Torn between two career paths / degrees

So for a while now, (at least since being around 9) I have always had the idea that I would be an Architect. I have always enjoyed not only drawing floor plans etc, but I like the aesthetics of building too. Even now at 17, I'm about to apply to Uni for Architectural Engineering.

However, I have always had a passion for all things Archaeology, Ancient History and Classical. I could sit and talk about, read about and watch documentaries on Ancient History for literally hours on end. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, you name it, I love it. I do Classical Civilisation at A- Level and I find it really interesting. I also love learning Latin and Ancient Greek. I've contemplated getting a PhD and becoming a professor, although it is a tough and tedious process.

To cut a long story short, I feel like engineering might lead me down a path that looks appealing, but is in essence quite mentally demanding in terms of mathematics and physics. In addition, Architects are (from what I've researched) a bit underpayed.

Do you think I have delusioned myself into Architecture from a young age? Should I change my plan of action before I apply to Uni in the next months?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

I was in a similar position to you last year - was stuck between English/Business and Medical sciences. The fact you've maintained that passion for architecture since a younge age to me suggests that you should pursue that, and keep the classical civilisation related interests as a hobby and potentially take some modules in them at university. You mention architects being underpaid, but in comparison classics may have a lower employability rate (just guessing!)
You can always apply for a couple of classics courses and a couple of architectural engineering courses to keep open your options!

You can go to the library to study all about Ancient History and all the other stuff you're interested in. I would go down the architucture path personally but have you had a chance to speak to qualified architects/had any work experience? Also, how much do you know about studying architecture at university because from what I've heard from my friends, the course and post-uni aspects of them are very hard. As for getting paid, things may be different by the time you are qualified. I believe architects are in a bit of a lull right now in the UK but things could be different in a few years time and you still have the rest of the world open to you.

A lot of people have childhood dreams that change drastically once they hit around your age. But other people don't lose that dream and keep on going. Right now it sounds like you're much keener to go down the architect path.

Yeah, I agree, I could just keep my interest of Ancient History as a hobby. Thanks for the suggestion of speaking to architects to learn more, that sounds like a good idea.

Unfortunately, our single personal statement is given to every University we apply to, so we can only chose one degree type. I was considering taking a gap year after my final year at college, not only to allow me to retake exams and raise my grades, but to explore the careers of Architects and Professors for myself. In your opinion is that a sensible thing to do?