We aim to promote and engage with our Canberra regional archaeology and heritage research and commun
The Canberra Archaeological Society was formed in 1963 to cater for the needs of all people interested in archaeology. Monthly meetings are held at the Australian National University, with guest speakers talking on a range of topics from Australian prehistory to historical archaeology and classical studies.
13/01/2026
Hi everyone, more spots have been opened up for the fieldschool running on the Mornington Peninsula in February. Applications have been reopened for a short time until the 19th Jan.
Join us for two weeks working on 2 significant cultural sites with the Bunurong Land Council and Heritage Insight, and we will be returning to the unique French Island for a day trip with Simon Haberle to have a go at paleoenvironmental coring.
Submit applications on Terra Dotta, or get in touch with Ben Shaw with any questions ([email protected])
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE for National Science Week Lecture and Reception with Professor Peter Veth (University of Western Australia):
Peter Veth is an ARC Laureate Professor at the University of Australia, having completed his PhD on the archaeology of Martu people from the Canning Stock Route area. He has carried out collaborative research throughout Australia, Torres Strait, the Aru Islands and Timor Leste. He was co-author of the National Heritage and Outstanding Universal Values of Murujuga, has been an Archaeology Expert Witness in the Federal Court, was recipient of the Rhys Jones Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Australian Archaeology (2014) and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities in 2005. He lives in Fremantle and Dampier when not in the desert.
Join us for Peter's lecture followed by a catered reception featuring wine and canapes from Symposium by University House.
Join the Canberra Archaeological Society for our National Archaeology Week Public Lecture followed by drinks and nibbles. Dr Debbie Argue from ANU will present 'Island Southeast Asia: a new frontier in human evolution'.
Time: Friday, 23rd May, doors open 6:00pm for 6:30pm start
Place: Canberra Museum and Gallery
Lecture Topic
Back in 2004 a torrent of publicity greeted the news of a new species of hominin that was discovered during archaeological excavations on the island of Flores, Indonesia. What was so surprising about this species, Homo floresiensis, is its 1-metre stature, tiny brain, and that it looks more like what we’d have expected in Africa around 2 million years ago. Yet it lived just 95,000 years ago, half a world away from that continent.
This was also the first time that hominin remains had been found on an island. We had assumed it was just we modern humans who had the capability, and desire, even, to do this.
Then, on yet another island, Luzon in the Philippines, another diminutive, archaic species of hominin was found in archaeological excavations. It is assigned to a new species, Homo luzonensis and dated to 134,000 years ago.
And, in the Soa Basin, Flores, where we had known of ancient stone tools, the remains of an even smaller hominin were discovered in 2014. These are dated to around 350,000 years ago.
These discoveries are truly remarkable occurrences. They challenge the status quo and present us with a new frontier in human evolutionary studies.
Who exactly were these little hominins? Where did they come from? How did they get to these islands?
Join the Canberra Archaeological Society for our National Archaeology Week Public Lecture to be followed by drinks and nibbles.
12/11/2024
AGM Update!
We're just over a week away from the CAS AGM. The AGM will include reports on the state of the society, the election of next year's committee and a presentation from Dr Sofia Samper Carro on the recent progress in our understanding of Neanderthals.
Attendance will be both in person and by Zoom (A Zoom link will be sent out closer to the day). Full details below:
Location: ANU, HC Coombs Extension, Lecture Theatre
Time: 5:30pm, Thursday, 21st November
Presenter: Dr Sofia Samper Carro, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and DECRA Fellow at ANU
Title: Neanderthals Revisited
Abstract: The first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1856, becoming the first extinct human relative to become known to science. Since their discovery, these archaic humans have carried an iconic significance in human evolution. For much of the 20th century, Neanderthals were depicted as primitive, unintelligent and brutish, compared to the more evolved and able anatomically modern humans (AMH). This incapacity was put forward as one of the causes for their extinction, as direct competition with the more sophisticated and capable AMH would have lead to their disappearance from the archaeological record 40,000 years ago. Nevertheless, this traditional perception began to markedly change from the end of the 20th century onwards.
Recent research has clarified many aspects of Neanderthal anatomy, genetics, development and behaviour. The more we learn about Neanderthals the more we realise how regional and chronological differences are key to understand the full complexity of Neanderthal lifeways. We now have evidence of their sophisticated stone technology, their ability to exploit a wide range of food resources, as well as their resilience and survival during times of harsh environmental conditions.
In this talk, Dr. Sofia Samper Carro will provide an overview of the past and present on Neanderthal lifeways’ research, while bringing examples from her own research project in the Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
01/11/2024
AGM and Seminar Announcement!
The CAS AGM and final seminar for 2024 will be on Thursday 21st November at 5:30pm in the Coombs extension at ANU.
Join us for an exciting seminar from Dr Sofia Samper Carro about recent progress in Neanderthal research.
This will follow our AGM which will be a chance to hear about the work of the committee this year and help guide our progress into next year.
Full details will be available closer to the day.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
29/10/2024
Seminar Tonight!
Our last regular CAS seminar for 2024 is tonight at 5:30pm in the Coombs building, Seminar Room B. Our speaker is Dr Ina Kehrberg-Ostrasz who will present on "Ancient Jerash: archaeological explorations for restoration projects".
23/10/2024
CAS Seminar Next Week!
Join us on Wednesday evening to hear from Dr Ina Kehrberg-Ostrasz about her work at the site of Jerash in the Levant. Full details below, note we will be in the Coombs building at ANU, not our regular seminar venue.
This will be the final regular CAS seminar before our AGM next month.
Time: Wednesday 30 October, 5:30pm
Location: ANU, Coombs Building, Seminar Room B
Presenter: Dr Ina Kehrberg-Ostrasz, Honorary Lecturer in the ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology
Abstract: Ancient Jerash: archaeological explorations for restoration projects
Ancient Jerash, Gerasa, is often referred to as ‘Pompeii of the East’ and the remains of temples, theatres, streets and plazas illustrate this.
This presentation introduces the ruins of the ancient town which began its heydays as a Late Hellenistic ‘polis’ in the 2nd century BC and became an emblem of a Roman polis under Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.
I will introduce the site showing why it is called the Pompeii of the East, and its prominent monuments and illustrate some of the significant discoveries with focus on the Roman periods. It also shows remains of the occupants of later townships, revealed by our careful excavations in search for architectural remains for future restorations, or preservation.
Being on the major trade routes of the Levant from South to North and East to West Gerasa grew through passing trade and also of its own agricultural produce and enhanced the manufacture of related goods, especially pottery.
I will show images of some of the earliest explorations in the 19th and 20th century inspired by reports of previous travellers like Seetzen, and even descriptions by followers of the 12th century Crusade.
The first archaeological project began in the late 1920-30s sponsored by the American and British Institutions. The largest and longest endeavour, the International Jerash Archaeological Project, created by HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal for the Dept of Antiquities of Jordan, began in 1982 initially sponsored by UNESCO.
The multifarious archaeological exploration’s main purpose was to enhance restorations of still standing monuments. The Australian team, of which I was one, belonged to the original cohort of seven international teams of archaeologists and architects.
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Contact The Organization
Send a message to CAS - Canberra Archaeological Society:
The Canberra Archaeological Society was formed in 1963 to cater for the needs of all people interested in archaeology. The aims of the Society include: to initiate and to organize archaeological research; to foster the public awareness of archaeology; andto encourage the conservation and preservation of archaeological sites and objects.
Anyone and everyone are welcome to attend monthly public lectures held in conjunction with
the National Museum of Australia. Guest speakers present a range of topics from Australasian to historical and classical archaeology; and a range of studies relevant to archaeology. CAS prides itself on the informal and friendly atmosphere for these lectures. We welcome students, families, professional archaeologists, and all individuals with an interest in our past.
Members receive our monthly meeting reminders, free attendance at talks and events, and also have the opportunity to go on fieldtrips. CAS plans visits to archaeological sites in the region and will provide training in archaeological techniques through organised field excavations. No experience is necessary. We place an emphasis on enthusiasm and enjoyment! Reports from previous projects are available on the website.
Each year CAS collaborates with other organisations to run the Annual ACT and Region Australian Heritage Partnership symposium – which are at the cutting edge of cultural heritage. CAS also contributes to National Archaeology Week and the Canberra Heritage Festival in Canberra, organising public walks and symposiums.
CAS advocates for the conservation and study of archaeological sites and collections of artefacts in the ACT. We have provided comments to the Government of the archaeological heritage issues in various development areas. CAS welcomes communication with all stakeholders in our community if support is needed on heritage and archaeological issues.
CAS research grants support students undertaking post-graduate studies (including Honours degrees) in archaeology or closely related fields, in topics with relevance to the Australian Capital Territory and region. We welcome tax deductible donations which go towards supporting local research and researchers.
Please contact us at [email protected] for more information on CAS, if one needs archaeological and heritage support, or if you would like to donate to the society.
