News

On Saturday 16 July, the Ashmolean Museum and BBC Oxford team up to celebrate Oxfordshire’s local archaeology with an exciting, action-packed afternoon of activities. As part of the Festival of British Archaeology (16–31 July) come and discover the history on your doorstep at the Ashmolean, the world’s leading university museum of art and archaeology.

On the afternoon we want you to bring in your own discoveries to be identified by experts from the Museum and the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Meet the archaeologists from the Oxfordshire County Archaeology team and from county and community archaeology and history groups, who will be showcasing a wide range of current projects that are taking place throughout the region.

Moreover, you can enjoy the BBC Hands on History trails through the Ashmolean, featuring treasures from Oxford and further afield in Britain; learn more about Egyptian, Greek and Anglo-Saxon history in the object-handling sessions in the main atrium; while families can dress up in Anglo-Saxon costumes.
Will Banks, Assistant Editor of BBC Radio Oxford said “Archaeology is such a fascinating subject, and what’s great about this event is that it will show how many amazing insights into our history are buried beneath our feet right here in Oxfordshire. And with finds liaison experts on hand, who knows if we might also uncover some previously undiscovered gems?”

On this day only, the Ashmolean will be offering a special concessionary rate on all tickets to the groundbreaking exhibition HERACLES TO ALEXANDER THE GREAT which ends on the 29 August. For £6 only, (free for under 18s) see the astonishing discoveries recently excavated from the royal burial tombs and the ancient palace of Aegae, the Royal capital of Macedon, the majority of which are on display for the very first time. They rewrite the history of early Greece and tell the story of the royal court and the kings and queens of Macedon, descendants of Heracles whose rule culminated in the empire of Alexander the Great.