The Brexit hypothesis and prehistory

Brophy, K. (2018) The Brexit hypothesis and prehistory. Antiquity, 92(366), pp. 1650-1658. (doi: 10.15184/aqy.2018.160)

Abstract

Archaeologists have more opportunities than ever to disseminate their research widely—and the public more opportunities to engage and respond. This has led to the increasing mobilisation of archaeological data and interpretations within the discourses of nationalism and identity politics. This debate piece introduces the Brexit hypothesis, the proposition that any archaeological discovery in Europe can—and probably will—be exploited to argue in support of, or against, Brexit. Examples demonstrate how archaeological and ancient DNA studies are appropriated for political ends, and a series of recommendations and strategies for combatting such exploitation are proposed by the author.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brophy, Dr Kenny
• Authors: Brophy, K.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Journal Name: Antiquity
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0003-598X
• ISSN (Online): 1745-1744
• Published Online: 11 December 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Antiquity Publications Ltd
• First Published: First published in Antiquity 92(366): 1650-1658
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy