Current Archaeology 231

In Current Archaeology 231, we open with a fascinating account of excavations in Forteviot, where archaeologists have deiscovered a Neolithic circular enclosure that rivals both Stonehenge and the Ring of Brodgar in scale. We conclude our in-depth series on Barry Cunliffe’s new book, with the final instalment taking us through to 1000 AD. Next, we have an investigation into prone burials; why are they so disturbing? What possible meanings are behind a face down burial? The issue concludes with an examination of the town of Burford through the lens of a new project that aims to unite archaeology and local history. /n /nInside CA 231:/n /nForteviotA University of Aberdeen team has uncovered startling evidence at Forteviot: a massive Neolithic ritual complex, as well as evidence for the origins of Scottish kingship. Did early Scottish kings use a prehistoric ceremonial centre to build their power?The Land Between the Oceans: Part 3The final instalment of our mini-series examining Barry Cunliffe’s new book charts the changes from Caesar to Charlemagne, concluding in AD 1000. We see Europe emerge after the imperial interlude, the decline of Scandinavia, and the dissipation of the Mediterranean civilisations.Buried face downFace down burials are rare and, to the modern mind, quite shocking. Were the dead being punished? Was it ritual or carelessness? Of the 600 excavated prone burials known in the world, Britain is the biggest hotspot. Using both anthropological and archaeological evidence, we explore the mystery of this obscure practice.The Story of BurfordThe Victoria County History’s new project, ‘England’s Past for Everyone’, aims to put history in motion. This feature, focusing on the picturesque town of Burford, shows how archaeology and local history can combine to reveal the truth of a town’s history.RegularsNewsBowled over by Roman find; Walkers put heritage at risk; Uncovering Saxon Faversham; Ancient fish trap; Early Christian Crarae; Prehistoric Iona; Mary Queen of Scots’ residence; Battlefield custodians.DiaryChristopher Catling observes: Jargon; The beauty debate; The South Downs, a national park at last; Kate Ashbrook, heritage hero; Robin Hood; Dragons’ Den.OpinionRumsfeldian Archaeology.Last WordAndrew Selkirk offers his views on Communitarianism.ReviewsEngland’s First Castle; Vindolanda; Crossing Paths or Sharing Tracks; Europe’s Lost World.FeedbackChilham Mirror; Without a paddle; Pipe dream; Which Ebbsfleet?Odd SocsThe British Sundial Society./n /nSmalltalk/n1-4 May 2009Show Scotland Weekendwww.showscotland.com13 May 2009Art of the Celtic Iron Age: Recent DiscoveriesLunchtime lectureNational Museum Cardiffwww.museumwales.ac.uk17 May 2009Waymarkers & Milestones of Cheshire and ShropshireThe Milestone SocietyAltrincham Town Hall, Market Street, Altrincham www.milestone-society.co.uk28 May‚23 August 2009Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of JodhpurThe British Museum, London www.britishmuseum.org30 May 2009Preserving Scotland’s Rich Heritage of Roadside MilestonesDavid Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle 18 July‚2 August 2009Festival of British Archaeology 2009 http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/27 June 2009Conference on the Hallaton TreasureUniversity of Leicester www.leics.gov.uk/harboroughmuseum