Issue 31

In 1967, the newly-wed Wendy and Andrew Selkirk set about launching Britain's first archaeology magazine, Current Archaeology. It was produced from their kitchen table (Wendy) and study overlooking the garden (Andrew). The magazine proved a hit, and soon, possibly to Andrew's chagrin, Current Archaeology became part of the Archaeological Establishment. The decades rolled on and with the turn of the new millennium, their publisher son proposed the launch of a sister magazine to deal with archaeology from the rest of the world.
It was in June 2003 that Andrew and I were both at a lecture on Jordan's Lot's Monastery by its site director, Dino Politis (see page 48), when Andrew told me of his innovative plans and invited me on board. That autumn we launched Current World Archaeology, Britain's first global archaeology magazine. This issue marks our fifth anniversary and in celebration, we have given the magazine a splendid new look.
As ever, we offer the latest on digs and discoveries from around the world, such as our cover feature on how archaeology is rewriting the Bible. According to the Old Testament, David and Solomon were the important kings of Israel. However, Jonathan Tubb, of the British Museum, draws together a wide range of evidence to reveal why this position should be taken by Omri and his son, the 'evil' Ahab. Moreover, he explains why this relatively forgotten duo should be seen as the very first kings of Israel.

Issue 31