Our features this month range from new osteological research on some of Britain’s most famous skeletons, to an in-depth look at the mysterious network of small Roman fortifications stretching across southwest Scotland, an examination of mosaics at the end of Roman Britain, and, finally, the Hackney Double Eagles. This hoard of gold coins may turn out to be one of the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s most interesting cases; all will be revealed at the Current Archaeology Live! conference at the British Museum in February.
The conference is looking great this year, and voting for the Current Archaeology awards is fast and furious. Be sure to cast your votes for your favourite projects, books, and people at www.archaeologyawards.org.
FEATURES/n
BARE BONES/n
The Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen
New osteological research on the mysterious people buried in the shadow of Stonehenge.
FIGHT THEM IN THE VALLEYS/n
Roman fortlets in south-west Scotland
Why was this puzzling network of small fortifications set up, and who were they guarding?
MOSAICS AND THE END OF ROMAN BRITAIN/n
Spotlight on Britannia Prima
An in-depth review of the fourth and final volume in Cosh’s and Neal’s monumental survey.
THE HACKNEY DOUBLE EAGLES/n
Rare American coins unearthed in London
A pair of lucky landscapers made the unusual discovery of 80 gold coins in their garden.
NEWS/n
Roman village found at Syon Park; FAME proposes storage centres; Right whale found on Thames foreshore; new find from London’s Delftware industry; Tale of two snails; Building a villa; New views of Sutton Hoo; Rare mask; Oxford angels.
REGULARS/n
Context/n
A new regular section highlighting archaeological photography.
Reviews/n
Celtic from the West; Fear of farming; To the Islands: An archaeologist’s relentless quest to find the prehistoric huntergatherers of the Hebrides; The Prehistoric Peak.
Sherds/n
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues.
Last Word/n
Editor in Chief Andrew’s Selkirk’s response to UnRoman Britain.
Odd Socs/n
The King James Bible Trust.