Sign in

Sonia Zakrzewski

@soniaz.bsky.social
4.4K followers 1.3K following 1.6K posts

FSA Professor of Bioarchaeology at @unisouthampton.bsky.social, biological anthropology, archaeology, paleopathology... Archaeological dead bodies, identity, disability. Ancient Egypt, medieval Spain, Saxons in England.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Sam Ottewill-Soulsby @samottewillsoulsby.bsky.social · 10h
Fascinating! ‘Greece will hand ​over to Bulgaria the remains identified as those of Bulgarian ‌medieval ruler Tsar Samuel under an accord signed on Tuesday that also provides for the transfer of other historic and religious ​artefacts between the two Balkan neighbours.’
01810
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
'Members of the University and Colleges union (UCU) will stop work until 30 October. The union said the cuts could lead to 1,800 job losses, and hundreds of staff had already lost work when contracts were not renewed. The university announced the closure of 90 courses earlier this month.'
bbc.co.uk
Edinburgh University lecturers begin five-week strike over cuts
Members of the University and Colleges Union are walking out in part of a long-running dispute over job and course cuts.
24526
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
But most people told they had 10-15 year path to settlement would lose their legal status by 2030-31. Mahmood's draft policy was remigration by stealth for about a million people - by accident? By design? Just exempting care workers would be a Burnham remigration by stealth plan for 250k people.
Few of those offered a hypothetical 15-year wait in principle will be able to stay long enough to qualify in practice. Those who do not earn the £50,000 salary needed to meet new visa renewal rules in 2030 would have to leave.

The vocal demand of the champi­ons of “remigration” on the political right is that what they call the “Bo­riswave” must be made to leave. Without significant changes, the gov­ernment’s own proposals are a recipe for mass remigration by stealth. How far that was by design or unwitting accident has never been quite clear.

Exempting care workers from the new settlement rules protects three-quarters of those who could have been forced out – but leaves 250,000 other workers at risk of losing their legal status.
45719
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Ed Maibach @maibached.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Happy Stanislav Petrov Day He passed in 2017. As Encyclopedia Britannica puts it, “He is survived by his two children, two grandchildren, and the entire human race.” If you don't know his story, please take 3 minutes now to learn it. @gchalliance.bsky.social @docsforclimate.bsky.social
sammatey.substack.com
Happy Stanislav Petrov Day
Take five minutes to not destroy civilization
252099926
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Don't you just *love* AI adverts? This popped up for me today! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
A grey hoodie with 2 separate hoods (for 2 heads?)!
220
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Dr Micòl Di Teodoro @micsim.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
a new opportunity in Egyptology at the California State University, San Bernardino #Egyptology
careers.csusb.edu
Details - The Adina Lee Savin and W Benson Harer Visiting Scholar in Egyptology, History Department Visiting Faculty | CSUSB
021
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Dr Micòl Di Teodoro @micsim.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
for those who are in the UK #Egyptology
eventbrite.co.uk
Jaromir Malek Memorial Lecture, Griffith Institute
All are welcome to join us for the 3rd annual lecture given by Professor Paul Nicholson in memory of our late colleague Dr Jaromir Malek.
041
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Simone @frauchen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Between Two Rivers is a charming introduction to ancient Mesopotamian history told by describing items found in a museum of sorts in ancient Ur. The archaeologists who unearthed the items 100 years ago were the Woolleys, upon whom Agatha Christie based her characters in Murder in Mesopotamia. 💡📚💙
A photograph of two books: the 2025 North American hardcover edition of Moudhy Al-Rashid’s Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History and a paperback edition of Agatha Christie’s Murder in Mesopotamia (first published in 1936; this “official authorised” edition was published by William Morrow in 2025). Al-Rashid’s history is very accessible and offers a relatable, personal kind of introduction to the wonders of ancient Mesopotamia. The Christie novel is very much of its time (misogyny, xenophobia, colonialism), but worth reading as a companion piece to Al-Rashid’s history, if only to flesh out the fascinating character of Louise Leidner, based on the real-life archaeologist Katharine Woolley who, with her husband, worked on the site in ancient Ur and uncovered the “museum” Al-Rashid describes in her book.
514515
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Chris Terry-Enescu @cjterry.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Let me be clear: I despise Jacob Rees-Mogg. I would still prefer he take the right side on this, because I am not a big baby and as someone with a child with some who immigrated to the UK, I have a personal stake in people of mixed origin not being othered.
960042
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
RIP @justrena.bsky.social
4153
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Antiquity Journal @antiquity.ac.uk · 23/09/2026
📕 #BookReview 🏺 #Archaeology Placing people with disabilities at the centre of historical archaeology, Laurie A. Wilkie & Katherine M. Kinkopf's 'An introduction to crip archaeology' explores how disability studies can transform how we think about the past 1/2 (£) doi.org/10.15184/aqy...
Cover of the book reviewed, depicting various metal spoons with diverse shapes and decorations, with the text 'Book Review, Antiquity'.
23516
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
We're thrilled to be able to support six new early-career research Fellowships thanks to funding from the Wolfson Foundation. Applications open 21 October. Find out more: bit.ly/47fu2b0
bit.ly
The British Academy and Wolfson Foundation launch new search for exceptional early-career researchers as funding confirmed for new Fellowships
The British Academy is delighted to announce another round of funding from the Wolfson Foundation for early career research fellowships in the humanities and social sciences.
02234
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
EHBEA @ehbea.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🚨 CALL FOR PAPERS 🚨 There is an open call for manuscripts on “Metascience of the Evolutionary Human Sciences” as a special collection in our affiliated journal, Evolutionary Human Sciences. Deadline? May 31st, 2027 👀 More information?👇 DON’T MISS IT!
068
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
'An unexplained “late surge” in student visa refusals has prompted concern that soaring rejection rates could cause institutions to breach tighter compliance rules that could ultimately endanger their ability to recruit international students.'
timeshighereducation.com
V-cs seek answers over ‘late surge’ in UK student visa refusals
Growing numbers of institutions expected to have breached new compliance rules, endangering future recruitment prospects
21410
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Cllr Dr Alex Powell @apowelllaw.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
So, just to be clear, Daniel Thomas was: 1- Carrying a knife contrary to section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 2- Used that knife to commit criminal damage (Criminal Damage act 1971) 3- likely engaged in the criminal offense of endangering Life at Sea (Merchant Shipping Act 1995)
7244101
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Mounting evidence that Sudan has developed and used chemical weapons. See recent reporting in the thread.
12618
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Will Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Endangering another during a journey by sea; criminal damage; carrying an offensive weapon; possession of a bladed article; conduct endangering ships or individuals; unlawfully and intentionally destroying a ship breaching section 11 of the aviation and maritime security act;
14540158
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Terry O'Connor @osteoconnor.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Err... education? Anyone??
072
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Caroline Dodds Pennock @carolinepennock.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Ditto 30,000 roles in universities in the past three years.
7491180
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Waiting for news from the doctor about my mum. Dementia can do one!
170
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Suw @suw.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
This is absolute perfection.
11014225
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Rebecca Sear @rebeccasear.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Gave my first public lecture on the return of eugenics and race science this week at the British Science Festival. Reassuring to see how much interest, and concern, there was in the room
316939
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Raf Nicholson @rafnicholson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Seeking help from the hive mind 🐝 Doing some end-of-season awards for WCM mag. What's been your performance of the season with the bat, and ditto with the ball? (This is for domestic women's cricket only - internationals excluded!)
943
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
David Mihalyfy @mihalyfy.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Now on YouTube! Talks from June's "Ancient Egyptian Astronomy 2026" meeting at London's Royal Astronomical Society. #Egyptology #AncientBlueSky #Classics m.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
m.youtube.com
Ancient Egyptian Astronomy 2026 - YouTube
Video recordings of talks presented at the Ancient Egyptian Astronomy 2026 conference held at the Royal Astronomical Society, London, during 25-26 June 2026.
2156
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
MU-Peter Shimon 🀄 @mu-peter.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Middle stone age occupation in eastern kerma region of the third cataract, northern Sudan🏺🧪 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... OSL dating places occupations at ∼50 ka (MIS 3) at sites SK87 and SK7. Lithics show Levallois, discoidal, and Nubian Levallois reduction strategies.
Surface collection lithic artifacts from the eastern Kerma region. a, c, d, g, h) Recurrent centripetal Levallois cores. b, e, i) Nubian Levallois cores Type 1. f, j) Levallois points. a–d) quartzite; e–j) basalt.
0206
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Melinda Haunton @melindahaunton.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
All this (even for a different dementia), most especially the bit about not realising stories are stories for a while. 4 is especially hard. Health/social care people are hardwired to resist reducing freedoms, advocating for patient liberty. To fall, wander, and freeze. It is so hard to be hard.
3153
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Very sad that there was more coverage of the college American football match at Wembley across the news than what is happening in UK universities www.bbc.co.uk/sport/americ...
bbc.co.uk
Union Jack Classic: What is the fixture, who is playing and how does college football work?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team explains the Union Jack Classic ahead of its inaugural match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday
010
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
To be eligible to apply for Elevate, first join the BA's ECRN. It's free and not complicated to join: you simply need to be a UK-based, postdoc within 10 years of your PhD (or equivalent, excluding career breaks) in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences: www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/early-career...
thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Early Career Researcher Network
An inclusive, researcher-led network for UK-based early career researchers working in the humanities and social sciences
036
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Société d'Anthropologie de Paris (SAP) @sapanthropologie.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
3-year #PhDposition at the @univie.ac.at within the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology to work on #ancientpathogen #aDNA! The starting date of the position is flexible, with a latest possible start in mid‑December 2026
FWF FUNDED 3-YEAR PHD POSITION IN MICROBIAL 
PALAEOGENOMICS OF HUMAN PATHOGENS (ANCIENT DNA) 
We  invite  applications  for  a  fully  funded  3‑year  PhD  position  in  Microbial  Palaeogenomics 
within  the  Department  of  Evolutionary  Anthropology,  University  of  Vienna  .  The  successful 
candidate  will  conduct  palaeogenomic  research  within  the  project  “  Surviving  into  Adulthood  ” 
funded  by  the  Austrian  Science  Fund  (FWF)  under  the  supervision  of  the  principal  investigator 
Meriam Guellil. Core of the project will be the study of microbial pathogens from ancient DNA. 
The doctoral project will encompass: 
●  Processing  of  osteological  material  within  the  dedicated  ancient  DNA  laboratory  at  the 
Department  of  Evolutionary  Anthropology  (from  sampling  to  library  building  and  target 
enrichment). 
●  Sequencing  and  metagenomic  screening  of  aDNA  genomic  libraries  for  the  presence  of 
pathogenic microbial organisms. 
●  Phylogenomic and evolutionary analysis of microbial genomes reconstructed from aDNA. 
●  Multidisciplinary  synthesis  of  gained  data  within  the  wider  spatio-temporal  and  cultural 
context of sampled populations and the project. 
Candidate requirements: 
The  successful  candidate  must  have  acquired  a  master's  degree  in  a  relevant  field  (Microbiology, 
Biological  Anthropology,  Chemistry,  Bioinformatics,  etc.)  by  the  start  of  the  position  and  ideally 
has  experience  working  with  ancient  DNA  or  within  the  multidisciplinary  framework  of 
bioarchaeology.  They  need  to  be  willing  to  work  in  the  laboratory;  prior  experience  is  a  plus, 
although  training  will  be  provided.  Experience  in  bioinformatics  and  NGS  data  is  desired  and 
basic  command-line  knowledge  is  required.  Excellent  written  and  spoken  English  is  necessary. 
The  candidate  is  expected  to  be  able  to  perform  independent  research  following  initial …
123
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 15/09/2026
Richard Tice rallies to the defence of Reform’s crypto ‘patriots’ | John Crace
theguardian.com
Richard Tice rallies to the defence of Reform’s crypto ‘patriots’ | John Crace
You can’t buy Dicky’s level of stupidity though it could be argued that Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo just have
53413
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🏺🦴🧪☠️
010
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Simon Gosden @simongosden.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
A philanthropic gift is a new hospital ward, it’s a CAT scanner, it’s a new library, it’s a school swimming pool it’s not funding fascism.
48653204
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Louise, Prof/Dr @louiselocock.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Oh blimey, here we go again. Time to vote in the National Trust AGM to keep so-called 'Restore Trust' off the council. Use the quick vote to ensure we don't split the anti-Restore vote. Or.... 1/2 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
nationaltrust.org.uk
Annual General Meeting
Your Annual General Meeting will take place online and in person on Saturday 7th November 2026 at the STEAM Museum, Swindon.
23314236
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
£72m for Reform over the weekend could be just the tip of the iceberg There's nothing to stop Elon Musk giving, via a UK X subsidiary, £300m to Restore Britain today Or a Trump ally giving £500m to Farage via a UK-registered firm There's a v narrow window to tackle big money in the elections bill
22466182
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026
Your regular reminder: If the Russians stop fighting, the war ends. If the Ukrainians stop fighting, their land will be occupied, their leaders will be killed, their history and language will be erased, their children will be kidnapped to serve Russia.
5953724213383
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Just finished our binge-watch of series 2 of Ludwig. Needed it as a fun way to finish off an exhausting and emotional week. youtu.be/6f5DpELKZIo?...
youtu.be
Ludwig Series 2 TRAILER 🕵️ – BBC
YouTube video by BBC Trailers
120
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Dan Snow @thehistoryguy.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I’m just a person on my fucking knees begging the government to use its absolutely massive majority to do something extremely fucking popular: save our democracy.
792175498
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Abi Stevens - comms open @abistevensart.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
It's my birthday 🎉 so in Bluesky tradition I'd love for folks to repost my art today! 😊 #artistSupport #illustration #darkArt
20302179
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Riddle me this. If somebody donates £36 million to a political party and £5 million to its leader, how is the £5 million not political? Asking for a parliamentary standards commissioner.
8551051299
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
A reminder that Delo previously pled guilty in the US to violating money laundering protections and agreed to pay a $10 million fine for "willfully” breaking the law with his BitMex platform, which was described as "in effect a money laundering platform.” This is who owns Farage now
14623531202
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Stella Creasy MP @stellacreasy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It’s not too late to stop this madness - the government has said the uk mega donors are a problem. The lords can bring in a cap on UK donors to stop any attempt to buy the next election. Share this and ask your MP to join us protecting British democracy.
114957509
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Off to Lords for a proud mum moment - watching my daughter umpire there at the home of cricket 🏏
1517812
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On my way to London town to talk about ethics of curating and studying human remains 🏺🦴🧪
2130
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Racism in action as people turn up to 'protest' when a group of non-white males stays in a hotel. Absolutely terrible. Pakistan 🏏
073
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Jessica Elgot @jessicaelgot.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Statement from Progressive Judaism leaders - Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky “Holding an Israeli government accountable for its actions does not cause antisemitism. Antisemites cause antisemitism. progressivejudaism.org.uk/rabbi-charle...
progressivejudaism.org.uk
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy: No single response can speak for British Jews - The Movement for Progressive Judaism
As we approach the High Holy Days, we enter a season of teshuvah, of looking honestly at ourselves, taking responsibility and asking what must change. Yet there is a temptation, on days like these, to...
8560204
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
The News Agents @thenewsagents.co.uk · 08/09/2026
"You can't need a £5 million donation because you're concerned about your own security but allow your supporters to assault who they want, and just say 'boo hoo'." Why is Robert Jenrick OK with a young woman being attacked at the Reform party conference? www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/refo...
thenewsagents.co.uk
Reform is falling apart – and Robert Jenrick’s ‘boo hoo’ comment exposes exactly why | The News Agents
Tory defector Robert Jenrick responded to footage of a young woman being assaulted by Reform UK supporters by saying she should “get a life”. Why is the UK’s hard right OK with some incidents of…
1415754
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Danny Chambers MP 🔶 @dannychambers.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Science provides us with cures and treatments. Politics decides if they are used or not. Childhood vaccination rates are falling and we risk returning to an age where children are put at risk from entirely preventable diseases. We need responsible politicians who trust in science.
0198
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Matt Green @mattgreencomedy.com · 03/06/2026
“Legitimate Concerns”
10613209
Reposted by Sonia Zakrzewski
Dan Herbert @danherb10.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
No words. How many more times are idiots going to keep spoiling the nice things for the rest of us? “This is a protected historical site not an outdoor gym” www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
derbyshiretimes.co.uk
“This is a protected historical site not an outdoor gym”: Important appeal after stones from protected Peak District monument next to Nine Ladies Stone Circle used as workout equipment​​​​​​​
A group which decided to use stones from a protected historical site for their workout session has sparked widespread anger and calls to respect local heritage.
911045
Sonia Zakrzewski @soniaz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
This is actually quite good. Mix of archaeology & anthropology. 🏺🧪🦴☠️🪰 I might use this in teaching to get my students thinking...
22310