Current Archaeology 358

Our cover feature explores a significant change of heart: why were Silchester’s Roman baths demolished in the 1st century, just as the lavish complex was nearing completion, only to be rebuilt on an even grander scale? We visit the latest excavations at the Roman town to find out more.
/nContinuing our watery theme, Wales’ more than 2,000km of coastline has been a busy highway carrying people, goods, and ideas since prehistory. This month we explore the country’s rich maritime history.
/nSpeaking of things on an impressive scale, Knole’s country house is one of England’s greatest historic mansions. There, years of conservation and restoration work have revealed a wealth of insights into its 600-year history – including tangible traces of a loyal servant (and very prolific creator of graffiti).
/nThe mighty earthworks known as Offa’s Dyke and Wat’s Dyke are the most literally monumental of the sites featured this month. Associated with the kingdom of Mercia, their function on the Anglo-Welsh borderland has been hotly debated for centuries. What have recent investigations revealed about their construction and date?
/nOur features end on a more personal note, examining characterful and idiosyncratic examples of later medieval ‘face pots’. What inspired these cartoonish creations?
/nDecember’s drift towards the end of the year is always a period of reflection – for me, it marks my 100th issue since I joined CA as editorial assistant eight years ago. It is a time for new ideas too: this issue, we launch a page covering the latest news from the museum sector.
/nFinally, voting is open for the CA Awards! See p.60 to have your say, and for the first details of our annual conference.