132. Archaeology is not a ’snapshot’ with Jim Leary

**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNNIG**

Prepare to have your preconceptions of prehistoric movement shattered in this episode of History Rage, where we take a spirited walk through the ages with Dr. Jim Leary. As an archaeologist with a penchant for the paths less travelled, Dr. Leary is here to debunk the static snapshot view of history and shine a light on the dynamic dance of ancient mobility.

The Misconception of Static Prehistory:

Dr. Leary passionately dismantles the myth that ancient societies were stationary, revealing the vibrant and varied movements of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers. He challenges the notion that the past was a time of immobility, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of our ancestors' travels.

The Roads Less Travelled:

Join us as we journey beyond the Roman roads, exploring the intricate network of Iron Age routes and the profound impact of animal-driven pathways on the British landscape. Dr. Leary exposes the fallacy of the Roman road monopoly and the misattributed ancient pedigree of the Ridgeway.

The Constraints and Catalysts of Movement:

Discover how gender, social status, and economic factors influenced the ability to traverse the land. From the enclosure movements that restricted commoners' access to the land to the Eggfet girl's Bronze Age travels, Dr. Leary examines the complex interplay between societal structures and individual wanderlust.

Dr. Leary's book, "Footmarks: A Journey into Our Restless Past," available in the History Rage Bookshop, offers a deeper dive into the untold stories of prehistoric movement. Follow his enlightening and occasionally infuriating musings on Twitter @jim_leary.

If you're ready to have your historical horizons expanded and your assumptions upended, don't miss this episode. Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for early access to episodes, the chance to ask questions to our guests, and, of course, the much-desired History Rage mug.

Remember to stay curious, question the narratives, and embrace the rage with us every week on History Rage.

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