This TED Talk features satellite archaeologist and TED Prize winner Sarah Harkak, recorded live at TED-2016.

As an archaeologist, I most often asked what my favorite discovery is.

The answer is easy.

My husband, Greg.

We met in Egypt on my first dig.

It was my first lesson in finding unexpected, wonderful things.

This began an incredible archaeological partnership.

Years later, I proposed to him

in front of our favorite pair statue

of the prince and princess Rahhotep and Nofret

in the Cairo Museum dating to 4,600 years ago.

I thought if I was going to ask Greg to spend the rest of his life with me,

then I should ask him in front of two people who had pledged to be together for eternity.

These symbols endure, because when we look at them, we're looking at mirrors.

They are powerful reminders that our common humanity has not changed.

The thrill of archaeological discovery is as powerful as love,

because ancient history is the most seductive mistress imaginable.

Many archaeologists have devoted their lives to unraveling the mysteries of the past

under hot suns,

in Arctic winds, and in dense rainforests.

Many seek, some discover, all worship at the temple of possibility that one discovery might change history.

On my first dig in Egypt, I worked at a site in the northeast Egyptian Delta, a site called Mendez,

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