The Ridgeway Vikings: New research and findings | Dr Heather Tamminen
21 July 2022, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
In 2009, a mass burial of archaeological human remains was discovered on the South Dorset Ridgeway, during the construction of the Weymouth Relief Road. Through a study by Oxford Archaeology, these individuals were found to have lived and died around the year 1000 and originated from Scandinavia and northern Europe, leading to the conclusion that the approximately 52 men were Vikings. They had been decapitated in what appeared to be a systematic mass execution, whilst repeated examples of injuries caused by bladed weapons (sharp force trauma) were found on their skeletons.
Using modern digital technology, the sharp force of trauma on these individuals has been reappraised to see what new information can be learned. Bournemouth University’s Heather Tamminen will show how this technology has been able to refine the interpretations of the events that occurred and have added to the narrative of dramatic events that took place on the Ridgeway ten centuries ago.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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Dr Heather M. Tamminen BHK, MSc
Heather is a human osteologist currently specialising in conflict trauma. Originally from Canada, she has been studying musculoskeletal anatomy for the past decade and human osteoarchaeology since she moved to the UK in 2015. Having previously worked in the UK commercial archaeological sector, Heather is currently working on a PhD at Bournemouth University (in collaboration with the Dorset Museum) looking at the use of digital technology in the analysis and preservation of sharp force trauma on human remains.
Banner image: © Sam North
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Home of Hillforts & Henges is an exciting new event from 21st to 31st July that will celebrate Dorchester’s neolithic and iron age landscape, rich in earthworks and the people that have lived here for over 6,000 years.
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Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology, the Festival offers hundreds of events nationwide, organised by museums, heritage organisations, national and country parks, universities, local societies, and community archaeologists.
The Festival of Archaeology will take place between 16 – 31 July 2022.
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4 August – 29 December 2023
The Askerswell Hoard
Discover a rare Roman coin hoard recently acquired by Dorset Museum, and find out about the work going on to preserve, research and catalogue it, in this special showcase display outside the Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more2 December 2023 - 21 April 2024
Awakened by Frink
Awakened by Frink is a community exhibition of artwork by members of the Deaf community created during a series of workshops at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.
Find out more2 December 2023 - 21 April 2024
Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within
Experience the inner world of famous sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) in a major new exhibition exploring her artistic and personal life in Dorset. Showcasing over 80 sculptures, drawings and prints, this exhibition will explore her artistic process, personal life, and the influences that shaped her work.
Find out more10 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Elf Workshop
The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves
Find out more14 December 2023, 10:00am- 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for Storytime in our Community Space at the Museum. Hear fabulous tales about dinosaurs and animals.
Find out more14 December 2023, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
What’s new in the British and Irish Neolithic? | Dr Alison Sheridan
While the past doesn’t change, our knowledge and understanding of it are being transformed by new discoveries and new research – and this is especially the case with the Neolithic period, the time of the first farming communities from the late 5th millennium to around 2500 BCE. This lecture offers some highlights from the past decade or so.
Find out more17 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Elf Workshop
The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves
Find out more20 December 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Collections Discovery Centre Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more21 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Elf Workshop
The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves
Find out more