Period: Unknown

Guide – Empathic Archaeology: Building a Strong Straw Man

An object that appears entirely different depending on the perspective of the observer

Celtic Heads Celtic Head from Witham, 2nd c B.C. (British Museum) “Celtic” carved heads are found throughout the Read more Timeline 60BC – 138AD This timeline is focussed on the British Celtic culture and those cultures which had influence on the British Celts. It Read more Heads at St Michael, Kirklington An analysis of head …

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Guide – Empathic Archaeology: The Straw Man

A comic illustration representing the laying out of a 'straw man' in an archaeologist's mind.

At first glance, the idea of psychoanalyzing an “imaginary alien” might sound outlandish, but it perfectly mirrors the approach many archaeologists must take when trying to understand ancient cultures. These cultures are far removed from our own in time, and often in social structure, belief systems, and material culture.

Guide – Empathic Archaeology Introduction

An archaeologist’s mind’s eye, representing the chaos of creation.

Empathic archaeology is the practice of immersing oneself in the worldview of the people being studied, allowing archaeologists and researchers to interpret artifacts, structures, and landscapes through the lens of the individuals who created or used them.

Guide – Critical Thinking: Lack of Evidence Does Not Mean Evidence of Lack

A car broken down on the side of the road.

In archaeology, the phrase “lack of evidence does not mean evidence of lack” is an important reminder that the absence of proof does not necessarily prove something does not exist or did not happen.

Guide – Using the best tools for research

A car broken down on the side of the road, with the driver holding a set of tools.

For amateur researchers who don’t have access to extensive professional resources, there are still several methods and tools they can use to cross-check previous findings and apply a holistic approach. While they may never have access to every piece of data, they can still adopt strategies that lead to more accurate, well-rounded interpretations. Here are some practical approaches:

Guide – Introduction to Critical Thinking in Archaeological Research

A car in a river and the driver saying it is a car park

In the world of archaeology, as with all forms of inquiry, the pursuit of truth begins with the ability to think critically and independently. Archaeology is often seen as the science of uncovering the past, but it is equally the art of understanding how we approach and interpret evidence. In the case of the Brigantes Nation, a tribe whose history is riddled with gaps and assumptions, critical thinking is not only useful—it is essential.

Earthworks at Paradigm Sharpening, Nelholme, Wensleydale

In the grounds of Paradigm Sharpening,  Nelholme, West Burton, on both sides of the roads are what looks like two natural amphitheatres, which may have been enhanced by the local people are used as a meeting place. I can’t find any research on this location, but it is of sufficient interest to record.

Earthwork 300m East of the Entrance to Swinton Castle

There is an earwork, approximately 300m east of the entrance to swinton castle. It is a small elongated hill, with three terraces on either side of it. It sit along in the landscape as such a feature, and the terraces seem impractactacle and redundant for crops in what is otherwise a flat landscape. It looks like a garden feature, a work of art, but it is outside of the castle grounds, and I have seen similarly carved hills elsewhere, far from stately grounds.

Earthworks at the top of Holly Hill, Well

While details about these earthworks are not widely documented, the area is known for its rich archaeological significance. Holly Hill itself is a place of interest, with its Grade II listed status indicating its historical importance.

Staffordshire

← World Heritage Somerset Iberian Peninsular Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwestern corner of Europe, is a country of rich contrasts—mountains, beaches, valleys, Read more Coverdale Coverdale, located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a valley of great beauty and rich history. Its unique geography, Read more Wensleydale Wensleydale in the …

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