Archaeology


Feature Writer: Natasha Sheldon
Natasha Sheldon, Neil Bate

Join us on a journey through time from prehistory to the present day. Discover Neolithic stone tools and the origins of agriculture in ancient Mesopotamia. Explore the civilisations of Rome, Greece, the Inca’s and the Mayans. Learn about our industrial past.

By following the current research and excavations of historical organisations worldwide, we’ll be up to the minute with the latest archaeological discoveries and issues. Not only that, we’ll learn about archaeology itself. How do archaeologists do their job? Who’s who in the archaeological world? How can you get involved?

You'll find articles that complement archaeology in art history , anthropology and ancient history. So for explorations of the past this is a great place to start!

Full Archaeology blog

Forum of Septimus Severus at Leptis Magna, N Sheldon
feature articles
Natasha Sheldon

Lindow Man

In: Archaeological Burial Practices

Archaeologists have established the health, social status, even the last meal and cause of death of this Cheshire bog body. However, why he died is a matter of debate. more...

Bog Bodies

In: Archaeological Burial Practices

Preserved by the acid, oxygen free conditions in peat bogs, bog bodies reveal a great deal about life in the Iron Age. But were they ritual sacrifices or murder victims? more...

The Qilakitsoq Mummies

In: Archaeological Burial Practices

Desiccated by freezing temperatures, the Qilakitsoq mummies provide fascinating information about their lives amongst the Inuit but little about their deaths more...

The Takla Makan Mummies

In: Archaeological Burial Practices

Hundreds of desiccated bodies have been discovered in the Takla Makan desert of China. However, it's Tarim Basin area has yielded the most controversial finds. more...

The Antonine Baths at Carthage.

In: Archaeological Buildings

The Baths of Antoninus Pius were a combination of style and Roman ingenuity. more...

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Natasha Sheldon

Jul 5, 2008

The Cosmati Pavement

Hidden under rolls of carpet by the High Altar is one of medieval north Europe's finest paved floors.


The Cosmati Pavement is one of Westminster Abbey's hidden treasures. Completed in the 13th century, it takes its name from geometric design known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who created it in medieval Rome.

The design has been described as 'carpet like', incorporating fragments of semi precious stone, marble and metal into a design that that would have made the floor before the High Altar quite literally shine.

After being hidden for years under carpet, the pavement is about to shine again. Conservators are cleaning and stabilizing it with the ultimate aim of putting it on public display once more.

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