The Crew

Multidisciplinary projects work at their best when people with complementary skills come together, each contributing to the research in their own ways. Here is the project team:

Dr Andrea Dolfini, Newcastle. Andrea is a specialist in Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology and ancient copper-alloy metallurgy. He coordinates the project and makes sure that nobody gets hurt during the weapon tests – so far, so good!

Dr Rachel Crellin, Leicester. Rachel is a specialist in British prehistory and, when it comes to metalwork, one of the best wear analysts in the country. She oversees all field tests and analyses the prehistoric and replica spear-heads.

Dr Marion Uckelmann, Durham. Marion is the world expert on Bronze Age shields. She oversees all things shields including their construction, testing, and wear analysis.

Mr Raphael Hermann, Newcastle. Raphael is a PhD student whose research focuses on Late Bronze Age swordsmanship. He is a skilled sabre fencer and reenactor with lots of experience in sword fighting. He oversees all sword tests and wear analysis.

A number of friends and colleagues are lending their knowledge and expertise to the project. Quanyu Wang (British Museum) has carried out metallurgical analysis on the bronze weapons; Jake Newport (Durham) has built the wooden shield; and Jon Allison (Newcastle) and Kate Anderson (formerly Edinburgh) have helped us with the spear tests.