Anybody home? Avebury archaeologists hope to discover a Neolithic house

A group of archaeologists have begun to dig at a site in Wiltshire in hopes of finding out more about the creators of the Avebury circle of great standing stones and its neighbouring Stonehenge.

“Avebury’s prehistoric monuments are justly world famous but one of the questions I’m most often asked is where the people who built and used them  lived,” says Dr Nick Snashall, spokesman and National Trust archaeologist for Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

The site was first found by Alexander Keiller 80 years ago and a team of National Trust, Allen Environmental Archaeology, and Southampton and Leicester University Archaeologists have spent three years researching his journals and drawings, and using geophysical survey techniques to locate the exact spot that he found.

What they discovered when they began their three-week dig did not disappoint. Arrowheads, clusters of scrapers for hide and plant materials, flint swords and pottery were all found when the turf was stripped back. Dr Snashall stated that so far the finds have been unearthed in clusters of three or four at a time, all appearing to be perfectly preserved.

“It’s as if the people were sitting here working away making arrowheads, scraping hides and carrying out their daily tasks and then they just got up and walked away.”

Along with these tools and artefacts, the excavation team believe they have uncovered the remains of an ancient house. This would be a very important find for the team as very few of these houses have been uncovered.

Dr Snashall stated that “this site dates from a time when people are just starting to build the earliest parts of Avebury’s earthworks so we could be looking at the house and workplace of the people who saw that happening.” 

Read more about Neolithic houses in this free article from Journal of Field Archaeology:

A Neolithic Household at Piana di Curinga, Italy

150 years of The Palestine Exploration Fund

by Adam John Fraser, Librarian at The Palestine Exploration Fund

The Palestine Exploration Fund is currently celebrating 150 years of scientific study of the geographic region of Palestine. We were founded on May 12, 1865, in the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster Abbey. The location was appropriate for its historical significance but also because the Dean of Westminster, Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, was one of its integral founders. He had also travelled with the Prince of Wales extensively throughout Egypt and Palestine.

Arthur Penrhyn Stanley

Stanley, along with Sir George Grove (who is best known for his work on Crystal Palace) worked together on publishing books about the history of Palestine. It was of great interest to further study the country at the centre of Christianity, but it was evident to both Stanley and Grove that there was a gap in the knowledge of the region. 

In 1864, Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts was involved in a philanthropic effort to provide Jerusalem with a better water supply. The existing one had been highly inadequate and disease was rife. In order for a better water supply to be constructed a survey of the geography of Jerusalem was essential.  Dean Stanley was on the committee for the Jerusalem Water Relief Fund and contacted the War Office to acquire anyone who had expertise in mapping and surveying.Charles Wilson of the Royal Engineers volunteered for the job (unpaid) and set off for Palestine with a small crew. Their work was extremely successful and was quite popular back in Britain. Because of the popularity of the survey of Jerusalem for the Water Relief Fund, Stanley and Grove felt the moment was ripe for establishing a society to specifically study Palestine.

Charles Wilson (centre)

Stanley and Grove did most of the groundwork for lobbying people to join and contributed to the establishment of the Palestine Exploration Fund. There was an extensive letter writing campaign in an attempt to garner as much support as possible and from people with vastly different expertise and backgrounds.

The early committee was made up of a wide selection of individuals; Dr J.D. Hooker, Professor Owen, John Murray, A.H. Layard, Rev H.D. Tristram. These are just a selection of the individuals who formed the committee were some of the leading scientists and researchers of their day and key people in Victorian society in Britain. Some of them came from the British Museum, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum. There were friends and enemies of Charles Darwin. Many members of Parliament were eager to join, even the Speaker of the House of Commons had joined!

Letter from Professor Owen

The Palestine Exploration Fund was established to scientifically investigate the archaeology, geography, geology, manners and customs and natural history of Palestine. It was not a religious organization though there were people of faith in the committee. It was not a political organization even though there were politicians in the organization.  The main priority, since day one, has always been the research.

Making to 150 years is a big achievement for us. Many people have devoted their extra time and energy to helping us get this far. It has been a difficult task, bringing an antiquarian society into the 21^st century. We have a loyal band of volunteers who are vital to the digitizing of maps and documents, making a stack of old papers into a workable archive and carrying out important research on our archaeological collection.

The Palestine Exploration Fund HQ today

The volunteers and interns are very important to us, but we would be lost without the direction and guidance of our Executive Secretary and Curator, Felicity Cobbing. Felicity has been with the PEF since 1998. She had previously worked at the British Museum and had also spent many seasons working as a field archaeologist. Felicity is responsible for bringing the PEF to where it is today. She is the one who trains and supervises the volunteers and does hundreds of very important tasks that I cannot begin to list here. Felicity is the backbone of the Palestine Exploration Fund. I know that for my part, I have never learned more from a supervisor and I credit her for getting us to where we are today.

Related links:

Women of the PEF: Baroness Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts

Our First Hundred Years (and fifty more)*

Jerusalem Chamber at Westminster Abbey

#PeaceforFriedrichBrandt and the debate on displaying human remains

The remains of a soldier, widely believed to be 23-year-old hunchback, Private Friedrich Brandt from Hanover, Germany, have been the centre of debate amongst historians lately.

The skeleton of the man who died during the Battle of Waterloo 200 years ago is currently on display in a Belgium museum as part of a commemorative exhibition after having been found under a car park near the battlefield in 2012.

Campaigners, including many military historians and archaeologists, are calling for the remains to be reinterred with the “dignity and respect [of a] proper burial that has been denied him for so long.” German historian, Rob Schäfer, who has created a Facebook and a change.org page in order to petition and raise awareness about the controversy surrounding Private Brandt’s remains, has stated that: “It is accepted that his remains should be studied for serious archaeological purposes but, after the data has been collected, the man should be allowed to rest in peace, instead of being viewed as a morbid object of curiosity by thousands of paying tourists - particularly when in an enlightened and technologically advanced world it is perfectly possible to laser scan the remains and produce a 3D replica for display.”

Tony Pollard, historian, archaeologist and Editor of Journal of Conflict Archaeology, tweeted: “He was a soldier. He died in battle. He deserves a grave. End of.” Comedian and keen historian, Al Murray, also contributed to the debate by tweeting: “#PeaceforFriedrichBrandt this soldier's bones shouldn't be on display, he should be at rest.”

Those in opposition to this campaign have made reference to the display of Egyptian Mummies and Bog Bodies to support the exhibition of Private Brandt’s remains. The Memorial has defended the exhibit, stating that “ultimately, it seemed to everybody that the greatest homage that could be paid to him was to consider him, with the respect to which he is entitled and that the museum exhibit has sought to ensure.”  

Should the remains of Friedrich Brandt be given a proper burial? Is there a gain to keeping his bones as part of a commemorative exhibition? Let us know your thoughts.

Read more about the human remains in museum collections in these two free articles from Public Archaeology:

The ethics of displaying human remains from British archaeological sites

The Value of Human Remains in Museum Collections 

Guest Post: Speaking up for Archaeology

In this special guest post, Dave Moore, Communications Officer of The Council for British Archaeology discusses the Council's important mission, and explains how you can get involved and receive a special offer for British Archaeology Magazine. 

"The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has been the independent champion for archaeology in the UK for over 70 years, speaking up for archaeology in public debates and bringing the excitement of the subject to an increasingly large and enthusiastic audience including young people.

In fact it is hard to imagine archaeology in the UK today without the CBA. Since its founding in 1944, the CBA has led the way with ground breaking projects and innovative resources, sharing research, knowledge, and opening up archaeology to new generations and new audiences. Above all, the CBA and its partners have worked tirelessly to represent the interests of everyone who cares about the UK’s rich archaeology heritage and the future of our discipline.

The CBA’s campaigning role is more vital now than ever, with increasing threats to our archaeological heritage from development pressures and the effects of funding cuts on archaeology practice in the UK. Many archaeologists argue that we are at risk of losing all that we have gained over the past 70 years.

You can help us continue our vital programmes to safeguard the UK’s archaeology and provide Archaeology for All next year and in years to come by becoming a member of the CBA. In return our members receive British Archaeology Magazine 6 times per year, plus our regular newsletter and e-news, keeping you up to date with archaeology projects, events and campaigns. As a specialist interest group, we negotiate special offers for our members such as discounts on outdoor gear and archaeology publications. Most importantly, we offer great opportunities to experience archaeology through our networks, local CBA Groups and Young Archaeologists’ Clubs.

Maney subscribers also benefit from an extra copy of British Archaeology Magazine
 in your first year when you join the CBA (that’s 7 copies for the price of 6). To benefit from this special offer, join now online or call the CBA team on 01904 671 417 quoting 'Maney0315'. 

Find out more about how the CBA is supporting Britain’s archaeology at: www.archaeologymatters.org.uk"

Community Archaeology Project Uncovers Colonial Life

This week, an important archaeology project gets underway in Northampton, Massachusetts, and community members are rolling up their sleeves to help.

Citizens of the small New England town have been invited to participate in "Digging Northampton," a community excavation project at the historic Parsons House on Bridge Street, from May 19 through June 6. 

Archaeology graduate students from the University of Massachusetts are heading up the project. They've recruited nearby neighbors as well as children from local schools to help uncover, clean, and keep detailed records of the artifacts. Linda Zeigenbein of the Archaeological Services at UMass told local news source MassLive.com she's not sure what will be discovered during the dig, but she's hopeful to get some insight into how Colonial women and children survived when the town was first established, and resources were scarce. 

Parsons House was built in 1719, and is scheduled for a major rehabilitation in the coming years. But historical preservation restrictions require that all artifacts are removed from the grounds before a new foundation is laid. The team will pay special attention to the the ground beneath the home's original kitchen, where they may discover animal bones discarded while cooking, crockery and more. 

For Zeigenbien, the most important part of the project is engaging the community in this important period of history. "My interest is creating people who want to be stewards of historic sites, "she explained. "The way to get this is to bring people in to see how important the work is." 

The public can take guided tours of Parsons House and check out the excavation project May 23rd, May 30th, and June 6th from 10am to 2pm. To learn more about this project and find out how you can get involved, visit the Digging Northampton blog. 

If you're interested in community archaeology and North American excavation sites, browse these articles: 

New Ethical Statements on Site Preservation for North American Archaeologists 

Community Archaeology: General Methods and Standards of Practice >

Guest Post: Abigail Taylor, current holder of the Maney Publishing and Durham University archaeology studentship

In this special guest post, Abigail Taylor discusses her work on the royal images of the 25th Dynasty Nubian rulers of Egypt 

"Hello everyone, my name is Abigail Taylor and I am a PhD student at Durham University, where I am being kindly supported in my study by Maney Publishing. My research investigates the use and abuse of images of the royal family in the 25^th Dynasty and early Napatan period in Egypt and Nubia.

During the 8^th Century BC Egypt came under the control of its southern neighbours from Nubia, a land seen traditionally as a rival and enemy, to be ruled by a line of kings as the 25^th Dynasty for about a century. Following a number of brutal military campaigns backed by the Assyrian Empire, the Nubian kings were pushed out of Egypt and a new ruling house based in the Delta capital of Sais rose to power. In the following years many of the images and inscriptions of the 25^th Dynasty Pharaohs were subjected to acts of iconoclasm and damnatio memoriae, with later parties defacing, attacking and mutilating representations of the Nubian kings.

Such actions were a common way to symbolically attack and seek to discredit a rival in Ancient Egypt, and were a political message to taint the memory of the old and highlight the power of the new regime. Iconoclasm is usually an action taken against religious icons, images and monuments that are motivated by political and religious change. Damnatio memoriae is also a destructive technique commonly used against statues, images and monuments to publicly attack images and send a powerful message about new political realities, to ritually punish, express power, and is always an expression of the current social and political feeling of the time.

In my project I am seeking to examine the large corpus of royal imagery for these Nubian kings, to identify the treatments they have been subjected to in later years, in order to ascertain the nature of the actions taken against them following their removal from rule. I hope that this work will enable me to draw conclusions that will further understanding of how the political, economic and social situations between these two respective territories could have influenced actions and attitudes towards royal imagery in general, and in particular towards these Nubian rulers who were of a foreign origin.

Echoes in modern history

Cases of image destruction are not only limited to antiquity. We are constantly surrounded by the physical evidence of the maiming of images, caught in the crossfire as they clash with different powers and ideologies, who use the destruction of an image to express ideological and political messages. In recent years we have seen various examples come to light across news channels the world over. An image I will never forget was when the troops toppled Saddam Hussein's statue during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and most recently in 2015 we have also witnessed evidence for Assyrian statues being smashed at the Mosul Museum and the destruction of the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khorsabad, Nimrud and Hatra by aggressors in the Middle East. Modern actions and events can be seen to have precedents and echoes throughout history, and this is something that in my opinion makes archaeology a discipline and subject that is so relevant and important in unraveling the history of human cultures."

Durham University is currently accepting applications for the 2015 scholarship, which includes full fees for three years and an annual £3,000 stipend. Ideal candidates will be undertaking doctoral studies in the archaeology of the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean. Interested applicants should apply no later than June 30th. 

For more information, please see our press release >

Free Access 14: Over 20,000 articles free to read

Now through April 26th, ALL online content, including 2015 issues for every single journal we publish in archaeology, conservation and heritage is 100 percent free to download. No sign ups, no registration, no strings attached: just free content from us to you. 

Free Access 14 (FA14) is our way of showing our appreciation for the amazing community of scholars and researchers who are dedicated to advancing knowledge in this exciting, ever-changing field. 

FA14 gives you access to research in 18 subject areas, including underwater archaeology, museum studies, field archaeology, conservation and more. The archives date back over 100 years to 1869. Click here to dig in and start enjoying your free content. 

Some of the most popular journals featured in this special promotion include: 

• Medieval Archaeology
• Studies in Conservation
• Museums & Social Issues 
• Environmental Archaeology
• Levant 
• European Journal of Archaeology
• Journal of Field Archaeology 

We're also excited to include some of our new titles for 2015: 

• AICCM Bulletin
• PaleoAmerica
• Southeastern Archaeology

Tired of all the free content? We didn't think so. You can enter to win online subscriptions to all 43 of our journals for an entire year when you Tweet using the hashtag #idigthisjournalbecause and mention @ManeyArchaeo 

Just let us know what makes your favorite journal so special, and you could be rich in archaeological research! Three runners up will also win an online subscription for the journal of their choice for a full year.  

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to stop by the Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting

Thousands of archaeologists from diverse backgrounds will flock to San Francisco, California to share innovative ideas, hear about new research, and connect with colleagues at the Society for American Archaeology's 80th Annual Meeting, April 15-19. With a wide array of forums, symposiums and sessions in store, this year's meeting promises to be an event you won't want to miss.

The program offers an in-depth guide to the nearly 4,000 presentations taking place over the jam-packed four day event. There's even a mobile version for those who want to save extra room in their bags for some amazing journals that they just might find in the exhibit hall.

Here are just a few events that caught our eye in this veritable smorgasbord of sessions:

• Wednesday, April 15th, 8-10am: Nose to Tail: An Interdisciplinary Look at Dogs in the Past
• Wednesday, April 15th, 2-4pm: Excursion San Francisco Architectural Walking Tour
• Thursday, April 16th, 1-3:30pm: Preservation, Protection, and Outreach Programs in National Park Service Archaeology
• Friday, April 17th, 8-11am: Space and Time in the Upper Palaeolithic: A Mixed Traditions Approach to the Study of Prehistory
• Friday, April 17th, 1-3:30pm: The Practices of Death: The Archaeology of Mortuary Ritual in Ancient Egypt and Sudan 
• Saturday, April 18th, 1-4pm: Like Frejoles in a Pod: Examining the Current State of Paleoethnobotany in Peru
• Sunday, April 19th, 8-11am:  Dietary Biographies: Chronicling Past Husbandry, Mobility, and Exchange Practices

The SAA was formed in 1934 in an effort to promote interest and research in American archaeology, advocate for conservation of archaeological resources, expand public access to archaeology and facilitate communication among archaeologists focusing on the Americas. Today, the organization has over 7,000 members including professionals, students, and researchers from the public and private sectors. 

If you're heading to the conference, be sure to stop by the Maney Publishing booth (#112) in the exhibition hall! We'd love to hear about your favorite sessions. 

To learn more about the 80th annual meeting, visit the SAA website.

  

All the Viking ladies, put your hands up

Ring discovery connects Norse and Islamic cultures 


When you think about Scandinavian Vikings, what comes to mind? Bearded seafarers? Sure. Horned helmets? Absolutely. Islamic civilization? Not so much. 

But an enchanting ring found in a ninth century Viking grave offers evidence that these two seemingly disparate civilizations were actually in close contact. 

The breathtaking purple ring was first excavated in the late 1800s from Birka, a Viking trading center in Sweden, according to a recent Science News article. The ring's mesmerizing centerpiece was always thought to be a violet amethyst. But when archaeologists at Stockholm University conducted an electron microscope scan, they discovered that it is in fact made of colored glass, a highly desirable, and exotic material at the time. The scan also revealed an unexpected inscription on the glass inset which reads either "for Allah" or "to Allah" in ancient Arabic script. 

So how did this Islamic jewelry end up on the finger of a Viking a world away? Scandinavians were known to trade prized objects from Egypt and Mesopotamia as long as 3,400 years ago. So archaeologists theorize it's not unlikely that the Vikings could have obtained glass treasures from Islamic traders in the same part of the globe about 2,000 years later, rather waiting for these goods to travel north through popular trade networks. 

While there are encounters between these two civilizations mentioned in ancient texts about 1,000 years ago, substantial archaeological evidence in support of these accounts is quite rare. 

What's more, researchers at Stockholm University say the ring shows almost no signs of wear. This suggests it was made by an Arabic silversmith and had no prior owners before reaching the Viking woman. 

Into Vikings? Enjoy these complimentary articles from European Journal of Archaeology: 

‘A River of Knives and Swords’: Ritually Deposited Weapons in English Watercourses and Wetlands during the Viking Age

Bloody Slaughter: Ritual Decapitation and Display at the Viking Settlement of Hofstadir Iceland

European Journal of Archaeology seeks new Deputy Editor

European Journal of Archaeology is the international, peer-reviewed journal of the European Association of Archaeologists. This leading journal is dedicated to publishing the best new archaeological research taking place in Europe and surrounding regions. European Journal of Archaeology is currently accepting applications for a new Deputy Editor, who will work closely with the journal's Editor, Dr. Robin Skeates. Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity. 

About the Position
The Deputy Editor is required to be deadline-driven with excellent communication skills, an ability to carry out editorial tasks based on prior editorial experience and a breadth of interests. The Deputy Editor will also be expected to work outside his/her own specialist fields of expertise. European Journal of Archaeology is a broad, well recognized and well cited publication, and the Deputy Editor will have an academic profile and level of seniority appropriate to the role.

Editor Responsibilities

• Taking a portion of papers through the editorial peer-review process to a final recommendation 
• Editing final papers to improve the clarity of arguments and quality of English
• Checking and correcting proofs as required and returning them to the agreed Publisher’s schedule
• Soliciting high-quality manuscripts for the journal
• Acting as an ambassador for the journal at conferences and other events
• Acting as Special Issue Editor on occasion
• Deputizing for the Editor as necessary
• Assisting the Editor to keep within the agreed annual page budget for the journal 

Applications must be submitted by April 30th, 2015 to Dr. Robin Skeates at robin.skeates@durham.ac.uk. Interested applicants should title their message "Deputy Editor Selection" and include a 1000-word statement describing their relevant experience and why they would like to become the Deputy Editor for European Journal of Archaeology.

Please view the complete job posting for more details.  

Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month with a Dash through the Past

Did you know that Florida Archaeology Month is right around the corner? Every March, an array of programs and events are scheduled to put Floridians and visitors in touch with the rich history and heritage of the Panhandle State, which stretches back over 12,000 years.
  
This year, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the University of West Florida Historic Trust are hosting Dash Through the Past, a high-speed scavenger hunt set for March 7th from 10 am to 12 pm at 207 East Main Street in downtown Pensacola. Participants will race through a two-mile course in the heart of the city's historic district, using maps to search for hidden treasures and competing for prizes. For more information, view the event details, or email the event organizers at northwest@flpublicarchaeology.org.  

Dash Through the Past is just one of several events planned for the month of March. This year's theme, Innovators of the Archaic, invites participants to discover prehistoric Floridian culture and its connections to the present day. You can find a full list of programs on the Florida Archaeology Month website. 

With this state's rich cultural history, it's a wonder there's just one month dedicated to Florida archaeology. Thousands of years ago, some of the first civilizations to live in Florida hunted mammoth with stone-tipped spears. Rising sea levels, changing environments, and increasing populations were just a few of the challenges they overcame by testing and adapting to new ways of life. 

Curious about Florida's unique past? Enjoy these free articles from Public Archaeology: 

>> Florida's Underwater Archaeological Preserves: Public Participation as an Approach to Submerged Heritage Management

>> Tracing the Roots of Municipal Archaeology in St Augustine, Florida: The Story of How 'The Oldest City' Connected Archaeology, Local Government, and the Public

What's Mayan is Yours: Ancient Water Temple with Rain God Offerings Discovered in Belize

Archaeologists recently discovered the remnants of an ancient Mayan water temple at Cara Blanca, tucked away in the center of one of Belize's lush forests. The structure is situated alongside a deep pool of water where Mayans from across the region gathered to sacrifice bowls, pots, and jars to the water god, and to pray for rain. 

"It was a special place with a sacred function," explained Lisa Lucero, the archaeologist who led the discovery, in a recent National Geographic article. 

The water temple serves as a timeline of the drought that's thought to have contributed to the Maya's demise after A.D. 800. The Mesoamerican civilization, known for their art, architecture, and fully developed pre-Columbian writing system, thrived due to plentiful rainfall for centuries. During this time, sacrifices to the water temple were irregular and seldom. But after an unexpected and dramatic shift in the climate, repeated droughts wreaked havoc on the Mayas and their water-dependent society, making the temple quite a busy place. 

Archaeologists also suspect that this lack of rain ignited a "drought cult" of people who understandably became obsessed with pleasing Chaak, the ancient Maya rain god. But despite their daily sacrifices and prayers, Chaak and his friends in the underworld continued to withhold rain, unraveling the Maya’s intricate agriculture system.

"I do agree this was likely a shrine where ritual practices took place that point to times getting tough for people," Holley Moyes of University of California, Merced told National Geographic. "When you start getting down to actual drought, we are starting to see sacrifices picking up across the Maya world."

Want to learn more about the Maya and their relationship to water and agriculture? Check out these fascinating, free articles from the Journal of Field Archaeology:  

>> An Ancient Maya Dam in the Cayo Distric, Belize

>> Ancient Maya Wetland Agriculture: New Insights from Ecological and Remote Sensing Research

First article published in new OA journal: Is IS6110 really a good marker for TB in ancient remains?

The insertion sequence IS6110 is frequently used as a marker for the presence of ancient DNA from bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in human archaeological remains. The specificity of polymerase chain reactions directed at IS6110 has, however, been questioned, because identical or similar elements have been identified in ‘mycobacteria other than tuberculosis’.

These are Mycobacterium species, common in the environment, that may occasionally cause opportunistic disease, but which are not normally associated with clinical cases of tuberculosis.

In the first article published in STAR: Science and Technology of Archaeological Research, Muller et al report the presence of two sequence types similar but not identical to IS6110 in bone samples from nine skeletons dated mainly to the Roman period, one from Scotland and the others from the remainder of Britain. The source of these sequences cannot be established but they most likely derived from environmental bacteria that colonised the skeletons after death. Our data support the notion that IS6110 may not be unique to the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and is therefore not suitable as a specific marker for the identification of tuberculosis in human remains.

Read the full OA article ‘Complications in the study of ancient tuberculosis: non-specificity of IS6110 PCRs’ here.