Lives in Ruins

The author of The Dead Beat and This Book is Overdue! explores the lives of modern archaeologists, who work tirelessly in challenging environments like swamps, ancient landfills, and volcanic islands to uncover our history. Legendary sites such as Pompeii, Machu Picchu, and the Valley of the Kings evoke intrigue, while current news highlights both treasures found and lost due to looting, natural disasters, and war. This exploration raises questions about the archaeologists behind these stories and the significance of their work. Marilyn Johnson's engaging narrative follows archaeologists as they search for clues to our past, sharing their experiences in locations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Through her journeys, she reveals the untold stories of diverse historical figures, including slaves, Ice Age hunters, and Chinese woman warriors. Despite facing meager pay, scarce job opportunities, and dangerous conditions, these archaeologists are driven by their passion to uncover narratives that would otherwise remain buried. Their dedication to revealing the past offers a deeper understanding of history and its relevance to our present.