Cover Story
Terror or tolerance? Taking a new look at the Mongol Empire The conquests of Genghis Khan are traditionally associated with horrifying brutality, but this reputation has overshadowed another side to the empire that he forged. Matthew Symonds spoke to Marie Favereau to find out more. Features
Transparent desires: Delving into the Roman lapis specularis mines A new project is examining the traces of Roman mining associated with extracting a particularly prized stone. Guillermo León, Catalina Urquijo, Dionisio Urbína, José Luis Córdoba, and the spelunkers of… 
In a matter of minutes, his life was over: The violent death of a Mesolithic man A recent discovery in Sweden has revealed details about the final moments of a Mesolithic man. Caroline Arcini, Ann Westmark, Gracijela Bozovic, and Marie-Louise Aurumskjöld take us through what unfolded. News
Norway’s largest known Viking Age hoard found Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals. 
Burial practices on the Plain of Jars Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals. 
A Celtic princely burial in Germany Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals. 
A Stonehenge ‘prototype’ Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals. 
Early evidence of plague Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals. 
Heritage mismanagement Recent research at several heritage sites in Tanzania suggests that they may be under threat from the very organisations tasked with protecting them. 
The deviant dead of ancient Mesopotamia Beheaded, bound, or partially burnt – Leif Inselmann examines irregular burials from the ancient Near East. Views
Homage to Gallarus Oratory Travel Fifty years ago, one of the most daring expeditions in modern times left Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula. Tim Severin set out with a crew of three in a curragh – a… 
From the fringes of the Roman Empire: Locally crafted empires Travel In our high-speed modern world, it can be easy to forget that the ancient world was experienced at a slower speed. Rubina Raja shares the insights that can spring from… 
Technological evolution Comment A study of human remains from two cemeteries in Bulgaria, all buried with distinctively ‘Gothic’ jewellery, brooches, and belt buckles, suggests that the ancient Goths were ethnically diverse and not… 
Living among ruins Comment Most CWA readers will have visited some ruined cities for one reason or another; the majority of us will have let ourselves be fascinated by imagining how life in the… 
Gold filigree fitting Objects It was found by a walker in a rock crevice. What is it? This spectacular sword scabbard fitting dates to the 6th century, during Norway’s Migration Period. The rectangular object… 
Place of empires The Picture Desk Janice Kinory examines an early photograph of a Roman emperor’s palace. 
Mohenjo-daro: an egalitarian urban centre? The Picture Desk Mohenjo-daro (c.2600-1900 BC) has long invited questions about the relationship between urbanisation and social inequality. With an estimated population of 40,000 at its peak, it was one of the largest… 
CWA 138 crossword, and answers to crossword #137 Competitions Across 7 Daughter of King Minos and wife of Theseus in Greek mythology (7)9 Legendary island where King Arthur was taken after his final battle (6)10 Roman poet whose major… Reviews
Homage to Gallarus Oratory Fifty years ago, one of the most daring expeditions in modern times left Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula. Tim Severin set out with a crew of three in a curragh – a… From the fringes of the Roman Empire: Locally crafted empires In our high-speed modern world, it can be easy to forget that the ancient world was experienced at a slower speed. Rubina Raja shares the insights that can spring from… 
The plaster casts of Pompeii The first permanent exhibition of the plaster casts of Pompeii has opened at the Archaeological Park. 
Surviving Rome: the economic lives of the ninety percent Sometime in the 1st century AD, a crass graffiti artist carved a 2m-long graffito into the wall of a stairwell within the House of Julia Felix at Pompeii. The mudslinger… 
Alexander: god, king, man Every new book about Alexander the Great needs to have its own unique selling point if it is to fight its way successfully into public consciousness. In the case of… 
Travels through Prehistoric Spain: a guide In Travels through Prehistoric Spain, Jude Brown and Gary Lock provide a richly rewarding and deeply engaging exploration of Spain’s prehistoric heritage. Written with enthusiasm, knowledge, and genuine affection for both… 
From the editor
In the 13th century, the Mongols carved out the largest contiguous land empire that the world has ever seen. At its height, under a million of these steppe nomads successfully controlled hundreds of millions of subjects. How did they do it? One answer lies in the Mongols’ status as fearsome warriors with a reputation for brutality. Focusing in on the violence visited on enemies, though, obscures another side to their empire. Western travellers report being stunned by the religious tolerance on display, while support for arts and crafts promoted the emergence of beautiful new styles. As an exhibition dedicated to the Mongols arrives at the Royal Armouries, we take a fresh look at their empire.
The Mesolithic period is often seen as a time of peace rather than human conflict. A discovery in Sweden, though, illustrates how the hunter-gather bands who roamed this region in search of natural resources could also deal in violence. Examining the circumstances that led to the killing of a 25- to 35 year-old male has prompted a search for other possible victims.
One of the natural resources that the Romans prized in Spain was a form of translucent rock that found favour among the elite as window panes. Extracting this valuable commodity brought wealth to the region, and left an extraordinary archaeological legacy. Investigating the labyrinth of Roman mines concealed beneath the surface is shedding light on the achievements of ancient workers toiling deep underground.
In our travel section, Richard Hodges has also been experiencing a marvel in stone: Gallarus Oratory. This magnificent corbelled church in Ireland is generally believed to date to the 8th century, but the building technique it perfected has a pedigree that stretches back far earlier into the prehistoric period.
Finally, Rubina Raja leads us from Dura Europos and Palmyra in Syria to Hadrian’s Wall, as she explores the fringes of the Roman Empire, and examines what makes these regions special.
MATT SYMONDS
