Our archaeologists have excavated one of the largest and most important Iron Age finds in the UK.

Researchers have uncovered a vast and well-preserved network of ancient irrigation canals in the Eridu region of southern Mesopotamia, shedding new light on early farming practices.

Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Robin Coningham, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology and UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice, focuses on South Asia with a dedication to protecting cultural heritage.

Our Memorandum of Understanding with the Palace Museum in Beijing is creating new opportunities for collaboration, with exciting results.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

New research has revealed 15,800-year-old engravings of catching fish in traps.

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.

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.