Cambridge Archaeology Field Group - Monthly Talk
'Vela Spila (Croatia) – a brief introduction to recent fieldwork' by Preston Miracle (McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research)
Wednesday 4th October at 7:30pm
McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Downing site, Cambridge
All welcome (CAFG invite contributions of £1 from non-members)
Vela spila Cave (Korcula, Croatia), preserves a long, rich, high-resolution record of palaeoenvironmental and archaeological remains in the Adriatic region. Its deposits span from the Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 20 kyr) to the Bronze Age (ca. 3 kyr). In this talk we focus on Late Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic assemblages. During the late glacial period Late Upper Palaeolithic people seasonally visited Vela spila to process and consume large game animals (e.g. red deer, European ass, wild cattle) that they hunted on the exposed Great Adriatic Plain. Raw materials for the production of stone tools and shell beads were also procured some distance from the cave; groups had large annual ranges. Starting around 17.5 kyr people developed the technology of firing clay into ceramic, zoomorphic 'figurines'; this technology was used until about 15 kyr. Human activities at Vela Spila changed significantly after the deposition of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT, c. 14.3-13.9 kyr) shortly after the onset of rapid, late-glacial warming (GI-1d, starting c. 14.7 kyr). Immediately after the deposition of the NYT the Pleistocene ceramics disappear, the intensity of site visits drops significantly, and the cave was abandoned. After a break in occupation for about 5 kyr, Mesolithic people revisited the cave during the Holocene starting about 9.5 kyr. Rising sea levels had a dramatic impact on Vela Spila’s Mesolithic inhabitants; roe deer, fox, fish, and shellfish dominate the food waste and only locally-available raw materials were used to make stone tools and shell beads. Over the course of the Mesolithic occupation, the human use of subsistence resources intensified. The 8.2 kyr event is roughly correlated with the first appearance of Neolithic technologies (domestic animals followed by pottery) at the site. The archaeological assemblages display aspects of both continuity and change across the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. With the adoption of food production in the Neolithic, Vela spila was used primarily as a pen for keeping domestic sheep and goat.
'Vela Spila (Croatia) – a brief introduction to recent fieldwork' by Preston Miracle (McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research)
Wednesday 4th October at 7:30pm
McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Downing site, Cambridge
All welcome (CAFG invite contributions of £1 from non-members)
Vela spila Cave (Korcula, Croatia), preserves a long, rich, high-resolution record of palaeoenvironmental and archaeological remains in the Adriatic region. Its deposits span from the Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 20 kyr) to the Bronze Age (ca. 3 kyr). In this talk we focus on Late Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic assemblages. During the late glacial period Late Upper Palaeolithic people seasonally visited Vela spila to process and consume large game animals (e.g. red deer, European ass, wild cattle) that they hunted on the exposed Great Adriatic Plain. Raw materials for the production of stone tools and shell beads were also procured some distance from the cave; groups had large annual ranges. Starting around 17.5 kyr people developed the technology of firing clay into ceramic, zoomorphic 'figurines'; this technology was used until about 15 kyr. Human activities at Vela Spila changed significantly after the deposition of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT, c. 14.3-13.9 kyr) shortly after the onset of rapid, late-glacial warming (GI-1d, starting c. 14.7 kyr). Immediately after the deposition of the NYT the Pleistocene ceramics disappear, the intensity of site visits drops significantly, and the cave was abandoned. After a break in occupation for about 5 kyr, Mesolithic people revisited the cave during the Holocene starting about 9.5 kyr. Rising sea levels had a dramatic impact on Vela Spila’s Mesolithic inhabitants; roe deer, fox, fish, and shellfish dominate the food waste and only locally-available raw materials were used to make stone tools and shell beads. Over the course of the Mesolithic occupation, the human use of subsistence resources intensified. The 8.2 kyr event is roughly correlated with the first appearance of Neolithic technologies (domestic animals followed by pottery) at the site. The archaeological assemblages display aspects of both continuity and change across the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. With the adoption of food production in the Neolithic, Vela spila was used primarily as a pen for keeping domestic sheep and goat.
Fen Edge Archaeology Group - Monthly Talk
'The Archaeology of the Fenland River Ouse' by Chris Evans (Cambridge Archaeological Unit)
Wednesday 4th October 2017 at 7:30pm (doors open 7:15pm)
Willingham Baptist Church Hall, George Street, Willingham, CB24 5LJ
Speaker meeting open to everyone. Admission: Members £2; Non-members pay £3.
Christopher Evans is joint founder and Director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit. He has worked in British archaeology at a senior level for more than 25 years. He has published widely, including many reports of excavations in Cambridgeshire. He has, in addition, directed a number of overseas fieldwork projects (Nepal, China & Cape Verde), and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
'The Archaeology of the Fenland River Ouse' by Chris Evans (Cambridge Archaeological Unit)
Wednesday 4th October 2017 at 7:30pm (doors open 7:15pm)
Willingham Baptist Church Hall, George Street, Willingham, CB24 5LJ
Speaker meeting open to everyone. Admission: Members £2; Non-members pay £3.
Christopher Evans is joint founder and Director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit. He has worked in British archaeology at a senior level for more than 25 years. He has published widely, including many reports of excavations in Cambridgeshire. He has, in addition, directed a number of overseas fieldwork projects (Nepal, China & Cape Verde), and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
CBA and Living Legacies First World War Workshop
The Council for British Archaeology’s Home Front Legacy team in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council Living Legacies First World War Engagement Centre are hosting two free community workshops to explore how to research, record and fund your own First World War project.
This is aimed at county and local history and archaeology societies, YAC branch leaders and HER Officers interested in learning how to research, record and get funding for their own First World War projects.
For more information and to book a free place on the workshop, visit the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cba-and-living-legacies-first-world-war-workshop-iwm-duxford-tickets-36606317481?dm_i=10MV%2C52MT2%2CK5B9UG%2CJH97T%2C1
The Council for British Archaeology’s Home Front Legacy team in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council Living Legacies First World War Engagement Centre are hosting two free community workshops to explore how to research, record and fund your own First World War project.
This is aimed at county and local history and archaeology societies, YAC branch leaders and HER Officers interested in learning how to research, record and get funding for their own First World War projects.
For more information and to book a free place on the workshop, visit the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cba-and-living-legacies-first-world-war-workshop-iwm-duxford-tickets-36606317481?dm_i=10MV%2C52MT2%2CK5B9UG%2CJH97T%2C1
Cambridge Past Present and Future - Event
Wonderful Wandlebury - History and Archaeology Fun Day
Wandlebury's popular, fun filled family history and archaeology day. Iron Age activities for children – including making rope and using natural stains with the Cambridge Young Archaeologists, simple weaving or basic basket making techniques, cooking over an open fire or making chainmail. There will also be chances to try your hand at archery, use a slingshot and make your own stick bow and arrow to take home.
Perhaps you’ll prefer to meet some of our local archaeologists and find out about their areas of expertise, go on a guided tour of our Iron Age hillfort, follow self-guided historic trails, listen to stories told by the Cambridge Storytellers or even check out beekeeping with the Cambridge Beekeepers.
Events and activities will be held across the Paddock, Ring, Orchard and Stable Rooms.
Entry is free to this popular event but there will be a small charge for selected activities. There will also be opportunities to buy some items.
For more information, visit the Cambridge Past Present Future website: www.cambridgeppf.org/events/wonderful-wandlebury/
Wonderful Wandlebury - History and Archaeology Fun Day
Wandlebury's popular, fun filled family history and archaeology day. Iron Age activities for children – including making rope and using natural stains with the Cambridge Young Archaeologists, simple weaving or basic basket making techniques, cooking over an open fire or making chainmail. There will also be chances to try your hand at archery, use a slingshot and make your own stick bow and arrow to take home.
Perhaps you’ll prefer to meet some of our local archaeologists and find out about their areas of expertise, go on a guided tour of our Iron Age hillfort, follow self-guided historic trails, listen to stories told by the Cambridge Storytellers or even check out beekeeping with the Cambridge Beekeepers.
Events and activities will be held across the Paddock, Ring, Orchard and Stable Rooms.
Entry is free to this popular event but there will be a small charge for selected activities. There will also be opportunities to buy some items.
For more information, visit the Cambridge Past Present Future website: www.cambridgeppf.org/events/wonderful-wandlebury/
Histon and Impington Archaeology Group - Monthly Talk
'The origins and development of medieval Cambridge and the nearby villages' by Craig Cessford (Cambridge Archaeological Unit)
Monday 9th October at 7:30pm
Histon Baptist Church, 2 Poplar Rd, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LN
Open to all. Members £2 and visitors £3, accompanied children free. Open evenings: free to all. Refreshments available.
'The origins and development of medieval Cambridge and the nearby villages' by Craig Cessford (Cambridge Archaeological Unit)
Monday 9th October at 7:30pm
Histon Baptist Church, 2 Poplar Rd, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LN
Open to all. Members £2 and visitors £3, accompanied children free. Open evenings: free to all. Refreshments available.
FenArch - Monthly Talk
'The Role of Causewayed Enclosures in late Neolithic' by Phil Hill
Wednesday 25th October 2017 at 7:30pm
Mendi's Restaurant, 21 Old Market Place, Wisbech, PE13 1NB
These causewayed enclosures are among the most enigmatic of all archaeological features. Despite the fact that they are found all over continental Europe we know very little about their actual purpose. Phil will explore the theory that perhaps 'ritual' is the only word that can describe the deposits found within them!
Members of the public are welcome to attend. Entry is £2 for non-members.
'The Role of Causewayed Enclosures in late Neolithic' by Phil Hill
Wednesday 25th October 2017 at 7:30pm
Mendi's Restaurant, 21 Old Market Place, Wisbech, PE13 1NB
These causewayed enclosures are among the most enigmatic of all archaeological features. Despite the fact that they are found all over continental Europe we know very little about their actual purpose. Phil will explore the theory that perhaps 'ritual' is the only word that can describe the deposits found within them!
Members of the public are welcome to attend. Entry is £2 for non-members.
University of Cambridge - Festival
16th - 29th October 2017
2017 marks the tenth year of the Festival of Ideas. With hundreds of free events over two weeks, the Cambridge Festival of Ideas is one of the most exciting and dynamic occasions in the Cambridge cultural calendar. The Festival includes debates, workshops, talks, exhibitions and performances, celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences. Featuring researchers from the University of Cambridge, local public figures and renowned guests, the Festival has something for everyone.
http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/
16th - 29th October 2017
2017 marks the tenth year of the Festival of Ideas. With hundreds of free events over two weeks, the Cambridge Festival of Ideas is one of the most exciting and dynamic occasions in the Cambridge cultural calendar. The Festival includes debates, workshops, talks, exhibitions and performances, celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences. Featuring researchers from the University of Cambridge, local public figures and renowned guests, the Festival has something for everyone.
http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/
We have a new Jigsaw Cambridgeshire group to facilitate discussion and contact between members of Jigsaw affiliated groups and other interested in the archaeology of Cambridgeshire and neighbouring counties. Please request to join the group and an administrator will approve your request as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing more about community archaeology activities, events and discussions from you in the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1947436335533549/