Borderlands: an archaeological perspective

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• Chris Catling, CEO, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), and a contributing Editor of Current Archaeology
• Wednesday 07 January 2026, 18:00-19:00
• Pavilion Rm, Hughes Hall, Cambridge CB1 2EW.

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In an illustrated talk, Chris Catling examines ‘Borderlands’ in both a literal and a metaphorical sense: literal in what we know about the beginnings of physical borders and concepts of nationhood and nationalism, by reference to linear monuments, such as Hadrian’s Wall, Offa’s Dyke and China’s Great Wall; metaphorical in that archaeological thought has been for many decades reliant on the concept of binaries and boundaries – placing eras, monuments and artefacts (and even human ancestors) on one side or another of a conceptual line. Chris will explain how archaeological concepts have changed to acknowledge that the truth is far more complex. Archaeology today is richer for abandoning hard boundaries, and human culture could be richer too, though we currently live in a world in which some people embrace diversity, while others regard difference as a threat. Using literary examples, along with other references such as the Sycamore Gap, Chris will offer us a fascinating insight around an ‘archaeological perspective’ of the Borderlands. We warmly welcome you and your guests. More inf/tickets(free of charge), via https://bit.ly/45tb0gU

This talk is part of the Hughes Hall events series.

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• Hughes Hall events
• Pavilion Rm, Hughes Hall, Cambridge CB1 2EW

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