Chris Gosden

Biography

Chris Gosden has made major contributions to the archaeological study of Europe, Turkmenistan, Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. His work explores the human links with the material world; the long-term history of creativity, intelligence and the emotions; the archaeology of colonisation in the recent past; as well as in older periods, such as the establishment of the Roman Empire. Gosden currently holds one of the most prestigious chairs in Prehistoric Archaeology in the world, taking over the Chair of European Archaeology at the University of Oxford from Sir Barry Cunliffe in 2006. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and of the British Academy and has held previous positions at the Australian National University and La Trobe University. Gosden maintains strong academic connections with Australia and is a major collaborator for Australian archaeologists working on UK-based projects.