My full name is Joyce Ann Tyldesley, but I like to be called Dr. Dig!

2. What is your occupation?

I am an archaeologist linked to the universities of Liverpool and Manchester, England. I do some teaching, and some fieldwork, but I spend most of my time writing about archaeology for adults and children. My specialty is ancient Egypt.

3. How did you get your job?

I kind of made my own job -- no one else was doing the kind of writing that I do when I started!

4. What were the requirements for your job?

Every archaeologist has a slightly different background. I have a degree, a doctorate, and a lot of practical fieldwork and museum experience.

5. What responsibilities do you have on an average day?

My timetable differs from day-to-day. On writing days, I spend my time in my office researching and writing on my computer. But, on teaching days, I have to drive into the university, teach, write, and talk to students.

6. What do you like most about your job?

I like meeting people -- especially kids -- who are as interested in archaeology as I am.

7. What do you like least about your job?

I like it all.

8. Will there be a need for people interested in doing your job?

I think so, because people will always be curious about their past.

9. Would you change jobs?

No! Writing about archaeology is the best job in the world!

10. What is the oldest mummy you have ever found, or seen, in your life of being an archaeologist?

I have never actually worked on an ancient cemetery site, but I have seen some pretty old mummies! The oldest mummy I have seen is a mummy called "Ginger" (not his real name, just a modern nickname) who is now displayed in the British Museum, London. Ginger is what is known as a natural mummy. He was buried in the hot desert sands without any bandages, and he simply dried out so that he looks as if he is asleep. He dates to approximately 3200 B.C. The earliest artificial mummy that I have seen is the 5th Dynasty (2471-2355 B.C) mummy of a man named Nefer. Nefer still lies in his tomb at Sakkara, Egypt, and on a recent trip I was lucky enough to be able to climb down into his burial chamber and have a good look at him.