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Declassified spy images help locate ancient battle site

Archaeologists from Durham University and University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq have pinpointed the location of a famous early Islamic battle using declassified spy satellite images.
Black and white close-up spy satellite imagery of al-Qadisiyyah taken in 1974 and used in this research study. Credit US Geological Survey

Oldest engravings of fishing discovered in Ice Age art

New research has revealed 15,800-year-old engravings of catching fish in traps.
The engraving shows a fish is fusiform in shape, showing the head, dorsal, and ventral sections, with a partially visible forked tail.

Strengthening our partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing

We have strengthened our relationship with the Palace Museum, Beijing, through a delegation to China led by our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, which included the Museum and ourselves co-hosting the latest in our series of Global Lectures.
a group of people standing for a photograph with the Palace Museum in the background

Workshop Recap: Darb Zubaydah – Recent Research and Future Directions

In late September, the Department of Archaeology at Durham University hosted an international workshop, bringing together leading experts from Durham University (EAMENA Project), Al-Qadisiyah University and the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) in Iraq, as well as the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia. The workshop focused on the Darb Zubaydah, a vital cultural heritage route that has connected Iraq and Saudi Arabia for centuries as part of the historic Hajj pilgrimage road.
Group photo of 15 workshop attendees in the Department of Archaeology's Birley Room. On the back wall is the Durham University logo.

Blue plaque honour for pioneering first female professor

Renowned archaeologist Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former Durham City home.
Professors Karen O'Brien and Sarah Semple look at a round blue plaque, set against a red brick wall, in honour of Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp.

Durham archaeologist wins Wellcome Early Career Award to research the evolution of tuberculosis

Congratulations to Dr Kelly Blevins on winning a prestigious Wellcome Early Career Award!
Dr Kelly Blevins is sitting and smiling in a flowery garden. In the blurry distance are some buildings.

Durham archaeologist wins prestigious British Academy medal

Professor Sarah Semple has been awarded the British Academy’s 2024 Landscape Archaeology Medal for her pioneering research in the field.
Sarah Semple out in the field in Sweden

Archaeologists unearth ‘lost house’ and unusual items at County Durham castle

Our archaeologists have helped uncover a ‘lost’ house at Auckland Castle in County Durham built by the infamous Parliamentarian and Puritan Sir Arthur Haselrig.
Trenches dug in the grounds of Auckland Castle

Alumni Spotlight: Max Storey

Max Storey studied for a BA in Archaeology and an MA in Archaeology between 2018 and 2022. Now he works as the Public Engagement and Press Coordinator for the journal 'Antiquity', based in the Department of Archaeology at Durham University.
Head and upper torso photo of staff member Max Storey. Max stands facing the camera, in front of a grassy field with building ruins in the far background. Max wears a bluish-grey sweater and a backpack..

Northumbria Region U3A visit the Department of Archaeology

In July 2024, the Department of Archaeology welcomed members of Northumbria region’s U3A (University of the Third Age) for a fun filled day of archaeology workshops.
Group photo of smiling members of Northumbria Region U3A, standing near campus buildings and trees under a cloudy sky.

Archaeology and Community: Archaeological Investigations of Flass Well

In 2023, to mark the 50th anniversary of the preservation of Flass Vale, Redhills CIO and the City of Durham Parish Council commissioned Archaeological Services Durham University to undertake excavations at the site of Flass Well, Durham. In celebration of Archaeology & Community, the 2024 CBA Festival of Archaeology theme, find out more about this well and its place in local history!
Two archaeologists in high-vis jackets and waterproof attire standing in a wet and muddy trench next to some steps and a fence.

Digging at Auckland Castle: Archaeology students meet Durham University Vice Chancellor and Warden and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global)

Durham University's Department of Archaeology's annual excavation at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, took place over the course of three weeks in June, serving as the field training for our first-year students.
Two people are talking inside an archaeological trench, where remains of stone floors are gradually being uncovered. In the background are some Archaeology students with mattocks, buckets and shovels. In the far distance are arched medieval stone walls under a bluish grey cloudy sky.