• University of York

Exploring Stone Age Archaeology: The Mysteries of Star Carr

Discover Star Carr, one of the world's most important archaeological sites, and learn what life was like over 10,000 years ago.

14,375 enrolled on this course

a photo of an old, unearthed deer skull, complete with antlers

Exploring Stone Age Archaeology: The Mysteries of Star Carr

14,375 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn about the incredible discoveries at Star Carr

Star Carr is one of Britain’s most important archaeological sites. Because of extraordinary conditions of survival, we have uncovered the oldest known house in Britain, the earliest evidence of carpentry in Europe and the oldest complete bow in the world. These and other discoveries help us interpret what life might have been like over 10,000 years ago.

On this course you will learn about the excavations of Star Carr, exploring what this site can tell us about where we came from, the origin of everyday things, and how much we have changed.

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What topics will you cover?

  • The excavations at Star Carr: highlighting how the site was discovered, what has been found and how excavations are undertaken, in order to convey the excitement of discovery.
  • The use of stone: how hunter-gatherers used stone to create tools which were required for every aspect of their daily lives (their Swiss Army knife!)
  • The use of plants: plants were used for everything from making fires to building houses.
  • The use of animals: we explain what animals were in the landscape at that time and how people used them for food, skins for clothing and their bones for artefacts.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify and understand the methods used on an archaeological excavation
  • Evaluate how digital technology, scientific applications and experimental archaeology can be used to investigate the past
  • Apply a range of evidence in order to debate how different artefacts might have been used
  • Describe the site of Star Carr and the main discoveries made there

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone with an interest in the past and archaeology, and particularly for people with no previous archaeological background who may be considering higher education study.

Who will you learn with?

I'm Professor Nicky Milner, Head of Archaeology at the University of York. I'm a field archaeologist and an expert in the Mesolithic period.

I am a British Academy research fellow working on Mesolithic archaeology. I worked at Star Carr (2007-15) where I analysed some of the beads and pendants and carried out some of the geochemistry.

I am an Associate Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of York. I specialise in stone tool analysis and Mesolithic archaeology, and have excavated at several Mesolithic sites in Britain.

I am a Zooarchaeology & Human Osteology technician. I have been involved with Star Carr since 2007 & I analysed all of the animal bone assemblages from the excavations (2007-2015).

Who developed the course?

University of York

The University of York combines the pursuit of academic excellence with a culture of inclusion, which encourages everyone – from a variety of backgrounds – to achieve their best.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 16 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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