The Association for Roman Archaeology

One of archaeology’s distinctive features has always been the lack of hard boundaries between professional and amateur. Archaeology is perhaps unique in the degree to which anyone can participate in the discipline, even at the highest level. That is especially true of the Association for Roman Archaeology (ARA), where academics…

Neolithic Quiz

In which English county would you find Silbury Hill, the tallest Neolithic human-made mound in Europe?…

Vietnamese stringed instrument

What is it? This object, thought to be at least 2,000 years old, is believed to be a stringed musical instrument. The artefact is made from a single piece of deer antler and is c.353mm long, with a diameter of 12.96mm, and a maximum breadth of 25.31mm. The antler has…

American Civil War Quiz

Who replaced Major General Joseph Hooker as commander of the Union Army of the Potomac on 28 June 1863, just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg?…

Back to the drawing board: the Avro Manchester

The Avro Manchester originated with an Air Ministry specification dating from November 1936 for a bomber capable of carrying a load in excess of 8,000lbs over more than 2,000 miles. This aircraft would be powered by a Rolls-Royce X-Type engine, which was then still under development. This engine, soon renamed…

The Second World War in living colour

Most books about the Second World War include only black-and-white photographs, and these are often sketchy or blurred. Some are even staged pieces of propaganda. Colour photography was not unknown at the time, of course, but it was immensely expensive and therefore rarely used. Artists with historical leanings have long…

Wren 300

In CA 373, we lamented the lack of a society ready to take on the task of managing the tercentenary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren. Fortunately, the Georgian Group has put on the mantle of chief co-ordinator of this year’s events. While Wren’s greatest works were designed in…

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Deciphering the Stone of Destiny

The Stone of Destiny – an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy – has undergone extensive new analysis in preparation for its role in the Coronation of Charles III at Westminster Abbey. The Stone was taken by Edward I during the First Scottish War of Independence in 1296 and fitted…

Coronations Quiz

The coronation of Elizabeth II was broadcast live on 2 June 1953. Who provided the BBC TV commentary from inside the Abbey?…

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