University news

The Square at the University of Glasgow will be turned into an archaeological dig on Wednesday 20 April as part of an event celebrating 50 years of the discipline.

A mock excavation and site hut demonstrating the techniques used in uncovering ancient artefacts will be set up where people can try it for themselves. A demonstration of metal-detecting techniques will also take place.

There will also be demonstrations of geophysical surveys and remote sensing, as well as topographical survey and standing building survey techniques; flint knapping demonstrations and a hands-on area where people can get to grips with a range of materials including quern stones, spindle whorls and other tools.

The event will also feature a foam recreation of a stone circle with a central cist burial and offerings will be received and ceremonial rituals will take place throughout the day.

Other attractions include a battlefield archaeology display of weapons and armour, a display featuring the history of archaeology at Glasgow, the Hunterian Pop-up Museum, and a cake stall with proceeds going to the Red Cross’s Japan appeal.

Dr Jeremy Huggett, senior lecturer and Head of Archaeology, said: “This event is all about celebrating 50 years of archaeology at Glasgow and showcasing what we’ve achieved and what we continue to do. It’s a chance for people to discover the important work we do, how we go about it and to try it out for themselves.”

The team of 14 archaeologists in the subject area within the School of Humanities have a breadth of expertise ranging from the Palaeolithic to the present day, from Greenland to Iraq, and X-ray fluorescence to phenomenology.

With specialisms in historical, Mediterranean, and Scottish archaeology and in theory and method, Archaeology at Glasgow is ranked as one of the best in the UK for student satisfaction and 85 per cent of its research is ranked as international quality.

The event will run from 10am until 4pm in The Square, next to the main building.

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For more information contact Stuart Forsyth in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 4831 or email stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 19 April 2011