Editorial for Rosetta issue 31.
Articles
Accessibility has developed as a major concern in the management and interpretation of
archaeological sites, especially those with challenging topography and multiple historical
strata. Roman archaeological sites, while important for public engagement with the
ancient world, frequently present considerable physical, sensory, and cognitive hurdles
that prevent fair access to cultural property. This article explores the issues presented at
Conímbriga, a significant Roman site in Portugal. The site’s palimpsestic nature and
uneven geography continue to hinder inclusive visitation.
This study examines how visitor experience and knowledge are shaped by existing forms
of access and interpretation at the Monographic Museum of Conímbriga based on field
observations. The paper employs a multidisciplinary framework that combines
archaeological interpretation, heritage management, and accessibility theory to
investigate the relationship between physical access, cognitive comprehension, and
archaeological integrity. Cognitive accessibility is emphasised, with a focus on how
complex historical narratives and incomplete material remains can exclude visitors who
lack specific interpretative techniques.
The study contextualises Conímbriga within broader accessibility and inclusive heritage
discussions, highlighting that accessibility is more than just a technological or
architectural challenge, but also an archaeological and ethical issue. Conímbriga’s
difficulties are contextualised through comparisons to other archaeological sites,
highlighting comparable restrictions and opportunities. The paper contends that
balanced, critically informed accessibility accommodations can increase involvement
while preserving the authenticity and relevance of archaeological remains. Finally, this
essay adds to the continuing discussion about inclusive heritage practices by emphasising accessibility as an essential component of archaeological interpretation and
site management.
The personal letters from ancient Egypt can be seen as primary sources of social and
historical information. This is evidenced by the letters in this study of personal
correspondence from the Twenty-first Dynasty, the suggested provenance of which is
an extensive archive from the fortress of el-Hibeh. The study of these letters will show
how they give insight into the lives and personalities of the ‘god’s father priests’ and
the diverse responsibilities evidenced in addition to their priestly duties. From the
perspective of religious belief it will discuss how they reveal the presence and
importance of an otherwise obscure deity known as ‘Horus of the Camp’ or ‘He of the
Camp’. It will argue and confirm how, with regard to the above aspects, the letters from
ancient Egypt are an important primary source of additional knowledge.
The ceilings of Theban New Kingdom tombs display a wide range of decorative
patterns, which previous scholarship has interpreted as representations of textile
materials. This article examines the consequences of this interpretation, particularly
considering how this interpretation could reshape our understanding of broader tomb
decoration and where the value of pattern representations might lie. These
consequences have not yet been fully explored in academic literature, and this study
therefore offers a fresh perspective on the purpose and meaning of tomb decoration.
Drawing on comparative evidence from archaeological models and wall paintings in
tombs and palaces, this article assesses first the validity of this textile interpretation,
and then uses the comparative evidence to draw conclusions of further interpretations
of meaning and value for these decorations. This article ultimately argues that there is
evidence supporting the view that ceiling decoration represents canopy structures, and
demonstrates that the consequences of this interpretation are multifaceted, ranging
from a visual display of status to protection from outside forces and the creation of a
dwelling for eternity. In doing so, this study situates the ceiling decoration firmly within
the wider decorative and conceptual programme of the tomb, aiming to encourage
researchers to incorporate the evidence seen in ceilings more fully into their research
frameworks.
Museums traditionally have certain established roles, including object preservation
and making objects available to the public through exhibitions. However, as Western
museums become increasingly accountable for their role in imperialism and the
context within which their collections were amassed, there is pressure to tell potentially
uncomfortable stories of collection acquisition. This coincides with the increasing
willingness for museums to apply their collections to current events and debates, such
as issues concerning race, gender, and sexuality. Often, stories of acquisition are
inseparable from certain figures in the history of Egyptology: William Matthew Flinders
Petrie, Amelia Edwards, and E. A. Wallis Budge, for example. How are museums to
deal with these issues? Are they obliged to do so? I examine two cases where
museums have addressed Egyptological figures and their legacies through gallery
analysis: the permanent galleries at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology and
the temporary exhibition ‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’ at Manchester Museum. Also
considered are debates surrounding approaches to decolonisation, including whether
(and how) the founders of Western Egyptology should be presented in Western
museums. Finally, I consider how effective the methods already employed are,
possible reasons for their success, and further opportunities to explore these
individuals’ legacies in museums.