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EXHIBITION
Roman Scotland: life on the edge of empire
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
14 November 2026-18 April 2027
http://www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/roman-scotland-life-on-the-edge-of-empire
This new major exhibition by National Museums Scotland aims to challenge the common misconception that Hadrian’s Wall was the northernmost edge of the Roman Empire, with more than 600 objects – including archaeological discoveries from across Scotland, as well as international loans – exploring the effects of Roman occupation in Scotland. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the two altars from a temple of Mithras found within a Roman fort at Inveresk in East Lothian. Tickets cost £13.50, with concessions available; members get free entry.
EVENTS
Richard Hall Symposium 2026
Tempest Anderson Hall
18 October 2026
http://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/events/richard-hall-symposium
This year marks 50 years since York Archaeology (then known as York Archaeological Trust) began excavations at 16-22 Coppergate. Running for five continuous seasons between 1976 and 1981, the excavation uncovered an astonishingly well-preserved slice of Viking Age York. To celebrate the famous dig, this year’s Richard Hall Symposium will feature talks from archaeologists on the latest insights into the research that is ongoing at Coppergate. Tickets cost £20.
Detecting the Past: integrating metal-detecting and archaeology
Ormiston Institute, Melrose
19 November 2026
http://www.trimontium.co.uk/events/symposium-detecting-the-past-integrating-metal-detecting-archaeology
To celebrate the partnership between archaeologists and metal detectorists, Trimontium Trust is bringing together national and international speakers for a symposium. The programme explores best practice, successful collaborations, groundbreaking discoveries, and ongoing debates around the future of shared heritage research. On 20 November, Dr Andrew Newton will offer a practical introduction to human remains; the course is a separate booking, but can be added to your symposium experience.
LECTURES
The Bayeux Tapestry and Anglo-Saxon Illuminations
Society of Antiquaries of London
4 November 2026
https://thebaa.org/events/the-bayeux-tapestry-and-anglo-saxon-illuminations
In this monthly lecture by the British Archaeological Association, Professor Michael Lewis, Curator of the British Museum’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, will explore the influence of Anglo-Saxon manuscript art on the Tapestry’s design. In particular, Michael will highlight key models for the Tapestry’s imagery and reflect on their importance for understanding the embroidery. The lecture is open to all, with non-members asked to make themselves known to the Honorary Director on arrival in order to sign the visitors’ book.
Ad Gefrin Revisited: new findings and thoughts on a multi-period place of power
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
11 November 2026
http://www.royalarchinst.org/events/2026/ad-gefrin-revisited-new-findings-and-thoughts-multi-period-place-power
Part of the Royal Archaeological Institute’s monthly lecture programme, this talk by Professor Sarah Semple (Durham University will highlight the discoveries made from the first three seasons (2021-2025) of modern excavations at the royal Anglo-Saxon site at Yeavering in Northumberland – the first since Brian Hope Taylor’s excavations in the 1950s and 1960s. Non-members are welcome to attend but need to book in advance by emailing admin@royalarchinst.org.
HERITAGE FROM HOME
VIRTUALS VISITS
• Cappagh: life in prehistoric Waterford
http://www.rubiconarchaeology.com/heritage-week-2026/cappagh-exhibition
This online exhibition from Rubicon Archaeology presents working photographs, studio photography, and artefact illustrations from their recent excavation at Cappagh Quarry in Waterford.
• Grim’s Ditch Virtual Tour
http://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/blogs/archaeology/grims-vt
This online guided walk introduces viewers to both the natural and historic landscape of Grim’s Ditch in the Chilterns National Landscape.
• Roman Silchester: a virtual exhibition
http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/online-exhibitions/roman-silchester-virtual-exhibition
Learn more about Roman Silchester, or Calleva Atrebatum, with this online exhibition, which explores 19th- and early 20th-century excavations at the site.
• Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/isac-museum
Explore the online collection of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at the University of Chicago, which focuses on ancient West Asia and North Africa.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
• Buried Evidence
https://open.spotify.com/show/1PRe3NuRmeOD1oSUZODs5o
This new podcast, hosted by historian Rebecca Rideal and archaeologist Professor Raksha Dave, examines some of the most mysterious and unsettling cases from the past.
• Pleiades
This community-built gazetteer and graph lets you explore ancient places and spaces while providing up-to-date information on each site.
• University of Reading on Sketchfab
https://sketchfab.com/UoR-Archaeology
Explore the latest archaeological research coming out of the University of Reading through their Sketchfab site, which hosts hundreds of 3D surveys and artefact models.
• Old Maps Online
Explore and compare more than a million historical maps from around the world in this interactive platform, with timeline tools, map overlays, and a daily games section.
ONLINE-ONLY EVENTS
• Voices from the Future of Archaeology: Early Career Showcase 2026
On 4 November, this online conference by the Council for British Archaeology will highlight the diverse and innovative work being undertaken by early career archaeologists across the UK.
• Highland Archaeology Conference 2026
If you can’t make it up to the Highlands for the in-person conference on 10 11 October, you can instead join from home with this online option in order to hear about the latest archaeological discoveries in the region.
• PA Archaeology Month: in the shadow of independence
On 16 October, join this lecture by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office to learn about the archaeological sites around this eastern US state that have ties with the American War of Independence.
• Prehistoric Lives in the Trent Valley
On 9 October, this online lecture by Dr David Knight, hosted by the Derbyshire Archaeological Society, will introduce a recently launched exhibition at the University of Nottingham Museum exploring the prehistory of the Trent Valley.
• A Roman Settlement Revealed: life, death, and surprises at Wendover
On 14 October, this talk by Cotswold Archaeology will discuss their 2024 excavation beneath Wendover Cricket Club’s new site, and the Roman settlement they discovered there.
