This month’s cover shows Aberlemno II, a 2.28m-tall Pictish cross slab in Angus. Thought to date to the 8th century, its front depicts a large, elaborately decorated ring-headed cross, while the reverse feature the vivid imagery shown on our cover. Some have suggested that it represents the AD 685 Battle of Nechtansmere between the Picts and the Angles, and while other interpretations have been offered, the stone’s detailed depiction of mounted warriors certainly makes a striking scene. Horses revolutionised medieval warfare, but until recently the uses, appearance, and experiences of these animals were mainly understood from historical documents. What can archaeology add to this picture?
We then take a trip to Roman London, focusing on the basilica that once dominated the settlement’s first forum. Built c.AD 75-80, this imposing edifice represented the legal, commercial, and social heart of Londinium – and, almost 2,000 years later, its remains have been rediscovered beneath a City office block.
Our next article traces the story of a rather different kind of assembly place: the meeting houses that were built by Quakers from the 17th century onwards. How is this non-conformist history reflected in the distinctive architecture of such structures?
While archaeology is an undeniably invaluable tool for illuminating the past, can it also help to address contemporary issues? In our final feature, we explore the modern relevance and resonance of the profession, and consider how archaeological insights and techniques might help us to tackle some of the challenges facing our modern world, from environmental pollution to social inequality and risks to public health.
In this issue:
FEATURES
WARHORSE
Discovering the archaeology of a medieval revolution
Mighty warhorses are as powerful a symbol of the medieval period as the knights who rode them. Until recently, however, these animals were best understood from written sources. What can newly published archaeological research add to this picture?
THE BASILICA IN THE BASEMENT
Rediscovering the heart of Roman London
Archaeological investigations in the City of London have revealed traces of Londinium’s first Roman basilica: an imposing edifice that was the settlement’s judicial, financial, and administrative centre.
QUAKERS AND THEIR MEETING HOUSES
Building a picture of a religious group through its architecture
We take a tour of Quaker meeting houses, considering how their distinctive architecture reflects the non conformist group’s history, practices, and ideals.
CAN ARCHAEOLOGY SAVE THE WORLD?
Small wins and wicked problems
What skills do archaeologists possess that can help address the problems of today? From climate change and social justice to mental health and physical well-being, we explore which tools in the archaeological kitbag can be applied to the challenges of the modern world.
LETTERS
Your comments, complaints, and compliments
NEWS
‘Britain’s largest Viking Age hall’ discovered in Cumbria; St Magnus’ reliquary is contemporary
with Orkney earl; Fifteenth-century coin hoard discovered in the Scottish Borders; First World War training camp excavated in Bexhill; Co. Londonderry bog body reidentified as an Iron Age woman; World News; Science Notes; Rare Civil War defences uncovered at Sheffield Castle; Finds Tray
NEWS FOCUS
Milestone discoveries: revealing highlights from record years for Portable Antiquities Scheme and Treasure finds
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
CONTEXTDigitising Doggerland
REVIEWS
Sound Tracks; A Hillfort through Time: excavations at Rathgall, Co. Wicklow; The Uí Chellaig Lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine: an archaeological and landscape exploration of a later medieval inland Gaelic lordship; Close to the Edge: excavations of five Cornish coastal barrows; The Rocks at the Edge of the Empire: 50 extraordinary rocky places that tell the story of the Romans and the landscape of their northern frontier; Wortes and All: medieval cooking
EXHIBITION
My Jewellery, My Story at Charnwood Museum
ATTRACTION
Newhaven Fort reopens after a £7.5 million transformation
MUSEUM NEWS
The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions
LISTINGS
Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources online
GO DIGGING!
An inaugural array of excavation opportunities
CONFERENCE
A roundup of what happened at CA Live! 2025
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
ODD SOCS
The Carriage Foundation