Professor David Jacques of the University of Buckingham has been named Archaeologist of the Year 2023, an accolade often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the archaeology world.’ This prestigious award, presented by Current Archaeology magazine, was announced at the Current Archaeology Live! conference on Saturday, February 25.
Prof. Jacques has been leading excavations at the Blick Mead site near Stonehenge since 2005. His team’s discovery of more than 30,000 Mesolithic tools has significantly advanced our understanding of the Stonehenge landscape, revealing early human settlements previously unknown.
Prof Jacques said: “It has been a privilege leading a project which has involved so many great people in finding the first place in the Stonehenge landscape, and this result is the cherry on a cherry-filled cake.”
Over fifty percent of the animal remains found at Blick Mead are from aurochs, massive wild cattle that once roamed southern Britain. This discovery has provided invaluable insights into the diet and environment of early settlers in the area. Despite the discontinuation of the University of Buckingham’s Archaeology MA course, the university has continued to support Jacques’ groundbreaking work at Blick Mead.
Image source: The Bucks Herald
