It is not often that we at CA get to write about far-flung finds from such countries as Korea, Sweden, and Syria (though we love reading about them in the pages of our sister-magazine Current World Archaeology). However, in this month’s cover feature, which draws on the British Museum’s new Silk Roads exhibition, we explore how people, goods, and ideas travelled vast distances between AD 500 and 1000 to influence and inspire the inhabitants of early medieval Britain and Ireland.
We then turn to the Moors at Arne in Dorset. Rising sea levels are threatening important wildlife habitats around Poole Harbour, and so the Environment Agency, RSPB, and Natural England are working to adapt c.150ha into a new wetland environment. Archaeological work associated with this undertaking has revealed a wealth of illuminating finds, including one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools ever discovered in Britain.
Environmental matters feature in our third feature, too, which highlights a joint Welsh and Irish venture that is working to assess the impact of climate change on diverse archaeological sites – from promontory forts and castles to shipwrecks and drowned forests – along the Irish Sea coast.
Finally, we return to a subject discussed just two months ago: the origins of Stonehenge’s enigmatic Altar Stone. In CA 415, we reported on research suggesting that the slab’s source lay hundreds of miles from Salisbury Plain, in the Orcadian Basin of north-east Scotland – but geological understanding has already moved on. Our final feature reveals why thinking has changed, how scientists have further narrowed their search, and what recent fieldwork in Orkney has added to our understanding.
In This Issue:
FEATURES
FROM SAMARKAND TO SUTTON HOO
Exploring the impact of the Silk Roads on early medieval Britain and Ireland
A new exhibition at the British Museum reveals the diverse objects, materials, ideas, and people that travelled thousands of miles along vast networks of connections between AD 500 and 1000.
SECRETS OF THE DORSET MARSH
Excavating Bronze Age remains and one of Britain’s oldest wooden tools
Over the last two years, archaeological investigations on wetlands near Poole Harbour have revealed traces of unusual Bronze Age activity – including one of the oldest and most complete wooden tools ever found in Britain.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Cherishing heritage sites in the face of environmental challenges
We explore the methods and findings of an innovative project investigating the impact of climate change on archaeological sites on both sides of – and under – the Irish Sea.
SEEKING A SCOTTISH SOURCE
Updating the story of Stonehenge’s Altar Stone
Two months ago, we described research linking the Altar Stone at Stonehenge to the Orcadian Basin, far to the north. What has recent fieldwork in Orkney itself added to this picture?
NEWS
Previously unrecorded medieval buildings found at Huttons Ambo; Early medieval metalworking on Islay; Rare early medieval longhouse and Roman remains found at Wrexham; Dorset’s mystery ‘Pin Wreck’ identified; Continued exploration of Govan Old Church reveals early medieval building; Science Notes; Lindisfarne bones connected with monastery chapel; Finds tray
NEWS FOCUS
The CARD Fund, a community radiocarbon-dating grant, is celebrating its 100th funded date after nine years in operation
SPECIAL REPORT
The Peebles Hoard: investigating one of Scotland’s ‘most significant’ hoards
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
CONTEXT
Beached: the Sanday Shipwreck, Orkney
REVIEWS
Stonehenge: sighting the sun; Exploring the Antonine Wall with Terrestrial Remote Sensing; The Gravity of Feathers: fame, fortune, and the story of St Kilda; Churches of Gloucestershire; Finis Britanniae; 50 Early Medieval Finds
MUSEUM
A unique coin hoard from the aftermath of the Norman Conquest has been acquired for the nation
EXHIBITION
Worthing Museum & Art Gallery: A New Roman Landscape in Sussex
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 from around the world that are available online
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
ODD SOCS
The Edward Thomas Fellowship
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