The School of History, Classics and Archaeology is home to several archaeologists conducting experimental archaeology.
Dr Chloe Duckworth has experience with among others Roman and medieval glass. She teaches for example the module “you are what you make”. This module explores - and helps you to learn - the skills and techniques humans have used for millennia to control, manipulate, and construct the world around us.
In practical classes, you will knap flint, make your own glass beads, and learn to smelt metal from its ores. In lectures, we will explore the methods used to reconstruct ancient technologies, and look at the 'how' and the 'why' of human invention. You'll never look at the world in the same way again.
Prof Andrea Dolfini (he/him) is based at Newcastle University. He is interested in early metal technology; metalwork wear analysis; experimental archaeology; and prehistoric weaponry and warfare. His experimental and analytical research focuses on the uses of Chalcolithic and Bronze Age tools and weapons. He has carried out several collaborative projects investigating bronze axes, daggers, and awls, among other objects. He has also coordinated the Bronze Age Combat Project, a large international project exploring prehistoric fighting with swords, spears, and shields through field experiments, combat tests, and usewear analysis. He welcomes queries from prospective Masters students, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers interested in working with him. For further information, please see: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/hca/people/profile/andreadolfini.html
Newcastle University is home to EXARN (Experimental Archaeology at Newcastle), a postgraduate student-led Experimental Archaeology research group. EXARN promotes the study of material culture, archaeo-materials and ancient technologies through experimental archaeology. Its aim is to bring together researchers employing experimental archaeology and to encourage, aid and inform those interested in this research method, students and academics alike. EXARN's experimental projects are mainly related to the members' own postgraduate research.
Photo: Colin Rennie, National Glass Centre, blowing experimentally recycled Anglo-Saxon glass at Jarrow Hall. This project was designed by Newcastle PhD student and former EXARN president, Victoria Lucas (in the background). Photo by Dr Chloe Duckworth.
