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A curious composition
New analysis of an inhumation burial unearthed in the 1970s at a Gallo Roman cemetery in Pommerœul, Belgium, has revealed that this ‘individual’ in fact comprises bones from at least four different Late Neolithic people, as well as a Roman-era cranium. The composite individual was interred in a flexed position on their right side: a practice found in other Neolithic burials but not in regional Gallo-Roman funerary practices. It is therefore believed that this was most likely a Neolithic composite burial that was then rediscovered some 2,500 years later and reworked with the addition of a new cranium and Roman grave goods, including a bone pin. The research has been published in Antiquity (https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2024.158).
CWA goes to Paestum
Archaeologists, heritage managers, and tourism professionals from Italy and beyond gathered in November at the spectacular site of Paestum for the annual Mediterranean Exchange for Archaeological Tourism. The event, in its 26th year, promotes archaeological and cultural heritage and enjoys the patronage of UNESCO and UN Tourism. As well as showcasing Paestum itself, the Exchange hosts panel discussions around sustainability and the use of new technology. The International Archaeological Discovery Award ‘Khaled al-Asaad’ (in association with CWA and its sister-magazine CA) is awarded annually at the event, and this year went to MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) for their work on the remains of a Roman mausoleum at The Liberty in Southwark. CWA’s publisher accepted the award on behalf of MOLA and conveyed their thanks: ‘We are delighted and honoured to receive this award – which represents the dedication, passion, and expertise of countless specialists, both at MOLA and beyond,’ they said. ‘We’re continuing to research and analyse the findings from the excavations,’ MOLA added, promising ‘further stories (and perhaps surprises)’ along the way. Find out more about the Exchange at http://www.borsaturismoarcheologico.it/en, or about the winning discovery at http://www.mola.org.uk/discoveries/news/first-its-kind-roman-mausoleum-unearthed-london-development-site.
Remembering Colin Renfrew
The esteemed archaeologist Professor Lord Colin Renfrew has passed away, aged 87. Lord Renfrew is widely recognised for his contributions to pioneering new theoretical approaches in archaeology and championing once-controversial scientific techniques including radiocarbon dating and archaeogenetics, as well as his work on the evolution of prehistoric languages, his interest in the connections between archaeology and contemporary art, and his campaign against the illicit antiquities trade. Throughout his long career, Lord Renfrew held numerous prestigious positions, produced many highly regarded works, and received several notable honours. He is remembered fondly by many as a peer, teacher, and mentor, and as a revolutionary and leading figure in modern archaeology. A more in-depth consideration of his contribution to the field will appear in a future issue of CWA.
Text: Amy Brunskill / Image: © MOLA
