Richard Berg Rust Lecture

In an illustrated talk, Ian Jackson examines the question What did rocks ever do for our ancestors? The answer is pretty much everything. From defining the positions of their defences and infrastructure, to providing the materials, implements and ritual objects that sustained them. For the prehistoric and Roman inhabitants of the north an understanding of the landscape, its rocks and their resources was not just desirable, it was essential; and their knowledge of these things was intimate.

• The connections between rocks, the physical landscape and archaeology are persistent and pervasive.
• Can a better understanding of geology enrich and improve the effectiveness of archaeological research?
• Geologists emphatically believe it can and should. It can ensure greater fidelity and provide opportunities to add richness to our understanding of the recent past.

This talk is a geoscience-based perspective of the northern landscape and its archaeology; it raises some fundamental questions that have a bearing on the social, political and military narratives that have been and are currently promulgated.

This lecture has been made possible by the kind support of alumni, seniors and friends of the College. Please consider contributing to the RBR Lecture Fund to help sustain this unique lecture series. If you would like to support the Richard Berg Rust Lecture Fund, there are several ways to contribute. Please either make a donation through Eventbrite when booking your ticket, donate online and select ‘The Richard Berg Rust Lecture Fund’ or email [email protected].

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Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, Hughes Hall, Cambridge, United Kingdom

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