Colin Richards

Professor Colin Richards holds the position of Professor of World Prehistory at the University of Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute. His research focuses on Neolithic archaeology, megalithic architecture, and prehistoric monumental landscapes, with key projects in Orkney, Stonehenge, and Polynesia. He has directed major initiatives including the Stonehenge Riverside Project and the Rapa Nui: Landscapes of Construction project. His work bridges theoretical archaeology with empirical fieldwork, emphasizing the social and ritual contexts of monumental construction.

• Education: BA Hons Archaeology (University of Reading), PhD (University of Glasgow)

Research Interests: Specializes in Neolithic Orkney, Stonehenge archaeology, Polynesian monumental architecture (Rapa Nui/Easter Island), and the social implications of megalithic construction. Current projects include investigations into the Ara Metua circuit road in the Cook Islands and collaborative studies on dolmen architecture across Northern Europe.

Publications highlight his contributions to understanding settlement patterns (e.g., Barnhouse village), dolmen construction techniques, and the symbolic roles of stone circles. His 2024 co-authored book Stone Circles: A Field Guide was shortlisted for a major archaeological award.

• Key Collaborations: Co-director with Mike Parker Pearson (UCL), Josh Pollard (Southampton), and Kate Welham (Bournemouth)

His fieldwork spans over 30 years, integrating chronological modeling, material analysis, and landscape archaeology to reconstruct ancient societies' complexities.