At Archaeology in Durham, we strongly believe that world archaeology must be rewritten more equitably, with a greater contribution from scholars based in the Global South.

The archaeology of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia is some of the richest in the world, yet archaeologists based in these regions are underrepresented in international publishing, research agendas, and professional networks. In response, with funding from the British Academy Writing Workshops 2021 scheme, we have launched an exciting year-long writing and mentoring programme for early career researchers across our three regions. “Rewriting World Archaeology” is led by the Department of Archaeology and the leading journal Antiquity.

Heritage professionals engaged in training with Durham EAMENA team in Lebanon.

The archaeology of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia is some of the richest in the world, yet archaeologists based in these regions are underrepresented in international publishing, research agendas, and professional networks.

Our global coalition of partners features a gender-balanced team of academic and professional experts from countries including Bangladesh, India, Lebanon, Syria and South Africa. Our aim is to tackle entrenched global inequalities in archaeological research by nurturing skills to increase participation and to diversify the range of voices represented in world archaeology. The programme includes 1:1 mentoring and a series of workshops.  It will equip participants with knowledge, skills and experience: to access and publish in high impact academic journals, to submit grant applications based on bold research agendas, to share their results with the public, to advance their career prospects, and to become future leaders in academic archaeology and in heritage management.

Working with our regional partners, our team aims to create a strong, equitable and sustainable international partnership between early career researchers, journal editors, scholars and professionals around the world.