S7 Ep2: A career in death and burial

Career in Ruins

In this episode, hosts Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman sit down with Professor Mike Parker Pearson to delve into a career that has shaped the field of archaeology on multiple fronts. The conversation begins with reflections on the late Lord Colin Renfrew, a transformative figure in archaeology and Mike's former lecturer, whose recent passing adds a poignant note to the discussion.

Mike provides unique insights into the evolution of the discipline, recounting his involvement in the development of PPG16, a groundbreaking policy that redefined the role of archaeology within the planning process in the UK. The conversation broadens to explore contrasting practices, including innovative Denmark approaches and the ongoing tension between commercial and academic archaeology.

The episode also takes a deep dive into Mike's renowned research in prehistory, touching on his work in Madagascar and his pivotal investigations at Stonehenge. With a career spanning decades and continents, Mike offers a compelling narrative about the challenges, achievements, and evolution of archaeology as both a science and a storytelling craft.

This instalment is a tribute to a life dedicated to uncovering the past, enriched by thoughtful reflections on the people, places, and policies that have defined modern archaeology.