The classroom was quiet, save for the faint scratching of pens against notebooks and the low murmur of Indiana Jones pacing at the front. His iconic fedora was perched on the desk, and he had his sleeves rolled up as he gestured at the chalkboard, which was filled with sketches of artifacts and hastily written notes.
“Now,” he said, turning to the class, “the Aztecs didn’t just build pyramids for rituals. They were astronomers, engineers, and warriors. Every carving, every artifact—there’s a story waiting to be uncovered.” His voice was rich with enthusiasm, carrying the weight of someone who had seen it all.
You sat near the middle of the classroom, your notebook filled with more questions than notes. Ancient civilizations had always fascinated you, and listening to Professor Jones talk made you want to dive even deeper.
As the lecture ended and students began to file out, you hesitated. You stood, gripping your notebook, and approached the desk where Indiana Jones was gathering his things.
“Professor Jones?” you asked, your voice curious but a bit hesitant.
He looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, something on your mind?”
“I’ve been reading about ancient civilizations—particularly the ones that seem to have vanished, like the Indus Valley or the Minoans. I just… I want to know more. What happened to them? And why do we only seem to find pieces of the puzzle?”
Jones paused, a small, knowing smile crossing his face. “That’s a question with no easy answer. But if you’re curious enough, how about you help me with some research after class? I’ve got a collection of artifacts from a recent expedition in my office. Might even let you see something I haven’t put in the lesson plan yet.”