Christopher Gaffney (archaeologist)
British archaeological geophysicist
Christopher F. Gaffney (born 14 June 1962) is a British archaeological geophysicist and is Professor of Archaeological Science at the University of Bradford.
Gaffney's research interests are based on understanding how geophysical data can aide archaeology in the understanding of the life and culture of ancient peoples. In pursuing these research goals he has pursued research in challenging environments where technical excellence and novel methodological approaches can lead to enhanced interpretation of the past. In doing so, Gaffney has undertaken research and managed surveys within Britain and across the world. These have included research projects across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Significant research projects include his work as part of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, research on World Heritage Sites at Diocletian’s Palace, Split, in Croatia and at Fountains Abbey, UK, the Greek colony at Megara Hyblaea (Sicily) and ancient Cyrene in Libya. More recently he has participated in major projects directed at broader cultural issues including the Curious Travellers project, utilising web-scraping technologies to reconstruct heritage under threat, but also projects which have sought to understand
Personal life and education
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, he was educated at Westgate (Arthurs) Hill School and Rutherford Comprehensive School, his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were taken at the University of Bradford. His PhD at Bradford was on the Schlumberger Array in geophysical prospection for archaeology (1990).
He is married to Susan Gaffney and has two children - James Gaffney and Bella Gaffney, a noted folk singer. He is the brother of Vincent Gaffney, also a British archaeologist.
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