Current World Archaeology 138
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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.
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 UrbÃna,
José Luis Córdoba, and the spelunkers of the Cuenca Ara Club of Speleology describe the demands of archaeological investigation deep within the bowels of central Spain.
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 exploring the edges of the Roman world on foot.
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.
Living among ruins
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 past might have been, and how much or how little it would have resembled the modern equivalent, with its venues for leisure and work; for sleep and entertainment; for labour and exploitation; for aesthetically pleasing and artistic expressions
Gold filigree fitting
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 measures 6cm
Mohenjo-daro: an egalitarian urban centre?Â
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 cities of
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 didn’t mince
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 Edmund Richardson’s
Travels through Prehistoric Spain: a guideÂ
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 archaeology and
CWA 138 crossword, and answers to crossword #137
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 works include
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 plagueÂ
Analysis of two votive offering vessels from Pompeii is enhancing our understanding of Roman domestic rituals.
Heritage mismanagementÂ
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.
CWA news in brief
Silent guardians The original mud-plaster sealings that secured the burial chambers of King Tutankhamun’s tomb have been placed on public display for the first time. The sealings are made of a Theban
Current World Archaeology 137