Friday Talk: Valuing children in life and death in French late Neolithic societies

Archaeologists have begun to recognise the importance of children in understanding ancient societies. This presentation aims to share insights gained from a decade of research on how children were perceived in late Neolithic societies.

By looking at burial practices, health status, and economic activities we can better understand the lives of children in the Late Neolithic. Focussing on this often-overlooked demographic, we can gain a deeper insight into the social dynamics and values of ancient communities.

Mélie Le Roy is a Lecturer in Biological Anthropology at Bournemouth University, UK. Her research centres on the social consideration of children in an archaeological context to provide insights into past social organisation. She is also a committee member of the Society for Study of Childhood in the Past (SSCIP).

Admission to the talk is £6 (free to Friends and Patrons of the Museum)

Refreshments will be available from 7 pm, and the talk will start at 7:30.

We have a wide variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring and Autumn 2024. These will take place on Fridays (usually, but not always, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please see our Events Calendar for the dates and details of other talks.