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+--- Thread: Archaeology Cymru (/showthread.php?tid=2077)
Archaeology Cymru - Bovium - 16th February 2006
I too have read 'Romans in the Vale of Glamorgan' by Karl-James Langford.
I was amazed by the amount of new information it contained, as very little of it had previously emerged in the thirty odd years I have researched this subject.
Mr Langford puts the Roman invasion of Wales at 150 BC, when I had always believed they were concentrating their attentions closer to Italy at this time. He also extends the import of Christianity into Wales back to 53 AD, far earlier than previously believed, even by the most dedicated of Vatican scholars.
I think it would be a good idea if Mr Langford's book (ISBN 0 9529394 0 1) was reviewed on this site, as it has the potential to totally revise British, and possibly European, history.
Perhaps the archaeologist summarily dismissed by Mr Langford for not wearing a smart safety helmet in the middle of a field might like to add his views on its author.
Archaeology Cymru - Dave-Bonner - 16th February 2006
Just found the Amazon listing - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0952939401/qid=1140099059/
sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_0_2/202-3887068-2959018#product-details
Doesn't appear to be a major seller!
Gizza job!!!!! ....please!!!!!
Archaeology Cymru - Bovium - 16th February 2006
Could someone please explain to me how anyone with this chap's knowledge of history is even allowed near an archaeological site, let alone running it ?
I have heard a rumour that his next book is going to deal with Roman colonies in America, where it will no doubt be well received !
Archaeology Cymru - ROB - 16th February 2006
Is this guy for real?? never heard of him or his 'unit' !!
R.A.Barnett
Archaeology Cymru - BAJR Host - 17th February 2006
for the best.
lets move sweetly on...... more later:face-thinks:
Another day another WSI?
Archaeology Cymru - muddyandcold - 17th February 2006
This thread appears to be turning into a witch hunt! Whilst I have no personnel knowledge of this individual or his organisation and so cannot comment on any of these allegations (they do sound serious), it must be remembered that he is a member of the IFA (all be it at a lowly level). If there are any validity to these rumours should it not be placed before the IFA to investigation and action? By engaging upon web based comments one is coming very close to slandering the poor individual and causing irreputable damage to his business (leaving poor old mr. hosty open to a heafty law suit for damages.
Not so long ago comments were made on this very website about a plethora of companies. One, particularly aggressive company came on line with a lengthy and nasty letter threatening legal action (although i doubt whether they would have had the wherewithall to fund a libel suit). Despite the fact that countless individuals supported the statements (and the company is reknowed for their practises) BAJR backed down. They are not even members of the IFA.
Could it be a case of closing ranks to prevent new organisations into the profession??
Come on, are we professionals? don't sling mud apart from in the trench.
Archaeology Cymru - BAJR Host - 17th February 2006
Properly put there muddy.
As I am about to dissappear for 2 weeks to Cambodia and Thailand.. I would prefer to come home to no irate emails and letters...
I also confess that I am now a MIFA... so am bound by the code of conduct to not point da finger in public.
cheers and byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Another day another WSI?
Archaeology Cymru - muddyandcold - 18th February 2006
Congratulations Mr. Hosty, MIFA. Have a great couple of weeks in Cambodia and Thailand.
Archaeology Cymru - madoc - 18th February 2006
I did not intend to stir up any controversy on this or any other website. I am currently working at an American university and was given a copy of this gentleman's book, which left me absolutely astounded, that's all.
I was interested in finding out if the guy was for real and typed the name of his organization into my browser and your site came up, along with details of a fine for apparently abusing UK telecom regulations.
As most of those visiting your site share my interest in archaeology, I assumed they would like to know that there are some with extremely unconventional views on British and Roman history.
It would be very difficult to review this book without disparaging its author, especially as the book is presumably meant to be factual. However when any author publishes his or her opinions as fact, they leave themselves open for criticism, as is the case here. That is why sensible people avoid writing books on subjects they know very little about, as is clearly not the case here.
It would be safe to say that anyone who wrote that the Roman invasion of Wales occurred in 150 BC did not have a grasp of the subject. As that person is the founder of an archaeological group, then that makes him worthy of the critical scrutiny of others in that field of expertise.
As I read the book, I became aware that its author had mistaken legend and folklore for fact, and makes claims which border on the ludicrous, as would anyone else reading it. Unfortunately some here believed its content, and one of my students published a paper using many of the claims made in the book as fact, when they clearly have no substance whatsoever.
I am amazed that the author could be allowed to share his ignorance with others and dread to think of the damage he and his group could possibly inflict on any archaeological site.
Take a look at the book and see what you think...
Archaeology Cymru - troll - 18th February 2006
Greetings.I have`nt read the book and I must confess that I have`nt heard of the author either.For that, thanks for the heads up.I shall endeavour to read it.I agree-published work is and should be up for assessment and peer review.I feel that so long as work is not plagiarised and, proper references are given, open and frank critique of any published work is to be encouraged.I think the issue here is simply that the gentleman in question walks two roads.As an author, he is of course perfectly entitled to publish as he pleases and I suspect that he probably expects criticism anyway as (Von Daniken/Graham Hancock/David Ike)other, shall we say, controversial authors inevitably do.In his role as an archaeologist however,there are some issues that affect us as an on-line community. Professional UK archaeology slots itself into a professional environment on a commercial (competative tendering) footing. As such, the protocol is simply that we refrain from the on-line (and therefore public) questioning of an individuals professionalism.There are of course other options.It has been said that the gentleman in question is in fact- a Member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists.The gentleman therefore has subscribed to maintain the codes of Practise and Guidelines thereof.Contact details for the IFA are to be found through our link on the Home page.
That said............ There always has been, still is and probably will be, individuals who take on excavations that simply don`t possess the prerequisite skill- set in order to do the site justice.BAJR and their colleagues have been looking at ways in which standards can be maintained across the heritage industry and more importantly-the mechanism whereby policing of standards can become a reality.Unfortunately, UK archaeology has a few teething problems. Optional standards, no policing of standards, under-resourced curators, no Chartered Institute, a competative tendering environment and-no real legislation for archaeology. I for one would be delighted if you would have a browse through our other threads and offer an opinion...how is it for you over the pond?
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)