methodology

Lost cities: the unpublished words

Rubina Raja & Søren M Sindbæk on archives and urban archaeology

An updated chart for determining the age-at-death of human remains

In this month’s ‘Science Notes’, we explore a recent paper that tests some of the assumptions behind Brothwell’s chart relating dental-wear to age and develops a more up-to-date one.

Evolution in the air: the urban conundrum

The human ape, with our big, social brain, is well suited to a life of dense social interaction. So, when faced with limited resources and growing populations, similar solutions tend to present themselves – in very different corners of the planet.

Atlas of the Hillforts of Britain and Ireland

Review by Andrew Tibbs. This invaluable contribution to our knowledge of hillforts is the most complete study on the subject in Britain and Ireland to-date. A long-awaited volume, it sheds much light on these somewhat enigmatic structures, detailing the results…

LEFT An Iron Age cockerel from Houghton Down, Hampshire, recently radiocarbon dated to the 4th 3rd century BC. Analysis of the spurs suggests the bird lived to at least two years old.

Count your chickens: a new ageing technique for domesticated fowl

The team from the University of Exeter applied their formula to 1,366 domestic fowl skeletons found across Britain, ranging in date from the Iron Age through to the modern day.

Below Orokolo Bay shoreline in Papua New Guinea acts as the main highway connecting a series of coastal settlements. When archaeologists arrived seeking to excavate past village sites, they discovered that the locals were already using traces of past events to illustrate their oral histories.

Archaeology: Western science or global practice?

Delving into ancient sites to illuminate the past is generally seen as a Western innovation. But just how novel is this approach? Excavating in Papua New Guinea has prompted Chris Urwin to make the case for many different archaeologies.

Time Team geophysics: from pits to palaces

Time Team’s geophysics crew have covered a lot of ground, and their data represents an unparalleled archaeological archive of sites from rural retreats to Royal palaces. Lisa Westcott talks with John Gater about the science behind the scenes.

The Past

Student Digs

For students doing an archaeology degree, compulsory field school experience is on the cards. Phoebe Scrivener, archaeology graduate from Sheffield University, tells you what to expect.

The Past

Survival Guide to Volunteer Excavation

Are you heading out on a dig this season? If so, congratulations! Volunteers are an essential part of the excavation season. We’ve put together a short guide, including a checklist, to identify key areas for your preparation. Happy (and safe) digging!

Choosing a field: specialisms in archaeology

The field of archaeology covers the full extent of human existence, through time and across the world. Small wonder it has spawned so many sub-disciplines, theoretical and practical. We look at some of the choices.