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The Prehistoric Society

@prehistoricsociety.bsky.social
5.1K followers 206 following 194 posts

Worldwide society for prehistoric archaeology, established 1935. www.prehistoricsociety.org Posts by Tess Machling (membership secretary)

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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
25th Sara Champion memorial lecture will be held in London on Mon 12th October. Lecture will be given by Dr Matt Hitchcock, Univ. of Leicester, on 'Miniature Histories: Using wear and compositional analysis to tell new stories about Bronze & Iron Age copper alloy objects' #Archaeology 🏺 1/3
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
REMINDER 👇
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stephen cogbill @coggers.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
@prehistoricsociety.bsky.social @joanavaldez.bsky.social Some of the brilliant World Heritage Site prehistoric rock-art in Alta from last month's Arctic Norway trip. Images of reindeer, hunting, boats, bears, bear-dens, fish, all in great profusion. The earliest panels are from around 5000 BCE.
wide shot showing a rock panel with inscribed prehistoric images painted red, overlooking Alta Fjord Hunting scene with reindeer, armed stick-like people, and bears mixed in towards the middle.Hunting scene with people on boats using bow and arrow, plus someone holding up what look a bit like snow-shoes, but may be large skin or cloth shapes to distract the animals.
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Leicestershire Fieldworkers @lfieldworkers.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The annual joint lecture with @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social by Dr Sophie Adams (British Museum) on 'The Massive Melsonby Iron Age Hoard' was well attended. We got to know all the aspects of this hoard and there was a lively discussion afterwards. #Archaeology
Sophie lecturing
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
25th Sara Champion memorial lecture will be held in London on Mon 12th October. Lecture will be given by Dr Matt Hitchcock, Univ. of Leicester, on 'Miniature Histories: Using wear and compositional analysis to tell new stories about Bronze & Iron Age copper alloy objects' #Archaeology 🏺 1/3
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Leicestershire Fieldworkers @lfieldworkers.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
THIS THURSDAY September 17 at 7.30pm the annual joint lecture with @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social: 'The Massive Melsonby Iron Age Hoard' by Dr Sophie Adams (British Museum) in the Rattray Lecture Theatre at the University of Leicester. FREE, all welcome! #Archaeology
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University College Dublin @ucddublin.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
🐻🦴 Bear, boar or cattle? New research led by UCD School of Archaeology has revealed that "cattle bones" long thought to mark the beginning of farming in Ireland actually belong to bear and wild boar, rewriting a key chapter in Irish prehistory. 🧵 @ucdarchaeology.bsky.social @graemewarren.bsky.social
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Brónagh 🇮🇪🇵🇸🚴‍♀️ @beebsymca.eurosky.social · 18/08/2026
Those Kerry ones are going to be unbearable now (no pun etc...). "Cattle?! Ha! We raised and milked BEARS".
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Tim Daw @timdaw.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The paper behind the Bulford Solstice Alignment - www.prehistoricsociety.org/publications...
prehistoricsociety.org
PAST 113 - Summer 2026 | The Prehistoric Society
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Dr Alex Fitzpatrick @animalarchaeology.com · 18/08/2026
This story is such a great example of why I love zooarchaeology so much - a single species identification can completely change our understanding of a site and its history.
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Neil Jackman @neiljackman.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Very interesting indeed! Ferriter's Cove has been considered a key site in our understanding of the transition to agriculture. This is another example of the importance of retaining and reexamining old excavation archives, they can often tell a much different story as new techniques are applied!
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Dr Nick Snashall @drnickarchaeo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
When is a cow not a cow? News from Ferriter's Cove that yet again highlights the importance of reinterogating excavation archives.
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Tom Booth @boothicus.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
🏺Woah, the Ferriter’s Cove cow is actually a bear/boar. May not seem like much but this is a big shift in the debates around the Neolithic transition to farming in Ireland c.4000 BCE. Incredible how a reinterpretation of a lynchpin bit of evidence can have such a profound effect.
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
"‘Kerry Cow’ bones revealed as ancient bear remains, challenging long-held theory on farming’s arrival in Ireland & Great Britain" In an *EXCLUSIVE* article for PAST 113, we hear from UCD team carrying out analysis on Ferriter's Cave. www.prehistoricsociety.org/publications... 1/3 #Archaeology
prehistoricsociety.org
PAST 113 - Summer 2026 | The Prehistoric Society
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Laura Waldvogel @laura-wldvgl.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I am delighted to see this article published ! A special thanks for the PPS editors’ follow-up through the editorial process 🙂 @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social
cambridge.org
Interpreting funerary variability in the Alsace Plain between 5300 and 4400 BC | Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society | Cambridge Core
Interpreting funerary variability in the Alsace Plain between 5300 and 4400 BC
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
👇 #Archaeology 🏺
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Dominic Manchee @dpmanchee.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Indeed. This from @annemiekemilks.bsky.social 2024 @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social on the 'Clacton spearpoint' "Into the woods: new methods for studying Palaeolithic organic technologies" www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8F8... Dated to a time when Camp Century, Greenland was ice free #ClactonPrehistory
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Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes @lemoustier.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🏺 The fact Mel came to #Chalke2026, did 3 fantastic stage events AND then composed & performed on the spot an archaeologically-inspired, incredibly beautiful and moving poem for our Iron Age chariot burial re-enactment just underlines why she deserves this award - congrats! bsky.app/profile/lemo...
Photo of two women standing inside a burial pit in front of a disassembled wooden chariot. One is dressed as an Iron Age female leader, the other is wearing 21st century clothing. Behind them rises a grassy hill with partially visible large letters spelling CHALKE. Other people stand behind the pit, looking on.
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We are delighted to announce Prehistoric Society award & prize winners for 2026/7. 🎉 The Europa 2027 honouree is Prof. Mel Giles, Univ. of Manchester. I am sure Mel needs no introduction as a well known & respected researcher of the Iron Age. Congratulations Mel! #Archaeology 🏺 #Prehistory 1/6
The Prehistoric Society

Awards & Prizes 2026/2027

The Europa Prize 2027:

Prof. Melanie Giles

The Sara Champion memorial lecture:

Dr Matthew Hitchcock

The President's Awards:

Dr James Dilley & Mr Dave Webb

The Peter Clark Award:

Dr Jacky Nowakowski

Baguley Award, P.P.S. Volume 90 (2024):

Prof. Chantal Conneller & Prof. Seren Griffiths

Baguley Award, P.P.S. Volume 91 (2025):

Prof. Clive Gamble
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Apologies for delay in paper copy of Spring PAST 112 newsletter. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are trying to get this sent ASAP, but it may arrive with Summer PAST 113 (which will include piece on Bulford alignment that has been all over the press this week!). #Archaeology 🏺 1/2
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
A new, *open access*, paper from PPS: #Archaeology 🏺 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
cambridge.org
50 New AMS Radiocarbon Dates from the Neolithic Occupation Sequence at Amzabegovo (Sveti Nikole, North Macedonia) | Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society | Cambridge Core
50 New AMS Radiocarbon Dates from the Neolithic Occupation Sequence at Amzabegovo (Sveti Nikole, North Macedonia)
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stephen cogbill @coggers.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
#SarsenSunday #stonehenge @stoneclub.bsky.social @ehstonehenge.bsky.social @artefactual.eurosky.social @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social @martynjb.bsky.social @richardosgood.bsky.social Weather gods, said Yay! Looking NE nr the solstitial alignment from the verge of the A303. Quiet at 0500hrs. Phew. 🙂
a view of Stonehenge from the SW in early morning light, where the solsticial axis meets the A303.
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Dr Matt Pope @mattpope.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Some of the speakers from the @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social conference yesterday. Jenni French, Chris Stringer, Silvia Bello and, the Europa Medallist, Penny Spikins. Such a great day celebrating a great Prehistorian. 🦣🏺
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Dr Matt Pope @mattpope.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
I'm at York today for @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social EUROPA 2026, honouring Prof Penny Spikins. What can we learn from Neanderthals. 🏺🦣
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Oxbow Books @oxbowbooks.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Ahead of #Europa2026 tomorrow, we’ve put together a selection of books showcasing all things Prehistory. With exciting forthcoming publications, the latest addition to Oxbow’s Reflections series and more, you’re sure to find something you love. Start browsing ➡️ bit.ly/4vA0Jua
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Cambridge University Press - Archaeology @cambup-archaeology.cambridge.org · 06/06/2026
📝 New directions. New challenges. A renewed mission. In their latest #blog, the editors of Cambridge journal 'Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society' unpack a transformative year - ahead of #Europa2026: 🔗 cup.org/4v2yALU @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social #prehistory #archaeology
cambridge.org
One year on – state of play at the Prehistoric Society Europa Conference 2026 « Archaeology# « Cambridge Core Blog
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society is back at the Europa conference this year, presenting our newest issue and polling our members on what they would like to see in the journal. This is also a good chance to reflect on everything that has happened s...
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Lots of lovely new PPS articles, many open access, ready for the weekend! Enjoy 😊 #Archaeology 🏺 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
cambridge.org
FirstView articles | Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society | Cambridge Core
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society - Daniela Hofmann, Susan Greaney, Courtney Nimura
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Cambridge University Press - Archaeology @cambup-archaeology.cambridge.org · 04/06/2026
With #Europa2026 approaching, explore curated prehistory research from #Cambridge! Articles are free to read through June where not already #openaccess. 📚 cup.org/4ulQbO5 #archaeology #prehistory @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social
Prehistory from Cambridge, Europa 2026.
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Cambridge University Press - Archaeology @cambup-archaeology.cambridge.org · 27/05/2026
📝 New directions. New challenges. A renewed mission. In their latest #blog, the editors of Cambridge journal 'Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society' unpack a transformative year - ahead of #Europa2026: 🔗 cup.org/4v2yALU @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social #prehistory #archaeology
cambridge.org
One year on – state of play at the Prehistoric Society Europa Conference 2026 « Archaeology# « Cambridge Core Blog
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society is back at the Europa conference this year, presenting our newest issue and polling our members on what they would like to see in the journal. This is also a good chance to reflect on everything that has happened s...
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
REMINDER
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Anna was a council member of the Prehistoric Society and will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to Anna's family and friends. www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/knap-of-howa...
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Knap of Howar excavator passes away - The Ness of Brodgar Project
The Ness team were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Anna Ritchie - a major figure in Scottish archaeology.
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Dr Susan Greaney @suegreaney.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social Europa conference will be held in York, 6th June, focused on Neanderthals in honour of Prof Penny Spikins. Details and booking here: www.prehistoricsociety.org/events/2026-...
prehistoricsociety.org
What can we learn from Neanderthals? | The Prehistoric Society
Professor Penny Spikins, Professor of the Archaeology of Human Origins at the University of York, will be honoured with the Europa prize for her contributions to European prehistory, and the conferenc...
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Europa 2026, in honour of Prof. Penny Spikins, York Univ & online, Sat 6th June! Tickets £20-£40 Speakers: Richard Wilson, Robert Ashby, Jenni French, Chris Stringer, Matt Pope, Sylvia Bello, Professor Penny Spikins Details & booking: #Archaeology 🏺 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/europa-202...
eventbrite.co.uk
Europa 2026: What can we learn from Neanderthals?
The Prehistoric Society Europa Conference 2026
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Bank holiday challenge 👇 #Archaeology 🏺
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
PAST 112 is now online. Some lovely reading for bank holiday weekend: Bronze Age lunula, struck quartz, Bronze Age awls, a reflection from wonderful Tom Björklund & a response to the PAST 111 article on recumbent stone circles. Enjoy! :) #Archaeology 🏺 www.prehistoricsociety.org/publications...
prehistoricsociety.org
PAST 112 - Spring 2026 | The Prehistoric Society
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
*Call for papers extended to 18th April* Europa 2026, 6th June online and in York. Call for papers for the 2026 Europa, honouring the work of Professor Penny Spikins. The topic will be: What can we learn from Neanderthals? Further details here: www.prehistoricsociety.org/events/2026-...
prehistoricsociety.org
What can we learn from Neanderthals? | The Prehistoric Society
Professor Penny Spikins, Professor of the Archaeology of Human Origins at the University of York, will be honoured with the Europa prize for her contributions to European prehistory, and the conferenc...
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
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Duncan Mackay @theduncanmackay.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
It’s that night of the year when Obelix visits every stone circle to synchronise the clocks. Busy night! Jump forward, people! I know @danherb10.bsky.social LOVES this stuff #DontBlockMe #ClocksGoFoward #TheTimesTheyAreAChangin #BritishSummerTime
Playmobil Obelix, Asterix and Getafix moving standing stones.
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
It's taken a few years, but we've finally trained Dan to remind everyone that tonight's the night, when the stones do their dance... ...and we all get one hour's less sleep! THANK YOU DAN! ❤️ #Archaeology #ClocksGoForward
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
📣 Reminder 📣
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Kenny Brophy @urbanprehistorian.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
This looks like a fantastic fieldtrip, The @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social Balearics trip in May 1982. A week of sun, sangria and megaliths all for less than £300! Materials from the Ronald Morris archive held by HES in Edinburgh. @tessmachling.bsky.social
Menorca prehistory postcard Prehistoric Society trip to Mallorca in 1982Paperwork for the Prehistoric Society trip to theBalearics in 1982
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Dr Tess Machling @tessmachling.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
The first of many papers about Melsonby, I'm sure. #Archaeology 🏺 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
cambridge.org
Vehicles of change: two exceptional deposits of destroyed chariots or wagons from Late Iron Age Britain | Antiquity | Cambridge Core
Vehicles of change: two exceptional deposits of destroyed chariots or wagons from Late Iron Age Britain
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Call for papers for the 2026 Europa, 6th June at Uni of York honouring work of Professor Penny Spikins. The topic will be: What can we learn from Neanderthals? (Please note change in previously advertised title) Further details here: www.prehistoricsociety.org/events/2026-... #Archaeology 🏺
What can we learn from Neanderthals?

Professor Penny Spikins, Professor of the Archaeology of Human Origins at the University of York, will be honoured with the Europa prize for her contributions to European prehistory, and the conference will explore issues salient to Professor Spikins' work.

The lives of Neanderthals have fascinated us since the earliest finds of these ancient humans in the nineteenth century. Discoveries continue to surprise and intrigue us, alternately encouraging us to see our nearest cousins as just like us, or subtly different.

Over the past few decades our knowledge of Neanderthal lives and behaviours has expanded at a remarkable rate, yet if anything more and more questions have emerged. This session will combine some of the latest archaeological evidence and research on Neanderthal behaviour with a sense of reflection on what this evidence and how we understand it continues to tell us about ourselves. From pressing us to reflect on how we decide what makes us human. how our preconceptions affect our judgements of people, why we fail to live sustainably or the downsides of global connections, we will uncover how Neanderthals help us know what it means to be ourselves.

Conference presentations will take place over the whole day (6th June) in person, with early career researcher talks alongside invited speaker presentations. Confirmed invited speakers include:

Prof Chris Stringer, CHER, The Natural History Museum London

Dr Jennifer French, University of Liverpool

Dr Matt Pope, University College London

Dr Silvia Bello, CHER. The Natural History Museum London

Call for papers

Please email title & abstract of no more than 350 words to Meetings Secretaries of Prehistoric Society (Adelle Bricking and George Prew-Stell, meetings@prehistoricsociety.org) by Sunday 5th April 2026. Please include your current title and organisational affiliation in the email. Authors will be notified if their proposals were accepted by Sunday 19th April 2026.
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Looks fabulous! Well done to our wonderful editorial team! #Archaeology 🏺
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Yale Classics Library @yaleclassicslib.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society Vol. 91 (2025) www.cambridge.org/core/journal... @cambup-archaeology.cambridge.org @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social
journal cover
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Tom Booth @boothicus.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
The oldest Mesolithic human remains yet found in Britain belonged to a 2.5-3.5-year-old girl. Found in a cave in Cumbria. Stretches the Mesolithic cave burial ‘tradition’ back a bit and pretty far north given looks to be just after the end of the Younger Dryas.
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
This is an important find. Please help if you can. #Archaeology 🏺
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
If you are in #Hampshire please write. #Archaeology 🏺
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The Prehistoric Society @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
*CHANGE OF DATE* In view of a date clash with the Unravelling the Palaeolithic Conference at UCL we have changed the date of this year's Europa conference to Saturday 6th June 🧵
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HigherJobz @higherjobz.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
🎯 The Prehistoric Society is celebrating 90 years of fostering research! Support their Centennial Fund. Be part of the journey forward to its 100th anniversary in 2035 💰 Donate: www.prehistoricsociety.org/donations #PrehistoricSociety #Archaeology #Fundraising @prehistoricsociety.bsky.social
The Prehistoric Society celebrates 90 years of advancing prehistoric research and archaeological study in the UK. Support their Centennial Fund to help fund research projects, grants, awards, bursaries, student travel support, publications, events, lectures, and community initiatives. Contribute to ongoing discoveries in prehistory, support scholars, and be part of the Society’s journey toward its 100th anniversary in 2035.
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