overlooked, particularly smaller items that could easily be missed amidst the dirt.
As part of their protocol, Lyon and her team bagged all disturbed soil to send to a flotation station. This careful practice is designed to capture potential artefacts that may not be immediately visible. “Even with caution, there’s a chance some smaller finds could slip through the cracks. That’s why we sort the artefacts by type, such as pottery, bone, and plaster, and label them according to their specific locations,” she explained.
The accumulation of their findings did not halt at the excavation site. Each day, Lyon described how they would transport buckets filled with artefacts to the lab for further evaluation. The process of flotation often consumed part of their time, where they would mix excess soil with water over a fine mesh sieve to separate the lighter organic material from heavier items like pottery. “The water washes away the dirt, allowing lighter finds like carbonised plant matter to float to the top,” Lyon noted. This crucial step aided them in uncovering their findings and consequently bagging them for documentation.
Lyon’s evenings were frequently dedicated to “heavy fraction sorting,” a meticulous activity where bags from the flotation station would be poured out onto a table for thorough examination. “It can be a painstaking task, scrutinising dirt piles for something noteworthy, yet we often stumbled upon small, fascinating finds,” she said. Among the unexpected treasures were tiny beads used in ancient jewellery or fragments of chipped stone tools, albeit they were rare discoveries amidst the more mundane remains.
Reflecting on the size of her recent excavation team, Lyon pointed out the adverse impact that funding difficulties have had on archaeological projects. Unlike previous years, when staffing levels were considerably higher, this year’s team consisted of fewer members. “In 2026, we had eight staff, nine assistants, and six lab workers, but this year’s group was significantly smaller,” she noted, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing the necessary financial resources in the field of academia.
Despite the demanding nature of the work, Lyon and her colleagues enjoyed the experience. With daily temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, they began their digging sessions in relative comfort. A brief refreshment break was scheduled mid-morning, during which colleagues took the opportunity to rejuvenate with cookies. The team would then break for a homemade lunch before diligently returning to their work until the afternoon.
Once finished for the day, Lyon would often cool off with a dip in the sea before settling in for the evening. The group worked tirelessly from Monday to Saturday, leaving Sundays free for relaxation and exploration of Greece’s rich historical landscape. “We were encouraged to discover some of the surrounding archaeological sites, which allowed us to experience the culture and history of the area,” Lyon shared. Her trips included visiting famous locations such as Methoni, Voidokilia Beach, and historical sites in Athens and Sparta.
In contrast to the sometimes cramped accommodations of her fellow archaeologists, Lyon relished her living arrangements. Staying at a hotel with beautiful views of the bay, she enjoyed shared meals and time together with her teammates. “Our room featured a lovely balcony, and the hotel served us breakfast and dinner throughout our stay. They even organised a party to celebrate the end of our project,” she said.
Such proximity and shared experiences among the team cultivated a sense of camaraderie. “Living and working alongside each other brought us together beyond just a professional connection; it felt more like a family,” Lyon concluded. Despite the physical demands of excavation work, Lyon’s time in Greece proved to be a rewarding and enriching experience, fuelling her passion for archaeology and the ancient worlds in which she seeks to uncover lost stories.