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Archaeologists are carrying out a virtual excavation of Stonehenge to discover what the area looked like when the monument was built.

The multi-million pound Euro study will map the terrain and its buried archaeological remains with pinpoint accuracy, organisers claim.

The millions of measurements will then be analysed and incorporated into gaming technology to produce 2D and 3D images.

The research will take three years.

Equipment will be spread over an area spanning 4km this year and a total of 14km over the next three years.

Project leader Professor Vince Gaffney, from the University on Birmingham, said: “We aim to unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge and show people exactly what the local area looked like during the time the monument was created.

“The results of this work will be a digital chart of the ‘invisible’ Stonehenge landscape, a seamless map linking one of the world’s most famous monuments with the buried archaeology that surrounds it.”

Dr Christopher Gaffney, from the University of Bradford, said: “Rather than looking at typically small discrete areas we intend to cover the whole of the World Heritage Site.

“We will do this using emerging technology that allows us to pull large banks of sensors behind a quad bike and using real time GPS to locate the measurements.”

The study is funded by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology, in Vienna, and the University of Birmingham, and is assisted by the National Trust and English Heritage.

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-10689609

Archaeologists have unearthed a second ancient figurine at a dig on Orkney.

The discovery was made at the same site as the Orkney Venus, the earliest representation of a human figure to be found in Scotland.

The Orkney Venus, a 5,000-year-old female carving which was found last summer, was just 4cm tall and composed of sandstone.

The new find is the same size and shape as the original Venus but is made of clay and is missing its head.

The older Venus is one of three finds which have been shortlisted for Best Discovery at the 2010 British Archaeological Awards.

Both pieces were found at a Historic Scotland dig at the Links of Noltland on the island of Westray.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “It is excellent news that a second figurine has been found at the Links of Noltland dig, giving our team of archaeologists more information in piecing together what we can know about the lives of our ancient ancestors on Westray.

“Although these figurines are tiny, their significance is huge and it’s exciting to speculate whether there may be more, waiting to be discovered.”

The Orkney Venus, known locally as the Westray Wife, is currently on display at the Westray Heritage Centre.

It has already been viewed by more than 100,000 people as part of a special Historic Scotland touring exhibition which has visited Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Kilmartin House in Argyll and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.

The carving features a human face with heavy brows, two dots for eyes and an oblong for a nose.

A pair of circles on the chest has been interpreted as representing breasts, and arms have been etched at either side. A pattern of crosses suggests some form of fabric.

Its name comes from its resemblance to similar figurines classed as Venuses from elsewhere in Europe and beyond.

The Orkney Venus is facing strong competition in Monday’s British Archaeological Awards.

The carving is up against a collection of copper and tin ingots discovered by divers off the coast of South Devon, and the Staffordshire hoard – the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10676346

A remarkable piece of Neolithic rock art, unlike anything previously found in Eastern England, has been unearthed in the Cambridgeshire village of Over.

The hand-sized artefact, which could date back to 2,500 BC, was found by a participant in a geological weekend course which was being run by the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Continuing Education.

It consists of a hand-sized slab of weathered sandstone with two pairs of concentric circles etched into the surface – a motif which, according to archaeologists, is typical of “Grooved Ware” art from the later Neolithic era.

More here:
physorg.com/news198495505.html

It’s definitely broch-like but is it a broch?

That’s the question still facing the archaeologists at the ongoing excavations at the Cairns in South Ronaldsay.

Overlooking Windwick Bay, the Cairns is a massive archaeological jigsaw puzzle, with a sequence of Iron Age buildings, representing centuries of use.

The first building on site was a massive broch-like roundhouse – with five metre thick walls forming a structure with an exterior diameter of 22 metres.

This structure, in particular its interior, has been the focus of much of this year’s excavation, with the archaeologists painstakingly removing huge quantities of rubble from the interior to reach the floor level.

During the excavations this year, a clear picture has emerged of the inside of the ‘broch’ building. A large area of the interior and its entrance has been excavated of tonnes of rubble to reveal the impressive internal fixtures and fitting across about a third of the building.

More here:
orkneyjar.com/archaeology/cairns2010.htm

(This seems a bit familiar, so apologies if I’ve posted this before!)

Another season of excavations at Cantick, South Walls, concluded last week, following the continued investigation of a prehistoric burial mound.

A team from ORCA (Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology) based at Orkney College were joined by students from Aberdeen and Durham Universities. Local volunteers also received field training in Hoy, funded by the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Full story:
orkneyjar.com/archaeology/cantick2010.htm

Archaeologists are calling for volunteers to help unearth the secrets of a historic site in Aberdeen.

Tullos Hill has long been known as an important archaeological site because four Bronze Age burial cairns are located there.

But interest was renewed several years ago when a survey revealed new historic and archaeological features.

Archaeologists now want the public to help search for artefacts which reveal more of the hill’s intriguing past.

Until recently, it was believed few archaeological remains survived on the hill because of its use as a landfill site since the 1970s.

However, a survey by CFA Archaeology in 2004 revealed further evidence of prehistoric activity and more recent structures associated with the 18th to 19th Century development of the Tullos House estate.

Interest was further boosted last year by the discovery of the remains of what is believed to be Aberdeen’s last surviving World War II prisoner of war camp.

Hill The site also features the remains of a heavy anti-aircraft battery situated some 300m south west of the summit.

The aim of this week’s dig is to examine some of the features identified during the 2004 archaeological survey more closely. It is hoped this will help determine the nature of the finds and establish their age.

The excavation is being directed by Ian Suddaby of CFA Archaeology, who undertook the 2004 survey.

Judith Stones, Aberdeen city council’s curator of local history and archaeology, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to work alongside professional archaeologists to discover more about this rich historic landscape, and for visitors to understand more about the past, present and future of Tullos Hill.”

Volunteers interested in taking part in the dig, which runs until 21 July, must contact CFA Archaeology to book a place.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east_orkney_and_shetland/10598438.stm

A mass pile up on the A303? Carnage at the summer solstice? Visitor centre gets vacuum cleaner sponsor?

Oh my God, Ziller! – Monday 12th July @ 8 p.m. sees the UK premier of the SYFY movie, Stonehenge Apocalypse (2010)

When a group of archaeologists dig up a human skeleton near the historical monument of Stonehenge, an ancient piece of machinery hidden beneath the bedrock is discovered. Not knowing what it could be the workers accidentally trigger the mechanism and start a chain of events that may very well end the world as we know it...

For spoilers and reviews see – imdb.com/title/tt1488598/

Warning: This film clashes with university challenge in which a team from Cardiff take on Brookes University, Oxford

Two ancient mounds which may contain the remains of farmers who worked the land 4,000 years ago have been saved for posterity.

The Bronze Age burial mounds just off the A166, close to the summit of Garrowby Hill, were considered at high risk but they have been protected from the plough after tenant farmer Geoff Wray applied to Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Historic environment field advisor Yvonne Luke said: “We are very grateful.

“It’s preserving the last resting places of the old farmers who cleared the forest and created the first fields.”

The mounds were excavated in the 19th century, but could still contain burials and other artefacts.

They probably mark the burial place of a chieftain and his relatives, and would once have stood several metres high. In a spectacular position on the edge of the Wolds, and made from gleaming white chalk, they would have been visible from miles around.

Three-quarters of ancient scheduled monuments in the East Riding considered at risk are slowly being damaged by ploughing. “Pasture is the best option for preserving earthworks and sub-surface archaeology,” said Ms Luke.

yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Bronze-age-burial-mounds-saved.6408330.jp

Thu 29 July 11.00-15.30
Start point TBC; directions will be sent on booking

Join a Neolithic expert and archaeologist on this walk of around 8 miles through the Stonehenge landscape. Booking essential.

National Trust – 01980 664780
[email protected]
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehengelandscape

Sat 24 – Sun 25 July 10.00 – 17.00
Old Sarum, Salisbury

This is your chance to meet a real archaeologist and to uncover artefacts from Old Sarum’s history.

English Heritage – 01722 335398
[email protected]
www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldsarum

Fri 30 – Sat 31 July 11.00-15.00
Venue – check website for full details.

Excavation open day. Come along to find out more about reality of life in Exmoor’s Iron Age some 2500 years ago.

Exmoor National Park Authority – 01398 322289
[email protected]
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Fri 23July 11.00 – 15.00

Meet at Goat Hill Bridge pull in (see website for details)
Guided walk uncovering 5000 years of history in one of Exmoor’s most evocative landscapes, the Royal Forest and the Chains.

Exmoor National Park Authority – 01398 322289

[email protected]
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Tue 20 July 11.00-15.00
Meet at Dunster Steep car park

Discover the remarkable Iron Age fortifications around Dunster with a National Park archaeologist.

also – Make a Roman Mosaic
Sat 24 July 11.00 – 15.00
Dunster Steep, Dunster, Minehead

Learn about Roman mosaics and make your own small Roman style mosaic to keep.

Exmoor National Park Authority
01398 322289
[email protected]
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Events are part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sat 17 July 10.00-16.00
The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross

A series of illustrated lectures by experts about the regional context of Exmoor at this time.

Exmoor National Park Authority – 01398 322289
[email protected]
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sat 17 July 10.00 – 16.00
Upper Row Farm, Laverton, Near Bath

Join us for a day of activities for all the family. Join the Roman children’s army have a go at excavation and see a roundhouse.

Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society (BACAS)
07977 176402
[email protected]
www.bacas.org.uk

Event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sun 18 July 11.00 – 16.00
Little Stoke Park, Stoke Gifford

A great day of archaeology including prehistoric metalworking displays, flint knapping, finds identification, historic cooking,
geophysics demonstrations and other activities for children.

South Gloucestershire Council, Southern Brooks Archaeology, Museums Group & South Gloucestershire Heritage Forum
[email protected]
www.southglos.gov.uk/historicenvironment/archaeology

Event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Mon 19, Mon 26 July & Mon 2 Aug 10.00 – 12.00
C2000, The Community Centre, Easton, Portland

A series of lectures focusing on Portland’s archaeology from the Mesolithic through to the Iron Age and Roman times.

Association for Portland Archaeology – 01305824102

Event part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sat 17 July – Sun 1 Aug 11.00-16.30
The Castle, Corfe Castle

Children’s trail everyday, with main event on 27-31 July
Living history, hands-on activities, Bronze Age pottery, finds identification and meet a real archaeologist!

National Trust – 01929 481294
[email protected]
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Event part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sun 25 July & Sun 1 Aug 14.00-16.30
Culverwell Mesolithic Site, Portland Bill Road, Portland

A guided tour of the preserved Mesolithic site, showing and explaining the visible remains and artefacts and how Mesolithic
man lived.

Association for Portland Archaeology – 01305 861576
[email protected]
www.gallica.co.uk/celts/portland.htm

Event part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Sun 1 Aug 10.30-16.00
Poldowrian Museum

A chance to see artefacts from excavations of the site during the late 1970s. Visit remains of the Bronze Age roundhouse.
Guided round walk to Kennack Sands at 13.30.

Meneage Archaeological Group – 01326231553
[email protected]
www.stkevernehistory.org.uk

Event part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Walk: Castle-an-Dinas
Sun 25 July 13.30 & 16.00
Meet at car park on the hill, Castle-an-Dinas, near St. Columb Major

Gentle walk around this magnificent hill with its Iron Age fort revealing its history through time.

Cornwall Heritage Trust – 01872 572725
[email protected]
www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/

Event part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Several events on and in the Dartmoor area as part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Going for Bronze – Dartmoor’s Bronze Age
Sat 17 July-Sun 1 Aug
High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown,
Yelverton, Plymouth

Visit this exhibition which defines the many changes which happened during Dartmoor’s Bronze Age.

Dartmoor National Park Authority & Royal Albert Memorial Museum – 01822890414
[email protected]

Brimpts Tin Mines, Dartmeet – a Short Guided Walk
Thu 29 July 14.00 – 16.00
Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, Dartmoor

Guided walk around part of Brimpts Tin Mines Trail, led by volunteers who have worked on conserving this fascinating site.
All welcome, stout footwear needed.

Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group – 01752 696257
[email protected]
www.dtrg.org.uk

Bronze Age on Dartmoor
Wed 11 Aug 10.30-12.30 & afternoon guided walk
Jubilee Hall, Cross Tree, Chagford, Newton Abbot

Activities to bring alive the life and culture of Bronze Age people on Dartmoor and an exploration of a local Bronze Age settlement and ritual site with an experienced guide.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum – 01392 665780
[email protected]
www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM

Bronze Age Life and Landscapes
Wed 28 July 10.30-12.30 & 13.30-15.30
Exeter Cathedral Chapter House

Explore Bronze Age culture with special reference to sites on Dartmoor.
A partnership between RAMM and Dartmoor National Park.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum – 01392 665780
[email protected]
www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM

Wayside Marker Stones on Dartmoor
Tue 27 July 10.00 – 14.00
Meet at car park on Whitchurch Down

A guided walk along old tracks and highways on the western flank of Dartmoor, passing ancient stone crosses and turnpike
milestones that informed earlier travellers.

Dartmoor National Park & Milestone Society – 013922 77271
[email protected]

Archaeological Guided Walk around Cox Tor, near Princetown
Sat 17 July 14.00 – 16.00
Meet at Pork Hill car park

Guided walk of Cox Tor, looking at archaeology, and visiting the DPA cairn survey and repair team at work. All welcome, stout
footwear needed.

Dartmoor Preservation Association – 01752 696257
[email protected]
www.dartmoorpreservation.com

Sat 17 July – Sun 1 Aug
La Hougue Bie, Grouville

Each weekend join us for Neolithic demonstrations and handling sessions.
During the week become an apprentice archaeologist with trails and quizzes.

Jersey Heritage – 01534633373
www.jerseyheritage.org/places-to-visit/la-hougue-bie-museum

This event is part of the Festival of British Archaeology – 17th July to 1st August 2010

Face painting, period clothes and ancient language make fighters of young blades at Picts event.

More info:

pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1811872

Archaeologists are to start excavations on a suspected ancient burial site to try to understand the significance of a Llangollen landmark.

But the team will have to work carefully because the 9th Century Pillar of Eliseg, a CADW-protected ancient monument, stands directly on top of the barrow – burial mound – and the archaeologists can’t disturb it.

Medieval archaeology Professor, Nancy Edwards, from Bangor University says it is the first time the site has been dug since 1773 when, it is believed, a skeleton was unearthed.

“We are trying to date the barrow in its broader archaeological context,” she said, as the site could date back to the Bronze Age.

The history behind the monument and why it was erected on the mound in the late 1700s by Trevor Lloyd of Trevor Hall, who then owned the land, is not yet understood.

The earliest known picture of the pillar, dated 1797, courtesy Llangollen Museum

However, separate work has been carried out to try to decipher original and additional faded inscriptions by experts from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW).
Originally a cross, it was first erected at nearby Valle Crucis Abbey to commemorate an early medieval leader, Eliseg (or Elisedd).
Today, only the shaft of the cross remains and its inscription, which was already almost illegible when the antiquary Edward Lhuyd tried to transcribe it in 1696, has disappeared.

Some of the 18th Century inscription describing the re-erection of the cross on the barrow has since been discerned by the experts, but nothing that reveals why it was relocated.

Joining Prof Edwards on-site for the dig will be colleagues from the University of Chester and with help from Llangollen Museum.
The plan is to open one small trench within the barrow and three others in close proximity within the field which is owned by a private landowner.

Dai Morgan Evans, visiting professor in archaeology at Chester University, has his own ideas as to why the monument was relocated to the mound.

Abbey and the Holy Grail legends
He told the Leader newspaper that Trevor Lloyd could have been implying he was related to the Welsh king named on the inscription and those in the burial below.

During the dig, David Crane from Llangollen Museum plans to blog regularly via the museum website to give people updates.

And the public will be allowed on-site during an open day (31 July), between 11am-3pm.
news.bbc.co.uk/local/northeastwales/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8783000/8783331.stm