War: what is it good for? This question resonates along the length of the human story, with archaeological evidence of weapons and traumatic injuries stretching back far into prehistory. While the traditional answer is ‘absolutely nothing’, historical conflicts have undeniably shaped interactions between communities, transformed the ways in which land is used and resources controlled, and driven – and been driven by – technological innovations. Our cover feature turns the spotlight specifically on to Scotland, and a major new exhibition in Edinburgh which tells a complex story spanning 4,000 years from the Neolithic period to the coming of the Romans.
We then turn to the rather more tranquil setting of the Cambridgeshire Fens, where years of fieldwork beside the River Great Ouse have illuminated the evolution of a prehistoric landscape, from field systems and settlements to an enigmatic ‘shaman’ pit and rare traces of Bronze Age funerary textiles.
Our third feature has a more urban focus, examining the potential and limitations of ground-penetrating radar surveys in built-up environments. What have recent investigations in York revealed about the city’s Roman and medieval past, and particularly the history of its world-famous Minster?
Finally, we explore a selection of Cornwall’s beautiful historic churches, many of which preserve colourful medieval wall paintings. What can be learned from the stories that these images tell, the sociopolitical context that they represent, and their histories of Victorian ‘restorations’ and more recent conservation?
Here, too, we highlight the power of Community Archaeology for boosting the well-being of remote and rural populations, and the importance of promoting and protecting local heritage sites.
In this issue:
FEATURES
SCOTLAND’S FIRST WARRIORS
Interpreting evidence of conflict from the Neolithic to the coming of the Romans
What can archaeological remains tell us about the changing nature of warfare and weaponry across human history, and the impact of violence on past communities? A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland examines 4,000 years of evidence.
OBSERVING THE OUSE
Excavating the deep history of the Cambridgeshire Fens
Years of excavations along both banks of the River Great Ouse have provided new details of how prehistoric people made use of the river and marshland over millennia.
URBAN EXPLORATION
Revealing Roman and medieval York through ground-penetrating radar
Geophysical surveys are often associated with greenfield sites, but what can recent investigations in York tell us about the potential and limitations of ground-penetrating radar in urban environments – and what was learned about the city’s underlying archaeology?
COMMUNITY AND CONGREGATIONS
Exploring wall paintings in Cornish churches
Churches have stood at the heart of communities for centuries, and many of them are repositories of historic treasures. A new initiative combines these themes, sharing the stories that such sites tell, and exploring how visiting them can boost well-being.
LETTERS
Your comments, complaints, and compliments
NEWS
Rare Roman lead coffin displayed at Colchester; Britain’s oldest rock art rediscovered on the Gower?; Scotland’s earliest dentistry identified in Aberdeen; Illicit distilling equipment found in Ben Lawers bothy; Archaeological landscape revealed near Newark-on-Trent; Science Notes; Iron Age votive site uncovered near Cirencester; Finds Tray
SPECIAL REPORT
‘Prototype’ for Stonehenge’s solar alignment found
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive, exploring ecclesiastical sites in the north of England
CONTEXT
All’s well that ends well: Sheffield Castle
REVIEWS
The Parish Churches of Medieval Norwich: city, community, and architecture; Myths on the Edge of Empire: how Classical mythology spread throughout Roman Britain; Mosaics in Britannia; Seeking the Saxon Shore: a guide to the coastal forts of Roman Britain; Excavation at Highdown, West Sussex: burials from the 5th and 6th centuries AD; The Roman Footwear from Vindolanda
ATTRACTION
Exploring the largest-ever reconstruction of a prehistoric building at Stonehenge
MUSEUM NEWS
The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions
LISTINGS
Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources online
FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Regional highlights from among the many events, activities, and digital resources offered as part of the CBA’s Festival of Archaeology
GO DIGGING!
Our fourth array of excavation opportunities that you can get involved with this summer
SHERDS
Chris Catling discusses culinary traditions, clandestine tunnels, the future of gas holders and cooling towers, and how pipe organs can help document climate change
ODD SOCS
The Gibberd Garden Trust
