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Strengthening archaeological collaborations in Iraq

We recently welcomed Mr Ali Obaid Shalgham, the Head of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage and Deputy Minister of Culture, and a delegation from the University of Al-Qadisiyah, to Durham.
A group of people in an office

Research involving Durham Archaeology isotopes specialists nominated for Research Project of the Year

The project 'From the Caucasus to Cambridgeshire: Retracing the story of Offord Cluny’s ‘Sarmatian’ burial' has just been nominated for 'Current Archaeology' Research Project of the Year 2025.
Grey and red square infographic. The top half's text says 'Current Archaeology Awards Nominated 2025 Research Project of the Year'. The bottom half has the project title 'From the Caucasus to Cambridgeshire: Retracing the story of Offord Cluny’s ‘Sarmatian’ burial'. There is also a small green and white ribbon badge graphic on the side with the words 'Vote Now'.

Weather warnings in a changing climate to be explored thanks to Wellcome Award

Three of our scholars have been selected for the prestigious Wellcome Award, offering a combined £1,660,000 to work toward improving wellbeing through scientific research.
A person standing on sand holds a phone showing a high temperature.

Declassified spy images help locate ancient battle site

Archaeologists from Durham University and University of Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq have pinpointed the location of a famous early Islamic battle using declassified spy satellite images.
Black and white close-up spy satellite imagery of al-Qadisiyyah taken in 1974 and used in this research study. Credit US Geological Survey

Oldest engravings of fishing discovered in Ice Age art

New research has revealed 15,800-year-old engravings of catching fish in traps.
The engraving shows a fish is fusiform in shape, showing the head, dorsal, and ventral sections, with a partially visible forked tail.

Strengthening our partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing

We have strengthened our relationship with the Palace Museum, Beijing, through a delegation to China led by our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, which included the Museum and ourselves co-hosting the latest in our series of Global Lectures.
a group of people standing for a photograph with the Palace Museum in the background

Workshop Recap: Darb Zubaydah – Recent Research and Future Directions

In late September, the Department of Archaeology at Durham University hosted an international workshop, bringing together leading experts from Durham University (EAMENA Project), Al-Qadisiyah University and the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) in Iraq, as well as the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia. The workshop focused on the Darb Zubaydah, a vital cultural heritage route that has connected Iraq and Saudi Arabia for centuries as part of the historic Hajj pilgrimage road.
Group photo of 15 workshop attendees in the Department of Archaeology's Birley Room. On the back wall is the Durham University logo.

Blue plaque honour for pioneering first female professor

Renowned archaeologist Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former Durham City home.
Professors Karen O'Brien and Sarah Semple look at a round blue plaque, set against a red brick wall, in honour of Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp.

Durham archaeologist wins Wellcome Early Career Award to research the evolution of tuberculosis

Congratulations to Dr Kelly Blevins on winning a prestigious Wellcome Early Career Award!
Dr Kelly Blevins is sitting and smiling in a flowery garden. In the blurry distance are some buildings.

Durham archaeologist wins prestigious British Academy medal

Professor Sarah Semple has been awarded the British Academy’s 2024 Landscape Archaeology Medal for her pioneering research in the field.
Sarah Semple out in the field in Sweden

Archaeologists unearth ‘lost house’ and unusual items at County Durham castle

Our archaeologists have helped uncover a ‘lost’ house at Auckland Castle in County Durham built by the infamous Parliamentarian and Puritan Sir Arthur Haselrig.
Trenches dug in the grounds of Auckland Castle

Alumni Spotlight: Max Storey

Max Storey studied for a BA in Archaeology and an MA in Archaeology between 2018 and 2022. Now he works as the Public Engagement and Press Coordinator for the journal 'Antiquity', based in the Department of Archaeology at Durham University.
Head and upper torso photo of staff member Max Storey. Max stands facing the camera, in front of a grassy field with building ruins in the far background. Max wears a bluish-grey sweater and a backpack..