‘Archaeology at Sheffield – celebrating the first 50 years’!

The Department of Archaeology is celebrating 50 Years of Archaeology at Sheffield. Since the appointment of Warwick Bray as Lecturer in European Prehistory in 1963, the department has led the way in making new discoveries about the past, and in championing new approaches to its study. We have carried out major research projects locating early humans in South Africa and in Pakistan; we have explored the origins of human art in the caves of southern Spain and north Nottinghamshire; we have traced the origins and impact of agriculture by examining the bodies of Neolithic Czechs and seeds accidentally burned by Bronze Age Greeks; we have done more than anyone to enhance our understanding of some of the great European monuments (including Stonehenge and San Vincenzo al Volturno in Italy); and we have worked continuously with the people of Sheffield to highlight the history of this great city. We have led the way in the creation of modern Theoretical Archaeology, Osteoarchaeology, Environmental Archaeology, etc. The modern discipline of Archaeology was Made in Sheffield.

To celebrate our first 50 years, we have organized an exciting programme of events throughout 2013-14, including a series of lunch-time seminars and public lectures inviting back to the Department some of its more famous graduates and teachers (including Professors Colin Renfrew and Graeme Barker), open-days with hands-on activities designed to allow everyone to experience the thrill of archaeology at first-hand; and, of course, a party! Please visit our website (https://www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology/index) or follow us on Facebook for more information about our first 50 years and updates on the ways in which you can join our celebrations.