We received a fantastic selection of entries for this year’s photo competition, with images that have taken us all over the world, and back in time. From pictures offering new perspectives of famous monuments and heritage sites to shots of lesser-known archaeological gems, the brilliant array of photos submitted for this year’s competition highlights the many different ways we experience and explore the past. Archaeological photographer Adam Stanford of AS Geospatial Surveys (ASGS) served as our judge and cast his expert eye over the entries. The results were announced at the Current Archaeology Awards ceremony in February.
This year’s overall winner is Tahir Ceylan, with his spectacular night-time shot of the ancient city of Savatra, located at the foothills of Bozdağ National Park in the Konya region of modern-day Turkey. Adam commented on his choice for CWA Photo of the Year 2026, ‘This spectacular photograph, taken with care and precision, captures Roman archaeology and Greek influences from 2,000 years ago, with a backdrop of star trails centred on the North Star 323 light-years away. A satellite is passing through, potentially representing the space archaeology of the future.’
The winning photograph was on display at the CA Live! 2026 conference at the UCL Institute of Education in London, alongside our three runners-up (presented here in alphabetical order).
First, we have Carlo Olmi’s photo of the Imperial Fora in Rome. This picture features part of the collection of monumental buildings and public squares that served as the centre of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Adam commented, ‘From a vantage point within the archaeological park in Rome, this photograph captures numerous monuments, including a fabulous view of the Colosseum. A great use of compressed perspective.’
Another of the runners-up is George Tsafos, with this colourful photo of the Acropolis of Athens, captured at sunset. Behind the ancient Greek citadel sits the Aegean Sea, with mountains beyond. About this image Adam said, ‘An atmospheric and beautifully lit photograph captured at a distance with a long lens, from the lower slopes of Lycabettus Hill, to the north-east.’
The third runner-up is Yevhen Samuchenko, whose photo shows a moonlit view of the fortress of Akkerman (Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi), a medieval coastal stronghold in Ukraine, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Adam reflected, ‘This beautiful photograph captures a star-studded and moonlit scene of a fortress, perhaps a symbol of strength and hope for the people of Ukraine.’
Well done to the winners, and thank you to all who entered; we’ve loved seeing your work! Keep an eye out for details about the CWA Photo Competition 2027, coming later this year. We look forward to seeing your entries.
Living among ruins