Tag: Archaeology

Feb 09

Guide: Preservation

Preservation in archaeology is crucial, not just in terms of physical artifacts but also in maintaining the integrity of the archaeological record and the knowledge it provides. If we define it broadly, preservation in archaeology involves

Feb 09

Guide: Ray Selkirk – The Maverick of Landscape Archaeology

Ray Selkirk - 1980

Ray Selkirk was a trailblazing landscape archaeologist who revolutionized how we interpret the hidden past beneath our feet. As a former World War II pilot, Selkirk brought a unique aerial perspective to archaeological surveying, allowing him to recognize subtle patterns in the landscape that often went unnoticed at ground level.

Feb 07

Guide: The Ard – Early Ploughing in English Brigantia

Single Tyne Plough, Arba Minch

The ard, also known as a scratch plough, represents one of the earliest forms of agricultural technology used by the people of ancient Brigantia.

Feb 03

Guide: Socratic Thought in Archaeology

An archaeologist standing puzzled in front of a new Oldsmobile car with a confused look on their face

Socratic thought in archaeology is a method of critical inquiry that challenges assumptions, promotes deeper exploration, and encourages rigorous reflection about the past. Based on the questioning techniques of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates,

Feb 03

Guide: Magnetometry

A confused archaeologist sitting in a DeLorean with the Flux Capacitor glowing brightly

Magnetometry is one of the most widely used geophysical techniques in archaeology. It involves the measurement of the Earth’s magnetic field and detecting variations in magnetic properties caused by human activity.

Jan 23

Guide – Archaeological Periods in Western Europe

A landscape showing the evolution of human history

Understanding the archaeological periods across Western Europe is essential for exploring the evolution of human societies from prehistory to the beginnings of written history. These periods are generally defined by shifts in technology, social organization, and the environment, and they often vary slightly from region to region.

Jan 23

Guide – Landscape Features

Field systems and earthworks at Grassington

This is a placeholder for the introduction page for our Guide to recognising and understanding landscape features

Jan 23

Guide – Landscape Features: Drainage Gullies

A typical modern looking field drain

Identifying and Interpreting Field Drainage Gullies When conducting a field walk, it’s essential to be able to identify and interpret the various types of features that appear on the landscape. One common feature you might encounter is a drainage gully—a shallow ditch or channel, often running across fields, which is used to direct water away …

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Jan 23

Guide – The Flora and Fauna of Prehistoric Britain

Before we delve into the appearance of humans on the landscape, it’s important to understand the flora and fauna that dominated the earth, and particularly Britain, during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. The development of ecosystems in prehistoric times was heavily influenced by the global climatic shifts of the Ice Ages.

Jan 23

Guide – Introduction to Fieldwalking

Fieldwalking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of archaeological survey. It involves systematically walking over a landscape, searching for surface artifacts—such as pottery, stone tools, and animal bones—that may have been left behind by past human activity. This activity can offer valuable insights into ancient settlements, trade routes, and other key elements of the past.

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