Fields of Conflict:
        Progress and Prospect
                in
        Battlefield Archaeology
 
            A Conference
 
           26th-27th February 2000
 
                at the
 
Dept. of Archaeology, University of Glasgow
                in conjunction with
Dept. of Archaeology, University of Liverpool
                and
The Scottish Centre for War Studies, University of Glasgow
 
 
Over recent years there has been growing interest in the
archaeological potential of battlefields.  This is partly associated
with the  recognition that they represent an important part of our
cultural  heritage, and one which for a variety of reasons may be
under  threat.  Prior to the involvement of archaeologists, the study
of  battlefields was the preserve of historians working with
documentary records, although the wider appeal of the subject has
also given rise to a plethora of re-enactment groups, the growth of
battlefield tourism and the mass of popular literature devoted to
militaria.  Initially, archaeologists generally limited themselves to
the straightforward curation and recording of artefacts and other
material remains relating to military engagements, many of which
were recovered as by-products of the investigation of unrelated
sites which just happened to be on battlefields.  However, recent
work at a number of (historic) battlefields, notably in North
America, has demonstrated what can be achieved through the
combination of documentary analysis and the wide range of
landscape survey techniques now associated with field
archaeology.  These more recent developments include the use of
archaeological data as a means of testing and questioning
documentary accounts and histories and its potential to shed light
on events which took place over very short periods of time,
providing insight into actions and movements of small groups and
even individuals during their experience of combat.
 
 
In an attempt to encourage the development of this multi-
disciplinary and research-driven approach to the study of
battlefields, we are organising a conference which will draw
together those working on various aspects of historic (medieval
onwards) battlefield archaeology.  The meeting will be international
in scope and aim to provide a forum for the presentation of the
results of recent archaeo-historical work on battlefield sites while
also considering future developments in the field. Other Issues
which may be covered include: fieldwork methodology and
applications, preservation and presentation of battlefields, the
archaeology of related sites (field fortifications, cemeteries etc.),
the treatment of human remains and artefact studies.
 
 
Subject to sufficient interest, further details about costs,  sessions
and other administrative arrangements will be  forwarded.  We plan
to publish the proceedings.
 
 
Expressions of interest, paper proposals and other queries
should be addressed to :
 
Dr Tony Pollard
Dept of Archaeology,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow G12 8QQ
 
Tel. 0141 330 5541    email: [log in to unmask]
 fax. 0141 330 3863
 
 OR
 
 Dr. Phil Freeman
Dept, of Archaeology
William Hartley Building,
University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L69 3BX
 
 tel. 0151 794 4390 email: [log in to unmask]
fax. 0151 794 5057