Analysis of soil, grave goods and skeletons has been key to our understanding of archaeology and the migration of peoples, as well as their daily lives. But in mainstream history, we tend to stick to documents.

Kate Williams’ quote emphasizes the importance of analyzing soil, grave goods, and skeletons in archaeology to understand historical migration, daily life, and societal structures. She suggests that these physical artifacts and remains offer key insights into the lives of past peoples, revealing things like cultural practices, health, and movement. Archaeological methods such as these provide a tangible, evidence-based approach to understanding history that goes beyond written records.

Williams contrasts this with mainstream history, which traditionally relies heavily on documents and written sources to construct narratives of the past. By focusing on written texts, historians often limit their understanding to the perspectives and knowledge that have been documented, leaving out the material culture and non-written aspects of human life that archaeologists uncover. The reliance on documents, while valuable, may not fully capture the complexity of past societies.

The quote also points to the complementary nature of archaeological and historical methods in studying the past. While written records offer detailed accounts of events and thoughts, archaeological findings provide a more holistic view of the lives of people who may have left little to no written trace. This interplay between physical evidence and written history allows for a richer, more nuanced understanding of human civilization.

The origin of this quote comes from Williams’ expertise in history and archaeology, where she advocates for a broader approach to studying the past. As a historian and author, Williams is aware of how historical narratives are shaped by the sources available, and she encourages the use of archaeology to expand our view of history beyond just written records.